Jan 26-Apr 1 Vessels and Inspirations:
Ceramic and Sculptural Works of Ishmael Soto
Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress
(512) 480-9373, mexic-artemuseum.org

One of the first Austin Latino artists, Ishmael Soto has been creating unique ceramic pieces and metal sculptures, often with an emphasis on copper, for more than fifty years. He recycles clay "scraps" to turn them into new creations.

Mr. Soto built his own kiln and is knowledgeable about the different types of clay an artist can scoop directly from the earth. He is heavily influenced by Eastern art and his work reveals that he is more concerned with artistic process and discovery of materials than he is with function.

Mr. Soto has taught and inspired a number of artists and sculptors.

The Opening Reception is January 26. Co-sponsored by the Texas Society of Sculptors, the Member Preview begins at 6:00 p.m. and will feature music by Latin at Heart.

The exhibit - Ishmael Soto - vessels and inspirations: ceramic and sculptural work - will showcase pieces created during Soto's 50-year career.

Mexic-Arte Museum's admission fee is $5 for adults, $4 for Senior Citizens/Students, and $1 for children under 12 (except school groups). Museum hours are: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday: Noon-5:00 p.m.

Jan 25-27 Esther's Jolly January!
Esther's Follies, 525 E. Sixth Street
(512) 320-0553, esthersfollies.com

Esther's News Medley covers Washington D.C. as Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats sweep into power, while Geo. W. Bush surges more troops into Iraq. Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie top Hollywood's Best Messed Up List, birds fall from the sky here in Austin just as the Legislature returns...coincidence? Ray Anderson offers up a world-class dose of comedy and magic, with illusions, disappearing acts and levitations. Borderline Musical-Immigration! Esther's follows two young border jumpers into Texas as they try for jobs, security and the American Way.

Jan 26 Dave Barry
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

He's won a Pulitzer Prize, inspired a sitcom, written hilarious books, and tweaked the foibles and insecurities of Middle America. From the Paramount stage, he will offer insight and advice on household pests, world politics, low flow toilets, and the other important issues of our day. Trust us; we're not making this up. davebarry.com

Jan 26, 27 Teatro De Ciertos Habitantes -
El Automóvil Gris (The Grey Automobile)
8:00 p.m.
McCullough Theatre, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Prepare to be dazzled with black and white when ArtesAméricas presents Teatro De Ciertos Habitantes' El Autotomovil Gris, exploring the Japanese art of Benshi narration during Enrique Rosa's 1919 Mexican silent film The Grey Automobile! Fusing fiction and reality, the film, considered the most important of Mexico's silent era, tells the story of "The Grey Automobile Gang" who terrorized Mexico City during the chaos of the Revolution. The play is presented in Spanish and Japanese with English translations and subtitles, mixing and blending what is Spanish, what is Japanese, and what is English to become a surreal, unique theater experience. Actors and actresses flank the screen onstage, providing voices for the characters while a pianist plays brilliantly improvised background music. You really have never experienced anything like this!

Jan 26, 27 She Speaks
8:00 p.m.
The Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th Street Austin
(512) 477-1064 , womenandtheirwork.org

Women & Their Work presents She Speaks, a hip-hop performance by EPeriod at the historic Victory Grill. This charged performance infuses jazz, poetry, hip hop, and acoustic music with a Generation X twist. Leaving behind old stereotypes, the performers weave a vibrant, edgy story of contemporary women and the many hats they wear. In addition to their performances at the Victory Grill, the artists will perform for students at Pearce Middle School and Travis High School, looking at women in hip hop culture from a new perspective to spread a positive message to urban youth. Tickets are available online at womenandtheirwork.org.

Jan 26,27 Austin Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble
Presents "The Gallery"
7:00 p.m.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina
(512) 246-6047, metamorphosisdance.net

The Gallery will bring to life masterpieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dali, to name just a few. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (512) 246-6047, or visit: metamorphosisdance.net.

Jan 27 Hurricane on the Bayou
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-IMAX, thestoryoftexas.com

This film paints an emotional, music-driven giant screen ode to the vital swamps and undying spirit of New Orleans. In Hurricane on the Bayou, America's leading lady of the screen, Meryl Streep, introduces the audience to four charismatic New Orleans musicians: the legendary singer, songwriter, pianist, producer and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Allen Toussaint; the impassioned Cajun blues guitarist and wetlands activist, Tab Benoit; the 14-year-old fiddling prodigy and rising teen sensation, Amanda Shaw; and the man who discovered Amanda and helped produce her first album, the high energy zydeco accordion master, Chubby Carrier. Through their eyes, the tragedy the city faced during Katrina and its burning hopes for a revitalized future unfold. Fueled by Louisiana's vast array of musical talent, the film's release will be accompanied by a soundtrack featuring such artists as Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Fats Domino, Mavis Staples, The Rebirth Brass Band and Zydeco Force. Proceeds from the CD will go to support the Audubon Nature Institute's educational programs to teach people of all ages about the importance of saving Louisiana's vanishing wetlands. Visit the official website at hurricaneonthebayou.com. Bring your kids to this moving tribute and plea for the future.

Jan 27-Feb 17 Dear Edwina Jr.
Zach Scott Groten Stage, 1510 Toomey Road
(512) 476-0541 x. 1, zachscott.com

This musical comedy of manners stars a cast of talented Austin-area kids! Move over Dear Abby, here comes Dear Edwina. For the best advice in town, visit Edwina Spoonapple and the neighborhood kids as they present their zany advice-giving show, answering children's letters through a series of creative and comical musical numbers. Family musical for all ages! This show runs Saturdays, January 27 through February 17 with noon and 2:00 p.m. showtimes. Special Sunday show on Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Special Valentine's Day show, Feb. 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Jan 31 SPARK '07-Gwen Ifil
7:30 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 475-9021, klru.org

Acclaimed journalist and Washington Week host, Gwen Ifill, will kick off the Spark 07, KLRU's Distinguished Speaker's Series. Ifill, host and managing editor of PBS's Washington Week and senior correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, is one of the most respected political analysts in the country. She'll offer her independent, incisive commentary on the current political scene. Visit KLRU's web site to purchase tickets - klru.org. For more information email spark@klru.org or call (512) 475-9021.

Still on Stage...

27, 29: Austin Lyric Opera's Waiting for the Barbarians, Bass Concert Hall, austinlyricopera.org
To 1/26: Austin Jewish Film Festival, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
To 2/16: Level One Improv Comedy Classes, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
To 3/11: Present Laughter, Zach Scott, zachscott.com
To 4/26: Maestro Improv Comedy, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
Ongoing: Happy Feet: The IMAX® Experience, Texas the Big Picture, Deep Sea 3D in the IMAX® Theatre; Ride Around the World: A Cowboy Adventure; and The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Jan 18 Conspirare Festival concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features a Conspirare Festival concert and to learn more about this extraordinary event, please go to: conspirare.org.

Jan 25 An Evening with Ottmar Leibert
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Ottmar Liebert has turned Flamenco into a hot genre, with a sprinkling of exotic flavors. A variety of styles make up Liebert's sound: rumba, merengue, classical, dance, jazz and rock all help to make his music the accessibly exciting aural opiate that it is.

Jan 25 Lindsey Buckingham
8:00 p.m.
Hogg Memorial Auditorium, 24th at Whitis
(512) 477-6060, utpac.org

The musical architect behind Fleetwood Mac, one of the most popular bands of all time, Lindsey Buckingham knows how to crank out the hits. But he's also a seeker, willing to shake up the status quo for the sake of new ideas. You don't want to miss this one!

Jan 25, 26 Austin Cabaret Theatre Presents
Cheryl Bentyne
8:30 p.m.
Mansions at Judges Hill, 1900 Rio Grande
(512) 289-2287, austincabaret.org

While much of the world knows Cheryl Bentyne as one-quarter of the multi-Grammy-winning Manhattan Transfer, this compelling contralto has a story all her own - one that includes a solo career which encompasses all kinds of musical styles. For tickets to this sure-to-be-sold-out event, please call (512) 453-2287 or email stuart@austincabaret.org. Austin Cabaret Theatre patrons may also enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared at chef's stations by the Mansion's expert staff.

Jan 25 Jazz in January with Tina Marsh
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Spazio Interior by Lytle Pressley, 1214 W. 6th
creop.org

Austin's own acclaimed jazz vocalist Tina Marsh and gifted pianist Eddy Hobizal will treat guests to two sets featuring an unusual and eclectic array of songs ranging from Puccini to jazz standards to John Lennon! Jazz in January benefits PLAN of Central Texas, a non-profit organization serving adults and families touched by mental illness. Cost: $25 per person. Tickets will be available at the door on a first come first served basis. Valet parking will be available. To learn more about Tina Marsh, please visit creop.org.

Jan 29 The Fray with
Special Guest, MuteMath
8:00 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 471-7744, uterwincenter.com

The Fray, the earnest and electrifying band that rose to the top of the ranks in rock music with their platinum debut CD "How to Save a Life," bring hit-making sounds to Austin. Experimental rockers, MuteMath, will open the show. Convenient parking is available within walking distance in nearby state and University lots. For more information, call (512) 471-7744 or visit uterwincenter.com.

Jan 25 Last Week for Radical NY!
7:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

I Was Here: Austin. Countercultural music and poster art scenes shaped the character of Austin in the 1970s. Join graphic artist Bill Narum, critic and writer Joe Nick Patoski, Jesse Sublett of Austin's pioneer punk band, the Skunks, and Armadillo World Headquarters owner Eddie Wilson as they reflect on the Austin scene. This groundbreaking exhibit closes January 28th, so check it out if you haven't already.

Jan 28 Artist's Talk with Mimosas
2:00 p.m.
Volitant Gallery, 320 Congress, Ste. 100
(512) 236-1240, volitant.com

Please join Volitant Gallery for New Works in a New Year. The gallery will host two special artist's talks for current exhibitions on display - Restless Timber: New Works by Jennifer Drummond and Wait and Hope: New Works by Katy O' Connor. Talks begin at 2:30 p.m., and yes, Mimosas will be served.

Jan 28 Science Sundays:
Fossil Demonstrations & Earth History
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2494, austinkids.org

Presented by the Austin Paleo Society, you and your kids will discover the fascinating world of fossils and ways the earth's history is tracked. Don't forget, the Museum is free from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sundays so come and enjoy some science!

Jan 30 Bach Cantata Project
12:00 p.m.
Blanton Musem of Art, MLK & Congress Ave.
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Take a little time out of your day to experience the joy of listening to beautiful music in the soaring space of the Blanton's atrium. The Bach Cantata Project is a joint venture of The University of Texas at Austin School of Music Choral Program and the Blanton Museum of Art. Enjoy an introduction by the conductor before the performance and connection to a work in the museum's galleries afterward. This month: "Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen" BWV 65. Media sponsor: KMFA. Art is experience. Experience the new Blanton.

Jan 30-Jul 28 The American Twenties
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

We goofed last week because we are so excited about this exhibit. We had featured it last week when it actually starts this week! Our apologies for our overly zealous anticipation and oversight! The American Twenties is an exhibition that examines the culture, creativity and chaos of a decade. It debuts the Center's commemoration of its 50th anniversary year which is dedicated to "Celebrating the Imagination." You'll discover how this decade of ambiguities, contradictions, contrasts and conflicts were part of the necessary struggle to define the future of America which at the time faced a plethora of issues that were argued and fought out in poetry, novels, political tracts, music and the movies. Issues of race, religion and revolution were paramount, followed by those of love, sex and gender. Fundamentalists and experimentalists clashed in many areas of human endeavor. Through these, the idea of the "Modern" was crystallized and the "American" century born. This exhibition is an exploration of that decade through the literature and art that was to become quintessentially American and quintessentially modern.

Jan 31 Happy Birthday Harry!
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Where were you in 1957? Alive yet? No matter, the Harry Ransom Center invites you to a special Birthday Party celebrating its 50th anniversary. There will be special gifts for everyone named "Harry" and those who are turning 50 in 2007.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 1/28: Radical New York!, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 2/3: The Art of Grace Slick, ART on 5th, arton5th.com
To 2/10: Wait and Hope, New Works by Katy O'Connor, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 2/10: Restless Timber, New Works by Jennifer Drummond, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 2/11: 15 Years of Gifts, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, umlaufsculpture.org
To 2/16: Retreat: New Paintings by Theresa Marchetta, Women and Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 2/20: Los Cuatro Vientos, Dougherty Arts Center, lapena-austin.org
To 3/4: The Siren's Song, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 4/8: Virtuoso Lithography, Blanton Museum of Art, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: European Prints of Ornament, 1500-1700, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/8: Jusepe de Ribera, 1591-1652, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 5/18: Fun, 2, 3, 4: all about a number of things, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 5/27: On the Plains: The Art of Frank Reaugh; Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 5/28: Power to the People, LBJ Library & Museum, lbjlib.utexas.edu
Ongoing:
European Paintings from the Permanent Collection and America/Americas, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
Gems and Minerals, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org

Jan 25 Texas Parks At Risk
7:00 p.m.
Spiderhouse Coffeeshop, 2908 Fruth St (one block W. of Guadalupe)
(512) 479-0388, EnvironmentTexas.org

Environment Texas is hosting an activist happy hour. Interesting idea, eh? During the event, you'll see a short (7-8 minute) documentary narrated by two-time Oscar nominee and Texas native Ethan Hawke. "Texas Parks at Risk" reveals how our magnificent parklands system is suffering from budget cuts, lay-offs, dilapidated infrastructure, and proposals to sell or close as many as 18 parks. After the screening, Environment Texas staff will discuss plans to get the Texas Legislature to Save Texas Parks. You?'ll want to attend this important gathering to (literally) save our parks. For more information, please call Luke Metzger at (512) 479-0388. The film was produced thanks to generous grants from the Magnolia Charitable Trust and the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation.

Jan 27 CreateAustin, Community Cultural Plan
Thompson Conference Center, 2405 Robert Dedman Drive
(512) 974-7860, cityofaustin.org/culturalplan

The arts shape our lives in so many different ways - helping us to be more creative, giving our community a unique identity, providing experiences of other cultures and more. How have the arts shaped your life here in Austin and how do you envision the arts in the future? Come share your vision and ideas at one of the CreateAustin community meetings!
Saturday, January 27, 2007
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
University of Texas
Thompson Conference Center
2405 Robert Dedman Drive

Jan 31 Poverty Roundtable 2007
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Carver Museum & Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina
(512) 479-4610

Join Caritas of Austin for Poverty Roundtable 2007, an educational forum that gives Austin's faith community leaders the opportunity to examine the impact of poverty. Experts in their fields will speak and offer presentations focusing on effective collaborative models for organizing faith-based resources.

KAB Eco-Friendly Raffle
keepaustinbeautiful.org

Keep Austin Beautiful has come up with a cool way to support its programs - a raffle for eco-friendly treasures. Tickets are $10 (or 6 for $50) for your chance to win a Tarpan 120 Kayak , valued at $750, an EVT-168 retro-style electric scooter worth nearly $2,400 or
$750 worth of landscaping design, organic mix and mulch from Aquatic Features, Inc. The drawing will be held at the 22nd Annual KAB Awards Luncheon on February 7th, and you need to be present to win. Go to the website for more info and to purchase your raffle and luncheon tickets!

Ongoing Special Events

Jan 27 Eat Fresh at Austin Farmer's Market
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cesar Chavez and Lavaca
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Eating healthier is such a popular New Year's resolution, and there's no better way to keep your promise than by making the Austin Farmer's Market part of your routine. You'll find the freshest produce, fruits and meats at the market. And free chef's demonstrations and live music make the market fun for the whole family. Remember the new location on Cesar Chavez and Lavaca with free parking at City Hall.

Jan 27, 28 West 6th St. Artists Market
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
709 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, 6thstreetmarket.com

The West 6th Street Artist's Market is back in a new location! Here's another splendid shopping opportunity downtown - at this festive outdoor art fair, featuring a variety of work by independent artists from Austin and Central Texas.

Jan 31 Wednesday Austin Farmers' Market Hours
Whole Foods Market, 6th and Lamar
austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market at Whole Foods Market takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon. With the shorter and colder days of January and the earlier part of the year, the market has daylight hours to help customers see and shop for local produce and other food products in the morning light.

Jan 27, 31 UT Basketball
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 477-6060, texasboxoffice.com

The Men's and Women's Longhorn Basketball teams want to see YOU as they take center stage at the Erwin Center. Help pack

Austin's finest sporting arena night in and night out and cheer the Horns on to victory! Here's the line-up for this week:

1/27 at 5:00 p.m. -Men take on Baylor
1/31 at 6:00 p.m. - Women vs. Oklahoma

Jan 26 Run With the Toros!
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 236-8333, austintoros.com

The Toros are on a tear in their new season. Don't miss a second of the action!

1/26 at 7:30 p.m. - Youth Basketball Night as the Toros take on the Arkansas Rim Rockers. .

Jan 27 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez at Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market is temporarily moving from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez Street. Until March of 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.


Jan 28 3M Half Marathon and Relay

The race begins in North Austin at 7:00 a.m. and the finish line is at the intersection of Trinity St. and 12th St. The downtown section of the course is on Trinity from MLK Blvd.to 12th.

From 6:00 a.m. until noon, 13th St., 14th St., 15th St. and 17th St. will be closed between Trinity St. and San Jacinto Blvd.

The intersection of MLK Blvd. and Trinity will be controlled by the Austin Police Dept. At about around 8:00 a.m., as racers reach the intersection, APD will stop traffic until racers have safely passed. Traffic will be most affected approximately between 9:00 and 10:15.

Jan 27 - Jan 28 Construction Closings on Second Street

From 7:00 a.m. on Saturday until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, W. 2nd Street will be closed between Colorado and Congress while utility hook-ups are made for the construction site at 2nd and Colorado.


Looking ahead to the week of Feb. 1 through Feb. 7

Feb 3 Austin Farmers' Market
Cesar Chavez at Lavaca
austinfarmersmarket.org

Because of construction near Republic Square, the Farmers' Market is temporarily moving from Republic Square to Cesar Chavez Street. Through March 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Jan 26 Issues & Eggs: AT&T Marathon
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
211 E. 7th Street, Room 111
Contact: Alice Vargas
(512) 469-1766 x211, downtownaustin.com

On Sunday February 18th more than 10,000 marathon racers will be in downtown Austin to participate in the AT&T Marathon. And another 20,000 supporters, 75% of whom are coming from out of town, will be here to rally behind their racers. So on your mark, get ready to serve thousands who'll be ready, willing and able to spend their time and money in our downtown. This marathon opportunity starts on Thursday, February 15th and runs through Sunday afternoon. Find out how you can become involved in and profit from the biggest marathon race downtown! John Conley, Executive Director of the Austin Marathon Foundation, will give an overview of the Race Weekend Schedule, road closure information with alternate routes, and let you know what opportunities will be available to get involved. Don't miss your chance to learn more. A light breakfast will be served. Please let us know you'll be joining us by calling (512) 469-1766 ext. 211 or email rsvp@downtownaustin.com.