Feb 3-Mar 11 Pinocchio
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th
(512) 472-KIDO (5436), srct.org

Scottish Rite Children's Theatre opens its third year of programming for children with Pinocchio, an original production kicking off their Fairy Tale Season!

This year your children will experience and be part of theatrical magic with new versions of favorite fairy tales, all specifically written to include interaction with audience members. Adapted by Gwendolyn Kelso and Stephanie Delk, this clever version of Pinocchio is based on the classic tale with unique twists that add interactive fun for children.

Sharing the stage with Pinocchio and toymaker Gepetto are Mary, the Good Fairy, and her accident-prone brother, Harry (a.k.a Harry Fairy) whose bumbling spell has left Pinocchio a wooden puppet. Audience members help reverse the spell-gone-wrong so Pinocchio can realize his dream of becoming a real boy! This performance is best suited for and will delight children ages 4-10.

Scottish Rite Children's Theater also has special show times including new Supper & Show Nites and weekday shows. Check out the new and improved website at (srct.org) There you will not only be able to purchase tickets, but also get details and news about upcoming events and information about the Creative Drama Camp.

Feb 2 The Dead
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, violetcrownradio.com

The Violet Crown Radio Players (VCRP) have stepped up to the big time - The Harry Ransom Center. The Players will be presenting a FREE radio drama adaptation of James Joyce's short story, "The Dead." Because advance tickets are not available, you'll want get there early - before 6:30 p.m. when doors open. This and future VCRPP performances are part of the Ransom Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration and the exhibit - The American Twenties.

Feb 2, 3 Man of La Mancha
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Don Quixote comes alive in this breathtaking new production, with a score that features the classic song "The Impossible Dream." Man Of La Mancha won five Tony awards including Best Musical during its six years on Broadway.

Feb 3-Mar 30 Six Degrees
8:00 p.m.
The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Avenue
(512) H-I-D-E-O-U-T, hideouttheatre.com

The Heroes of Comedy present Six Degrees featuring six elite improvisers who weave a full-length play - characters, plot and all - from a single audience suggestion. Wow - now that's improvisation! Six Degrees is theater on the edge of disaster every week in February and March. Tickets are available at the box office 30-minutes before show time or online at hideouttheatre.com.

Still on Stage...

To 2/16: Level One Improv Comedy Classes, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
To 2/17: Dear Edwina Jr., Zach Scott Groten Stage, zachscott.com
To 3/11: Present Laughter, Zach Scott, zachscott.com
To 4/26: Maestro Improv Comedy, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.com
Ongoing: Hurricane on the Bayou, 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

Feb 1 Piano Concert
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features Patches King on piano.

Feb 2, 3 ASO Performs Last Time at the Bass
With Featured Guest, Evelyn Glennie
8:00 p.m.
Bass Concert Hall, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Come take advantage of your LAST opportunity to see and hear the Austin Symphony perform at Bass Concert Hall the Symphony begins its journey to the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Maestro Peter Bay and the ASO close this monumental chapter with an unforgettable performance with percussion phenomenon and Grammy Award winner Evelyn Glennie. The evening features works by Milhaud, Schwantner, Vivaldi, and Respighi. Tickets are available at the Austin Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free) or log on at austinsymphony.org.

Feb 1, 2 - Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Feb 1 - Free Admission Thursday

Public Tour: Artwork of the Week - 12:30 p.m.
Explore the Artwork of the Week: El guitarrista [the Guitarist], 1921-1924, by Pablo Curatella
Manes, on view in America/Americas.

Art Fix: Fiction Writing Workshop - 6:00 p.m.
In celebration of the centennial of James A. Michener, become inspired by works of art in the Blanton's collection and write your own story with the help of writer Liz Mandrell. Space is limited. Tickets are available at the Visitor Services Desk one hour before program begins.

Public Tours: Michener and the Abstract Expressionists - 7:00 p.m.
This thematic tour will explore works by the Abstract Expressionists in the Blanton's Michener Collection.

Feb 2 B Scene - 6:00-11:00 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the Michener Center for Writers celebrating the centennial of James A. Michener. Enjoy writing activities, literary tours, snacks, and cash bar. Mingle to the sounds of Julia LaShea and Stay Gold all night. Readings by Michener Fellows take place at 8:00 p.m. followed by birthday cake and toasts in the Atrium at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the museum.

Feb 1 West End Gallery Night
6:00-8:00 p.m.
West End - Sixth Street - West of Lamar
inthegalleries.com/westend.htm

Plan on hopping through the West End galleries tomorrow evening during First Thursday Gallery Night. Drop in, visit and share a glass of wine as you gaze at the new works at Art on 5th, Artworks, Austin Galleries, f8 Fine Art, Lotus Gallery, Stephen L. Clark Gallery, and Wally Workman Gallery, where you'll see terrific new work by Helmut Barnett. Make an evening of it - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Feb 1 Curator's Tour of The American Twenties
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Curator Rodney Phillips leads a gallery tour of the fascinating new exhibit, The American Twenties.

Feb 2 From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in America
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina
(512) 974-4926

Join the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and the George Washington Carver Museum in celebrating Austin's 11th annual Black History Month. This year's national theme is From Slavery to Freedom: Africans in the Americas. Reflecting the contributions of Blacks in Austin, a panel of six distinguished local personalities in the fields of Arts, Sports, Education, Religion, Civic and Law Enforcement, will share their experiences and successes. Music for the program will be provided by the Campbell Elementary School and Huston-Tillotson University choirs. For more information, please call (512) 974-4926.

Feb 7 Poetry on the Plaza - Jazz Poetry
12:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Experience the power of the spoken word during this month's Poetry on the Plaza. The presentations will take on a musical beat - with Jazz Poetry being featured. Readers are drawn from the local community and have included professors and students at the university as well as local actors and authors. If the weather's foul, readings will be held in the Lobby of the Ransom Center.

Still On Display Downtown...

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 2/17: Rising Stars 3: Studio 107, studio107.com
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 4/1: Vessels and Inspirations, Mexic-Arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.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
To 7/28: The American Twenties, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.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

Feb 3 Carnaval Brasiliero
9:00 p.m.
Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Rd.
(512) 452-6832, sambaparty.com

Carnaval Brasiliero in Austin is one of the biggest Brazilian carnival celebrations outside of Brazil. Don something wild or just come to watch the samba, costumes and wild abandon that is Carnaval in the heart of Texas. For event details and ticket information, shimmy over to sambaparty.com.

Feb 7 New Money for
Infrastructure and Growth - Keeping It Smart
11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Hilton Austin, 500 E. 4th
uli.org

With SH-130 about to open, the region is looking at various alternatives for funding development infrastructure around it in ways that will prevent suburban sprawl and ensure Smart Growth. Senior Resident ULI Fellow, Bob Dunphy, will spend some time talking about how this has been accomplished in other markets and then our local panel will focus on specific ideas being explored here in Central Texas. For more information and to register, please visit uli.org. Reservation deadline is February 2nd.

Feb 13 Austin Downtown: Redevelopment;
Renewed; Reemphasized; and Reaching Out
CCIM Symposium
8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel, 701 Congress
(512) 828-7455, ccimtexas.com

CCIM Commercial Real Estate, Brown McCarroll, LLP and Mayor Will Wynn invite you to an important discussion on the future of Downtown Austin. This half-day symposium features guest speaker Dr. Mark Dotzour, Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Price is $50 for CCIM Members, $60 for non-members ($75 after February 7) or $440 for a table of 8. Reservations deadline is Feb. 7. Please visit the CCIM web site to register.

Mar 22 Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge
University of Texas Alumni Center
(512) 499-8025, jweir@jacentex.org

Registrations are now being taken for Junior Achievement of Central Texas' Stock Market Challenge, to be held on March 22, 2007 at the UT Alumni Center. The Stock Market Challenge raises funds to support the financial literacy and economic education programs of Junior Achievement. Participants will enjoy an unforgettable evening of fun, excitement and competitive challenge as teams of four buy and sell their way to the highest possible net worth. This unique event is an excellent opportunity for team-building, networking or as a way to thank your clients for their business. There are several levels of participation, both for the evening event and for sponsoring a team in the afternoon high school competition. Those interested in participating in the Stock Market Challenge or in volunteering in Central Texas schools please contact Jill Weir at 499-8025 or at jweir@jacentex.org. Corporations sponsoring high school teams can expect high visibility and media attention, so please get your sponsorships in early!

Caritas Volunteers Needed!
Caritas of Austin, 611 Neches St
emlong@gmail.com

The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) needs your help in supporting Caritas of Austin, a downtown organization that provides rent, utilities, food and support to more than 20,000 people in need each year. DANA members staff four shift at the Caritas Community Kitchen, which provides hot lunches to more than 450 people each weekday. Shifts are open on the first Tuesday of each month, and two on the last Friday of each month. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one two-hour shift a month. Please contact Elisabeth Long at emlong@gmail.com if you would like to help out and give back to our community.

KAB Eco-Friendly Raffle

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 Keep Austin Beautiful website: www.keepaustinbeautiful.org, for more info. about the luncheon, the raffle and/or to purchase your raffle tickets!

Ongoing Special Events

Feb 3 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.

Feb 3, 4 Downtown Artists Market
709 W. 6th
(512) 535-5761, downtownartistmarket.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. Open every Sat. & Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Feb 7 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.

Feb 3 UT Basketball
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 477-6060, texasboxoffice.com

The Longhorn Basketball team wants 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:

2/3 at 2:30 p.m. - Men take on Kansas State

Feb 2 & 3 Austin Toros vs. Bakersfield
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 236-8333, austintoros.com

It's "No Bull!" The Toros will host San Antonio Spurs Affiliate Night on Friday, February 2, at the Austin Convention Center. The Spurs mascot, the Coyote, will be on hand with the Spurs Silver Dancers to entertain fans and will help fill the void created by the two-game suspension of "Da Bull." Spurs legend George "Iceman" Gervin will also be inside the arena for a special autograph session. Was "Da Bull" treated fairly? E-mail the Toros at info@austintoros.com and tell them what you think...FREE DA BULL!!! Check out KEYE-TV.com to see the much maligned bovine in action. Game times: Fri. - 7:30 p.m. and Sat. - 7:00 p.m.

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. Until March of 2007, Cesar Chavez, between Lavaca and Congress, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Feb 3 58th Annual Boy Scout Parade

The Congress Avenue Bridge will be closed at 7:30 for staging of the parade. The parade will begin at 9:30 and march north to the Capitol grounds. Congress, between Cesar Chavez and 11th Street will be closed beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The end of the parade will leave the bridge at approximately 10:30. Crews will re-open each cross street after the parade has passed.

Looking Ahead to the Week of Feb. 8 through Feb. 14

Feb 10 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.

Feb 6 Issues & Eggs: Sustainable City Initiative
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th Street
Contact: Alice Vargas
(512) 469-1766 x211, rsvp@downtownaustin.com

If Austin continues to grow at its historical annual population growth rate of 3.5%, the City's population will increase from 0.9 million to 2.5 million people in 30 years. Cid Galindo, with the City of Austin's Planning Commission, and new Alliance Board Member, presents an overview of the Sustainable City Initiative. This 30-year vision directs population and infrastructure growth into desired areas. The Initiative also calls for the creation and implementation of land use regulations that allow market forces to direct development in a more compact, environmentally friendly and economically sustainable manner. RSVP to rsvp@downtownaustin.com.

This Week on

Feb 1 - 7:30 p.m. - KLRU Basic
Feb 2 - 9:00 p.m. - KLRU Basic

Episode #111- Running, Planning, Dancing
Now's the time to start getting ready for next year's Cap10K--follow runners from the City's largest run and see what it's like. Take an inside look at the Seaholm Power Plant, and look at plans for this facilities' future. Dance the night away with some of Downtown's DJs and DJ clubs.

DOWNTOWN is a co-production of the Downtown Austin Alliance, Action Figure and KLRU-Austin's Public Television Station. Special thanks to all of our sponsors for making this show happen. Watch for Season 3, coming in April. For more details or a complete list of showtimes - visit KLRU.org.