Feb 24 Night in the Galleries
6:30 -11:00 p.m.
Downtown Austin
austinfineartsfestival.org

2007 Austin Fine Arts Festival kick-off!! This exciting, festive evening offers patrons a sneak preview of the work of local artists accepted to exhibit at the 2007 Austin Fine Arts Festival in a tour of downtown galleries and museums with selected wines and tasty fare from Austin?s finest chefs.

The NIGHT IN THE GALLERIES evening includes:
- A tour of 9 Austin downtown art venues
- Select wine and cuisine at each stop
- Complimentary chauffeured transportation between locations
- A 10% discount on art purchases
- An after party

Produced by the Austin Fine Arts Alliance benefiting the Austin Museum of Art and The Blanton Museum of Art.

Tickets are $75 and are going fast!

For more information about the Austin Fine Arts Alliance and Austin Fine Arts Festival, visit austinfineartsfestival.org.

Feb 22 Jim Gaffigan - "Beyond The Pale Tour"
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Comedy Central Live presents...Jim Gaffigan - "Beyond The Pale Tour." His comedy routines often include him doing the voice of a supposed audience member commenting on his performance. He often begins his routines with, "Don't worry, I've never heard of me either." Enjoy a night of fun and comedy at the Paramount Theatre. Tickets available by calling (866) 4GET-TIX or visiting the Austin Theatre's website for more details. Enjoy the show!


Feb 23 Texas Legends: Paramount Documentary
7:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Come and learn about the more than ninety years of history of the Paramount Theatre as told through the voices of those who have performed in, volunteered for, donated to and worked at this majestic building. Everyone is invited and admission is free. No ticket is necessary, but please RSVP to ensure space will be available. Enjoy complimentary soda and popcorn as this entertaining documentary produced by ME Television comes to life on the big screen, proving why the Paramount Theatre is a Texas Legend. If you'd like to attend this event you can RSVP online.

Feb 23, 25; Mar 2, 4 Turn of the Screw
8:00 p.m.
McCullough Theatre, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Directed by Robert Desimone, the talented Butler Opera Center presents the electrifying opera based on the notoriously ambiguous ghost tale by Henry James. The drama explores the corruption of innocence. Turn of the Screw opens on February 23rd at 8:00 p.m., with repeat performances on February 25th at 7:00 p.m., March 2nd , at 8:00 p.m., and March 4th at 7:00 p.m. All performances are in McCullough Theatre at the University of Texas Performing Arts Center (PAC). Tickets are available in advance utpac.org, or at the door.


Feb 23-25 The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat As Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of The Marquis de Sade
Oscar Brockett Theatre, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

Don't get too close to the cage! The inmates of Charenton are running the asylum in UT Theatre & Dance's production of The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton under the Direction of The Marquis de Sade. Now that's a long title! Directed by Kent De Spain, this play-within-a-play is set in the historical Charenton Asylum. The actors are the inmates of the asylum--sociopaths, schizophrenics, narcoleptics, and other societal rejects, and the infamous Marquis de Sade is director. Times: Feb. 23. & 24 - 8:00 p.m., Feb. 25 - 2:00 p.m. Tickets available at utpac.org, (512) 477-6060, UT Performing Arts Center ticket offices (Bass Concert Hall & Hogg Auditorium) and at the door (cash only).

Feb 23-Mar 4 The Aztlan Circus: El Gran Circo
Santa Cruz Theater, 1805 E. 7th St.
(512) 460-9256, aztlandance.com

In El Gran Circo: the Aztlan Circus, dancers will bring to life the long forgotten written entries of the ringmaster?s journal found in an old circus storage chest. Viewers will join dancers in a journey that recants the ringmaster?s life experiences under the big tent. From the characters of mannequins, mimes, and muñecas (dolls) to the exoticism of Aztlan?s unique animals, the dance-story shares the success, struggles, and hardships of performance life in the old-fashioned Latino traveling circus. Performance times: Fri. and Sat. - 8:00 p.m., Sun. - 2:00 p.m. Tickets available through Austix @ 474-TIXS (8497).


Feb 28 Sekou Sundiata -
The 51st (Dream) State
Hogg Memorial Auditorium, 24th at Whitis
(512) 471-1444, utpac.org

The 51st (Dream) State is acclaimed poet Sekou Sundiata?s contemplation of America?s national identity with a fascinating cycle of songs, poems and monologues supported by photos and moving images,

Still on Stage...

To 2/24: La Dispute, Preas Theatre, Austin High School, capitalT.org
To 3/11: Present Laughter, Zach Scott, zachscott.com
To 3/11: Pinocchio, Scottish Rite Theatre, srct.org
To 3/24: Disney's The Lion King, Bass Concert Hall, utpac.org
To 3/30: Six Degrees, The Hideout Theatre, hideoutheatre.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 22 Classical Guitar
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features V. Rayner Salinas - Classical Guitar.

Feb 23 A Concert of Voices
8:00 p.m.
La Zona Rosa, 612 W. 4th St.
savelasmanitas.org

Grupo Fantasma, Alejandro Escovedo, Patty Griffin, Ruben Ramos, James McMurtry, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Special Guests are all performing in this benefit concert for Escuelita del Alma and Las Manitas. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Fajita Plate Dinner 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, please go to savelasmanitas.org.
.
Feb 23, 24 American '20s Music Series
6:00 p.m.
Elephant Room, 315 Congress Avenue
(512) 473-2279, hrc.utexas.edu

Enjoy 1920s jazz performed by the Jazz Pharoahs and the Alex Coke/Rich Harney Quintet. Tickets or cover charge required.

Feb 24 - Antone's, 213 W. 5th Street - 8:00 p.m.
Alice Spencer and the Monkey Butlers, legendary piano player Pinetop Perkins and friends, and Steve James perform rural blues.

Both of these event are being held in conjunction with the Harry Ransom Center Exhibit - The American Twenties.

Feb 24 Madeleine Peyroux
with special guest Richard Julian
8:00 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

She's a sultry mix of acoustic blues, swing and country that is more otherworldly than old school. Discovered as an American street performer raised in Paris, Peyroux cut Dreamland, her major label debut, and showcased an ageless voice that belied the fact that she was a fresh-faced 22 year old at the time. Tickets available by calling (866) 4GET-TIX or visiting Austin Theatre Alliance's web site for more details.

Feb 22 "What Arthur Conan Doyle Thought of the United States...
God Bless America"
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Daniel Posnansky, Professor Emeritus of Harvard University, presents "What Arthur Conan Doyle Thought of the United States... God Bless America," illustrated with original materials from his personal collection.

Feb 22 Why America Starts Here
7:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Exhibition artist, Mel Ziegler, addresses his work.

Feb 22 The Art of Helping Others
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
IBC Bank, 816 Congress
(512) 419-2330, ashinsights.org

The ASH Insights Art Show & Sale features art by patients of the Austin State Hospital (ASH) along with art donated by professional artists. All proceeds will go toward enhancing the quality of life of ASH patients. Tickets are $35 and includes complimentary beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres. For tickets or more information call (512) 419-2330 or visit: ashinsights.org.

Feb 22-Mar 30 Freaks of Nurture
Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca
(512)(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

With colorful crocheted sweaters, Elaine Bradford transforms taxidermy animals into delightful sculptures in this new exhibit, Freaks of Nature. Using yarn, the Houston artist reincarnates animals into a life of bizarre coziness that?s at once are both sad and amusing, straddling the line between strange reality and comfortable, warm nonsense. Opening Reception: Thursday, February 22, 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. The artist will talk about her work at 6:30 p.m.

Feb 22-Apr 26 Owen McAuley: New Work
d berman Gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

?My paintings are explorations of the contemporary landscape, particularly the stranger aspects of our world at night, says Owen McAuley, whose new paintings and drawings are now on display at d berman. One central concern is the transformative nature of artificial light; what is mundane and forgettable by day becomes a network of shifting realities, each defined by its color and intensity of light. Mr. McAuley received his MFA from The University of Texas at Austin in 2003 and currently maintains his studio in New York. Opening Reception: Thursday, February 22, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gallery Talk: Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m.

Feb 23-Jan 31, 2008 People's Gallery
2007 Exhibition
Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St.
(512) 974-7870, cityofaustin.org

The works of more than 100 local artists come to life in The People?s Gallery, making it one among the largest visual arts showcases in Austin. Four hundred and two artists submitted a total of 1,586 entries for inclusion in the new exhibit. This is the third annual exhibition by the City of Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office?s Cultural Arts Division designed to encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual art. Opening Reception: February 23 - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Feb 24-August 7 Sharks 3D
Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-4649, thestoryoftexas.com

Sink your teeth into an underwater adventure at the biggest screen in Austin! Presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau), Sharks 3D is a breathtaking new three-dimensional film experience that offers audiences an astonishing up-close encounter with the lions and tigers of the ocean. Opening Day Celebration: 12:00 ? 4:00 p.m. Marvel at a 36-foot inflatable whale shark! Get up close and personal with shark artifacts, courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The afternoon will be filled with other kid-friendly activities range from making "shark hats" to create-a-shark using various stencils. Activities are free, but regular admission applies to the film.

Feb 24 Once Upon a Time Signature
12:00 p.m.
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

The Austin Children?s Museum and the Austin Classical Guitar Society will host Once Upon a Time Signature performed by Rami Vamos and Walker Lewis. This whimsical piece is written for elementary- age children, but can be enjoyed by all ages. Audiences will be delighted and their musical imaginations set free by the two dynamic, New York-based singing actors that brought the Fantastic Tale of Prince Pickles of Guitaristan to Austin last year. This creative show will keep everybody laughing. This performance is included with museum admission.

Feb 27 Robert De Niro Film Series - Bloody Mama
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

Roger Corman's Bloody Mama (1970), starring Shelley Winters, Don Stroud, Bruce Dern, and Robert De Niro. Associate Curator of Film Steve Wilson will introduce the film and discuss selected items from the De Niro collection.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 2/26: A Través De Su Mirad /Through Her Eyes, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 3/4: The Siren's Song, Arthouse at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.org
To 3/7: Lin Swanner & Judith Simonds, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkmangallery.com
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 4/19: Revealing Character: Robb Kendrick's Texas Tintypes, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 5/18: Fun, 2, 3, 4: all about a number of things, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 4/21: The Geometry of Hope, Blanton Musem of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 4/27: The Queen of Peace: S & P Stanikas, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 5/5: Kate Ericson and Mel Ziegler:America Starts Here, 1985-1995, amoa.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
To 12/31: Antarctica: Life at the Bottom of the World, Texas Memorial Museum, texasnaturalsciencecenter.org
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 23-25 Texas Home and Garden Show
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(713) 529-1616, texashomeandgarden.com

Spring is almost here and here?s the place for you to get a gazillion decorating ideas, building and remodeling solutions, participate in dozens of interactive how-to workshops and cooking seminars AND shop ?til you drop all under one roof. This year?s Texas Home and Garden Show features over 300 exhibitors, 1,000s of home ideas for home decor; outdoor living, pools and spas. You?ll also enjoy cooking demos at the gourmet foods and hot and spicy food pavilion; Home Depot experts; new products, show specials & discounts; and a very cool vacation, leisure and outdoor pavilion.

Feb 24- 25 World Wellness Weekend
with Deepak Chopra
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 535-5741, worldwellness.org

The man Time Magazine dubbed one of the ?top 100 icons of the century,? Deepak Chopra, will be delivering the opening keynote address at World Wellness Weekend. And T. Harv Eker, author of the New York Times bestseller, ?Secrets of the Millionaire Mind? and founder of Peak Potential Training Programs, will present his high energy and entertaining ?Millionaire Mind Evening? on Saturday. World Wellness Weekend is a unique community "lifestyle" event representing a multi-dimensional, complimentary view of health and wellness. In its mission to empower people in making their world a healthier, happier place, World Wellness Weekend includes a Wellness Expo that has over 100 cutting edge exhibitors/vendors and an extraordinary educational opportunity by offering over 80 lectures, classes and workshops. For information and a complete schedule of events, visit the event website at: worldwellness.org.

Feb 25 TRIBEZA Wedding Sunday
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stephen F. Austin Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue
(512) 474-4711, tribeza.com

Here?s a fabulous opportunity to meet and select talented caterers, photographers, florists, wedding planners, etc. for your special day - while enjoying complimentary food and drinks. RSVP to receive a copy of TRIBEZA Wedding 2007, a comprehensive guide to the premier wedding vendors in Austin. To pre-register, email z@tribeza.com with your name. Your copy will be available when you check in at the event. This event is free and open to the public!

Feb 27 Statesman Job Fair
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
newspaperjobfairs.com

Meet with hundreds of candidates and recruit for Sales, Marketing, Management, Finance, Call Center, Customer Service, Financial Services, Investing, Banking, Insurance, Skilled Trades, Accounting, Manufacturing/Production, Office Support, Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality, Seasonal and more!

Ongoing Special Events

Feb 24 EatFresh 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 24,25 West 6th St. Artists Market
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. Open every Sat. & Sun, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Feb 28 Wednesday Austin Farmers' Market Hours
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Whole Foods Market, 6th and Lamar
austinfarmersmarket.org

Pick up the ingredients for a wholesome, healthy and scrumptuous dinner at this fresh marketplace. And don't forget the flowers!

Feb 24, 281 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 and cheer the Horns on to victory! Here's the line-up for this week:

2/24 at 8:00 p.m. -Women take on Texas Tech
2/28 at 8:00 p.m. - Men battle Texas A&M

Feb 23, 24 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!

2/23 at 7:30 p.m. - It's Heritage Night as the Austin Toros take on the Fort Worth Flyers. Celebrate Austin's past as Austin's youth celebrate with a Dennis Johnson Bobblehead.

2/24 at 7:00 p.m. - Join the fun and run with "Da Bull(s)!" as the Austin Toros take on the Tulsa 66ers.

Feb 25 Texas Roller Girls - Cherry Bombs vs. Putas del Fuego
6:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez
txrd.com

This is the bout you've been waiting for--the up'n coming Cherry Bombs are taking on the Putas del Fuego! They're the new kids on the block, and before anyone could blink they won a couple of amazing victories, giving our loyal fans some of the best derby action they've ever seen! They're not letting up either, and come February 25th, who knows where the smart money will be? The Cherry Bombs have a Texas-sized chip on their shoulders and a short fuse to go with it. Short fuse or not though, the Putas are going to put up just as big a fight! They're gonna knock that chip off the Bombs' shoulder, and maybe just light that fuse when they're not lookin'! Tickets are on sale at the door and on online for $15, or pick up an advance ticket for only $13 at one of our vendors around Austin!

Feb 24 Vault 55 Wine Tasting
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
710 Colorado Street, Suite 150
(512) 482-8810, vault55.com

Downtown welcomes Vault 55--Texas' largest wine storage facility. This unique wine storage facility offers an opulent, elegant environment catering to serious collectors, investors, restauranteurs and wine clubs. Come visit Vault 55 on Saturday, February 24 as they and Twin Liquors host a special wine tasting from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Feb 28 Doing Business Internationally
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Clarion Inn & Suites, 2200 S. IH-35
cityofaustin.org/sbdp

(Note: This event is not downtown, but we thought it might be of interest to many downtown business people...) Small businesses throught the country are beginning to see the opportunities available to them in the global market. "Doing Business Internationally" is a trade seminar designed for any small business owner contemplating going global. Learn how to enter the international market; how to identify and select foreign markets; and the basics of foreign market entry strategies. For more information, call (512) 974-7620 or visit: cityofaustin.org/sbdp.

Feb 24 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 25 Implosion of the Intel Building
7:00 a.m.
5th & San Antonio

The General Services Administration will implode the Intel Shell to make way for the new Federal Courthouse. Beginning at 5:00 a.m.:
- W. 5th St. will be closed at Rio Grande
- San Antonio will be closed between 2nd St. and 6th St.
- Nueces will be closed between 2nd St. and 6th St.
- W. 6th St. will be reduced to 2 lanes
- Guadalupe will be reduced to one lane

At 6:45, the remaining lanes of 6th Street and Guadalupe will be closed.

All streets should be reopened by 10:30


Looking ahead to the Week of 3/1 to 3/7/07

March 3 Celebrate Texas' Texas Independence Day 5K Run and Parade
Congress Avenue
celebratetexas.org

The 5K run begins at 9:00 a.m., and the parade begins at 11:00 a.m. The following streets will be closed for the event:

Congress Avenue
- Between Cesar Chavez and 2nd - 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Between 2nd and 3rd. - 8:00 a.m. to 1:00
- Between 3rdand 10th - 9:00 a.m. to 12:30
- Between 16th and 17th - 9:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m.
- Between 17th and 18th - 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Colorado Street
- Between Cesar Chavez and 11th - 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Between 11th and 13th - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Cesar Chavez
Between Colorado and Congress - Noon to 12:30 p.m.

The following streets will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.:
- Lavaca, between 13th and 17th
- Brazos, between 17th and MLK
- San Jacinto, between MLK and 16th
- W. 2nd, between Congress and Lavaca
- E. 16th, between San Jacinto and Congress
- 17th, between Lavaca and Brazos
- MLK , between Brazos and San Jacinto


Ronald McDonald House Fun Run

As participants move along the following route, a police escort will close cross streets and reopen them as the runners pass.
- South on Red River, from 15th to 12th
- West on 12th to Trinity
- South on Trinity to 11th
- West on 11th to Congress
- South on Congress to Cesar Chavez
- North on Congress to 11th
- East on 11th to Trinity
- North on Trinity to 15th

Except for Congress, all streets will be partially closed. One or more lanes will remain accessible to traffic.

Because of the overlap between Celebrate Texas' event and the Ronald McDonald House event, one run will use the northbound lanes of Congress, and the other will use the southbound lanes.


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


Mar 3 - Mar 4 Roadway Production's Texas State Art Festival
MLK at Brazos
roadwayevents.com/

Brazos will be closed between MLK and 18th, from 4:00 a.m. on March 3 until 3:00 a.m. on March 5th.

Feb 22 Transportation Committee
12:00 Noon
Room 111, 211 E. 7th St.
C0-Chairs: Paul Noetzel & Wade Cooper, Staff Liaison: Thomas Butler

Feb 28 Security & Maintenance
8:30 a.m.
Room 111, 211 E. 7th St.
Chair: Joel Sher, Staff Liaison: Bill Brice


This Week on

9:00 p.m. - KLRU (Basic)
9:00 p.m. - KLRU (Digital)

Episode #101 - Gravity and Magnitism - Everyone's attracted to Downtown.

A look a downtown living and the concept of urban density--includes an interview with former downtown resident--the late Gov. Ann Richards. Step into the kitchen of award-winning chef David Bull. Rock out with the Red River music scene.