This Week in Downtown

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Featured Event

Jun 12 Getting On Board Luncheon
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos
rsvp@downtownaustin.com, (512) 469-1766 x 211

RSVP DEADLINE: Noon, Friday, June 8.

The Downtown Austin Alliance invites you to join us for a special luncheon - Getting On Board, an interactive panel discussion being moderated by KLRU's Tom Spencer. Featured speakers from around the country will discuss how new mass transit projects have impacted their communities.

Guest speakers include:

Gary Thomas, President,
DART - Dallas Area Rapid Transit - (dart.org), Dallas, Texas

Brian Rasmussen, Managing Director,
R&R Partners (rrpartners.com), Salt Lake City, Utah

Tom Shrout, Executive Director,
Citizens for Modern Transit (cmt-stl.org), St. Louis, Missouri

Art Guzzetti, Vice President,
American Public Transportation Association (apta.com) Washington, D.C.

Cost: $36 for one; $360 for one table for 10; Valet Parking: $13

JOIN US FOR A FREE TRANSIT WORKSHOP AFTER THE LUNCHEON:
Reconnecting America
Transit Workshop (Space Limited)

Reconnecting America is a national non-profit organization working to integrate transportation systems and the communities they serve, with the goal of generating lasting public and private returns, improving economic and environmental efficiency, and giving consumers more housing and mobility choices. Reconnecting America provides both the public and private sectors with an impartial, fact-based perspective on development-oriented transit and transit-oriented development, and seeks to reinvent the planning and delivery system for building regions and communities around transit and walking rather than solely around the automobile.

RSVP DEADLINE: Noon, Friday, June 8.
rsvp@downtownaustin.com, (512) 469-1766 x 211


Traffic Flow

Jun 9 Farmers' Market - Sustainable Foods Center
4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., will be closed between Guadalupe and for the farmers' market.



Looking ahead to next week...


Jun 15 Hazel Faulk-Obey Pre-Juneteenth Parade - Austin Eastside Story Foundation

The will be closed from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. for the staging of the parade. At 2:00 p.m., Congress, between Cesar Chavez and 11th St., and all cross streets, between Brazos and Colorado, will be closed for the parade. Streets will be re-opened as the parade passes. The event will end at approximately 11:30 p.m..

Jun 16 Downtown Criterion and Keep Austin Weird Festival

There are three event areas:

Bicycle Race

From 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Colorado and Lavaca will be closed between Cesar Chavez and W. 5th St. (Valet lanes on the east side of Colorado will remain open, and access to and egress from the AMLI parking garage, via Lavaca, will be maintained.)

Additionally, W. 2nd, W. 3rd, and W. 4th will be closed between Congress and Guadalupe from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

From 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., W. 2nd and W. 3rd St. will remain closed while crews remove the stage.

5K Run

The South 1st St. Bridge and Cesar Chavez, between the South 1st. St. Bridge and Stephen F. Austin Dr. will be closed from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. (One northbound lane on the bridge will remain open.)

Keep Austin Weird Festival and Concert

W. 4th St., between San Antonio and Guadalupe, and San Antonio, between W. 5th and W. 3rd, will be closed from Friday at 11:00 a.m. until Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Jun 16 Farmers' Market - Sustainable Food Center
austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmer's Market will be temporarily relocated to the parking lot just south of Republic Square.


On Stage

Jun 7 Silent Silver Screen Series: Orphans of the Storm
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanitites, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

D. W. Griffith's Orphans of the Storm (1921), starring Lillian Gish will be accompanied by live music by Graham Reynolds and friends.

Jun 7 Movies in the Park - Tenacious D
7:30 p.m.
Republic Square Park, 5th & Guadalupe
austinparks.org

Enjoy a pre-show performance by Inside Out Steelband. Amusing pre-show antics start at and movies at dusk. This month's feature finds Jack Black at his funniest, though the film is rated R. Free parking on surrounding streets -dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Jun 7-9 Stuporwoman and Other Dances of Mad Exhausting Beauty
8:00 p.m.
McCullough Theatre, 23rd & Robert Dedman
(512) 477-6060, sbdanceworks.org

You'll want to see Sharir+ Bustamante Danceworks final performance! Old and new friends are invited to join this outstanding company to celebrate their legacy with Stuporwoman and Other Dances of Mad Exhausting Beauty.

Jun 7-24 Ruddigore: The Witch's Curse
Texas School for the Deaf Auditorium, 1102 S. Congress Ave.
gilbertsullivan.org

The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Austin presents Ruddigore: The Witch's Curse, a send-up of Victorian melodrama complete with wicked baronets, a damsel in distress, a jolly jack-tar, a virtuous maiden, professional bridesmaids, and an entire gallery of ghostly ancestors that come to life at midnight - along with lots of Sullivan's sparkling music. Performances are being held June 8- 24 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For tickets, call, (800) 494-TIXS.

Jun 10-13 Paramount Summer Classic Film Series
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

The summer's best films at Austin's best theatre. FLIX-TIX gives you a book of 10 admissions for only $45 (valid for a year), good in any combination to the Paramount's Summer Classic Film Series. We'll see you at the movies. Here's what's playing this week. Go to austintheatre.org for the full calendar and details.

Jun 10: The Fantastiks, Hair
Jun 12, 13: William Powell + Myrna Loy in The Thin Man and After the Thin Man

For more information on any film, visit imdb.com.

Jun 10 Moonlight Cinema at The Belmont ? Better Off Dead
8:00 p.m.
The Belmont, 305 W. 6th Street
(512) 457-0300, thebelmontaustin.com

Moonlight Cinema this month focuses on the work of John Crusack. It's Austin's best movie and a dinner deal!

Jun 12 Sci-Fi Cinema Festival: Cosmic Voyage, 1936
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, 409 Colorado Street
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org

The Austin Film Society (AFS) is hosting its final Essential Cinema Series of this season, Other Minds, Other Worlds: Global Sci-Fi Cinema, featuring a wide array of science fiction styles and themes from Czechoslovakia, France, the United Kingdwom, Italy, Japan, the U.S., and, most intriguingly, the former Soviet Union. The nine-week summer series will have screenings on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. through July 31.

Jun 13 Texas Documentary Tour Screening of
Austin Past and Present
7:00 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 409 Colorado
(512) 322-0145, austinfilm.org


The fabulous documentary by local filmmaker, Karen Kocher, about the history of Austin, will screen as part of Austin Film Society's Texas Documentary Tour. Primarily designed to be an "interactive digital history," the documentary is far more than the usual dry history full of dates and grand male-dominated events, according to AFS Director of Programming, Chale Nafus. Tickets may be purchased online at austinfilm.org.

Still on Stage...

Jun 10: The Falsettos, Spaghetti Warehouse, capcitymystery.com
To 6/24 Ruddigore: The Witch's Curse, Texas School for the Deaf Auditorium, gilbertsullivan.org

To 8/27: Sharks 3D, IMAX® Theatre, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: African Adventure 3D, 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


The Music Scene

Jun 7 Thursday Noonday Concert - Steel Drums
12:00 ? 1:00 p.m.
Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth Street
(512) 472-2445, centralpresbyterian.org

This week's Thursday Noonday Concert features C.J. Menge - Steel Pan Drums.

Jun 8 Live From The Plaza - LZ Love
12:00 p.m.
City Hall Plaza, 301 W. Second Street
(512) 974-9310, ci.austin.tx.us

Live From The Plaza this Friday: "LZ Love has one of the Greatest Soul Voices of our time. Mesmerizing in it's depth, harrowing in it's power. Her Unique approach to Modern R&B mixes the best of soul's golden era with sophistication" - Southland Blues Magazine. Lunch Special by Mr. Catfish - $6.


Jun 10 The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park - Big Band (Swing)
7:30 p.m.
Wooldridge Square Park, 9th & Guadalupe
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

The Austin Symphony returns with the 5th summer of free ensemble concerts. These concerts are a gift from the Hartman Foundation. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket, and make it a family affair! (Sorry, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park). These delightful outdoor park concerts are the perfect opportunity for Austinites to enjoy some of the Capitol City's greatest pleasures - the Austin Symphony's fine music and one of Austin's beautiful historic parks. This Sunday you?ll enjoy the Big Band. (Swing)


Gallery Watch & Museum Musings

Jun 2-Sept 23 TexaVision
Texas Capitol Visitors Center, 112 E. 11th St.
(512) 305-8400, texascapitolvisitors.com

From early black and white westerns like Trackdown to new hits like Friday Night Lights, Texas has been at the center of television. TexaVision traces the history of Texas-themed television shows over the decades and artifacts ranging from Austin City Limits tickets to a dress worn in Lonesome Dove. Visitors can also access interactive kiosks where they can view scripts, storyboards and production notes from Dallas and King of the Hill and see images from the more than 25 Texas-themed programs.

Jun 9 Second Black and White ...and Lots of Light

12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Visit The Target Collection of American Photography: A Century in Pictures and see how photographers have captured the story of the 20th century in America with light and film. After you've explored the galleries, visit the Community Room where you can use light sensitive paper and objects from 21st Century America to make images of our own. Drop in and create!

Jun 9-Jul 12 Rob Harrell
Wally Workman Gallery, 1202 West Sixth St
(512) 472-4728, wallyworkmangallery.com

Rob Harrell will be opening his first solo show. You?re invited to the Opening Reception on June 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Jun 11-29 Workshop: Mellon Summer Institute in Spanish Paleography
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanities, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu

The Ransom Center will host the Mellon Institute for Spanish Paleography under the direction of Professor Carla Rahn Phillips. Participants will acquire intensive practical training in reading late medieval and early modern scripts of Spain and Latin America. For more information and to apply, please visit: hrc.utexas.edu.

Jun 13 Island Rhythms Hula
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado
(512) 472-2499, austinkids.org

Get swept away into a tropical dream with this performance. They'll also be plenty of earth friendly activities like planting a seed, coffee filter flowers, and much more.


To Fall ?07 Gibson Guitartown Showcase Art Guitars
Wild About Music, 115 E 6th Street
(512) 708-1700, wildaboutmusic.com

Thirty actual Gibson Custom Shop guitars, each painted by local Austin artists and many signed by celebrities are on 24 hour exhibit in the windows of Wild About Music. They will be auctioned in Fall of 07 to benefit Austin based charities. Seen here is the inticate work of artist, Bobby Hamric. For a peek at the entire showcase, visit: Gibson.com.

Still On Display Downtown...

To 6/16: Tunnel Vision: Parading Down the Aisle, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 6/18: WorkSpace: Jedediah Caesar, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 6/30: Andy St Martin: Selected Works from 1999 to 2007, 4 walls fine art, 4wallsfineart.com
To 6/30: Between the Body and the Soul, Las Manitas Avenue Cafe,
lapena-austin.org
To 6/30: Dali & The Surrealists: The Argillet Era, Russell Collection, Russell-Collection.com
To 7/12 Rob Harrell, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkmangallery.com
To 7/14 The Elizabeth Portraits & Other Works, d berman Gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 7/28: The American Twenties, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/31: We are from Vietnam, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 8/4: memoria/memoir: Carol Flax, Volitant Gallery,
volitant.com
To 8/5: A Century of Grace: 19th-Century Masterworks, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/12: The Target Collection of American Photography: A Century in Pictures, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/12: Will van Overbeek: Photographs of Barton Springs, Austin Museum of Art, amoa.org
To 8/12: Master Drawings from the Yale University Art Gallery, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/26: The Happiest Day: Wedding Customs in Transition, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/26: Parmigianino: His Graphic Legacy, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/26: Bauhaus Portfolios, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/31: Testimonio, La Peña Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 8/31: Voces de Fuego, La Peña Gallery,
lapena-austin.org
To Fall ?07: Gibson Guitartown Showcase Art Guitars, Wild About Music, wildaboutmusic.com
To 9/22: Made to Walk the Skies: Texas & Space Travel, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 9/22: The Big Game, Austin Children's Museum,
austinkids.org
To 9/23: TexaVision, Texas Capitol Visitors Center, texascapitolvisitors.com
To 12/31: Antarctica: Life at the Bottom of the World, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org
To 12/31: From Revolution to Renaissance, Mexic-arte Museum, mexic-artemuseum.org
To 1/31: People's Gallery 2007 Exhibition, Austin City Hall, ci.austin.tx.us
Ongoing:
European Paintings from the Permanent Collection and America/Americas, Blanton Museum of Art,
blantonmuseum.org
Gems and Minerals, Texas Memorial Museum, texasmemorialmuseum.org


Special Events

Jun 7 Esther's Follies Turns 30
5:30 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers, 301 W. 2nd St.
esthersfollies.com

Long time friend and fan, Mayor William Wynn will be presenting Esther's Follies with a recognition proclamation in honor of their 30th anniversary. The ceremony will include a specifically written skit by the most popular comedy troupe. Esther's Follies opened its doors on April Fool's Day, 1977, and now, having gone through four venues and more than a million audience members from all over the world, continues to sell out its theater on historic Sixth Street, night after night, five shows weekly!

Jun 8-10 Argentino Weekend '07
Various locations throughout Downtown and Austin.
(512) 420-8839, monitango.com

Whether you're a tango newbie or a Latin expert, this weekend's Argentine Tango Workshop let's you dance with the Masters! Beginners Classes on Friday and Sunday. For complete details and rates, call or visit: (512) 420-8839, monitango.com.

Jun 9 Miracle Bash
9:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m
Sky Lounge, 416 Congress
miraclefoundation.org

"Party with a Purpose" at the Sky Lounge and show your support for a great cause! Learn more about The Miracle Foundation, an India-focused non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children to reach their full potential one orphan at a time. Find out how you can get involved through donating, volunteering, or sponsoring a child. Then, dance the night away with DJ Sharma's Karma & DJ Archit while they spin some Bollywood, hip-hop, bhangra and dance music late into the night! Cost: $5 or free with student I.D.

Jun 13 Children's Day Art Park - Beto y Los Fairlanes
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Symphony Square Amphitheatre - 1101 Red River
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Children can experience the magic of the arts at Children's Day Art Park. This exciting summer program features local musicians, dancers, storytellers, magicians, mimes and crafts people. This week features a lively performance by Beto y Los Fairlanes.

Ongoing Special Events

Jun 9 Austin Farmers' Market
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Dozens of vendors offer you the freshest, locally grown summer fruits and veggies, cheeses, eggs, meats, breads, honey along with flowers, prepared foods, drinks and artisan crafts.


The Sporting Life

Jun 9 TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls - Playoff Bout #3
6:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez
(512) 428-GIRL (4475), txrd.com

Playoff bout #3 will be a total blow-out, with the Putas and Hellcats battling for the coveted Cavello Cup! This bout will sell out, so get your tickets now!

Jun 9 Austin Wranglers Arena Football
7:30 p.m.
Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River
(512) 339-3939, austinwranglers.com

Wranglers vs. Georgia Force - Fan Appreciation Night. For tickets, call (512) 339-3939


DAA Gatherings

Catch This Week's Episode of

Thursday Evenings at 8:00 p.m. on KLRU - TV, Austin PBS

June 7, 2007 - Episode #303: Experience Caring, Experience Art, Firefighters Downtown Experience it all. (Repeat)

Caritas of Austin: More than a valuable soup kitchen - As a designated refugee center, this downtown service organization works with downtown hotels and businesses to help people from all over the world build new lives. / Don't just look at art - Experience Art! The new Blanton Museum of Art's interpretive programs help their audience learn about art in a multitude of fun, creative and experiential ways. / The Heroes of Downtown's Fire Station #1 do it all - Fight fires, perform high-rise rescues, and even do swift water rescues in Town Lake and Waller Creek. How DO they still have time to pose for calendars and perfect their cooking skills? Meet these multi-talented men and women at work. Interstitials: Hot Sauce Festival & Leal's Tires.