Jul 26 Dorothy Parker's "Big Blonde" Comes Alive!
7:00 p.m.
Harry Ransom Center for the Humanities, 21st & Guadalupe
(512) 471-8944, violetcrownradio.com

The Violet Crown Radio Players perform Dorothy Parker's short story, Big Blonde, in a live recreation of a 1920s radio broadcast.

The actors of Austin's original old-time radio re-creation troupe, perform in period costumes from the 1920s, interact with audience members, and give the audience a behind-the-scenes look at radio studios, ca. 1929.

Seating is free but limited. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but you'll want to get there early to ensure you get a seat. Previous Violet Crown shows at the Center have been standing-room-only successes.

This series is held in conjunction with the Ransom Center's exhibition The American Twenties.
Visit soon before the exhibition closes July 29.

Saturday July 28
Austin Farmers' Market - Sustainable Food Center
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., W. 4th St. will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio for the farmers' market.

Looking ahead to the week of August 2 through August 8, 2007

Thursday, August 2
Moonlight Margarita Run - Town Lake Trail Foundation
townlaketrail.org

From 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., Cesar Chavez will be closed between Veteran's Drive and San Antonio St.


Saturday, August 4
Austin Farmers' Market - Sustainable Food Center
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
austinfarmersmarket.org

From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., W. 4th St. will be closed between Guadalupe and San Antonio for the farmers' market.

You may also view this information on the City of Austin's Event Street Closing Notice Site:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks/eventclopage.cfm.


On-Going Construction Projects
Cesar Chavez Construction
Last year, the Austin Clean Water Project replaced a failing
wastewater line under Cesar Chavez. Crews are now connecting
buildings to the new pipe.

This work was scheduled to last approximately 30 days and to be done
in three phases:

Phase 1: COMPLETE

Phase 2: COMPLETE

Phase 3: IN PROGRESS. Phase 3 will involve closing the parking lane along the north curb and one eastbound travel lane of Chavez from Congress Avenue to the midpoint between
Congress and Brazos. Additionally,one northbound lane of Congress Ave. will be closed beginning just south of Cesar Chavez and re-opening before 2nd Street.

You may also view this information on the City of Austin's Event Street Closing Notice Site:
www.ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks/eventclopage.cfm.

Jul 26-Aug 1 Classics at the Paramount
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

One of the finest thespians of our time - Peter O'Toole - is center stage in three films this week, before your favorite dance men grace the screen. Things get a little creepy when Marshall Matt Dillon (aka James Arness) shows his "Sci-Fi" side. Wrapping up with Fahrenheit 451 & Slaughterhouse Five, you can "count" on another great week of movies at the Paramount. Go to the austintheatre.org for full details, including lots of ways to save on one of the best entertainment values in Austin.

26, 27 - What's New Pussycat?, How to Steal a Million
28, 29 - Beckett, Silk Stockings, Les Girls
30, 31 - The Thing From Another World, Them!
Aug 1 - Fahrenheit 451, Slaughterhouse Five

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

Jul 26-Aug 5 A Midsummer Night's Dream
Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, 207 West 18th
(512) 472-5436, ScottishRiteTheatre.org

Magic, mirth and merriment abound during this performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare's most delightful comedy. This richly costumed show, featuring 20 of Austin's talented actors, brings the Bard back to life with the original intent, flavor and character of the period. Dates & Times: July 26-29; Aug 2-5. Thursdays - Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Jul 28-Aug 5 Austin Summer Musical for Children
George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Boyd Vance Theatre
1165 Angelina
summermusical.com

Based on the work And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon. You and your kids will love this production! Performance dates and times: July 28 - 10:00 a.m. (groups only), 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.; July 29 - 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.; August 3 - 7:00 p.m. (Gala & Silent Auction) & August 4 - 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.; August 5 - 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. Although the show is FREE, every person must have a ticket to enter! Tickets are first come, first serve and will be distributed according to the schedule.

Jul 29 Moonlight Cinema at The Belmont - Wet Hot American Summer
8:00 p.m.
The Belmont, 305 W. 6th Street
(512) 457-0300, thebelmontaustin.com

July Moonlight Cinema is summer films without all that pesky sunshine. Host Jerm Pollet brings his witty observations and musical talent to the weekly dinner theatre event.

Still on Stage...

To 7/29: Lingo, McCullough Theatre, utpac.org
To 8/5: Disney's High School, Texas School for the Deaf, zilker.org
To 8/5: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Scottish Rite Theatre, scottishritetheatre.org
To 8/5: Austin Summer Musical for Children, Boyd Vance Theatre, summermusical.com
To 8/11: My Favorite Year - The Musical, Beverly Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theatre, zilker.org
To 8/11: The Boys of Summer, The Hideout Theatre, austinimprov.com
To 8/12: Jesus Christ Superstar, Zachary Scott Theater, zachscott.com
To 8/26: An Almost Holy Picture, Zachary Scott Arena Stage, zachscott.com
To 8/27: Sharks 3D, IMAX® Theatre, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
Ongoing: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: An IMAX® 3D Experience, African Adventure 3D, Texas the Big Picture; The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Jul 26 Thursday Noonday Concert ? Trombones!
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 Trombones R Wee.

Jul 27 Music Under the Star Finale - Ghandaia
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress
(512) 936-8746, thestoryoftexas.com

Here's your last chance to enjoy Music Under the Star, the popular World Music series, this year. This week's music features Ghandaia, a group that uses a creative blend of their eclectic influences such as Funk, Rock, Pop, Reggae, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music to create a cohesive and uniquely accessible sound. Set out your camp chairs and blankets (but please no coolers or outside refreshments) under the Star and listen to local artists perform music from around the globe. Explore the Museum's three floors of exhibits ? including Made to Walk the Skies: Texas & Space Travel - for free from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The Story of Texas Cafe will be open with a limited menu, and a cash bar will be available on the Plaza. Free event parking is available in the Museum's underground garage on the corner of 18th and Congress.

Jul 27, 28 - A Mid-Summer World Carnaval!
Kenny Dorham's Backyard, 1106 E. 11th St.
(Rain Location: Victory Grill)
6:00-11:00 p.m.
diversearts.org

Two nights of food, art, beer and family fun, not to mention great live music from the likes of Red Teasers, Franco B and more!

Jul 29 The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park ? Large String Ensemble (Light Classical)
7:30 p.m.
Wooldridge Square Park, 9th & Guadalupe
(512) 476-6064, austinsymphony.org

Bring a picnic dinner and blanket, and make it a family affair as you listen to the Austin Symphony's Large String Ensemble. (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 Capital City's greatest pleasures - the Austin Symphony's fine music and one of Austin's beautiful historic parks.

Jul 26-29 Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Thursdays are always free at the Blanton.

Jul 26 Public Tour: Artwork of the Week - 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.Discover one of the gems in the Blanton's permanent collection, Breaking Camp.

Jul 26 Public Tour: Master Drawings from the Yale University Art Gallery - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Take a closer look at four centuries of works on paper from the Yale University Art Gallery.

Jul 28 Public Tour: Greatest Hits of the Blanton - 2:00 p.m.
Art from the permanent collection of the Blanton is highlighted in this 50- minute tour.

Jul 29 Public Tour: People's Choice - 2:00 p.m.Visitors choose which works of art will be included on this 50-minute tour of the Blanton's permanent collection.

Jul 26 Talking Art with Anne Ellegood
7:00 p.m.
Arthouse at the Jones Center, 700 Congress
(512) 453-5312, arthousetexas.org

New American Talent juror, Anne Ellegood, Associate Curator of Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. will discuss the exhibit.

Jul 28 A Century of Pictures - Docent-led Tours
2:00 p.m.
Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress
(512) 495-9224, amoa.org

Join the Austin Museum of Art in the galleries for a docent-led tour. Hear the stories behind the
photographs and make connections between the exhibitions.

Jul 28 Holly Fisher
Austin Figurative Gallery, 301 Chicon
austinfigurativegallery.com

Austin Figurative Gallery presents the works of Holly Fisher. Gallery Hours: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturdays and by Appointment.

Jul 28 Gallery Talk -Tom Hollenback &
Joseph Janson
1:00 p.m.
d berman Gallery, 1701 Guadalupe
(512) 477-8877, dbermangallery.com

d berman gallery's exhibit of new works by sculptor Tom Hollenback (seen here) and painter Joseph Janson is a juxtaposition of opposites. Unified by an interest in color relationships, Hollenback?s precise lines contrast with Janson's exuberant approach to brushstroke. Fascinating show!

Jul 28-Aug 5 Verano: New Watercolors by Jan Heaton
Wally Workman Gallery,1202 W. 6th St.
(512) 472-7428, wallyworkmangallery.com

An exhibition of new watercolors by Jan Heaton opens. Opening Reception with the artist: Saturday July, 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Still on Display Downtown...

To 7/29: The American Twenties, Harry Ransom Center, hrc.utexas.edu
To 7/30: AVAA 30th Anniversary, Dougherty Arts Center, avaaonline.org
To 7/31: We are from Vietnam, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 8/4: Awakening the Soul, La Peña Gallery, lapena-austin.org
To 8/4: Power Craft, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 8/4: memoria/memoir: Carol Flax, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 8/4: Perspectivas: Armando Miguélez, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
To 8:5: Verano, Wally Workman Gallery, wallyworkmangallery.com
To 8/5: A Century of Grace: 19th-Century Masterworks, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
To 8/12: Made to Walk the Skies: Texas & Space Travel, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, thestoryoftexas.com
To 8/12: 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 8/14: Re-Imaging the Nude: Diverse Notions on Sensual Photography, New East Arts Gallery, (512) 477-9438
To 8/19: ceramics...on the edge, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, umlaufsculpture.org
To 8/19: New American Talent, Art House at the Jones Center, arthousetexas.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 9/1: Tom Hollenback & Joseph Janson, d berman gallery, dbermangallery.com
To 9/22: The Big Game, Austin Children's Museum, austinkids.org
To 9/23: TexaVision, Texas Capitol Visitors Center, TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com
To 10/21: Josefina Guilisati in WorkSpace, Blanton Museum of Art, blantonmuseum.org
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, cityofaustin.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

Jul 27-29 NAMM - International Music Products Association Conference
Austin Convention Center, 500 W. Cesar Chavez
namm.com


Does it look a little busy downtown this week? NAMM (formerly called National Association of Music Marketers), The International Music Products Association is holding their summer session at the Austin Convention Center on July 27-29. This is the 2nd year NAMM has been in Austin and we'd like to keep them coming back. The estimated attendance at this conference is 20,000 people (as many or more than SXSW). This conference is not only a great musical fit for Austin, but is great economically during Austin's hot summer month's. If you see conference attendees on the streets help them out, answer any questions and be sure to share you favorite downtown restaurant recommendations!

St. Martin's Lutheran Church, 606 West 15th Street
(512) 451-0272, setoncove.net

A Chartres labyrinth, provided by The Seton Cove, will be laid on the gym floor at St. Martin's Lutheran Church. A facilitator will be on site to help answers questions on Saturday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Come and give yourself the gift of space and silence to assist you on your individual path with God.

Jul 31 2007 Austin American Statesman Career Expo
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd.
newspaperjobfairs.com

This event offers excellent opportunities for folks looking for career moves in the following areas: Engineering, Technology and Security Clearance; Professional/General;
Nursing, Allied Health and Life Sciences.

Jul 31 Downtown Austin Blood Drive
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
6th & Colorado
(512) 206-1121, lonestardonor.com

Give the gift of life. The bloodmobile will be parked on 6th and Colorado. To make an appointment go to lonestardonor.com and use the sponsor code ?downtown?. JP Morgan Chase Bank, McGinnis, Lochridge and Kilgore L.L.P. and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation are sponsoring this event.

Ongoing Special Events

Jul 28 Austin Farmers' Market
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Republic Square Park, 4th & Guadalupe
(512) 236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org

Dozens of vendors offer you the freshest produce, cheeses, eggs, meats, breads, honey along with flowers, prepared foods, drinks and artisan crafts.

Jul 28 Artist's Market
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mother Egan's Irish Pub, 715 W. 6th
(512) 698-8099, artistsmarket.com

From the deck of Mother Egan's Irish pub, this festive outdoor art fair features a variety of work by independent artists from Austin and Central Texas.

Jul 26 Streetscapes & Transportation Committee Meeting
12:00 Noon
Room 111, Southwest Tower, 211 E. 7th Street
Co-Chairs: Paul Noetzel, CBRE Richard Ellis & Wade Cooper, Jackson Walker LLC
Staff Liaison: Thomas Butler
RSVP to: tbutler@downtownaustin.com


This Week on

"TUNE" in to this week's "Best of" episode of DOWNTOWN and hear the "Best of DOWNTOWN Music."

Thursday July 25 - Episode #310: July 26 - The ?Best of? DOWNTOWN Music:
The "Live Music Capital of the World" began with live music venues such as the Vulcan Gas Co. and the Armadillo World Headquarters. Learn why their influences are such a part of Austin's culture today. / Rock out with the Red River Music scene/ Austin's growing Hip-Hop scene?meet MCs with a message and internationally known B-Boy City. Interstitial: Spoon

For additional showtimes visit: KLRU.org. DOWNTOWN is a co-production of Action Figure, the Downtown Austin Alliance and KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.

DOWNTOWN is also available for download on Time Warner Cable's Lone Star On Demand - Channel 1400.