Aug 17-19 Victory Grill Turns 62!
Victory Grill, 1104 E. 11th St.
diversearts.org

One of the last remaining "Chitlin' Circuit" venues still open - Austin's very own Victory Grill - is celebrating its 62 years of supporting and providing a stage for some of the country's greatest musicians of all time.

You're in for three nights of spectacular jazz, blues, funk and Chitlin' Circuit Stories. While partying, you'll also be able to imbibe in food prepared by the club's new food service team. Pork Chops, fish and sausage on a stick will probably be on the menu.

Here's who you will hear this weekend:

Friday: 9:00 p.m. to Close - Three Decades of Funk
The biggest "Funk Party" Austin has ever seen. Waxploitation will kick off the celebration with music from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. DJ Noel Waggoner will be spinning.

Saturday: 7:00 p.m. to Close - Blues, Blues & More Blues
Get ready for a classic "Blues Party" featuring a blues jam by Chris Thibodeaux, 2 Blues, Jacqui Cross and David Breaux

Sunday: 7:00 p.m. to Close - Chitlin' Circuit Stories
The Legendary "Spot" Barnett, pictured here (photo by Jerry Clayworth) will grace the Victory Grill with Chitlin' Circuit stories, followed by music from the same Sax man extraordinaire and his blues band. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be with a Blues legend up close and personal.

Come out, feed your soul, and join the Victory Grill and DiverseArts in supporting this important piece of East Austin's history! For more information about the Victory Grill and this celebration, go to historicvictorygrill.org.

Here are Street Closings and Road Construction news for August 16-29:

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

Saturday August 18
Austin Farmers' Market - Sustainable Food Center
Republic Square
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.

Saturday August 25
Red Bull Flutag - C3 Presents
Auditorium Shores

- Riverside Dr., between S. 1st Street to Lee Barton Drive, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
- The S. 1st Street Bridge will be closed 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m.

Saturday August 25 Austin Farmers' Market - Sustainable Food Center
Republic Square
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.

Sunday August 26
Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival
Waterloo Park

One lane of Trinity Street, between E. 12th Street and E. 14th Street, will be closed from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

On-Going Construction Projects

Sandra Muraida
The northbound lane of Sandra Muraida Way, which takes traffic between Lamar and Cesar Chavez, will be closed through mid-November. Traffic will be detoured north on San Antonio Street and west on W. 6th Street. Southbound traffic on Sandra Muraida Way will not be affected.

This work is related to the redevelopment of the Seaholm Power Plant and the construction of the Gables residential project on Cesar Chavez Street. Improvements include the realignment of Sandra Muraida Way and the addition of a roundabout, water and wastewater lines and a water quality biofiltration meadow.

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

Part of the northernmost lane is closed in the 100 block of West Cesar Chavez, from Congress to the parking garage entrance of 100 Congress. The northernmost lane of East Cesar Chavez is closed from Congress to approximately the middle of the block.

A part of the outside lane of northbound Congress Avenue is closed beginning at Cesar Chavez. The lane reopens before 2nd Street.

The work is expected to be complete and all traffic control devices removed by August 26.

Aug 16-21 Summer Classics at the Paramount
Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress
(512) 472-5470, austintheatre.org

Pioneer of the French New Wave, Francois Truffant, begins a captivating week that will sparkle with infamous earrings, a model samurai epic and end with two of English director, Carol Reed's most famous films. No better way to spend a hot summer night than at the movies! Go to the austintheatre.org for full details, including lots of ways to save on one of the best entertainment values in Austin.

16, 17 - The 400 Blows, Jules and Jim
18, 19 - The Earrings of Madame De..., The Seven Samurai
20, 21 - Fallen Idol, The Third Man

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

Aug 18-Sep 30 Sleeping Beauty Awakens!
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th
512-472-5436, ScottishRiteTheatre.org

Sleeping Beauty, back by popular demand at Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, is a unique version of the classic fairy tale adapted by D. Heath Thompson, and remounted on our historic stage by Joe Carpenter. You and your children will experience the antics of a party-pooping fairy, who crashes a birthday party and casts a spell on the baby, who at the age of 16, will be doomed to sleep for 100 years! The audience must help to awaken a King's helper to forestall this tragedy. For performance dates and times and ticket information, please visit, ScottishRiteTheatre.org.

Aug 19 Moonlight Cinema at The Belmont:
There's Something About Mary
8:00 p.m.
The Belmont, 305 W. 6th Street
(512) 457-0300, thebelmontaustin.com

August Moonlight Cinema features sizzling summer films. Host Jerm Pollet brings his witty observations and musical talent to this hugely popular weekly dinner theatre event.

Still on Stage...

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
To 9/30: Sleeping Beautyr, Scottish Rite Theatre, ScottishRiteTheatre.org
Ongoing: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: An IMAX® 3D Experience, African Adventure 3D, Sharks 3D, Texas the Big Picture; The Star of Destiny in the Texas Spirit Theater, thestoryoftexas.com

Aug 16 Thursday Noonday Concert - Piano
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 Sophia Gilmson on piano.

Aug 19 The Hartman Foundation Concerts in the Park:
Brass Ensemble (Pop)
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 Brass Ensemble playing your favorite pop tunes. (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.

Aug 22 This Summer's Last Blues on the Green:
Marcia Ball & Band
7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Zilker Park Rock Island, Barton Springs Rd.
kgsr.com

"Singer/pianist Marcia Ball knows how to raise roofs and tear down walls with her infectious, intelligent and deeply emotional brand of southern boogie, rollicking, roadhouse blues and heartfelt ballads." Marcia will perform at the summer's final Blues On the Green. The free show belts from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Come on out and enjoy one of Austin's favorite performers at this favorite Austin event!

Aug 16-19 Blanton Happenings
Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK
(512) 232-5171, blantonmuseum.org

Thursdays are always free at the Blanton.

Aug 16 Public Tour: Artwork of the Week - 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Discover one of the gems in the Blanton's permanent collection, Over the Circle by Helen Frankenthaler.

Aug 16 Art Fix: Sculpture - 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Create your own sculpture inspired by Cildo Meireles's Missao/Missoes [Mission/Missions] (How to Build Cathedrals) on view in America/Americas. Supplies are provided. No registration required, but please call (512) 471-9205 for more information.

Aug 16 Public Tour: Modern Art, Modern Women - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m
Explore the contributions of women artists in the mid-20th century art world.

Aug 18 Public Tour: Greatest Hits of the Blanton - 2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
Art from the permanent collection of the Blanton is highlighted in this 50-minute tour.

Aug 19 Public Tour: People's Choice - 2:00 - 2:50 p.m.
Visitors choose which works of art will be included on this 50-minute tour of the Blanton's permanent collection.

Aug 18-Sep 18 Facing East:
48 Hours in the Life of East Austin
New East Arts Gallery, 1601 E. 5th St., Suite 106
(512) 477-9438, diversearts.org

DiverseArts introduces a multi-media exhibition of historic importance with Facing East: 48 Hours in the Life of East Austin Summer 2007. This project documents life in different neighborhoods and gatherings all over one of Austin's most historic areas, showcasing the best images captured by six Austin photographers and three videographers who ventured out during the same 48-hour period to tell an amazing range of stories! Opening Reception: Saturday August 18th, 7:00 p.m. Wine and food will be provided at the reception, and a raffle drawing will be held at the end of the evening for door prizes. Contributions to DiverseArts fund raising efforts are welcome. Image seen here shot by participating photographer, Nicole Delcuze.

Aug 18 Broken Symmetries
2:30 p.m.
Women and Their Work, 1710 Lavaca St.
(512) 477-1064, womenandtheirwork.org

Katherine E. Bash will talk about her new exhibition, Broken Symmetries. As part of her commitment to uncovering new meaning and poetry in the physical and mental places we inhabit, she has recently been working on the concept of symmetry and symmetry breaking in different realms such as landscapes, geometry and thought.

Aug 22 Behind These Walls...Our Community's Collective Memory
6:00 p.m.
Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe
(512) 974-7499, cityofaustin.org

Collective Memory is an Austin History Center Association program designed to share the Center's work and rich historical treasures through special small group evening tours. The tours are free and open to the public but advance registration is required. To register, contact Sharmyn Lilly, at (512) 974-7499 or at sharmyn.lilly@ahca.net.

Still on Display Downtown...

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 8/22: Silver Lining flat lining, Volitant Gallery, volitant.com
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 9/15: Broken Symmetries, Women & Their Work, womenandtheirwork.org
To 9/18: Facing East: 48 Hours in the Live of East Austin, New East Arts Gallery, diversearts.org
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

Aug 18 Art in Public Places Workshop Series:
Digital Imaging
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Austin City Hall, 301 West 2nd St. at Lavaca
(512) 974-9308, cityofaustin.org

The third and final workshop will feature a digital photo expert performing demonstrations and giving instruction on digital imaging for public art portfolios and applications, and AIPP coordinators will provide hands-on training for AIPP's new online registration system which is set to launch in late summer 2007. You will be given the necessary tools to enter the public art arena, information on creating impressive applications, advice from public artists and selection panelists, and a free spiral-bound Resource Guide.

Aug 20 Downtown Book Club
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe
(512) 974-7528, cityofaustin.org/library/ahc

Join Downtown's newest book club. The Club meets the third Monday of every other month at noon. This month's book is The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier.

Aug 20 How to Become a Local Historic District
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Geo. W. Carver Library, Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina
(512) 474-5198 ext. 11, heritagesocietyaustin.org

Steve Sadowsky, City Preservation Officer, will provide a detailed explanation of the powerful protections and incentives historic districts provide, and how your neighborhood can apply for this designation. Information on how to apply for a Heritage Society grant to assist with the application process will also be presented. Free and open to the public. RSVPs at rsvp@hsaustin.org or 474-5198 ext. 11.

Ongoing Special Events

Aug 18 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.

Aug 18 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.