Events in May 2008

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Apr 1-Nov 1 Bat Watching

Bat Watching

Congress Avenue Bridge

512-416-5700
www.batcon.org

Did you know the largest urban bat colony in the world is in downtown Austin? Just before sunset, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly from the Congress Avenue Bridge to find their evening meal, making them one of the most unique Austin experiences available.

Peak watching times are August-September when the baby bats are old enough to fly. The bats return to Mexico each year when the weather turns cold.


Apr 3-May 10 Nothing Lasts Forever - New work by Yoon Cho

Nothing Lasts Forever - New work by Yoon Cho

Women and Their Work: 1710 Lavaca Street
Katherine McQueen
512-477-1064
www.womenandtheirwork.org

Women & Their Work proudly presents Nothing Lasts Forever, a solo multimedia exhibition by Austin-based artist Yoon Cho. Recently named by the Austin Museum of Art as one of Austin's "20 to Watch," Cho uses video and digital photography to examine the ways we constantly create and re-create our identities. Utilizing blurring, pattern overlay, image insertion and other digital techniques to manipulate photography and video installations, Cho trains a sly and poignant lens on the ephemeral and ever-shifting nature of human persona. If life is a stage, Cho's body of work investigates how we get into character.


Apr 3-May 11 Zach Scott Presents: Doubt

Zach Scott Presents: Doubt

Zach Scott Theater, 1510 Toomey Road

512-476-0594
www.zachscott.com

The Zach Scott Theater presents "Doubt," a fast-paced game of cat and mouse that is ignited when evidence of a priest’s wrongdoing comes to light.

At a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, Sister Aloysius, a strict school principal, faces the decision of a lifetime: Does she openly accuse a priest and give voice to her fear of his actions, or does she bury her suspicions and leave room for doubt? This intense and personal power struggle between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn ultimately calls into question both faith and justice in the shadow of doubt.

“A superb new drama... an inspired study in moral uncertainty with the compelling structure of an old-fashioned detective drama.” –The New York Times.

The show features Jamie Goodwin of ZACH's Present Laughter, Janelle Buchanan of ZACH's Omnium-Gatherum, as well as ZACH newcomers Angela Rawna and Sydney Andrews.

Doubt is directed by Steven Dietz, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 4 Tony Awards!

Tickets are $34 and are available online.


Apr 4-May 16 IMAX Presents: Shine A Light

IMAX Presents: Shine A Light

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue

512-936-8746
www.TheStoryofTexas.com

Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience documents an astounding stage performance by what is indisputably the world's greatest rock and roll band, filmed by America's preeminent director, and an all-star crew of the motion picture industry's leading cinematographers.

Academy Award®-winning director Martin Scorsese's concert documentary will show the world the Rolling Stones as they've never seen before. Filmed at the famed Beacon Theatre in New York City in Fall 2006, Scorsese assembled a legendary team of cinematographers to capture the raw energy of the legendary band.

Unlike Scorsese's previous big-event music films (he worked as an editor on Woodstock and shot the definitive documentary on The Band for The Last Waltz), Shine a Light focuses on the music, dispensing with the talking head device and opting instead for spare pops of vintage newsreel and TV footage as the only non-performance-based commentary on the band.


Apr 6-May 10 Flying Theater Machine: Story Sports

Flying Theater Machine: Story Sports

2:00 PM - 2:00 PM

The Hideout, 617 Congress
Jessica Arjet
512-971-3311
www.flyingtheatermachine.com

Two teams of improvisers compete to tell the best stories and you help to decide who wins!

This hilarious improv set is perfect for kids ages 4-10.


Apr 9-May 15 Retablos: Miracles on the Border

Retablos: Miracles on the Border

Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Avenue

512-480-9373
www.mexic-artemuseum.org

Presented in conjunction with the Mexican Center of the Institute of Latin American Art and the Harrington Fellows Program at the University of Texas, the exhibition will open on Wednesday, April 9, 2008, and run through May 15.

Many of the retablos featured in the exhibition are in the book Miracles on the Border by Jorge Durand, one of the foremost specialists on migration.

Retablos are small paintings on metal or wood that venerate God and the Saints – the exhibition features contemporary “miracles” about the migration experience across the U.S.-Mexico border.


Apr 12-May 12 Reji Thomas: Unshattered

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

New East Gallery, 1601 E. 5th, Ste. 106

512-477-9438
www.diversearts.org

DiverseArts is pleased to announce the opening of our next exhibit, "Reji Thomas: Unshattered,"

A working artist in Austin for over 20 years, Reji Thomas has operated a successful glass art production business that has produced pieces for dignitaries and collectors around the globe. Thomas’ commercial work and her fine art production vividly illustrate her mastery of varied materials, methods and technology.

Her skill for sand blasting, hot glass casting, and welding produces glass pieces that distinguish her from her contemporaries—the work has a signature style, a “look.” Her abstract paintings exude emotion and empathy, and with the current work she magnifies this in over-sized pieces on canvas and wood. You can sample Reji’s work at amyholloway.com/reji/.

Please join us for the opening reception and take advantage of the chance to ask the artist questions about her methods and ideology.

The exhibit runs through May.


Apr 19-May 24 Installation 816: A Dialogue in an Urban Flux Space

816 Congress Ave.
brandon@wyattbrand.com

View works that will be installed at 816 Congress (by artists Barbara Strasen, Kathryn Henneman and Vasa Mihich) alongside work from emerging Austin artists Michelle Mayer, William Hundley, Sean Ripple and Michelle Brandt in the transitional, or ‘urban flux,’ space on a stripped 10,402 square foot unit on the 15th floor.

Installation 816 will attempt to create a dialog on how growth and development are shaping our downtown.

Also on view will be renderings for the 816 Congress renovation and art installation. Open for public viewing weekdays 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and weekends 12-5 p.m.

A public opening reception will be held on April 18 from 4-9 p.m. with free parking in the garage. Curated by Christina Hiett.


Apr 22-May 1 CapMetro Public Meetings/Hearing for August 2008 Service Changes (Fall)

CapMetro Public Meetings/Hearing for August 2008 Service Changes (Fall)

Capital Metro Main Administration Building - 2910 East 5th St.
planning@capmetro.org
512-474-1200

Capital Metro Planning Staff will be available to speak directly with citizens regarding route or schedule issues. Citizens are encouraged to attend any of the following meetings or to contact Capital Metro by e-mail at planning@capmetro.org or by calling 474-1200.

Public Meetings:

  • Tuesday, April 22, 2008 (Capital Metro Downtown Customer Service Center - 323 Congress Ave.), 11:30am - 1pm
  • Tuesday, April 22, 2008 (Capital Metro¿s Downtown Customer Service Center - 323 Congress Ave.), 5- 6:30pm
  • Thursday, April 24 (University of Texas Campus Bellmont Hall Building - BEL, Room 328, 2100 San Jacinto (San Jacinto / 21st Street), 5:30 - 7:30pm

Public Hearing: Monday, April 28, 2008 (Capital Metro Main Administration Building - 2910 East 5th St.), 5:00pm

Post Public Hearing Meeting: Thursday, May 1, 2008 (Capital Metro Downtown Customer Service Center - 323 Congress Ave.), 11:30am - 1pm


Apr 22-Jun 8 The University of Texas Faculty Triennial

Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK

(512) 471-7324
www.blantonmuseum.org

At The University of Texas at Austin are many respected artists of national and international reputation, who are successfully creating their own bodies of work while teaching and supervising the work of the next generation of artists. The Blanton’s popular faculty show will resume in the new museum on a triennial basis. A guest curator to be announced will select some of the finest works from among the faculty’s broad range of artistic production. This exhibition is coordinated by the Blanton Museum of Art. Coordinated by Kelly Baum, assistant curator of American and contemporary


Apr 22-Jun 22 The Language of Prints

Blanton Museum of Art, Congress & MLK

(512) 471-7324
www.blantonmuseum.org

This exhibition is planned to coincide with the 2008 annual meeting of the Print Council of America, to be hosted by the Blanton in May 2008. This meeting, the first in Texas in the 50 years of the Council, will focus on the Blanton’s print collection, widely recognized as one of the largest and most distinctive collections of prints on any university campus. The exhibition will include 100-120 of the museum’s finest prints, exemplifying multiple major techniques of printmaking and exploring the ways in which these fascinating works on paper reflect the culture of the time. This exhibition is organized by the Blanton Museum of Art. Curator: Jonathan Bober, curator of prints, drawings, and European paintings


Apr 23-May 21 Free Flamenco Classes with Ballet Austin

Free Flamenco Classes with Ballet Austin

6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Butler Dance Education Center and Community School, 501 West 3rd Street

512-476-9051 ext. 126
www.balletaustin.org

In celebration of the spirit of Spain and Ballet Austin's inaugural production of Don Quixote at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, the Butler Community School presents free flamenco classes.

Classes will be offered each Wednesday for five weeks and will be taught by Elisa Rodriguez. Elisa lived and danced in Seville, Spain for seven years.

The Flamenco class focuses on various elements of technique such as basic posture, braceo (arms), Maneo (hand movements), taconeo (footwork) and compas (rhythms).

Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Flamenco starting with Sevillanas, a famous dance that is performed typically in Seville, and the Tango Flamenco.

Discover the rich history, the fiery movements and complex rhythms that make Flamenco such an incredible dance form!


Apr 29-May 1 Family Music Festival

Family Music Festival

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside

512-476-6064
www.austinsymphony.org

The Austin Symphony is proud to present a music festival featuring the biggest names in children's entertainment!

Tuesday, April 29, 6 p.m.

Joe McDermott with special guest Joe Scruggs

Wednesday, April 30, 6 p.m.

Trout Fishing in America

Thursday, May 1, 6 p.m.

The Biscuit Brothers

Hear Austin's cherished family entertainers for the first time in the new Long Center for the Performing Arts!

Tickets are $8 for kids and $12 for adults.


Dec 31-May 30 "Inky and Stinky"'

Gallery Lombardi; 602A West 7th St.

(512) 481-1088
www.gallerylombardi.com

AA-S Best Bet - "Inky and Stinky": "Inky and Stinky" is the new exhibit at Gallery Lombardi. Curated by Dennis McNett, the exhibit features screen and relief cuts and print work. There are works on paper, wood and fabric, too. The exhibit includes artists Mike Houston, John Hancock, Penny Van Horn, Charles Hancock, Dennis McNett and Martin Mazorra.

— Ameera Butt


Feb 1-Nov 2 Before Freedom: Texas Slave Narratives

Before Freedom: Texas Slave Narratives

Texas Capitol Visitors Center, 112 E. 11th St.

512-305-8400
www.TexasCapitolVisitorsCenter.com

The Capitol Visitors Center's newest exhibit kicks during Black History Month and features a selection of personal interviews conducted during the 1930s and 1940s with former slaves.

In addition to the first-hand accounts, the exhibit includes photographs, dramatic readings, artifacts and audio recordings.


Feb 5-Aug 3 On the Road with the Beats

On the Road with the Beats

Harry Ransom Center - 21st and Guadalupe

512-232-3666
www.hrc.utexas.edu

This exhibition traces the travels of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs and their friends across America and the globe. Manuscripts, books, photographs and visual art tell the story of the Beat Generation and the literary and social revolution they inspired. the scroll manuscript of Kerouac's On the Road will be on display March 7 - June 1.


Feb 7-May 21 West African dance classes

West African dance classes

7:15 PM

Ballet Austin, 501 West 3rd Street
Vicki Parsons
512-476-9051
http://www.balletaustin.org

West African dance classes with live drum music!

FUN! A GREAT WORKOUT! MEET NEW PEOPLE! Develops strength, aerobic stamina, coordination, flexibility, and rhythmic awareness.

A central trait of African dance is that it is polycentric, meaning that the body is not treated as a "stiff" unit but is segmented into several centers of movement (shoulders, chest, pelvis, arms, legs etc.) that may be moved according to different rhythmical components of the music. The result is more complex movements "inside" the body, as opposed to the movement through space of the whole body that plays the most important role in many European dance styles.

The drumbeat provides the rhythm that holds the dancers together.


Feb 8-May 15 La Caja Museo Contemporáneo de Arte (The Box Contemporary Museum of Art)

La Caja Museo Contemporáneo de Arte (The Box Contemporary Museum of Art)

419 Congress Avenue

512-480-9373
www.mexic-artemuseum.org

Now showing at the Mexic-Arte Museum, La Caja Museo Contemporáneo de Arte (The Box Contemporary Museum of Art), curated by Martha Papadimitriou, is a museum inside a museum.

La Caja is made up of two parts: the Huge and the Small. Featuring prominent contemporary artists from Mexico, The Huge is an exhibition of twenty-one “regular” size paintings and sculptures displayed in a traditional museum gallery, and the Small is a miniature contemporary museum. The exhibition continues through May 15, 2008.

As part of La Caja, the Latino Art Wing in the back gallery – an invitational exhibit – is featuring miniature artworks by artists living in Texas, running through April 13.


Feb 11-May 24 Hip Hop Classes at Ballet Austin

Hip Hop Classes at Ballet Austin

8:30 PM

Ballet Austin, 501 West 3rd Street
Vicki Parsons
512 476-9051
http://www.balletaustin.org

Dance your way to a hot summer body at Ballet Austin!

Hip Hop is a contemporary, fun and energetic combination of street dance and jazz. No experience is necessary to join classes, meaning anyone can come for the fun, fitness and to meet new friends.

Punch cards are available for classes, ranging from $60 for 4 classes to $170 for 16 classes. Unlimited membership is also available.


Feb 12-May 24 Broadway Fit Class

Broadway Fit Class

12:00 PM

Ballet Austin, 501 West 3rd Street
Vicki Parsons
512-476-9051
http://www.balletaustin.org

Get fit while having fun at Ballet Austin! Hour-long lunchtime classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays make Broadway Fit a great way to shape up before summer.

Broadway Fit is taught by theatre dance instructors and Broadway veterans Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique. The focus of this fast-paced, hour-long class is to have fun and burn calories... all to a Broadway beat!

Starting with a warm-up that stretches and tones the body, this class develops proper body alignment, flexibility, balance and strength.

Exercises follow that isolate the different parts of the body and develop increasingly complex coordination of the arms, head and legs. Longer combinations that emphasize expressiveness in lyrical and dynamic Broadway styles are given in the center and across the floor.


Feb 16-May 11 New Art in Austin: 20 to Watch

New Art in Austin: 20 to Watch

Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Avenue

512.495.9224
http://www.amoa.org

New Art in Austin: 20 to Watch celebrates the innovations and explorations of twenty of Austin's emerging contemporary visual artists.

Artists in the 2008 triennial exhibition put their individual marks upon such classic themes of identity, personal narrative, found objects, subversion of authority, displacement, and the mechanical, digital, and natural worlds. After appearing at AMOA, the exhibition will travel to other venues throughout the state.


Feb 22-Feb 9 People's Gallery at Austin City Hall

People's Gallery at Austin City Hall

City Hall - 301 W. 2nd


www.ci.austin.tx.us/cityhall/aipp.htm

The City of Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office's Cultural Arts Division presents an annual exhibit to encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual art. The gallery showcases visual art that reflects the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin and promotes the City’s cultural and economic initiatives. A listing all of the art pieces and artists is available on the second floor of City Hall.


Jan 19-Sep 14 Play it By Ear at the Austin Children's Museum

Play it By Ear at the Austin Children's Museum

Austin Children's Museum - 201 Colorado Street

512-472-2499
www.austinkids.org

Listen … can you hear it? Bam, whiz and pow! At the Play it By Ear exhibit, visitors can touch, experiment and interact with works of sound art, create their own works of sound art and explore the science of hearing. Engaging children through the fascinating world of sounds, this exhibit demonstrates the scientific properties of sound production and reception through art and hands-on activities.


Mar 3-May 29 Pilates Boot Camp

Pilates Boot Camp

6:00 AM

Ballet Austin, 501 West 3rd Street
Vicki Parsons
512-476-9051 ext. 126
www.balletaustin.org

Just in time for summer, Ballet Austin offers an intensive Pilates boot camp to help shape and tone bodies for swimsuit season.

No prior pilates experience is needed for boot camp. The classes offer interval training indoors and outdoors, with a combination of high intensity cardiovascular workouts mixed with resistance and flexibility training: Running, jumping, stair climbing, core straightening and the use of props.

The cost is $390 for all 26 classes, which are held Mondays and Thursdays.


Mar 7-Jun 1 "On the Road" Scroll

The Ransom Center, 21st and Guadalupe Streets

512-471-8944
www.hrc.utexas.edu

The original scroll manuscript of On the Road by Jack Kerouac stops at the Ransom Center. The museum has the massive scroll temporarily to highlight its "On the Road with the Beats" exhibit.


May 1 West End Gallery Night: 1st Thursday

West End Gallery Night: 1st Thursday

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Haven Gallery, 1122 W. 6th St.
Haven Gallery
512-477-2700
www.havengalleryaustin.com

May’s featured space for West End Gallery Night: 1st Thursday is Haven Gallery.

Located in the historic West End district, Haven Gallery carries an eclectic mix of two- and three- dimensional fine art and fine craft, including blown glass, metal, wood, mixed media, paintings, ceramics and artisan jewelry.

In addition to showcasing local artists, owner Mindi Partee travels extensively, bringing extraordinary, unique artwork from all over the world home to Austin. In addition to this gallery, Gallery Night includes seven other galleries in the West End - all are within walking distance and ample parking is available.


May 1 KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: The South Austin Jug Band

KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: The South Austin Jug Band

7:00 PM

Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road

512-474-9991
www.theshadygrove.com

The South Austin Jug Band and Jason Eady play during the 2008 season of KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove.

Join us every Thursday night, for a free show starting at 8 p.m.! Enjoy great food and beverages ($2.00 Zeigenbocks and $3.00 pints of Bud Light). Get there early for a good parking spot - put a KGSR sticker on your car for KGSR CD Singles.

The outdoor, all-ages music series runs each Thursday at 8 p.m. starting April 10th and running through September 25th. Since its inception, "Unplugged At the Grove” has become one of Austin’s most eagerly anticipated annual musical traditions, having presented some of Texas’ and the country’s most acclaimed musicians, including Shawn Colvin, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek, Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale and scores of others.

Shady Grove is the home of great outdoor dining, nestled under the shade of a tall pecan grove, just minutes from downtown, modeled after State parks from the 1940s, and specializing in Texas cuisine.


May 1-May 25 Shakespeare Under the Stars

Shakespeare Under the Stars

Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park

512-450-4395
www.austinshakespeare.org

Austin Shakespeare presents "Much Ado About Nothing" during the 2008 season of Shakespeare Under the Stars, performed at Zilker Park's Sheffield Hillside Theatre.

Performances are Thursdays -Sunday at 8 p.m.

A special Mother's Day Matinee will be held on May 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are free.


May 2 Live From the Plaza

Live From the Plaza

12:00 PM

Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza, 301 W. Second St.
Vincent Kitch
512-974-9310
www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm

Each Friday, the Live Music Capital of the World invites you to relax outside City Hall and listen to live performances from local artists. Near the shores of Town Lake, City Hall's free concert series provides a nice afternoon in the city for visitors and residents alike.


May 2 “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” at The Long Center

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” at The Long Center

7:30 PM

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive

512-474-LONG (5664)
www.TheLongCenter.org

Children’s literary favorite Flat Stanley comes to life on stage in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, presented by Freescale.

Parents and children will embark on a fascinating journey across the world as Stanley is accidentally flattened and mailed around the world where he learns about different cultures and searches for a way to become a three-dimensional boy once more.

Join us before the show for milk and cookies and a surprise toy, generously provided by Whataburger, from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Long Center’s City Terrace. (Reserved for ticket patrons only.)

Tickets are $14-$17 and are available online or by phone.


May 2 Leo Kottke

Leo Kottke

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

Celebrate over 25 years of Leo at the Paramount!

This acoustic guitarist is widely known for his idiosyncratic fingerpicking style, which draws on blues, jazz and folk music influences, and his syncopated, polyphonic melodies.

Special guest Georgia Middleman will perform as well.

Tickets are $31.50-$41.50 and are available online.


May 2 Hot Science - Cool Talks Lecture Series:

Hot Science - Cool Talks Lecture Series:

5:45 PM - 8:15 PM

Welch Hall, 2.224, 24th Street & Speedway
Brian Zavala
(512) 471-4974
http://www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/ols/lectures/Gulick/

How did the extinction of dinosaurs really happen?

The theory explaining the extinction of 70 percent of life on Earth 65 million years ago may need to be modified with new findings of detailed three-dimensional seismic images of the Chicxulub crater, a mostly submerged and buried impact crater on the Mexico coast.

Dr. Gulick will discuss the theory, evidence, and future of the crater.

Activities for all ages from 5:45 - 7 p.m. and lecture from 7 - 8:15 p.m.


May 2 Tiny Brigades Art Show

Tiny Brigades Art Show

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Opera House, 2209 South 1st St.
leah.theoperahouse@gmail.com
512-440-1401
www.theoperahousestore.com

They will come in droves from near and far with tiny artworks to display.

Please join The Opera House on May 2 for their 4th annual Tiny Brigades art show!

This is an open call art show that anyone can enter. People can even submit artwork the day of the show (entry fee only $5)! The only requirement is the artwork must be "tiny," all mediums accepted. This is also a contest show with 4 lucky prize winners!

The opening will host a bevy of local performers all doing tiny sets (5 minutes or less) including: Dromez, Eric Ragsdale, Gary Barftits, Amanda Jones, Lu-lu Laroy and many more!

To participate please contact The Opera House at 512-440-1401 or leah.theoperahouse@gmail.com.


May 2 Holocaust Remembrance: Reading of the names

7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Texas State Capitol, 11th and Congress Ave.

512-795-9937 ext. 19
www.shalomaustin.org

Reading of the names of those who perished in the Holocaust.

The entire community is invited to participate in reading names throughout the day. Participants may choose to read in silence and out loud, independently and as a group.


May 3 Knitting Circle at the Faulk Central Library

Knitting Circle at the Faulk Central Library

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe
Patricia Fraga
512-974-7400
www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/news/nr20070817.htm

If you knit with needles or looms, crochet, or cross stitch you are welcome to participate in the Faulk Central Library's knitting circle. The goal of this group is to make friends, learn from each other and enjoy an hour sharing your projects and ideas.

The group meets for an hour every Friday at the event area of the Faulk Central Library on the second floor.

This is a brown bag program.


May 3 Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Square - 9th and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.


May 3 Flamingo-a-Go-Go

Flamingo-a-Go-Go

7:00 PM - 12:00 AM

AMLI Downtown, 201 Lavaca

512-452-9010
www.flamingoagogo.com

Let's face it: Everyone who's anyone on the "Planet" will drop in to Flamingo-a-Go-Go to mingle with celebrities, experience ultra premium spirits from SKYY Spirits, dance to the hottest DJ in Austin, hear live tunes from local superstars and taste the finest food Austin's restaurants have to offer. All this included in your ticket!

If you attend only one pink-flamingo-themed party this year, make it Flamingo-a-Go-Go!

This event is Planet Cancer's largest fundraiser which benefits people in their 20s and 30s with cancer. This year, there will be dance-till-you-drop music on a downtown rooftop, Austin's best food and spirits, and the Who's Who of Austin to meet.

Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple and are available online at flamingoagogo.com.


May 3 Free Stones Concert to celebrate Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience

Free Stones Concert to celebrate Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

512-936-8746
www.thestoryoftexas.com

Get yer ya yas out with a free Stones concert as you get ready for the giant screen concert experience of Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience.

Enjoy a free concert in the Lone Star Plaza of The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to hear The Stone Ravers, a Stones tribute band from right here in Austin.

Then check out Mick and the boys in a 7:20 performance of Shine a Light: The IMAX Experience in the IMAX Theatre.

Free for concert, regular admission applies for the film.


May 3 Theatre of Illusion

Theatre of Illusion

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

Things aren’t always what they seem, especially when the magic of illusion is involved.

Master magicians Kevin and Cindy Spencer, will bring their cutting-edge illusions, choreography, comedy, scenery, lighting and music to the stage in the tradition of Houdini and Blackstone.

Performances are at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24.50 - $46.50 and are available online.


May 3 Free Skin Cancer Screening

8:00 AM

University Medical Center at Brackenridge Hospital, 601 W. 15th

512-324-3073
www.austin.tx.us

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. When detected early and treated properly, even melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer is curable.

Screening exams will be conducted by local dermatologists.


May 3 "The Music of Led Zepplin" at the Long Center

8:00 PM

701 W. Riverside Drive Austin, TX 78704

512.474.LONG (5664)
http://www.TheLongCenter.org

Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, a live orchestra performs The Music of Led Zeppelin.

Amplified by a full rock band and accompanied by singer Glen DeLaune screaming vocals, creator Brent Havens conducts the ensemble as they capture Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power,” riff for riff while churning out new musical colors. The performance will be held in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall and tickets are $35.30-$55.50


May 3-May 4 Old Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival

East Sixth Street

512-443-6179
www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com

Hundreds of arts vendors take over historic Pecan Street, now known as Sixth Street. Live music, food, dance lessons, theatre and multicultural performances make this craft fair exciting for the entire family.


May 4 Pottery Confidential - Pyromania!

2:00 PM

Authenticity Gallery, 910 Congress

512-478-2787
www.authenticitygallery.com

Nationally known potters share why and how they fire their pots and why they do the things they do.

The free event is presented by Friends of Art of the Pot to educate the community about fine studio pottery and the artists who create it.

Immediately following is the opening of the Art of the Pot Reunion Exhibition and Sale.


May 4 TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls Cherry Bombs vs. Holy Rollers

TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls Cherry Bombs vs. Holy Rollers

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Austin Convention Center, 500 East Cesar Chavez Street
Sally Pike
512-699-5623
www.txrd.com

Rad vs. Plaid!

Get ready for the most anticipated bout of the season as the defending Calvello Cup Champion Holy Rollers take on the machine of utter destruction known as the Cherry Bombs.

Both these teams are undefeated so far, and many of our fans have predicted that this match-up will be repeated in the 2008 Calvello Cup.

Will the Holy Rollers keep their undefeated streak, or will the Cherry Bombs give the Rollers a proper smack-down?

Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door.


May 4 Mamapalooza Celebration of Austin's Creative Mother

1:00 PM

Symphony Square, 1101 Red River

512-471-8954
http://www.janseides.com/MamapaloozaInAustin.html

A family event celebrating mothers in the arts, MAMAPALOOZA will showcase local artists, vendors and performers, including singer-songwriters Sarah Hickman, Idgy Vaughn and Barbara Kooyman and many others.

Event proceeds will go to the Tandem Teen Prenatal & Parenting Program of People's Community Clinic, which serves the medical, educational, and psychosocial needs of pregnant and parenting teens and works to reduce the risk of subsequent unplanned pregnancies in Central Texas.

Designed to empower women through cooperative performance and merchandising opportunities, MAMAPALOOZA represents an international grass roots movement of musicians, performers, artists, comics, writers, craftspeople and athletes.

Tickets are $5 ages 13 and older, $2.50 ages 5-12 and children under 4 are free.


May 4 “Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano” at The Long Center

“Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano” at The Long Center

7:00 PM

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive

512-474-LONG
www.TheLongCenter.org

Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano has existed for nearly 43 years and is noted for demanding musical arrangements that highlight the individual skills and voices of the players.

The Long Center will celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a very special fiesta on the City Terrace culminating with a performance by Mariachi Los Camperos.

The Grammy-winning ensemble employs the finest musicians from Mexico and the United States and was one of four mariachis that collaborated with popular recording artist Linda Ronstadt on her album’s Canciones de Mi Padre and Mas Canciones. The performance will be held in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall and tickets are $25-$35.


May 4 Perros de Mayo

Perros de Mayo

1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Ginger Man, 304 W. 4th Street

512-473-8801
www.bluedogrescue.com

Perros de Mayo is a fundraiser to benefit Blue Dog Rescue.

Enjoy live music from Terri Hendrix with Lloyd Maines, Graham Wilkinson, Hilary York, Susan Gibson, Sally Allen and more. In addition, there will be beer, food, a raffle and silent auction.

All proceeds go directly to the dogs of Blue Dog Rescue


May 5 Free Comic Book Day at AustinPublicLibrary

Free Comic Book Day at AustinPublicLibrary

Austin Public Library
Patricia Fraga

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/news/nr20080422fcbd.htm

Saturday, May 3 is Free Comic Book Day, a day when comic book specialty shops and libraries across North America give away free comic books.

Help us celebrate this special day by visiting the Library’s partner, Austin Books and Comics, 5002 North Lamar Blvd., and pick up a free comic book.

If you can’t make it to Austin Books and Comics on May 3, drop by your local Austin Public Library on Monday, May 5 and pick up a free comic book.

While you are picking up a free comic, be sure and check out the Library’s graphic novel sections for adults (call number: GN), teens (call number: GNY), and children (call number: GNJ).


May 5 Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt & Lyle Lovett

Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt & Lyle Lovett

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

The Mount Rushmore of American songwriters and musicians gather for what is sure to be one of the hottest shows of the year.

Music legends Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett will perform together for two nights at the Paramount Theatre

Tickets are $41.50 - $102.50 and are available online.


May 5 Street Closings: American Public Transportation Association Annual Conference




From 5 a.m. until 5 p.m., Trinity Street will be closed between E. 2nd Street and E. 4th Street for a display of buses in conjunction with the conference.


May 5-May 31 Painting the Town: Austin Originals

Painting the Town: Austin Originals

Art on 5th, 1501 W. 5th St.
Jodi Brauner
512-481-1111
www.arton5th.com

Remember what makes Austin unique by celebrating its past and experiencing the changes shaping its future!

The featured artists in “Painting the Town: Austin Originals” include local landscape and cityspace artists Ethan Azarian, Paul Stankiewicz, Linda Dumont, Zita Raymond, John Hopkins, Dan Burns and up-and-coming figurative artist Anna Bleker.

The variety of techniques range from palette knife to pastel to acrylic and oil and the variety of styles is even broader, with Linda Dumont creating her signature bold and bright cityscapes, Paul Stankiewicz painting layers of Austin life and Anna Bleker’s contemplative figures.


May 6 Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt & Lyle Lovett

Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt & Lyle Lovett

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

The Mount Rushmore of American songwriters and musicians gather for what is sure to be one of the hottest shows of the year.

Music legends Guy Clark, Joe Ely, John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett will perform together for two nights at the Paramount Theatre

Tickets are $41.50 - $102.50 and are available online.


May 6-May 29 Live Music at Z Tejas

Live Music at Z Tejas

6:00 PM

Z Tejas, 1110 W. 6th Street
Lauren Churchin
512-478-5355
www.ztejas.com/z-tejas-6-street.html

Enjoy live music at Z Tejas every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m.

Enjoy Kris Kimura Quartet each Tuesday and on Wednesdays a performance by Will Sexton, Stephen Doster and Bill Carter.

Each Thursday in May, listen to a different band at Z Tejas:

May 8: Acoustic Jungle

May 15: Brewer Nation

May 22: Tres

May 29: Lucky Strikes


May 7 Poetry on the Plaza

12:00 PM

The Ransom Center, 21st and Guadalupe Streets

512-471-8944
www.hrc.utexas.edu

The Ransom Center's Poetry on the Plaza series presents an outdoor reading of Lost and Found.


May 8 KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: Band of Heathens

KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: Band of Heathens

7:00 PM

Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road

512-474-9991
www.theshadygrove.com

Band of Heathens and Josh Grider will play at the 2008 season of KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove series.

Join us every Thursday night, for a free show starting at 8 p.m.! Enjoy great food and beverages ($2.00 Zeigenbocks and $3.00 pints of Bud Light). Get there early for a good parking spot - put a KGSR sticker on your car for KGSR CD Singles.

The outdoor, all-ages music series runs each Thursday at 8 p.m. starting April 10th and running through September 25th. Since its inception, "Unplugged At the Grove” has become one of Austin’s most eagerly anticipated annual musical traditions, having presented some of Texas’ and the country’s most acclaimed musicians, including Shawn Colvin, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek, Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale and scores of others.

Shady Grove is the home of great outdoor dining, nestled under the shade of a tall pecan grove, just minutes from downtown, modeled after State parks from the 1940s, and specializing in Texas cuisine.


May 8-Jun 13 Finalists Entries Exhibited from Temporary Outdoor Gallery Space (TOGS) Ideas Competition

Austin Center for Architecture, 801 W. 12th Street
sara@aiaaustin.org
512-452-4332‎
www.artallianceaustin.org/aia_togs_competition.html

AIA Austin and Art Alliance Austin will enter into the next phase of a unique partnership that began in the summer of 2007: they will host a special viewing event for an exhibition of concepts for a ‘Temporary Outdoor Gallery Space’ (or TOGS) – one of which will be constructed for Art City Austin 09 (April 25-26, 2009).

Throughout the run of the exhibition, 44 of the submitted concepts will be available for viewing at The Gallery at Austin Center for Architecture, including the top three prizewinners, 12 honorable mentions, and 29 other designs that were submitted. Featured will be the design of The Grand Prize ($1,000) winning team of Amy Wynne and Mark Leveno from Los Angeles, California.

Also on view will be Second Prize winning concept by Toshihiro Kimura and Masaki Kanno of Yoyogi, Tokyo, Third Prize winning design of Peter Lingamfelter and Taylor Medlin of Berkeley, California, and concepts from twelve finalists from Chicago, IL; Brooklyn, NY; Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Highland Village, TX; New Haven, CT; Arlington, TX; Oschatz, Germany; New Providence, NJ; League City, TX; Nantes, France; Dallas, TX; and the team of Jay Colombo and Micah Land from Austin, TX. On view during the Special Viewing event only, will be all 140+ boards submitted.

Gallery Hours: Mon – Thu 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Special Viewing Event: May 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. RSVP for special viewing event at sara@aiaaustin.org.


May 9 Live From the Plaza

Live From the Plaza

12:00 PM

Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza, 301 W. Second St.
Vincent Kitch
512-974-9310
www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm

Each Friday, the Live Music Capital of the World invites you to relax outside City Hall and listen to live performances from local artists. Near the shores of Town Lake, City Hall's free concert series provides a nice afternoon in the city for visitors and residents alike.


May 9 Intergalactic Nemisis

Intergalactic Nemisis

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.austintheatre.org

It’s Star Wars meets Raiders of the Lost Ark with a little of The Incredibles thrown in for good measure. And it’s a rollicking good time.

For audiences from nine to 90, your imagination will be captured by the marvelous live sound effects as you are swept away by the waves of fun!

Tickets are $19-$41.50 and are available online.


May 9-May 10 School House Rock Live!

School House Rock Live!

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside

512-457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org

TexARTS Association presents a TexARTS Musical Theater Academy production of \"Schoolhouse Rock Live!\" the junior version, performed by students of the TexARTS Academy.

The production incorporates the favorite educational tunes from the beloved television cartoon series of the 1970\'s, including \"Just A Bill, \"\"Conjunction Junction,\" \"Interplanet Janet\" and more. This is a perfect show for youngsters and the young of heart!

Tickets are $11-$14 and are available by phone or online.

Showtimes are May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and May 10 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.


May 9-May 11 Ballet Austin presents Don Quixote

Ballet Austin presents Don Quixote

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside

1-866-443-8849
www.balletaustin.org

To dream the impossible dream… The grand story of the adventurous dreamer from La Mancha soars onto the stage with the pageantry and flare worthy of Ballet Austin's long-awaited inaugural performance at the Long Center.

First performed for royalty in 1869 by the “Father of classical ballet,” Marius Petipa, the exquisite sets and costumes heighten the excitement humor and beauty of this historic ballet.

Perfect for Mother’s Day weekend. We’re not just “tilting at windmills”...Join us as the dream of the Long Center…. is realized!

Tickets are $25-$75 and are available online. Performance times are 8 p.m. on May 9 and 10 and 3 p.m. on May 11.


May 10 Austin Farmers' Market

Austin Farmers' Market

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe)
512-236-0074

www.austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market (AFM), a growers-only market, is an exciting and bountiful place to buy your fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs and plants. When you shop at the AFM, you get the freshest, most delicious foods available from the growers themselves! There are plentiful prepared foods, farm products turned into jams, salsas and honey, and hand-made crafts. Chef's demos, children's activities, and live local musicians make supporting local growers fun!


May 10 Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Square - 9th and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.


May 10 Second Saturdays are for Families

Second Saturdays are for Families

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Austin Museum of Art - Downtown, 823 Congress Ave.

512-495-9224
www.amoa.org

ARTventures in Puppet Making

Little Hands, BIG Puppets. Visit New Art in Austin: 20 to Watch and see how artists use everyday materials in new, exciting ways to create unique works of art.

After spending time in the exhibition, stop by our Community Room to construct a puppet out of recycled, everyday materials and make your own new art!

And that’s not all -- guest puppet artists will be around to teach you how to “talk” with your puppet when you are finished!


May 10 Bon Gout: Glory of the French Baroque

8:00 PM

St. Mary Catholic Church, 203 E. 10th

512-342-2785
www.lafollia.org

Acclaimed Austin soprano Jenifer Thyssen joins La Follia in a concert of French Baroque music. "Bon gout," meaning good taste, was coined by the French to express their ideal of beauty, in this case music that flatters the ear with elegance, sensuality, irony, and charm.

La Follia performs quintessentially French works by Lully, Francois Couperin, Marais and Clerambault. Of special note is the exquisite "La Francoise" by Francois Couperin, as well as masterpiece "Leandre et Hero" by Louis-Nicolas Clerambault. Presented in partnership with the Musica Ecclesiae Concert Series of the Cathedral of St. Mary.

Tickets are $18 for general admission or $15 for student and seniors.


May 10 Willie Nelson: An Epic Life signing

Willie Nelson: An Epic Life signing

2:00 PM

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Store, 1800 N. Congress Ave.

512-936-4639
www.TheStoryofTexas.com

Explore the life of a true Texas legend as Willie Nelson's 75th birthday celebration is capped with the release of a new biography on the "Red Headed Stranger."

Meet author Joe Nick Patoski as he signs copies of his acclaimed biography Willie Nelson: An Epic Life. Patoski is in his fourth decade writing about Texas and Texans.


May 10 Mothers Day Arts and Antiques Fair

Mothers Day Arts and Antiques Fair

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Whit Hanks, 1009 W. 6th St.
Lauren Johnson
512-478-9448
www.HemisphereAustin.com

The Arts and Antiques Fair will feature festive tents filled with furniture, decorative items, art, lighting, garden pieces and other home accessories from many of Austin’s most prestigious galleries.

Participating galleries include Hemisphere by Whit Hanks, Pat Monroe Antiques, Jean-Marc Fray French Antiques, JEI Design Collection, House of Lamps and Antiques, Fancy Finds, David Alan Rugs, Shabby Slips, JB Art and Designs, Austin Galleries, Howl Interiors, Kathryn Goodnight Art and Antiques, Zanzibar Home and Gift, Lotus Gallery and Twenty Three 07.

In addition, shoppers will enjoy live music and refreshments from Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream and Seattle’s Best Coffee.


May 10 March of Dimes March for Babies

March of Dimes March for Babies

10:00 AM

Auditorium Shores-Riverside & South First St.

512-477-3221
http://www.marchforbabies.org

The March of Dimes renamed its premier fundraising event from WalkAmerica to March for Babies. Join us for our annual walk and stay after for food, music and company all for a great cause!

Babies and children are welcome.


May 10 Longhorn Rail Jam

Longhorn Rail Jam

6th Street and Trinity


www.texaswakeboardtour.com

The Longhorn Rail Jam is FREE to the public and will take place on Saturday night, May 10th on 6th Street (at Trinity). The rail jam set-up will include three portable pools filled with over 50,000 gallons of water and separated by a forty foot rail and a big air kicker.

The wakeboarders and wakeskaters will all be competing for over $3000 in cash and prizes. New to this year’s will be live music from Austin, TX. reggae/rock favorites, Eleven Fingered Charlie.


May 10 Lance Armstrong's Mellow Johnny's Grand Opening

Lance Armstrong's Mellow Johnny's Grand Opening

Mellow Johnny's, 400 Nueces


www.mellowjohnnys.com

Seven-time Tour de France champ Lance Armstrong will host a grand opening of his new bike shop, Mellow Johnny's.

The event will include appearances by Oakley’s R&D demo trailer, Trek’s complete line of demonstration bikes, and book signings and appearances throughout the day by Chris Carmichael, Michael Ward, Gary Fisher and Armstrong himself.

Armstrong hopes his shop will spur an urban movement where people come to see biking as not only a means of fitness, but a viable transportation option as well.

”It’s more than a place to buy a bike," Armstrong said. "I want it to be a place where cyclists of all levels come in and are encouraged, inspired, and motivated to make cycling a daily part of life. And of course—a place where racers and enthusiasts can get the best equipment, service, and know-how to go faster—or farther—on their bikes.”


May 10 Ralphie May

Ralphie May

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.austintheatre.org

Comedian Ralphie May will bring his act to Austin when he films a one-hour Comedy Central special at the Paramount Theatre.

Ralphie's popularity exploded after the success of NBC’s hit reality series, Last Comic Standing, when America thought he was robbed of the winner’s title during the first season. But, coming in second place has not stopped him from becoming one of the most recognizable comedians in the country.

Ralphie’s second CD and DVD titled Girth of a Nation, produced by Jack Records and Warner Bros. Records, was recently shot in Knoxville, TN and released on November 7, 2006. His first DVD, Just Correct, released in 2004 by Melee Entertainment, a division of Dreamworks, has reached platinum sales status.

Tickets are $31-$34 and are available online.


May 12 Austin Shakespeare Presents Plays Well with Shakespeare

Austin Shakespeare Presents Plays Well with Shakespeare

7:30 PM

BookPeople - 6th and Lamar
512-472-5050

www.bookpeople.com

Austin Shakespeare presents improv guru and author Les McGehee (National Comedy Theatre, author of "Plays Well with Others") at Austin's BookPeople to present "Plays Well with Shakespeare," a raucous and participatory tour of improvised Shakespeare.

In the spirit of shows like TV’s "Whose Line is It Anyway?" and Chicago's "The Second City," McGehee and Austin Shakespeare actors lead the "Plays Well with Shakespeare" audience through an evening of improv featuring hilarious guests, music, stories, audience participation, and free beverages from St. Arnold's Brewery. Cut loose and join McGehee and Austin Shakespeare at BookPeople for an evening of ad-lib revelry!

The event is free and open to the public.


May 13 DAA Transportation Breakfast

DAA Transportation Breakfast

8:00 AM

St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 East 7th Street in Sumner's Hall

512-469-1766 x211
www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/dap_urban_rail.htm

The Downtown Austin Alliance invites you to join City of Austin staff and members of the ROMA Design team as they present details of the proposal for inclusion of a rail-based circulator/connector in the Downtown Austin Plan.

You can view and download ROMA's 4/22/08 Town Hall Meeting presentation on urban rail at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/downtown/dap_urban_rail.htm

As proposed, the circulator would connect Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Downtown, the Capitol complex, and the Mueller redevelopment site. The line could be extended to other areas in future phases.

It is very important that the City receives feedback from the community as they and the consultants work to finalize this proposal. We strongly urge you to attend this event to learn more about the proposed plan and provide input as we reach this critical juncture in Austin's transportation future.

The event will be held at St. David's Episcopal Church, 304 East 7th Street in Sumner's Hall, 3rd Floor. Check-in and light breakfast served at 7:40. We encourage our guests to walk or take advantage of Capital Metro services. For those who need to drive, parking will be available at the Southwest Tower parking garage located 211 East 7th Street.

Please RSVP via email to rsvp@downtownaustin.com or call 512-469-1766 x211 by Monday, May 12 by 5 p.m.


May 14 Free Breathing and Meditation Workshop

Free Breathing and Meditation Workshop

7:00 PM

1810 San Gabriel St
courses@artoflivingaustun.org
512-366-3828
www.ArtOfLivingAustin.org/

The Breathing and Meditation Workshop is offered by Art of Living Foundation – a non-profit, educational, humanitarian organization (also one of the worlds largest & fastest growing NGO with presence in over 140 countries).

The free seminar will teach:

  • Simple breath workshop to let go of stress
  • Tools to relax the mind & bring clarity & focus
  • Interactive session & insight in power of breath
  • A guided Meditation

A downtown session will be held at the Art of Living Center located at 1810 San Gabriel St.


May 14 AFS Documentary Tour: UT Documentary Showcase

AFS Documentary Tour: UT Documentary Showcase

7:00 PM

Alamo Ritz, 320 E. 6th Street

512-322-0145
www.austinfilm.org/film/ut_documentary_showcase

Under the guidance of world-renowned filmmakers and professors like Paul Stekler, Ellen Spiro and Nancy Schieri, UT Austin has served as an incubator for a host of new documentary talent. The show is as follows:

LA VOIE DU NORD -- THE WAY NORTH

Directed by Shara Lange (USA, 2007, 60 min.) -- From Marseilles come the stories of Fatima and the women in her community of North African immigrants making new lives for themselves and their families in tense, complex, contemporary France.

ROAD TO TLACOTEPEC

Directed by Berndt Mader (USA, 2007, 37 min) – After the death of photographer Bob Mader in 2005, his son decided to deal with his grief by finishing his father’s last roll of film in the small Mexican village of Tlacotepec – a town his father had visited and photographed 40 years before. On his journey to this obscure Mexican village, Berndt is diverted to Belize where his sister has run into legal trouble in her adoption of a Mayan baby. After this detour and other misadventures, Berndt finally makes it to Tlacotepec, where he discovers possible connections to the past and answers to the questions of his own memory.

GIRLS OF DON BOSCO

Directed by Kendra Dorty (USA, 2007, 30 min.) –a short documentary highlighting the lives of a group of girls living in an orphanage in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico as they interact with each other, the Madres who oversee their care, and the volunteers that give their time at Casa Hogar and as they express their aspirations to grow far beyond the orphanage walls.

Filmmakers in attendance for Q&A after the show.

$4 for AFS members / $6 for the general public


May 15 KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: Ray Wylie Hubbard

KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: Ray Wylie Hubbard

7:00 PM

Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road

512-474-9991
www.theshadygrove.com

Ray Wylie Hubbard and Liz And Lincoln play during the 2008 season of KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove.

Join us every Thursday night, for a free show starting at 8 p.m.! Enjoy great food and beverages ($2.00 Zeigenbocks and $3.00 pints of Bud Light). Get there early for a good parking spot - put a KGSR sticker on your car for KGSR CD Singles.

The outdoor, all-ages music series runs each Thursday at 8 p.m. starting April 10th and running through September 25th. Since its inception, "Unplugged At the Grove” has become one of Austin’s most eagerly anticipated annual musical traditions, having presented some of Texas’ and the country’s most acclaimed musicians, including Shawn Colvin, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek, Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale and scores of others.

Shady Grove is the home of great outdoor dining, nestled under the shade of a tall pecan grove, just minutes from downtown, modeled after State parks from the 1940s, and specializing in Texas cuisine.


May 15 MODA-VINO GRAND Event Featuring Fashion and Wine

MODA-VINO GRAND Event Featuring Fashion and Wine

7:30 PM

Pangaea, 409 Colorado St., Austin
Chuck Haidet
512-472-8882
www.keepersclothing.com/modavino/

Culmination of the Italian Trade Commission's weeklong MODA-VINO celebration of the country's premium fashion and wines in Austin will be a grand event held in the city's Warehouse District featuring a runway fashion show and after-party.

The MODA-VINO GRAND EVENT will also have a tasting of fine Italian wines and hors d'oeuvres followed by the hour-long fashion show of Ermenegildo Zegna and other designers from Keepers men's clothing, plus Versace at 9.

Tickets are $60 for general admission tickets and $100 for couples and are available at 512-472-8882.

Tickets for the after-party from 10 p.m. to midnight, with a local artist live-sketching, special drinks and house music by one of Pangaea's celebrated DJs, are $20.

A silent auction of artwork depicting Italian landscapes, architecture, culture, cuisine and more donated by local artists and displayed during MODA-VINO week will be held 8-9:30 during the Grand Event.

Proceeds from Grand Event ticket sales and the art auction will be presented to Heart House Austin to benefit its innovative, free after-school program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic support to low-income children and encouraging them to become good citizens.

"As a small nonprofit, Heart House depends on contributions from supporters and gracious sponsors of the community whose philanthropy impacts the lives of so many children and working families," says Anna Land, Heart House founder. "We are truly honored to be chosen by Keepers as its MODA-VINO beneficiary."

For more information, visit www.hearthouse.org

Grand Event emcee will be Kevin Conner, vice president for programming for Austin's ME Television and a DJ on 90.5 KUT-FM. Italian wines such as a 2006 Capasoldo Pinot Grigio from Veneto will be provided by Cork and Co., and Italian hors d'oeuvres served by students in the Austin Community College Hospitality Management Department. The sleek, powerful Italian looks of championship- and award-winning Ducati motorcycles will be showcased.

Keepers men's clothing, which opened in Austin in 1995 and opened its downtown flagship store in 2005, has been acknowledged by the Italian Trade Commission several times over the years for its promotion of the high quality, exceptional value, creative design and world-renowned craftsmanship of Italian-made clothing, leather goods and accessories.


May 16 Live From the Plaza

Live From the Plaza

12:00 PM

Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza, 301 W. Second St.
Vincent Kitch
512-974-9310
www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm

Each Friday, the Live Music Capital of the World invites you to relax outside City Hall and listen to live performances from local artists. Near the shores of Town Lake, City Hall's free concert series provides a nice afternoon in the city for visitors and residents alike.


May 16 Bike to Work Day/Breakfast Stations

Bike to Work Day/Breakfast Stations

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Various Locations Downtown
Monica Leo, austinbikemonth@gmail.com
512-635-4738
www.austincycling.org

The best-known event during Bike Month is Bike to Work Day. Mark your calendars now and plan your route to include a stop at one of several breakfast stations around town.

The Austin Cycling Association is coordinating the event, with the gracious support of breakfast station sponsors.

Stations locations:

  • Whole Foods (6th and Lamar) (Plus minor bike repair and adjustments by REI bike mechanics)
  • City Hall Plaza (sponsored by City of Austin employees)
  • One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Rd.)
  • Texas Bicycle Coalition (1902 E. 6th)
  • Mellow Johnny's (4th and Nueces)
  • Wheatsville Coop (3101 Guadalupe)
  • Bicycle Sport Shop (517 S. Lamar)
  • Shoal Creek Blvd. at the Far West Bridge (sponsored by Clif Bar)
  • Music City Cycles (6301 W. Parmer Ln., #504)
  • Jo's Coffee (1300 S. Congress, sponsored by Jo's and Clif Bar)
  • Freewheeling Bicycles (24th and San Gabriel)

Visit www.austincycling.org for additional breakfast stops.


May 16-May 18 RIVER CITY POPS Presents

RIVER CITY POPS Presents

Scottish Rite Theater - 207 W. 18th St.

512-350-7677
www.rivercitypops.org/

River City Pops, Austin's popular song and dance ensemble is pleased to announce our upcoming May production. "Cabaresque" will take audiences on an intimate musical journey that will lift spirits of all ages with music of all types including Latin, jazz, pop, swing and rock 'n roll. This group's eclectic music selection is sure to please all kinds of music lovers. So come celebrate with us at the historic Scottish Rite Theater with its beautiful intimate setting. Bring your family, that special loved one or a date.

Show Times:

  • Friday, May 16 at 8 pm
  • Saturday, May 17 at 4 pm and 8 pm
  • Sunday, May 18 at 7 pm

Ticket Prices: $20 General Admission; $15 students, Seniors, groups of 10 or more; $10 children under 12.


May 17 Austin Farmers' Market

Austin Farmers' Market

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe)
512-236-0074

www.austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market (AFM), a growers-only market, is an exciting and bountiful place to buy your fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs and plants. When you shop at the AFM, you get the freshest, most delicious foods available from the growers themselves! There are plentiful prepared foods, farm products turned into jams, salsas and honey, and hand-made crafts. Chef's demos, children's activities, and live local musicians make supporting local growers fun!


May 17 O Henry Pun Off

Brush Square, 409 E. 5th St.

512-472-1903
www.punpunpun.com

The Pun Off World Championships hit O Henry's hometown of Austin. Contestants compete to win one of two different titles: "Punniest of Show" and "Punslinger."

As one of Austin's oldest public events, the competition is open to anyone wishing to cheer on the punny competitors.


May 17 Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Square - 9th and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.


May 17 Bulldog Miracle Mile

Bulldog Miracle Mile

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Congress Avenue
Jitin Hingorani
512-329-8635
www.miraclefoundation.org

The Miracle Foundation, in partnership with RunTex and Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing, encourages you to sign up for the "shortest race ever."

The walk/run begins at the State Capitol and ends on the south side of the Congress Avenue Bridge. It is a very kid-friendly, pet-friendly walk/run, and all the money raised goes directly to the work the Miracle Foundation is doing to improve the standards of orphans living in India.

All who participate will receive a free t-shirt, running bib, cape and a goodie bag.

Post-event party hosted by Sherry Matthews Advocacy Marketing on the Congress Avenue Bridge with acitivities for children and free gelato (Italian ice cream) for all!

Registration price for adults is $20, for children $10 and for pets $5.

Registration is available online.


May 17 Mighty Texas Dog Walk

Mighty Texas Dog Walk

10:30 AM

Congress Avenue Bridge


www.servicedogs.org/dogwalk08/index.html

Austinites will try to break a world record for the most dogs walked in the 10th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk.

Thousands will turn out in hopes of beating the current record of 10,272 dogs.

All proceeds benefit the Texas Hearing and Service Dogs.

Registration is $25 in advance or $30 on-site per dog.


May 17 Congress Avenue Mile and Lone Star 5,000

Congress Avenue Mile and Lone Star 5,000

8:00 AM

Congress Avenue


www.congressavenuemile.com

The 2008 Puma Congress Avenue Mile is one of Austin's longest standing running events. The Puma Congress Avenue Mile features walkers, joggers, fast runners and The Texas High School Elite Mile Challenge.

In addition to the 2nd Annual Lone Star 5000, May 17th will also feature the Mighty Texas Dog Walk. Sign up today for best pricing and come out for a great day of running.

The Lone Star 5,000 follows the same route as the Congress Mile, but continues for a 5K. The race will start on Congress Avenue near Town Lake, run up Congress Avenue around the Capitol area and return back down Congress for a fast last mile.

Registration is $25 or $30 during race week. To run in the Lone Star 5K as well, the price is an additional $10.


May 17 Paramount Theatre's 92nd & State Theatre's 72nd Anniversary Gala

Paramount Theatre's 92nd & State Theatre's 72nd Anniversary Gala

6:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue
Maica Jordan
512-472-5470
www.austintheatre.org

Legendary performer Kris Kristofferson, currently touring in support of his first studio album of new material in 11 years, will perform on the historic Paramount Theatre stage for the Paramount and State theatres’ Gala.

Local talent and rising star Idgy Vaughn will open for Kristofferson and Dynfunkshun Junkshun will play the post-party on Congress Avenue.

Paramount doors open at 6 p.m., show begins at 6:30 p.m. with live auction to follow. The tent officially opens at 8:45 p.m.

The annual Gala celebrates the birthdays of the Paramount and State theatres, which turn 92 and 72 years old, respectively, this year.

In what the organizers say will be the largest tented event ever on Congress Avenue, there will also be live and silent auctions, dinner, drinks and dancing. Funds raised will support the preservation of both theatres, which operate under the umbrella of the Austin Theatre Alliance.

For sponsorships and ticket information, go to www.austintheatre.org or contact Maica Jordan, development director, at 512-692-0519 or mjordan@austintheatre.org.


May 18 Austin Blues Society 2nd Annual Fundraiser

Austin Blues Society 2nd Annual Fundraiser

7:00 PM

Antone's - 213 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX
Patrice Bartling
512-470-8831
www.austinbluessociety.org/

After the first year of successful events and activities, the Austin Blues Society will hold its second fund raising and membership drive concert at Antone’s nightclub, on Sunday, May 18, 2008. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:00. This is an all ages concert and, as was true for last year’s event, will boast a stellar lineup of some of the area’s best Blues musicians.

The May 18th fundraiser promises to be another exciting night of Blues music and will feature the following star performers:

Marcia Ball, W.C. Clark, Angela Strehli, Carolyn Wonderland, Alan Haynes, Mark Hayes, Derek O'Brien, Omar Kent Dykes, Sarah Brown, Nick Connolly, Riley Osborne, George Rains, Erin Jaimes, Hosea Hargrove and very special guests.

Tickets are $10 in advance through Front Gate Tickets. Tickets are also available at the door: $10 for members and $15 for non-members.


May 18 “Cherryholmes” at The Long Center for the Performing Arts

7:00 PM

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
The Long Center
512-474-LONG
www.TheLongCenter.org


In five short years, this high-energy, Nashville-based band was named Entertainers of the Year in 2005 by IBMA.

Making their Austin debut, Cherryholmes has many qualities that make them unique, but the basis of their success lies in plain, old-fashioned hard work combined with shining star talent that only appears to glow more brightly with each performance. The performance will be held in the Michael & Susan Dell Hall and tickets are $15-$25.


May 19-May 31 Men's Downtown Basketball League Registration

Men's Downtown Basketball League Registration

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

1301 Shoal Creek Blvd
Tracy Partin
512-476-5662
http://www.leaguelineup.com/arcbasketball

Austin Recreation Center will be holding registration for it's brand new basketball league that will hold games on Wednesday evenings starting June 11.

Registration is $285 per team. Games will be played at 1301 Shoal Creek.


May 20 “3 Redneck Tenors” at The Long Center

8:00 PM

Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Drive
The Long Center
512-474-LONG
www.TheLongCenter.org

In the melodic wake of the three operatic tenors comes a new breed of tenors from more humble origins - 3 Redneck Tenors - A New Musical Adventure.

The musical comedy featuring classically trained veteran artists from Broadway and world opera stages is like Greater Tuna meets Das Barbecu - down home laughs with big city music!


May 22 The Forum at St. David's

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

301 E. 2nd St.
Barbara Grove
512-472-1196
www.stdave.org

The Long Road to The Long Center: Creating a Home for the Arts and Artists in Austin.

Engaging speakers Peter Bay, renowned Music Director of The Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Dwayne Cooper, Director of Finance for The Long Center, will share their adventures in working to make the Center a reality and give us a glimpse of the future.

Lunch is served in Crail Hall beginning at 11:45 p.m.. The cost is $8. Parking is free in St. David's Parking Garage.

The Forum is open to members of St. David's Episcopal Church (7th and San Jacinto), friends and the downtown community.

We need your reservations by May 20. Call Susie at 472-1196 or use our website at www.stdave.org.


May 22 KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: The Derailers

KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove: The Derailers

8:00 PM

Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road

512-474-9991
www.theshadygrove.com

The Derailers play during the 2008 season of KGSR's Unplugged at the Grove.

Join us every Thursday night, for a free show starting at 8 p.m.! Enjoy great food and beverages ($2.00 Zeigenbocks and $3.00 pints of Bud Light). Get there early for a good parking spot - put a KGSR sticker on your car for KGSR CD Singles.

The outdoor, all-ages music series runs each Thursday at 8 p.m. starting April 10th and running through September 25th. Since its inception, "Unplugged At the Grove” has become one of Austin’s most eagerly anticipated annual musical traditions, having presented some of Texas’ and the country’s most acclaimed musicians, including Shawn Colvin, Dave Alvin, Joe Ely, the Dixie Chicks, Nickel Creek, Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale and scores of others.

Shady Grove is the home of great outdoor dining, nestled under the shade of a tall pecan grove, just minutes from downtown, modeled after State parks from the 1940s, and specializing in Texas cuisine.


May 22-May 30 View the Green Water Treatment Plant & ECC redevelopment proposals

View the Green Water Treatment Plant & ECC redevelopment proposals

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

301 W. Second St.
Amber King
512-974-7870
www.cityofaustin.org/seaholm

The Austin City Council will hear presentations from the five developers who submitted redevelopment proposals for the Green Water Treatment Plant and Energy Control Center sites starting at 1 p.m. on May 22. The presentations will be in the Council Chambers of Austin City Hall during the regular Council meeting.

After the meeting, the developers will provide informational displays in the lobby of City Hall for public viewing through May 30. Visitors may submit comments about the proposals in the lobby of City Hall while they are on display.

There will also be information about the proposals on the City of Austin Seaholm District web site and opportunity to provide comments online during the same time period at http://www.cityofaustin.org/seaholm.

The Austin City Council aims to select the winning proposal in June. Negotiations with the successful proposer would begin immediately after the selection, working toward the goal of initiating construction in 2010.


May 23 Live From the Plaza

Live From the Plaza

12:00 PM

Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza, 301 W. Second St.
Vincent Kitch
512-974-9310
www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm

Each Friday, the Live Music Capital of the World invites you to relax outside City Hall and listen to live performances from local artists. Near the shores of Town Lake, City Hall's free concert series provides a nice afternoon in the city for visitors and residents alike.


May 23 Evening Under the Oaks Concert with Rachel Lynn

Evening Under the Oaks Concert with Rachel Lynn

8:00 PM

French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St., Austin, Texas 78702
Cullen Sartor
512-472-8180
www.frenchlegationmuseum.org

Rachel Lynn is playing once again at the French Legation Museum, so join her on a summer evening on the cool green grass under the cover of the historic oak trees for a compelling evening of acoustic Folk/ Rock music.

Blankets, chairs and picnics are encouraged and you may bring beverages of your choice.

Tickets are $3 per person. OUTDOOR EVENT. RAIN OR SHINE.

www.myspace.com/rachellynnmusic


May 23 Cienfuegos at Dona Emilia's

8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

101 San Jacinto Blvd

512-478-2520
http://www.donaemilias.com

Cienfuegos will be playing in the Atrium Lounge at Dona Emilia's! Come dance the night away while enjoying great drink and appetizer specials. Admission is free.


May 24 Austin Farmers' Market

Austin Farmers' Market

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe)

512-236-0074
www.austinfarmersmarket.org

The Austin Farmers' Market (AFM), a growers-only market, is an exciting and bountiful place to buy your fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs and plants. When you shop at the AFM, you get the freshest, most delicious foods available from the growers themselves! There are plentiful prepared foods, farm products turned into jams, salsas and honey, and hand-made crafts. Chef's demos, children's activities, and live local musicians make supporting local growers fun!


May 24 Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Square - 9th and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.


May 24-Aug 17 Lewitt X2 Exhibit

Lewitt X2 Exhibit

Austin Museum of Art - 823 Congress Avenue

512-495-9224
http://www.amoa.org

This two part exhibition focuses both on the artworks of Sol LeWitt and on his personal collection of contemporary art. Sol LeWitt: Structure and Line documents the full arc of the artist's career.

Renowned for his contribution to minimalism and conceptual art, LeWitt's pencil drawings, brilliantly colored gouaches, and "structures" made of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass have defined and pushed the limits of art-making for over forty years.

Throughout his career critics have admired how his work synthesizes left and right brain creativity and provokes both intellectual and emotional responses. Selections from the LeWitt Collection showcases works by an exciting array of national and international artists including Alice Aycock, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Alighiero Boetti, Chuck Close, Gilbert & George, Hans Haacke, Eva Hesse, On Kawara, Shirin Neshat, and Robert Ryman.

LeWitt x 2 has been organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art.


May 25 Shoreline Downtown

Shoreline Downtown

6:00 PM

Momo's 6th and Rio Grande
Stacy McVane
512-310-2244 x260
www.shorelinedowntown.com

Shoreline Downtown. A church service in the heart of the city. Come as you are and become the person you want to be.


May 27 Austin Air Guitar Championships 2008

Austin Air Guitar Championships 2008

9:45 PM

Alamo Drafthouse- Ritz; 320 E 6th St.

(512) 867-1839
www.drafthouse.com

Now a $100 cash prize each month for the thrillingest shredder!!!

Plus! Special pre-show party prior to the show from 7:30-9:30PM featuring Karaoke Apocalypse, hairstyling by Bird's Barbershop and appetizers from the Alamo. Secret location!! Must be 18+ and buy your tickets in advance to receive invitation. 3 blocks from the Ritz!

Compete in (or just sit back and revel in) the Austin Air Guitar Championships. Contestants choose a track with hot licks, crank on the fog machine, grab their air-axes and ROCK OUT! Fabulous prizes, a trophy with an actual air guitar on the top and the green light with flocks of air-guitar groupies are yours if you win.

$5 Cover.


May 28 "Swell" Swings Jazz Standards at Terrazas Branch

7:00 PM

1105 East Cesar Chavez St.
Kanya Lyons
512-974-3625
www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/news/nr20080513_1.htm

Hey there all you cool hepcats, swing to the tunes you've always loved or never knew you loved with librarian Alison O'Reilly on vocals and Jacob Wise on guitar. Join us for an hour of jazz standards with Swell Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the Terrazas Branch, 1105 East Cesar Chavez St. Free and open to the public. For more information call 512-974-3625 or visit www.cityofaustin.org/library.


May 28-Jun 1 5x7 Art Splurge and Exhibition

5x7 Art Splurge and Exhibition

700 Congress Avenue
Melissa Berry
512-453-5312
www.arthousetexas

This is your last chance to select from over 900 original works of art created by Texas-based artists supporting Arthouse, Texas' oldest statewide visual arts organization. 5x7 is an art sale and exhibition benefiting Arthouse exhibitions and educational programs.

More than six hundred recognized contemporary artists with strong Texas ties create unique works of art on identical 5" x 7" boards. Each board is only $100. With over 900 works to choose from, this is your chance to build or add to your art collection. All pieces are displayed anonymously - only when you purchase a work of art will you discover who created it.

The exhibition and sale will end Sunday, June 1, 2008 . . . don't miss it!


May 29 Pecha Kucha Night

7:15 PM

One Congress Plaza - 111 Congress Avenue
cleefraser@mac.com

www.pechakuchaaustin.org/pechakuchaaustin/Home.html

The Pecha Kucha virus has spread to the Third Coast. Begun in Tokyo in 2003, Pecha Kucha Night (pecha kucha is a Japanese phrase meaning chit-chat) is a controlled creative convergence of designers, architects and other designers and artists.

Presenters are invited to show their work in a very tight format – 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide. And then the next presenter is up. It's like speed dating, but more fun. An evening will feature 10 or so presenters in an informal environment, watched by an energetic and imbibing crowd. Austin is joining a host of cities to celebrate, support and enjoy the work of local designers and creatives.

The PKN Austin organizing group is serving to solicit presenters and curate the shows. The Austin edition will have a minimum of four shows. Each show starts promptly at 20:20, with doors opening an hour before. Pecha Kucha Nights will feature 10-12 presenters, with a brief break halfway through. Space is limited.

Presenters include: Presenters (updated): Arthur Andersson (architect), Andy Coolquitt (artist), Marc English (designer), Randal Ford (photographer), Erik Grostic (musician), Camille Urban Jobe (architect), Mark Macek (product designer), Wura-Natasha Ogunji (artist), Chris Taylor (architect/educator), Liliana Wilson (artist), David and Nathan Zellner (filmmakers).


May 29 Return to Forever

Return to Forever

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

Return to Forever, one of the most influential jazz groups of the 1970s, have long heard calls from their many fans for a reunion tour.

Now those calls have been answered with the classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White reuniting to kick off their first tour together in more than 25 years at the Paramount Theatre.

Tickets are $41.50-$132.50 and are available online.


May 29 Shards: Act 3 of the Love Sonatas

Shards: Act 3 of the Love Sonatas

8:00 PM

The Long Center - 701 W. Riverside Drive
Long Center for the Performing Arts
512-474-LONG
thelongcenter.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=22395&eid=27352

Composed of snapshots of twenty people's lives, The Love Sonatas share characters, but more importantly, they share the common struggle of connecting and answering the question, "What is love?"

This is the story of Morgan who loves Karen who loves David who loves Anna who thinks she still loves Rodolfo. All the rules have been thrown out in this twisted tango, save one. Find true love. But as they cope with the fallout from their mounting betrayals, the truth might not be enough to set these lovers free.

Mention "AFF" when purchasing a ticket to have a portion of the profits donated to the Austin Film Festival!


May 30 Live From the Plaza

Live From the Plaza

12:00 PM

Austin City Hall's outdoor plaza, 301 W. Second St.
Vincent Kitch
512-974-9310
www.cityofaustin.org/music/live.htm

Each Friday, the Live Music Capital of the World invites you to relax outside City Hall and listen to live performances from local artists. Near the shores of Town Lake, City Hall's free concert series provides a nice afternoon in the city for visitors and residents alike.


May 30 Butoh Dance

Butoh Dance

8:00 PM

1301 East 4th St.
David Ohlerking
512-296-6624
austinfigurativegallery.com

David DeBlieck, Ellen Bartel, Caroline Sutton Clark, and Mari Akita will perform Butoh Dance at the new Austin Figurative Gallery.


May 30 Return to Forever

Return to Forever

8:00 PM

Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue

866-4GET-TIX
www.theparamount.org

Return to Forever, one of the most influential jazz groups of the 1970s, have long heard calls from their many fans for a reunion tour.

Now those calls have been answered with the classic lineup of keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, guitarist Al Di Meola and drummer Lenny White reuniting to kick off their first tour together in more than 25 years at the Paramount Theatre.

Tickets are $41.50-$132.50 and are available online.


May 30-May 31 Ballet Under the Stars: A Community of Dance

8:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Zilker Hillside Theater - 2206 William Barton Drive
austinmetamorphosisdance@yahoo.com

www.amde.org

AMDE is continuing their tradition of sharing an evening of dance under the night time skies with their annual production, Ballet Under the Stars, May 30 – 31 at the Zilker Hillside Theater (just across the parking lot from Barton Springs Pool).

Ballet Under the Stars has been an Austin favorite for years and this year’s production will feature more local artists with a mixed repertory of old and new works. AMDE has enlisted the choreographic talents of Leona Martin, Erin Mayo, Danielle Ricci, Diana Wang, Austin Jazz Ballet, BHumn Dance and more. This will be a night of great entertainment, so mark your calendars. And it’s FREE!

General seating on the lawn is available 30 minutes prior to each show.


May 30-Jun 7 Austin Lyric Opera & Esther's Follies Present THE BAT

Austin Lyric Opera & Esther's Follies Present THE BAT

The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Molly Browning, Dir of Mkt & PR
512- 472-5992
www.AustinLyricOpera.org

Austin Lyric Opera and Esther's Follies share the spotlight for an Austin-tacious take on Strauss' memorable masterpiece, The Bat. The hilarious cast of characters includes the newest tech millionaire in town, a swaggering, larger than life oilman, and a heartsick, yodeling cowboy. Our production features lyrics brimming with Austin witticisms sure to delight one and all, courtesy of Esther's. In a city that revers all things batty, this promises to be an ALO season highlight.


May 30-Jun 28 Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection Exhibit and Sale

Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection Exhibit and Sale

1137 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas

512-478-4440
http://russell-collection.com

The Russell Collection is excited to announce “Salvador Dali: The Argillet Collection”. Christine Argillet is the daughter of the prominent art collector and publisher, Pierre Argillet. His friendship and working relationship with Dali spanned five decades. Argillet’s group of Dali's etchings consists of more than 200 rare titles. Dali’s fascinating creations from the 1960s, and work by many other Surrealists will be on display. Free to the public, all art is for sale. Personal appearance and reception with Christine Argillet from 6-9 p.m. on May 30 and 31st. Please RSVP at 512.478.4440

    Gallery Hours Tues-Saturday 10-6. 1137 West 6th, Austin, Texas 78703. 512.478.4440. www.russell-collection.com


May 31 Movies in the Park: Best in Show

Movies in the Park: Best in Show

7:30 PM

Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe)

512-477-1566
www.austinparks.org/moviesinthepark.html

This free event will be a dog extravaganza! Bring your pooch or fall in love with a pound-pup from the rescue groups attending.

This wildly funny film by Christopher Guest is sure to entertain. It is rated PG-13.

Amusing pre-show antics start at 7:30 pm and movies start at dusk. Arrive early and have a picnic!

Republic Square Park is located at 5th and Guadalupe St. There is free parking on surrounding streets.

Dogs, picnics, and lawn chairs are welcome. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Dog Almighty (hot dogs, veggie dogs, chili, popcorn and drinks), Maine Root (locally brewed root beer) and Lifeworks Ben and Jerry's (mmmm, ice cream).


May 31 Free Pedal-Powered Extravaganza at Republic Square Park

Free Pedal-Powered Extravaganza at Republic Square Park

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Republic Square (4th and Guadalupe)


Join Austin Bike Zoo for a fun, free, family-friendly bike extravaganza at the Downtown Austin Farmer’s Market at Republic Square Park in celebration of National Bike Month.

Enjoy local produce, live music, bike rides, chef demos and more with a unique variety of pedal-powered bike vehicles and appliances. Bike to Republic Square Park and learn more about Austin’s favorite form of alternative transportation!

Activities include:

  • Rides on Austin Bike Zoo’s, 80 foot, pedal-powered “Rattlesnake”
  • Chef demonstrations for berry smoothies using a human-powered bike blender
  • Live music from the Austin Bike Zoo bike stage
  • Bike puppetry, info booths, and more!


May 31 Opening celebration for exhibit, Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV

Opening celebration for exhibit, Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Robert Hicks
512-936-8746
http://www.thestoryoftexas.com

The special exhibition Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV marks 30 years of an international television phenomenon. Celebrate big hair and 80s Texas glam during opening day activities on Saturday, May 31 from 1-4 pm. Free for activities, regular admission to see the exhibit ($4-$7).The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.


May 31 Stroke-related Paintings

Stroke-related Paintings

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

1301 East 4th Street
David Ohlerking
512-296-6624
austinfigurativegallery.com

Paintings of the actresses who play the smack talking models in the play named "Stroke" from the "Love Sonatas" series running at the Long Center. Done by the painter who did the paintings for the "Jose" character in the play. Brought to you by the lovely HBMG folks and the AFG. David Ohlerking II


May 31 Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

Giant Chess in Wooldridge Square

12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Wooldridge Square - 9th and Guadalupe


www.giantchess.org

The battle rages every Saturday from about 12:30 to 3:30. There's no telling who'll show up -- sometimes the players are new to the game, sometimes they're advanced, usually they're in-between -- so every game is an adventure.

Join in on the fun at one of downtown Austin's beautiful historic squares named after Alexander P. Wooldridge who served as Mayor of Austin from 1909 to 1919. Over the years, the park has been the setting for countless speeches, rallies, concerts, festivals, weddings, and chess matches.


May 31 AAFAME Adventure Quest

AAFAME Adventure Quest

9:00 AM


Amy Ables
512-828-7455
aafame.affiniscape.com/cde.cfm?event=210844

The AAFAME Adventure Quest is an urban adventure race where teams of 2 complete various tasks and puzzles throughout downtown Austin. Obstacles will include a rock climbing wall,an inflatable obstacle course, brain drains and more. Secret checkpoints will challenge participants to think on their feet.

Participants can register as a Competitive or Amateur team. Prizes for Competitive teams will be a $500 Adventure Quest Travel Certificate for 1st place. The 1st place Amateur Team will receive a $250 Adventure Quest Package. This category is designed for families and other teams who might not be "as competitive" as typical race participants. Other prizes will be awarded for placing teams. Participation costs $50 per team.

The Adventure Quest benefits the Angelheart Children's Shelter. This year, AAFAME (the Austin Association of Facility and Maintenance Engineers) will use all proceeds to provide an Energy Makeover to the shelter. This makeover will provide green initiatives and energy efficient equipment that will lower the total costs of operations for the shelter from now and into the future.


May 31 Adventure Quest

Adventure Quest

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

301 Congress Ave
Amy Ables
512-828-7455
www.aafame.affiniscape.com/cde.cfm?event=210844

The AAFAME Adventure Quest is an urban adventure race where teams of two complete various tasks and puzzles throughout downtown Austin.

Obstacles will include a rock climbing wall, stilt races, brain drains and more. Secret checkpoints will challenge participants to think on their feet.

Participants can register as a Competitive or Amateur team. Prizes for Competitive teams will be a $500 Adventure Quest Travel Certificate for 1st place; with various prize packages for 2nd and 3rd.

The 1st place Amateur Team will receive a $250 Adventure Quest Travel Package. This category is designed for families and other teams who might not be as competitive as typical race participants.

Entry fee for each participant is $50.


May 31 Texas Biennial: Outdoor Temporary Artwork Opportunities

Texas Biennial: Outdoor Temporary Artwork Opportunities

5305 Bolm Rd #12

512-385-1670
www.texasbiennial.com/

The Austin Art in Public Places program is excited to announce a partnership with the Texas Biennial for 2009, that will offer artists the opportunity to propose temporary artwork for Austin's outdoor green space.

Several sites are available within the city's downtown core, including Auditorium Shores, the eastern portion of the hike and bike trail (towards Fiesta Gardens), the grounds of the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), the eastside of the Dougherty Arts Center campus, Butler Park and more.

After some technical difficulties, the online application forms are NOW READY on the Texas Biennial website. A FAQ generated from questions posed at the artist information meeting is posted, as well as available parkland site maps, exhibition timelines, and other information.


May 31 Shards: Act 3 of the Love Sonatas

Shards: Act 3 of the Love Sonatas

8:00 PM

The Long Center - 701 W. Riverside Drive

512-474-LONG
http://thelongcenter.frontgatesolutions.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=22393&eid=27350

Composed of snapshots of twenty people's lives, The Love Sonatas share characters, but more importantly, they share the common struggle of connecting and answering the question, "What is love?"

This is the story of Morgan who loves Karen who loves David who loves Anna who thinks she still loves Rodolfo. All the rules have been thrown out in this twisted tango, save one. Find true love. But as they cope with the fallout from their mounting betrayals, the truth might not be enough to set these lovers free.

Mention "AFF" when purchasing a ticket to have a portion of the profits donated to the Austin Film Festival!


May 31-Jun 1 World Wellness Week celebration

World Wellness Week celebration

9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Austin Convention Center; 500 E. Cesar Chavez

(512) 404-4404
www.worldwellness.org

World Wellness Weekend is a festival of wellness representing a multi-dimensional, complimentary view of health, wellness and sustainable living. World Wellness Weekend has featured such renowned speakers as Deepak Chopra, Robert Kennedy Jr., Martin Luther King III, Dr. Jean Houston, T.Harv Eker, Joe Vitale and Mark Victor Hansen. World Wellness Weekend will return to Austin May 30-June 1, 2008 at the Austin Convention Center featuring NY Times bestselling authors and speakers, Marianne Williamson, Marci Shimoff, John Gray; music with Michael Franti, Papa Mali, Carolyn Wonderland, and Afrofreque, an Eco-Fashion Show, Body Choir and Michael Franti's powerful documentary movie about the human cost of war "I Know I'm Not Alone".

    All inclusive Sat./Sun. passes $59 advance, $65 at the door; LSingle-day reserved seats; $39 advance, $45 at the door


May 31-Sep 14 Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV

Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum - 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Robert Hicks
512-936-8746
www.thestoryoftexas.com

A wealthy Texas oil family, the Ewings, captured the imagination of the U.S. and the world through an unforgettable primetime saga. Featuring larger-than-life characters like J.R., Miss Ellie, and Sue Ellen, the groundbreaking television show Dallas grabbed the attention of millions of fans drawn to its dramatic stories of intrigue and betrayal, and left a lasting impact on the Texas identity at home and abroad.

Opening 30 years after the program first went on the air, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum presents Dallas: Power & Passion on Primetime TV. The special exhibition will spotlight the show's enduring legacy by featuring interactive stations, props, artifacts loaned by actors including Larry Hagman and Steve Kanaly, scripts, television clips, and a recreated environment from the program's thirteen seasons.

Visitors will also be treated to a fascinating short film that was produced by the Museum, Southfork Pilgrims, where visitors from around the world talk -- and sing -- about their favorite television show and why they are making the journey to a ranch in Parker, Texas.


Sep 1-May 26 Bills, Bills, Bills: Lyndon Johnson as Senate Majority Leader

LBJ Library & Museum, 2313 Red River

512-471-0200
www.lbjlib.utexas.edu

In a new exhibit at the LBJ Library, visitors will get the opportunity to talk to Lyndon Johnson actually, they will step into a replica of the U. S. Senate Chamber and talk to an actor who looks, dresses, and talks like U.S. Senator Lyndon Johnson as he was in the 1950s. In the exhibit, Bills, Bills, Bills: Lyndon Johnson as Senate Majority Leader, visitors will see and engage with Johnson (actor Michael Stuart) as he stands on the Senate floor discussing such important legislation as the creation of NASA, Interstate Highway Bill, Labor Reform, Social Security Reform, and Statehood for Alaska and Hawaii. Under Johnson's leadership, the first Civil Rights Bill since Reconstruction was passed into law. Free Admission