DOWNTOWN

Season 2 Episode Descriptions

You can now watch DOWNTOWN on-line at www.downtownaustintv.org

Episode #201 - Urban Density #2 / Speedy Delivery / Festive First Night

Urban Density – The Good, the Bad and the Lovely: Building Community, how to achieve the goal of a denser urban core without compromising Austin’s special sense of place. / Speedy Delivery: You’ve seen them weaving in and out of traffic. Now, meet the Bike Messengers of Austin and learn what its like—“all in a day’s work—DOWNTOWN.” / First Night Austin's First Night—A city of great festivals presents a new family-friendly festival for the arts. (Interstitials: Spoon, Dark Energy)

Episode #202 - Our Collective Souls

Explore Barton Springs, the “Soul of the City,” and learn why the Springs are so important to Austin. / What do our trash and treasures say about us? Visit the University of Texas’ Center for American History for a look at the stories and artifacts we leave behind. / Experience Mexic-Arte Museum’s Dia de Los Muertos Parade, the Spirits of Austin and traditions of remembering those who have gone before.

(Interstitials: BMX Bike Ballet, Regular Jo Fashion Show)

Episode #203 - Demystifying, Dancing and Dignity

Roll the Presses—from story creation to doorstep delivery. / Ballroom, Salsa, Line Dance, Two-step, or just “Trip the Light Fantastic” – Dancing DOWNTOWN's a way for anyone to have a great time. / Art From the Streets – A creative outlet giving help and dignity to the homeless.

(Interstitials: House Park Football, Babalu Cigars)

Episode #204 - “Es is nicht alles Gold was glänzt…” except in DOWNTOWN

The Jewels of Austin’s Jewel—Take a glimpse at the art of jewelry, and some DOWNTOWN jewelry leaders. / “Catch a rising star” as Austin Museum of Art’s “22 to Watch” Exhibit takes a look at some of the most creative, innovative and “up and coming” artists in the art world. / “Auf Wiedersehen!” Austin’s German Texan Heritage has left a strong indelible mark on DOWNTOWN—from some of the earliest remaining structures to a vibrant and active social club.

(Interstitials: Rowing Lessons, Confessions of a Taxi Driver)

Episode #205 – Celebration, Victory and Literary Achievement

Happy Birthday Paramount – On the 90th Birthday of the Paramount Theatre, this DOWNTOWN anchor is remembered for its architecture, history, importance to the arts community and role as a catalyst for downtown redevelopment. / From the Victory Grill to the emerging East End – East Austin’s rich history and future goals. / From The Rolling Stone to Philosopher’s Rock—literature to writing—Austin’s literary history all comes together with the Texas Book Festival.

(Interstitials: Amaze Entertainment, Tarantino Fest)

Episode #206 - To Protect, and to Serve, and to Live Downtown

Waller Creek—Why it’s important to DOWNTOWN and why flood control is so critical. / Their base is in DOWNTOWN, but APD’s SWAT Team is here for the safety of all of Austin. / Experience DOWNTOWN’s Beautiful Norwood Tower, and tour the lovely penthouse apartment of Luci Baines Johnson and husband Ian Turpin, as they share their passion for the DOWNTOWN lifestyle.

(Interstitials: Gospel Brunch, Austin Metal & Iron)

Episode #207 - Opening Doors—Closing Doors

Rockin’, Rollin’ and Makin’ it in the Music Biz: An Intro to Austin’s Music World. / Closing the Revolving Door – The Travis County Re-Entry Roundtable (started in DOWNTOWN) is finding creative and successful ways to help formerly incarcerated men find new lives as they re-enter society. / Meet some of the businesswomen and women entrepreneur’s helping to build the “new” Austin.

(Interstitials: Manhole mysteries, “Otis” the Elevator Man)

Episode #208 – “Catchy” Phrases, Catching Balls & Community Radio

Where Creativity “Ads” Up: A look at some of Austin’s highly creative advertising firms and this growing industry (centered in DOWNTOWN). / Catch the fun and run with the “Bull’s” at an Austin Toro’s Basketball Game. / Austin’s Community Radio lets the community spread its creative wings without flying the CO-OP (KOOP).

(Interstitials: Downtown Pillow Fight, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens)

Episode #209 - Sixth Street/Texas Hold ‘Em/Or Go Fly A Kite – It’s All Fun in DOWNTOWN

More than just a great place to party and hear good bands—the E. 6th Street National Register Historic District is an area of both architectural heritage and cultural diversity. Take a stroll down the street and learn why “Sixth Street” really is so special. / Is Texas Hold’em Fun? You can bet on it! Meet some of the regular players around town and learn why Texas Hold’em has a hold of ‘em. / From the gracious gift of the tranquil Taniguchi Gardens to wonderful events like the Kite Festival, Zilker Park is one of the greatest gems in Austin’s Violet Crown. Learn the story, and experience its glory.

(Interstitials: Faces of Change, On the Street Beat, The "Perfect" Margarita)

Episode #210 - Grow Gracefully/Grow Green/Grow your Own Way…

Musically talented youth are nurtured with the Austin Youth Orchestra. / Go Green – Go DOWNTOWN – A tribute to Austin, a model “Sustainable City.” / Austin's growing Hip-Hop scene—meet MCs with a message and internationally known B-Boy City.

(Interstitials: Petanque, Live at the Plaza)

Episode #211 - "Best" of DOWNTOWN

Urban Density - The Good, the Bad and the Lovely: Building Community, achieving the goal of a denser urban core without compromising Austin's special sense of place. / Art from the Streets - A creative outlet giving help and dignity to the homeless. / Explore Barton Springs, the "Soul of the City," and learn why the Springs are so important to Austin.

(Interstitials: House Park Football, Austin Metal & Iron)

Episode #212 - "Best" of DOWNTOWN

Speedy Delivery: You've seen them weaving in and out of traffic. Now, meet the Bike Mesengers of Austin and learn what it's like—“all in a day’s work—DOWNTOWN.” / Closing the Revolving Door – The Travis County Re-Entry Roundtable (started in DOWNTOWN) is finding creative and successful ways to help formerly incarcerated men find new lives as they re-enter society. / Experience Mexic-Arte Museum’s Dia de Los Muertos Parade, the Spirits of Austin and traditions of remembering those who have gone before.

(Interstitials: Tarantino Fest, Dark Energy)

Episode #213 - "Best" of Downtown

Roll the Presses—from story creation to doorstep delivery. / Roll the Presses—from story creation to doorstep delivery. / “Catch a rising star” as Austin Museum of Art’s “22 to Watch” Exhibit takes a look at some of the most creative, innovative and “up and coming” artists in the art world. / Austin's growing Hip-Hop scene—meet MCs with a message and internationally known B-Boy City.

(Interstitials: Spoon, BMX Bike Ballet)