Readers Poll: Arts & Entertainment [ Arts & Entertainment | Architecture & Lodging | Food & Drink | High-Tech | Kids | Media | Outdoors & Recreation | Politics | Services | Shopping ] Critics' Picks | Readers Poll Winners sorted alphabetically

Annual Party

Eeyore's Birthday

As long as there has been a poll, this party has won the category. The University YMCA's springtime Pease Park bash celebrates Winnie-the-Pooh's forlorn donkey pal. The event has evolved, through the years, into a two-parter. The first, a kiddie-friendly, community day in the park, complete with games, face painting, treats for tots, and of course a visit from the Hee-Haw himself. As the day goes on, however, Pease Park becomes a sort of Woodstock Jr., in spirit at least, as revelers join drum circles, worship Mama Earth, and do the mind dance. Our readers, for the ninth year running, have given this tradition two hooves up!

April in Pease Park, 448-5160

Art Gallery

Austin Museum of Art at Laguna Gloria

AMOA takes risks and takes time to consistently create some of the best exhibits in town. Although its downtown gallery always comes a close second, we think it's the florid surroundings and scenic landscape of its original home that give Laguna that extra nudge.

3809 W. 35th, 458-8191

Artist

Joyce DiBona

Housing her work in her own Blue Road Studio & Gallery, first-time category winner and longtime Austin artist DiBona's edgy sculpture combines flashes of the future with a flair for the artistic. Longtime faves Amado Peña and Mary Doerr pulled votes but not enough to brush off DiBona.

Blue Road Studio, 326-8909

Book by a Local Author

TIE: A Sniper in the Tower by Gary M. Lavergne; Roadkill by Kinky Friedman

Thirty years after Whitman's assault on the UT campus, the public's fascination with the seemingly wholesome family man seems to just keep growing; Kinky Friedman never goes out of style, and that's not just because he publishes one book a year like clockwork.

Available at better bookstores, everywhere.
A Sniper in the Tower (Ingram, $18.95 paper);
Roadkill (Ballantine, $11.95 paper)

Choreographer

Toni Bravo

That's Bravo as in "brave," an apt word to describe this independent local artist who uses modern dance as her vehicle for courageously exploring social and political issues, from women's roles in society to spirituality. And as far as our readers are concerned, that's also "Bravo" as in "Bravo!" Well-done!

476-9052, ext.31

Comic

Kerry Awn

He's got it going Awn, folks. Chronicle readers have enthroned Kerry as Austin's king of comedy for a decade now. Whether he's bagging on Austin's pinhead weather forecasters, jamming to the HEB radio jingle, or lounging out as the oily Ronnie Velveeta, there's no one who can make us laugh at ourselves like Kerry can. His slide show tour of South Austin slays them at Esther's and the Velveeta Room is named after his most popular character; Kerry's left his mark permanently engraved in the Austin psyche.

525 E. Sixth, 320-0553

Country/Western Club

Broken Spoke

Year after year, readers tip their 10-gallons to the Broken Spoke. It's two-steppin' with yer Lone Star and yer best gal; none of that fancy stuff here. Just simple folk and simple pleasures -- except those nights ol' Willie shows up.

3201 S. Lamar, 442-6189

Cover Band Club

Maggie Mae's

Hear somebody play somebody else's music just about any night of the week in the club that has taken this category for the five years that it has existed. Steamboat and Antone's tie for an impressive second, considering how many original bands populate their rosters.

512 Trinity, 478-8541

Dance Company

Ballet Austin

Its chosen form of dance is the one most weighted by tradition, but there's nothing draggy about this longtime dance company. Ballet Austin can take the most obligatory of ballets -- The Nutcracker being an obvious example -- and make it spring freshly to life. And with original work, such as artistic director Lambros Lambrou's full-length ballet Ulysses, BA takes thrilling leaps into space. It's a troupe nimbly en pointe.

Ballet Academy: 3002 Guadalupe, 476-9051; Box Office: 3004 Guadalupe

Jukebox

Casino El Camino

photograph by John Carrico

Given the number of badass jukeboxes in this town, Casino's three-year streak is something to marvel at, and so are its selections -- from Dino to the Ramones, the Propellerheads to Louis Jordan. Just don't play "Ring of Fire" too, too often.

517 E. Sixth, 469-9330

Dance Music Club

Polly Ester's

Apparently a lot of Austinites didn't get enough of the Seventies or Eighties the first time around, and Polly Ester's gives it to them with plenty of day-glo flash and wumpy disco beats. Last year's winner and undergrad fave, Paradox, pulls second place and newcomer and hellectronica HQ, the Red Room, makes a strong first-time showing in third.

404 Colorado, 472-1975

Dance Space

Alisa's Dance

Every little girl loves to dance -- the selfless swing, the pitter patter, the kick and shuffle all wrapped in the frills of a lacy pink tutu. But somewhere, in growing up, many of us lose that magic, the freedom of movement. Alisa's Dance offers intimate classes for dancers of all ages in jazz, ballet, and tap, and their children's classes are designed to put a twinkle in your cherub's toes. But while you're at it, dust off those red shoes and rediscover the rhythm within.

3267 Bee Cave, #139, 327-2150

Downtown Club East of Congress

Club Deville

As long as the drinks are stiff and a there's a chandelier hanging in the tree covering the patio, people will forgive the crummy outdoor furniture. Bring night vision goggles if you plan to sit inside. Next-door neighbor, the swanky Caucus Club, comes in a close second, and the solid rock Steamboat takes third place.

900 Red River, 457-0900

Downtown Club West of Congress

TIE: Speakeasy; Antone's

From the plush velvet tones of Speakeasy to the squeal of a blues guitar at Antone's, this year's results prove one thing for sure: It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. Impressive showings for both the Electric Lounge and Liberty Lunch have them in a tie for second.

Speakeasy: 412 Congress, 476-8017; Antone's: 213 W. Fifth, 320-8424

Gay/Lesbian Club

Oil Can Harry's

It's not just yuppie boys -- everyone cuts loose at this popular five-time category winner. With two indoor rooms and a large patio to spread out and flex those pecs, it's a funky, funky scene. Austin's longest continuously running gay bar, Charlie's on Lavaca, shows handsomely in second.

211 W. Fourth, 320-8823

Happy Hour Entertainment

Continental Club with Toni Price

"Hippie Hour" continues to be our readers' favorite in this category, and with good reason. The queen of soul brings heart and harmony to her set and her loyal fans week after week. It's finger-plucking good, and won almost unanimously!

1315 S. Congress, 441-2444

Martinis/Cocktails

Cedar Street

Great bartenders, smooth jazz, and top-notch drinks -- Cedar Street's steady hold on this category has been neither shaken nor stirred, even by worthy contenders and runners-up Club Deville and Sullivan's.

208 W. Fourth, 495-9669

Movie Theatre Concession Stand

Alamo Drafthouse

This year, all three movie theatre categories see a shake-up. Regular winner of best concessions, Dobie Theatre, shows up tops in another category, while moving down a slot here, making room for this popular new face on the Austin movie-viewing scene. With a full menu and kickass waitstaff, it's hard to imagine Alamo Drafthouse not taking top title. But the real success in Alamo's concessions lie in two simple words: beer, beer.

409 Colorado, 867-1839

Place to Take a First Date

Romeo's

photograph by Bruce Dye

The dim lights, the rich Italian food, the soft flush of the world after a glass (or two or three) of wine makes starcrossed lovers of us all. It's no balcony scene, but you won't encounter any crazy Capulets either, unless of course you blab to the in-laws.

1500 Barton Springs Rd., 476-1090

Movie Theatre Facilities

Barton Creek Cinema

This is the second year that Barton Creek has taken this from longtimer Arbor. A playfully glitzy setting, the luxury of stadium seating, huge screens -- but let's face it, the chairs rock! You remembered the Alamo and voted it second. Dobie's renovations certainly didn't hurt it; it pulled in third.

2224-B Walsh Tarlton, 306-8289

Movie Theatre Programming

Dobie

If you want to see the latest blockbuster go somewhere else. Helmed by Scott Dinger, the Dobie has become Austin's premier (sm)arthouse, ousting longtime category winner the Village. It's Dinger's balance of indie films, cult classics, and just plain classics that makes this unexpected mall theatre some kind of wonderful.

2021 Guadalupe, 472-3456

Non-Downtown Club

Continental Club

Texas twang is the thang at this nifty, no-frills honkytonk. A far cry, but a short drive, from slick downtown, the Continental is no-frills blues and brews at its simplest: dancin', drinkin', smokin', sweatin'. Second place Carousel came close to grabbing the golden ring, and Flipnotics outdoor deck and coffeehouse coziness earned enough votes for third.

1315 S. Congress, 441-2444

Place to be Seen

Speakeasy

It's no Studio 54 (thank God), but with its hush hush entrance and a velvet rope, it's classic glam. But is this where the readers want to be seen, or is it where they go to stargaze when a celeb stops in town? Sullivan's is another fave. But so is Sixth Street.

412 Congress, 476-8017

Poet

Raul Salinas

photograph by Bruce Dye

Raul Salinas is one of the most well respected Chicano poets and activists in the country. He has inspired countless young men and women of the barrio to take up poetry in defense of their community. His Resistencia Bookstore and Red Salmon Press endeavors are monuments to the extraordinary energy and committment he brings to the people's struggle for justice and freedom. He is a true poet of the people.

Resistencia Book Store: 2210 S. First, 416-0944 or 416-8885

Place to Hear Poetry

Ruta Maya Coffee House

Weekly readings, a great cup of java, and a nifty curb to just sit and listen make this Fourth Street haunt the local Poet's Corner. You like the meter at Mojo's and the "eeeee"literation at the Eeeeee-lectric Lounge, too.

218 W. Fourth, 472-9638

Pool Hall

Slick Willie's

Must've been a lot of interns stuffing the ballot box this year. Just a little topical humor, there, folks, and with a name like "Slick Willie's," we bet that the crew at your favorite pool hall can take it. Clicks and the Ritz tied for second place, and Eric's took third.

8440 Burnet, 451-4575

Stage Director

Dede Clark

For years, Austin's youngest artists have had a friend in Clark. The founder and still-driving force behind KidsActing has not only taught them performing arts skills, she's given them the chance to create and star in original musicals such as Monsters, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Bugs. Now, our readers have given her a standing O.

266-2211

Teen Scene/Hangout

The Drag

Only in Austin would the term "dragworm" also be a geographically accurate description. Quacks, Einstein's, The Hole in the Wall, Le Fun, Texadelphia, and of course, what day spent hanging out would be complete without the personality testing at the Church of Scientology?

Guadalupe between MLK and Dean Keeton

Tejano/Conjunto Club

Tejano Ranch

Dancing to quite a different beat from the other shops in the very Asian-flavored strip mall in which it lives, Tejano Ranch has held strong in this category for four years. With live music on the weekends and free buffets on weekdays, there's always a fiesta goin' on.

7601 N. Lamar, 453-6615

Theatre Actor/Actress

Tom Byrne

He's been a staple in Austin theatre for years, but it was his multilayered, meaty performance as the vitriolic Roy Cohn in Zachary Scott's Angels in America this season that has really made Tom the talk of the town.

Actors Clearinghouse, 476-3412

Theatre Company

Zachary Scott Theatre Center

With high-profile smashes like Angels in America and The Who'sTommy, plus an armful of honors at this year's Critics Table and B. Iden Payne awards, everything's coming up roses for artistic director Dave Steakley and Co.

1510 Toomey, 476-0541

Theatre Space

Paramount Theatre

This is the kind of theatre you see in the movies; not the kind you see movies in. But amazingly, this exquisite opera house of yore has been kept in impeccable shape, and is put to great use with touring shows, limited runs, and one of the best lineups of summer movie classics yet. It's almost enough to make those scruffy Austin theatregoers actually dress up. Almost.

713 Congress, 472-5411

Video Store

Vulcan Video

This is what happens when people who really care about movies run video stores. Film-savvy clerks, a newish location, and one of the most extensive independent, cult, and foreign film sections around keep Vulcan on top in this category year after year. Kudos also go to I Luv Video and Waterloo, which tied for second place.

609 W. 29th, 478-5325; 112 W. Elizabeth, 326-2629