ASSASSINS Unfortunately, this musical by Stephen Sondheim, with book by John Weidman, doesn't come together as well as Sondheim's other forays into nontraditional musical territory. Assassins is more a series of rousing vignettes than a fully formed musical, which leaves you wondering why you should care about the motivations behind the actions of Booth, Hinckley, Fromme, Zangara, Moore, Byck, Czolgosz, and Oswald. Despite the best efforts of all involved in this Rare Creations production, the show can't rise above the material. Dennis L. Whitehead's direction and Frank Rendon Jr.'s choreography sparkle, and both are full of crisp movements and snappy moments that are always dynamic. Whitehead could have done more to bring out the throughline of this script, but that task may be similar to looking for the proverbial needle in the proverbial haystack. Perhaps the director and Jeff Griffin, Rare Creations' artistic director, would have been better served in choosing a musical that better showcased the talents of their incredible cast. While this kick-line of killers is a thrill, the pre-recorded music they sing over isn't. The excitement of a backing band that is sensitive to the actors and the responses of an audience is replaced by a metronomic insistence that the words be sung right now, before the music passes by. The singers are slaves to the tape, much as the story of Assassins is a slave to the authors' concept. (Adrienne Martini) FINAL WEEKEND! Mar 13 & 14, Fri & Sat, 8pm, at the Helm Fine Art Center, St. Stephen's School, 2900 Bunny Run (Loop 360 at Lake Austin bridge). Tickets: $15 ($12 seniors, students, ACoT). Running Time: 2 hrs, 30 min. 442-7580.
ROAD'S END is what they call this Kansas town, and it's trying to live up to the name. Its only inhabitants seem to be folks whose dreams have all been thwarted. Into this dusty village rides a young Chicagoan. Will it be his "road's end," too? In this drama, UT MFA playwriting student Jason Groce (Stealing Fire) examines the seductive air of a small-town bar. It's produced by the UT Department of Theatre & Dance. FINAL TWO PERFORMANCES! Through Mar 13, Thu & Fri, 8pm, in the Theatre Room, Winship Drama Bldg, UT campus. Tickets: $9 ($7 w/UT ID). 471-1444.
MISS EVERS' BOYS The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Good intentions also pave the way to Macon County, Alabama, a new kind of hell for four men and one nurse forced into a dehumanizing situation simply because they tried to do the right thing. The right thing is difficult to determine in the best of circumstances, and here determining it is made harder by a lack of information and the deep prejudice in the backwaters of the South. David Feldshuh's gripping script, produced by First Stage Productions, is based on the reality of the Tuskegee Study, a government experiment in a Southern town in which African-American men with syphilis were examined but not treated, and the lack of care eventually led to their death. As Eunice Evers, the earnest, kind nurse who comes to Macon County to convince the men that the government has their interests at heart, Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux gives a strong, touching performance; you can almost feel waves of compassion rolling off her. As the researchers trapped by their compulsions to continue the study despite the human costs, Robert Pellette, Jr. broods and John Kanady gives a stiff, strange performance. And as the boys, Vincent H. Johnson, Ronald Bell, Jerod Williams, and Tim Curry give heartfelt performances that remain with you after the final bows are taken. You care about these men in a deadly situation, trapped by someone who has their best interests in mind. (Adrienne Martini) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Mar 14, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor Rd. Running Time: 2 hrs, 15 min. 454-TIXS.
THE TAFFETAS Pink. Easy. Soothing. As with Pepto-Bismol, these are the qualities that count in this pop revue from the Zachary Scott Theatre Center. When the four sisters who comprise the fictitious Fifties singing group of the title appear, they're ablaze in pink, their cookie-cutter dresses shining like a cotton candy dream. Then they sing and the music - some of pop's most innocuous ditties, from "Sincerely" to "Johnny Angel" to "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" - issues from their mouths in a full and leisurely stream, easing in your ear and coating your brain, covering over all your anxiety and tension. Ahh.... As he did with Zach's Forever Plaid (running in rep with The Taffetas), director Dave Steakley has taken a catalogue of songs hung on the gimmick of pop harmony hits and crafted an entertainment showpiece with plenty of polish and power to charm. Each song is served with sweet moves, creamy sounds, and tasty dollops of humor by a corps of talented singers whose voices blend beautifully and who project a bygone innocence that walks the line between purity and parody. Rebecca Schoolar, Meredith Robertson, Larissa Wolcott, and Lisa Robert (who alternates with Laura Powell) beam like aspiring showroom models and replicate the dreamy romantic vocals of the era's singers; they're amusing, but they're adorable, too. It's a theatrical equivalent to that pink restorative, one to calm you and put a smile on your face. (Robert Faires) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Mar 14, Fri, 8pm, Sat, 6pm, at ZSTC, Whisenhunt Stage, 1510 Toomey. Tickets: $24 Fri; $26 Sat. Running Time: 1 hr, 30 min. 476-0541.
BEAST ON THE MOON Even in the best of situations, marriage is hard. It's more than love, it's a collection of the baggage of the past, baggage that is generally not content to sit by unopened and out of a new relationship. Sometimes it's only a small travel case, but sometimes it's two tons of Samsonite that require three or four porters to get it in the door. In Beast on the Moon, the marriage of two Armenians, Seta and Aram Tomasian, is complicated by their baggage: the loss of their families in the Turks' jihad against their people in 1915. This Live Oak Theatre production uses black-and-white slides to show the horrors the Armenians faced, and the technique sets a perfect tone for the action that will unfold as the Tomasians deal with their grief and anger. Ken Webster gives an incredibly strong performance as Aram, turning this figure who could be amazingly unlikable into a man whose motivations you understand, and Boni Hester is a delight as Seta, filling her performance with touching nuance and grace. But Richard Kalinoski's script ultimately disappoints. While his story is dramatic and he develops Seta and Aram fairly well, Kalinoski spends too much time using devices to tell us about the story rather than show it to us. And he keeps dipping into a big bag of clichés to provide gee-willikers moments that don't ring true and kick the audience out of the world he's created. It proves again that playwriting is as difficult as marriage. (Adrienne Martini) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Mar 15, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm, at the State Theatre, 719 Congress. Tickets: $15 Thu/Sun; $17 Fri/Sat. Running Time: 2 hrs, 30 min. 472-5143.
FOREVER PLAID gives the Plaids - those hokey harmonizing heroes who suffered an untimely demise in a freak bus mishap - a chance to return to Earth for a final concert of Fifties pop. Grady Basler, Kevin Farr, Brian Gaston, and Paul Parkinson star in this revival of the hit revue from the Zachary Scott Theatre Center. Dave Steakley directs; Allen Robertson musical directs. FINAL WEEKEND! Through Mar 15, Sat, 9pm, Sun, 2:30pm, at ZSTC, Whisenhunt Arena Stage, 1510 Toomey. Tickets: $22 Sun; $26 Sat. 476-0541.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is the charming spot where über-nerd Seymour grows a monster plant named Audrey II by feeding it human flesh. It's all in good fun, though! It's Alan Menken & Howard Ashman's campy musical take on one of Roger Corman's most over-the-top horror flicks. Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward's University revives it with student Chris Barrett as Seymour and guest artist Judy Arnold. Susan Loughran and Lynn Koenning direct. (Review in this issue's "Exhibitionism" arts review page.) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Mar 15, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 2pm, at the MMNT, SEU campus, 3001 S. Congress. Tickets: $12 ($10 seniors, $6 students). 448-8484.
PLAYFEST '98 is here to take kids on fantastic journeys through the magic of live performance. Over six weeks, a variety of stage artists will be offering theatrical ventures geared especially to children. Each week is a new show. This week: Rabbit Tales, a collection of myths and folk tales featuring the wily long-eared creature, presented by accomplished storyteller Bernadette Nason. Judy Matetzschk directs. Recommended for ages four and older. Running time: 50 min. FINAL PERFORMANCES! Through Mar 15, Thu & Fri, 10am, Sat & Sun, 3pm. All shows at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $4.50. 454-TIXS.
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE does more than give close shaves - he uses his wits to get his patron out of them. In Rossini's comic classic, the wily barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva woo young Rosina from the clutches of her old coot guardian Dr. Bartolo. Austin Lyric Opera closes its season with this sprightly romance that has David Malis and David Small alternating in the title role, Deidra Palmour and Austin favorite Cheryl Parrish taking turns as Rosina, and Mark Thomsen and Raul Hernandez playing Almaviva. Guest director Christopher Mattaliano stages the action. ALO's Cal Stewart Kellogg conducts. FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY! Mar 13-16, Fri & Sat, 8pm, Sun, 3pm, Mon, 7pm, at the Bass Concert Hall, UT campus. Tickets: $10-$85. 472-5992.
SCENES FROM THE X AND Y TRILOGY provides another look at one of the most ambitious local stage efforts in recent years: the trilogy of cybernetic operas that blended science fiction settings and the buzzing pulse of techno music to play out an epic story of mythic conflicts by characters both human and machine. In the past three years, all three operas - The Black Blood, Panoptikon, and Triskelion - were produced by VORTEX Repertory Company. Now, bytes of them will be revived for the South by Southwest Multimedia Conference. Bonnie Cullum directs. A rave follows. ONE NIGHT ONLY! Mar 16, Mon, 8pm, at The Electric Lounge, 302 Bowie. Tickets: $5 (or SXSW Multimedia badge). 478-LAVA.
I WANT... : is subtitled A Pre-Adult Vision Of Success and Happiness in the Next Millennium and it reveals the vision of the coming generation in an original play created and performed by students in the Austin Theatre for Youth Winter Academy. The public is invited to witness their work. FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY! Mar 19 & 20, Thu & Fri, 10am & 1pm, Fri, 7:30pm, at the Auditorium on Waller Creek, 41st & Red River. 302-5405.
THE TEMPEST brings the passengers of a ship to a strange enchanted island, where they find themselves under the spell of a wizard who has an old score to settle. In Shakespeare's last and greatest romance, old wrongs are righted and a new order is founded on young lovers. The play is performed in the open air on the UT campus by the Austin Free Shakespeare Society. Through Mar 21, Fri & Sat, 8pm, between Anna Hiss Gym and the new Microbiology building, UT campus. Performed outdoors; bring seating. Free.
BLUES IN THE NIGHT The nub of this revue conceived by Sheldon Epps is expressed in its title. This is blues in the night - and nothing but. The show features 27 songs in styles ranging from polished pop to earthy laments, sung by four characters - The Lady From the Road, The Woman of the World, The Girl With a Date, and The Man From the Saloon - in a Chicago hotel. For its production, Zachary Scott Theatre Center is fortunate to have artists who can sink into these numbers, uncover their emotional cores, and deliver them with feeling. Janis Stinson conveys the isolation of a lonely hotel room at the end of the line in the keening edge in her voice. And she dishes up bawdy pleasure, eyes at half-staff, mouth a pearly crescent, with a sly growl of satisfaction. Felicia Dinwiddie etches young emotion in all its sharpness, her voice as exuberant as a lark, then low and fragile with the sting of disillusionment. Jacqui Cross communicates the pain of age and experience, in eyes misty with regret and a plaintive voice weighted with broken dreams. And Roderick Sanford exudes rakishness, his voice deep, smooth allure. The production suffers from the show's lack of structure, which director Dave Steakley wisely opts not to mask with smart gestures and slick turns. But this show isn't about stage moves. It's about music and mood, and Steakley and his artistic team deliver that in abundance. Michael Raiford's set and Robert Whyburn's lighting carry us to a faded hotel and summon those hours after midnight when it's just you, a bottle, and the dark. There, the singers are able to lose themselves in the night and the melody and the feeling that is the blues. And it feels so bad, it's good. (Robert Faires) HELD OVER! Through Mar 22, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2:30pm, at ZSTC Kleberg Stage, 1421 W. Riverside. Tickets: $22 Thu/Sun; $24 Fri; $26 Sat. Running Time: 1 hr, 45 min. 476-0541.
THE FOOD CHAIN brings into one room a neurotic poet, a cranky crisis hotline operator, a hunky underwear model, and his hefty ex-boyfriend. So who's feeding on whom? Find out in this latest barb from hot playwright Nicky Silver, author of such hilarious satires as Pterodactyls. It's staged here by Subterranean Theatre Company, with Katherine Catmull, Lana Dieterich, David Jones, Douglas Taylor, and Blake Yelavich. Ken Webster directs. Through Mar 28, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Mar 22, Mon, 8pm, at Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd. Tickets: Pay What You Wish on Thu; $12 Fri/Sat ($10 seniors, students, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
THE WHIMSY whisks us to an enchanted realm where artifacts of dreams arrive in the pockets of the wide awake, where hearts attach outside the body, where yardbirds talk and the Moon sings. It's another visual and lyrical feast from Physical Plant Theater, one of our city's most magical and mysterious stage companies. The poetic script by Steve Moore is realized by a team of actors, puppeteers, designers, musicians, and director Katie Pearl (of FronteraFest's affecting Dress Me Blue, Window Me Sky). Mar 13-28, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Mar 15, Sun, 2pm, Mar 20 & 27, Fri, 10pm, at The Public Domain, 807 Congress. 454-TIXS.
TWO SWELL GUYS FROM TEXAS were pals once, but now they're competitors, trying to outplay each other in a music contest in a small West Texas town. As they face off, the men stir up a lively mix of bluegrass, Irish reels, heartbreak songs, and goodtime music. Tongue and Groove Theatre presents this two-man entertainment starring bluegrass artists Alan Munde and Joe Carr, co-written with Ann Solomon and Mary Sue Price. Price directs. The show plays in repertory with Our Own Dear Anton's Abandoned Story Cycle. Mar 19 & 21, Thu & Sat, 8pm, Mar 21, Sun, 2pm; Mar 27 & 28, Fri & Sat, 8pm, Mar 29, Sun, 2pm, at the John Henry Faulk Living Theatre, 204 E. Fourth. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, students, children, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
OUR OWN DEAR ANTON'S ABANDONED STORY CYCLE pays comedic tribute to Anton Chekhov by way of three storytellers who try to relate four of Chekhov's tales only to get them hopelessly tangled. The author is former Texas Center for Writers Fellow Joseph Skibell, whose novel A Blessing on the Moon has been winning national acclaim. Tongue and Groove Theatre stages the play's premiere, with Michael Stuart, Todd Lowe, and Steven McDaniel. David Yeakle directs. (March 13-29, the show runs in repertory with the musical Two Swell Guys From Texas.) Mar 13, 14, & 18, Fri, Sat, & Wed, 8pm; Mar 20 & 22, Fri, 8pm, Sun, 2:30pm; Mar 26 & 28, Thu & Sat, 8pm; Apr 3 & 4, Fri & Sat, 8pm, at the John Henry Faulk Living Theatre, 204 E. Fourth. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, students, children, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
MURDER ON THE MOVIE SET puts you in the midst of motion picture mayhem, with a cinematic spectacle stalled by murder. Whodunnit? The frustrated director, the flamboyant wardrobe master, or the egotistical actress? You figure it out - and enjoy dinner in the Driskill, to boot - in this new comedy from the Capital City Mystery Players. Ongoing, Sat, 7pm, at the Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos. Tickets: $47. 474-5911, x5219.
kidsActing Spring Break Performing Arts Camp gives kids ages 4-18 a week of intensive instruction in screenacting, comedy/improvisation, arts and crafts, face painting, puppetry, and musical theatre. At the end of the camp, participants put on a show. Mar 16-20, Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm, at kidsActing, 5811 Burnet. 458-5437.
Managing Your Own Career is a business seminar for actors to provide them with tools to get started toward a more active career. Don Phillips, Jr. covers topics from the "business" of acting to training to agents. Mar 28, Sat. $125. http://doorway.to/murder/classinfo.html or 834-4623.
Acting Classes With C.K. McFarland offer performers, writers, and the creatively curious an approach to exploring new creative territory and reclaiming artistic self-esteem. Mar 24-May 5, Tue, 7:30-10pm. $170. 441-3738.
Fruits and Vegetables, a new play for young people by Ann Ciccolella. Roles available: two females to play girls, ages 11 & 14; two males to play Puerto Rican boys, ages 13-18; four actors to play Italians. Also needed: an assistant director and a stage manager. The play will be given a reading on Mar 22, Sun, 3pm, and workshop performances Apr 19 & 26, Sun, 7pm. 374-0532.
Short Film Project. Needed: male and female actors, 20-30, experienced and non-experienced. The film will be shot at the end of March. Actors will not be paid. Interested persons should send headshot or non-returnable photo and resumé to: Reel Women Productions, 7709 Evaline Ln, Austin, TX 78745-6752, Attn: Casting.
Entertainment and Animation Troupe in Cancun resort. Needed: Crazy, outgoing actors, dancers, and athletes (male and female, 19-26) to work at Crown Paradise Club, Cancun, Mexico. Free room and board, salary, airfare. Six-month minimum contract. By appointment. 479-0057.
Wild and Wacky Western Work by Donna L. Stevens (The Cow Pattys). Needed: Funny, seasoned female performer who can sing and play at least one instrument really well; and stand-up bassist with wacky presence (vocal ability a plus but not mandatory). 926-5880.
COMEDYSPORTZ PLAYHOUSE is home to the ComedySportz Players, veterans of improv comedy. Enjoy fresh wit among Electrolux light fixtures and Dart Bowl tables, with a menu featuring Italian subs, barbecue chicken pizza, beer, and wine. Also this week: The Skinnies, those purveyors of sketch comedy and satiric songs, such as "Unhealthy Obsession Blues" and "I Faked My Own Death to Make the Cheerleading Squad," return to perform every week in March (Thu, 10pm, $8). Thu, 7:30pm, Fri & Sat, 7:30 & 10pm, at ComedySportz Playhouse, 2525 W. Anderson. Tickets: $8 Thu ($6 students); $10 Fri & Sat ($8 seniors, students, ACoT). 266-3397.
ESTHER'S FOLLIES keeps serving up the surefire satire that's kept them a local entertainment institution for 20 years. Enjoy the Esther's crew slinging comedic barbs and musical gibes at newsmakers near and far. Thu, 8pm, Fri & Sat, 8 & 10pm, at Esther's Pool, 525 E. Sixth. Tickets: $12 Thu; $14 Fri; $15 Sat ($4 discount for students w/ID). 320-0553.
THE VELVEETA ROOM hosts a variety of comic fun every week. Thursday, Monks' Night Out offers an energized mix of sketch comedy and improv (see "Ongoing"). Thu, 9pm. $5. After the Monks, Comedy Open Mike lets comics go wild. Thu, 10:30pm. $3. Weekends offer more chances to catch the Monks - Fri, 8 & 9:30pm, & Sat, 8pm. $7 - and the tops in stand-up talent. This week, meet the woman who exposed the dirty underbelly of comedy defensive driving in XLent last week, the always fashionable and funny Nancy Reed. Fri, 11:30pm, Sat, 9:30 & 11:30pm. 521 E. Sixth. Tickets: $5. 469-9116.
Monks' Night Out offers sketches and improv four times weekly at the Velveeta Room. Thursdays feature an improv jam, with a special guest from a local or traveling troupe. Thu, 9pm, Fri, 8 & 9:30pm, Sat, 8pm, at 521 E. Sixth. Tickets: $5 Thu, $7 Fri & Sat. 478-MONK.
Only 90% Effective delivers improv comedy weekly right on the Drag. Fri, 8pm, at Metro Espresso Bar, 2222 Guadalupe. Admission is free.
Comedy Gym is an ongoing workshop to enhance performance skills and sharpen creativity. Open to anyone interested in stand-up. Classes: Sundays, 7-10pm, at Comedy Defensive Driving School, 2700 W. Anderson, Ste 227. 467-0886.
Blue Tuesday Comedy mixes laughs and music weekly at the Continental Club. Half-hour sets of R&B from McLemore Avenue alternate with half-hour sets of stand-up from local comedians. Ben Sherman emcees. Tue, 11pm, at 1315 S. Congress. No cover. 441-2444.
Dark Comedy Hour provides stand-up weekly at the Ritz Lounge. Wednesdays feature South Park on the big-screen TV at 9pm, followed by sets from an array of local and traveling comics. Wed, 9pm, at 320 E. Sixth. 474-2270.
THE UT BALLROOM DANCE CLUB marks the arrival of the growing season with an evening of social dancing. The campus organization, which promotes ballroom dancing on the Forty Acres and in the community, is hosting Spring Swing, with free lessons in swing dancing (8-9pm), to be followed by a dance to the toe-tapping sounds of local band Rocket 69. ONE NIGHT ONLY! Mar 13, Sat, 8pm-1am, in the Texas Union Ballroom, UT campus. Admission: $7 ($5 students). 459-1751.
Austin International Folk Dancers meets weekly to learn dances from around the world. First time free, $2 after. Sat, 7:30-11pm, Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st. 462-0651.
Melissa Amira Presents Bellydancing on the first and third Saturday of each month at the Carousel Lounge. Next date: Mar 21, 8pm, with Jeanette, Numera, Bahaia, and Melissa Amira. 1110 E. 52nd. kyriaki@mail.utexas.edu or 441-7172.
Wednesday Contra Dance offers traditional dances to live music. Austin Barn Dancers host. Wed, 7:30pm, Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st. $3 donation. 453-4225.
A Dance Meditation Workshop With Dunya will be held Mar 15, Sun, noon-5:30pm, at NiaSpace, 2810 S. First. 444-0078.
Dance Meditation uses breath-motivated stretching, movement, exercises, and dance to reduce stress and expand body-mind integration. Fri, 10-11:30am, at NiaSpace, 2810 S. First. 444-0078.
World Music and Dance Fitness offers the best of world dance music, world dance, and aerobics in weekly classes. Zein Al-Jundi teaches. Tue, 7:30-8:30pm; Sat, noon-1pm, at Tapestry Studio, 507-B Pressler. 892-4033.
Tejano Dance Lessons are offered weekly by Rudy Gonzales. Learn Cumbias, Rancheras, Spanish Waltzes, and other dances. Tue, 6-8pm, at Tejano Ranch, 7601 N. Lamar. $5. 259-5441.
Dance International/Stewart Yaros offers group classes in Rumba, Argentine Tango, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Paso Doble, International Tango, and Waltz this month. Cost: $30 - four-week session ($50 couples); $65 mo. - unlimited classes. Hills Fitness Center, 4615 Bee Caves Rd. 32-DANCE.
Weekly Women's Movement Therapy Group is a safe place for women to explore life issues via movement therapy. Kalila Homann, registered movement therapist, leads. 441-8334.
Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance offers a weekly class in Bomba, Plena, Seis, and other traditional dances of Puerto Rico. Wed. dance@flametree.com or http://www.flametree.com/dance or 251-8122.
THE AUSTIN SYMPHONIC BAND will present "An Evening with John Philip Sousa," re-creating an authentic rendition of a turn-of-the-century Sousa touring band concert. The event will be held at the Palmer Auditorium, S. First & Riverside Dr. Tickets are $10 general; $7 seniors and students. Richard Floyd will conduct (as Sousa), and Austin's own Cactus Pryor will narrate the program. Fri, March 20, 7:30pm. 454-TIXS.
KMFA CLASSICAL RADIO needs volunteers to work their phone-bank for the Spring Challenge Drive fundraiser, slated for March 23-April 3. At least five volunteers are needed for each 2-3 hour shift. Participants will receive KMFA merchandise, certificates of appreciation, lots of great food, and on-air recognition. Call now if you'd like to help out. 476-5632.
THE LENTEN ORGAN CONCERTS will be held during the season of Lent at St. David's Episcopal Church, Seventh & San Jacinto. Free, followed by lunch (at 12:30pm, $4). March 18: Richard Bierman, from St. Matthew's Church. Wednesdays, 12:05pm. 472-1196.
THE NOONDAY CONCERT SERIES is held weekly at noon at Central Presbyterian Church, Eighth & Brazos. Free, followed by lunch (at 12:30pm, $3). March 19: "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," featuring Joe Haggard (tenor) and Vernon Moeller (piano). Thursdays, noon. 472-2445.
SOUTHWEST TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC For upcoming events: 512/245-2651.
SAN ANTONIO SYMPHONY hosts events for their '97-'98 season. 210/554-1000.
UT SCHOOL OF MUSIC Call at any time for recorded listings of upcoming events: 471-5401.
THE AUSTIN AREA TRANSLATORS and Interpreters Association (AATIA) is holding its bimonthly membership meeting at the Austin History Center, Ninth and Guadalupe. Attendance is free and no reservations are necessary. Sat, Mar 14, 1pm-4pm. 371-7117.
POETRY AND POTLUCK benefit for the visiting poets appearing at this year's Austin International Poetry Festival will be held at 5003 Lark Cove. Bring a plate of grub and/or liquids and yer poems and a $10 suggested donation. Venie Holmgren is the special guest environmentalist/poet on tour promoting her CD on the Australian rain forest. Call for directions. Sun, Mar 15, 2pm. 416-7435 or worldpoet@rocketmail.com
POESIA Y SUR 1998 at Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress, features selections from Jorge Luis Borges and the children's songs of Maria Elena Walsh. The selections will be read in Spanish by Dr. Miriam Balboa de Echeverria and read in English translation by Thom the World Poet and Sue Littleton. Introduction by Dr. Miriam Balboa de Echeverria. Hosted by Sue Littleton. Thu, Mar 19, 7pm. 416-7435.
VENIE HOLMGREN is the special guest environmentalist/poet on tour promoting her CD on the Australian rain forest at the poetry potluck benefit for the visiting poets appearing at this year's Austin International Poetry Festival. This event will be held at 13217 Adonis Dr. Bring a plate of grub and/or liquids and yer poems and a $10 suggested donation. Call for directions if you need to. Sun, Mar 22, 2pm. 258-0966.
SUCCULENT SISTERS, a production of the Ripe `N' Ready poetry theater troupe, features Patricia Fiske and Susanne Vance, as well as Venie Holmgren of Australia and Jay Woodman of Yorkshire, England. This is a one night only performance to be held in the Hyde Park Theater. $5 advance tix available now. Tue, Mar 24, 7pm. 469-0584.
APAL invites you to the Bombay Bicycle Club for an open mike reading. Sutterfield and Dee co-host. Stay after to watch the Texas Nafas poetry show with Farid Mohammadi. Sun, Mar 29, 7pm. 473-2703.
AUSTIN POETS AT LARGE sponsors a free weekly poetry workshop at Quackenbush Coffee House, 2120 Guadalupe. Hosted by John Hutton. Bring 10 copies of your poem. Sun, 2pm. jhutton@mail.utexas.edu
LOOKING FOR UTTER READERS: If you've ever read at Utter, they want to hear from you. They are publishing a new literary journal and the first issue is highlighting any and all past Utter readers. Send poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to: Utter, 3214 Funston St, Austin, TX 78703. 371-1910.
PITCHFORK is looking for poetry and extremely short fiction for a first issue. Send your offerings to the farmboy satan with a SASE, kay? Pitchfork, c/o Christopher Gibson, 3000 Guadalupe #113, Austin, TX 78705
THE AUSTIN YOUNGER POET AWARDS will be presenting $100 in prizes and publication in the Austin Younger Poets Awards anthology in conjunction with the 6th Annual Austin International Poetry Festival. 346-8717.
THE ELECTRIC LOUNGE, 302 Bowie, will be increasing their slams from monthly to bi-monthly to weekly in the next few months in anticipation of the rapture (the Austin Superslam in May). Readers and slammers are encouraged to come as early as 8pm to sign up. Slam winners receive $50 and a slot in the Superslam. Mar 17: West; Mar 24 and 31: Van Cleve. Tue, 8:30pm. 476-FUSE.
A WRITERS' GROUP in San Marcos welcomes beginning to professional writers. Call Nettie for their continuing schedule at 512/396-1636.
WORDS NIGHT AT THE BLUE PEARL, 129 E. Hopkins on the Square in San Marcos, is an every other Sunday poetry/prose reading with featured readers and an open-mike session following the featured reader. Beginning and professional writers are welcome. Hosted by John Parm, produced by Robin A. Blackburn-Jenkins, and sponsored by the Blue Pearl, the Austin Writers' League, and the Texas State Commission for the Arts. Sun, March 22, 7-9pm. 396-1689.
WRITING FROM THE HEART meets from 10am to noon every other Saturday at the North Loop Library, 2210 Hancock. (Note the new address.) Free. Sat, March 21, 10am-noon. 474-4399.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE POETRY at Quackenbush's, 2120 Guadalupe, is another Austin Poets at Large venue. Hosted by John Hawk and Sara Sutterfield Winn. Sat, 7pm. 452-3332.
BLAST YOUR OWN BREATH. Tammy Gomez wanted me to let you know that there is a BYOB Spoken Word Session held every Wednesday at Movements Gallery, 211 E. Sixth. And since the venue doesn't have a liquor license yet, ya gotta BYOBeverages but regardless she says to "definitely bring your own expressive exhalations. Yeah, breathe." Next event features Kamala Platt of San Antonio and other special guests commemorating International Day Against Police Brutality. HOT HOT HOT. Be there, y'all. Wed, Mar 18, 9pm- 10:30pm. 441-POET.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE POETRY at Quackenbush's, 2120 Guadalupe, is another Austin Poets at Large venue. Sat, 7pm. 452-3332.
TEXAS NAFAS, the very wonderful poetry show produced by Farid Mohammadi and friends, is running strong on Cable Channel 10. Farid asks that you write letters to him telling how you like it so he can make use of said accolades to apply for a grant. Send kudos to: Farid Mohammadi, 1221 Algarita, Apt. 224, Austin, TX 78704. Farid also needs volunteers: interviewers, promoters, camera people, editors, etc. 326-4071 or e-mail to poetry10@juno.com Sun, 9pm.
THE AUSTIN TOASTMASTERS meet on the 21st floor of One Hundred Congress Avenue to promote and improve public speaking skills. Tue, 5:45pm. President Byron Marsales 458-9427.
LAUGHING AT THE SUN ART GALLERY, 2209 S 1st St., invites artists, poets, writers, and musicians to create, perform, and meet one another. Sun, noon-5pm. 326-4410.
BORDERS, 10225 Research, hosts literary discussion groups every Wednesday. The Literary Discussion Group meets the 1st Wed of each month; the Mystery Group meets the second Wed; the SF folks meet the third Wed of the month; the Non-fiction meets the fourth Wed of the month. Wed, 7:30pm. 795-8410. Borders-On-The-Word is the free poetry reading held at Borders Books and Music, 10225 Research (near Home Depot). Hosted by Barbara Carr. A round robin open mike follows the featured readers. Wed, Mar 25, 7:30pm. 795-9553 (Borders) or 343-7940 (Carr).
RUTA MAYA, 218 W. 4th (the corner of Fourth and Lavaca), voted best place to hear poetry in the Chronicle's Best of Austin readers poll, presents APAL open readings with Laura Moliter hosting every Tues. Mar 17 features Venie Holmgren, an environmentalist poet interested in saving the rain forests. Tue, 6:30-7:30pm.
*AUSTIN POETRY SOCIETY invites visitors and guests to their meeting in the Howson Branch Library, 2500 Exposition, the third Saturday of the month through May. Sat, Mar 21, 10pm. 458-1485.
*THE CORNERSTONE GAY & LESBIAN CENTER, 1117 Red River, hosts a Poetry Reading Series the fourth Wednesday of each month through May. Sharon Bridgforth, recipient of the New Forms Initiative grant, is the second reader. Open mike follows the 45-minute feature reading. Sign-up at 6:45. Wed, Mar 25, 7-9pm. 708-1515.
*BARNES & NOBLE at the Arboretum sponsors poetry with host John Berry. Guest poet is Neill Megaw. A round robin open mike follows. Guests are Kay Abikhaled and Ken Fontenot. A round robin open mike follows. Thu, Mar 12, 7:30-10pm. 928-0619 or 837-8693. The AWL and the Texas Commission on the Arts sponsors a Poetry Workshop at the B&N shop at the Arboretum led by Jill Timmons. Bring 10 or more copies of any one page original poem. 335-7078. Other events: Their Children's Storytimes are Wed 10am and 11:30am; Fri, 7pm; and Sat 11am. The Fiction Book Discussion Group meets the last Monday of the month at 7:30pm. 918-9636. The Women's Book Discussion Group meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm. 218-8199.
*BARNES & NOBLE Barnes & Noble at Westlake True Life Book Group features All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg, Sat, Mar 14, 2pm; Contemporary Fiction Group reads Blue Italian by Rita Ciresi, Wed, Mar 18, 7pm; Texana Book Group reads Crow in the House, Wolf at the Door by Frances Nail who joins the group to discuss her book, Wed, Mar 25, 7pm. Children's book readings are: Fin M'Coul, The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie DePaola, Fri, Mar 13, 7pm; Bubba: The Cowboy Prince read by author Helen Ketteman, Sat, Mar 14, 11am; Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom Deluise, Wed, Mar 18, 11am; Arrow to the Sun by Gerald McDermott, Fri, Mar 20, 7pm; Sunflower Sal by Janet S. Anderson, Sat, Mar 21, 11am; Green Wilma by Tedd Arnold, Wed, Mar 25, 11am; Town Mouse, Country Mouse by Jan Brett, Fri, Mar 27, 7pm; Moira's Birthday and Murmel, Murmel by Robert Munsch, Sat, Mar 28, 11pm. Always call to confirm events. 328-3155.
More poetry! The bravery in you is as great as the fear the shadow casts. OK? You understand that? So if you reconcile with that fear you will access that bound bravery. Can you imagine the good you could do with that energy released? Good for yourself, your loved ones, the world? I'm not talking salvation. Just engagement. Not redemption, but reconciliation. We've all sinned, sister. That ferocity you possess can be accessed in more than one way. It's the one-sidedness that has you gripped. Remember the other side. Access it. Vaya con dios.
along the path, fence wires sparkle
prickle the noses of snorting cattle
too soon a pallid sun
melts the outlines of this beauty
turns ice to glistening droplets
dripping from black boughs;
grief melts inexorably to dull pain.
- Barbara Ellis "Hoar Frost" (an excerpt) from Rustic Rub, a fine anthology of mostly English poets edited by Jay Woodman (who will be in town for the AIPF), available for $8 an issue thru R. Lusk, 903 Ridgewood Road, Austin 78746
ACA GALLERY @ ARTPLEX, 1705 Guadalupe, 474-7799. "Go Figure III," works by local artists who have participated in the gallery's Life Drawing/Open Studio Program, will be on view March 19-April 4. Opening: Thu, March 19, 6-9pm. At 7pm, artist Madelon Umlauf will give a formal presentation of awards with her selection of the three best pieces in the show.
LITTLE CITY ESPRESSO BAR, 916 Congress, 476-2489. Collages by Suzi Galletti are on view through April 2. Opening: Sun, March 15, 6-8pm.
MANUEL'S DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT, 310 Congress, 472-7555. "Fiesta de Primavera," 10 selected prints by Latino painters from Coronado studios, as well as photographs by Brian Bowers, is on view through April 15. Opening: Thu, March 19, 6-7:30pm, featuring live music by Alamo Suite. Fri, March 20, 10pm-midnight will feature music by Triana; Sat, March 21, 10pm-midnight will feature Blue Flamenco; Sun, March 21, noon-3pm will feature Susanna Sharpe & Samba Police; and 5-7pm, KMFA 90.5 classical FM station will sponsor a complimentary classical music performance by La Follia and Tony Morris and Lana Neal.
MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM, 419 Congress, 480-9373. An exhibition of original paintings and prints by Rosario Cabreras are on view through April 18. In conjunction with the Cabreras exhibition, the museum will present original paintings by Marisa Nuñez in the back gallery space. Opening: Fri, March 13, 7-9pm.
MOVEMENTS GALLERY, 211 E. Sixth, 469-1745. Works by Michael Mortham, Elise Pittman, and others will be on display March 18-April 16. Opening: Wed, March 18, 7pm, featuring music by ERG.
RUTA MAYA COFFEE HOUSE, 218 W. Fourth, 472-9637. "Pinball Machines and Tossed Salad," collaborative works by C&T, is on view through April 11. Opening: Sun, March 15, afternoon, featuring live music by Dickie Lee Erwin & the Swinging Dickies.
WEST LYNN CAFE, 1110 West Lynn, 482-0950. For the first time in three years, works by the award-winning Houston artist Don Edelman will be on view in Austin, through May 6 at the cafe. Edelman's intense watercolors and acrylics range in style from surrealistic to realistic to abstract. Opening: Thu, March 12, 2-6pm.
ALTERNATE CURRENT ART SPACE, 2209 S. First, 443-9674. "Cut Across the Middle" is a joint venture by three artist-run galleries exploring themes of high/low culture, right-wing/left-wing politics, craft/anticraft, etc. The show premiered at the Neo-Post-Nolo Gallery in Manitowoc, Wisconsin in May of 1997; it then opened at the Plan B Gallery in Memphis, Tennessee in September of 1997. Alternate Current is the third and final gallery to host the exhibition, on view through March 20. Closing: Fri, March 20, 8pm-midnight.
LAS AMERICAS GALLERY, 1103 E. Sixth, 320-9922. "Martin Cramer: A Retrospective," works from 1960 to 1996 by the late artist, is on view through March 19. Cramer travelled extensively throughout his lifetime, and his work incorporates elements from diverse parts of the world.
ARTIST'S COVE, 303 W. Fifth, 320-0603. Oil paintings by Austin-area artists Freddie McCoo and George Zupp, as well as works by world-renowned artist Marlinde Von Ruhs, are currently on display. Also featured are photographs by Antonio Varela and Luis Ramirez; sculpture by Alexander Flores and Richard Ezell; glass work by Rejina Thomas; and jewelry by Amanda Poston.
ARTWORKS, 1214 W. Sixth, 472-1550. Through March, the gallery features contemporary architectural watercolors by Texas artist Mike Shaw and sculptures in stainless steel by Dave Regier. Also on view are pastel figurative drawings by British artist Sarah Etherington.
AUSTIN GALLERIES, 1219 W. Sixth, 495-9363. "African Sculpture," an exhibit of two large collections of superb ceremonial wood carvings, is on view through March 18. The show features face masks, moon-shaped boxes, figural boxes, free-standing warriors and female forms, musical instruments, textiles, baskets, and more.
AUSTIN MUSEUM OF ART, DOWNTOWN, 823 Congress, 495-9224. "American Images: The SBC Collection of Twentieth-Century American Art," an exhibition presented by Southwestern Bell which traces the major movements in American Art during this century, is on view through May 10. Early Modernism, mid-century Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and the "pluralistic approaches evident in art of the last two decades" are represented.
BLUE ROAD STUDIO, 2210 S. First, 326-8909. "Points of Departure," an exhibit of new works by Joyce DiBona and Casey McKee, is a joint display between Blue Road and LaMenagerie, located next door to the studio. Through March.
RUTH BORINSTEIN GALLERY, 3300 Bee Caves, Suite 700, 306-8848. "Miro!," important lithographs, aquatints, and more (circa 1965-1979), is on view through March.
JULIA C. BUTRIDGE GALLERY, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, 397-1455. "Stop and Smell the Ink: The Wildflower Portfolio," a diverse collection of prints by the Women Printmakers of Austin celebrating Texas wildflowers, is on view through March. Print sales will benefit educational programs at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.
CLARKSVILLE POTTERY & GALLERIES, 9772 Great Hills Tr, 794-8580 and 4001 N. Lamar, 454-9079. The galleries are currently featuring watches by Milieras, Glen Bradford, and Lois Cohen; wooden jewelry boxes by Michael Moore and Michael Mikutowski; and new water fountains by Jim Millar and Wolfgang Vaatz.
CLAYWAYS POTTERY STUDIO & GALLERY, 5442 Burnet Rd., 459-6445. Currently featured are works by local potters Kit Adams, Fletcher Starbuck, Catherine Sherwood, Don Bebout, Diana Seidel, Kay York, Paul Uhl, and Mary Fischer.
EEKA-BEEKA, 1705 Guadalupe, Suite 205, 441-4821. "Challenging Comfort Zones," erotic paintings, drawings, and sculpture by Mark Matlock, is on display through Mar 28.
FIRE ISLAND HOT GLASS STUDIO, 3401 E. Fourth, 389-1100. The gallery is currently featuring works by Matthew Labarbera and Teresa Ueltschey, including handblown perfume bottles, vases, glassware, paperweights, and more. Visitors are invited to observe glassblowing demonstrations, held every Saturday, 9am-noon. The studio will present their 15th annual open house and block party on Sat, April 4, 10am-6pm. Call for details.
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH, Alternate Space Gallery, 4700 Grover, 452-6168. "She," new works by local artist Kay Martin, is on view through March 29. Website: http://www. austinart.com. Reception: Sun, March 22, 1-4pm.
FLATBED PRESS GALLERY, 912 W. Third, 477-9328. "Reverie & Requiem," an exhibition of prints by Austin artist Belinda Casey, is on view through April 14. Casey has created a suite of intaglio prints exploring the intimate innerwork of the subconscious and senses, evoking dark comedy along with evocative wit.
GALERIA SIN FRONTERAS, 1701 Guadalupe, 478-9448. A retrospective exhibit of works by Mexican artist Leopoldo Morales Praxedis is on view through March 20.
GALLERY LOMBARDI, 920 W. Third, 481-1088. In celebration of International Women's Month, the gallery will present "Definientia," works in painting, sculpture, photography, lithography, and video from nine selected Austin women artists, on view through March 28.
GRAPHIC CONCERN, 1202-B. W. Sixth, 472-7428. Paintings by Sarah Higdon are highlighted at the gallery through March 26. Gallery artists include Will Klemm, Cindy Streiff, Victoria Smith, Barbara Clubb, and more. Call for details.
HEARTLAND GALLERY, 4101 Guadalupe, 323-9446. Sophisticated, colorful blown glass works by Rollin Karg are on view. Pieces range from paperweights to large sculptures.
HOUSE OF WACKS, 701 E. 53rd, 302-3103. Works by Andy Fuertsch are currently on display. Website: http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~tower/androp.html
IRONWOOD INDUSTRIES, 5120 Burnet Rd., 450-1933. Mixed media sculpture by James Long is currently on display. Reception: Sat, March 28, 8pm.
LA MENAGERIE, 2210 S. First, Studio E, 326-4090. Unconventional photography by Austin artist Casey McKee is currently featured.
LAUGHING AT THE SUN, 2209 S. First, 326-4410. "Confessions," an exhibit of poetry, monotypes, and boxes by brother-and-sister team Michael T. Ricker and Patricia Troth Ricker Black, is on view.
LYONS MATRIX GALLERY, 1712 Lavaca, 479-0068. "Suburban Interiors and Other Apocalyptic Paintings," a new series of artworks by James B. Janknegt, is on view through March 14.
METROPOLITAN GALLERY, 903 S. Lamar, 326-1611. The gallery is currently featuring new abstract photography by Steve Oleson; fanciful assemblages of varying woods by sculptor Philip John Everett; and large, abstract expressionist canvases by Karen Lastre.
MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM, 419 Congress, 480-9373. An exhibition of original paintings and prints by Rosario Cabreras are on view through April 18. A contemporary of María Izquierdo, Frida Kahlo, and other greats, Cabreras' period of artistic production was brief - circa 1919-1928 - but her work had a great impact on many of her students, and she received recognition from a variety of artists, including Diego Rivera, Alfredo Ramos Martínez, Fernando Leal, and Ignacio Asúnsolo. In conjunction with the Cabreras exhibition, the museum will present original paintings by Marisa Nuñez in the back gallery space. Opening: Fri, March 13, 7-9pm.
MOVEMENTS GALLERY, 211 E. Sixth, 469-1745. New works by Austin artist Andy Fuertsch is on display through March 17, as well as pieces by Joshua Chalmers and Dave Miller. Website (for Fuertsch): http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~tower/androp.html. Works by Michael Mortham, Elise Pittman, and others will be on display March 18-April 16. Opening: Wed, March 18, 7pm, featuring music by ERG.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, AUSTIN, 2525 W. Anderson in Northcross Mall, 457-8808. "The 1998 International Art Exhibit," the 7th annual gala celebration of the museum, is on view through March. The show includes works by artists from the U.S., Romania, France, the Netherlands, Argentina, South Africa, Austria, England, China, Slovakia, and Germany.
ELISABET NEY MUSEUM, 304 E. 44th, 458-2255. "Building with Natural Forms, Furniture in the Rustic Tradition," an exhibit of works by Al Zirkel, is on view through May. Zirkel builds one-of-a-kind furnishings at his home near Medina, Texas.
R. PEEPLES JR. GALLERY, 1708 Guadalupe, 457-1052. The gallery continues their exhibit of museum-quality fine art furniture and design elements by established studio artists Daniel Kagay, Dick Hedgepeth, Philippe Klinefelter, Brian McLachlan, Janice C. Smith, John Foster, and Robert Peeples, Jr.
PRO-JEX GALLERY, Artplex,1705 Guadalupe, 472-7707. "Icons from the Pleasure Dome: The Magickal Imagery of Kenneth Anger," a show of photographic art by the reknowned filmmaker, is featured through April 9. The exhibit will include film stills from some of his cult classics, including Scorpio Rising, Lucifer Rising, and more. Reception: Fri, March 20, 6-9pm. Mr. Anger will be present.
RAIN DOG STUDIO, 7108 Smokey Hill Rd., 301-7041. New work by Colley Kreidler is on view, as well as earlier work in stone and steel.
RAMIREZ GALLERY, 3010 W. Anderson, Suite F, 302-0770. Oils by impressionistic painter Gary Thornton are featured through April 7. His works are characterized by rich, brilliant colors, strong design and composition, and bold brush work.
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS MUSEUM, N. I-35 & Hwy 183, 339-1997. "La Belle: The Mystery of La Salle in the Gulf," an exhibition featuring the 700-pound solid brass cannon retrieved from the sunken ship's hold, is featured through Mar 28.
SLUGFEST GALLERY, 1906 Miriam Ave., 477-7204. Paintings by the late Herman Herfort are on view through March 15. Herfort (1896-1986) was a New Jersey farmer who began painting when he was in his seventies, creating over 200 works in just nine years.
TARRYTOWN GALLERY, 2414 Exposition Blvd, 473-2552. Recent works by Tim Price are on view through March 14. Price, a long-time patron of the arts in Austin, has created artworks since the age of 14, yet this is the first public display of his paintings and pastels.
TERRA CHILDREN'S GALLERY, 1708 S. Congress, 445-4489. "Pre-historic" paintings and abstract illustrations by Becker Elementary students are on view through March 18.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Flawn Academic Center, 471-8944. "Yiddish has not yet said its last word: The Legacy of Isaac Bashevis Singer," a major exhibition showcasing the life and work of the Nobel Laureate, is on display through Aug 7. The show features manuscripts, photographs, and other items drawn from the Ransom Center's archive.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Huntington Art Gallery, 23rd & San Jacinto and 21st & Guadalupe, 471-7324. With more than 12,500 works of art, the Huntington is one of the top 10 university art museums in the U.S. The permanent collection features Western European and American Art.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, 21st & Guadalupe, 471-8944. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/HRC/HRHRC/. Now located on the center's first floor, the 1826 heliograph made by Frenchman Joseph Nicépce, which is commonly recognized as the world's first photograph, is permanently on view. The gallery is currently featuring an online exhibition titled, "Gone With the Wind," featuring QuickTime video of screen tests, transcriptions of actual memos and letters, dozens of photographs, and other material from the center's massive David O. Selznick Archive (the late Hollywood producer). Website: http://www.lib.utexas. edu/Libs/HRC/HRHRC/DOS/GWTW/GWTW.html.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS LBJ Library, 2313 Red River, 916-5137, ext. 296. "Los Tejanos: Sus Huellas en la Tierra (The Texas Mexicans: Footprints on the Land)," an exhibition depicting the diversity, fierce spirit, and vigor of Texans of Mexican ancestry, is on view through Sept 8.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS Sid Richardson Hall, 2.101, 495-4515. "Natchez on the Mississippi, 1870-1910," an exhibition of more than 100 images by photographer Henry Norman, is on view through May.
WESTBANK GALLERY, 4201 Bee Caves, 329-8514. Currently on view is contemporary art by Pamela Johnson; photography by Randy Ehrlich; and landscapes by Laurie Hatch.
WILD ABOUT MUSIC, 721 Congress, 708-1700. "Another Sanity," multi-media work by local musician Joe Ely, is on view through May 17. Ely's artwork combines photography, video stills, digital painting, and traditional painting.
WOMEN & THEIR WORK GALLERY, 1710 Lavaca, 477-1064. "blindsight," an exhibition of drawings by Houston-based artist Gladys Bel, is featured at the gallery through March 28. Bel's charcoal and ink drawings are highly modeled and precise representations of forms that appear vaguely familiar, but remain enigmatic.
YARD DOG, 1510 S. Congress, 912-1613. "Southern Culture on the Walls," new works by acclaimed folk and outsider artists, is on view through April 19. Artists include Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Reginald Mitchell, Mose Tolliver, Sulton Rogers, William Hawkins, Ike Morgan, Mary T. Smith, and Rev. Johnnie Swearingen.
AUSTIN JAVA CO., 13376 Research. "Forms of Nature," oil paintings by Brian Wootan are on display through April 1.
BOHEMIAN WRAPCITY, 511 E. Sixth, 457-9727. "Something by Some What," wild and intense acrylic paintings and airbrushed works by Austin artist Trevor Wilson, is on display through March.
EDGE CITY CAFE, 10000 Research, Ste. 139, 342-2239. "Wedding Pictures and Other Memories," wonderful, unique oil paintings depicting recent events in the life of the artist - Nathan Jensen - is featured through March 27.
FLIGHTPATH COFFEEHOUSE, 5011 Duval, 458-4472. "Creme de la Café," a presentation of some of the best work to come through the coffeehouse, is on view through March. Artists include Ben Reece, Rodger Bohuflov, Rachel Koper, Lori Armandulaz, Trevor Wilson, and more.
FRANKLIN PLAZA LOBBY, 111 Congress Ave., 414-4730. To celebrate Youth Art Month 1998 in Austin, over 1,000 works of art representing 91 elementary, middle/junior, and high schools will be on display through April 1.
GRANITE CAFE, 2905 San Gabriel, GRA-NITE. "Darkness Moves," new paintings by Ray Miller, is on display.
HYDE PARK BAR & GRILL, 4206 Duval, 442-3308. A collection of paintings, collages, and object d'art by Adaman FINCH Palter is on view through March 15.
KERBEY LANE CENTRAL, 3704 Kerbey Ln. "Earth! Water! Sky!," oils on canvas by D.M. (Mary) Goodwin, will be on display Mar 31-June 29.
LITTLE CITY ESPRESSO BAR, 916 Congress, 476-2489. Collages by Suzi Galletti are on view through April 2. Opening: Sun, March 15, 6-8pm.
LITTLE CITY ESPRESSO BAR, 3403 Guadalupe, 467-2326. "Prosaic Views," recent monotpyes and paintings by Ray Miller, is featured through April.
LOVEJOYS, 604 Neches, 477-1268. "Experiments," 3-D, shaped, and multi-canvas oil paintings by Nathan Jensen, is currently on view.
MAGNOLIA CAFE SOUTH, 1920 S. Congress, 445-0000. Colorful acrylics by local artist K.J. (Kevin) Leathers is on view through April 7. Kevin calls his style "Post Pop Perfectionism," and while it may remind some of pop culture icon Andy Warhol, Leathers' work places an extra emphasis on the contrast between dark and light.
MAMA MIA'S RISTORANTE, 8015 Shoal Creek, 444-2059. Oil paintings by Barbara Smith are featured through April. Works include Southwest landscapes, scenes of Austin, and more.
MANUEL'S DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT, 310 Congress, 472-7555. "Fiesta de Primavera," ten selected prints by Latino painters from Coronado studios, as well as photographs by Brian Bowers, is on view through April 15. Opening: Thu, March 19, 6-7:30pm, featuring live music by Alamo Suite. Fri, March 20, 10pm-midnight will feature music by Triana; Sat, March 21, 10pm-midnight will feature Blue Flamenco; Sun, March 21, noon-3pm will feature Susanna Sharpe & Samba Police; and 5-7pm, KMFA 90.5 classical FM station will sponsor a complimentary classical music performance by La Follia and Tony Morris and Lana Neal.
NEW WORLD DELI, 4101 Guadalupe. "A BUG," an exhibition of current works by the Austin Women's Art Project, is on view through March.
SWEETISH HILL BAKERY, 922 Congress, 477-2441. "The Secret Garden: Photographs of Laguna Gloria," an exhibition of black-and-white images by Pat Brown, is featured through March.
UPPER CRUST BAKERY, 4508 Burnet Rd. Joan (Smithjonian) Smith - from 3 Blind Mice Studio - will present Southwestern oils on canvas through April 6.
WEST LYNN CAFE, 1110 West Lynn, 482-0950. For the first time in three years, works by the award-winning Houston artist Don Edelman will be on view in Austin, through May 6 at the cafe. Edelman's intense watercolors and acrylics range in style from surrealistic to realistic to abstract. Opening: Thu, March 12, 2-6pm.
ANTIGUA, 1508 S. Congress, 912-1475. "SXSW Art Extravaganza," a showing of national, international, and local art, is on view March 20-22. Artists include Sunny Day, Donna Rambeaux, Amber Buck, Terry Talbert, and more.
CITY MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 124 W. Eighth, 397-1455. "Texas History through the Eyes of Austin," an exhibition of paintings in watercolor and pen by acclaimed Austin artist Mary Curtis, is on view through April.
ELECTRIC LOUNGE, 302 Bowie, 476-FUSE. An exhibition of recent artworks by Ron English will be on view March 20-April 18. English's work is described as "a fun-filled romp through pop culture" and "a look at the world through rose colored magnifying glasses." Opening: Fri, March 20, 2-6pm.
ESTILO VALDEZ SALON, 3700 Jefferson, 454-7500. Recent Texas landscapes in watercolor, acrylic, and gouache by Baron Wilson are featured through May.
FEATS OF CLAY, 4630 Burnet Rd., 453-2111. One of the first clay studios in Austin (22 years old!), the studio features a continually changing display of wheelthrown, handbuilt, and sculptural works in clay for indoor and outdoor use. Works by studio artists Ruth Calhoun, Art Neidermeyer, and Cindy Phillips are featured, as well as other local artists.
INCREDIBLE INK, 503 W. Mary, 444-6069. The tattoo studio and art gallery currently features works by local artist Jesus Monsivais.
MEDUSA'S CLOSET, 1017 E. Sixth, 326-3448. The consignment shop will celebrate their grand opening with a special showing of photography, sculpture, and painting by local artists.
RHYTHM HOUSE, 624 W. 34th, 458-4411. Studio artist Sheila Weil will present a solo exhibit through March 15.
RUTA MAYA COFFEE HOUSE, 218 W. Fourth, 472-9637. "Pinball Machines and Tossed Salad," collaborative works by C&T, is on view through April 11. The show features oils and mixed media on wood panels. Opening: Sun, March 15, afternoon, featuring live music by Dickie Lee Erwin & the Swinging Dickies.
TEXAS FRENCH BREAD on South Congress is currently seeking artists interested in exhibiting their work. Call Melody Taylor at 452-8191.
SUGAR & SPICE GENERAL STORE & TACO EXPRESS is currently seeking artists and crafts people for a series of concerts on their patio, featuring Alejandro Escovedo. Dates are March 21, April 25, May 2, and May 16. 444-0261.
MOVEMENTS ART GALLERY is seeking artists of diverse backgrounds and experience with "eyes and minds in quest of the extraordinary." They are looking for paintings, photographs, films, dance, and song. The gallery is also seeking volunteers to help with a growing list of art-related tasks and chores. Website: http://www. movements@ccms.net. 469-1745.
FLATBED PRESS WORKSHOPS are currently being offered at their studios, 912 W. Third. Classes are taught by master printmakers and include: All About Prints (for collectors and the curious), Solar Plate Workshop, Waterbased Monotypes, Monotyping with Oil-based Inks, and more. Now through April 17. 477-9328.
TERRA TOY'S STORY TIME is held weekly at the shop, 1708 S. Congress. Children and parents are welcome. Sundays, 1-2pm. 445-4489.
PIONEER FARM SUMMER DAY CAMP is currently taking registration for children ages 4-15. Youth can spend either all or part of five days at the Farm experiencing work and play as it might have been experienced during the 1880's. Dressed in period clothing, the children care for farm animals, prepare meals, and work on 19th-century crafts. Sessions begin June 1 and run through August 7. Registration is underway. 837-1215.
T'AI CHI is offered weekly at Tom Gohring's School of T'ai Chi for youth age 9-15. Classes help participants develop self-esteem and coordination and improve discipline. Website: http://www.taichitom.com. Ongoing. 452-8664.
CLAYWAYS POTTERY STUDIO is currently taking registration for spring break classes, after-school classes, and summer classes at their location, 5442 Burnet. For ages 6-10 and 11 and up. Parent/child classes are also available. 459-6445.
A FREE TWO-MONTH KARATE COURSE for girls age 6-12 is offered through April at Sun Dragon Women's Martial Arts, 203 E. Riverside. The all-girl classes will be taught by women black belts. Tue/Thu, 5:30-6:30pm. 416-9735.
AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, 201 Colorado. The museum offers a wide variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Programs include Baby Bloomers, an informal play and explore time for children ages 0-2; Teetertots, for kids ages 2-4; Digital Film Editing, for youth ages 9-12; an Early Childhood Educator Workshop for adults; Adobe Photoshop 4.0 Multimedia Studio, ages 9-11; and much more. Call for fees and a schedule of events. 472-2499.
THE AUSTIN NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER, located in Zilker Park, provides exhibits and educational programs for children of all ages. Free. Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Call for a complete schedule of events. 327-8181.
NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CTR., 4801 LaCrosse. Saturdays feature activities for the whole family, including nature walks, planting, leaf-printing, stories, etc. 292-4200.
PIONEER FARM, 11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Rd., demonstrates how pioneers settled and farmed the land. Visitors can see farm animals, take part in daily chores, and tour historic homes and barns. Admission is $3 adults/$2 children. Mar 15: Barnyard Animals - meet the farm's Jersey cow and calf, Mr. A the mule, chickens, pigs, and more. March 22: Botanical Gardens - a behind-the-scenes look at Sally's Garden and Gus' cabin. Sun, 1-5pm; Mon-Wed, 9:30am-1pm. 837-1215.
TWO JAVA PROGRAMMING COURSES will be offered by The Institute for Research and Training at Huston-Tillotson College, 700 Chicon. The 31/2 day introductory course costs $350; the 41/2 day advanced course is $450; or $750 for both. March 13-17 (intro); March 17-21 (advanced). 505-3101.
WEEDPEOPLE, an ethnobotany group, will host a fieldtrip to a reestablished habitat in Dripping Springs. Sat, March 14, 10am. 295-2787.
THE NEXT MEETING OF TEXAS CURE (Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants) will feature Joan Goodwin, Information Specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission. Goodwin will discuss employment opportunities for parolees and the management of barriers parolees face as they re-enter society. The event will be held at Huston-Tillotson College, 900 Chicon, Jackson-Moody Humanities Building, Rm. 200. Sun, March 15, 2pm. 374-1304.
AN AROMATHERAPY WORKSHOP will be presented by Laura Genoway-Reisfield (of Sabia Botanicals) at the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School, 4701-B Burnet Rd. Tuition is $160. Sat & Sun, March 14-15, 9am-6pm. 374-9222.
FIDELITY INVESTMENTS will host a free seminar, "The New Roth IRA: Better Opportunities for You," to be held at the Austin Investor Center, 10,000 Research Blvd., Suite 214. Tue, March 17, noon & 6pm. 800/544-7815.
A BYZANTINE ICON PAINTING WORKSHOP will be led by renowned Russian iconographer Vladislav Andrejev at the Sri Atmananda Memorial School, 4100 Red River. The six-day intensive class focuses on the ancient practice of writing icons, and include explanations on the theological basis for icon writing. Mon, March 16-Sat, March 21, 9am-4pm. A public lecture on iconography will be given by Andrejev on Thu, March 19, at 7pm. 458-4941.
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY GROUP of the Institute of Noetic Sciences will meet in the TravelFest Learning Center,1214 W. Sixth. James Beal, Electromagnetic Field Interface Consultant, will present "Healing, Harming, and Therapies involving Bioelectromagnetism." Wed, March 18, 7-9pm. 258-9878.
SPORT SAFETY TRAINING will be offered by the American Red Cross, featuring instruction in prevention and lifesaving skills, including adult and child CPR and sports safety first aid. Call for registration. Sat, March 21, 9am-4pm. 928-4271.
ART CLASSES WITH BERYL KERWICK are being offered in six-week sessions at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1100 Barton Springs Rd. Courses offered include Drawing - On the Right Side ($70), and Acrylic and Water Media Painting and Collage ($75). Classes begin as soon as Mon, March 23. 397-1458.
TWO VOLUNTEER TUTOR WORKSHOPS will be offered by the Literacy Council of Williamson County at Round Rock High School. The 12-hour workshop focuses on the Labach Way to Reading, a curriculum designed to teach English- speaking adults the fundamentals of reading, writing, and comprehension. March 23, 26, 30, April 2, 6-9pm. 244-6648.
BUSINESS INVEST FOR GROWTH offers a weekly orientation session on "How to write a winning business plan to get working capital to start or expand your business." Meetings are held at 1009 E. 11th St., Suite 104. Tuesdays, 9-10am. 494-8044.
CLAYWAYS POTTERY STUDIO is currently taking registration for adult classes in wheel throwing and handbuilding. They are located at 5442 Burnet Rd. 459-6445.
CIRCLE-IN-A-SQUARE POTTERY offers potter's wheel and handbuilding classes in small groups at their location, 3303 E. Fourth. Day and evening courses are available. Open house days are held weekly, featuring demonstrations in clay, kiln openings, free refreshments, fine pottery and ceramics, and more. Saturdays, 10am-12:30pm. 247-FIRE.
LAUGHING AT THE SUN GALLERY offers a variety of classes each week, including non-ferrous metal sculpture w/Daryl Colburn; painting w/Nichole Tarnay; and jewelry fabrication w/Rita Ross. Ongoing. 326-4410.
HENNA TATTOO PAINTING and Henna Tattoo classes are offered at the Michael's store, 183 & 620. Ongoing. 335-3014.
BEGINNING DRAWING FOR ADULTS is offered in six-week sessions at the ArtPlex, 1705 Guadalupe, sponsored by the Artists' Coalition of Austin. Limited to 12 participants. Saturdays, 10am-noon. 443-6331.
THE ENTREPRENEURS' ASSOCIATION is offering business-development classes and seminars to emerging multimedia business as part of the city's multimedia economic-development program. Website: http://www.grow-biz.com. Ongoing. 933-1983.
THE CAPITAL AREA JOB CLUB hosts weekly career-related programs at no charge in the first-floor conference room at The Echelon I, 9430 Research Blvd. Tuesdays, 6pm. 338-9144.
PUBLIC SPEAKING ANXIETY is addressed in the "Speak Easy Workshop," offered weekly at 5555 N. Lamar, Bldg. C, #127. First session is free; continued participation is $25 per month. Thursdays, 7pm. 990-8766.
FREE INTERNET CLASSES are offered weekly by Compu-Care Management & Systems, Inc., 13740 Research. Wednesdays, 7-9pm. 219-8025.
A COMMUNITY FOR CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE holds a weekly Zen-informed sitting group at the Friends Meeting House, 3014 Washington Sq. Childcare is available. Thursdays, 7:30-9:30pm. 445-2081.
YOGA & RELAXATION CLASSES are offered by Julieta Butts at Stacy Park (or a nearby indoor space during inclement weather). $6/class. Daily, 7-8am & 8-9am and 5-6pm & 6-7pm. 440-7258.
AUSTIN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL CENTER offers T'ai Chi, Aerobics, and yoga classes at their location, 12221 MoPac Expy. N. Weekly. 901-6488.
A NEW STEP AEROBICS CLASS will be offered by Michelle Ramos at the Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W. Dittmar. One-hour classes feature warm-up, cardio workout, cool down, and strength and toning ab work. Cost is $20 per month; first class free. Mon/Wed, 6-7pm; Sat, 10-11am. 441-4777.
BUDO TAIJUTSU/NINJUTSU CLASSES are offered by the Austin Bujinkan Tanemaki Dojo, featuring the ancient art of Japanese armed and unarmed self-defense. First lesson is free. E-mail: Kendall65@juno.com. Mon/Thu, 7:30-9:30pm. 385-3036.
AUSTIN CHA YON RYU offers early morning and evening classes in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi. Master John Blankenship is celebrating his 25th year teaching in Austin. Ongoing. 453-3618.
YOGA YOGA STUDIOS, 1700 S. Lamar, offers a variety of classes and yoga-related activities each week. Over 20 special beginning-level yoga classes are available. "The Sound of Gong," a yoga meditation workshop, will be offered by Mehtab Singh on Sun, March 20, 1-4pm. 326-3900.
T'AI CHI FOR WOMEN meets weekly to help participants calm the mind, strengthen the body, and lift the spirit. Beginning classes start in February; register now. Sat, 11:30am (Sun Dragon Martial Arts) & 2:30pm (Rolling Hills Yoga); Wed, 5:30pm (Eastwood Park). 458-8886.
STILL POINT AIKIDO offers instruction in Seidokan Aikido six days a week at two locations. Aikido is a martial art that teaches the individual to blend with conflict in order to reach reconciliation quickly and efficiently. Ongoing. 703-8942.
TRINITY YOGA, developed by master yogini Kali Ray, is led weekly by Tara O'Neill, RN, at Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey. Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm. 912-0790.
PRENATAL YOGA is offered weekly by Shannon Potts-Hickey. Postpartum with infants, beginning, and continuing classes are also available. All classes are held at the Nob Hill Bldg., Suite 412, 2520 Longview. 288-7238.
T'AI CHI AND RELATED PRACTICES are offered weekly at Tom Gohring's School of T'ai Chi. Over 30 classes a week teach the complete t'ai chi system. Website: http://www.taichitom.com. Ongoing. 452-8664.
ALL LEVELS HATHA YOGA CLASSES are offered weekly at the Friends Meeting House, 3014 Washington Square (in the UT Area). By donation. Tue, 8pm; Thu, 6pm. 476-4064.
HATHA YOGA classes are offered by Marci Winters at the Nob Hill Bldg., 2520 Longview, #412. First class is free. Fri (gentle yoga) 5:30-6:30pm; Wed, 7:30-8:30pm. 462-9862.
A BENEFIT PLANT SALE will be held at the Sunshine Community Garden, 4814 Sunshine Dr. Gardeners will be able to select from over 150 heirloom, European and Asian, and hybrid varieties of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, herbs, and flowers. All plants are organically grown. Proceeds benefit Austin Community Garden's programs for low-income individuals, children, seniors, and other special populations. Sat, March 14, 9am-5pm. 458-2009.
A COMMUNITY LIVING FAIR will be held at the South Austin Senior Activity Center, 3911 Manchaca Rd. Sponsored by the Austin Travis County Mental Heath Mental Retardation Center and others, the fair will feature service providers and community organizations who provide services and support to individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities and their families. More than 25 exhibitors are expected. Sat, March 14, 10am-2pm. 445-7731.
A YOGA CLASS AND PARTY for the "City of Hope" will be held at Power Yoga Space. Poetry by Mark Lipset and music by Billy Harvey will be featured. Sat, March 14, 7pm. 457-8760.
READ-A-THON, sponsored by the Friends of the Austin Public Library, is currently underway to raise funds for the Summer Reading Program. Participants who wish to read and collect pledges can pick up a Read-a-thon packet at any branch library. When the pledge packets are returned children will receive tickets for a puppet show to be presented at several locations; adults will receive tickets to Texas Tales, an adult storytelling event. March 14-April 18. 459-7104 or 499-7443.
A ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY will be held at Whole Foods Market's downtown location, Sixth & Lamar. The celebration will feature a sampling of authentic Irish stew and ream of celery root soup, as we as a variety of beers, and music by Two O'Clock Courage. Admission is free. Tue, March 17, 3-5pm. 376-1206.
THE MARCH MONTHLY LUNCHEON of the Association for Women in Communications will be held at the Doubletree Hotel. The event will feature Claire Campbell, public relations and development coordinator at Deja News. RSVP by noon on Mon, March 16. Cost is $14 members; $17 non-members. Wed, March 18, 11:45am. 416-5825.
FREE DOWNTOWN WALKING TOURS will be held the first Thursday in March and run through the last Sunday in November. The guided tours begin on the south steps of the Capital Building, sponsored by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ongoing through Nov. 478-0098.
FUN COMPANY TOASTMASTERS meets weekly at Casa de Luz, 1701 Toomey Rd. Fridays, 7:15pm. 459-5462.
WILD BASIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE offers a variety of weekly activities for youth and adults. Events include: Winter in the Wild; Basic Flint Knapping; Wild Basin Walks; Trail Maintenance; Indian Lore; Moonlighting; and more. Most are offered at no or low-cost. Call for a complete schedule of events. 327-7622.
A REFUGEE FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP Caritas of Austin is in constant need of donations of well-kept dining tables and chairs, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, as well as sofas, alarm clocks, and work boots. If you can help out, call 320-0270, ext. 13.