Public Notice
CASA Fiesta
By Kate X Messer, Fri., July 23, 1999
Sometimes, when we're given to wistful melancholy, we become sad, knowing that our son's equivalent to this is a small television screen pumping out the latest N64 fantasy-in-a-box. Now, mind you, we are pretty strict parentals, videogame-wise: weekends only, never on a school night, and breaks after a solid hour of play are required to keep the damn thing plugged in. Sometimes we wonder if we are bad parents for not having a swingset or playhouse in our backyard -- tough items for renters. Then we remember that when the games are off, he usually has his nose buried in a book or is off with his best buddy exploring some Picachu or Star Fox leitmotif. Was our childhood any richer, really, for acting out the musings of Bernstein's rip from the belly of the bard? How much less imagination is required to act out the roles of Pokémon, while inventing completely new plots and unique adventures for them to enjoy? Okay, we're coming down off of our generational high horse, now (mostly because, in all humility, we recoil in horror from further memories triggered, involving elaborately enacted one-act plays based on the lives of Keith & Laurie Partridge or Lancelot Link Secret Chimp). But it would still be cool to get the kid a playhouse, no? He's got at least a year or two before that option becomes completely uncool. So sue us for being so smitten with this fundraiser: Casas for CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocates) at its heart is a series of raffles for kids' playhouses. This year's theme, "That's Entertainment," covers the bases of fantasy playhouse themes: Circus Tent, Pinocchio & Friends, Muppets' Pirate Ship, Dr. Seuss' cottage, and a box officey marquee called "That's the Ticket." The Preview Party for playhouse sneak-peeks is this weekend, Sat, July 24, 7pm (with RSVP only), and the general showing of the funhouses at Barton Creek Square and Lakeline Malls begins Thu, Jul 29 and runs through Sat, Aug 7. casatc@aol.com or 459-2272.
We Got Hotties
What's hot? A night of sweat, courtesy of some red-hot NYC DJ. What's hot? The attendant dancers at said function. What's hot? The Silent Auction with over 30 hot, hot, hot items to browse and bid while you attempt to get cool, cool, cool. What's hot? The fact that this Red Hot VIII Fundraiser this Fri, Jul 23, 5pm-5am (!), at Oilcan Harry's, 211 W. Fourth, will benefit Project Transitions and, more directly, benefit folks living with AIDS. What's hot? It's only $5 buck to get in. What's not? You missing this event. 454-8646.
We Got Needies
Club Deville, Ninth & Red River, is the site for Rock-off/Metal-off between two bands: Migas and Whistling Slug, this Sun, Jul 25, to benefit Texas Alliance for Human Needs, the statewide, multi-issue coalition working to help folks cope with the modern world despite low-moderate incomes. There will also be a couple funny-guy stand-up comics and raffle prizes from World Gym, Lakeway golf course, and more. Five bucks will get you in, and beer is $2, 7-11pm. 474-5019.
Donate It, They Will Strum
Speaking of Lancelot Link (see: incessant ramble at top of page ... oh, never mind ...), the LINKS Program (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) puts 50 skidillion watts of musical power right into the hands of babies. LINKS is a non-profit which collects Donated Musical Instruments and matches them with the school district of the donor's choice. The Donation Drive is all next week, Mon, Jul 26, through Sat, Jul 31. Any town that calls itself that Live Music Capital of the World (right ... let's ask Liberty Lunch how they feel about that ... p-p-p-ffffft!), is sure to be filled to the brim with old washed-up hack wannabe musicians who thought better of their folly and have real jobs now, no? Whip out those piccolos, wrap up those trap sets, and ditch that old B.C. Rich that's just gathering dust anyway. Make your donations at the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau at Second & San Jacinto, or at either Brooks Mays Music Company, 4211 S. Lamar in Austin or 1601 S. I-35 in Round Rock. 583-7228.
E-mail: pnotice@auschron.comMail to: "Public Notice," The Austin Chronicle, P0 Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765. Deadline: Wednesday, 6pm, eight days prior to publication. Phone calls have a .001% chance of being returned.
