Heart O' Texas Orchid Society's 38th Annual Orchid Show & Sale

"Gallery of Orchids"
Show & Plant Sale: February 7th & 8th, 2009
10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday.

Image: sdcdeacerte via FlickrOrchids are Mother Nature at her best, so come join us and check out all the beautiful orchids that will be on display. There will also be hundreds of blooming orchids for sale, as well as helpful information for growing these beautiful plants from the 9 vendors, and society members. Need flowers for Valentines Day...orchids are becoming one of the most popular flowers in the U.S., so why not get an orchid this year for that special Valentine?

Admission to the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. http://www.hotos.org/

Zilker Botanical Gardens Center
2220 Barton Springs Road,
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 477-8672

Today's live music at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Sarah Elizabeth Campbell - 12:30 to 3:00PM

Ponty Bone - 3:30 to 6:00PM

Albert & Gage - 8:00 to 11:00PM

For more information, visit the web site for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

Admission $3 on weekdays before 7pm; $6 on evenings and weekends.

Today's live music at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

Rick Trevino - 12:30 to 3:00PM

Asleep at the Wheel Quartet - 3:30 to 6:00PM

Butch Hancock - 8:00 to 11:00PM

For more information, visit the web site for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar.

Admission on weekends is $6.

Austin Civic Wind Ensemble

The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, founded in 1975, is Austin's oldest community band, and is composed of amateur and professional musicians from all walks of life and ranging in age from teenagers to 70+. ACWE also hosts the annual Texas Community Music Festival, which features community musicians from throughout the Central Texas area.

The George Washington Carver Cultural Center (google map)
Info: (512) 789-4372

Sat. Dec. 20th
Time: 7:30pm, Tickets: Free

Christmas Tidings at the French Legation Museum, 12/20

Come see the historic French Legation decked out for the holidays! Throughout December the oldest home in Austin sets the stage for a discovery of Christmas past. French traditions and American Victoriana will warm your heart during chilly December afternoons.

Join us for this special celebration! The day will kick off with a visit from Pere Noel himself! Children of all ages are invited. Professional pictures from SMB Photography (www.smbphotography.biz) will be available for purchase on site. Time with Pere Noel will be FREE of charge.

Candlelight tours of the historic home will begin at 5:30pm followed by a Choral Concert and community reception at 7:00pm.

Pere Noel (the traditional French "Santa" 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Candlelight Tours and Crafts for the Kids, 5:30 pm
Choral Concert, 7:00 pm

Admission is FREE to all events.
Image via Wikipedia
French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos Street, Austin. Info: (512) 472-8180

TodayinAustin's Guide to the Zilker Park Trail of Lights

We've got the information and links (with more information) to guide you through the 2008 Trail of Lights: how to park your car, shuttle bus options from Waterloo Park, daily schedule of entertainment, riding the Zilker Zephyr and more. Click here to read all about the Zilker Park Trail of Lights.

Luminations at the Wildflower Center

Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

The Wildflower Center's winter celebration features the gardens ablaze with lights from more than 3,000 luminarias, 5,000 twinkle lights and hammered copper torches, illuminating native plants of the season. Listen to Austin area bands, choirs and quartets. View decorated holiday trees and enjoy special holiday treats for purchase. Frosty the Snowman and Blue Santa are on hand for photos with families, and holiday crafts are available for all ages -- the perfect holiday outing! Admission free with a donation of two canned food items for Capital Area Food Bank or an unwrapped gift for Blue Santa.

Saturday, December 13

* 6 p.m. Austin Philharmonic Orchestra
* 7 p.m. Austin Children's Choir
* 8 p.m. Austin Mandolin Orchestra
* 6 to 9 p.m. Young Texas Harp Ensemble at the McDermott Learning Center
* 6 to 9 p.m. Laurence Parent signs his book, "Portrait of Austin," in the store
* 6 to 9 p.m. Melody Thompson displays her singular pottery creations in the store

Sunday, December 14

* 6 p.m. Bailey Middle School Steel Drum Band
* 7 p.m. The Austin Banjo Club
* 8 p.m. Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir
* 6 to 9 p.m. Young Texas Harp Ensemble at the McDermott Learning Center
* 6 to 9 p.m. Rose Byrd shows her reverse painted bluebonnet ornaments in the store
* 6 to 9 p.m. Chef Keem will have samples of his delicious chocolate bars in the store.

The Long Center presents Defending the Caveman

May 29-30, 2009 - 8 p.m.

The longest running solo play in Broadway history, Defending the Caveman has become a worldwide hit. Having been translated into 16 different languages, Caveman has won the hearts of millions in more than 30 countries and is sure to win yours.

Defending the Caveman has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition, affectionately nudging each other as they recognize themselves in the stories being told on the stage. Its “outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet exploration of the gender gap” (Chicago Sun Times) has made Caveman “a comic phenomenon.” (New York Times). With hysterical observations into contemporary feminism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zones, Defending the Caveman mines the common themes in relationships that go straight through the funny bone and into the heart.

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN is recommended for adult audiences.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Video Games Live

March 28, 2009 - 8 p.m.

Back by popular demand for one night only, VIDEO GAMES LIVE, presented by Razer, has the power & emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology and interactivity of a video game, all completely synchronized to amazing cutting edge video screen visuals, state-of-the art lighting and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Marvin Hamlisch

March 26, 2009 - 8 p.m.

As composer and conductor, Hamlisch has won virtually every major award that exists: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Hamlisch is best known for scores to such films as Ordinary People, The Way We Were, and Sophie’s’ Choice; and such Broadway musicals as A Chorus Line, They’re Playing Our Song, and Seesaw.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents DRUMLine Live!

January 11, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.

DRUMLine Live brings the black marching band tradition to the theatrical stage for the very first time, featuring a large cast of colorful and flamboyant performers from Americas top Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Web site to purchase tickets.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

The Long Center presents Anton Nel

March 29, 2009 - 4 p.m.

Winner of the 1987 International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall, Austin’s own classical pianist Anton Nel has played in major musical halls the world over, including South Africa, Europe, Asia and North and South America. He makes his Long Center recital debut with this concert.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Jesus Christ Superstar

January 14 & 15, 8 pm

The first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs

“I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Hosanna”, “Everything’s Alright”, “What’s the Buzz”, “Superstar”, and “Heaven on Their Mind”, this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role is as relevant and timeless as ever.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents The Ten Tenors

April 8, 2009 - 8 p.m.

Australian group The Ten Tenors is a platinum record-selling singing act bringing their interpretations of the tenor repertoire in a splashy concert; from classical and operatic arias, to Neapolitan ballads, to their native Australian folk-songs. Heralded the world over, the group circles the globe ten months of the year, performing around 250 shows on five different continents around the world.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents One Night of Queen

March 8, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.

One Night of Queen celebrates the iconic passion of Freddie Mercury, his music, and the genius of Queen. Over the past seven years, this rock spectacle and tribute show has performed to sell-out crowds while touring non-stop around the UK, Germany, Portugal, Holland, France and New Zealand.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents A Ride with Bob, The Bob Wills Musical

A performance by Asleep at The Wheel

March 13-14, 7:30 p.m.

Before there was Elvis… before there was Hank Williams… there was a fiddler from West Texas by the name of Bob Wills. A fascinating musical retelling of Wills' career and his contribution to American music. An incredible evening of entertainment highlighted by such favorites as ‘Faded Love,' ‘Take Me Back to Tulsa' and ‘San Antonio Rose.'

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Jungua

May 23 & 24, 2009 - 8 p.m.

A show for all ages and inspired by the rich culture and traditions of China, Jungua balances traditional yin and yang by combining masculine martial arts and kungfu and quigong with the feminine grace of contortion, acrobatics, and dance. The Montreal Gazette calls the show “equal parts delicate and deadly” and “astonishing.”

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Garth Fagan Dance

February 18, 2009 - 8 p.m.

Critically acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance has toured for 35 years on six continents under the direction of Tony Award-winning Garth Fagan, choreographer of Broadway’s The Lion King. The dancers in this Rochester, New York-based Company are renowned for their individuality, unmannered approach, and virtuosity.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

The Long Center presents Bob the Builder Live!

March 1, 2009 - 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Everyone’s favorite fix-it guy is steamrolling into town and bringing his lovable gang along for the ride in Bob the Builder Live! The show is guaranteed to delight, educate, and entertain.

Web site for more information.

Long Center for the Arts
701 West Riverside Drive (at the corner of S. 1st Street)

To purchase tickets:
3M Box Office on the north-east side of the Long Center, ground level
Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Box Office Phone 512.474.5664

Austin Museum of Art, 1/17/09

Second Saturdays are for Families
Saturday, January 17
12-4 pm

Magnificent Movement Modified: Yoga & Photography for Families
Explore movement inspired by Sebastião Salgado: Workers in a family-friendly yoga class led by Brandy Arena of Bea Love Yoga from 12:30-1:15 pm. Then photograph yourself in movement!

AMOA Downtown
823 Congress Avenue
Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78701
512.495.9224

Austin Museum of Art, 12/13/08

Second Saturdays are for Families
Saturday, December 13
12-4 pm

Curl Up with Clay
Discover through The Texas Chair Project how the simple design of a chair can be twisted, folded, and stretched into more than 80 tiny chairs. Then, take a seat in the Community Room to create your own chair out of clay.

AMOA Downtown
823 Congress Avenue
Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78701
512.495.9224

Rush hour on 12/2, anticipate downtown traffic congestion

On Tuesday, December 2, the "Get Motivated Seminar" is scheduled at the Austin Convention Center. The event features nationally known celebrities and motivational speakers, such as General Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani.

Organizers anticipate attendance in excess of 12,000, most from the Austin area, which means an influx of up to 9,000 additional vehicles in the downtown area during the morning rush hour.

While the organizers of the event have scheduled parking and free shuttles from Barton Creek Mall and Highland Mall, downtown employees will likely encounter unusually heavy traffic between 6:30 and 8:00am. We encourage you to plan for additional travel time, or to choose Capital Metro for your commute. Route information can be obtained by calling 474-1200.