Around Town

SPORTS/ RECREATION AUSTIN

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS

Home games are played at The Dell Diamond in Round Rock. Upcoming Home Games:
7/4 – Albuquerque 8:05pm
7/5 – Albuquerque 8:05pm
7/6 – Albuquerque 8:05pm
7/7 – Nashville 8:05pm
7/8 – Nashville 8:05pm
7/9 – Nashville 8:05pm
7/25 – Fresno 8:05pm
7/26 – Fresno 8:05pm
7/27 – Fresno 8:05pm
7/28 – Fresno 8:05pm
7/29 – Sacramento 8:05pm
7/30 – Sacramento 8:05pm
7/31 – Sacramento 8:05pm.

GRAVITY RESEARCH 101

Gregory Gym Climbing Wall, Wednesdays 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26 7:00pm–9:00pm. This indoor climbing class includes four, two-hour sessions focusing on the movement, physiology, and dynamics of climbing. You will also learn terminology, rope-work, and other technical aspects of rock climbing. Class space is limited. $50/65.

WHITEWATER KAYAK DAY TRIP

Sat July 29 at 7:30am–4:30pm. This trip provides the perfect opportunity to put your paddling skills to good use. If you are a “graduate” of Quickstart Your Kayak or the Kayak Workshop, or if you need to rekindle paddling skills lost, this day on the river is for you. $50/65.

AUSTIN ROCK GYM LADIES NIGHT

Get free rock-climbing instruction and meet other ladies new to the sport at this weekly event. Mondays, 7:30pm. Both locations. Free. For more info visit www.austinrockgym.com

FLOORBALL

Virginia L. Davis Recreation Center 7500 Blessing Ave. Floorball is a fast paced team sport that is simply described as a safe version of floor hockey. It’s played indoors on foot using lightweight plastic sticks and a whiffle ball. The rules are easy to learn and there is no physical contact. It’s a great coed game and it’s very addictive. A basic floorball stick is provided; all you need to bring is a pair of sneakers. Floorball is played every Tuesday from 7–9pm For more info visit austinfloorball.com.

THE AUSTIN LONESTARS RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Austin’s division III rugby team is an openly diverse team that does not discriminate regarding skill level, race or sexual orientation. Their goal is to teach men the game of rugby while bridging the gap between different communities. Practices are Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:45–9pm at Burnet Middle School. Come check out a practice and bring: shorts, t-shirt, running shoes, rugby cleats and a mouth guard. For more info visit www.lonestarsrugby.org

THE AUSTIN CYCLING ASSOCIATION

has plenty of scheduled rides for February, open to everyone including nonmembers. Check the website for scheduled rides: www.austincycling.org/rides.html

CHAPARRAL ICE

Free, one-time 30 minute introductory classes are offered for beginners ages 6 and up on Saturdays. For more info visit www.chaparralice.com. Chaparral Ice, 14200 IH35 North, 512-252-8500 or 2525 Anderson Lane, 512-451-5102

ARTS

HEART OF TEXAS RED WHITE AND BLUES FESTIVAL

July 1, 2006 @ Waterloo Park. The first Heart of Texas Red, White, and Blues Festival features two stages with legendary blues artists, local heroes, and bleeding edge rock ‘n roll including the first show of Big Head Todd and the Monsters’ new tour and only Texas date. GE Smith of “Saturday Night Live” fame, blues Master Hubert Sumlin, and a special guest will team up for a once in a lifetime 90 minute set. This amazing lineup also includes Charlie Sexton, Malford Milligan, WC Clark, Gary Clark Jr, Grady, Dirty Wormz, Alpha Rev, Broken Teeth, Johnny Goudie, Lomita, and many more. For more info visit www.redwhiteandbluesfestival.com

2ND FIRECRACKER FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT WOMEN

Wednesday, July 5 at Cactus Café @ 7:30pm. The evening will include explosive performances by Kacy Crowley, Stefanie Fix, Susan Gibson, Abi Tapia and others. The Firecracker Festival is a great chance for Austinites to listen to a sampling of the broad and deep community of women making music in this town. The venue is located inside the Texas Union at 2100 Guadalupe and the public can learn more by calling Cactus Café at 512.475.6515.

BAD DATES AT ZACHARY SCOTT THEATRE

July 13, 2006 to August 27, 2006. Theresa Rebeck, coauthor of Omnium-Gatherum, strikes comic gold with this adventure of a 40-year-old Austinite single mom reentering the dating scene in the Big Apple from behind an avalanche of designer shoes. From Cholesterol Man to Bug Guy, it’s a bumpy ride of Mr. Wrongs. But, what’s with the big secret hidden in the shoebox and why is the Romanian mob furious? For more info visit www.zachscott.com or call 476-0541.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

Friday, July 14 at 8pm @ UT PAC’s Bass Concert Hall. Tickets: $37–102, available at www.utpac.org, (512) 477- 6060 Now, after an eventful two-year hiatus from touring, she’s returning — happy, healthy and ready to rock at the UT Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost between $37–$102 and are available at www.utpac.org or by calling (512) 477-6060.

MUSIC UNDER THE STAR

Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28. Music Under the Star, the popular World Music series, is back for a third hot season! Come out for four fabulous, family Fridays in July. Set out your camp chairs and blankets under the Star and listen to local artists perform music from around the globe. For more info visit www.thestoryoftexas.com or call 936-8746.

AUSTIN SYMPHONY CONCERTS IN THE PARK

June 1, 2006 to August 20, 2006 at Wooldridge Park. Each Sunday, a different ensemble will be featured under the gazebo, performing arrangements by composers from Mozart to Ellington to Rodgers & Hammerstein. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a family affair. For more info visit www.austinsymphony. org or call 476-6064

OVER + OVER: PASSION FOR PROCESS

May 13, 2006 to August 6, 2006 @ Austin Museum of Art Downtown. Ordinary materials — from paper cups and pencil stubs to tires, twist ties and playing cards — are transformed by a dozen artists into extraordinary art. For more info call 495-9224 or visit www.amoa.org.

EXTRA

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS & SYMPHONY

July 4, 2006 @ Zilker Park. Be part of the largest Independence Day celebration in the State. The Austin Symphony performs patriotic classics and the ever-popular 1812 Overture-punctuated by 75-millimeter Howitzer cannon, courtesy of the Texas National Guard Salute Battery. The concert finale backdrop is the spectacular mile-high fireworks display over the city’s skyline. Free and open to the public. For more info visit www.austinsymphony.org or call 476-6064

CRONKITE MOON ROCK EXHIBIT

July 1, 2006 to August 31, 2006, Veteran newsman Walter Cronkite’s moon rock will be on display at UT’s Texas Memorial Museum. The moon rock awarded to Cronkite is part of the 842 pounds of samples brought back to Earth during the six Apollo lunar expeditions from 1969 to 1972. For more info visit www.TexasMemorialMuseum.org or call 232-5654.

BLUES ON THE GREEN

June 14, 2006 to August 23, 2006 @ Zilker Park. On alternate Wednesdays, free music from some of Austin’s best musicians fills the summer night from an outdoor stage. For more info visit www.kgsr.com

LIVE FROM THE PLAZA

Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St. May 1, 2006 to October 27. Head down to City Hall on Fridays for lunch-time live music on the plaza. This music series showcases local musicians and reflects the artistic excellence and cultural diversity of Austin. The plaza provides a relaxing open space for downtown workers and visitors to listen to the bands. Fridays from 12 pm–1pm. Free. Bring your own lunch or buy from a local food vendor serving from the plaza. For more info call 974-7870.

SPLASH PARTY MOVIE NIGHTS

June 17, 2006 to August 5, 2006 at Deep Eddy Pool. Every summer Saturday night, catch a flick and take a swim — at the same time. Settle down for free movies in the spring-fed pool or on the lawn. For more info visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/ parks/pools_special.htm or call 472-8546

AUSTIN CAGEMATCH NO-HOLDS-BARRED IMPROV COMEDY

11:30pm Friday nights @ The Hideout Theatre. Two teams go head to head for the title of Austin Improv World Champions. Every Friday night two teams of improvisers face off in the ultimate battle for the love of the audience and the right to come back next week. Each team has 22 minutes to do whatever they want, and when the buzzer goes off and the lights come down the audience votes on their favorite team. Who will come back next Friday to defend the title? The fate of Austin improv is in your hands. Tickets cost between $7–10 (pay what you wish) and go on sale at he box office 30 minutes before show time. For more info visit www.hideouttheatre.org

BAT WATCHING

April 1, 2006 to November 1, 2006, The 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats that live beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge take flight in a mass exodus each night at dusk. For more info call 512-416-5700 x3 or visit www.batcon.org.

FIRST THURSDAY

The First Thursday of each month, merchants of the historic, pedestrian-friendly South Congress Avenue keep their doors open until 10 pm (and later in some cases), playing host to an array of events and activities including live music, artisan stalls and more. Come from 6–10pm Cost is free. For more info visit www.firstthursday.info.

TEXAS TUESDAYS AT SPEAKEASY

Join for an All Star Texas Style Jam EVERY TUESDAY night in April. Check speakeasyaustin.com to see who is performing! Only $5.

THIRD THURSDAY ON GUADALUPE

Each Third Thursday, neighborhood businesses and along Guadalupe from 23rd to 38th St have great local music, entertainers, local vendors, and sales to create a festival atmosphere that celebrates local businesses. Catch a Free ride on the Austin Duck Adventures Duck up on down Guadalupe & enjoy the festivities. Thursdays, 7–10 p.m See www.AustinThirdThursday.com for participating businesses For more information, contact the Austin Independent Business Alliance at 441-2123.

THE 23RD STREET ARTISTS’ MARKET

features original handcrafted work from local artisans. www.austinartistsmarket.com Guadalupe St. at W. 23rd Open daily 8am til 10pm. WEST 6TH STREET ARTIST’S MARKET is an outdoor art fair that features paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry clothing and much more by local artists and craftsmen. All work is hand made by the artists, and each weekend different artists participate. Live music is featured on most Saturday afternoons, and it is located next door to Mother Egan’s Irish Pub, which features outdoor live music at their weekly Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 pm For more info call 512- 698-8099 or email moreinfo@6thstreetmarket.com. 709 West 6th St beginning Feb. 4; every Saturday and Sunday, 10am–6pm. Free.

TWILIGHT TOURS OF THE UT TOWER

Check out one of the best views in Austin every Thursday and Friday from 6 to 8 pm and every Saturday from 1 to 8 pm! Travel to the top Observation Deck on an escorted tour for an amazing panoramic view. More information and tickets at (512) 475-6633.

MONDAY NIGHT MUSIC PROJECT

Hyde Park Theater’s concert series takes place on the second Monday of each month. Enjoy singer-songwriter Catherine Berry and jazz pianist Eddy Hobizal as they perform a double bill of exciting new original songs in an intimate concert setting. Show runs 7:30pm–9:30pm. Admission is $10.00.

MARTINIS AND MANICURES

Every Thursday from 5:00pm–10:00pm. Cuba Libre hosts a beauty event called Martinis and Manicures. For $10 customers can treat themselves to a Martini and an express manicure. Several Austin designers also set up booths in the club to show off their latest wears. For more details call 512- 477-2789.

AUSTIN MOMS & TOTS FITNESS

Monday–Friday ~ 9am ~ Locations throughout Austin. You owe it to yourself & to your child to feel your best, so get outside & get in shape with Austin Moms & Tots Fitness! Locally owned & operated by AFAA certified fitness professionals. Outdoor stroller fitness class is open to all caregivers & their children 6 weeks & up. The first class is free & we have several affordable packages to choose from. Visit www.moms andtotsfitness.com or e-mail us at info@momsandtotsfitness.com for more info & to sign up for your free class!

VOLUNTEERS

AUSTIN PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

needs volunteers to help tutor before and after school at Reagan High School’s Homework Haven program. Volunteers will help individual or groups of students with college preparatory subjects. 637-0975; mkamrani@austinisd.org.

ANGEL HEART HOSPICE

seeks volunteers to join our team. Our main goal is to provide compassionate care to patients and their loved ones during a difficult phase of their lives. Volunteers provide practical and emotional support to patients and families. Orientation and on-going training provided. Please call Gia Houck at 342-8288 or email: gia@angelhearthospice.com.

GUARDIAN ADVOCATE VOLUNTEERS

are sought as bill payers to assist seniors or people with disabilities. No experience necessary, training is provided, flexible hours. Please call 483-3569 or visit www.familyeldercare.org.

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS

needs volunteers during school hours to be tutors and mentors. Volunteers can choose the age group and school location they prefer. Please call 512- 462-1771 if interested or visit: www.cisaustin.org for more information.

INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY COUNCIL OF AUSTIN

needs family volunteers to introduce international students to Austin. They will match a student to a family to meet a minimum of once a month for dinner, sports activities, plays, or a family outing. 505-4079. www.ihcaustin.com.

HEART HOUSE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

a free, nonprofit after school program dedicated to providing a safe haven and academic enrichment, is seeking volunteers to help supervise elementary school aged children, assist with homework, tutoring, and facilitate activities. A commitment of 1.5 hours per week for three months is sought. For more information call 929-8187 or visit www.hearthouse.org.

THE LILITH FUND

is a nonprofit all-volunteer-run organization that assists women in exercising their fundamental right to abortion by removing barriers to access. They’re on the lookout for volunteers to serve on their board of directors, work on their hotline, or both. 877/355-1463. www.lilithfund.org

REFUGEE SERVICES OF TEXAS

is seeking volunteers to help resettle refugees from around the world in Austin. They are also in need of furniture and household items. 472-9472. hannahgray@sbcglobal.net

LITERACY AUSTIN

needs volunteers to teach English as a second language and basic reading and writing to Austin-area adults. Volunteers are also needed for data-entry assistance for a library project, book sorters for annual fundraiser, bilingual assessors, and math tutors. 478-7323. www.literacyaustin.org