July 31-August 6

Elizabethan English fits so well on a Texas tongue! Who knew?!?!? Which is to say, the Merry Wives of Windsor rehearsals are going splendidly. I've always been a little intimidated about trying my hand at Shakespeare, but I'm finding it's really, really, I mean, like, REALLY fun. This is one of those intense experiences where we have only a week and a half to rehearse together before we mount the show. Of course, we've been learning lines all summer, and building the wardrobe, designing the set and all that. But the actual rehearsing started on Sunday and we're having a ball. Shakespeare was one funny mofo! I'm just sayin'.

I dang near succombed to the heat, though, earlier this week -- and that's no fun, lemme tell you! This is the summer that has made me seriously consider moving somewhere cooler. After spending all my life in Texas and never acclimating to the heat, I'm beginning to consider my options. Where can I go where I can still be active in theater and music but where I don't have to stay indoors with the air conditioner blasting six months out of the year? My son told me that the four seasons in Texas are (1) almost summer; (2) summer; (3) still summer; and (4) I forgot what the last one was. Let's just say it's 'almost summer again.' I'm just about ready to sell the house and move to, hell, I don't know -- Flagstaff? I'm beginning to think that staying in a bad climate is like staying in a bad marriage. Granted, it's easier to stay than it is to go, but seriously...

If it wasn't so dang hot, here's what I'd be doing all week...

Thursday, July 31

Rumbullion
Central Market (south) / 4477 S. Lamar/ 6:30 pm (family)

Glovertango
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (in the Domain); 835-5633 / 7 pm

Cornell Hurd Band
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm

Jim Stringer & the AM Band
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm


THRU Sunday, August 9

Beauty and the Beast
Zilker Hillside Theatre / 8:30 pm (family) $3 parking
This summer's musical is one the entire family will love. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays.


Friday, August 1

Albert & Gage
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

Kat's Meow
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Slavadillo
Triumph Cafe / 3808 Spicewood Springs / 7 pm

Djd Milonga
Texas Union Showroom / 23rd at Guadalupe / 8 pm; no cover

Texana Dames
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5001 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm; $5

First Friday Contradance
Carpenter's Hall / 400 Josephine / 8 pm
Live music by the Lost and Nameless Orchestra. 970-4919 for more info.

Will Taylor & Strings Attached Beatles Show
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 9 pm; $15

The Eggmen
Rock City Ice House / 6406 N. IH 35, Suite 1100; 467-7244 / ?pm
I haven't been to this relatively new venue, but it's pretty centrally located. Give 'em a call to see what the start time is.

Saturday, August 2

Albert & Gage Band
Donn's Depot / 1600 W. 5th; 478-0336 / 9 pm

Hayes Carll
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 10 pm; $12-$15

The Eggmen
Fado / 214 W. 4th; 457-0172 / 10 pm

Sunday, August 3

Texas Swing Kings
Artz Ribhouse / 2330 S. Lamar / 6:30 pm (family)

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 4 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442 / 7 pm (?)
I'm never quite sure about the time at the Oasis. Give 'em a call.

Austin Symphony Orchestra
Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center / 701 W. Riverside Dr. / 7:30 pm; free (family)
This week features big band music. Bring your dancing shoes!

Jitterbug Vipers; Warren Hood & the Hoodlums
Momo's / 618 W. 6t; 479-8848 / 8 pm; 9:30 pm

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10:00 pm; $7


Monday, August 4

Uptown Swingsters; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / US 6:30 (no cover); DW 10; $5

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie; 282-2586 / 6:30 pm

Tuesday, August 4

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Dale Watson
The Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 7 pm

Jim Stringer's AM Band
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


Wednesday, August 6

Flying Balalaika Brothers
Central Market (south) / 4477 S. Lamar/ 6:30 pm (family)

Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterrarean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm

Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Coupland, TX
Friday, August 1
Two Tons of Steel
Coupland Dance Hall / 101 Hoxie; 512-856-2226/ 9:00 pm

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, August 5
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.


COMING SOON

Thurs - Sat, August 7-9
Merry Wives of Windsor
Vortex / 2307 Manor Road / 8 pm
This is the annual offering from the Weird Sisters, an all female Shakespeare production company, and we're doing Shakespeare's play most closely resembling a sitcom! Set in the Texas ranch country during the 1950s...think GIANT. It's a laugh a minute, and I know you're gonna love it!!!


See ya on the dance floor (or in the theater! -- anywhere it's air conditioned),

chris

Take me out to the ballgame

July 24-30

Last night Mr. Ben and I went to Holland, Texas to watch Little Princess Luluchild (my 8 year old granddaughter) play softball in the State Championship tournament. It was waaaaaaaaaay more stressful than it should have been. But... after warming the bench for most of the game the princess scored the winning run and ended up as the night's hero(ine). I had forgotten how harshly competitive kids sports are. Frankly, I'm just not that bloodthirsty myself. Nevertheless, I will admit it was an exciting game and I'm glad they won and advanced to the next round (so we didn't have to watch another game at 9 o'clock). That was about all the excitement I could handle for one evening.

It was more fun than roofing and exterminating and broken windows and health problems. Still, speaking only for myself, I think I'd rather stick to theaters and dance halls.


Thursday, July 24

Mr. Fabulous & Casino Royale
The Domain / 6:00pm ; free (family)
They'll be playing on the patio near Joe DiMaggio's -- assuming it's not raining.

Johnny Gimble
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 6:30 pm (family)
True, we need the rain. But these outdoor shows may take a hit.

Glovertango
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Cornell Hurd Band
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

Billy Dee
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Belleville Outfit
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 9 pm

Check the weather before you go.

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm


Thru July 26

Kidnapped by Craigslist
Blue Theater / 916 Springdale / 8 pm Thurs; 8 & 10 Fri & Sat; $12-$25
Want to buy a couch? Find a date? Complain about your roommate? Your boss? Your sketchy neighbor that sleeps in his doghouse? Wanna hear our interview on KUT? Read a review? I get to play a chicken, a marching cockroach, a sumo wrestling m&m, a crazy lazy with a pot on her head, a good-hearted redneck and MORE! And... We've added two shows -- 10 o'clock on Friday and Saturday nights. To charge by credit card, call 474-TIXS or visit www.texasperforms.com.

Thursday, July 24 & Sunday, July 27

Skate!
Playland Skate Center / 8822 McCann Dr / 8 pm This is a production of Allison Orr's Forklift Danceworks and will feature some of Austin's best skaters. Can you say fun on four wheels?


THRU Sunday, August 9

Beauty and the Beast
Zilker Hillside Theatre / 8:30 pm (family) $3 parking
This summer's musical is one the entire family will love. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays.


Friday, July 25

Music Under the Star
Bob Bullock Museum / MLK at Congress / 6 pm; free (family)
This week's featured music is by El Tule. Free music, free exhibits, not-free food and drinks available on site. Free parking. BYOLawnchairs/blankets.

Kat's Meow
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Djd Milonga
Esquina Tango /209 Pedernales; 524-2772 / 7 pm; no cover

Bear and the Essentials
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Friday - Sunday, July 25-27

Americn Repertory Ensemble
McCullough Theatre / UT PAC; 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. / Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sat & Sun 2 pm; $15-$25

Saturday, July 26

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm

The Eggmen
Nutty Brown / 12225 Hwy 290 W; 301-4648 / 7:30 pm; $5 (family)

Nash Hernandez Orchestra
Donn's Depot / 1600 W. 5th; 478-0336 / 9 pm
Austin's historic big band playing in one of Austin's coolest bars.

Hot Club of Cowtown
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 9 pm


Sunday, July 20

Rattletree Marimba
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)
Yup, this one is actually in the evening, and not a Sunday brunch.

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 4 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442 / 7 pm (?)
I'm never quite sure about the time at the Oasis. Give 'em a call.

Austin Symphony Orchestra
Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center / 701 W. Riverside Dr. / 7:30 pm; free (family)
This week features the mixed woodwind ensemble playing light classics.

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10:00 pm; $7

Jitterbug Vipers
Momo's / 618 W. 6t; 479-8848 / 10:45 pm


Monday, July 21

Marshall Ford Swing Band; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / MFSB 6:30 (no cover); DW 10; $5

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie; 282-2586 / 6:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (in the Domain); 835-5633 / 7 pm


Tuesday, July 22

Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; $5

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Dale Watson
The Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 7 pm

Jim Stringer's AM Band
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


Wednesday, July 16

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterrarean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm

Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Gruene, TX
Friday, July 25
Derailers
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 9:00 pm

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, July 15
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.


COMING SOON

Thurs - Sat, August 7-9
Merry Wives of Windsor
Vortex / 2307 Manor Road / 8 pm
OMG, I'm doing Shakespeare! This is the annual offering from the Weird Sisters, an all female Shakespeare production company. And this year I get to be Weird (though my mother would probably ask, 'what else is new?')


See ya on the dance floor (or in the theater!),

chris

It's not too late to step right up!

July 17-23

We ended our first weekend of Kidnapped by Craigslist totally stoked, revved and generally excited about doing it again this weekend (and next). Here's a review if you don't believe me when I tell you how funny it is. Somebody else thinks so, too -- someone who's not in the cast or crew, yee haw! If ticket sales continue this well, we may even add a couple of shows. You know you want to see it, so make your reservations now(see below for info).

Meanwhile my loop of doom continues -- such is my lot in life this summer -- though now I'm thinking of it as less of a loop and more of a spiral. Fortunately, the spiral is getting wider which gives me a little breathing room. The days are flying by and it will be fall before you know it (assuming we survive the summer). Still don't have my new roof, still haven't got my thyroid stabilized, but July is half gone and I haven't died from the heat yet (though I have often wanted to, just so I wouldn't have to deal with it any more), so I'm considering that as positive. And if I could just get healthy enough to do something besides sleep (which is all I do when I'm not working or at the theater), then there are certainly plenty of things to choose from...


Thursday, July 17

The Fabs
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 6:30 pm (family)

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Cyrpress Grill / 4404 W. William Cannon; 358-7474 / 6:30 pm

Glovertango
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (in the Domain); 835-5633 / 7 pm

Tosca String Quartet
Jessen Auditorium / 21st St. (next to Littlefield Fountain) / 7:30 pm
Come out and hear the TSQ do a tribute to the Beat Generation. For FREE!

Cornell Hurd Band
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm


Thursdays - Saturdays, Thru July 26

Kidnapped by Craigslist
Blue Theater / 916 Springdale / 8 pm; $12-$25
Want to buy a couch? Find a date? Complain about your roommate? Your boss? Your sketchy neighbor that sleeps in his doghouse? Wanna hear our interview on KUT? Kidnapped by Craigslist is a unique new comedy that explores the carnivalesque, cult-like phenomenon that is Craigslist. Combining actual postings from the Austin website with scripted material, the show tells the true stories locked inside an online community that has shaped and inspired today's internet generation. As for me, I get to play a chicken, a marching cockroach, a sumo wrestling m&m, a crazy lazy with a pot on her head, a good-hearted redneck and MORE! To charge by credit card, call 474-TIXS or visit www.texasperforms.com.


THRU Sunday, August 9

Beauty and the Beast
Zilker Hillside Theatre / 8:30 pm (family) $3 parking
This summer's musical is one the entire family will love. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays.


Friday, July 18

Music Under the Star
Bob Bullock Museum / MLK at Congress / 6 pm; free (family)
This week's featured music is by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Free music, free exhibits, not-free food and drinks available on site. Free parking. BYOLawnchairs/blankets.

Mr. Fabulous & Casino Royale
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30ish; free (family)

Larry Lange & The Lonely Knights
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 6:30 pm (family)

The Eggmen
Nutty Brown / 12225 Hwy 290 W; 301-4648 / 7:30 pm; $5 (family)

Texas Swing Kings
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5501 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

DJd Swing Dance
Go Dance / 2525 Anderson Lane (Northcross mall) / 9:30 pm; $4-6


Saturday, July 19

Dale Watson, Rosie Flores & more
Sams Town Point / 2115 Allred Dr.; 282-0083 / noon - 6 pm This is a benefit event put on by friends for a friend with cancer. So be a friend by being there!

Rockin' Cajun Jamboree
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 2 pm; $10
Last month's polka jamboree was such a success that the Spoke is asking for MORE, yee haw! July's soirree will feature Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Ace; RickTwo Hoots & a Holler and The Gulf Coast Playboys.

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Argentine Independence Celebration/Djd Milonga
Esquina Tango /209 Pedernales; 524-2772 / 7 pm; $5 (kids under 6 free)

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Third Saturday Contra Dance
Carpenter's Hall / 400 Josephine / 8 pm; $5-8
Live music by the Flaming Kelts (former the Flaming Kilts?). croth@austin.rr.com for more info.

Austin Lounge Lizards
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 9 pm; $10

The Derailers
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

Zydeco Blanco
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444; 9 pm

Two Hoots & A Holler
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Sunday, July 20

Bourree Texane
Central Market (south) / 4477 S. Lamar; 899-4300 / 12:30 pm
Breton, French & Cajun music.

Dale Watson
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 4 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442 / 7 pm (?)
I'm never quite sure about the time at the Oasis. Give 'em a call.

Austin Symphony Orchestra
Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center / 701 W. Riverside Dr. / 7:30 pm; free (family)
This week features the large string ensemble playing light classics.

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10:00 pm; $7


Monday, July 21

Marshall Ford Swing Band; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / MFSB 6:30 (no cover); DW 10; $5

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie; 282-2586 / 6:30 pm


Tuesday, July 22

Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; $5

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Dale Watson
The Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 7 pm

Jim Stringer's AM Band
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


Wednesday, July 16

Hot Club of Cowtown
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; no cover

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterrarean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm

Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Fredericksburg, TX
Friday & Saturday, July 18 &19
Night in Old Fredericksburg
Downtown Market Square / 6 pm (Fri); 11:30 am (Sat); $6 or $10 for 2-day pass; kids under 12 $1
Lots of polka music by the Shiner Hobo Band, Texas Legacy Czech Band, Seven Dutchmen Orchestra, and the Jodie Mikula Orchestra. Also food, BEvERages, kids stuff, arts & crafts & more.

Hunter, TX
Saturday, July 19
Dale Watson
Riley's Tavern / 8894 FM 1102; 512-392-3132 / 9 pm

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, July 15
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.


COMING SOON

Thursday, July 24 & Sunday, July 27
Skate!
Playland Skate Center / 8822 McCann Dr / 8 pm
This is a production of Allison Orr's Forklift Danceworks and will feature some of Austin's best skaters. Can you say fun on four wheels?


See ya on the dance floor (or in the theater!),

chris

Hurry, hurry, step right up!!

July 10- 16

Frankly, I'm tired of the endless loop of doom. I don't want to talk about it any more. I don't want to live in it any more. Doom doesn't care what I want; it just keeps looping, looping, looping, making me loopy, loopy, loopy.

I try to drown it all in rehearsals, but rehearsals are over because Kidnapped by Craigslist OPENS TONIGHT, yee haw! (Chronicle's preview article here) So I'll drown it in performances instead, then in learning lines and creating sound design for the next project (Merry Wives of Windsor, opening August 9 at the Vortex), and coming up with some ideas for the next project after that (film score for a movie I can't remember the name of).


Thursday, July 10

The Swingsters
Carousel Lounge / 1110 E. 52nd; 452-6790/ 7 pm
Classic jazz, swing, and jump blues for your dancing pleasure.

Glovertango
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

Cornell Hurd Band
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5


Thursdays - Saturdays, July 10 - 26

Kidnapped by Craigslist
Blue Theater / 916 Springdale / 8 pm; $12-$25
Want to buy a couch? Find a date? Complain about your roommate? Your boss? Your sketchy neighbor that sleeps in his doghouse? Wanna hear our interview on KUT? Kidnapped by Craigslist is a unique new comedy that explores the carnivalesque, cult-like phenomenon that is Craigslist. Combining actual postings from the Austin website with scripted material, the show tells the true stories locked inside an online community that has shaped and inspired today's internet generation. As for me, I get to play a chicken, a marching cockroach, a sumo wrestling m&m, a crazy lazy with a pot on her head, a good-hearted redneck and MORE! To charge by credit card, call 474-TIXS or visit www.texasperforms.com.


THRU Sunday, August 9

Beauty and the Beast
Zilker Hillside Theatre / 8:30 pm (family) $3 parking
This summer's musical is one the entire family will love. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays.


Friday, July 11

Music Under the Star
Bob Bullock Museum / MLK at Congress / 6 pm; free (family)
This week's featured music is by Atash, one of Austin's very best world music ensembles. Free music, free exhibits, not-free food and drinks available on site. Free parking. BYOLawnchairs/blankets.

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Cerronato
El Sol y La Luna / 1224 S. Congress; 444-7770 / 7:30 pm
All together now: Sangriaaaaaahhhhhhhh.

DJd Milonga
La Tazza Fresca / 37th & Guadalupe / 9 pm (no cover)


Saturday, July 12

Bastille Day Celebration
French Legation / 802 San Marcos / 6:30 pm; $8; kids under 12 free (family)
Live music by Olivier Giraud Ensemble (the band formerly known as Paris 49), food, games and good hot summer fun.

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Lucky Strikes
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Jon Emery
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5501 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)

Russian Masters Hoot Night
Beerland / 711 Red River; 479-7625 / 9 pm (?)
I'm only guessing at the time since the print on the flyer is too small to read online. Tiny red letters on a grey background don't work well with aging eyes! BUT. Don't let that stop you. Give them a call and go hear the Golden Hornet Project and the Invincible Czars play Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Prokofiev and more!

The Gourds
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 10 pm


Sunday, July 13

Ted Roddy
Guero's Taco Bar / 1412 S. Congress; 447-7688 / 3 pm (family)

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442 / 7 pm (?)
I'm never quite sure about the time at the Oasis. Give 'em a call.

Austin Symphony Orchestra
Hartman Concert Park at the Long Center / 701 W. Riverside Dr. / 7:30 pm; free (family)
This week the brass ensemble will be playing patriotic music.

Heybale
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 10:00 pm; $7



Monday, July 14

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30 (no cover)


Tuesday, July 15

Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; $5

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Dale Watson
The Belmont / 305 W. 6th; 457-0300 / 7 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.


Wednesday, July 16

Labyrinth
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 8:30ish (dark); free (family)
Free movies are the BEST, especially when they're the tried & true favorites like this one.

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm

Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS

Gruene, TX
Tuesday, July 15
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.


COMING SOON

Saturday, July 19
Rockin' Cajun Jamboree
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 2 pm; $10
Last month's polka jamboree was such a success that the Spoke is asking for MORE, yee haw! July's soirree will feature Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Ace; RickTwo Hoots & a Holler and The Gulf Coast Playboys.

Thursday, July 24 & Sunday, July 27
Skate!
Playland Skate Center / 8822 McCann Dr / 8 pm
This is a production of Allison Orr's Forklift Danceworks and will feature some of Austin's best skaters. Can you say fun on four wheels?


See ya on the dance floor (or in the theater!),

chris

It's too hot for life to be this crazy

July 3 - 9

My endless loop of doom has grown. Roofers. Exterminators. Insurance adjusters. And now -- auto repairs and health issues! AND... I just learned that the Vrazel Polka Band will be retiring at the end of 2008. Argh! It just doesn't end (ever).

It's effecting my whole life. I've turned into a chicken. I've turned into a sumo-wrestling m&m. I've become a marching cockroach, a good-hearted redneck, a crazy lady who wears a pot on her head. No wait... that's Kidnapped by CraigsList which opens a week from tonight, yow! Simply don't have time for these cosmic inconveniences!!!


Thursday, July 3

The Flying Balalaika Brothers
Central Market (south / 4477 S. Lamar; 899-4300 / 6:30 pm (family)

Glovertango
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Clandestine
Cactus Cafe / Texas Union Bldg; 23rd at Guadalupe / 8:30 pm
It's a CD release party for a band that seems to be back together again, yay! AND... there's no cover, yay!

Jesse Dayton
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

DJd Milonga
Thai Passion / 620 Congress, Suite 105 / 9:30 pm

Cornell Hurd Band
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 8 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 8 pm; $2-$5


THRU Sunday, August 9

Beauty and the Beast
Zilker Hillside Theatre / 8:30 pm (family) $3 parking
This summer's musical is one the entire family will love. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays (except on July 4).


Friday, July 4

Kat's Meow
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Larry Lange's Lonely Knights
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm

First Friday Contradance
Carpenter's Hall / 400 Josephine / 8 pm; $8
Live music by the Rising Gorge Boys. Might be kinda fun to do some traditional American dancing on America's birthday, eh? 970-4919 for more info.

Cornell Hurd
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189/ 9 pm

South Austin Jug Band
Threadgill's / 301 W. Riverside; 472-9304 / 9 pm

The Eggmen
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442 / 7 pm

4th of July CelebrationS

• Auditorium Shores /8:30 pm (family)
  This is the big one, of course, with the Austin Symphony and the big bang finale.
• Cedar Park
  Elizabeth Milburn Park / 1901 Sun Chase Blvd; 401-5500 / 4-10:30 pm (family)
  Lots of family activities at this one.
• Andice
  Andice Community Center / FM 970 at RR 2338 (off 183 north) / 6 - 10:30 pm (family)
  Hot dogs, homemade ice cream, bbq sandwiches. And fireworks, of course. (Personally I like these small town get-aways for the 4th. Plenty of fun and no traffic!)
• Round Rock Frontier Day
  Old Settlers Park / 3368 E. Palm Valley Blvd. / noon-10:30 (family)
  Ballet folklorico, Sam Bass shootout, watermelon, kids' activities and.... FIREWORKS!
• Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival
  Lake Pflugerville / Weiss Lane & Pflugerville Pkwy / 4 pm - 10:30 (family
  Fishing, swimming, canoeing, kids' activities, music, and PFIREWORKS!
• Johnson City July Fourth Spangle-Dangle
  LBJ National Historical Park and Settlement / 1 pm - 10:30ish (family)
  Live music, kids activities, and (need I say it?) fireworks.

Saturday, July 5

Warren Hood
Central Market (central) / 4001 N. Lamar; 206-1000 / 6:30 pm (family)

The Eggmen
Jovita’s / 1619 S. 1st; 447-7825 / 7 pm
Ouch! opens, so get there early. Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 7 pm

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Lambert's / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 7 pm

Del Castillo
Nutty Brown / 12225 Hwy 290 W; 301-4648 / 7:30 pm; $12

Aunt Ruby's Sweet Jazz Babies
Treehouse Italian Grill / 2201 College Ave; 443-4200 / 7:30 pm

Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Aces
Central Market (south / 4477 S. Lamar; 899-4300 / 6:30 pm (family)

DJd Milonga
Texas Student Union Bldg / 23rd at Guadalupe; Quadrangle Room / 8 pm

Jim Stringer & the AM Band
Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe / 5501 E. Ben White; 444-2020 / 8 pm (family)

Albert & Gage Band
Donn's Depot / 1600 W. 4th; 478-0336 / 9 pm

Two Hoots & A Holler
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Seth Walker
Momo's / 618 W. 6th / 10:00 pm

Sunday, July 6

Marshall Ford Swing Band
Momo's / 618 W. 6th / 6:00 pm

The Brew
The Oasis / 6550 Comanche Trail 266-2442


Monday, July 7

Marshall Ford Swing Band; Dale Watson
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / MFSB 6:30 (no cover); DW 10:00 ($5)

Charles Thibodeaux & The Austin Cajun Aces
Evangeline Cafe / 8106 Brodie Lane; 282-2596 / 6:30 pm

Lucky Strikes
Joe DiMaggio's / 11410 Century Oaks Terrace (The Domain) / 6 pm


Tuesday, July 8

Planet Casper
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; $5

Jitterbug Vipers
Lambert's 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

DJd Swing Dance
The Fed / 24th at San Gabriel / 9:40 pm
This is the weekly FREE dance after Four on the Floor's lessons.

Jim Stringer & the AM Band
Ginny's Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Road; 458-1813 / 9 pm


Wednesday, July 9

Hot Club of Cowtown
Continental Club / 1315 S. Congress; 441-2444 / 6:30; $5

Blues on the GreenZilker Park Rock Island / 7:30 pm (family)
Shouldn't that be, like, blues on the BROWN? Anyway, this week features Los Lonely Boys, so you know you want to be there.

Oliver Rajamani
Pharas Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Restaurant / 111 E. North Loop / 8 pm

Atash
The Red Fez / 209B W. 5th / 11:30 pm

The Brew
Speakeasy / 412 Congress; 476-8017 / 9:30 pm

Erik Hokkanen's Gypsy Tribe
Lambert’s / 401 W. 2nd; 494-1500 / 6:30 pm

Roger Wallace
Ginny’s Little Longhorn / 5434 Burnet Rd; 458-1813 / 9 pm

Dale Watson
Broken Spoke / 3201 S. Lamar; 442-6189 / 9 pm


ROAD TRIPS


Gruene, TX
Tuesday, July 1
Two Tons of Steel
Gruene Hall / 1281 Gruene; 830-606-1281 / 8:30 pm; $4
This is a great little, quick little mid-week get-away.


COMING SOON

Thursdays - Saturdays, July 10 - 26
Kidnapped by Craigslist
Blue Theater / 916 Springdale / 8 pm; $12-$25
Want to buy a couch? Find a date? Complain about your roommate? Your boss? Your sketchy neighbor that sleeps in his doghouse? Kidnapped by Craigslist is a unique new comedy that explores the carnivalesque, cult-like phenomenon that is Craigslist. Combining actual postings from the Austin website with scripted material, the show tells the true stories locked inside an online community that has shaped and inspired today's internet generation. To charge by credit card, call 474-TIXS or visit www.texasperforms.com





See ya on the dance floor,

chris