The Pflugerville Pflag » Entertainment

Entertainment calendar: Aug. 26

Marcial Guajardo — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:04:15 +0000

High school football rolls underway

LOCALLY:

High school football

Hendrickson and Pflugerville high schools kick off the 2010 football season at home. The Hawks take on Vista Ridge at 7:30 p.m. Friday while the Panthers take on Bowie at 7:30 p.m. the same day. Connally travels to Temple Friday.

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

Each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. through Aug. 31

Heritage Park

Customers will now shop in the eco-friendly renewable energy structure known as the Green Red Barn. Enjoy shopping for locally grown, organic produce, meat products, food items and baked goods. Visit pflugervillefarmersmarket.com or call 251-5082.

EVENTS

UFC Fight Night Live

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Sept. 15

Nate “The Great” Marquardt takes on surging middleweight Rousimar Palhares. Tickets for the event range from $30-$185 and are on sale at all Texas Box Office outlets including select H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

MOVIES

Summer Movie Series

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Aug. 28

“West Side Story” @ 3 p.m.

“Lawrence of Arabia” @ 7 p.m.

The Paramount Summer Film Series runs May 20-Sept. 12.

austintheatre.org

Opening this week:

“The Last Exorcism”

A fraudulent exorcist finds his faith truly tested when an encounter with a possessed teenager brings him face to face with the devil.

“Takers”

A notorious group of bank robbers find their plans for one last score thwarted by a hardened detective hell-bent on solving the case.

“Avatar” (Extended edition)

Coming soon

“The American” (Sept. 1)

“Machete” (Sept. 3)

ON DVD

“The Back-up Plan”

THEATRE

“The Wedding Singer”

Georgetown Palace Theatre

Aug. 27-29, Sept. 3-5

Based on the popular 1998 film starring Adam Sandler. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $8 (children) to $22 (general admission). Visit thegeorgetownpalace.org or call (512) 869-7469.

“Jersey Boys”

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Aug. 18-Sept. 5

The 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about rock Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi features songs “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night” and others.

Tickets, which range from $30-$55, are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

“The Intergalactic Nemesis” live-action graphic novel

Sept. 3-4

Long Center – Austin

Three actors portray a variety of characters as sludge-monsters from the Planet Zygon invade the Earth. Their adventures are accompanied by more 1,200 drawings by graphic wizard Tim Doyle, projected on the Long Center’s screen and accompanied by Graham Reynolds’ original score. Tickets range from $14-$49. Shows are at 8 p.m. each day. Visit thelongcenter.org.

COMEDY

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Daniel Tosh

Oct. 1 @ 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $38 and are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Margaret Cho

Sept. 12 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $35-$45.

Call (866) 9PROTIX or visit austintheatre.org.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

Bodies, specimens and organs have been preserved using a process known as polymer impregnation. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $16-$21. Visit texasperformingarts.org.

MUSIC

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Gorillaz

Oct. 22

Tickets are available at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

La Zona Rosa – Austin

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Sept. 24 @ 9 p.m.

For details, visit lazonarosa.com.

One World Theatre – Austin

Judy Collins

Aug. 27 @ 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $50-$100.

For details, visit oneworldtheatre.org.

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Jon Anderson of Yes

Sept. 14 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $14.50 to $49.50.

Call (866) 9PROTIX or visit austintheatre.org.

Southwestern University – Georgetown

Faculty recital

Aug. 31 @ 7 p.m.

The Sarofim School of Fine Arts presents a recital by soprano Dana Zenobi and pianist David Utterback in the Alma Thomas Theater. The event will feature works by Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn and Franz Liszt. The event is free and open to the public.

Stubb’s – Austin

Ween (sold out)

Aug. 28

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Sept. 3 @ 8 p.m.

Citizen Cope

Sept. 17 @ 8 p.m.

Drive-By Truckers

Sept. 24 @ 8 p.m.

The Black Crowes

Sept. 25 @ 8 p.m.

Michael Franti and Spearhead

Sept. 29 @ 8 p.m.

Frightened Rabbit

Oct. 20 @ 8 p.m.

Interpol

Oct. 28 @ 8 p.m.

Black Label Society

Nov. 2 @ 6 p.m.

Entertainment calendar

Marcial Guajardo — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:08:05 +0000

Paramount Theatre: Cyndi Lauper

LOCALLY:

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

Each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. through Aug. 31

Heritage Park

Music in the Park

Aug. 6 @ 7 p.m.

Uncle Lucius performs. The event is free and open to the public.

BRIEFLY:

Hot dog-eating champion to visit locally

Hot dog-eating champion Joey Chestnut will be taking on area residents during the 2010 Austin Ice Cream Festival, event officials announced last week.

Pepto-Bismol will host an eating competition between Chestnut and a team of five randomly selected challengers who think they have the skills to out-eat the reigning champion during the festival on Aug. 14 at Waterloo Park in Austin. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chestnut last month won his fourth consecutive Nathan’s Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest, downing 54 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Chestnut set the world record in 2009, eating 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes at the Nathan’s event.

However, he does not currently hold the record for ice cream consumption. “Cookie” Jarvis ate 1 gallon, 9 ounces of vanilla ice cream in 12 minutes, while Patrick Bertoletti in 2006 consumed 1.75 gallons of ice cream in eight minutes.

In addition to the eating contest, the festival has a popsicle stick sculpture contest, a homemade ice cream making contest and even a screaming contest.

Last year, Food Network filmed an episode at the festival, which has drawn over 15,000 people the last few years, event officials said.

Admission to the Austin Ice Cream Festival ranges from free (children 8 and under) to $5.

For more information visit austinicecreamfestival.com.

Gorillaz announced Centex stop

Alternative music project Gorillaz have announced a Central Texas stop on their

“Escape To Plastic Beach” North American tour.

The band stops at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin Oct. 22. Tickets for the event go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 13.

The North American tour will begin in Canada at Montreal’s Bell Centre on Oct. 3. A 19-date stretch winds up on Nov. 3 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Gorillaz co-creators Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s new live experience encompasses material from all three multi-platinum Gorillaz albums. Its first-ever show came at this April’s Coachella festival in front of a crowd of 70,000 in the final headline slot of the weekend.

Mick Jones and Paul Simonon of The Clash are expected to take part in the tour.

Plastic Beach was released March 9 in the U.S. on EMI’s Virgin Records. It sold more than 112,000 copies in its first week and entered the U.S. album chart at No. 2. Both career highs, the sales number and chart position bested those of 2005’s double-platinum Demon Days, which sold 107,000 in its debut week, entering the chart at No. 6.

Gorillaz, otherwise known as Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Noodle and Russel Hobbs, were co-created by Albarn and Hewlett over 10 years ago. Their self-titled 2001 debut album has sold nearly two million copies in the U.S.

Tickets will be available at 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

EVENTS

Round Rock Express

Dell Diamond

The team takes on Fresno Aug. 4-7 and Sacramento Aug. 8-11. All games begin at 7:05 p.m. except for Sunday’s, which begins at 6:05 p.m. For details, visit RoundRockExpress.com.

Paramount Theatre – Austin

“The Wiggles Live!”

Aug. 7 @ 4 p.m.

Tickets range from $17 to $77. Visit austintheatre.org or call (866) 9PROTIX.

Ryan Sanders Showdown National Pro Fastpitch Softball Series

Dell Diamond

Aug. 12-15

Games begin at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, at 6 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $5-$10. Visit RoundRockExpress.com or call 255-2255.

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey’s “Zing Zang Zoom”

Aug. 18-22

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-20; at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 22. Tickets range from $10 (opening night only) to $80 and are on sale at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and 1-800-982-2386 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

MOVIES

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Summer Movie Series

Aug. 6

“Five Easy Pieces” @ 7:15 p.m.; “Prizzi’s Honor” @ 9:20 p.m.

The Paramount Summer Film Series runs May 20-Sept. 12.

austintheatre.org

Opening this week:

“The Other Guys”
Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star as a pair of sidelined police detectives who finally get their chance to step up.

“Step Up 3D”

A tight-knit group of street dancers find themselves pitted against the world’s best dancers in a high-stakes hip hop showdown.

“Flipped”

A girl-phobic second-grader attempts to keep his outspoken wannabe girlfriend at arm’s length… for the next six years.

COMING SOON

“The Expendables” (Aug. 13)

“Nanny Mcphee Returns” (Aug. 20)

ON DVD

“Kick-Ass”

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”

THEATRE

Sam Bass Theatre – Round Rock

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

July 23 to Aug. 14

This Youth Guild dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. Tickets range from $13-$15. Reservations may be made by either calling (512)300-9254, by sending an e-mail to Reservations@SamBassTheatre.org or online at sambasstheatre.org.

“Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”

Round Rock Amphitheatre

Aug. 5-22

Penfold Theatre Company presents the comedy. The production is Penfold’s first in the area it hopes to make its long-term home. Admission is free; donations accepted. Shows will be at 8 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

Georgetown Palace Theatre

“The Wedding Singer”

Aug. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, Sept. 3-5

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

“Jersey Boys”

Aug. 18-Sept. 5

The 2006 Tony Award-winning Best Musical about rock Hall of Famers Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi features songs “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night” and others.

Tickets, which range from $30-$55, are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

COMEDY

Long Center – Austin

Kathy Griffin

Aug. 5 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets, starting at $45, are on sale now at TheLongCenter.org, by calling 474-LONG and at the 3M Box Office at the Long Center.

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Daniel Tosh

Oct. 1 @ 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $38 and are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

MUSIC

La Zona Rosa – Austin

Corinne Bailey Rae

Aug. 14 @ 9 p.m.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

Sept. 24 @ 9 p.m.

For details, visit lazonarosa.com.

One World Theatre – Austin

Hiroshima

Aug. 6 @ 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $45 to $95.

Ambrosia

Aug. 8 @ 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $20 to $95.

Christopher Cross

Aug. 13 @ 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $45-$95.

For details, visit oneworldtheatre.org.

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Cyndi Lauper

Aug. 10 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $35-$65.

Natalie Merchant

Aug. 20 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $40-$60.

Asia

Aug. 22 @ 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $24.50 to $59.50.

Call (866) 9PROTIX or visit austintheatre.org.

Stubb’s – Austin

Joan Baez

Aug. 6 @ 8 p.m.

Matishyahu

Aug. 18 @ 8 p.m.

Ween (sold out)

Aug. 28

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Sept. 3 @ 8 p.m.

Real-life drama caught in latest ‘Deadliest Catch’ season

Special to the Pflag — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:36:08 +0000

Up until this season, I would have described Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” as one of the most repetitive shows on television.

It’s a seemingly endless cycle of putting bait into crab fishing pots (giant metal cages), dropping them onto the chosen fishing grounds, pulling the pots back onto the boat, unloading the crab and staring the process all over again. Some have said Bering Sea crab fishing is the most dangerous job in the world, but at times “Deadliest Catch” made it seem like one of the most monotonous.

For five seasons, viewers watched boats like the Time Bandit, Northwestern and Cornelia Marie fish off the coast of Alaska, content to witness the grueling grind of hauling and setting pots, momentarily interspersed by dangerous storms or additional footage of Coast Guard helicopter rescue teams responding to other boats’ distress calls. It was interesting at first, but after a couple years the routine was getting boring.

To liven things up, veteran crew members would haze the new deck hands or play practical jokes on each other and other boats. During early episodes this season, two boats swapped two young deckhands to give them a taste of working with a new crew. In a needless bit of artificial tension, the boats swapped the two back by sending them floating in the ice cold sea to be plucked out of the water by their home boats. For all the talk of how dangerous it is to go overboard, I wondered why they didn’t wait to until the boats returned to shore to switch the two men back.

But that was the last time this season has needed to manufacture drama. Since then, “Deadliest Catch has been nothing short of gripping.

First, Time Bandit captains/brothers Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand talk about retiring despite not having a clear successor to take over the boat. Jonathan’s son, having grown up the son of a fisherman, ponders his role as a new father in the face of all his time spent away from his kid and the break-up of his marriage. Next, Northwestern captain Sig Hansen works his crew hard, as is his way, but injuries to his deckhands, including his brother Edgar, foment resentment. Edgar, too, considers finding a new career.

This is where fate really begins ratcheting up the drama. Loveable young deckhand Jake Anderson, who got word his sister died during the filming of a previous season, learns that his father has gone missing back home. How much bad news can this kid get? Over the course of several episodes, he gets bits of pieces of information over unreliable phone lines as authorities and family members continue searching for his dad. The discovery of his empty truck in a remote area leaves Jake scared, anxious and crushed, miles away from his family.

But the real kicker, the thing that’s had me tearing up the past several Tuesday nights, has been the saga of the Harris men on the Cornelia Marie. Captain Phil Harris has had his share of health problems caught on camera in seasons past. His sedentary, high-stress job combined with smoking and a poor diet previously resulted in a blood clot and hospitalization. This season, Phil discovered his son, Jake, has been stealing his prescription pills. Jake, turning his back to the camera, confesses to his father in a whisper that he’s addicted. Phil threatens to take him to back to land and never see him again. Shortly thereafter, Phil is found on the floor of his cabin, having suffered a massive stroke and clinging to life.

News outlets reported Phil’s death in January, and the knowledge of how this is all going to end actually makes “Deadliest Catch” harder to watch. Friends and family gather at the hospital and celebrate when the doctors tell them it looks like Phil’s condition is improving, that he might be out of the woods. Seeing their relief and happiness is crushing in light of what’s to come.

This year a confluence of personal tragedy and melodrama across the fleet have added up to lightning in a bottle, ratings gold. To its credit, “Deadliest Catch” has let it all unfold in a very organic way. Nothing seems forced or put on for effect. Having watched these people fish for years, they’ve become like friends to the audience. It’s impossible for long-time viewers not to be affected when watching the heartbreak unfold on screen.

“Deadliest Catch” airs Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. on Discovery Channel.

Entertainment calendar: July 2-4

Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:33:01 +0000

(Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival)

Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival

July 4

Lake Pflugerville

Activities begin at 4 p.m. and include live music, food, kayaking and concludes with a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Visit cityofpflugerville.com for details.

“Stories About Science”

July 1 @ 2 p.m.

Pflugerville Community Library

The event is geared for ages 9-11. The event is free and open to the public. For details, e-mail juliar@cityofpflugerville.

com or call 251-9185.

“Stories About Food”

July 2 @ 2 p.m.

Pflugerville Community Library

The event is geared for ages 6-8. The event is free and open to the public. For details, e-mail carmenc@cityofpflugerville.com or call 251-9185.

Live Music in the Park

July 9 @ 7 p.m.

Pfluger Park

Pride and Joy performs July 23. The event is free and open to the public.

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

Tuesday from May 4-Aug. 31 from 3-7 p.m.

Heritage Park

Customers will now shop in the eco-friendly renewable energy structure known as the Green Red Barn. Enjoy shopping for locally grown, organic produce, meat products, food items and baked goods each Tuesday. Visit pflugervillefarmersmarket.com or call 251-5082.

EVENTS

Fourth of July celebration – Round Rock

Downtown Round Rock and Old Settlers Park

The city of Round Rock hosts its annual Frontier Days celebration Sunday. Festivities begin at noon downtown with the parade. The Frontier Days festival opens at 1 p.m., followed by Sam Bass shootouts (1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.), pepper-eating contest (3 p.m.), duck races (4 p.m.) and fireworks at dusk. For details, visit roundrocktexas.gov.

Round Rock Express

Dell Diamond – Round Rock

The team takes on Memphis July 4-7 and Oklahoma City July 8-11. All games begin at 7:05 p.m. For details, visit RoundRockExpress.

com.

“The Wiggles Live!”

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Aug. 7 @ 4 p.m.

Tickets range from $17 to $77. Visit austintheatre.org or call (866) 9PROTIX.

MOVIES

Paramount Theatre – Austin

“Predators” premiere

July 7 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $30-$250.

Troublemaker Studios presests the world premiere of 20th Century Fox’s new film, shot on location in Austin.

Summer Movie Series

July 2

“Alien: The Director’s Cut” @ 7 p.m.; “2010” @ 9:20 p.m.

July 3

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” @ 1:45 p.m.; “Alien: The Director’s Cut” @ 4:40 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; “2010” @ 7 p.m.

Paramount Summer Film Series runs May 20-Sept. 12. austintheatre.org

Opening this week:

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner return in the third installment of the blockbuster supernatural romance saga.

“The Last Airbender”

The hit animated adventure series comes to life, as a powerful young warrior learns he is key to restoring balance to his war-torn world.

THEATRE

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

Sam Bass Theatre – Round Rock

July 23 to Aug. 14

“The Queen of Bingo”

The Georgetown Palace Theater

June 18 to July 11

On any bingo night at St. Joseph’s, you can find Father Mac, Lonnie, and Cindy Conklin, Coach Anderson, and the many off-beat, colorful regulars met through the eyes of Sis and Babe. Shows take place each Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $8 (children 15 and under) to $20 (general admission). Visit georgetownpalace.com.

MUSIC

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Canadian Brass

July 10 @ 7:15 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerforming

Arts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

La Zona Rosa – Austin

Led Zeppelin 2

July 1 @ 9 p.m.

Tickets range from $15-$17.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

July 6 @ 9 p.m.

Tickets range from $16-$18.

Stubb’s – Austin

Silversun Pickups

July 19 @ 8 p.m.

Robert Plant and the Band of Joy (sold out)

July 26

Crowded House
Aug. 4 @ 8 p.m.

Couch Potato – A new season rises for ‘True Blood’

Special to the Pflag — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:21:01 +0000

By Kelly Rausch

My husband (and loyal reader) once asked me why I choose to write so often about crummy television. More often than not, I’m usually writing about low-brow fare, guilty pleasure reality shows and unintentionally hilarious nighttime soaps (ah, “Melrose Place” remake, we hardly knew ye).

Honestly, I’m lazy, and it’s a heck of a lot easier to take cheap, easy shots at the bad stuff than to try to find something thought-provoking and intelligent to say about the really good shows. So while I may not bring anything new to the praise chorus surrounding HBO’s “True Blood,” I sure can sing along.

Like so many cable series, seasons of “True Blood” are shorter. Each of the first two seasons was only 12 episodes compared to the 20-plus of most network shows. The wait time between seasons is therefore longer. It’s been nine months since the last new episode, and while the short “minisodes” HBO put on their website recently were a fun appetizer, it was time to get on with the main course already.

Last season ended with the destruction of Maryann, the evil maenad who turns the citizens of Bon Temps, La. into black-eyed, hedonistic animals. You’d think saving the townspeople and getting everything back to normal would be enough action for an entire lifetime. Au contraire, mon ami. Before last year’s season finale could roll credits, heroine Sookie Stackhouse discovered her vampire boyfriend/would-be fiancé had been kidnapped.

Sunday’s episode picked up right where we left off, with Sookie running around like a crazy person, trying to find her beau. Shapeshifter Sam continues to search for his family. Eric, the area’s vampire sheriff, is still menacingly attractive. Tara’s mom is still a terrible mother, hitting on the preacher she brought in to minister to her traumatized daughter. Some things don’t change.

Even though Louisiana consistently ranks as one of the most obese states in the union, nearly every single person on this show is incredibly toned, ripped, cut, jacked and whatever other aggressive adjectives men’s fitness magazines use on their covers. I suspect very few carbs are consumed at the craft services table.

But aside from being so pretty to look at, these characters face conflicts within themselves and with those around them. The appearance of werewolves at the end of the season premiere introduces a new enemy to replace last year’s nemesis, Maryann. New vampire Jessica kills her first human in a feeding attempt gone wrong. She doesn’t know what’s worse: taking a life, or eventually having to answer to her vampire father-figure about it.

Even seemingly unflappable Eric is caught between selling V for the vampire queen (who needs the cash to keep the IRS at bay, of all reasons) and the moral implications of selling out his own kind, not to mention the punishment he’d face if caught by the vampire government.

Where other vampire franchises use the attraction of a mortal to a vampire as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil of first love and burgeoning sexual awareness, the inhabitants of Bon Temps are already very much in touch with their sexuality. I doubt there’s a single virgin in the entire parish. “True Blood” takes the familiar vampire/human lust conflict a step further to represent the limits of social acceptance. The envelope is pushed in all directions.

These are men and women, not boys and girls. These are people who have been there, done that. That’s why it’s especially thrilling for them to find something they haven’t experienced before. (This is where I remind you that this airs on premium cable – vampires are passionate, violent creatures and viewers get to see all of that. And when those scenes involve Eric and a lack of clothing, I say a heartfelt thank you to HBO.)

All that being said, don’t let your children watch this. Plant yourself in front of the TV Sundays at 9 p.m. this summer, but make sure your kids are tucked into bed first.

Entertainment calendar: June 25-27

Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:17:38 +0000

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

LOCALLY:

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

May 4-Aug. 24

Heritage Park

“Stories About Food”

June 24 @ 2 p.m.

Pflugerville Community Library

The event is geared for ages 9-11. The event is free and open to the public. For details, e-mail juliar@cityofpflugerville.com or call 251-9185.

“Stories About People”

June 25 @ 2 p.m.

Pflugerville Community Library

The event is geared for ages 6-8. The event is free and open to the public. For details, e-mail carmenc@cityofpflugerville.com or call 251-9185.

Live Music in the Park

June 25 @ 7 p.m.

Pfluger Park

The Invincible Czars play Friday. The Inside Out Steelband performs July 9, followed by Pride and Joy July 23. The event is free and open to the public.

Family Story Time

June 26 @ 10:30 a.m.

Pflugerville Community Library

The event is geared for all ages. The event is free and open to the public. For details, e-mail carmenc@cityofpflugerville.com or call 251-9185.

EVENTS
Dell Diamond – Round Rock

Round Rock Express

June 18-25

The team takes on Albuquerque June 22-25. All games begin at 7:05 p.m. For details, visit RoundRockExpress.com.

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey’s “Zing Zang Zoom”

Aug. 18-22

Cedar Park Center

“Yo Gabba Gabba Live”

Dec. 11 @ 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.

Tickets are on sale. Visit cedarparkcenter.com.

MOVIES

Paramount Theatre – Austin

Summer Movie Series

June 25:

“Lone Star” (1996) @ 7 p.m.; “Baby The Rain Must Fall” (1965) @ 9:40 p.m.

June 26:

“The Adventures of Robin Hood” (1938) @ 2 p.m.; “Terms of Endearment” (1983) @ 4:20 p.m. and 9:05 p.m.; “Places in the Heart” (1984) @ 7 p.m.

Paramount Summer Film Series runs May 20-Sept. 12. austintheatre.org

Opening this week:

“Knight and Day”

Tom Cruise stars as an international super spy who accidentally gets involved with Cameron Diaz, an ordinary, everyday woman.

“Grown Ups”

Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider are childhood best friends who reunite as adults.

COMING SOON

“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” (June 30)

“The Last Airbender” (July 1)

ON DVD

“She’s Out of My League”

THEATRE

Sam Bass Theatre – Round Rock

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

July 23 to Aug. 14

The Georgetown Palace Theater

“The Queen of Bingo”

June 18 to July 11

On any Bingo night at St. Joseph’s, you can find Father Mac, Lonnie, and Cindy Conklin, Coach Anderson, and the many off-beat, colorful regulars met through the eyes of Sis and Babe. Shows take place each Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $8 (children 15 and under) to $20 (general admission). Visit georgetownpalace.com.

COMEDY

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Jeff Dunham

June 26 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40.50.

To purchase tickets, visit H-E-B stores, call 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or go online to TexasBoxOffice.com.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

MUSIC

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Canadian Brass

July 10 @ 7:15 p.m.

Melissa Ethridge

Aug. 2

Tickets are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

La Zona Rosa – Austin

Led Zeppelin 2

July 1 @ 9 p.m.

Tickets range from $15-$17.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

July 6 @ 9 p.m.

Tickets range from $16-$18.

One World Theatre – Austin

Acoustic Alchemy

June 25 @ 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $55-$105.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

June 27 @ 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (new date)

Tickets range from $45-$80.

For details, visit oneworldtheatre.org.

Stubb’s – Austin

Silversun Pickups

July 19 @ 8 p.m.

Robert Plant and the Band of Joy (sold out)

July 26

Crowded House
Aug. 4 @ 8 p.m.

A pair of ‘Good Guys’ and a rockin’ mustache make debut

Chris Grant — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:06:50 +0000

By Kelly Rausch

What do you get when you partner up two police officers completely different from each other in every way?

“Lethal Weapon”? “Starsky and Hutch”? “Cagney & Lacey”? “Turner & Hooch”?

Hmm … So maybe you’ve heard this one before. Fox doesn’t care. “The Good Guys” is the network’s latest offering in this familiar genre, but it’s summer and viewers are a lot more forgiving of clichés when there’s nothing else on.

Fox (and viewers) should be happy to know that “The Good Guys” isn’t all that bad; at least that’s what the pilot leads me to believe. Having initially aired it in mid-May, the network gave it a second airing Monday, May 31 and yet the series premiere (a new episode, not the pilot for a third time) is officially Monday, June 7.

Colin Hanks plays Jack Bailey, a straight-laced young cop eager to advance up the ladder in the Dallas Police Department. He’s the partner and babysitter of veteran Dan Stark (Bradley Whitford, channeling his inner comedian), a washed-up anachronism of a man who made a splash decades ago by saving the governor’s son. Lately, though, he’s notable less for his police work than for his functioning alcoholism and rockin’ moustache.

The pair is languishing in the routine investigations division. They’re the guys who come out to your house after you, for example, report your humidifier has been stolen, as is the case in the pilot. But thanks to a little detective work and a lot of coincidence, Bailey and Stark (and the moustache) uncover an international drug smuggling operation and save the day. This, I suspect, will become a recurring theme in future episodes.

I’m not going to go so far as to say that this is the role Whitford was born to play (because that would be really sad if the show gets cancelled next week), but it must be said that he’s really funny here. Whether he’s romancing a theft victim or expressing his mistrust of computers, he’s both charming and outrageous.

And now this is the part of my column where I interject my own anecdote about “The Good Guys.” My friends Mike and Kelly were approached by the film crew to allow their home in Dallas to be used in the show. If you watched the pilot, then you’ve seen their house (theirs was the cute craftsman bungalow where Nia Vardalos’ character lived, the place where the humidifier was stolen).

While I was completely envious of this brush with fame, Kelly admitted having a film crew “completely take over your home” for six days was not without its downsides.

“I was blow-drying my hair at 5:30 a.m. to try to get out of the house and get to work before the TV people invaded. I wasn’t fast enough, however, and a set guy walked right into the bathroom,” Kelly told me.

Because I’m always looking for effortless ways to earn a few bucks and also because I’m crass, I asked how much they got paid for giving up their house for filming. Mike admitted it was enough to pay off some credit card bills. Well, that tells me nothing. Mike and Kelly are extremely responsible (she’s an attorney, he’s getting his Ph.D.) so I think their version of “credit card bills” and my version of “credit card bills” aren’t the same thing at all. Regardless, if anyone’s looking to film in Pflugerville, I’ve got a place I’d be willing to clear out of for a week.

“The Good Guys” next airs on Fox Monday at 8 p.m.

Entertainment calendar: Memorial Day weekend

Marcial Guajardo — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:52:57 +0000

Jump into Pflugerville pools

BRIEFLY:

Jump into Pflugerville pools

The city of Pflugerville operates three community pools, Gilleland Creek Pool, Scott B. Mentzer Pool and Windermere Pool.

Scott Mentzer Pool opens Monday (June 7) and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed each Tuesday).

Gilleland Creek Pool opens Tuesday, June 8 and will be open each Tuesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m., with adult swim lessons from 5-8 p.m. It will be open weekends from 1-8 p.m.

Windermere Pool opens Monday (June 7) and will be open daily from noon to 7 p.m. (closed each Wednesday).

Locations

• Gilleland Creek Pool, 700 Railroad Ave.

• Scott Mentzer Pool, 901 Old Hutto Road

• Windermere Pool, 16800 Gower St.

Admission

Gilleland Creek Pool:

Residents: $2 per adult, $1 for children (up to 18) and senior citizens (55 and up).

Non-resident admission $3 adults, $2 for children (up to 18) and seniors (55 and up)

Scott Mentzer Pool:

Residents: $3 per adult, $1.50 for children (up to 18) and senior citizens (55 and up).

Non-resident admission $4 adults, $2.50 for children (up to 18) and seniors (55 and up)

Windermere Pool:

Residents $2 per adult, $1 for children (up to 18) and senior citizens (55 and up).

Non-resident admission $3 adults, $2 for children (up to 18) and seniors (55 and up)

Visit cityofpflugerville.com/pools for more details and for information on multi-visit pool passes.

‘Yo Gabba Gabba Live’

Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of “Yo Gabba Gabba” are heading back on the road with “Yo Gabba Gabba Live: There’s a Party in my City.”

The show makes a stop at Cedar Park Center for two shows Dec. 11. Shows will be at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

A children’s television series, “Yo Gabba Gabba” premiered on Nickelodeon in 2007 and has won critical acclaim.

“Yo Gabba Gabba Live” features music, singing, dancing and animation. The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.

Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.” Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

Pre-sale tickets are available to American Express Cardmembers starting Thursday, May 20. The public on-sale will begin Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m.

Summer movies at the Paramount

The Paramount Theatre in Austin recently announced this year marks the 35th summer of classic films at the Paramount. More than 80 films will be screened, featuring new prints, restored foreign classics, 70mm spectaculars and Warner Brothers cartoons before screenings.

Screenings will include “Psycho” (1960), “Batman” (1966) with an appearance by actor Adam West, “Raging Bull” (1980), “Bride of Frankenstein,” “Ghost” and “Lawrence of Arabia.”

The series will kick off with a “Casablanca” pre-screening party. The season will also include “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” martinis and manicures, a Gay Pride Weekend Majestic Party with “To Wong Foo,” the second annual “Big Lebowski” scavenger hunt and more.

The Paramount Summer Film Series takes place May 20-Sept. 12.

Melissa Ethridge at Bass Concert Hall

Grammy and Oscar Award winner Melissa Ethridge will perform at Bass Concert Hall in Austin Aug. 2.

Since 1988, Etheridge has written and recorded a stable of hits which include, “Bring Me Some Water,” “Ain’t it Heavy,” “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over,” “Angels Would Fall,” “I Run for Life” and “I Need to Wake Up.” Ethridge’s 10th and latest studio album, “Fearless Love” arrives two and a half years after her autobiographical “The Awakening” and six years after her battle with breast cancer.

Tickets are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

Cronkite exhibit on display

The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum and The University of Texas at Austin’s Dolph Briscoe Center for American History recently announced the new exhibit “Cronkite: Eyewitness to a Century,” now on display at the LBJ Library in Austin.

“Cronkite: Eyewitness to a Century” is the first exhibit to explore broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite’s experiences with some of the most crucial moments in history, including D-Day, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal and the space race. The exhibit runs through Jan 3. The LBJ Library is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission and parking are free.

Underwood a big draw

Carrie Underwood’s “Play On Tour” delighted a sold out crowd of 7,100 May 12 at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

Underwood’s set list included crowd favorites “Temporary Home,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “All-American Girl” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia also performed. The show was the third sell-out at the Frank Erwin Center this year, joining Taylor Swift (March 10) and Elton John (April 10).

LOCALLY:

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

May 4-Aug. 24

Heritage Park

Hendrickson playoff run

Friday-Saturday

The Hendrickson baseball team defeated Hutto in two straight games to advance to the Regional Semifinals vs Corpus Christi Calallen. The best of three series will be played in San Antonio at Blossom Athletic Center. Game One takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Game 2 will be at 1 p.m. Saturday and, if necessary, Game Three will be 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2. Tickets range from $3 (students) to $5 (adults).

Graham Central Station

Brandon Rhyder

June 3

AREA EVENTS
Fiesta Amistad

Old Settlers Association building – Round Rock

May 29-30

Round Rock El Amistad Club hosts the 41^st annual event.

Sam Bass Community Theatre

“Fashion: The High Style Musical”

May 27-30, June 3-6, 10-12

The public is invited to a rehearsal of the Long Island Mask & Wig Society’s first musical production. Society members have set out to perform a 19^th-century American classic called “Fashion: or Life in New York.” They bring in a director and composer from New York, who has “private rehearsals” with each and every one of them. Sparks fly. The show is recommended for general audiences. Shows begin at 8 p.m. each Thursday-Saturday and at 2 p.m. each Sunday. Tickets range from $13-$15 and can be purchased by calling 300-9254 or by sending e-mails to Reservations@SamBassTheatre.org .

MOVIES

Opening this week:

“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the rogue prince Dastan in an epic fantasy adventure based on the popular video game series.

“Sex and the City 2”

Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha struggle to manage their love lives, friendships and careers in New York City – and beyond.

COMING SOON

“The A-Team” (June 11)

“The Karate Kid” (June 11)

ON DVD

“Dear John”

“The Road”

THEATRE

Palace Theatre – Georgetown

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

May 28-30, June 4-6

The play, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and directed locally by Mary Ellen Butler, brings to vibrant life the Biblical saga. Tickets range from $8 (children 15 and under) to $22 (general admission). Visit thegeorgetownpalace.org or call (512) 869-7469.

COMEDY

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Rickey Smiley and Friends

May 28

Tickets range from $25-$50 and go on sale March 27 at 10 a.m.

Jeff Dunham

June 26 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40.50.

To purchase tickets, visit H-E-B stores, call 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or go online to TexasBoxOffice.com.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

MUSIC

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

“Star Wars: In Concert”

June 6 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $35 to $100.

Tickets for all events are on sale at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and 1-800-982-2386 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

Bass Concert Hall – Austin

Barenaked Ladies

May 31 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $27.50-$47.50.

Neil Young

June 5 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $59.50-$249.50.

José Carreras

June 19 @ 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $39-$99.

Melissa Ethridge

Aug. 2

Tickets are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

Entertainment calendar: May 21-23

Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:19:12 +0000

Shrek Forever After

BRIEFLY:

Be a Rockette

The world famous Radio City Rockettes, in conjunction with Broadway Across America, and Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, will conduct Austin auditions for aspiring Austin dancers to win a premium audition slot at the official Radio City Rockettes auditions, to be held in New York at Radio City Music Hall in August 2010.

Local auditions take place May 25 at 1 p.m. at McCullough Theater Lobby, 2375 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin.

Space is limited to the first 50 dancers that fit height and age requirements, and Radio City Rockettes will teach choreography from the production.

One dancer will be guaranteed the first slot in line at the official Radio City Rockettes audition in New York, with round trip airfare and hotel accommodations provided.

Rockette candidates must be between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 10 and-a-half inches tall, must be at least 18 years of age by August 2010 and be proficient in tap, jazz and ballet.

Dancers auditioning are to bring dance attire including character heels, a headshot, dance resumé and photo ID.

“The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” will play Texas Performing Art’s Bass Concert Hall Dec. 17–31.

Ethridge to perform

Grammy and Oscar Award winner Melissa Ethridge will perform at Bass Concert Hall in Austin Aug. 2.

Tickets are on sale at most H-E-B stores, online at TexasPerformingArts.org and by phone at 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

“Cronkite: Eyewitness to a Century”

Underwood show sold out

Carrie Underwood’s “Play On Tour” delighted a sold out crowd of 7,100 May 12 at The Theatre at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin.

Underwood’s set list included crowd favorites “Temporary Home,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “All-American Girl” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia also performed. The show was the third sell-out at the Frank Erwin Center this year, joining Taylor Swift (March 10) and Elton John (April 10).

LOCALLY:

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

May 4-Aug. 24

Heritage Park

Hendrickson playoff run

May 20-22

The Hawks play Hutto at Georgetown High School Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. a third game takes place Saturday at Pflugerville High School at 1 p.m. if necessary. Tickets range from $3-$5.

Graham Central Station

Brandon Rhyder

June 3

EVENTS
Fiesta Amistad

Old Settlers Association building – Round Rock

May 29-30

Round Rock El Amistad Club hosts the 41^st annual event.

MOVIES

Opening this week:

“Shrek Forever After”

Everyone’s favorite big green ogre is back, this time trying to outwit Rumpelstiltskin in the fourth and final Shrek adventure.

“MacGruber”

Still man enough to sport a mullet, SNL’s master crime fighter is called back into action to find a stolen nuclear warhead.

COMING SOON

“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” (May 28)
“Sex and the City 2” (May 28)

ON DVD

“Invictus”

“Valentine’s Day”

“Extraordinary Measures”

“The Spy Next Door”

“The Messenger”

THEATRE

Palace Theatre – Georgetown

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

May 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6

COMEDY

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Rickey Smiley and Friends

May 28

Tickets range from $25-$50 and go on sale March 27 at 10 a.m.

Jeff Dunham

June 26 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40.50.

To purchase tickets, visit H-E-B stores, call 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or go online to TexasBoxOffice.com.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

MUSIC

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

“Star Wars: In Concert”

June 6 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $35 to $100.

Tickets for all events are on sale at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and 1-800-982-2386 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.

Entertainment calendar: May 14-16

Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 15 May 2010 00:36:27 +0000

Deutschen Pfest

LOCALLY:

Pflugerville Pfarmers Market

May 4-Aug. 24

Heritage Park

Deutschen Pfest

May 14-16

Pfluger Park

Headliners for this year’s event include Bruce Robison and Dale Watson. The annual event includes music and dancing, parades, fun runs and plenty of food. Visit cityofpflugerville.com/dpfest for details.

MOVIES

Opening this week:

“Robin Hood”

Russell Crowe stars as the famed 13th century expert archer who leads an uprising against corruption in the village of Nottingham.

“Just Wright”

Queen Latifah stars as a physical therapist who helps an all-star basketball player recover from a career-threatening injury.

“Letters to Juliet”

Amanda Seyfried travels to the city of Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, where she is inspired to find a love story of her own.

COMING SOON

“Shrek Forever After” (May 21)

“Sex and the City 2” (May 28)

ON DVD

“Edge of Darkness”

“Legion”

“Daybreakers”

THEATRE

Palace Theatre – Georgetown

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

May 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, June 4-6

Bass Concert Hall – University of Texas at Austin

“A Chorus Line”

May 11-16

Shows will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $20 to $69. Visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com, call 477-6060 or visit H-E-B stores for tickets.

COMEDY

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

Rickey Smiley and Friends

May 28

Tickets range from $25-$50 and go on sale March 27 at 10 a.m.

Jeff Dunham

June 26 @ 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40.50.

To purchase tickets, visit H-E-B stores, call 477-6060 or 1-800-982-2386 or go online to TexasBoxOffice.com.

ARTS

H.J. Lutcher Stark Center – University of Texas at Austin

“Our Body: The Universe Within” educational exhibit

April 24-Oct. 1

MUSIC

Frank Erwin Center – Austin

“Star Wars: In Concert”

June 6 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $35 to $100.

Tickets for all events are on sale at H-E-B stores, by phone at 477-6060 and 1-800-982-2386 and online at TexasBoxOffice.com.