Public Notice

Things are gearing up in public service-land for Austin's sizzling summer. Here are a few things to do this weekend, plus a jump on next, to boot.

By Kate X Messer, Fri., May 25, 2001

How Rude!

Don't walk, don't saunter, don't slink, don't slouch, don't skulk, don't slither, don't creep, don't crawl, don't toddle, don't tippytoe, don't stroll, don't wander, don't ramble, don't amble, don't traipse, don't circumambulate, don't wiggle, don't squiggle, don't pad, don't canter, don't shuffle, don't slog, don't wend, don't trek, don't promenade.

Instead, run, barrel, beat it, bolt, bound, hustle, scamper, scurry, scoot, hasten, and hie like lightning, will you, to see Leslie Bonnell, jazz siren and diva extraordinaire with her new all-star trio at the Cabaret Benefit for Rude Mechanicals Theatre Collective this Thursday, May 24, 7pm at Green Pastures, 811 W. Live Oak. There will be comestibles and a cash bar to get you in the mood. We quote one of our own to drive the point home: "Leslie Bonnell's version of 'The Man That Got Away' was the real deal. Like Ella and Billie, she knows how to massage a note, to make it break and tumble while you wait, breathless, your heart aching." -- Sarah Hepola, The Austin Chronicle. Oh, ache, sweet thumper! Thump, thump! www.rudemechs.com or 440-0712.

This Weekend

If you were too much of a dweeb to attend your first prom, here's your chance. Club DeVille hosts its first annual Prom Night (though we wonder if they have anyone on board who remembers the Punk Rock Prom & Little Debbie-taunt Ball when the place was Chances?), this Sunday, May 27, 8pm. The theme is a suitably gag-worthy "Lost in Love," and festivities include live music (Recliners), DJs (DJs Shane and Claude 9), prom photos, snacks, and drinks. Tix are $20 per couple/$10 stag, but you'll wanna bring your date or your dog (or your dog date); proceeds will benefit the Austin Travis County Humane Society/SPCA. 323-5699.

The American Lung Association hosts the Aqua Lung Festival & Walk/Run this Saturday, May 26, 9:30am at Waterloo Park. Actually the Walk/Run begins that early, the rest of the fest fits in perfectly with your slacker schedule and begins at noon, wherein Jimmy John's sandwich shop presents their stab at a Guinness Book record with their attempt at the world's longest sub sandwich. The purpose of the event is to present issues surrounding the decline in air and water standards in Austin. In addition to the requisite bands, food, fun, moonwalk deal, there will be Free Asthma Screenings. 467-2534 or 800/ALA-LUNG.

Next Weekend

Next week we'll focus on events surrounding the two big events, Pride and the Bike Rally. In the meanwhile, here's a quick roundup of other things going on next weekend:

The American Diabetes Association hosts a Fundraiser on Monday, June 4, 7pm-midnight at Waterloo Brewing Co., on the roof. The event will feature Austin's longest running big band, Nash Hernandez Orchestra (since 1949!), plus the Morrows, the Real Heroes, and our personal heroes, Winslow. 472-9838.

The Mostly Music Marathon happens Saturday, June 2, noon-midnight at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover. The very kid-friendly event features the Hand-to-Mouth Puppet Theater, Tamasha Africana, Isaacs-Bryant Singers, and so, so many more. The big deal for regulars, however, is the Silent Auction. All proceeds benefit Faith Home and AIDS Services of Austin. 916-0886.

Check out the Easter Seals Garage Sale next Saturday, June 2, 8am-5pm at the shopping center parking lot at 1509 S. Lamar between Domino's and Slick Willie's. They promise furniture, appliances, electronics, clothes, books, sports stuff, and deals, deals, deals. The proceeds (100%) go to the Seals. www.eastersealstx.com or 478-2581.

Grrl-y Action

Okay, the flame is on our tail. It's deadline time and we are overdue. Damn, there goes our chance at "Editor of the Week." So, in the interest of covering what we want to cover and getting this to the proofers on time, we are going to seriously paraphrase the following:

Grrl Action 2001, an innovative summer program for girls, will take place Monday, June 4-Friday, June 29, on the University of Texas campus. Twenty girls between the ages of 13 and 15 will write, create anthologies of their writing, and transform their creative autobiography into a public performance. The goal is to give girls the space and skills to gain a public voice while they build confidence, interact with professional women artists and performers (like media maven K. Bradford, fine slam poet Susan Somers-Willett, teacher, writer, and performer Thesesa Burke, and Madge Darlington of the Rude Mechanicals), and make new friends from diverse economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Public performances are scheduled for Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1.

The Action honchos are currently seeking applications for 20 spots, and urge folks to pass on this message to any young potential action babe who might be interested. There are 10 full scholarships available. Tuition for the remaining 10 spots is $200 per girl. [email protected] or 894-7334.

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