surviving the 9 to 5

Weekday Warrior: Christmas time is here

Paramount Film Series Presents: Scrooged
All About Texas Christmas Lights Photo Contest Winner Announcement and Party atMozart’s Coffee Roasters
Courtesy photo
Erwin Center Presents: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2011
Charlie Mars at the Saxon Pub

The holiday season has almost come and gone, and if you blink, you’ll miss your few remaining chances to indulge in some festive flair. So while you’ll soon be in family mode — sitting by the tree, unwrapping presents and binging on booze-filled eggnog — you can still get in a bit of holiday time on your terms.

Unsure just how to waste those few-and-far-between hours that remain after all the packing and wrapping is done? Here’s our weekly guide to keep you busy during the days that don’t start with S.

Monday, December 19th

Paramount Film Series Presents: Scrooged

Bill Murray’s at his post-Caddyshack best in this alternative take on the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Watch as bitter TV exec Frank Cross revisits his life and childhood, as the ghosts of Christmas present, past, and future attempt to course-correct his bad choices. Plus - the added bonuses of not only supremely 80’s fashions in excess, but Bobcat Goldthwaite.

Charlie Mars @ Saxon Pub

NY-based singer-songwriter Charlie Mars considers Austin his second home, so it’s no surprise that he should head here so close to Christmas. He brings his soulful sound to The Saxon Pub, as part of a two-week residency. Heck, maybe his longtime lady-love Mary Louise Parker may even be in attendance.

Tuesday, December 20th

All About Texas Christmas Lights Photo Contest Winner Announcement and Party @ Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

CultureMap, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters and Precision Camera and Video will all be on hand to announce the winners of their “All About Texas Christmas Lights” photo contest at a holiday shindig that includes free hot chocolate, drip coffee, free cookies and even some carolers that will be on hand.

TuesGayz @ Barbarella

This might be your last chance to get freaky on the dance floor until New Year’s Eve, so it’s best to start practicing! Join The Glitoris in this weekly soiree that’s heavy with electro beats and drag shows.

Wednesday, December 21st

Erwin Center Presents: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Winter Tour 2011

Increase the number of conversation topics with your weird uncle exponentially (you know he’s a fan), all while getting in the electro-Christmas spirit. Plus, seeing as the TSO serves as background music for countless Christmas Light display videos, there’s sure to be a stage setup that’ll blow you away.

Food and Film Presents: Home Alone Cheese Pizza Party @ Alamo Ritz

Join Alamo in celebrating this Christmas classic of child abandonment, all while eating a cheese pizza (or many), just for you. Keep the change, you filthy animal. Just make sure you stay away from Buzz’s girlfriend. Woof.

Thursday, December 22nd

Alex Coke Holiday Visit @ Elephant Room

We can thank Vince Guaraldi and Charlie Brown for bringing Christmas Jazz into the limelight. Enjoy some yuletide jams, as tenor Saxophone great Alex Coke returns to the Elephant Room for a holiday show, along with A Great Tex-Tet.

Guy Forsyth and Carolyn Wonderland Present: Holidays by Candlelight @ The Long Center

The Long center hosts these local greats (along with their bands) as they join their unique sounds for a holiday event unlike any other. Each known for their impressive live shows as well as their singing styles, their one-two punch is sure to entertain.

Friday, December 23rd

The Action Pack Presents: The X-Mas Pops Sing-Along @ Alamo Village

Sing-along to modern pop stars’ contributions to the Christmas Spirit, along with your fellow holiday music enthusiasts. Belt out holiday “hits” by Jessica Simpson, John Denver and the Muppets, *NSYNC, Bing Crosby and David Bowie, and so much more.

So indulge in Kevin McAllister’s favorite food, simmer in some smooth yuletide jazz and sing-along with Mariah Carey’s Christmas list — all without shooting your eye out.

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News from City Hall

City of Austin creates new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment

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The new office combines existing departments for more streamlined work.

Taking care of Austin's important arts and entertainment scene happens on many levels, and a new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) is centralizing some of the city's responsibilities in the realm. The new office was announced by city manager T.C. Broadnax on Friday, February 14.

This doesn't necessarily mean more work or big new initiatives, although it could certainly lead to those in time. The main idea is simply to tie together existing local governmental structures so that they can work more efficiently together. A city newsletter explains that what was previously five departments — dealing separately with music, special events, cultural and heritage centers, cultural arts, and art in public places — is now one new office.

“Austin’s identity is closely tied to arts, culture, music, and entertainment," said Broadnax as quoted in the newsletter. "Under a unified office, we can improve how we provide services and create synergistic opportunities that attract tourists, generate revenue, and elevate Austin’s profile as a cultural destination.”

The office will be led by director Angela Means, an internal hire who recently served as the interim director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Means' professional experience appears to be more operational than cultural, with past responsibilities largely related to budget accountability, service analysis, and collaboration between departments.

According to the existing departments various websites, some of their programs and services included providing grants and funding for creatives, providing paid professional development for local musicians, creating reports to track Austin's cultural assets, issuing permits for festivals, and helping creatives and creative businesses navigate city codes.

“Our arts, culture, music, and entertainment industries are what make Austin unique and special," said Mayor Kirk Watson. "Austin is envied by others because of the talent we have here. I appreciate the City Manager for listening to our creative community about the need for this office, and I believe it will continue to show Austin’s commitment to the arts."

The new office does not yet appear in the directory for City of Austin departments. New information is usually added to a page with contact details, a list of services, and other tips and announcements relevant to the public.

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