[soulciti distro] for 12.10.09

DECEMBER 10 | POETRY , DANCE AND VOCALIST COMPETITION : 3 EVENTS IN 1 NIGHT
btg music entertainment presents expressions of the mind-poetry competition, just dance-solo dance competition, and the showcase-vocalist competition. 3 events, all in 1 night!

we have gathered a group of talented individuals for what is promised to be a memorable experience. join us every thursday through december 10th beginning at 8 pm @ the parish room (on 6th between san jacinto/brazos) with expressions of the mind poetry competition, followed by just dance solo dance competition at 9 and the showcase vocalist competition at 10.

the contestants are competing for a total of $7000 in cash prizes as well as 3 trips to las vegas. the audience will vote on their favorite acts of the evening. $5 cover all night. 400+ expected!

FMI: web | tel: 789.2484

[submitted by b. carter]
DECEMBER 10 | NEO-SOUL LOUNGE & POETRY READING
New night. New place. Same experience. Join us every Thursday for an open mic session at Club Illusion. Sign-up starts at 8:00 p.m. This event is hosted by B. Fran and nationally known poets and artists. The Neo-Soul Lounge stimulates your mind, body and soul. Must be 21 and older, dress code enforced. $6 cover charge.

FMI: web | tel: 844.5491

[submitted by h. mason]
DECEMBER 11 | A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES
Texas Holiday tradition, A Child's Christmas in Wales returns this year to St David's Episcopal Church to celebrate the season, giving Austin the gift of Dylan Thomas and improvised jazz.

The glorious, sparkling text of Dylan Thomas' beloved tale of a young boy's delightful Christmas memories comes alive with original music by Suzi Stern (vocals) and Rich Harney (Piano). Fantastic, hilarious improvisations by Alex Coke (woodwinds and many fascinating toys and tools) as well as astounding colorful expressive solos by Buddy Mohmed (bass) make this an evening for the whole family you won't want to miss. A wonderful way to welcome the season with a feeling of good will and warmth - great for creative music fans and children of all ages!

Please join Texas jazz musicians Suzi Stern, Alex Coke, Rich Harney and Buddy Mohmed on Friday, December 11 at 8pm at St David's Episcopal Church, 304 E. 7th Street for a wonderful evening of music and a classic Christmas tale.

A CD recording of the original soundtrack to add to your collection of holiday favorites will be available at the performance.
General admission is $10 with discounts for children and seniors.

FMI: web | tel: 440.0915

[submitted by b. bobov]
DECEMBER 11 | CHRISTMAS IS COMING EARLY THIS YEAR: DL HUGHLEY RETURNS
Dec 11-13th at Cap City Comedy Club. Enough said! Tickets on sale now!

FMI: web | tel: 467.2333

[submitted by c. popp]
DECEMBER 11 | N2A PERFORMING AT PECAN STREET LOUNGE IN PFLUGERVILLE
The smooth and silky sounds of N2A formerly known as the "Hot Sauce Band" will be performing LIVE Friday, December 11 at the Pecan Street Lounge , 101 East Pecan Street. The band is sure to keep you on the dance floor. Performing songs from The Gap Band, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye and many more.

The show starts at 9pm with a $5 cover charge. DJ Hube on the 1’s & 2’s. BYOB, set-ups and mouth watering BB-Que available.

FMI: email | tel: 251.1118

[submitted by y. bumpers]
DECEMBER 11 | JA'NELL TO APPEAR ON OUR DAILY BREAD SHOW
Jan’ell will be performing on"Our Daily Bread" show,Friday, December 11, in Kileen, TX. She will perfom her first single from her debut album Soul Flower “Spit Your Game”. Yvonne Brown will be the host. The show will air at 10:30 am on KPLE-TV/TBN Time Warner Cable channel 31 and 45.

Jan’ ell is a multi-dimensional performer, singer,and songwriter.She expresses her sultry smooth vocals in a unique style she calls "Jazz-Hop". The mixture of genres she encompasses creates a unique sound with memorable and thought provoking lyrics. Her musical themes range from deep spiritual truth empowerment to romantic sensuality, while her music combines jazz, hip-hop, Soul and R&B into a smooth, sultry, and seductive blend uniquely her own.

Once you've heard Jan’ell’s vocal expression and choice beats, you will find yourself humming these tunes and wanting to hear more.

The artist will also appear in the 47th annual Killeen Christmas Parade Saturday, December 12, starting at 4:30 PM. Also performing at the Music Vault 115 Veterans Blvd, Harker Heights, Texas in January. Proceeds of “Spit Your Game” are donated to hearing impaired children.

FMI: web | tel: 800.906.1496

[submitted by p.campbell]
DECEMBER 12 | ENGINEERING SATURDAYS AT THE AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Austin Children's Museum Engineering Saturday program is sure to get your mental gears turning! On select Saturday mornings, children and families can explore engineering first hand through playful activities presented in collaboration with students from The University of Texas's Cockrell School of Engineering.

Projects could include paper airplane design, catapults, building a working circuit and sailboat cars. Check out this website, designed by a parent, that shows the step-by-step process his daughter took in her sailboat car project at one Engineering Saturday.

Activities will be held in the Tinkerer's Workshop at 201 Colorado Street and are included with admission unless otherwise noted. Activities change all the time so come by soon for some engineering fun!

FMI: web | tel: 472.2499

[submitted by c. soontornvat]
DECEMBER 12 | KUJICHAGULIA: AFRIKANS DEFINING/NAMING OURSELVES
Did you know that most Afrikan names can sum up the bearer's destiny and life purpose?

"Kujichagulia:Afrikans Defining/Naming Ourselves" – A discussion/workshop on how people of Afrikan descent [Black folks] can reclaim our Afrikan heritage and purpose through our ancestral names. Learn how to discover/reclaim your actual Afrikan ancestral/ethnic lineages. Learn the purpose of and "true" definition of a naming ceremony. Go beyond pulling a name out of a book or creating one!

Sunday, 12 december @ 1pm SankofaAsafo:Ilu/Ofié @ 2011 SL Davis Ave. RSVP/registration is required and can be completed at our website.

FMI: web | tel: 552.6277

[submitted by n. akinyemi-sankofa]
DECEMBER 12 | FREE ASL, SPANISH, AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE CLASSES
AKC Institute of Learning is now offering free Spanish, American Sign Language , African-American culture and reading assistance classes to youth between the ages of three to 15 years of age. Expressive writing classes will be offered soon.

AKC is dedicated to enriching the lives of youths through enhancing their educational foundation, exposing them to culture and creative outlets of expression, and conveying the importance of community advocacy (and service) early on. The goal is to cultivate positive mentalities and grow adequate levels of self-esteem to develop a healthy self-image and attain individual life success.

Classes are offered on second Saturday’s at Windsor Park Branch Public Library,5833 Westminster Dr.,and on fourth Saturday’s at the University Hills Branch Public Library,4721 Loyola Ln. Pre-registration is not required.

FMI: web

[submitted by l. mckinley]
DECEMBER 12 | CARVER COMMUNITY CLASSES: ANCIENT HIP-HOP DANCE
Do you want to have fun while learning hip-hop dance moves? Then join us for the Ancient Hip-Hop Dance" workshop. This class is a fun and energetic fusion of traditional African and street dance movements, set to hip hop/urban contemporary music.

Classes will be held, Saturdays, Dec.12-Jan. 16 , 1-2:30 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Museum,1165 Angelina Street. $12 per class or $60 for the series.

FMI: email | tel: 929.5554

[submitted by c. washington]
DECEMBER 12 | AIA AUSTIN PRESENTS: OPEN ARCHITECTURE EAST
Join the members of AIA Austin in our first annual OPEN ARCHITECTURE event, an "Open House" of Architects' Studios. See where and how the magic happens inside these creative East Austin businesses, hear plans for future projects and developments straight from the Architect themselves, and experience the unique styles and personalities of each studio. Maps will be provided so you may tour the studios at your own pace. Refreshments will be served.

Price is $5. All proceeds benefit Uplift Austin, an organization offering innovative environmental education programs for at risk youth. For more info about UpliftAustin, visit upliftaustin.org.

FMI: web | tel: 452.4332

[submitted by n. rogers]
DECEMBER 12 | ONE LOVE SINGLES MINISTRIES SEMINAR & MIXER
One Love Singles Ministry Seminar & Christmas Party is being held December 12, at 6215 Manchaca Rd, from 6:30pm until 10:30pm. The party will feature poetry reading and Karaoke. Please sign up at singles@agape-cm.org if you are interested in participating in the poetry reading. We are asking for everyone to come and and bring a dish to the potluck so that we can eat, fellowship, and have a good time.Let us know what you plan to bring so that we can compile a list.

FMI: web | tel: 444.0664

[submitted by a. smith]
DECEMBER 12 | CLIFF BROWN FUNDRAISER-DEMOCRAT FOR DISTRICT JUDGE
Please join the Host Committee for Cliff Brown for District Judge Fundraiser at Mitchie's Gallery on Saturday, December 12 from 5:30 - 9p. The evening includes live music from All U Need and delicious Hors D' Oeuvres served by Southern Hospitality Restaurant & Catering. A $30 Donation is requested. Sponsorships also available starting at $125.

FMI: web | tel: 323.6901

[submitted by j. adejumo]
DECEMBER 12 | 1ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE-AUSTIN URBAN MARKET
This Holiday, Do It The Ujamaa Way! The Austin Urban Market’s (AUM) 1st Annual Holiday Marketplace is aspiring to reach a fundraising goal of $5,000 benefiting Austin’s first non-profit African American ballet dance troupe, Ballet Afrique.

Pre-sale is $3 for Adults, $2 for Students/Senior Citizens. At the door is $5 Adults, $3 Student/Senior Citizens.

Feature: Special Performances by Ballet Afrique and Youth Performers.
Feature: Free Drawing for 1 pair of tickets to "The Color Purple” Broadway Play. (Drawing will be held approx. 3pm.)
Feature: “$5 Ujamaa Bucks” to be given to the 1st 100 guests with a pre-sale ticket or paying at the door.
Feature: Complimentary “Ujamaa Card” can be used for discounts from participating vendors.
Feature: Silent auction with all proceeds benefiting Ballet Afrique.

The AUM encourages the community to continue “Doing It The Ujamaa Way” and buy more local this holiday season. Ujamaa is a Swahili word meaning cooperative economics. This holiday season give gifts from local entrepreneurs such as Padees’ and Lee Catheryn Originals that produce beautifully crafted handmade jewelry and soothing therapeutic handmade oils, whipped butters and scents by African Visions designed for the entire family. Come eat delicious food by Lula Mae’s Catering, shop with a variety of vendors while enjoying great music and a special performance by Ballet Afrique. To find out more about the event and ticket locations visit the website. For Ballet Afrique's performances and studio classes, visit their website at balletafrique.org.

Vendor spaces are available but limited. Retail vendor tables are $50 and non-profits are $35 before Dec 1st and $70 afterwards for retail only. If you are interested in being a vendor, contact Don Ellerby.

FMI: web | tel: 785.7045

[submitted by d. ellerby]
DECEMBER 12 | HOW TO START A COMMUNITY GARDEN
A community garden is a place for growing food, friends, flowers and community. Find out how to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental vitality of your neighborhood by starting a community garden.

In this workshop, we will cover:
- How to secure land
- Finding funding & resources
- Organizing friends & neighbors to create a community space

We will also take a tour of an established community garden. There is a high interest in community gardening in Austin, and very limited spaces available at the current community gardens. Come learn about how we can work together to start more gardens! Registration required. Cost $5 per participant to cover food and printing of materials. Contact Jess Guffey to reserve your space. Saturday, December 12 from 9am-1pm at Austin Mennonite Church, 5801 Westminster Dr.

FMI: email | tel: 236.0074 x105

[submitted by j. guffey]
DECEMBER 12 | ST. JAMES' HE'S SO COLD WINTER CONFERENCE
The St. James Missionary Baptist Church College Ministry will be hosting the “He’s So Cold Winter Conference”. It will be geared toward High School and College-aged students from the surrounding areas.

This event will take place December 12 from 11:30am-4:00pm at St. James Missionary Baptist Church on 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in the Franklin Chapel. The Conference will be featuring guest speaker Marvin Daniels from Kids Across America and worshipers Sir Smith and Godswriter.

FMI: email | tel: 305.776.9781

[submitted by t. shoats]
DECEMBER 12 | SWINGOUT & 2-STEP CHRISTMAS PARTY AND TOY & FOOD DRIVE
CWA Banquet Hall (Dorothy Barker Building) at 1730 Jefferson in Houston, from 8:00pm - 1:00am. Admission is $20 pre-sale and $25 at the door.

Black-Tie Christmas Festive (Formal or Semi - Formal Dressy) Attire. Lavish Buffet, BYOB, Picture with Santa in the Winter Wonderland. Special Guest, DJ - Corey Boyette spinning the music, plenty of social dancing. Hosted by the KING & QUEEN of Houston Swingout & 2-Step - Lee Mr. Smooth & FOXY Socialite Ms Deborah Fanci` Dancer. For tickets or information visit our website.

FMI: web | tel: 713.972.4026

[submitted by d. dancer]
DECEMBER 12 | BACK IN THE DAY PLAY GAME NIGHT!
Back In The Day Play is not your regular party event. This networking, mix, mingle and play event will be held at the AMF/300 AUSTIN BOWLING CENTER 9504 N IH 35, in the Bar Area.

DJ Quan will be mixing all night with your favorite top 40 Hip Hop & R&b. You can expect to meet new people, see old friends and enjoy all of your childhood and new school games featuring Back In The Day games. Drink specials all night! Reduced cover B4 9pm. Doors open 8pm. Large groups are welcome.

FMI: web | tel: 779.4833

[submitted by b. caldwell]
DECEMBER 12 | CASTING CALL FOR MOTION PICTURE MARRIAGE MADE IN HELL
Producer looking for serious minded individuals over 18 to audition for his movie. Movie will be aired on BET and Lifetime networks.

FMI: email | tel: 830. 620.5840

[submitted by j. turner]
DECEMBER 12 | AFRICAN AMERICAN KIDS' BOOKS STORYTIMES AND SIGN LANGUAGE
Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday, Mitchie's hosts Storytime and Sign Language for Kids at 11 AM-Noon. It will be a joyful hour full of African-American folktales and sign language. Kids receive refreshments, a free gift, and a 30% discount off of a book purchase. Storytime is free and open to the public. Volunteer readers are welcome.

FMI: web | tel: 323.6901

[submitted by j. adejumo]
DECEMBER 13 | SEMBRANDO 2009-PA' MI GENTE
Sembrando 2009-Pa' Mi Gente will debut on Sunday, December 13, at the Davis Auditorium in the Texas School For the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress This is a new bilingual musical written by Ana Maria Tekina-eiru' in collaboration with Rupert Reyes and Zulmarie Alverio.

This year we are proud to present special guests Ballet Afrique directed by China Smith Lott who comes back home. Please consider joining the list of many private sponsors who also support our work. Adult pre-sale tickets are $10.00 in and $12 at the door. Child tickets (ages 3-12) are $5.00. Children 2 and under are FREE. Discounted tickets are availabe online. Don't miss this joyful, live music and dance production based in the rich traditions and history of Puerto Rico!

FMI: web | tel: 251.8122

[submitted by a. mayn]
DECEMBER 13 | CIRCLE OF LIGHT
Celebrate this holiday season with an astonishing multi-ethnic and multi-talented cast of performers in a family program celebrating many of our winter holidays. CIRCLE OF LIGHT will enlighten, entertain, and delight you and yours with stories, song, dance, and more.

Featured are Christmas' around the Americas (including Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, and regions of the United States); the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah; the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa; the Hindu celebration of Diwali; and the Islamic observance of Ramadan. All of these holidays, sacred and secular, are fascinating and profoundly moving human rituals.

CIRCLE OF LIGHT links these traditions through themes of light, hope, faith, joy, love, family and giving, while honoring the differences each traditions offers. Please join us at Carver Museum (1165 Angelina St.) or a memorable holiday event. Tickets are $18 for general admission; $12 for children and seniors(available at the door)

FMI: web | tel: 440.0915

[submitted by s. sharpe]
DECEMBER 14 | CARVER MUSEUM CLASSES-"PERFORM YOUR POETRY"
The "Perform Your Poetry" workshop is part of a series of weekly classes held at the George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina Street, facilitated by Chandra Washington. Learn how to take your poetry to stage! Designed for youth, grades 8-12. Bring your favorite poems, pen and pad, and a willingness to learn. This class will be held Mondays, Dec. 7-Jan. 11(6 wks) from 4 to 5: 30 p.m.$60.

FMI: email | tel: 929.5554

[submitted by c. washington]
DECEMBER 14 | MAMMO MIXERS BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS
The Breast Center at St. David’s Medical Center hosts "Mammo Mixers" designed to encourage women to get their annual mammograms. Complimentary manicures and refreshments are provided at no cost. The mixer is from 6 - 8 p.m. at St. David’s Medical Center on 919 E. 32nd St., Ste. 111 and is held every third Thursday.

FMI: web | tel: 544.8803

[submitted by n. turner]
DECEMBER 14 | A CIRCLE OF MEN: SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED MEN
The subject of boys being sexually abused is not often discussed, but Safeplace has created a safe haven for the healing to begin. Every Monday from 6:30 PM-8:00 PM at 1515 Grove Boulevard, Safeplace holds a support group for men who have been sexually abused. It's free and confidential, and a licensed counselor is present. First time attendees must register for a one time orientation session from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM in which they will receive some educational materials and access to free client services. Let the healing begin.

FMI: web | tel: 356.1548

[submitted by m. divita]
DECEMBER 15 | THIS HOLIDAY SEASON - WILL YOU BE FLABULOUS - OR FABULOUS!?
We're throwing a Get Skinny Party - and you are invited! Ladies - and men - come see how you can drop 2-3 dress or pant sizes in just 10 minutes, just in time for the holidays. With no pills, diets, exercise or surgery - NO KIDDING!

We'll be at Mitchie's Gallery on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00p - making believers out of you, so come see for yourself! We'll have complimentary Skinnytinis as we share the great news with you about Body Magic, as featured on ABC, NBC, CNN, Fox and the Michael Baisden Radio Show.

To see actual 'Before and After Body Magic Transformations' - click on the website link below. The Get Skinny Party is FREE and there are no obligations to attend. RSVP to reserve your seat and come experience the Body Magic live and in person!

FMI: web | tel: 469.619.7649

[submitted by d. neptune]
DECEMBER 15 | JIM BRICKMAN'S "BEAUTIFUL WORLD CHRISTMAS" AT THE PARAMOUNT
This Christmas season, platinum record-selling and Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman is creating a “Beautiful World” for audiences seeking an escape from the hectic demands of the holiday season!

In a very special Christmas concert, Jim and guests present an evening of dazzling solo piano, vibrant vocals plus warmth and humor. Jim weaves together new and old traditional holiday favorites, all the hits and songs from the fall album release, Beautiful World. An unforgettable night to remember with Jim Brickman's Beautiful World Christmas.

FMI: web | tel: 472.5470

[submitted by Paramount Theatre]
DECEMBER 15 | PIANO LESSONS AT THE CARVER MUSEUM FOR ALL AGES
Daphne M. McDole, accomplished pianist and cellist, is teaching piano (Keys of Life Piano Instruction) at the Carver Museum located at 1165 Angelina St from 4:00-8:00 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Keys of Life teaches students the value of music through M.E.L.O.D.I.E.S. - Motivation, Education, Leadership, Opportunity, Discipline, Individuality, Excellence, and Structure. Students meet once a week (Tuesday or Thursday). The program is offered to students ages four and above.

FMI: web | tel: 974.4926

[submitted by d. mcdole]
DECEMBER 15 | CARVER MUSEUM CLASSES: LEARN TO GROUP SING IN HARMONY
The Learn to Group Sing in Harmony! workshop will be held weekly, n Tuesdays Dec. 8-Jan.12, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m, at the George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina Street. The class will be facilitated by Chandra Washington.

If you love to sing, but have trouble blending when singing with others, this is your opportunity to improve your harmonizing and group vocalizing skills in a supportive, nurturing setting. Class series costs $60.

FMI: email | tel: 929.5554

[submitted by c. washington]
DECEMBER 16 | ELIMINATE YOUR DEBT AND IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE
There is only one real definition of "Financial Freedom" - that is to be dependent on NO ONE. That is the goal of the "Debt Elimination and Improving Your Credit Score" seminar - to help you be completely independent of any job, any person and certainly independent from any need for government support, EVER.

This program is built on the premise that the ideal situation would be to have NO bills and to have a substantial income at the same time. In other words, I want to help you achieve, in as short a time as possible, a situation where you own your home and cars, no monthly debt, and you have enough money in investments that you can live off the interest.

THAT IS TRUE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE!

You will have a whole new outlook on life. To achieve this goal, we will show you a new strategy. We will throw out the things you've been taught. We will design an efficient and sound strategy to change yours and future generations' view of money. Seminar starts at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

FMI: web | tel: 331.2860

[submitted by j. stephens]
DECEMBER 16 | SEED SAVING CLASS
Ever wondered how you can develop more sustainability in your garden? This free class will go over the basics of how to save your own seeds for future planting. Learn the difference between hybrid and open-pollinated varieties. Several seed saving techniques will be covered. Registration required. Please call the number provided or email jess@sustainablefoodcenter.org. Wednesday, December 16, 6pm - 7pm at the Gus Garcia Rec Center, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane. Classs will be held in the after school room.

FMI: email | tel: 236.0074

[submitted by j. guffey]