Welcome to the Calendar of Fun! Music, movies, shows, books and events going on in Austin, TX. The calendar only contains events that I think are fun, so if we have similar tastes, then you won't have to look through a bunch of stuff you don't care about just to find a few gems. It isn't an exhaustive list of fun things going on in Austin, so if you have something to add, email it to me at emily@thecalendaroffun.com.

It’s the first Friday of the month and you know what that means.  The B scene at the Blanton Museum of Art!  Each month, the Blanton hosts the B scene for the young and hip to enjoy new exhibits, music, free appetizers, and a cash bar.

Tonight’s B scene will feature the new exhibit, DESIRE.  DESIRE includes works by several different artists in various media exploring the theme of, well, desire.

The event starts at 6 and lasts until 10:30.  Get there early if you want to get in on the free food.  The event is free to members and is $12 for non-members.

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Start cleaning out your records, cds, show posters, instruments, and other music-related items and bring them down to the Monarch Event Center on Saturday from 12-6 pm for the Monarch Music Swap.  The event is free and will include food and drink (I doubt those are free), a DJ, a raffle, and sweet music stuff to swap, buy, and sell.

If you’re going to sell things at the event, it looks like you have to reserve a table for $5 by emailing the Monarch.  I’m sure you’ll make that $5 back ten fold with the amount of stuff you’ll be swapping and selling.

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As you can see if you scroll down several posts to the last post about yacht rock karaoke, having such high, magical hopes for this event can be dangerous.  However, since the Highball is putting on this party, I’m going to risk it.  I’ve been assured that this yacht rock event will be authentic.  The song list is carefully whittled down to ensure only the best Hall & Oates and Christopher Cross springs from the lips of the karaoke participants.

If you love this genre like I do (well, few people love it like I do), you should come ready to sing your best Michael McDonald.  The festivities start at 11 pm at the wonderful Highball and there is no cover.  There may even be fruity drinks to round out the theme.

Now, get along and go practice those Christine McVie lyrics.

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What’s better than The Big Lebowski?  That’s right, The Big Lebowski AND White Russian (or perhaps you prefer to call them “Caucasian”) drink specials at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz.   In the last installment of the “High for the Holidays” series, the Drafthouse will be screening the Coen brothers movie of your dreams.  You know what’s even weirder than Julianne Moore’s character in this movie?  The fact that Tara Reid is in it.

Pop in your closest CCR tape and get there a little early.

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Ah, New Year’s Eve.  One of my least favorite holidays.  The expectations are so high, yet most events do not deliver.  If I had to go out on New Year’s Eve, I’d go to one of the following events.

1. New Year’s Eve at the Highball - Oh, the Highball.   I love the Highball.  Cocktails, 5 course meal, jazz, DJ, and dancing.  $120 for everything or $35 for just the dancing and 2  cocktails.  This is probably your best bet.  Too bad it’s sold out.  HOWEVER, they will be letting people in at 11:30 if capacity allows…and there’s always next year!

2. 2010 Uncorked at the Seaholm Power Plant - Flosstradamus, Car Stereo (Wars), SHIV, food, cash bar, view of the fireworks.  $100.

3. New Year’s Eve Sing Along at the Alamo Drafthouse - Best pop videos of the 2000’s, champagne toast, fun times.

4. Party at your house - Stay home and have some cocktails.

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Two great shows tonight.  Go to Club de Ville at 10  to see Paradise Titty, Austin’s all-girl Guns N’ Roses cover band.  You will not be disappointed.  Alert:  Some fans may think they are at an actual GNR show.  You’ve been warned.

At midnight, head over to Hole in the Wall to see North Carolina’s the Physics of Meaning.  Great musicians who put on a great show.

If I were a DJ, I would have made a sweet Paradise Titty/Physics of Meaning mash up for this post.  I’m not a DJ.  Wa wa wa.

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What’s up?  What are you guys doing tonight?  Nothing good?  Oh, well, you should go see the Rural Alberta Advantage at the Parish.  I call them the Rural Juror instead (30 Rock, anyone?).  They’ll be playing with Adam Arcuragi and the Eastern Sea in a benefit concert supporting the Sustainable Food Center.  If you like bands such as Wolf Parade, Frightened Rabbit, and the Constantines, you will like them.  Good cause, good bands, do it!

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What’s missing from your Monday nights?  Heroes in a half shell?  I thought so.  Alamo Drafthouse Ritz is coming to your rescue.  On Monday, November 30th, the Drafthouse Ritz will be showing the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.    The best part (other than April’s yellow jumpsuit, of course) is the all-you-can-eat pizza.   Tickets are $16 and you can buy them here.  Turtle Power!

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The Calendar of Fun is looking a little boring in December…and it’s only a week away!!  Send your events to emily@thecalendaroffun.com.  Thanks so much!

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Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are…in a Guns N’ Roses tribute band.  That’s right.  Paradise Titty, Austin’s own all female GNR cover band, will be playing their debut show tonight at the Creekside Lounge.  They go on at about 11 and will be sharing the bill with Persian Wars and Follow That Bird.  Be there or be lame.

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