Backstage

Resolution #1: Keep 2004 Resolutions

Welcome back, Austinites! I know, I know: full of turkey, out of money and still on holiday hiatus. As I was dragging myself into work this morning after a fabulous vay-cay of doing absolutely nothing, the jam-packed months ahead hit me like a ton of leftover honey baked ham. Which reminds me: Resolution #7 no more Legally Blonde; if I use any more “Elle-Lingo” I’ll give myself a timeout. Not only is the Erwin Center host to some stellar entertainment, we are home to two of the country’s top collegiate basketball teams. You want music, sports and family shows? We got it!

First on the 2004 bill are the Harlem Globetrotters, appearing at the Erwin Center Thursday, February 5. Every time I see these Trotters perform I fondly remember the days when I, too, was athletic and limber. Sigh. Ah, the good ole’ days…almost forgot- New Year’s resolution #18 eat less Whoppers. However, I highly recommend this talented basketball troupe to fun-seekers in the mood for lots of laughs and loads of action. Tickets are available through TexasBoxOffice.com or by calling 512-477-6060.

In the spirit of the New Year’s resolutions, I have a confession to make…I love Elmo. There I said it. Elmo, Zoe, Big Bird, the whole gang. Even though the outstanding Sesame Street Live is geared toward kids, adults will truly love this exceptional performance. Bring the kids or bring a Valentine’s date and travel “Out of this World” with the entire Sesame Street gang February 12 through February 15. Tickets are on sale now.

And the most recent annexation to our fabulous playbill is the Gibson-Baldwin Grand Slam Jam Tennis Shootout. Competing this year are two tennis greats: Martina Navratilova and event founder Jim Courier. This annual event combines tennis exhibitions with a “jam” session of great music. Past artists include Lars Ulrich of Metallica and Mike Mills of REM. So leave your poor, warped racquets in the closet and come join the racket we’ll be making April 30!

So there you have it! Several excellent reasons to hop off the couch and get some fresh, Erwin Center air. And Resolution# 36: break all 2004 resolutions and start over next year.