Kids frolicking, couples lounging on blankets, old friends in their trusty folding chairs, lone bicyclists and pedestrians who have been distracted from their destinations--all united by the sound of music. The Hartman Foundation "Concerts in the Park," presented by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, brings together ardent enthusiasts and unwitting attendees alike just as similar events did in town centers years ago.

The Austin Symphony invites children and their parents to join in discovering the wonder and excitement that the performing arts can bring when they attend Children's Day Art Park, an Austin tradition for over 25 years. Wednesday mornings this June and July, Symphony Square will be transformed into a secret garden of cultural delights waiting for the youth of Austin and Central Texas to enjoy.

This will be a family event not to be missed. One of Central Texas’ favorite performing troupes for children takes the stage of the Symphony Square Amphitheatre one performance only! The Biscuit Brothers bring their popular songs for kids to the stage for a fun-filled, early evening concert, June 7th.

Austin audiences end their journey through the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s two-year survey of Beethoven symphonies with the final concert of the Austin Symphony’s 97th concert season on May 16 & 17.

The Austin Symphony has announced it will produce the first fun-filled, fast-paced family event at the new Long Center for the Performing Arts. The 2008 Family Music Festival, April 29 – May 1, will be a three-night musical celebration presenting the Austin Symphony and the biggest names in children’s entertainment: Joe McDermott (with special guest appearance by Joe Scruggs), Trout Fishing in America and The Biscuit Brothers.

The annual Artists & Artisans Festival showcases the work of more than 20 American artists in metal, painting, photography, jewelry, pottery and more. Find unique items such as bird houses made from mesquite, sculptured metal flowers and handmade stoneware.

Austin audiences are "Continuing the Journey" through the Austin Symphony's 97th concert season on March 14 & 15 at Riverbend Centre. Maestro Peter Bay joins the Austin Symphony Orchestra in welcoming the return of pianist Andre Watts in an evening of music by French composers. Freescale Semiconductor and Sematech proudly sponsor this concert.

It will soon be time for those bluebonnet photos, and one of the best places to take them is at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin TX during the 2008 Wildflower DaysTM. Between March 10 and April 30, the center is open every day, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Look for meadows and gardens abloom with Indian paintbrush, winecups, evening primroses, giant spiderworts, Blackfoot daisies and Drummond phlox as well as the Texas state flower.

Austin audiences are "Continuing the Journey" through the Austin Symphony's 97th concert season on February 15 & 16 at Riverbend Centre as the Austin Symphony Orchestra continues its journey through the nine Beethoven symphonies.

From April 3 to 13, 2008 Ballet Austin will present Cult of Color: Call to Color, a world premiere ballet realized through an exciting collaboration among international award-winning choreographer and Ballet Austin artistic director Stephen Mills, Houstonbased contemporary visual artist Trenton Doyle Hancock and nationally acclaimed Austin composer Graham Reynolds.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra announces the debut performance of the new Austin Symphony Quartet, Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the Smith Chapel of Riverbend Church. Formed by the principal string musicians of the Austin Symphony, the ASQ presents the first concert in what the group hopes will evolve into a chamber series beginning next September at the Long Center for the Performing Arts' Rollins Theatre.

The magnificent Riverbend Centre's picturesque stone and glass archway will be the setting of an Austin holiday tradition when the Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, Tuesday, December 4th at 8:00 pm. Conductor Peter Bay will conduct one of the most popular oratorios of all time.