Austin, TX

If you’re a fan of comedy this is a good weekend for you.

Girls Girls Girls presents The Boys of Summer
When: Saturdays at 8:00pm
Where: The Hideout Coffeehouse & Theater, 617 Congress Ave
$$$: General Admission $10

Men are funny. Really funny. And to celebrate that fact, GGG will be welcoming a different male guest star onstage each week for the eagerly-awaited return of The Boys of Summer. For seven Saturdays in July and August, Girls Girls Girls will perform its signature format — a musical comedy created on the spot from an audience suggestion, complete with storyline, songs, and multiple characters — joined by some of the city’s best male improvisers.

Maestro Improv
When: Saturday, August 2, 2008, 10:00 PM
Where: The Hideout Coffeehouse & Theater, 617 Congress Ave

The Heroes of Comedy present ten to twelve of Austin’s virtuoso improv comedians on the Hideout stage, but only one of them will make it to the end of the show. While they play games and improvise scenes, you score them. The low-scoring players will be eliminated after each round. The surviving improviser is declared the winner and Maestro and is awarded a crisp new Canadian five-dollar bill. Only the Funny Survive.

For my slam poetry fans, don’t forget this wonderful tribute:

Shannon Leigh Lewis: They Call Me Warrior Tribute
When: Saturday, August 2nd @8pm
Where: Ruta Maya World HQ, 3601 S. Congress Ave
$$$: $10 Minimum Donation

Shannon’s friends and admirers will be gathering at Ruta Maya next weekend to give tribute to Shannon. If you’ve never listened to slam poetry, do yourself a favor and attend. If you’re already a fan, you won’t want to miss it!

Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo
When: July 31st through August 2nd, 2008
Where: Mayfest Hill, Bastrop
$$$: $30 for all 3 nights ($25 in Advance)

Now in its 61st year, this parade, carnival, and rodeo started as a celebration for GIs returning from World War II. The parade through downtown Bastrop takes place on Aug. 2, 10am. See the website for a full schedule of events. Most of the festival’s events are free, including the horseshoe and Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments, the carnival, and the barrel-racing demo.

Fancy something a little edgier? You can’t beat these ladies:

Texas Rollergirls 2008 Championship Bout
When: Sunday, August 3 2008, 6:30pm
Where: Playland Skate Center, 8822 Mccann Drive
$$$: $12.00-15.00

The main event of the evening belongs to the Hell Marys and Hotrod Honeys. In a virtual rematch of last year’s smackdown, these two teams face off again in what is sure to be one of the hardest fought matches in derby memory. The Hotrods have a lot in their favor: not only have they already beat the Hells in a squeaky close game earlier this year, but these undefeated Hotrod women want nothing more than a Golden Skate trophy to call their own. After making four previous trips to the finals, but taking home nothing more than the taste of defeat, these always-a-bridesmaid, never-a bride skaters want to claim what they’ve worked all season for. However, they must run the gauntlet of the Hell Marys to get it! Perpetually underestimated (and perhaps a little divinely blessed?), the 2008 Hells are out to prove that last year’s big win was no cosmic fluke!

Looking for a little musical inspiration? Look no further:

Carolyn Wonderland
…performs at KGSR’s Live at the Lake Summer Concert Series
When: Sunday, August 3 2008, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Lakeway Resort and Spa, 101 Lakeway Dr
$$$: Free

Join 107.1 KGSR for the Live at the Lake Concert Series at Lakeway Resort and Spa! Free Shows on Sundays this summer, with gates opening at 4pm (no earlier!) and LIVE music from 6pm to 8pm in the evening! Bands play by a 3-tiered pool with a swim-up bar, overlooking Lake Travis!! Family friendly location - food and drink available on site. Enjoy Ravenswood Wine - $5 per glass!

Get out, have some fun!