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February 21, 2010 - “2010 - A Cake Odyssey” on February 27th and 28th

Cake art professionals and enthusiasts - ranging from beginners to television celebrities - will be heading to the Crockett Events Center on February 27th and 28th for "2010 - A Cake Odyssey". Some of the biggest names in the celebrity cake game - including Mike McCarey, Nicholas Lodge, Geraldine Randlesome, Kathy Scott and John Kraus - will be on hand to judge the competitions and offer classes during the two days of sugar Nirvana.

The two-day event includes several judged competitions, with entries brought from across the country on display throughout the weekend. Entries include all skill levels from children to masters and all types of decorating techniques and themes.

The word from Kyla Myers, President of the Capital Confectioners of Austin, says there are almost 300 entries and more than 35 showcakes registered already for the judged competitions - which means plenty of amazing eye candy for everyone to enjoy. On-site competitions, dozens of masters and mini-classes, and a big vendors show round out the weekend.

General admission is $8 per day or $14 for the weekend, and a non-perishable food donation to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank gets you $1 off at the door. For more information, schedules, and online tickets, visit the www.ThatTakesTheCake.org.

February 19, 2010 - Rodeo Austin Media Kickoff Party

We've been remiss in our duties as a socialite. Allergies are partly to blame, as are too many events happening simultaneously - this weekend, we had to decide between VIVA! Las Vegas, Carnaval, and Black Grace at Texas Performing Arts (we opted for Black Grace).

But lately we've had too much on our plates, and we're getting too old to trot around town all night non-stop. Just last week, we missed the opening of the "Making Movies" exhibit at

the Harry Ransom Center at U.T., and the new exhibit openings at both the Blanton Art Museum and Austin Museum of Art. We'll try to catch the exhibits individually during the next couple of weeks.

But we did make it to the media kick-off for The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo at Hill's Café last Wednesday. We caught up with Olga Compos from KVUE and Kevin Benz from News 8 Austin, along with Rodeo Austin media queens Jennie Richmond and Kate Farris. The rodeo's new website launched recently, and all Western excitement of the sixth largest indoor rodeo in the nation officially bucks into action on March 12th, running through the 27th.

And don't forget the annual free Cowboy Breakfast, happening next Friday, March 4th, at Auditorium Shores on the edge of Lady Bird Lake. Starting at 6 a.m., volunteers serve up a ton of free chow, along with live music, dance lessons, trick roper Kevin Fitzgerald, and Cowboy the Longhorn. Snag the new Rodeo Austin iPhone app (keywords "Rodeo Austin" in the App Store) to stay current on all the concerts, events, and specials.

(Photo courtesy Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo)

Working the Room

Blogging Austin’s arts events with Rob Faubion