WEDNESDAY | JAN. 16

‘AMERICAN IDOL' WEDNESDAY PREMIERE
LOWDOWN: If you're one of those people who watches “Idol” for the bad/hysterical auditions — and you didn't get your fill the night before — “Idol's” first Wednesday showing of the new season is sure to satisfy you with two hours of pitchiness, Simon Cowell snarkiness and people who won't let a little thing like lack of talent prevent them from trying to get on television.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Fox
INFO: americanidol.com

THURSDAY | JAN. 17

‘THE TAMING OF THE SHREW'
LOWDOWN: This Shakespearean tale — which opens today at Woodlawn Theatre — centers on the lovely Bianca, who can't get married until her devilish older sister, Katharina, walks down the aisle. Here's a tip: Get her drunk and put her on a plane to Vegas. Following its Thursday night opener, “Taming of the Shrew” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., through Feb. 3.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road
HOW MUCH: $8-$15
INFO: (210) 738-1117; woodlawntheatre.com

FRIDAY | JAN. 18

‘CLOVERFIELD'
LOWDOWN: After a mass marketing campaign and loads of secrecy, producer J.J. Abrams' monster movie finally rolls into theaters. Though buzz is at a fever pitch for “Cloverfield,” try to temper your expectations somewhat. After all, this is the same J.J. Abrams who wrote “Mission: Impossible III” and “Armageddon.”
WHEN: Opens nationwide Jan. 18
WHERE: See movie listings
INFO: cloverfieldmovie.com

SATURDAY | JAN. 19

‘AS FILTHY AS IT GETS' LATE-NIGHT SHOW
LOWDOWN: After playing at 8 p.m. earlier this evening, burned-out punk rock duo The Methane Sisters (locals Annele Spector and Monessa Esquivel) will rock a late-night show. Spector said the special late-night show will feature more music than the 8 p.m. performance, not to mention an audience that has had an extra three hours to work itself into an inebriated frenzy.
WHEN: 11 p.m.
WHERE: Jump Start Performance Co., 108 Blue Star in the Blue Star Arts Complex
HOW MUCH: $12; $9 for students, military and seniors
INFO: (210) 227-5867; jump-start.org

SUNDAY | JAN. 20

AUTORAMA
LOWDOWN: This three-day automotive fest, which concludes today, will feature a performance from Creative Sports BMX Stunt Team and appearances by former WWE/WCW wrestler Virgil and Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars.” Owen Wilson, who voiced McQueen in the film, won't be in attendance, if nothing else because organizers probably don't want him depressing children with tales of failed relationships and drug binges.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
WHERE: Alamodome
HOW MUCH: $5-$13.50; children 5 and under are free
INFO: alamodome.com

MONDAY | JAN. 21

SWING DANCE LESSONS
LOWDOWN: It's Monday, and you need something to shake you from that early-week malaise. How about learning to swing dance? The San Antonio Swing Dance Society will provide the lessons, and Johnny P and the Wiseguys will provide the music.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St.
HOW MUCH: $5
INFO: (210) 223-2830; samsburgerjoint.com

TUESDAY | JAN. 22

THE PACTOUR
LOWDOWN: PacSun, most famous for providing a wardrobe for skaters and stoners ages 16-25, is now putting on its first-ever music tour. Among the acts on the bill are headliners The Audition, Envy on the Coast and Danger Radio.
WHEN: Doors at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St.
HOW MUCH: $10-$12
INFO: (210) 737-2221; sawhiterabbit.com
 

MORE LISTINGS

Wednesday, Jan. 16

2008 Winter Watercolors Selected works from the San Antonio Watercolor Group. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Through Feb. 1. Gazebo Restaurant and Gallery at Los Patios, 2015 Northeast Loop 410. Call (210) 655-6171.

American Idol They're baa-aack. The second part of this two-night, four-hour season premiere airs tonight, 7 p.m. FOX. Visit americanidol.com for information.

Chacho's, 7870 Callaghan Raquel & The Mixx performs every Wednesday this month. 8 p.m. Call (210) 366-2023.

Dance Classes Now is the time to register for Mexican Folkloric and Flamenco Dance classes. Options include Beginning Flamenco, Mexican Folklorico, and Ballroom. No experience necessary. Registration is from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe St. Visit guadalupeculturalarts.org or call (210) 271-3151.

Thursday, Jan. 17

The Bar on Broadway, 2411 Broadway Roger Velasquez & The Latin Legends perform every Thursday this month. 8 p.m. Call (210) 212-4333.

Carmen de la calle Café, 720 E. Mistletoe Live jazz music from the Richard Oppenheim Quartet. 8:30 p.m. Visit carmensdelacalle.com or call (210) 737-8272.

Creative Inspiration Expo Feeling crafty? Check out sewing, quilting, and embroidery classes, seminars, fashion presentations and more at the 10th annual Creative Inspiration Expo. Door prizes also available. $8, general admission. Seminar tickets are $10 for a one-hour seminar. Continues Jan. 18 and 19. Norris Conference Centers at Crossroads Mall, 422 Fredericksburg Rd. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thurs.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Call (210) 738-0400 or visit sewingevents.com for information.

The Hangar, 8203 Broadway Third Eye (a tribute to Tool), as well as Edge of Grace and DJ Pandemonium perform. 10 p.m. No cover. For information, call (210) 822-4578 or visit myspace.com/thirdeyesa.

Rolling Oaks Sports Bar And Grill, 5550 Mountain Vista The Josh Grider Band gets folks dancin'. 8 p.m. Bring a donation to the San Antonio Food Bank for free admission. $3, otherwise. Visit rollingoakssa.com or call (210) 655-4745.

Salsa & Merengue Lessons Beginners and more experienced dancers welcome for weekly classes this January and February, sponsored by The Alianza LatinoAmericana. Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday in January and February. International Folk Culture Center, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S. W. 24th St. $2. Call (210) 431-3922.

Friday, Jan. 18

‘27 Dresses'
 Why we'll be paying good money to watch a movie about the horrors of being a bridesmaid, we don't know. But, odds are, we'll see you there. Opens today. See movie listings. Visit 27dressesthemovie.com for information.

‘And so the story goes..... ' exhibit. Featuring artists Kelly O'Connor of San Antonio and Duncan Anderson and Damon Bishop, both of Chicago. Opening reception: 6:30 p.m. Exhibit runs through March 7. Unit B (Gallery), 500 Stieren. For information, visit unitbgallery.com.

Blue Cactus Café, 13525 Wetmore Store Classic pop/Americana band Live from Texas performs. 8 p.m. Visit livefromtexasband.com, thebluecactuscafe.com or call (210) 490-7330.

Broadway 5050, 5050 Broadway Get groovin' (and movin') with Groove Movement. 9 p.m. Visit broadway5050.com or call (210) 826-0069.

Clicks Billiards, 5545 NW Loop 410 Feral Cats play. 9:30 p.m. Visit clicks.com or call (210) 647-7227.

Flamenco Duende de Alma Dance Company gets the night moving. 8:30 p.m. Carmen de la calle Café, 720 E. Mistletoe. Visit carmensdelacalle.com or call (210) 737-8272.

Kiwi Mana Exhibit Art that showcases the spirit of New Zealand. Photographs by Kathy Armstrong and oil paintings by Lea-Anne Sheather. Exhibit open 1-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays this month. Free. Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road. Visit bihlhausarts.org or call (210) 383-9723.

OrderUp at the Colonnade, 9873 Interstate 10 West Check out the sounds of The Tim and Bob Show. 7 p.m. Call (210) 877-0007.

Sam Houston High School, 4635 E. Houston St. Stomp The Yard Step Show 2008, featuring Brackenridge, Burbank, Clark, Clemens, East Central, Highlands, Sam Houston and Steel high schools. 6:30 p.m. $5 pre-sale, $7 door. In the auditorium.

Water Street Oyster Bar, 7500 Broadway Dan McCoy brings his Texas Hill Country sound to San Antonio. 6-9 p.m. Visit waterstreetco.com or call (210) 829-4853.

World Combat League This Chuck Norris presentation of martial arts fighting features the Texas Dragons. 8 p.m. Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. $20-$50. Visit ticketmaster.com or worldcombatleague.com.

Saturday, Jan. 19

Blue Cactus Café, 13525 Wetmore Store Texas music band FM 1863 performs. 8 p.m. Visit thebluecactuscafe.com or call (210) 490-7330.

Brooks Pub, 3354 Lasses Blvd Live music by Texas Radio for your Saturday night. 9 p.m. Call (210) 333-6992.

The Limelight, 7818 N. St. Mary's Blunted Satur-daze event features art and live music by DJ Just Angel, id, Slick Dickens, Uptown Creepers and more. Call (210) 735-7735 or visit myspace.com/ blunteddaze.

Scavenger Hunt, The Alamo Drafthouse is going retro for the night with a screening of “The Goonies,” complete with a truffle shuffle contest. Following the film, Twilight Recon will reveal a Goonies-inspired scavenger hunt. Movie is $6.50-$8.50; hunt is free. Film at 10 p.m. 1255 SW Loop 410. Call (210) 677-8500 or visit drafthouse.com/westlakes or myspace.com/ twilightrecon

Sunday, Jan. 20

San Antonio Rampage We fear no Canucks! San Antonio's hockey team takes on the Toronto Marlies. 5 p.m. AT&T Center. $8.50-$39. Visit sarampage.com or ticketmaster.com.

Tango Classes A chance for beginners and more experienced dancers to spice up their exercise routine. No partner required. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jazzercise, 1031 Patricia Dr. $30. Call (210) 528-0457 or e-mail kathleen.tango@ sbcglobal.net.

Scenic Loop Café and Bar, 25615 Boerne Stage Road Kelli King leads open mic night from 4-8 p.m. every Sunday. Free. Call (210) 687-1818.

Trio Solisti The San Antonio Chamber Music Society presents this program featuring Trio Solisti (violinist Maria Bachmann, cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach, and pianist Jon Klibonoff) along with clarinetist Alan R. Kay. Music includes selections by Bartók, Schoenfeld, Piazzolla, and Moravek as well as traditional Klezmer music. 3:15 p.m. Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap. $20, general admission. Free for students. $10, active duty military. Visit SACMS.org, or call (210) 408-1558.

‘Black & Blue: 400 Years of Struggle and Transcendence' This MLK Day celebration features Ron Wilkins, Danielle King and SkudR Jones. 7 p.m. Jackson Auditorium, Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court, Seguin. Visit tlu.edu or call (830) 372-8020.

Monday, Jan. 21

Musical Jam Bring your instrument and jam along with The Dana Lewis and Kevin Clark Musical Expedition, an open music jam. 8-10 p.m. every Monday this month. Radius Café, 106 Auditorium Circle. Free. For information, visit radiuscafe.org, lewisandclarkmusic.com, or call (210) 896-1985.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. ‘Ah-nold' has been left in California for this boob-tube take on one of the silver screen's favorite stars. Fortunately, San Antonio native Summer Glau (left) was around to take on one of the starring roles. 8 p.m. FOX. Visit fox.com/terminator for information.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Law & Order SVU The ninth-season finale, “Inconceivable,” in which Benson and Stabler (right) track down stolen embryos from a fertility clinic – and Benson wrestles with the ticking of her biological clock. Da-Dum, indeed. 9 p.m. NBC. Visit nbc.com/Law_&_Order: _Special_Victims_Unit for information.

PuroSlam at Atomix The one, the only (the rowdy) PuroSlam Poetry Slam, along with DJ Donnie Dee, Vivacious Tea, and others, have moved to Atomix, 1902 N. McCullough. Tonight is the first night in this new location. PuroSlam will continue at Atomix at 10 p.m. Tuesdays. $3. Call (210) 733-3855 or visit puroslam.com.

Rolling Oaks Sports Bar And Grill, 5550 Mountain Vista The Texas Music Songwriters' Jam, featuring Open Stage with Keith Davis, returns. 8 p.m. No cover. Visit rollingoakssa.com or call (210) 655-4745.

White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St. As part of the Pac Sun Tour, The Audition performs. Doors at 7 p.m. Visit detourtickets.com, sawhiterabbit.com, or call (210) 737-2221.

Saw IV Gore, gore and — yup — more gore. Releases on DVD today. Visit amazon.com.

Heads up

The Trap, 4711 Pecan Valley Dr Live music by The Toman Brothers. 9 p.m. Jan. 24. Call (210) 533-3060.

Harlem Globetrotters Basketball's showmen bring the 2008 Harlem Globetrotters World Tour to the Alamo City. 1 p.m. Jan. 26. AT&T Center. Visit attcenter.com, ticketmaster.com or call (210) 224-9600.

Our Body: The Universe Within Explore the inner working of real human bodies at this so-gruesome-it's-cool exhibit that features 12 human bodies and 75 anatomical specimens. Jan. 26-May 26. $20 general admission. Visit ticketmaster.com, wittemuseum.org,or call (210) 357-1900.

Food for Thought Lecture David Ribble, professor of biology at Trinity University, speaks on “Tales of the Grey-faced Sengi: The Science and Adventure of Discovering a New Mammal Species in East Africa.” Noon Feb. 6. Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. $14. Visit trinity.edu or call (210) 999-8404.