WEDNESDAY | JAN. 23

SPURS VS. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
LOWDOWN: Kobe Bryant's coming to town for the second time this season, which should draw some interest in San Antonio. After all, we all know how popular Kobe and the Lakers are here in the Alamo City.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: AT&T Center
HOW MUCH: $12-$90
INFO: (210) 224-9600; attcenter.com

THURSDAY | JAN. 24

SAN ANTONIO BOAT SHOW
LOWDOWN: The four-day celebration of anything boat-related begins its four-day run. Among the many activities slated for the boat show are interactive fishing demonstrations and lessons for both fly-fishing and wakeboarding. Unfortunately, in detracting from the full fishing experience, you have to leave the ice chest and beer at home.
WHEN: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Alamodome
HOW MUCH: $4-$8; free for children 6 and under
INFO: sanantonioboatshow.com

FRIDAY | JAN. 25

BLAKE SHELTON
LOWDOWN: Shelton has charted more than a dozen tunes on the Billboard Country Charts, and it's a safe bet he'll play more than a few of them at his show. Sure, Shelton's from Oklahoma, but with catchy hit singles such as “Some Beach,” “Nobody But Me” and “The Baby,” we won't hold it against him.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 N.E. Loop 410
HOW MUCH: $12-$25
INFO: (210) 224-9600; cowboysdancehall.com

SATURDAY | JAN. 26

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
LOWDOWN: The NBA playoffs are another three months away and March Madness isn't until, well, March, so here's your chance to actually be entertained while watching hoops during the month of January.
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: AT&T Center
HOW MUCH: $15-$142
INFO: (210) 224-9600; attcenter.com

SUNDAY | JAN. 27

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
LOWDOWN: If anything, this metal show — which includes 3 Inches of Blood and Hate Eternal — has to be better than that “Black Dahlia” movie with Scarlett Johansson and Hilary Swank. Plus, unlike the movie, no Josh Hartnett!
WHEN: Doors at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St.
HOW MUCH: $15-$17
INFO: (210) 737-2221; sawhiterabbit.com

MONDAY | JAN. 28

‘IN TREATMENT' PREMIERE
LOWDOWN: This new series from HBO centers on a therapist (Gabriel Byrne) who gets a shrink of his own. The series, which also stars Blair Underwood and Melissa George, is executive-produced by Mark Wahlberg ..... the same guy who executive-produces the so-cool-it's-lame “Entourage.”
WHEN: 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: HBO
INFO: hbo.com

TUESDAY | JAN. 29

‘THE KING OF KONG: A FISTFUL OF QUARTERS' DVD RELEASE
LOWDOWN: This documentary centers on a teacher, Steve, who vows to achieve the highest score of all-time in “Donkey Kong.” Standing in his way is the record-holder Billy, who isn't about to let his achievement go without a fight. Not so surprisingly, this doc skews somewhat comedic, even if those showcased aren't exactly in on the joke.
HOW MUCH: $20-ish
INFO: billyvssteve.com
 

More event listings

Wednesday, Jan. 23

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

‘The Cosmos Within' Exhibit Featuring the art and poetry of Steve Johnson and others. Jan. 23 reception is from 7-10 p.m. Exhibit runs through Jan. 31. Casa Chiapas, 926 S. Alamo. (210) 224-2606.

Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson Dallas-based Americana band Lost Immigrants — the group behind “Judgment Day” — performs. 7 p.m. $5. lostimmigrants.com; samsburgerjoint.com.

Socrates Café Open your mind, dude. Everyone's welcome to gather for a philosophical discussion on ..... whatever. 7-9 p.m. Radius Café, 106 Auditorium Circle. Free. radiuscafe.org; lewisandclarkmusic.com; (210) 896-1985.

Thursday, Jan. 24

Carmens de la Calle Café, 720 E. Mistletoe Enjoy live jazz music from the René Saenz Quartet. 8:30 p.m. (210) 737-8272.

Heart Support Tour Edgy Christian rock is the centerpiece of this concert, featuring Family Force 5, Falling Up, Spoken and This Beautiful Republic. 7 p.m. Tri-Point Club, 3322 N. St. Mary's St. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
itickets.com; (210) 858-5904.

The Trap, 4711 Pecan Valley Drive Live music by the Toman Brothers. 9 p.m. (210) 533-3060.

Friday, Jan. 25

Beethoven Hall, 422 Pereida St. Music by Jim and Maggie Fox and Linda Clapp. 7-10 p.m. Free. (210) 363-2432.

Café Latino, 2911 N. St. Mary's St. Enjoy the Spanish rock sounds of James Pérez & Karnaval. 9:30 p.m. (210) 733-9988.

Cowboy Breakfast, Bass Pro Shop, 17907 I-10 West Join 210SA at the 2008 Cowboy Breakfast. 5-9 a.m. Free breakfast tacos, biscuits and gravy, sausage, tamales, menudo and 210SA koozies! (210) 253-8800

‘Elixir of Love' Light comic opera about a rich girl and the poor boy who loves her. Directed by Hollywood heavyweight Garry Marshall (“Pretty Woman,” “Princess Diaries.”) Sung in Italian, with English and Spanish super titles. 8 p.m. Jan. 25-26; 2 p.m. Jan. 27. $20-$90. Student discounts available. saopera.com; ticketmaster.com (210) 224-9600.

Flamenco Jackie Rodriguez and Alejandro of Alma de Flamenco perform. 8:30 p.m. Carmens de la Calle Café, 720 E. Mistletoe. (210) 737-8272.

Karaoke Round up your folks — and your little ones — for family karaoke night. Blue Cactus Café at Wetmore Store, 13525 Wetmore Road. 7-10 p.m. thebluecactuscafe.com; (210) 490-7330.

Methane Sisters Lewd, crude and a whole lot of fun. The Sisters perform “Filthy,” a play with live music, video, and — best of all — audience participation. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through January. $12, general; $9, students, seniors and military.

Jump Start Performance Co., South Alamo at Probandt. jump-start.org; (210) 227-5867.

‘Rambo' Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the jungle ..... The latest installment in Sylvester Stallone's movie franchise opens. See movie listings.movies.break.com/ rambo/ for information.

Revolution Room, 8123 Broadway Alter Ego takes the stage. 9:30 p.m. Free. myspace.com/revroom; (210) 320-1683.

‘Untraceable' This movie — about a killer torturing and murdering victims online — sounds a lot like a stretched-out ‘Law & Order' episode. But it's got Diane Lane as the FBI agent with 'tude, and we're good with that. Opens Jan. 25. See movie listings. sonypictures.com/ movies/untraceable.

Voodoo Lounge, 1210 E. Elmira The Feral Cats get to rockin'. 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (210) 224-0014.

Saturday, Jan. 26

Babcock Bar, 8826 Huebner Road Rock out with live music from Alter Ego. 11 p.m. Free. thebandalterego.com; (210) 691-5552.

Blanco Studios, 301 Blanco Road Druggist, Big Soy, Robo Trumble, Saturday Night Satellites and other bands perform. (210) 785-9717.

Blue Cactus Café at Wetmore Store, 13525 Wetmore Road Kick back with some Americana music from the Chris Taylor Band. 7-10 p.m. thebluecactuscafe.com; (210) 490-7330.

Community Workshop Bring stories, photos and memorabilia about life in City South (the area bordered by SW and SE Loop 410 on the north, I-27 on the east, I-25 on the west, and the Medina River). Information will be recorded by the Institute of Texas Cultures. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bob Hope Elementary School, 3022 Reforma Drive. (210) 342-0135.

Flamenco España Viva performs. 8:30 p.m. Carmens de la Calle Café, 720 E. Mistletoe. (210) 737-8272.

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

Poetry Reading San Antonio poet Jenny Browne reads from “Shards of Silver,” a collection of contemporary New Zealand poetry, in conjunction with the exhibition “KIWI MANA (New Zealand Spirit).” Free. 2 p.m. Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road. (210) 383-9723.

Roller Derby Sneak Peek Enjoy roller derby demos, live music and food while supporting the local roller derby league. League merchandise will be for sale, and there will be contests for free tickets to the first match of the season. 1-4 p.m. Caliente Harley Davidson, 7230 NW Loop 410. E-mail info@alamocity rollergirls.com; myspace.com/alamocity rollergirls.

Stardust Ballroom, 1599 Bandera Road Los Tornados de San Antonio and Roger Velasquez & The Latin Legends perform. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. (210) 212-4333.

Sunday, Jan. 27

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road The Belleville Outfit keeps you dancing. 4-8 p.m. No cover. gruenehall.com; (830) 606-1281.

Screen Actors Guild Awards
One would hope it's more watched than the Golden Globes. 7 p.m. TNT. tnt.tv for information.
‘U.S. Figure Skating Championship'  Who says the writers' strike means there is no drama on television? Watch the ice princes (yep, this is the men's championship) duke it out for glory. Will Ferrell, where are you when we need you? 6-8 p.m. NBC. nbc.com.

Monday, Jan. 28

‘Making the Band' The new season of this MTV hit about five girls trying to become pop stars premieres. With the backing of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the girls live it up in their NYC loft. 9 p.m. MTV. mtv.com.

Photography discussion Photographer Dulce Pinzón will discuss “The True Story of Superheroes,” her current exhibit featuring Mexican immigrants, clad in superhero outfits, working at their daily jobs. The exhibit continues through Feb. 22. Discussion: 7:30 p.m. Ruth Taylor Recital Hall, Trinity University. (210) 999-8406.

Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St. Cool cats, unite! Sam's Swing Factory offers the lounge/swing stylings of Swing Gumbo. Dance lessons with the San Antonio Swing Dance Society also available. 7 p.m. $5. samsburgerjoint.com; (210) 223-2830.

‘State of the Union Address' So tell us, George, how are things in your world? President Bush delivers his annual State of the Union address in this two-hour special. 8 p.m. NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. whitehouse.gov.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

Bartending competition The dude behind the bar who whips up that perfect piña colada takes on all challengers in a bartending competition, where mixologists are scored on speed, accuracy and showmanship. The winner has a chance to compete at the “Legends of Bartending” competition in Las Vegas. 8:30 p.m. Sherlock's Baker St. Pub & Grill, 16620 US 281 N. (210) 572-9307.

The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St. It's a blues open-mic jam featuring Will Owen Gage. 8 p.m. thecove.us; (210) 227-2683
Rolling Oaks Sports Bar and Grill, 5550 Mountain Vista Texas Music Songwriters' Jam with Keith Davis. 8 p.m. Free. rollingoakssa.com; (210) 655-4745.

Coming Up

W-I-P Works-In-Progress/ Wednesdays-In- Performance is a monthly gathering for dancers and performers of all stripes to try out new work. This month's lineup will include contemporary ballet by Gabriel Zertuche, belly dance fusion by Alana Ouazanni and modern dance by Paula Cruz. 7 p.m. Jan. 30, Jump-Start Theater, Blue Star Arts Complex, South Alamo & Probandt. $5 general admission; $3 students and seniors. jump-start.org; (210) 227-5867.

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road Enjoy live music from the McKay Brothers. 6-10 p.m. Jan. 31. No cover. gruenehall.com; (830) 606-1281.

Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St. Rock out with the Seth Walker Band. 8 p.m. Feb. 1. $8. samsburgerjoint.com; (210) 223-2830.

Conspirare Grammy Award-nominated choral ensemble presents a program of traditional choral works, African American spirituals and other selections. 8 p.m. Feb. 2. $15-$25 general. $10 student rush tickets available with ID 30 minutes before show begins. Laurel Heights Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn Ave. conspirare.org; (512) 476-5775.

Book signing Award-winning documentary photographer Alan Pogue of Austin signs copies of “Witness for Justice: The Documentary Photographs of Alan Pogue,” a survey of his work from the 1960s to today, spanning a variety of countries. 5 p.m. Feb. 5. The Twig, 5005 Broadway. thetwig.com.

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. trinity.edu; (210) 999-8404.

‘Survivor: Micronesia-Fans vs. Favorites' In a ‘Survivor, first, 10 ultra-fans of the series will take on 10 former castaways. Feb 7, 7 p.m., CBS.

Asian New Year Festival Celebrate the Year of the Rat with the Institute of Texan Cultures, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ITC members and kids 2 and under free; $7 general; $4 seniors, military and children (ages 3-12). 801 S. Bowie, (210) 458-2330.