WEDNESDAY | FEB. 6

‘LEADING A CULTURE CHANGE' LECTURE
LOWDOWN: As part of Trinity's Distinguished Lecture Series, Gen. John Abizaid (Ret.) — former commander of U.S. Central Command — will give his thoughts on issues such as Iraq, Iran and America's impact overseas.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium, 715 Stadium Drive
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: (210) 999-8406; trinity.edu

THURSDAY | FEB. 7

BACHELORS FOR CURES
LOWDOWN: Some of San Antonio's hottest bachelors will be up for auction, with proceeds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Bids start at $100 (cash and credit card accepted), and the lucky winners will earn a date package with their respective bachelors for a night out at a local restaurant.
WHEN: 6:30-10:30 p.m.
WHERE: Swig North,  18322 Sonterra Place
HOW MUCH: $20 advance, $25 door
INFO: (210) 377-1775 ext. 128; enter ZIP code at teamintraining.org

FRIDAY | FEB. 8

‘I HATE HAMLET'
LOWDOWN: This comedy — which premieres today — centers on Andrew Rally, an actor who has hit a dry spell of late, thanks to the cancellation of his television show and the fact that his girlfriend refuses to marry him. When the ghost of famed actor John Barrymore (grandfather of Drew) visits Rally, he attempts to get Rally to take the lead role in an upcoming performance of “Hamlet.” There's only one problem: Rally hates “Hamlet.” After seeing more than enough versions to fill three lifetimes, frankly, so do we at this point. Performances are also scheduled for Feb. 9 and Feb. 14-16.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Dinnerbox inside Ruben's Café, 14357 Blanco Road
HOW MUCH: $15-$25
INFO: (800) 838-3006; thecompanytheatre.org

SATURDAY | FEB. 9

‘CHINAMEN & BLACK COMEDY'
LOWDOWN: These one-act comedies run back-to-back. One (“Chinamen”) focuses on marital strife and “domestic chaos,” while the other (“Black Comedy”) centers on a guy who loots an antique store to beef up his apartment and impress his fiancée's father. Ahh, the crimes people commit for love. The performances run Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 1.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sheldon Vexler Theatre, 12500 NW Military
HOW MUCH: $12-$18
INFO: (210) 302-6835; vexler.org

SUNDAY | FEB. 10

NFL PRO BOWL
LOWDOWN: This game is supposed to showcase the best the NFL has to offer, but considering the underachieving Dallas Cowboys led all teams with a league-record 12 selections, can such a statement really be true?
WHEN: 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Fox
INFO: nfl.com/probowl

MONDAY | FEB. 11

SARA EVANS
LOWDOWN: Some musicians get burned out on the road and prefer to stay at home. But considering Evans — who performs tonight at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo — is reportedly shelling out $500,000 over a 10-year period to philandering ex-husband Craig Schelske, the extra cash from a gig like this probably doesn't hurt.
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: AT&T Center
HOW MUCH: $10-$25
INFO: (210) 224-9600; sarodeo.com

TUESDAY | FEB. 12

‘GONE BABY GONE'  DVD RELEASE
LOWDOWN: Ben Affleck directs, and his brother Casey (pictured) stars in this top-notch film. Yes, we're as shocked as you are by the whole “top-notch” thing.
INFO: gonebabygone  themovie.com
 

Wednesday, Feb. 6

‘Adam's Apples' The film “Adam's Apples” from Denmark will be screened. It was that country's submission to the 2007 Oscars for the Best Foreign Film Category. English subtitles. 7 p.m. Free. Northup Hall Room 040, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. http://lib.trinity.edu/ libinfo/events/ cinema.shtml; (210) 999-7213.

Albert Garcia & Friends star at a rock and blues jam session at the Martini Ranch, 4904 West Ave. 9:30 p.m. (210) 341-1717.

‘Family Devotions' The play follows an Oklahoma family through three generations of bigotry and fear. 8 p.m. through Feb. 9. 3 p.m. Feb. 10. 24th Street theater, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S.W. 24th St. $20 regular admission, discounts for seniors, military and students. ollusa.edu; (210) 434-6711.

 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. In the Coates University Center Fiesta Room at Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. %$14. trinity.edu; call (210) 999-8404.

‘Hot House' Three films from the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival will be shown this week. Israel's “Hot House” is tonight. Discussions will follow each show. Free. 7 p.m. Science Lecture Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. trinity.edu; %(210) 999-8169.
TobyMac and Jeremy Camp A night of Christian music at the rodeo. 7 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com. %(210) 224-9600.

Thursday, Feb. 7

‘Everything's Cool' Three films from the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival will be shown this week. “Everything's Cool,” from the United States, is tonight. Discussions will follow each show. Free. 7 p.m. Science Lecture Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place. trinity.edu; (210) 999-8169.

The Rene Saenz Quartet turns in an evening of live jazz at Carmens de la Calle Café, %720 E. Mistletoe. 8:30 p.m. $5. carmensdelacalle.com; %(210) 737-8272.

Stars of Texas A little redneck, a little rough-and-tumble ..... these entertainers are the folks who can call the Lone Star State home. Featured performers include Jack Ingram, Kevin Fowler, Stoney Larue and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. 7 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com; jackingram.net; kevinfowler.com; stoneylarue.com; eliyoungband.com. %(210) 224-9600.

StoryCorps Bring friends and family for a chance to learn their stories at this nationwide initiative. StoryCorps, which is committed to capturing Americans' personal stories, will be in San Antonio at Alamo Plaza. 11:30 a.m.-%5:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays; 9:30 a.m.-%5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through March 15. tpr.org; storycorps.net

Friday, Feb. 8

Big & Rich Call their sound new country. Or something like that. 7:30 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com. %(210) 224-9600.
 
Chris Cagle offers up live country music at Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 NE Loop 410.% 7 p.m. $15-$20. (210) 646-9378. cowboysdancehall.com

Echoes of Eternity, a female-fronted metal band, is performing with Trail of Tears and Unexpect at White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's. %9 p.m. Feb 8. sawhiterabbit.com; (210) 737-2221.

‘Fool's Gold' Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson team up again. It's gotta be funny, right? We mean, these are the same people who brought you “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days.” Yeah. Opens today. See movie listings for showtimes. foolsgoldmovie. warnerbros.com.

Loretta Cormier delivers a night of jazz vocals at Boardwalk Bistro, 4011 Broadway. 7:30-10:30 p.m. No cover. boardwalkbistro.net or (210) 824-0100.
 
 
On & Off Fred Autograph Party Get a sneak peek at the works of the more than 40 artists who are taking part in the On & Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour. Also enjoy hors d'oeuvres, drinks and jazz music. 6-9 p.m. Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Road. Free. Onandofffred.org; %(210) 383-9723.

Painting Exhibit A showing of works by Mary Ann Hollingshead and Emily Presley. Opening reception 5:30-8:30 p.m. today. Exhibit runs through May 2. The Radius, 106 Auditorium Circle. radiuscafe.org; %(210) 896-1985.

Pause/Flow and ‘Pause/Glow' Featuring new works by Paula Own and Gary W. Nichols. Opening reception tonight, 6-8:30 p.m. Galeria Ortiz Contemporary, %4026 McCullough Ave. galleriaortiz.com; (210) 826-8623.

Terry Karson Exhibit The Montana artist used recycled cardboard packaging as his starting point. Opening reception tonight, 7-11 p.m. Exhibit through March 16. Sala Diaz, 517 Stieren. %(210) 535-1079.

Saturday, Feb. 9

Chocolate Day Chocolate lovers can indulge with samples of different types of chocolate, while also enjoying live music by the band Hot Sauce and watching recipe demonstrations. Visitors will be given a chocolate mint plant to take home. Kids activities available. %10 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston. $6, adults; discounts for children and military.
sabot.org;% (210) 207-3250.

The Duo Edelen Chamber recital featuring music for baroque cello and harpsichord. 5 p.m. %St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke's Lane. earlymusicsa.org; %(210) 213-9631.

From the Heart of San Antonio Valentine's Day Serenata with Mariachi Campanas de America. Calle 24 performing arts series kicks off events with a performance blending traditional mariachi music and mainstream Latin and pop rhythms for Spanish and non-Spanish speaking fans alike. 7:30 p.m. Thiry Auditorium, Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 S.W. 24th St. $5. ollusa.edu; (210) 434-6711 ext. 2091.

The Illusions offer up live music to get your vibe going at The Cove, 606 %W. Cypress St. 8 p.m. $5. thecove.us; (210) 227-2683.

Jiggers, 1639 Babcock Road A full night of head banging with headliners Teenage Rehab. 8 p.m. $5, 21 and up; $7, 18 and up. jiggersclub.com; %(210) 348-2955.

Lynrd Skynrd Pray they play “Freebird” over and over and over again. %7:30 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com. %(210) 224-9600.

On & Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour. Take yourself on a tour of the studios of more than 40 artists, as well as six galleries in the area. 11 a.m. Feb. 9-10. Multiple locations in the Fredericksburg Road area. Download a map at onandofffred.org. Free tour; $5 for catalog, available at The Koffee Kup, 1025 Donaldson. %(210) 383-9723.

Oncohero, Zavala, The Offbeats and Lions turn in live music at Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary's St. 10 p.m. $5-$8. myspace.com/ limelightsa; (210) 735-7775.

Sean Castillo and The Hubcaps perform at Hangin' Tree, 18424 2nd St. in Bracken. 9 p.m. $5. hangintree.com; %(210) 651-5812.

Sunday, Feb. 10
 
50th Annual Grammy Awards Because you know you care. 7 p.m. CBS. grammy.com.
Comedian Ralph Harris Check out of the comic styling of Ralph Harris, ladies and germs. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Rivercenter Comedy Club, 849 E. Commerce St. $15. ticketmaster.com; rivercentercomedyclub.com. (210) 224-9600.

Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels Take your pick of afternoon concerts. Bret Graham takes the stage from 12:30-4 p.m., and Steve Poltz with the Truckee Brothers steps in from 4:30-8 p.m. No cover. gruenehall.com;%(830) 606-1281.

Los Tigres del Norte The band behind “Jaula de Oro” takes the stage. 7:30 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com.% (210) 224-9600.

Old School SA Hip-Hop Jam Nothing says lazy Sunday like listening to old school San Antonio hip-hop legends and free BBQ on the patio. 6 p.m. Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar, %1033 Avenue B. $3. myspace.com/ rockbottomtattoobar.

Monday, Feb. 11

Book Signing Laura E. Gómez, a professor of law and American Studies at the University of New Mexico, signs copies of “Manifest Destinies: The Making of the Mexican American Race, which examines the experiences of the 115,000 Mexicans who became American citizens because of the 1848 peace treaty between the United States and Mexico. Free. 5 p.m. The Twig, 5005 Broadway. thetwig.com; (210) 826-6411.

Sam's Swing Factory Swing it good, boys and girls. The Swing Factory with Chadd Thomas and the Crazy Kings is on tap. Dance lessons with the San Antonio Swing Dance Society. 7 p.m., lessons. 8 p.m., dancin'. Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson. $5. sasds.org; samsburgerjoint.com;% (210) 223-2830.
 
 
Westminster Dog Show Oh, c'mon. You know you love to watch, and tonight's the opening night. Go, beagles, go! 7 p.m. USA. westminsterkennelclub.org

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Jonas Brothers Teen night at the rodeo. Saints preserve us. 7 p.m. $10-$25. San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center. sarodeo.com; ticketmaster.com. (210) 224-9600.

Poetry Picante Poets of all ages and experience share music, prose and (of course) poetry. Refreshments provided. 6:30 p.m. Third Floor Story Room, Central Library, 600 Soledad. sanantonio.gov/ library/events;% (210) 207-2500.

Coming Up

Feb. 15-17: One-Man Show Actor Vincent Contrell brings activist Paul Robeson in the one-man show of the same name. Part of the St. Philip's College Department of Fine Arts Black History Month celebration. 8 p.m. Feb. 15-16; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Watson Fine Arts Center Theatre, St. Philip's College, 1801 Martin Luther King Drive. $10, general admission; $5, students, military. accd.edu; (210) 531-4700.

Feb 17: No Idea Festival The San Antonio leg of this improvised music tour includes 20 artists from Tokyo, New York City, Boston and more who collaborate in an on the spot jam session. San Antonio line-up pending. Doors at 7:30 p.m. music at 8 p.m. Feb. 17. Salon Mijangos, 1906 S. Flores. $10-$25. noideafestival.com; salonmijangos.com;% (210) 271-9592.

Feb. 22: Rock the Ovaries Benefit supports the Battered Women and Children's Shelter of Bexar County. Features the music of Ledaswan, Kick It!, Mira Radar and Elevision. 9 p.m. Feb. 22. The Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary's. $5, 21 and older; $8, 18-20. myspace.com/limelightsa; (210) 735-7775.

Feb 23: Gospel Hip-Hop San Antonio gospel artist Souljah performs and leads a discussion about how art has impacted his life at “The Power of Gospel: Bringing Enlightenment to Our Generation through Music.” 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Carver Library, 3350 East Commerce. sanantonio.gov/library; (210) 207-2500.