WEDNESDAY | APRIL 9

THE STARTING LINE
LOWDOWN: This pop-punk band hit paydirt with its latest album, 2007's Direction, which peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. And best catch them now, as The Starting Line recently announced that it's going on hiatus following its current tour.
WHEN: Doors open at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St.
HOW MUCH: $15-$17
INFO: (210) 737-2221; sawhiterabbit.com

30th Annual CineFestival Star-studded line-up Two Sundance Festival award-winners and more than 50 short documentaries and feature films from around the globe. Tickets to screenings are $8 general and $6 for students, seniors and GCAC members. A four-day festival pass, which includes entry to all the films and the gala celebrations, is available for $40 general and $30 for students, seniors and GCAC members. CineFestival also is offering a special “Five Tickets for $25.” 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 3-9:30 p.m.; Friday, April 11, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, April 12; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 13. Guadalupe Theater, 1300 Guadalupe St. (210) 271-3151; guadalupeculturalarts.org

‘Idol Gives Back' This star-studded edition of ‘Idol' will feature Mariah Carey, Bono, Carey Underwood, Eli Manning and many other celebs banding together for a greater cause. You'll be able to call in donations instead of calling in votes this week. Money raised will go to six charities, including the Global Fund, Malaria No More and Save the Children. Ellen Degeneres is hosting and Brad Pitt will make an appearance! *squealing with excitement* 6:30 p.m. Fox

THURSDAY | APRIL 10

NBC POST-STRIKE PREMIERES
LOWDOWN: Among the shows returning to the Peacock network tonight from their writers' strike slumber are “30 Rock,” “The Office” and “ER.” Hopefully, that long break gave “The Office” writers enough time to generate ideas that might make the show, you know, good again.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: NBC
INFO: nbc.com

Alejandra Guzman in concert Club Rio celebrates its one-year anniversary with Alejandra Guzman in concert. The Latin Grammy-winning Mexican rocker comes to San Antonio as part of her "Fuerza Tour." Other Texas stops include Houston, Dallas and Laredo. Guzman's 2007 album "Fuerza" produced the hit single "Soy Solo Un Secreto." 8 p.m. Club Rio, Hwy. 281 at Bitters Road. $40 general admission tickets; $50 VIP tickets. (210) 403-2582

College Nights Uncensored Dance the night away from a long week in school. Pull out your minis and glittering strapless shirts. Guys dress to impress the ladies. 9:30 p.m., every Thursday night, Medusa Lounge, 203 N Presa St. (210) 229-9995; feelmedusa.com

Conexion's Latino Movie Nights The award-winning student filmmakers at the Film School of San Antonio @ Harlandale show their works, including Emmy-winning shorts, animated shorts and documentaries on the big screen. Students will introduce their short films and have a Q&A with the audience during this free screening. 7 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 1255 S.W. Loop 410. Free admission. (210) 677-8500

Recreation and Aquatics Summer Job Fair You may need some extra cash to pay for gas this summer. More than 200 temporary positions will be available: recreation coordinators, assistants and specialists, lifeguards, pool supervisors, office assistants, art and science teachers. 4-7 p.m., Lou Hamilton Community Center, 10700 Nacogdoches Road. (210) 207-3000.

Zombie Prom Dye your hair pink or green and wear your knee-high black boots and fishnets. Featuring 1980s cover band One Last Shot and DJs Dogbone & Electro: Sexual. Ages 21 and older, $5; 17 and under, $8. 9 p.m. Atomix, 1902 McCollough Ave. (210) 733-3855; myspace.com/klubkrysis

FRIDAY | APRIL 11

FEAST WITH THE BEASTS
LOWDOWN: This event, which benefits the San Antonio Zoo in providing animal care and zoo maintenance, will feature food samplings from local eateries, a silent auction, children's games and live music. No word yet on whether the snakes will be released from their confines, thus allowing them to join in the proverbial feast.
WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
WHERE: San Antonio Zoo, 3903 N. St. Mary's St.
HOW MUCH: $20-$25
INFO: (210) 734-7184 ext. 1045; sazoo-aq.org

61st Annual Poteet Strawberry Festival Strawberry galore. Reportedly the largest agricultural festival in Texas. Enjoy country and Tejano music, cook offs and helicopter rides in Poteet. Starts at 6 p.m. today; 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13, on a 100-acre tract of land off Highway 16, approximately 25 miles south of San Antonio. (830) 276-3323; trawberryfestival.com.

Felipe Esparza makes fun of almost everything and is a proud native of East Los Angeles. 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. today and Saturday, April 12; 8:30 p.m., Sunday, April 13. Rivercenter Comedy Club, 849 E. Commerce St. $13. (210) 229-1420; rivercentercomedyclub.com

George Schroeder: The Creation of Spirits Enjoy the process of sculpture-making and craftsmanship from this native San Antonian. 11 a.m.; reception follows from 2-4 p.m. Free. Julia Laura Yates Semmes Library, 15060 Judson Road. (210) 650-9540;metal morphosisllc.com

‘Journey's End' The British army is haunted by the effects of World War I. The play has been revived since its first performance in the late 1920s. Tonight is the last chance to catch it. $23 for adults; $3 discount for seniors and military personnel; $13 children and students. Tickets subject to a $2 administration fee. 8 p.m. San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater, 800 W. Ashby St. (210) 733-7258; sanpedroplayhouse.com

Maquilapolis on the NAFTA corridor Multiseries film screenings and discussions. 7 p.m. Alexander Memorial Library, 201 Center St., in Cotulla. (830) 879-2601; cotulla.lib.tx.us. Other screenings: 2 p.m., Saturday, April 12, Gallery 35, 18485 I-35 South, Exit 133, Lytle, (830) 709-0303; 7 p.m., Saturday, April 12, Ruta Maya Riverwalk Coffeehouse, 107 E. Martin St., (210) 223-6292, rutamayariverwalk.com; 1 p.m., Sunday, April 13, Texas State University Department of Theater and Dance, 300 Moon St., San Marcos, (512) 245-2147, theatreand dance.txstate.edu

National Comedy Theater New and old comedy sketches with a modern twist. 9:30 p.m. every Friday night; 9 p.m. every Saturday, featuring 45-minute plays based on Alfred Hitchcock flicks. 1216 W. Ave. $8. (210) 380-0326; theovertimetheater.net

Rivercity Bike Fest Meet Vinnie and Cody of “Orange County Choppers” and enjoy more than 150 vendors, food, beer, live music and camping. $15 per person on Friday; $20 per person on Saturday; $15 per person on Sunday; three-day pass $35, includes camping. Children ages 10 and under free with parent or guardian. Noon-11 p.m., 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, April 12; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, April 13. Javelina Harley Davidson, 29078 I-10 West, Boerne. (210) 698-2856;  riversitybikefest.com

The Jazz Market It's jazz appreciation month and time to pull off those tap-dance moves like Fred Astaire. A few food vendors and all that jazz. Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz will play at 11:30 a.m. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St.; 5-9:45 p.m. Sunday, April 13, at the Main Plaza unveiling. The Jazz Market music continues from 1:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18. Main Plaza with performances by DGroove, Joe Posada and others. (210) 224-9688; thejazzmarket.com

SATURDAY | APRIL 12

SECOND ANNUAL SPRING FLING
LOWDOWN: This annual fundraising event benefits athletic programs and student groups at the University of the Incarnate Word. And while it features fundraising staples such as food, music and games, the highlight is unquestionably the turtle race, which features approximately 3,000 turtles scampering down the San Antonio River. And by scampering, we mean moving very slowly.
WHEN: Noon-5 p.m.
WHERE: 4301 Broadway St., on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: (210) 445-4850; uiwspringfling.com

‘Happy Feet' See the penguins dance to the beat of jazz and other musical genres. 7 p.m. Brackenridge Park, 3702 N. St. Mary's St. (210) 244-0500; twc-sa.com

Second Saturday Art galleries on South Flores Street open their doors for monthly event. Gallista Gallery, 1913 S. Flores St., shows skateboard deck art. 6 p.m. Free. (210) 212-8606

Third Annual Spring Fling and Turbo Turtle Race See 300 turtles race down the San Antonio River. Adopt one for $5. Noon-5 p.m. Race starts at 4 p.m. University of the Incarnate Word, 4301 Broadway. (210) 829-6000; uiwspringfling.com

Wanna be a lifeguard? Get paid for your swimming and life-saving skills. Jobs for city recreational pool locations. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Bring ID, Social Security card and a swimsuit for a skills test. Starting salary is $9.02. Swim season starts June 7. San Antonio Natatorium, 14030 W. Durango. (210) 226-8541; (210) 207-3000

World championship disc golf tourney Check out disc golf doubles teams compete for a title in the the Amateur World Doubles Championship. Who needs a club? Not these disc commandos. April 12-13. 8:30 a.m.-dusk. Free for spectators. Circle R Disc Golf Ranch: I-35 north through Wimberley to Ranch Road 2325. circularproductions.com

SUNDAY | APRIL 13

SNEAKS UP 2: A Sneaker Convention
LOWDOWN: This second-annual all-ages sneaker convention invites displayers and collecters from around the nation to show off rare and exclusive sneakers. DJs Donnie Dee, Gibb and JJ Lopez, a cash bar and raffles for merchandise from Goodtimes Skateboards and Austin boutique Motive 807 round out the party. The feel-good part? Donations of gently worn and new sneaks will be given to the boys and girls of Boysville San Antonio. Sneakers aren't just footwear; they're a way of life, man!
WHEN: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
WHERE: The Venue, 800 Lexington Ave.
HOW MUCH: Free
INFO: (210) 326-4114; myspace.com/sasneaksupsneakershow

Historic Main Plaza Opening Day: Heart of the City Witness the renaissance of Main Plaza. No more annoying road closures near the courthouses and the cathedral. The party kicks off with a mariachi Mass celebrated by Archbishop José Gomez at 5 p.m. Mayor Phil Hardberger will switch the lights on at 8:30 p.m. to illuminate the Tobin fountains. Live entertainment and fun for the kids will precede. (210) 207-7234; sanantonio.gov

Texas Fight Fest Boxing and plenty of action. 7:30 p.m. Cowboys Dance Hall, 3030 N.E. Loop 410 at I-35 North. $15 for 18 and older; $30 reserved seating; $35 VIP, ringside seating. (210) 646-9378; cowboysdancehall.com; ticketmaster.com, (210) 224-9600

The Crown Royal Latin Kings of Comedy tour Comedian Paul Rodriguez hosts a night of laughs with Gene Pompa, Manny Maldonado and Frank Garcia. 7:30 p.m. Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston St. $35-$55. ticketmaster.com; (210) 224-9600

‘The Parable Man' Contemporary Christian comedy and adaptations of Jesus' parables. 3 p.m. Orderup, 9873 I-10 West. Tickets $5 for kids; $10 adults. Food orders are a la cart; discounts on beer, wine and soda. thecompanytheatre.org; (210) 877-0007

MONDAY | APRIL 14

2008 CMT MUSIC AWARDS
LOWDOWN: Nominees include a who's who of country music elite, such as Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney, while the awards show itself will be hosted by Miley Cyrus (you probably know her as Hannah Montana) and father Billy Ray Cyrus (you probably know him from “Achy Breaky Heart” and using his daughter to get himself back into the spotlight).
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: CMT
INFO: cmt.com

Jam Session with Small World Musicians and vocalists are welcome at this event featuring the music of jazz artist Richard Oppenheim, who led the saxophone section of Marvin Gaye's touring entourage. 7-10 p.m., Justin's On Main, 2512 N. Main Ave. (210) 736-1457; myspace.com/ justinsonmain.

TUESDAY | APRIL 15

LORD OF THE DANCE
LOWDOWN: This story of good and evil — told through the art of Irish dance — made Michael Flatley a worldwide superstar. Whether or not you consider that a good thing sort of depends on your personal taste.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
HOW MUCH: $23-$57
INFO: (210) 224-9600; majesticempire.com
 

Lesti Huff Band Folk rock and Americana bond together. Listen to some of Texas music while feeding your face with some chicken and greens. 7-10 p.m., The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St. (210) 227-2683; thecove.us.

Volunteer Income Tax Programs Still haven't filed your taxes? VITA sites will be open for last-minute filers. Taxpayers earning up to $45,000 a year can have their returns prepared for free at a VITA site. (210) 227-4357; sanantonio.gov