Parents, we realize it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of playdates, school, diapers, bedtime hissy-fits and all of the other love and sunshine that comes from our cherished littles. It’s easy to feel out of touch.

But, we beg you to Get A Sitter, to go out with your significant other and your friends and see some bands or check out a new restaurant or bar. There is SO MUCH going on in this city, embrace it. Introducing our new weekly column, Get A Sitter, in honor of our family over at Do512, here are some events to check out without the kids (for even more events, click here).

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Friday, Jan. 23:

Possessed by Paul James, Lambert’s, 9:30 p.m.
Head over to Lambert’s for some delicious barbeque and cocktails, and stick around for great music. This show is 21+. Cover charge is $10 in advance (purchase online here) or $12 at the door.

This is How We Do It: The Action Pack ’90s Dance Party, The Highball, 10:30 p.m.
Ooh, don’t you love a good dance party? The Action Pack brings a new mix of music videos from all across the 1990s, and they’ll bring people out of the crowd for karaoke breaks from the stage, some nice junior high love dance songs, and then pop confetti all over the ballroom. No cover!

Saturday, Jan. 24:

Austin Opera Presents: Romeo & Juliet, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m.
How does a night of culture and romance sound? This production features an ornate set, classical costumes and powerful vocal talents. Enjoy the story of the two star-crossed lovers who attempt to defy their feuding families. This show (which you can also check out on Thursday, Jan. 29 and Sunday, Feb. 1) and includes the Austin Opera Chorus and the Austin Opera Orchestra. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online here.

HONK!TX Brass Blow-out Fundraiser, Spider House Ballroom, 8 p.m.
HONK!TX is a community-sponsored annual festival made possible through generous donations from the community. Join them for this big fundraiser that also celebrates 5 years of HONK!TX in Austin. You’ll be treated to the boisterous stylin’s of local brass acts: Minor Mishap Marching Band, Boss Street Brass Band, Dead Music Capital Band, Yes Ma’am Brass Band. And you can try your luck in a raffle and silent auction. Cost is $10 – $20 sliding scale at the door.

$3 Shows Benefitting Groundwork Music Project, Swan Dive, 8:30 p.m.
You can’t beat a cover charge of only $3 for live music! All p
roceeds from door sales will benefit the Groundwork Music Project, whose mission is to enhance the lives of Austin’s kids by providing free and low cost music classes, songwriting workshops and ukulele lessons to schools with limited means. There will be a stellar lineup of bands both on the inside stage and outsides stage along with dance showcases by Incredicrew and Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre. Other vendors include henna hand painting, live visual art, custom fashion and jewelry.

Sunday, Jan. 25:

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra, The Belmont, 8 p.m.
You can check out “New Zealand’s hottest music/comedy ensemble.” The popular Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra are renowned for their winning combination of charming Kiwi humor and sublime musicality. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online in advance here.

Star Gazing & Moonlight Tours, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
We have to admit off the bat that you can technically take the kids to this one. But doesn’t a little moonlit star gazing sound like some good grown-up time? Members of the Austin Astronomical Society share telescopes with you for viewing during the astronomy tour. These tours are usually full and reservations are highly recommended by calling (512) 327-7622. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 for seniors & students in grades K-12. Preschool children are free and must be accompanied by a parent. For more info, including what to bring, click here.

More…

Have fun out there!