March Events
Plus hot ticket: Hot Town, Cool City
March Day-By-Day • Planning Ahead • Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • HIV Testing
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Houston holds many secrets waiting to be savored, many a part of the GLBT community
Director Maureen McNamara created Hot Town, Cool City —a docu-ode to our fair city—as a means of answering the outsider question, “Why Houston?” True, on the surface, this is an industrial town, a place someone moves to only if seeking a profession in the petroleum game, or big medicine, or to shuffle off to the space shuttle. You hold your breath at every game, praying it won’t be another bitter defeat. It’s a town where you curse the oppressive humidity in August and wear short sleeves and sandals in December. But beyond all that is a sophisticated, international soul with an edgy, avant-garde, highly creative underground. In her doc, McNamara uncovers a baker’s dozen of what she describes as “gems waiting to be discovered.” Among them, there’s the Devin Borden Hiram Butler Gallery, known for handling superstar artists alongside local talent. The gallery often runs shows in tandem with another of McNamara’s gems, The Menil Collection. In an interview, openly gay Borden speaks of another gem, the Glenwood Cemetery, final resting place of Howard Hughes. Then there are the many farmers’ markets in town including one run by (also openly gay) Monica Pope; and the gay-owned Chocolate Bar, where Eric Shamban and Lynn Wyatt create flights of fancy from the coca bean that could make the Swiss Miss turn green with envy.
The What: Hot Town, Cool City
The Where: Museum of Fine Arts’ Brown Auditorium, 1001 Bissonnet
The When: Fri., March 30, 8 p.m.; Sat., March 31, 1, 6, and 8 p.m.; Sun., April 1, 1 p.m. (each screening is preceded by an introduction from director Maureen McNamara [and Mayor Bill White on the 30th] and a Q&A session afterward)
The Wherewithal: www.hottowncoolcity.org
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MARCH DAY BY DAY
(see also March Weekly and Monthly)
7 (Wed.)
Something Free at Lunchtime. Da Camera of Houston’s lunchtime performance series, A Little Day Music, features the Carnaval Guitar Duo. Drop in for the music, stay to win tickets for an upcoming Da Camera concert. Free. Noon in the Grand Foyer of the Wortham Center, Texas at Smith. More information: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.
10 (Sat.)
Fighting the Disease with Dinner. Bering Support Network’s “Oodles of Noodles” Benefit and silent auction, held the night before the Houston AIDS Walk, raises money to continue its services of support for the GLBT community, those infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. $5. At Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold St. Donations/info: 713/419-6222, (fax) 713/520-6866, www.beringumc.org.
10 (Sat.)
Hot Latin Night. Set your heart ablaze with the beat of live Samba. Join the Samba dancers and learn a few steps. The rhythm of the Batucada (Brazilian Drums) is gonna get ya. Watch the exhilarating performance of Capoeira (Brazilian Martial Arts) and Maculelê (Brazilian Stick Dance) by Brazilian Arts Foundation group. $10. 7-10 pm at Brazilian Arts Foundation, 1133 East 11th St. More info: 713/862-3300 or www.brazilianarts.org.
10-11 (Sat.-Sun.)
19th Annual Galveston Home and Garden Show. Over 100 exhibitors showcase the latest in home repair, landscaping, pet items, furnishings, outdoor living, and more. Look for previews of residential developments, giveaways, and pet adoptions. Benefits the Galveston Island Humane Society. $5 adults, $4 students, seniors, and kids. 10 am-6 pm Sat., 11 am-4 pm Sun. at the Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd. Information: 409/762-3930, [email protected], or www.galveston.com/homeandgardenshow.
11 (Sun.)
AIDS Walk Houston. Help to increase awareness and education about HIV/AIDS. Benefits AIDS Foundation Houston and other local HIV/AIDS service groups. Need we say more? Lace on those cross-trainers and either walk or cheer the pedestrians on! 8 am check-in, 9 am opening ceremonies, 10 am walk begins, all at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby. More info: 713/403-WALK (9255) or www.AIDSWalkHouston.org.
16 (Fri.
Drive a Caprice? Nope, I Listen to One. Ensemble Caprice performs Les Septs Sauts, a demonstration of what made the music of the Court of Stuttgart so vibrant. $30, $25 for seniors, and $10 for students. 8 pm at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, 4807 San Felipe (preconcert talk at 7 pm). Information and reservations: 713/432-1744, www.HoustonEarlyMusic.org.
17 (Sat.)
A League of Their Own. Assisthers 2nd Annual Softball Tournament brings recreational and competitive teams together for this one-day (St. Patty’s Day) tournament. Awards for 1st- and 2nd-place teams will be awarded. Concession stands will once again be run by members of the Houston Pride Band. Benefits Assisthers clientele. At Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr. More info (including starting time): [email protected] or www.assisthers.org.
17 (Sat.)
Wonder Where the Lions Are? —at the Sugar Land Lions Club Arts & Craft Fair to ease shopping for Easter and Mothers Day. The fair benefits the many charitable programs the Sugar Land Lions Club sponsors locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. Free. 9 am-4 pm at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, Sugar Land.
23 (Fri.)
Tales of Tromping the Boards. Main Street Theater favorite Joel Sandel reflects on his long relationship with MST in Joel Sandel: Songs That Main Street Taught Me, an evening of story and song. Sandel will perform the music of Gershwin, Porter, Bacharach, and others, and share some behind-the-scenes stories from the life of a working actor. $50. 8 pm at Main Street Theater-Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524-6706, www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com.
23 & 24 (Fri. & Sat.)
Ragged Style. The Houston Area Fiber Artists present their “Bayou City Rags” style show and luncheon. Many of the unique garments will be available for purchase. $45. Takes place on the 3rd floor of The Westin Oaks Hotel in Galleria I. The Spotlight Boutique: Friday, 5-9 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm in the Consulate Room; Style show begins on the runway at 11:30 am, luncheon to follow. Tickets: 281/332-0301 or send a S.A.S.E to Betsy Finger, P.O. Box 1326, Friendswood, TX 77549. More info: www.fiberhouston.org.
23-25 (Fri.-Sun.)
Bayou City Art Fest’s 10th Anniversary. Over 300 fine visual and performing artists transform Memorial Park into its own universe of art. Nineteen formats or media include textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, and others. Young artistic minds are invited to visit the interactive Creative Zone presented by Museum of Fine Arts, which engages children in creating their own art works to take home. And don’t forget the food, beer, and wine. Beneficiaries this year include Art League Houston, Bering Omega Community Service, and DiverseWorks Art Space. $10, free for kids 12 and under. 10 am-6 pm at Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr. More info (including parking): 713/521-0133 or www.bayoucityartfestival.com.
24 (Sat.)
All Spaced Out. Da Camera and The Menil Collection museum present Stop, Look and Listen!, another free family performance. Visit the museum, then take in an interactive and informative concert of traditional Indonesian music performed by Space City Gamelan. 3 pm, The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: 713/524-5050, [email protected], or www.dacamera.com.
24 (Sat.)
Crawfish Party. Spicy crawfish will be served from 5 pm ’til ?, and live entertainment by the popular Bayou Roux begins at 9 pm, all at the “Home of the Coldest Beer & the Home of the Warmest Welcome”—Ranch Hill Saloon. More info: 281/298-9035.
24 &25 (Sat. & Sun.)
Gettin’ Good Love. The Single Gay Men’s Workshop offers a way to building a relationship that makes life easier and richer, that provides joy, security, satisfaction and that makes you more complete. Tony Carroll, LCSW (recipient of OutSmart ‘s “Best Therapist” award since 2003), with his partner, Dr. Bruce Smith, offer perspectives of both members of a happy, functional couple. Info/reservations: 713/527-0000, tony@houston therapist.com, or www.houstontherapist.com.
24 &25 (Sat. & Sun.)
JavaBach. Mercury Baroque presents an evening of J.S. Bach featuring the comical Coffee Cantata. The ensemble takes a timeless subject: coffee. The story follows a father and daughter in conflict over a caffeine fix. He wants her to consume less. She refuses. In frustration, he forbids her to marry. As a musical aperitif, Mercury Baroque opens with two instrumental Bach pieces, Suite for Orchestra No. 2 and Concerto for Violin in E Major. $18-$42. Saturday, 8 pm, at Cullen Theater, 501 Texas; Sunday, 2 pm, at the University of Houston, Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Info/reservations: Cullen Theater, 832/251-0706; UH, 281/283-2560; or www.MercuryBaroque.org.
Daily (Sundays thru April 22)
Fighting Fur with Fur. Buffalo Exchange encourages everyone to give your furs back to the critters. Coats For Cubs! takes donated fur and uses it to make bedding for orphaned and injured wildlife. Simply bring in your fur coats, accessories, and whatever else and let the kids at Buff-Ex know it’s a donation for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). (To claim a tax deduction, mail your fur directly to The HSUS, Attn: Coats for Cubs, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.) Information: 1-866-235-8255, www.coatsforcubs.org, or www.buffaloexchange.com.
Weekly (Mondays)
Grab Yer Partner, Doh-Si-Doh. The rhythmically awkward are welcome here. Have some fun gittin’ fit with non-strenuous aerobic square dancing. No partner required. Casual dress. $5. 7-9 pm at Eldridge Park Community Center, 2511 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land. Please call ahead to verify time and place: Jan, 281/498-5301. More info: [email protected].
Weekly (Thursdays)
Depression & Bipolar Support Group. Don’t let depression or bipolar disorder dig its bleak claws into what little hope you’ve managed to hide from the shadows. Bering Support Network helps those in need to connect with others who are learning to cope. You are not alone and can benefit from the experience of others. Take a step away from the dark. GLBT friendly. Free. Groups meet at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold, Room 232, 7:15-8:30 pm. Info: 713/526-1018.
Weekly (Saturdays)
Saving Animals partners with the City of Houston to save loving, adoptable animals from the pound and find them permanent homes. Adoptions take place at Northwest Mall every Saturday from 10:30 am-4:30 pm near entrance B. Information or to volunteer: 713/527-4490 or www.savinganimals.org.
Semi-monthly (Wednesdays)
The D Word (Dinner). Come for a meal, stay for the camaraderie. The Lesbian Dinner Group welcomes womyn to build new friendships, enjoy conversation, network, and have a few laughs over an appetizing repast. Singles and couples welcome. The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 7:30 pm, at Café Express, 1422 West Gray. More information: [email protected].
Monthly (Tuesdays)
The Houston SPCA Pet Loss Support Group provides a professionally facilitated, supportive, and safe environment for people to grieve the loss of a beloved companion. Free. First Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, at the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Dr. Info: 713/869-7722, ext. 127, or www.houstonspca.org.
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PLANNING AHEAD
April 6-8 (Fri.-Sun.)
Margaret Mead Festival. This series of films includes China Blue (April 6, 7 pm) about the impossible goings-on of a blue jeans factory in Southern China. El Inmigrante (April 6, 9 pm) focuses on the U.S.-Mexican border crisis illustrated by the story of a migrant who was killed while crossing. In Flock of Dodos (April 7, 7 pm), an answer to the “evolution vs. intelligent design” is sought out in a comically cynical manner. Shooting Under Fire (April 7, 9 pm) looks at the lives of Israeli and Palestinian photographers working for Reuters to cover the war. Sisters in Law (April 8, 7 pm) deals with the judges and attorneys of a small courthouse in Kumba, Cameroon, and their efforts to protect women and children from domestic violence. The festival concludes with the short subjects A Map With Gaps and Today’s Man (April 8, 9 pm). Map tells the story of the director’s father’s travels through Soviet Russia in his “Supervan.” Man deals with the director’s brother, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a functional form of autism. $6 ($2 for parking). At Rice Media Center, entrance 8 from University Blvd. at Stockton. Info: 713/348-4853 or www.ricecinema.rice.edu.
April 12 (Thur.)
ESCAPE’s 26th Annual Celebrity Chef Benefit. Debbie Reynolds (OutSmart ‘s “cover girl,” September ’98) joins Houston sports and media celebrities in this benefit dinner. Reynolds, winner of a 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to Hollywood, recently played the role of Grace’s mother on Will and Grace. Tonight, she and the other celebs will take knife in hand and play the role of Benihana chef, cooking up meals for attendees. Benefits the ESCAPE center, which has endeavored to prevent child abuse since 1983. Seating and sponsorship: $300 (individual seat) to $10,000. First seating at 6 pm, second seating at 9 pm, live and silent auction at 8 pm at Benihana of Tokyo, 9707 Westheimer at Gessner.
April 14 & 15 (Sat. & Sun.)
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. Musicians, dancers, and actors appear on two stages while visual artists display and sell their works. $10, free for kids 12 and under. 10 am-8 pm Saturday, 10 am-6 pm Sunday along the Waterway from the Woodlands Waterway Mariott to Town Green Park. Info/interested performers: 713/521-0133, www.woodlandsartfestival.com, [email protected], or (fax) 281/364-3011. Performers’ deadline: March 15.
April 21-29 (Sat.-Sun.)
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church’s 35th Anniversary. Celebrating 35 years of ministry to the Houston LGBT community, Resurrection is hosting an array of events. The Annual Resurrection Golf Classic tees off with a shotgun start at Bear Creek Park’s President’s Course Saturday, April 21, 8:30 am. The Classic is open to all who want to play. Noted author E. Lynn Harris hosts Twisted Torch: A Celebration of Life!, a concert by AIDS Foundation Houston’s Mukuru Project artists Cassandra White and Rodney Waters on Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit agencies that focus on racial and sexual minority youth affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. The National AIDS Fund will match all proceeds raised. On Sunday, April 29, E. Lynn Harris brings The Message at 9 and 11 am. A Jazz Brunch follows at 12:30 pm on the Resurrection campus. The brunch features Andra Haviland’s Best of Both Worlds Jazz Trio. E. Lynn Harris will conduct a booksigning during the brunch. Early registration for the Golf Classic: 713/861-9149. Tickets and sponsorships for Twisted Torch: www.ResurrectionMCC.Org or www.Mukuru.Org. Tickets for the Jazz Brunch: 713/861-9149.
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PERFORMING ARTS
An American Brat. Bapsi Sidhwa’s story of Feroza, a young Pakistani girl bound for college in America, examines the common threads of family life across the globe. Her liberal Parsi parents find their cultural tolerance challenged when Feroza falls in love with a Jewish boy—domineering grandmother included—and rooms with a lesbian. $21-$40. March 9-25 at Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy. Information and reservations: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.
Anna In the Tropics. Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prize- winning drama is set in a cigar factory owned by Cuban expatriates in 1929 Florida. The factory owner hires a lector from Cuba—a man hired to read to the workers as they roll the cigars. When the lector begins reading from Anna Karenina, he arouses emotion, causing the sleepy community to confront changes they had hoped to avoid. $20-$35, $10 for previews. March 17-April 15, showtimes vary, at Main Street Theater-Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524.6706, www.mainstreettheater.com, or www.ticketweb.com.
Bernstein’s West Side Story. Yuja Wang performs on the piano while Robert Spano conducts Bernstein, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Gandolfi’s Impressions from The Garden of Cosmic Speculation. $25-$99. March 16-18, 8 pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30 pm Sunday, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets: 713/224-7575 or www.houstonsymphony.org.
Burn This. Unhinged Productions presents a story of Anna and her recently deceased roommate and dance partner, Robbie. At the funeral, Anna is introduced as Robbie’s girlfriend in an attempt to clear the fam’s intolerant suspicions that Robbie was gay. The more she has to deal with them, the greater the sparks of her anger build. The sparks climax into a mad blaze. $20, $10 for students and seniors. Through March 10 at Silver House Theatre, 1107 Chartres St. Info/reservations: 713/547-0126, [email protected]. or www.u-p.org/ticket.html.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo. Translated as “cortege” in Italian, Corteo is a joyous procession, a festive parade. Theatrics, acrobatics, and high-spectacle commingle under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau. $40-$75 for adults, $28-$52.50 for kids 2-12. March 22-April 22 (showtimes vary) at Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. Info/reservations: 713/629-3711, www.CirqueDuSoleil.com, or www.ticketmaster.com.
CORE at the Bayou City Art Festival. It’s Spring. Time for the whimsy of a new site-specific dance work by CORE Performance Company at the BACF. The original piece, created especially for the festival, will appear hither and thither on the grounds of Memorial Park. Free with festival admission. March 24-26, beginning at 2 pm, at Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr. More information: 713/521-0133, www.bayoucityartfestival.com, or www.severaldancerscore.org.
Diavolo. More than a dance company, Diavolo combines contortion, strength, and ingenuity. Performances incorporate exaggerated sets and props, gymnasts, rock climbers, actors, and dancers. $36.25-$51.25. March 22-23 at 8 pm, at Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. Info/reservations: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.
Heartbreak House. One of George Bernard Shaw’s greatest comedies is set in an English country house on the eve of WWI. Unexpected visitors turn up, love blooms, and hearts are broken. $14, $12 for seniors, $10 for students. March 9-April 14, 8pm, at the Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219 or www.companyonstage.org.
Hitchcock Blonde. A jigsaw-puzzle of a mystery, the enigmatic story is as complex as the relationship between the man and woman who must unravel it. (Adult content, sexual situations, nudity, and smoking.) Through Mar. 18 at The Alley Theatre’s Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave. Info/reservations: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.
Killing Game. In this unlikely comedy by Eugene Ionesco, a plague infests an entire city leaving it in danger of annihilation. Through Mar. 31, 8 pm, at The Axiom, 2524 McKinney. Info/reservations: 713/522-8443 or www.infernalbridegroom.com.
Lou Tells A Big One. The Fertle family is in financial crisis. Someone in town has won the lottery, Uncle Al is opening a honky tonk, and Lou is in a heap-o-trouble. $20. Through May 12, Thursdays at 8:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 pm, at Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Infor/reservations: 713/522-7722 or www.radiomusictheatre.com.
Noche Caliente. Diaz Music Institute presents this 6th annual event with Salsero, Frankie Negron, and Houston’s own youth ensemble “Caliente.” Free. March 24, 7:30 pm, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. in Hermann Park. More info: 281/FREE-FUN or www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
SFJAZZ Collective. Led by SFJAZZ artistic director Joshua Redman, this all-star ensemble is comprised of eight of the finest composer/performers at work in jazz today. $26.50-$45. Saturday, March 17, 8 pm, at Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. Info/reservations: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Adam and his brothers need brides. Hey, why not kidnap ’em? $29-$92. March 13-25 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info/reservations: 713/558-TUTS, 888/558-3882, or www.tuts.com.
Tick, Tick…Boom! Winner of the 2001 Outer Critics Circle Award for best off-Broadway musical, Jonathan Larson tells the autobiographical tale of a young composer (Jon) on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion. For Larson, this oblivion led to his Broadway blockbuster, Rent. We should all suffer such a void. March 14-April 14, 8 pm (Sunday, April 8 at 5 pm) at Theater LaB, 1706 Alamo St. Info/reservations: 713/868-7516 or www.theaterlabhouston.com.
True West. In Sam Shepard’s vexing tale, two brothers struggle to prove who is the best and in the process wreck their mother’s house and steal all the toasters in the neighborhood. $5. March 23-31, 8 pm, Hamman Hall, Rice Univ. Park ($5) in North Lot at entrance 20 or 21 off Rice Blvd. Info: 713/348-4882 or www.arts.rice.edu.
Valhalla. Paul Rudnick intertwines two stories in this comedic epic: the life of Ludwig of Bavaria, the 1880s Mad King responsible for building a series of storybook castles inspired by Wagnerian opera, and the fictional adventures of James Avery, a wild Texas teenager of the 1940s. While they embody separate eras, they are ultimately revealed as time-traveling soulmates. The play explores questions of beauty and madness, as both Ludwig and James pursue lives of operatic passion. $20-$22. March 1-31 at Midtown Arts Center, 3414 La Branch. Reservations: 713/522-2204.
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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Backstage at Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Workshop. Taught through The Studio at TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, this workshop is open to ages 7-18. Learn to high-kick just like the dancers did in the film version. Go onstage to learn about the sets and props used in the show. Meet the cast for a Q&A session. $61-$107 (includes workshop and show ticket). Saturday, March 17, 9-11:30 am, at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby at Walker (show runs March 13-25). Information, reservations, and important details: 713/558-TUTS or www.tuts.com.
Go, Dog. Go! Big dogs, little dogs, red dogs, blue dogs, yellow dogs, green dogs, black dogs, and white dogs are all at a dog party. What a crazy dog party! (Recommended for pre-Kindergarten and up, in case you couldn’t figure that out from the description.) $11 for adults, $9 for kids and students. March 6-31, Saturdays at 1 and 4 pm, at Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524-6706, www.mainstreettheater.com, or www.ticketweb.com.
Jack and the Beanstalk. Magic beans? The classic children’s story comes alive onstage. $7. March 10-April 14, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, at the Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219 or www.companyonstage.org.
Where the Red Fern Grows. Produced by A.D. Players, the classic coming-of-age story about a boy and his beloved dogs teaches life lessons of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. Free. March 21-22, 11 am and 1 pm, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. in Hermann Park. More info: 281/FREE-FUN or www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
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RADIO
After Hours. Sunday mornings, 1-4 am. Featuring the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-5738.
Queer Voices. Mondays, 8-10 pm. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000.
Reach Out in the Darkness. Houston’s only transgender radio host and her partner present selected music from the ’60s, played like it was in the ’60s, exclusively from vinyl pressings. Every Wednesday morning, 3-6 am, KPFT Pacifica radio (90.1 FM).
Black Gold. Next to oil, there’s no commodity more valuable than coffee. This doc takes us to its birthplace, Ethiopia, and examines the place of the human element in an impersonal global trade. $6 ($2 for parking). March 23-25 at Rice Media Center, entrance 8 from University Blvd. at Stockton. Info: 713/348-4853 or www.ricecinema.rice.edu.
Black Holes. Nothing escapes them, not even light. Not even irony. Totally invisible, they hold the power of a million suns and devour entire stars without so much as an “excuse me.” Explore the dark mystery of Black Holes at Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.
Blown Away. Art glass pervades the Hooks-Epstein Gallery with this contemporary exhibit combined with the permanent, ongoing showcase, Glass Gallery. Through Mar. 17 at Hooks-Epstein Gallery, 2631 Colquitt. More info: 713/522-0718 or www.hooksepsteingalleries.com.
Daniel Adame: Improving the Ground Game. Adame uses his body as an art tool to record traces of his movements throughout the gallery. Using a series of ramps, the artist runs on the walls of the gallery. The process by which the walls are scuffed and marked will be documented and on view. March 9-April 14 at Lawndale Art Center’s Grace R. Cavnar Gallery, 4912 Main St. Info: 713/528-5858 or www.LawndaleArtCenter.org.
Deep Sea 3D and Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure. IMAX 3D is here, with larger-than-life images that leap off the screen and state-of-the-art surround sound. See life in a whole new way as the planet’s most unique, dangerous, and colorful creatures blast off the screen in Deep Sea 3D (narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet), and embark on an African adventure with the continent’s most dangerous animals in Wild Safari 3D. $9 adults, $7 children (3-11), seniors/students. Tickets/info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.
For Your Consideration. Christopher Guest’s latest mockumentary includes the usual cast of comic improvisational geniuses, including the openly gay Jane Lynch. $6 ($2 for parking). March 16-18 at Rice Media Center, entrance 8 from University Blvd. at Stockton. More info: 713/348-4853 or www.ricecinema.rice.edu.
Hélio Oiticica: The Body of Color. One of the 20th century’s most innovative artists, Oiticica refused to sell his work. As a result, the exhibit of this artist concerned with liberating color into space is quite extensive. Documentaries and films accompany approximately 220 of his works. Through April 1 at the Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet St. Info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379, TDD/TYY for the hearing impaired, call 713/639-7390).
Imperial Rome. What began as a small village on the Tiber River grew into an enormous empire that dominated the politics, economy, and culture of the known world from 27 B.C. to the middle of the fourth century A.D. Meet the emperors, visit the homes, shudder at their once-fearful military. $15. Through July 29 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org (en Español: 713/639-4603).
Judy Pfaff: New Installtion. Pfaff works intuitively, improvising on-site, creating site-specific works. All that can be written about the installation is that in early January, Pfaff arrived in a truck full of raw materials, tool boxes, and welders, all from upstate New York. Free. Through April 1 at the Rice Gallery, Sewall Hall, ground floor, off Campus Entrance 1 at Main and Sunset Blvd. More info: 713/348-5761 or www.ricegallery.org.
Shanghai: A Refuge During the Holocaust. Forced to flee their homeland during the Nazi regime, many Jews became “stateless refugees,” denied entry into most countries. Shanghai was one of the very few places that stateless Jews could disembark without passports or visas. As a result, Shanghai became a refuge to thousands of Jews. The exhibit, comprised of photographs and documents, presents the complex Jewish community in Shanghai that resulted from this emigration. Free. March 2-July 22 at Holocaust Museum Houston’s Central Gallery, 5401 Caroline St. Info: 713/942-8000 or www.hmh.org.
The Temptations of Flora: Jan van Huysum (1682-1749). The first large-scale exhibition devoted to Huysum’s work exemplifies the realism with which he painted elaborate floral and fruit arrangements. The exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the artist’s lifework (said to be the most highly paid Dutch artist of all time), and features approximately 50 paintings. $7, free Thursdays. Through May 20 at the MFA’s Beck Building, 5601 Main Street. More information: 713/639-7750 or www.mfah.org.
Watercolor Arts Society—Houston: Annual International Show. Works ranging from abstract to realistic fill the space and enchant the viewer. (The works are also on sale.) March 10-April 13 (opening reception Thursday, March 15, 6-8 pm) at One Williams Tower, 2800 Post Oak Blvd. More info: 713/942-9966 or www.watercolorhouston.org.
Yale Street Arts Market is an exciting Heights market created for local artists to display and sell original works of art. Local musicians entertain all day. It’s a mini art festival in the Heights! Every month on 1st Saturday. Now at 548 West 19th at Wind Water Gallery’s parking lot. Info: www.YaleStreetMarket.com. Be sure to visit The Artful Corner at 3423 White Oak Blvd., 713/426-4ART.
HIV TESTING
Thomas Street Clinic (part of the Harris County Health Department) is offering HIV testing free to the public, Mon.-Fri. 9 am-1 pm. There is no need to establish eligibility (“gold-card”), no donation will be asked of the person seeking testing, and the test is free. Thomas Street Clinic, 2015 Thomas, 713/873-4157 or 713/873-4026.
The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing at these locations:
Decades, 1205 Richmond, 713/521-2224, Mon. 6-10pm (Dennis);
EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 713/527-9071, Wed. & Fri. 10pm-1am (Rhonda & Lourdes);
Mary’s, Naturally, 1022 Westheimer, 713/527-9669, Wed. 4-8pm (Jack);
Midtown Spa, 3100 Fannin, 713/522-2379, Tues. 9pm-1am (Carlos), Wed. 10pm-1am (Juan), Fri. 10pm-1am (Quincy);
Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 713/521-2792, Wed. 9pm-12am (Matthew);
Inergy/Mango Lounge, 5750 Chimney Rock, 713/660-7310, Mon. 9pm-12am (Carlos);
1415 Bar & Grill, 1415 California, 713/522-7066, Thurs. 9pm-12am (Carlos);
611 Hyde Park Pub, 611 Hyde Park, 713/526-7070, Tues. 3-7pm & Sun. 2-6pm (Matthew);
All Star News and Video Emporium, 3415 Katy Freeway & Studewood, 713/869-7878, Mon. & Thurs. 4-8pm (Jack);
Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 713/528-9192, Thurs. 8pm-12am (Matthew);
Cousin’s, 817 Fairview, 713/528-9204, Thurs. 8pm-12am (Jack);
Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 713/659-4998, Tues. 8pm-12am (Dennis). For more info: 713/830-3000.
Planned Parenthood offers free anonymous or confidential testing at clinic locations throughout the area. To speak with an HIV counselor: 1-800-230-PLAN, Dickinson: 281/337-7725, Fannin: 713/831-6543, FM1960: 281/587-8081, Greenspoint: 281/445-4553, Huntsville: 936/295-6396, Lufkin: 936/634-8446 x223, Rosenberg: 281/342-3950, Stafford: 281/494-9848.
Have an event to submit? [email protected].
Info needed for your event listing: a few lines of info about your event; date/time; cost; location/address; organization name; and two phone numbers—one for OutSmart to reach you for questions and one for OutSmart readers to get more info on your event (can be the same number). Mail info to: OutSmart Magazine, 3406 Audubon Place, Houston 77006.
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