Local News

Calendar: October 2007

October Events
Day by day. Performing Arts. Performing Arts for Young People. Radio. Visual Arts/Photography. HIV Testing. Plus spotlight on David Sedaris, Gay Softball World Series

October Day-By-Day Planning AheadPerforming Arts Performing Arts for Young PeopleRadioArt/PhotographyHIV Testing

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Spotlight: He talk pretty tonight
David Sedaris reads from selected hilarity

David
David Sedaris

The past few times the openly gay David Sedaris has come through town to read from various works, he has sold out well in advance. No wonder some describe him as the literary equivalent of a rock star. (Too bad he rarely does interviews.) Approachable despite his celebrity, Sedaris makes himself available for post-show book signings, asking each person a unique, random question before autographing. At his last reading in Houston, a hopeful young writer in front of this hopeless not-so-young writer, chatted Sedaris up about making the move to New York. He gladly indulged that person with advice while signing a copy of Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. • What endears the diminutive, squeaky-voiced wordsmith to audiences is his painfully honest, yet eloquent, often self-abasing tales of his past. Whether writing about his childhood travails as an awkward, budding homosexual with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or his inept attempts at learning the native language while living with his boyfriend, Hugh, in France, practically anyone can relate to his vulnerability. — Eric A.T. Dieckman
THE WHO David Sedaris
THE WHAT Reading from various selections with Society of the Performing Arts
THE WHERE Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
THE WHEN Thursday, October 25, 8 p.m.
THE WHEREWITHAL $20–$40, 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org

Spotlight: THEY’RE OUT
 
But we mean that in a good way. Six teams, including Force, Hellcats, Clippers, Hellraisers, Vipers, and Legal Eagles from our town’s Montrose Softball League, as well as the championship-defending women of the Houston Blaze of the Houston Women’s Softball League (25 years old this year), compete in the October 1–6 Gay Softball World Series in Seattle. Meanwhile, closer to home, MSL sponsors a Fall Fun League each Sunday afternoon in October. Slo-Pitch City Softball Park, 1826 Gault Rd. Details: www.montrosesoftballleague.com.   — Nancy Ford
Spotlight: AN ARTFUL AFFAIR TO REMEMBER  
The annual art auction held annually to raise funds for the Houston GLBT Community Center gets a new twist this year. Including special guests, illusionist Jimmy James, Houston City Controller Annise D. Parker, and KHOU-TV anchor Vicente Arenas, art students of the Art Institute of Houston and American Intercontinental University present work and compete for a cash prize. Proceeds from the auction also benefit Darla School for Mentally Retarded Adults, located in Montrose. October 6, 6 p.m.–midnight, Renaissance Houston in Greenway Plaza. Tickets: $100, includes dinner. Details: 713/524-3818, www.houstonglbtcommunitycenter.org. — N.F.

Spotlight: PERFECT PITCH

Houston Pride Band members and their groupies pitch their tents once again for the group’s annual Halloween Campout and Camp Show. $45 covers your camping fees plus all meals for the deep-woods celebration, this year themed Dream Ghouls. If you want to bring your own grub, the fare is only $20. October 26–28 at Rockin’ R Campground. For directions, log on to www.rockinrranch.net. RSVP by October 19 to Russell Ben Williams, [email protected]. — N.F.Spotlight: SCREAM LIKE A LITTLE GIRL
With October comes the unofficial opening of the scary movie season. Jumping on the boo-licious bandwagon is the Silver Screams Movie Festival. Films to be screened include Bride of Frankenstein, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Psycho, The Night Flier, Clive Barker’s Candyman, and Re-Animator. The film festival also features an exhibit of the artwork of Barker, who is openly gay. October 12–13. Studio Movie Grill, 8580 Highway 6. Details: www.studiomoviegrill.com/houston. — N.F.

Spotlight: THE EERIE NATURE OF NATURE
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center presents ArBOOretum, a family-oriented, al fresco Halloween Fest. Wear a costume, bring a flashlight. There are trick-or-treat stops scattered along the spooky forest trail. Other stops offer education about various forest animals. Live owls, face painting, a small planetarium, and much more keep the night full of wonder. No pets. $10 for ages 3 and up, free for members. Tickets sold separately for carnival events, food, and refreshments. Saturday, October 27, 3–8 pm at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway, Memorial Park.   More info: 713/681-8433 or www.HoustonArboretum.org. — E.D.

Spotlight: AGGIELAND FUN  
Alumni, old friends, and former residents of the Brazos Valley—all are invited to the Fall Homecoming hosted by Brazos Valley QueSt, an organization for the queer and queer-supportive community in its seven-county region. Also considered a reunion of Texas A&M queers (as opposed to its steers), the event is scheduled for October 13, 7 p.m., with a show at 9 p.m. The $5 minimum donation supports the BV QueSt’s scholarship fund. Halo Bar, 121 N. Main St. in Bryan. Details: 979/314-4532, www.bvquest.org. — N.F.

Spotlight: SORDID LAUGHS !  
One of our favorite GLBT-based theater groups, Unhinged Productions, continues its run of Sordid Lives, by openly gay playwright Del Shores. Shores has gotten into trouble with Da Man in the past for his hysterical and spot-on portrayal of Southern Baptist religious extremists. This production is likely to produce similar laughs. Runs through October 20 at Silver House Theatre, 1107 Chartres St. Details: www.u-p.org. — N.F.

Spotlight: THE MEANING OF LIFE
 
Gay and bisexual men age 30 to 45 are invited to join a free, peer-driven book group to discuss Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by Houston psychotherapist James Hollis. The group is facilitated by Terence O’Neill, longtime community figure and now a staffer for City Controller Annise Parker. The only requirement: purchase a copy of Hollis’ book (at the Jung Center, online at www.junghouston.org/bookstore, or elsewhere). No initiation fees or commitments. 7:30–9 pm, at The Jung Center, 5200 Montrose Blvd. More information: 713/524-8253 or [email protected]. — E.D.

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October DAY BY DAY
(see also October Weekly and Monthly)

6 (Sat.)

The One-and-Only Lily Tomlin. Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) presents “An Evening of Classic Lily,” an evening in which Lily Tomlin journeys back in time re-creating more than a dozen of her famous characters including Ernestine the irascible telephone operator and the devilish 6-year-old Edith Ann. 8 pm at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets ($20–$100) can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713/227-4SPA, or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall. See interview with Tomlin at www.OutSmartMagazine.com.

6 (Sat.)

Fais Do Do. Krewe of Olympus’ annual “Cajun Fais Do Do” kicks it up a notch with Cajun food, music, and a little lagniappe, mon chere. Enter the raffle for a 40” widescreen HDTV with DVD player and laissez les bon temps roulez. $25, $5 for raffle tickets. 7–11 pm at Winter Street Gallery, 2101 Winter St. More information: www.mardigrastexas.com.

6 (Sat.)

Drag It Down to Galveston. “Avenues were newer then, girls were girls and men were men….” Likely completely ignoring those lyrics, Aurora Briar, the Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star Imperial Princess, presents All in the Family, “a celebration of community” in Galveston. 8:30 pm,   Undercurrent, 2409 Market. 409/750-8571, www.undercurrentgalveston.com. 

6 (Sat.)

Everybody Wins! Colt 45’s AIDS Trouble Fund is the beneficiary for the first annual Miss Drag Houston contest. The top five finalists from the first set will compete in a second set, with the winner determined by the amount of cash they bring in from the crowd, explains James Crawford, whose Niceties Productions is organizing the show. 8:30 pm at EJ’s Bar and Grill, 2517 Ralph St. Details: 713/443-2299, [email protected].

12 (Fri.)

Latino and Lovin’ It. In celebration of Dia de la Hispanidad (the Day of the Hispanic World), the Institute of Hispanic Culture presents folkloric music and dance. Free. 6:30 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. More information: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

13 & 14 (Sat. & Sun.)

Art on the Bayou. The Bayou City Art Festival Downtown showcases the works of 300 fine artists from Houston and around the world. There’s also an interactive Creative Zone with free art projects and activities for children, multi-cultural musical and dance entertainment, visual art demonstrations, and food and wine. $10, free for kids 12 and under. 10 am–6 pm, downtown Houston. More information: 713/521-0133 or www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

15 (Mon.)

Science (Fiction) Story Time. Richard Powers has authored numerous stories combining modern issues with science and technology. Jennifer Egan is lauded as one of the most talented writers of her generation. Hear them both read from selected works. Tickets available at door only. 7:30 pm at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. More info: 713/521-2026 or www.inprinthouston.org.

20 (Sat.)

Wine and Dine on the Docks. The South Shore Harbour Resort & Marina on Clear Lake hosts this annual celebration of fine food and wine. Sample vino from around the globe, feast on live music, get inspired by cooking demos and car and yacht displays. More information: 281/334-4900, 281/338-7339, or www.southshorefestival.com.

20 & 21 (Sat. & Sun.)

Dia de los Chinos. Celebrate Chinese and Asian culture at the Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta in Clear Lake. Thousands of people attend from around the country to race and witness these long, narrow, decorated boats. The two-day event features live cultural performances and a variety of Asian and American cuisine. Free. 8:30 am–4:30 pm at Clear Lake Park. More information: 832/687-7208 or www.texasdragonboat.com.

20 & 21 (Sat. & Sun.)

‘Sup, Homes? Take a tour on the 12th Annual Eastwood Historic Homes Tour. Developed in 1911, Eastwood was one of Houston’s first master-planned subdivisions. $10. Information and reservations: 713/412-8861, [email protected], or eastwood-houston.com.

20 & 21 (Sat. & Sun.)

Art on the Beach. ARToberFEST 2007 is “the big show” for Galveston’s Arts and Entertainment District. Take in the works of over 120 artists and artisans. Drop the wee ones off at the Interactive Kid’s Art Project. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Galveston Island Humane Society and the AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas, which offer volunteers during the festival. $3 (free for kids 12 and under). Sat., 10 am–6 pm, and Sun., 10 am–5 pm, at 2115 Postoffice St., Galveston. More information: 409/762-3617, [email protected], or www.artoberfest.com.

21 (Sun.)

Think Pink. The Passionately Pink for the Cure party serves a great purpose in a fun way in a cool setting. DJ Special K from KRBE spins. Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. $5 donation. 1 pm at Club 1415, 1415 California St. More information: www.myspace.com/thepinkpals.

27 & 28 (Sat. & Sun.)

Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting. Shaolin Warriors demonstrate the beauty of movement inherent in Kung Fu. The Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple display their martial arts as well as provide a glimpse into their daily temple life and Zen Buddhist philosophy. $20–$50. Oct. 27, 7:30 pm, and Oct. 28, 2 pm, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Information and reservations: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

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 (Sundays)

KPFT 90.1 Fall Concert Series. Celebrate the melodious melting pot of Houston with an eclectic mix of music. Listen to 90.1FM for details about this show on Miller Outdoor’s small stage. Free. 4 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. More information: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

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 (Saturdays)

Second Saturdays at Winter St. Studios. It’s open-door policy at Winter St. Studios every second Saturday of the month (this month July 14). This is a great way to meet and hang with the varied artists working in many different media and styles in their studios. Participating artists have a large red dot on or near the door of their studio. All are welcome between 1 and 6 pm. At Winter St. Studios, 2101 Winter St. More information: 713/862-0082 or www.winterstreetstudios.net.

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

November 1 (Thur.)

Bocca Tango. Argentine superstar Julio Bocca joins members of his Ballet Argentino to perform their “tango with a twist” showcase. The recital ranges from athletic prowess to sultry sensuality. (Partial nudity.) $20–$60. 8 pm at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Information and reservations: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

November 2 (Fri.)

Le Belle Epoque. Travel to the past to visit a chi-chi party on Paris’ Left Bank with the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt and composer Reynaldo Hahn. Music from Parisian theater productions by the greatest composers of the day, intimate poetry settings, and rarely performed songs by the flamboyant mystic Augusta Holmès intermingle with readings and memoirs. $22–$38. 8 pm at Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby. Information and reservations: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

November 2 & 3 (Fri. & Sat.)

The Ice Wolf. In Joanna Halpert Kraus’ story set in a remote Eskimo settlement, the villagers disdain young Anatou, blaming her for famine and storms. Fleeing into the forest, she begs the Wood God to turn her into a wolf. $5. 7:30 pm at Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524-6706, www.mainstreettheater.com, or www.ticketweb.com.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Arsenic and Old Lace. Who’s the craziest? Mortimer, who suspects his aunts of murder; Teddy, who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt; or Mortimer’s aunts, the Brewster sisters, who just might actually be committing those murders after all? Tickets start at $21. Oct. 5–Nov. 4 at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. (“Mix & Mingle” showing Oct. 31 runs from 6–7:30 pm and allows attendees some social time before curtain.) Reservations and information: 713/220-5700 or www.alleytheatre.org.

Avenue Q. Can people and puppets live out their dreams in New York? Or will they be crushed into hopeless wads of felt? $23–$72. Oct. 23–Nov. 4 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Information and reservations: 713/629-3700 or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. More: www.avenueq.com.

Bach meets Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings precedes J. S. Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor. Also on the roster is Dmitri Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano and Trumpet. $30, $10 for students. Oct. 22, 7:30 pm, at Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby. Information and reservations: 713/315-2525.

The Busy World Is Hushed. Hannah, an Episcopal priest and scholar, hires a skeptic to help her write a book on a newly discovered gospel. Through the research and writing process, family and faith are tested and eventually strengthened. $10–$35. Through Oct. 21, show times vary, at Main Street Theater–Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524-6706, www.mainstreettheater.com, or www.ticketweb.com.

Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will? The grown-up kids of a quarrelling family gather around the deathbed of their dyin’ Pa. But no one knows where the old man left his last will and testament. Let the family bickering begin. $14, $12 for seniors/students. Oct. 26–Nov. 11 at Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Rd. in the Nassau Bay Shopping Village. Reservations and information: 281/335-5228 or www.clearcreekcountrytheatre.org.

Dreamgirls. Liked the movie? Maybe you’ll love it live. The original 1981 Broadway production won six Tonys. Tap them toes to tunes like, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “I Am Changing,” and “Dreamgirls.” $29–$93. Oct. 9–21 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby at Walker. Information and reservations: 713/558-8887, 888/558-3882, or www.tuts.com.

Enso String Quartet perform Pleyel, Ginastera, and Ravel. $30. Oct. 23, 7:30 pm, at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Information and reservations: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

Mariza. Considered the new face of Fado, the Portuguese blues, this songstress charms audiences with her stunning voice and presence. $15–$45. Oct. 19, 8 pm, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Info/reservations: 713-227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

My Twentieth Century. Compositions by Shih-Hui Chen, Martin Bresnick, and Simon Bainbridge are featured in this performance of works inspired by memory and literature. $30. Oct. 23, 7:30 pm, at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Information and reservations: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

Poetic License. In Carla Williams’ romantic comedy, a poet resurfaces in the life of Martie. Though she hasn’t seen her poet lover since college, he’s ready to pick up where they left off. But is Martie ready? $12, $11 seniors/students, $10 matinees. Through Oct. 13, 8:30 pm Fri./Sat., 3 pm Sun., at Theatre Suburbia, 1410 W. 43rd. Info/reservations: 713/682-3525 or www.theatresuburbia.com.

Regina Carter. The jazz violinist returns to the Da Camera jazz series with a new program based on her recent recording, I’ll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey. She and her sextet perform works by Rodgers and Hart, Duke Ellington, W. C. Handy, and others. $26.50–$45. Oct. 12, 8 pm, at Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. Info/reservations: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

Rough Night at the Remo Room. The misadventures of the befuddling Fertle Family continue. This time, big-city problems claw their way into Dumpster, Texas. How will these simple country folk deal with crime, dope, and a homeless guy? $20. Through Nov. 17 at Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Reservations and information: 713/522-7722 or www.radiomusictheatre.com.

The Scene. In this poignant comedy, three New Yorkers living on the fringe of the entertainment world have their worlds toppled by the next hot young thing. (Contains profanity and sexual situations.) Tickets start at $21. Oct. 25–Nov. 25 (no performance Nov. 22—Thanksgiving) at The Alley Theatre’s Neuhaus Stage, 615 Texas Ave. Info/reservations: 713/220-5700 or www.alleytheatre.org.

Shew! Fly! As part of the Bayou City Art Festival Downtown, CORE Performance Company premieres another site-based performance within, around, and through the festival grounds. Look for them around the Historic Hermann Square’s fountain and pond. Performance is free with festival admission of $10 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. Oct. 13 and 14, 2 pm, at City Hall and Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston. More info: 713/521-0133, www.bayoucityartfestival.com, or www.severaldancerscore.org.

Water Music. As if we needed more precipitation, Mercury Baroque makes a splash with Handel’s suite of the same name and Rebel’s Les Elements. $22–$49. Oct. 20, 8 pm, at the Cullen Theater, 501 Texas at Smith. Information and reservations: 713/533-0080 or www.MercuryBaroque.org.

The Woman in Black. A lawyer hires an actor to tutor his retelling of the curious goings-on at the funeral of an elderly recluse. $10. Oct. 26–Nov. 10, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, at The Country Playhouse. 12802 Queensbury. Information and reservations: 713/467-4497 or www.countryplayhouse.org.

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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Great Cross Country Race. In this version of “The Tortoise and the Hare,” Mr. Sloe challenges the braggadocious Mr. Fleet to a race. Sure, we all know how it ends, but here, it’s the journey and not the finish that matters most. Through Oct. 20 at A. D. Players Children’s Theater at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer at Edloe. Information and reservations: 713-526-2721 or www.adplayers.org.

Ramona Quimby. Based on the series of books by Beverly Cleary, when Ramona’s dad loses his job, she learns that being grown-up isn’t easy. She also learns being a kid and growing up is no day at the zoo, either. Opening night (Oct. 12) includes special giveaways. $11 adults, $9 children/students. No children under 3. Friday, Oct. 12, at 7 pm, Saturdays, Oct. 13–Nov. 10, 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.

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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).

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ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

Dr. Robert O. Fisch. Holocaust survivor, doctor, and distinguished artist, Fisch presents illustrated works from two of his books. Free. Through Feb. 3, 2008, at the Holocaust Museum Houston’s Laurie Milton Boniuk Research Center and Library, 5401 Caroline St. More information: 713/942-8000 or www.hmh.org.

Houston Wilderness. Over 50 photographs offer unique interpretations of the diverse eco-regions that encompass and surround Houston. Through Jan. 6, 2008, at the Museum of Fine Art’s Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet St.   More info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379, TDD/TYY for the hearing impaired, call 713/639-7390).

Hurricane on the Bayou. Narrated by Meryl Streep and driven by a rousing jazz, blues, and gospel-fueled soundtrack, this IMAX doc is both a disconcerting record of Katrina’s human effects and a call to restore Louisiana’s wetlands, rebuild New Orleans, and honor the place where America’s most vibrant homegrown culture was born. After seeing Hurricane on the Bayou, check out Vanishing Wetlands: Two Views. This exhibition displays the scientific and social impact of this environmental loss. $9 for adults; $7 for children (3–11), seniors, and college students. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

Kirsten Hassenfeld. The New York artist’s new installation is a series of translucent hanging sculptures. The shapes, six to eight feet in diameter and reminiscent of the structure of crystals, are made from paper but possess an extravagant look. Free. Through Dec. 9 at Rice Gallery, Sewall Hall off campus entrance 1 at Main and Sunset Blvd. More info: 713/348-6069 or www.ricegallery.org.

Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia. Meet Lucy, or at least what’s left of her. The original fossilized remains of this 3.2 million-year-old hominid visit Houston. With 40 percent of her skeleton intact, Lucy’s remains remain the oldest and most complete adult human ancestor fully retrieved from African soil. Over 100 artifacts illuminate the rich heritage of Lucy’s homeland, including fossils, historical manuscripts, musical instruments, and implements of daily use to name a few. $20 adults; $12 kids (3–11)/seniors (62+)/college students. Through April 20, 2008, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More information: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

Nexus Texas. This exhibit looks at the multiple layers of creativity at work in the state today, spanning generations, subjects, and media to present new work by a group of artists living and working in the state. A number of public programs illustrate, expound upon, and celebrate the Lone Star State and its art. (Git yer playin’ face ready; there’s a game of Texas Hold ‘em a-brewin!’) Free. Through Oct. 21, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. For more info on programs or to inquire about group tours: 713/284-8257 or www.camh.org.  

Ornament as Art: Avant-Garde Jewelry from the Helen Williams Drutt Collection. This collection showcases a broad array of national and international pieces from the 1960s through today. In addition to approximately 275 works of jewelry, the exhibit also holds drawings, watercolors, sketchbooks, and sculptural constructions of over 175 artists from 18 countries. Through Jan. 21, 2008, in the MFA’s Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main. Info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379, TDD/TYY for the hearing impaired, call 713/639-7390).

Otabenga Jones & Associates. Four young African-American artists, who met as students at TSU, seek to address African-American identity politics through installation and performance art. Through Dec. 9 at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. More info: 713/525-9400 or www.menil.org.

The Private, Dixie Friend Gay. An exhibition of early drawings and prints (1976–1987) by Gay, 2007 Texas Artist of the Year, the majority of these erotic, exquisitely detailed early works have never been publicly exhibited (adult content). Through Oct. 19 at Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. More info: 713/523-9530, [email protected], or www.artleaguehouston.org.

RED HOT: Asian Art Today. Drawn from the holdings of Asian contemporary art of Houston collectors, many of these works have not been seen outside of their home countries. Through Oct. 21 at the Museum of Fine Arts’ Beck Building (as well as public spaces around the museum campus), 5601 Main St. More info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379).

Stanley Hosrich. The Houston painter displays a selection of abstracts. Oct. 6–27 at Darke Gallery, 5321 Feagan. More information: 713/542-3802 or www.darkegallery.com.

Through the Eye of the Needle: Fabric Art of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. While many Holocaust survivors have chosen to write their survival stories, at age 50, Esther Nisenthal Krinitz chose a unique medium — sewing. Trained as a dressmaker but untrained in art, Krinitz created 36 fabric pictures. Meticulously stitched words beneath the pictures provide a narrative, and vivid colors and detailed images bring a fascinating sense of realism to the cloth. Free. Through Feb. 10, 2008, at Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline. More info: 713/942-8000 or www.hmh.org.

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HIV TESTING

Thomas Street Clinic 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.

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