February Events
Your Valentine’s hot list. Film, Performance, Performance for Young People, Radio, Art/Photography, January Day by Day, Planning Ahead, HIV Testing, LookOut. Hot ticket: Mardi Gras Galveston!
compiled by Nancy Ford
Heart Me Now!: Valentine’s Day roundup
Film • Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • February Day-By-Day • Planning Ahead • HIV Testing
SEE ALSO LookOut: Houston gay events of note
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HOT TICKET
The Need for Beads
Mardi Gras Galveston provides nearly a century’s-worth of revelry
As many as 250,000 people are expected to head south on I-45 between February 5 and 16 for Mardi Gras Galveston’s parades, balls, pageants, a beach fun run, and more. Much more.
You say you never leave the house unless you’re wearing a tux? Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball, Feb. 13. You need a family-friendly venue to enjoy with your children? There’s the Mardi Gras Children’s Parade, Feb. 14. You have four legs? Grab your leash and head on over to the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Mardi Gras Parade, also
on Feb. 14.
Mardi Gras Galveston actually started in 1867, but obviously skipped a year here and there, explains RoShelle Gaskins, public relations manager for the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. Interruptions by the Great Depression and a couple of World Wars relegated Mardi Gras primarily to private parties until 1984 when George and Cynthia Mitchell revived the revelry; since then, Mardi Gras Galveston has become an annual touchstone celebration for BOIs and enthusiasts from far and wide.
Even a little thing like the devastating after-effects of a hurricane didn’t dissuade the partiers from attending Mardi Gras Galveston’s free public events.
“We had a really good outpouring for Mardi Gras in 2008, after Hurricane Ike,” says Gaskins. “The crowds were different in 2009; they were a lot more community-driven. We had a lot more people coming out during the day for the parades, but we probably still saw the same number of people. Last year was probably the largest Fat Tuesday event we ever had, and this year we’re expecting something similar.”
For a complete schedule of Mardi Gras events, log on to galveston.com/mardigras. —Nancy Ford
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What’s Not to Love for Valentine’s Day?
Wrap yourself around these amoré-inspired events in the month of February
Puppy Love.
Buy a valentine for a friend or for yourself or in a sweetheart’s name to benefit Lucky Dog Rescue. Feb. 11, 6 p.m. Elaine Turner Boutique, 2439 University Blvd. • elaineturner.com.
Romeo & Juliet.
Dominic Walsh Dance Theater and Mercury Baroque stage William Shakespeare’s ultimate match-up. Feb. 11 and 13, 8 p.m.; Feb. 14, 2 p.m. Wortham Theater Center, Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave. • dwdt.org • 832/251-0706.
F–k Love, Let’s Party!
An anti-Valentine’s extravaganza with dancing, cupid dunking, spanking booth, and more. Feb. 12, 9 p.m. $5. Frenetic Theater, 5102 Navigation Blvd. • freneticore.net • 832/426-4624.
Nature Lovers.
“Tapas on the Trails, A Valentine’s Evening at the Arboretum” features gourmet food and wine on the trails of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Feb. 13, 5–8 p.m. • 4501 Woodway Dr. • houstonarboretum.org • 713/681-8433.
Animal Attraction.
When straight Galapagos male turtles compete for a female, they rise on their legs and stretch their necks; the male with the longest neck wins. The same is probably true for gay Galapagos turtles. Explore the naturally wild world of animal mating and dating with your special someone at the Houston Zoo’s “Wild for Love” Valentine’s dinner and lecture by Rick Barongi, Houston Zoo director. Feb. 13, 7 p.m. Adults, 21+ only. • 6200 Golf Course Dr. • houstonzoo.org.
It’s Not You, It’s Me.
Aurora Picture Show presents an anti-Valentine’s themed screening of short films about the battle scars of relationships. Feb. 14, 5 p.m. Block 7, 720 Shepherd Dr. • aurorapictureshow.org • 713/868-2101.
A Different Kind of Bear.
Joey Guera hosts Osito Hugs: A Valentine’s Night benefit, featuring Roxxi Jane, Micah Walker, Kennidi, Bret Gyrich, and Eric Alan, with special guest emcee, Zoolander of 104 KRBE. Feb. 14, 6:30 p.m.–2 a.m. $5 donation benefits Osito Foundation, which distributes teddy bears to children with HIV/AIDS. South Beach Night Club, 810 Pacific St. • southbeachthenightclub.com • 713/529-SOBE.
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FILM
35mm. Aurora Picture Show and DiverseWorks present Robert Flowers’ five works in celluloid. Through Feb. 20. 1117 East Frwy. • diverseworks.org • 713/335-3445.
A Woman Under the Influence. John Cassavetes’s 1974 masterpiece. Feb. 5, 7pm. Museum of Fine Arts. 5601 Main St. • mfah.org • 713/639-7300, 713/639-7379 (Spanish).
Because the Night. Mayhem, sex, battles, romance, war, dreams, and abstract works, presented by Aurora Picture Show. Feb. 6, 7pm. Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet • aurorapictureshow.org • 713/868-2101.
Playing on the Edge of Real. Catherine Forster discusses the impact of mediation, of society’s need to “package” everything. Feb. 7, 1pm. Aurora Video Library, 1524 Sul Ross • aurorapictureshow.org • 713/868-2101.
Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? Movies Houstonians Love presents RDG + Bar Annie chef Robert Del Grande’s favorite film. Feb. 22, 7pm. Museum of Fine Arts, Brown Auditorium Theater, 1001 Bissonnet • mfah.org • 713/639-7515.
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PERFORMING ARTS
KOLD Radio, Whitefish Bay. World premiere of the farce by Phil Olson. Through Feb. 6. Theatre Suburbia, 4106 Way Out West Dr. • theatresuburbia.com • 713/682-3525.
Wonderland. Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy, and Gregory Boyd’s world premiere musical based on a different Alice’s adventures. Through Feb. 14. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. • alleytheatre.org • 713/228-8421.
Thunder Rock, a drama by Robert Ardrey. Through Feb. 20. Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square • companyonstage.org • 713/726-1219.
A Picasso. Pablo faces off with a Nazi. Through Feb. 21. Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Pkwy. • stagestheatre.com • 713/527-0123.
Birthday from Hell. The gang celebrates the death of Ned, and almost forgets Bridgette’s birthday. Through May 8. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt • radiomusictheatre.com • 713/522-7722.
A Little Day Music, a free concert by Da Camera of Houston, features bassist Ben Allison. Bring your lunch. Feb. 3, and each first Wednesday through May, noon. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. • dacamera.com • 713/524-5050.
Tosca.Patricia Racette stars in the Puccini masterpiece, presented by Houston Grand Opera. Feb. 3, 5, and 7. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave. • houstongrandopera.org • 713/228-6737.
American Menu by Texas Playwright Don Wilson Glenn examines racism in the 1960s. Feb. 4–28. Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. • ensemblehouston.com • 713/520-0055.
The Turn of the Screw. Benjamin Britten’s mysterious tale, presented by Houston Grand Opera. Feb. 6, 10, and 13. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave. • houstongrandopera.org • 713/228-6737.
Ben Allison and Man Size Safe, presented by Da Camera of Houston. Feb. 7, 3pm. Jewish Community Center, 5601 Braeswood Ave. • dacamera.com • 713/524-5050.
True Love Lies. Brad Fraser’s dark comedy about past love. Feb. 10–March 16. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo St. • theaterlabhouston.com • 713/868-7516. See related article on page 67.
The Spirit of England. Da Camera of Houston performs themes of the romantic spirit. Feb. 12, 8pm. Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. • dacamera.com • 713/524-5050.
Marcia Ball. The Zydeco darling rocks in support of her Grammy-nominated CD, Peace, Love & BBQ. Feb. 12, 10pm. Rockefeller Hall, 3620 Washington Ave. • rockefellerhall.com • 713/869-3344.
Stomp! The percussion sensation. Feb. 12–14. Society for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall 615 Louisiana • spahouston.org • 713-227-4SPA.
Revels Wake celebrates the death of winter, medieval style. Feb. 13, 7:30pm. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave. • revelshouston.org • 713/668-3303.
Rob Landes. The pianist/organist kicks off annual Lenten Recital Series. Feb. 18, 12:15pm. St. Paul’s UMC, 5501 Main St. • stpaulshouston.org • 713/528-0527.
A Number by Caryl Churchill and Machinal by Sophie Treadwell, two one-acts. Feb. 18–March 18. Main Street Theater–Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. • mainstreettheater.com • 713/524-6706.
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. Houston Symphony’s Hans Graf conducts Radu Lupu, pianist. Feb. 19–21. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. • houstonsymphony.org • 713/224-7575.
The Sunshine Boys. UpStage Theatre celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Neil Simon comedy. Feb. 19–March 6. Historic Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. • upstagetheatre.org • 713/838-7191.
Chanting in the Chapel, with monks from the Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Feb. 20, 9 and 11:30am. Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross St. • 713/524-9839.
The Band of the Irish Guards. Feb. 23, 7:30pm. Society for the Performing Arts, Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.• spahouston.org • 713/227-4SPA.
La Bayadère (The Temple Dancer). Houston Ballet world premiere with choreography by Stanton Welch. Feb. 25 and 27; March 5 and 6. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave. • houstonballet.org • 713/227-ARTS.
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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Junie B. Jone s and a Little Monkey Business, a musical by Barbara Park. Feb. 13, 20, and 27; March 6, 20, and 27, 1 and 4pm. Main St. Theatre–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. • mainstreettheater.com • 713-524-6706.
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RADIO
After Hours: Queer Radio with Attitude features the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. Sunday mornings, 1–4 am. KPFT 90.1 FM. kpft.org • 713/526-5738.
Queer Voices. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. Monday nights, 9–11 pm. KPFT 90.1 FM. kpft.org • 713/526-4000.
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ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
Joseph Cohen: Forging the Path of the Concrete. Through Feb. 13. Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose Blvd., Suite 200. wadewilsonart.com • 713/521-2977.
The Dead Drop: Covert Messages in Visual Culture requires smart camera phone loaded with the appropriate software. Through Feb. 19. Rice Media Center at Rice University, 6100 Main St. rice.edu
Allegro a Color. Magical and mythological works by Rolando Rojas through Feb. 19. Canal Street Gallery, 2219 Canal St. canalstreetgallery.com • 713/223-2219.
The New Normal explores heightened surveillance of citizens following 9/11. Through Feb. 20. DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway. diverseworks.org • 713/335-3445.
Water Sparks. Damian Priour’s retrospective of glass and stone sculptures. Through Feb. 28. Galveston Arts Center, Market and 25th Streets, Galveston. galvestonartscenter.org • 409/763-2403.
Extreme Tea, an exhibition of tea paraphernalia. Through March 21. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. crafthouston.org • 713/529-4848.
McKay Otto. Through March 27, with reception, Feb. 19, 6pm. Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose, Suite 200. wadewilsonart.com • 713/521-2977.
Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America through Galveston Island chronicles immigration through the Port of Galveston, a major gateway to American immigration. Through Sept. 11. Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd. in Galveston. moodygardens.org • 800/582-4673.
The Book of Memory. Bela Gold’s contrast between beauty and cultural references in the Holocaust. Opens Feb. 2. Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. hmh.org • 713/942-8000.
Virtuous Realities: Chalda Maloff. New digital paintings. Feb. 2-26. The Jung Center of Houston, 5200 Montrose Blvd. junghouston.org.
Return to the River honors Black History Month. Presented by Art League Houston and curated by Beth Secor. Feb. 4–March 18. JPMorgan Chase Heritage Hall, 712 Main Street artleaguehouston.org • 713/523-9530.
Ruptures and Continuities: Photography Made after 1960 from the MFAH Collection. Feb. 21–May 9. Museum of Fine Arts, 5601 Main St. mfah.org • 713/639-7300, 713/639-7379 (Spanish).
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FEBRUARY DAY-BY-DAY • WEEKLY • BIWEEKLY • MONTHLY
Through Feb. 28
The Administaff Holiday Balloon, a 60-foot diameter helium-filled balloon anchored to Jones Lawn carries up to 17 passengers 350 feet for a brief ride. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St. • 646/827-6287.
FEB. 6
I Dream of Maharani. Houston Young People for the Arts annual gala, with DJ Yogi G of Bollywood Music and Generasian Radio. 7 pm. House of Blues Houston, 1204 Caroline St. • downtownhouston.org • 713/658-8938.
FEB. 10
The Art of Cooking Mexican Food with Hugo Ortega. 6:30pm. The Houston Arboretum, 4501 Woodway Dr. • houstonarboretum.org • 713/681-8433.
FEB. 11
Ramona Davis. The executive director of Greater Houston Preservation Alliance speaks to the Prime Timers. 10:30am. St. Paul’s UMC, St. Paul’s UMC, 5501 Main St. • stpaulshouston.org • 713/528-0527.
Amiri Baraka. A discussion by the poet, playwright, and civil rights activist. 7pm. Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross St. • 713/524-9839.
FEB. 19
Debutantes Run Wild! Gala with DJ’s Tierney Malone and Danny B, presented by DiverseWorks Art Space. 7:30pm. The Bell Tower, 901 West 34th St.
FEB. 19–21
Texas Yoga Conference, presented by Texas Yoga Association, offers films, performances, and workshops. Unity Church, 2929 Unity Dr. • yoga-houston.org.
Spike Lee. The award-winning filmmaker keynotes the 2010 Black History Gala. 7pm. Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St. • hccs.edu • 713/718-5000.
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Weekly (Sundays)
The Women’s Group, a feminist group for all women. 10:15am. First Unitarian Universalist Church’s Sojourner Truth Room, 5200 Fannin • 713/529-8571.
Weekly (Mondays)
TG Support Group. Helping TransGenders Anonymous is a facilitated support group for all transgenders, supporters, family, and significant others. 7–9pm. Haven Center, 1827 W. Alabama • transhouston.com • 713/520-8586.
Gay Dad’s Support Group. Helping gay men who are or were previously married to a woman and who had children within that relationship. 7:30–9pm. Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold, room 230 • fathersfirstofhouston.com.
Weekly (Thursdays)
GLBT-Friendly Depression & Bipolar Support Group. 7:15–8:30pm. Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold, room 232. Free. 713/526-1018.
Love and Rackets. Houston Tennis Club welcomes players and enthusiasts of all skill levels. Sundays, 9am–noon; Wednesdays, 7:30–9pm; clinics, every Saturday 9–10:30am. Memorial Park Tennis Center, 1500 Memorial Loop. Annual membership, $30; court fees, $3 per session • houstontennisclub.org.
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Monthly (1st Sun.)
Free Legal Consultations for PWAs. AIDS Foundation Houston and Katine & Nechman L.L.P. offer 30 minutes of free legal consultation on any legal issue to persons with HIV and AIDS, by appointment. Katine & Nechman, 1111 North Loop West, Ste. 180 • lawkn.com • 713/808-1000.
Monthly (1st Fri.)
First Friday Happy Hour. Northwest Corner, a social and civic GLBT organization for Houstonians living northwest of Loop 610, meets. Time and location TBA • nwcorner.org.
Monthly (1st Sat.)
First Saturday Arts Market. Local artists display and sell original works of art, and local musicians entertain. 11am–6pm. Wind Water Gallery, 548 W. 19th. Free • yalestreetmarket.com.
Monthly (2nd Sat.)
Second Saturdays at Winter St. Studios. Meet and hang with artists in the studios marked by a large red dot on or near the door. 1–6pm. Winter St. Studios, 2101 Winter St. • winter
streetstudios.net • 713/862-0082.
Monthly (2nd Tues.)
Community Center Dinner Night, presented by Houston GLBT Community Center. Participants are responsible for their own meals. 6:30pm. West Gray Café, 415 W. Gray St. • houston glbtcommunitycenter.org • 713/524-3818.
Monthly (3rd Sun.)
LOAF Meet and Greet. Lesbians Over Age Fifty meet for munchies and fellowship; bring some of both. 2pm. 1034 West 17th St.
(Monthly) 3rd Wed.
Bingo with the Divas, hosted by An’ Marie Gill & Jessica Van Shelton. 8–10pm. Benefits Bering Omega Foundation. Tony’s Corner Pocket, 817 W. Dallas St.
Share with PFLAG Houston in a safe, confidential setting. 7:30pm. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church’s Chatham Room, 1805 Alabama St. • pflaghouston.org.
Monthly (4th Wed.)
Lesbian Dinner Group. Single and coupled women come for a meal but stay for the camaraderie. 7:30pm. Cafe Express, 1422 W. Gray St. • [email protected].
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PLANNING AHEAD
CraftTexas 2010. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft calls for entry for the sixth in a series of juried exhibitions showcasing the best in Texas-made contemporary craft. Deadline, March 1. callforentry.org • 713/529-4848.
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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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