CALENDAR JANUARY 2004

Daily (Mon.–Fri.)

HIV Testing. HCHD Thomas Street Clinic is offering HIV testing free to the public, 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.

Daily (Mon.–Sat.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing at these locations. Monday: Bricks, 617 Fairview, 4–8 pm; O, 710 Pacific, 9 pm–1 am. Tuesday: The 611, 611 Hyde Park, 4–8 pm; Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 8 pm–midnite. Wednesday: Mary's, 1100 Westheimer, 4–8 pm; Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 9 pm–1 am; EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: All-Star News, 3415 Katy Frwy, 4–8 pm; BRB, 2400 Brazos, 8 pm–midnite; Cousins, 817 Fairview, 8 pm–midnite. Friday: EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am; The Meatrack, 2915 San Jacinto, 10 pm–2 am; Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto, 10 pm–1 am. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. For more info: 713/830-3000.

8 (Thu.)

Chill Out. Mindful Living presents an eight-week class in mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction. Gain self-awareness, reduce reactivity to thought and urges and nurture your well-being through this approach intended as a complement to competent medical and psychological treatment, not an alternative. Thursdays, 6:30–9 pm. Info: 713/522-7032 or www.livingmindfully.org.

10 (Sat.)

A Winter’s Intermezzo. The Center for the Performing Arts at the Woodlands, home to Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, hosts this fundraiser to benefit the Pavilion’s educational outreach and performing arts programs. The black-tie event offers a sumptuous meal with wine pairings, performances from the Houston Symphony, the Houston Ballet, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and a raffle for a 2004 BMW Z4 Roadster, a European trip for two, and a ladies’ Baume & Mercier diamond-trimmed watch. $250/person, $2,500–$15,000/table for 10. 6:30 pm at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, 281/364-3010 or www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org.

13 (Tue.)

The Chieftains. With 40 years and 40 albums behind them, The Chieftains are Ireland’s most enduring and endearing musical ambassadors. Having played with countless major names in the musical world from the Rolling Stones to Sarah McLachlan, the quartet returns to Houston with the breathtaking Celtic music of the flute, harp, fiddle, and uileann pipes. 8 pm at Jones Hall. Tickets/info: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

16 (Fri.)

Séan Curran Company. A former Irish step dancer and member of STOMP, Seán Curran has equal love for dance as well as rhythm. His original style blends intelligence, innovation, and inspired physical humor. 8 pm at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. For tickets and information: 713/227-4SPA or www.spahouston.org.

21 (Wed.)

Singer/songwriters Patrice Pike and Ellis christen their Texas tour with a go-girls gig in Houston. Pike built up her musical talents with the popular Austin band Sister Seven, who put Pike on stage with the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, and Dave Matthews. After the band’s breakup, Pike continued with her solo career, touring much of ’03 in the Austin City Limits Festival, playing alongside REM, Ben Harper, Ween, and others. • Ellis developed her folk-rock style as vocalist for the six-piece band Bobby Llama. Tireless, she spent her college years intermittently studying, touring regionally with Llama, recording solo work, and performing solo. Her third solo effort, Everything That’s Real (Rubberneck—her own label) has received critical acclaim. 9 pm @ Rhythm Room, 1815 Washington Ave. $8. Info: www.gogirlsmusic.com.

23 (Fri.)

Some Other Night Music. Da Camera pairs twilight-inspired music with Van Gogh’s impassioned mandala covered painting The Starry Night. Compositions include Brahm’s Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8, and Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night, Op. 4. Performers include baritone William Sharp and cellist Andres Diaz. $20–$35. 8 pm at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas. Tickets/info: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

23 & 24 (Fri. & Sat.)

A Man’s Piece. Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group begins with Introduction, a rhythmic lecture of the hidden rituals of Christians of the African Diaspora. Then, with Big Brick, Wilson as choreographer rents at the stereotyped assumptions and pitfalls of being male, drawing from the blues, slave, and spiritual cultures of Africans in the Americas (and Diaspora). Rendering this into a modern context and movement style, he creates what he sometimes calls “post-African/modern dances.” $15. 8 pm at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. For information: 713/335-3445 or www.diverseworks.org.

24 & 25 (Sat. & Sun.)

Mancini at the Movies. This multi-media tribute to Academy Award-winning composer Henry Mancini features the tunesmith’s daughter, vocalist Monica Mancini, singing a collection of her father’s cherished hits. $16.50–$43. 2 pm and 8 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday, at Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. Tickets and info: 409/765-1894, 800/821-1894, or www.thegrand.com.

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26 (Mon.)

Jazz, Blues, & Poetry. One of the most highly regarded literary programs in the country, Inprint brings another installment of accomplished writers to the Alley to read from their works. Yusef Komunyakaa and Kevin Young read from their poetry, Komunkayaa’s work influenced by his Louisiana upbringing, Vietnam war experience, Young’s love poems based on the blues . $5 (free for students and seniors). 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:45 pm) at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. For tickets: 713/521-2026 or www.input-inc.org.

29–31 (Thu.–Sat.)

Yippee-Ki-Ay. Riders in the Sky join the Houston Symphony to deliver Texadelic cowboy musical delights for cowpokes of all ages. Recently awarded a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children, these rustlers round up reflections of the Old West for the whole family. 7:30 pm Thursday, 8 pm Friday & Saturday at Jones Hall. Tickets/info: 713/224-7575 or www.houstonsymphony.org.

30 & 31 (Fri. & Sat.)

The Oak Ridge Boys. Elvira. A-oom-bop-a-bow-bow. That pretty much says it all. The four-part harmony marked by an earth-rattling basso profundo makes their way to Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. Dust off that Stetson and platter-sized belt buckle and sing along to some classic country favorites. $26–$56. 7:30 pm at 2020 Postoffice St. For tickets and info: 409/765-1894, 800/821-1894, or www.thegrand.com.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR FEBRUARY 2004

February 5–8 (Thu.–Sun.)

The Victory Foundation holds its Candidates and Campaigns Training Institute in Tampa, Florida, to shape future GLBT community leaders. For information, call Lucy Bartlett at 202/842-7312 or apply online at www.victoryfoundation.org.

February 6 (Fri.)

The Jacky Terrason Trio features Sean Smith on acoustic bass and native Houstonian and HSPVA grad Eric Harland on drums. Terrason’s work brings a fresh approach to jazz, pop standards, and his own compositions, winning him a Victories du Jazz award, the French version of a jazz Grammy. $25–$40. 8 pm at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas at Smith. Tickets/info: 713/524-5050 or www.dacamera.com.

February 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.)

Cinderelly, Cinderelly. Orchestra X conductor John Axelrod leads a cast of rising stars through Rossini’s La Cenerentola (aka Cinderella). Ticket price includes dessert and coffee. 7:30 pm at Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston, 4200 Elgin, Entrance 18. Info: 713-225-6729 or www.orchestrax.org.

February 8 (Sun.)

Eggs-ultation. Bayou City Boys Club brings “Rise Up,” a gospel and all-you-can-eat brunch that includes bottomless Mimosas and live gospel entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Center for AIDS in memory of community activist Joel Martinez who founded the center and passed away this November. $35. 11:30 am–2 pm at 1415 California St. For tickets/information: www.bayoucityboysclub.org.

February 9 (Mon.)

Owl of the Desert. In this crime fiction by Ida Swearington, Kate Porter is just out of prison. On her way to settle the scores with her father and the militia he led, she learns someone has “plans” for her. Murder by the Book hosts a reading and discussion. 6 pm at 2342 Bissonnet.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Bat Boy: The Musical. Do you need any selling point beyond a title like that? I mean really. Well, if you do need more, West Virginia has been terrorized by a fearsome fangy half-bat, half-boy. His name is Edgar. He yearns to live the life of a normal boy. And he sings. $25–$35. Through January 11 at Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy at Waugh Dr. For tickets and information: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.

• Bright Ideas. Playwright Eric Coble introduces to Josh and Genevra Bradley, two ambitious, dedicated and successful parents determined to raise the perfect child. But there’s a waiting list to get their tyke into the best school in town. In the competitive world of prestigious schools, some parents will kill to get their kid into the best school in town. Literally. $25–35. January 14–February 8 at Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy at Waugh Dr. For tickets and information: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.

• Dancing in Harlem. Aaron Callies’ story, a song-and-dance celebration of Harlem’s early days, promises loads of gut-level entertainment. January 10–February 14, 7 pm, at The Musical Theatre of Houston, 311 W. 18th St. For information: 713/868-2566 or e-mail Curtainup@webtv.net.

• Flower Drum Song. With a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein and a new book by Tony Award-winner David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), this story follows the lives of Asians in 1950s America. The production includes such hits as “I Enjoy Being a Girl” and “Grant Avenue” and examines what it means to be an American. January 15–February 1 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby at Walker. For tickets: 713/558-TUTS or 1-888-558-3882.

• Jenufa. Janácek’s greatest love story, this tragic drama features two of the greatest singing actresses of our time, sopranos Patricia Racette (as Jenufa) and Catherine Malfitano (as Kostelnicka). In a quiet Moravian village, Jenufa waits to hear if her beloved Steva will be drafted, whose baby she carries in secret. When he rejects her, Jenufa’s stepmother Kostelnicka conspires to marry Jenufa to Steva’s half-brother, Laca. $14 and up. January 23–February 7 at Wortham Center’s Brown Theater. Info: www.houstongrandopera.org.

• The Last Five Years. This intensely personal look at the relationship between a writer and an actress is told from both points of view, goes against the grain of the usual musical theater formulas and ushers in a unique musical score. January 7–February 14, 5 & 8 pm at Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. Tickets: 713/868-7516.

• The Magic Flute. Mozart’s captivating favorite tells the story of Princess Pamina and Prince Tamino, who falls in love with her. $19 and up. January 30–February 15 @ Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater, Texas Ave. at Smith St. For information: 713/228-OPERA, 1-800-62-OPERA, or www.houstongrandopera.org.

• Manon Lescaut. Puccini’s passionate opera, based on French novelist’s Abbe’ Provost 1731 work, made him famous. See why. $20–$30. January 29–February 7 @ Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. For tickets: 713/861-5303 or www.operaintheheights.org.

• Oh, Boy! This 1917 musical is set at the end of the Edwardian Era and the dawnof the Roaring Twenties. The comical story of romantic marital mix-ups and mistaken identity features Main Street fave Joel Sandel. $20–30. Through January 17 at Main Street Theater (Chelsea Market), 4617 Montrose Blvd. Tickets/info: 713/524-6706 or www.mainstreettheater.com.

• Our Country: The History of Country Music. The history of America and the history of country music are both documented and paralleled in this visually stunning IMAX film. Historical footage is edited with breathtaking images of the mountains of Appalachia, the Grand Ole Opry, and the deserts of California. Featured artists include Dolly Parton, retro-country boys Asleep at the Wheel, Guy Clark, Loretta Lynn, and Houston’s own Lyle Lovett. Through June 7 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. For information: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

• Proof. The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning play focuses on a young woman who finds her father’s notebook. Her father, a genius mathematician has left behind a mathematical proof whose impact could have enormous implications. Proof is a mystery, a love story, and a pleasure for the mind. January 9–February 1 at The Alley’s Neuhaus Stage, 615 Texas Ave. For tickets and information: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

• Romantic Comedy. On his wedding day, Jason Carmichael meets the love of his life. Imagine the surprise of his bride-to-be that the love of his life is not her. Through January 17 at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. For tickets: 713/726-1219.

• Spring Fieldwork. Several Dancers Core and the Houston Community College Central Dance Department, in conjunction with The Field (a NY-based artist service organization) meets for 10 weekly sessions of works-in-progress and artist feedback. $50/10-week session. Begins Wednesday, January 28. 7–9 pm in Studio A at 3517 Austin, HCC central campus. For information: 713/862-5530 or sdcinfo@mindspring.com.

• TEXAS: The Big Picture. Anyone who’s Texas-proud and is looking to convert a few unbelievers will find this Texaccentric film handy. Narrated by native Texan Colby Donaldson (of Survivor: The Australian Outback) who grew up on a ranch in the small town of Christoval in West Texas, TEXAS portrays the Lone Star State in all its cinematic beauty, from her rugged mountains to her serene plains to her majestic city skylines and all her diverse inhabitants therein. Through June 7 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. For information: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

• Topdog/Underdog. Lincoln and Booth are brothers, named by their father as a poorly chosen joke. The Pulitzer Prize-winning story of these two brothers, both three-card monte hustlers, digs deep into the existential dilemmas of being African-American and male in the United States. In this dizzying dance of brotherly love and hate, the balance of power keeps changing, with their ability to harm each other unending—they aren’t named Lincoln and Booth for nothing. Through February 15 at The Alley’s Neuhaus Stage, 615 Texas Ave. For tickets and information: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

• A Tuna Christmas returns to Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House. A Texas countrified version of A Night Before Christmas, Tuna brings original cast members Jaston Williams and Tony Award-nominee Joe Sears with their mess-o-kooky characters in Tuna, Texas, where the “Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.” $11–$48. January 6–11 at the Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. For tickets and info: 409/765-1894, 800/821-1894, or www.thegrand.com.

• Why Do the Children Rust? takes a look at some basic facts. The earth is two-thirds water; the human body is 70% water. So why do the children rust? It’s hard to say, but nobody can take a stab at such an obtuse question like bobbindoctrin puppet theatre. Not for the kiddies or the faint of heart, bobbindoctrin dives into the deep using murky, inventive approaches using a broad production approach of expression. Projection art, shadow puppetry, marionettes, hand puppets, and live actors move about seamlessly in these tales of a madman saved from evil spirits by melted dollies in the trees, 100 Victorian matrons condemned to trudge through miles of kelp, and wily gay ’70s adventures aboard the Love Boat, rife with moustaches galore. January 9–24, 8 & 9:30 p.m., @ Helios, 411 Westheimer. $6–$8 ($5 opening weekend). Info: 713/526-7434 or www.bobbindoctrin.org.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• Santa’s Toy Shop finds troubling goings-on at the North Pole. With Santa frightfully slow in his toy production, Mrs. Claus and the elves make plans to save Christmas and the hopes of little children around the globe. Through January 10 at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square, 713/726-1219.

• The Snow Queen. The iniquitous Snow Queen has separated Gerda and Kai. Gerda risks everything to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen’s ice palace in this tale of love and redemption adapted from the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. January 24–March 6 at The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square, 713/726-1219.

• The Velveteen Rabbit. Houston Grand Opera’s Opera to Go! presents HGO’s 30th world premiere, the endearing children’s tale written in 1922 of the little velveteen rabbit who wishes to become real through the love of the boy who plays with him. $4. January 20–30 at the Heinen Theater, Houston Community College, 3517 Austin. For tickets: 713/546-0230.

RADIO

• After Hours. Saturdays, midnight to 3 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.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

• The Art History Notebooks of Carolyn Iorio reveal the artist’s distinctive method of note-taking during her student days. Her form of cognitive mapping of ideas and objects can in itself create compelling visuals and visual documents. Her exhibit runs in conjunction with David McGee’s Tetelestai: Notebooks of the Black Sea. Free. Through February 7 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. Info: 713/335-3445 or www.diverseworks.org.

• Grass. Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey use grass as a photographic medium, so much that they collaborated with the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research to develop a genetically engineered strain of grass called SO-GREEN (copyright) that can hold the artists’ work for years rather than a few weeks like standard grasses. The two will use this untraditional medium to create a site-specific installation at Rice University Art Gallery. The opening reception includes a gallery talk with the artists at 6 pm. Free. January 22–February 29 at Rice Gallery, Sewall Hall, Entrance 1. Info: 713/348-6069 or www.ricegallery.org.

• In Pursuit of the Absolute. Monochrome and non-objective works of greats such as Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Barnett Newman, and Mark Rothko are featured in this exploration of abstract art of the 20th century. The focus of these artists is on an art free from the constraints of narrative and recognizable imagery. Through February 29, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Passport to the Universe. This is not the dinky star show you went to as a kid. Academy Award-winner Tom Hanks narrates this full-dome, high-definition video at the Burke Baker Planetarium. Passport to the Universe brings you close-up views of star fields and planets through a virtual re-creation of our universe. Take the kids, bring the visiting relatives, or treat yourself to some-thing just as entertaining as it is educational. $5 ($3.50 kids 3–11 & seniors 62+). At the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

• Tabletki: Russian Icons from the Menil Col-lection. Home to one of the world’s most significant collections of Byzantine and Medieval art, the Menil presents approximately 15 major examples of icon painting from the 13th through the 19th centuries. Among these are several “bilateral tabletki,” icons painted on both front and back, which were used in processionals and religious ceremony. Through January 25, 2004, @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For information: 713/524-9400 or www.menil.org.

• Tetelestai: Notebooks of the Black Sea. Houston-based painter Daid McGee examines contemporary racial complexities using techniques and imagery of 16th–18th-century painting. His work draws from inspirations as disparate as Bob Dylan, Cornell West, and Tupac Shakur. Through February 7 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy, off N. Main at Naylor. Info: 713/335-3445 or www.diverseworks.org.

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