JUNE 2003 CALENDAR

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; Keys West, 817 W. Dallas, 8 pm–midnite; Club Xcape, 2612 South Richey, 9 pm–midnite. Tuesday: The 611 Club, 611 Hyde Park, 4–8 pm; The Briar Patch, 2294 W. Holcombe, 8 pm–midnite; The Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 8 pm–midnite. Wednesday: Mary's, 1022 Westheimer, 4–8 pm; Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne, 6–9 pm; Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 9 pm–midnite; EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 10 pm–1 am; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am. Thursday: The Outpost, 1419 Richmond, 4–8 pm; Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 8 pm–midnite; Cousins, 817 Fairview, 8 pm–midnite; Toyz Disco, 5322 Glenmont, 10 pm–1 am. Friday: Club Escandalo, 2053 Wirt, 8–10 pm; Viviana’s, 5219 Washington, 10 pm–midnite; Midtowne Spa, 3100 Fannin, 10 pm–1 am; Club Kalipso, 6806 Longpoint, midnite–2 am. Saturday: Club Inergy, 5750 Chimney Rock, 9 pm–midnite. The clinic offers classes for those newly diagnosed with HIV or Hepatitis C. For more info: 713/830-3000.

5, 8, & 12 (Thu., Sun., & Thu.)

Get Healthy Inside and Out at Body, Mind & Soul. On the 5th: Booksigning & lecture with Deborah Lord, author of Choosing Freedom: Tools of Transformation to Heal the Source of Limiting Beliefs. The book includes two inner self-help CDs. Free. 7–9 pm. On the 8th: Psychic Fair. Meet the real Miss Cleos of Houston at the bi-weekly Psychic Sunday. $15 for a 15-minute reading. Pre-register on the prior Friday or Saturday (cash, check, or credit card). They’ll foresee your arrival. On the 12th: Booksigning & lecture with Po Bronson, New York Times #1 best-selling author of What Should I Do With My Life? Bronson’s book explores the lives of individuals who have found new, fulfilling direction in life through honest inner examination. Free. 7–9 pm @ Body, Mind & Soul Bookstore, 4344 Westheimer at Mid Lane. For more info or to register, call 713.993.0550 or visit www.bmshouston.com.

7 (Sat.)

Misty Valdez’s Galveston Show. All proceeds from this show, the pre-benefit shows, and the garage sale will go to support the work of AIDS Coalition of Coastal Texas (ACCT). Misty Valdez, a.k.a. Roland “Rolly” Suniga, is the island diva extraordinaire. Her annual benefit has raised over $50,000 through the years. In 2000, the mayor of Galveston issued a proclamation declaring the day of the benefit as Misty Valdez Day, yet Misty shies away from glory in her local fame. “The people who work at the AIDS Coalition are really the ones who deserve a pat on the back, because they are the ones that have to deal with it every day,” says Misty. “I just do it once a year.” This is her 16th anniversary benefit show @ Garza’s Kon Tiki, 315 Tremont at 23rd, Galveston.

8 (Sun.)

The Tony Awards. “And the winner for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical is Harvey Fierstein.” Or so we assume. His role as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray should garner the openly gay actor the Tony trophy. Among numerous other nods, Hairspray is nominated for Best Musical. Take Me Out, the play about coming out in baseball, is nominated for Best Play, along with nominations for two of the featured actors, Denis O’Hare and Daniel Sunjata. And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Bernadette Peters, who is nominated for her leading role in Gypsy. The Tony Awards will be hosted by one of the X-Men, Hugh Jackman, who will be making his Broadway debut next fall starring as Peter Allen in the new musical The Boy from Oz. Among the stars scheduled to present awards are Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Barbara Walters, Tyne Daly, Danny Glover, Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Reeve, Vanessa Redgrave, and Lynn Redgrave. 7 pm on CBS. More info: www.tonyawards.com.

12 (Thu.)

A First Time for Everything. 405 Avondale Gallery is having its first show. The artists involved in the gallery’s maiden voyage are Kermit Eisenhut, Mollie Moore, Christopher Olivier, and John Palmer. The show is also a fundraiser for the Arts Scholars’ Fund, Houston, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for young Houston artists. Complimentary beverages will be served during the opening. 405 Avondale, reception from 6–9 pm. For more information, call Jennifer Edwards at 713-524-0199.

12 (Thu.)

Red Rain Falling Down. Art rocker Peter Gabriel has come a long way since his exodus from being the original frontman for Genesis. His solo career includes groundbreaking music videos and industry-shaking collaborations, including work with African vocalist Youssou N’Dour. Gabriel’s stirring lyrics will shake your soul, and the bassy, African-influenced rhythms of his later work will shock your monkey. $36.50, $56.50 & $76.50. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 713/629-3700.

13 & 27 (Fri.)

An Evening at the Improv. In addition to their regular Friday shows, ComedySportz is sporting two special events, one for Papa and one for fun … summer fun, that is. If you’re not familiar with ComedySportz—or improv comedy for that matter—just think Whose Line Is It Anyway? This all-ages show is interactive and competitive. Two teams play games based on audience suggestions with utmost emphasis on the funny. On the 13th: All dads get in free for ComedySportz’ tribute to the patriarch in your life. On the 27th: the Beach Blanket Bingo Match centers on beachtime shenanigans. $10 each night. 8 pm @ Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. at 17th St. For more information, call 713-868-1444.

14 (Sat.)

A Little Night Music. Houston’s newest chamber concert series, barmusic, presents its inaugural program at the Axiom. Needless to say, if the home to avant-garde theater troupe Infernal Bridegroom Productions is going to do anything, it’s not going to be vanilla. The first concert, a one-night-only event, is “The Black Mountain Range,” a tribute to Black Mountain College, a school that attracted many of the 20th-century’s most significant artists. Featured composers affiliated with Black Mountain include Lou Harrison, Ernst Krenek, Stefan Wolpe, Roland Hayes, and the eternally experimental John Cage. Works include John Cage’s “62 Mesostics Re Merce Cunningham,” Stefan Wolpe’s “Piece in Two Parts for Violin Alone,” a Lou Harrison ballet score for percussion trio, and others. $7 at the door. 7 pm @ Axiom, 2524 McKinney, east of downtown. Tickets available by calling 713/522-5356.

14 (Sat.)

Red Hots! The Red Hot Chili Peppers have espoused many a word of wisdom. From “real men don’t kill coyotes,” to “Catholic school girls rule,” singer Anthony Kiedis always knows just what to say to put life in perspective, while the energetic Flea thumps madly at his bass. With sexalicious album titles like BloodSugar-SexMagik and Californication, no wonder fellow playa Snoop Dogg is joining the Red Hots on the bill. For shizzle, my bizzle. $36 & $46. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 713-629-3700.

15 & 28 (Sun. & Sat.)

Out to Sea! Come aboard. We’re expecting you. The Rainbow Fishing Club offers deep-sea fishing trips aboard the New Buccaneer. Expected catches include red snapper, grouper, shark, and amberjack, oh my! Now that’s good eatin.’ Take Dad offshore for the Father’s Day trip on the 15th! $75 for adults, $45 for children 12 and under, $30 for non-fishing riders (cost includes rod, reel, and squid bait). Boarding begins at 6:30 am at Pier 19, Galveston. Boat sails at 7:30 am. Boat returns to dock at 7:30 pm. For more information, call 713-523-6381 or e-mail rainbowfishingclub@hotmail.com.

18 (Wed.)

South Beach Sabroso! South Beach hosts a Latino- themed night of fashion, food, and fun with “Cuerpos Calientes y Comida” to benefit AVES (Amigos Volunteers Education and Services, Inc.). AVES supports persons living with HIV/AIDS and those suffering from substance abuse in the Latino and African-American communities. Michaeline’s Restaurant & Catering will serve a complimentary Mexican Buffet from 7–9 pm, with drink specials provided by South Beach. Papi Wear, designer of men’s underwear, will sponsor an, eh-hem, intimate fashion show at 9 pm, with guest DJ Cubanito. A $10 donation at the door will benefit AVES. 7–10 pm at South Beach, 808 Pacific Street. For more info on AVES, call 713/626-2837 or visit www.aves-health.org. For a fashion preview, visit www.papiinc.com.

21 (Sat.)

Twenty Weeks at River Café. Local contemporary artist Hank Gasper will unveil his latest series, Twenty Weeks, at a special showing to benefit AVES (Amigos Volunteers Education and Services, Inc.). Gasper created one watercolor painting each week for 20 weeks, focusing on events, both personal and global, as the source for the paintings. His art, predominately abstract, will be sold to benefit AVES, which supports persons living with HIV/AIDS and those suffering from substance abuse in the Latino and African-American communities. River Café, 3615 Montrose, 6 pm. Artwork will range from $125 to $150. Call 713/529-0088 for reservations. For more information on AVES, call 713/626-2837 or visit www.aves-health.org.

27 (Fri.)

GoGirlsRock! GoGirlsMusic.com presents the second annual GoGirlsRock! Houston Pride show with Sean Wiggins, Carol Plunk, Elizabeth White, Sarah Golden, and more, hosted by Mandy Smith. This showcase features rock, pop, folk, and more talented indie women than you can shake a stick at. But why do that? Just rock. Why? “Cuz chicks rock!” Rhythm Room, 713/863-0943, 1815 Washington Ave. For more info, visit www.gogirlsrock.com.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR JULY

July 19–25 (Sat.–Fri.)

Hawaii’s 6th Annual Paradise Ride. Organizers are expecting as many as 150 participants to experience Hawaii by bicycle to support a coalition of HIV/AIDS service agencies including the Life Foundation, Malama Pono–Kauai AIDS Project; and the Maui AIDS Foundation. The Paradise Ride is the only fully supported bike tour in Hawaii taking riders on a nearly 400-mile journey across Oahu, Kauai, Maui, & Molokai. The logistics of the event as well as the commitment & dedication of riders & volunteers makes this Hawaii’s and perhaps the nation’s most unique bicycle adventure, which is also helping to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS. Since it was first launched in 1998, the event has grown to become the largest AIDS fundraiser in Hawaii history & has raised more than $1million to date. Riders have come from across Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, & overseas destinations to participate. In exchange for satisfying a minimum pledge commitment of $2,500, riders are offered the only fully-supported bicycle tour of the principal Hawaiian Islands. Support includes: three meals a day, snacks & beverages, inter-island transportation, gear & equipment transport, mechanical & logistical assistance, safety escorts, nightly entertainment, as well as special opening & closing celebrations. Registration and sponsorship information: www.paradiseridehawaii.org, or call Paradise Ride headquarters at 1-888-285-9866. Riders pay a $375 registration fee that covers all inter-island transportation for riders, their bikes, & gear as well as one-night hotel accommodations & other expenses.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Aida (by Elton John and Tim Rice) layers a contemporary score over the fabled ancient Egyptian love triangle. Aida, the enslaved Nubian princess, dukes it out with Amneris, the haughty Egyptian princess, over Radames, the handsome soldier for whom both hearts yearn. June 4–15 @ the Hobby Center. Tickets available by calling 713/622-7469 or at www.BroadwayAcross America.com.

• Grandpa Hasn’t Moved in Days. The Fertle family returns home for a funeral, only to find the deceased’s dying request a cause for hilarity. Written by Radio Music Theatre’s Steve Farrell, Grandpa (like any Fertle comedy) stars a mere three actors who play countless characters, with each one as distinct as a thumbprint. $18. Through August 30 @ Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt, near Richmond and Kirby. Showtimes vary. Tickets available at the box office or by calling 713/522-7722.

• Hamlet. No other Shakespearean tragedy has received as much attention, analysis, and debate as this ghostly tale of murder, madness, and revenge. Shakespeare’s most quoted play continues through June 22 @ the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets ($35–$50) are available by calling 713/228-8421, at the Alley box office, or at www.alleytheatre.org.

• Houston Ballet. I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date! The ballet interpretation of Alice in Wonderland features the music of Joseph Horovitz and choreography by Ben Stevenson. What could be a bigger trip than a hookah-smoking caterpillar in mid pas-de-deux? June 5–15 @ the Wortham Center’s Brown Theater. Tickets ($11.50–$97.50) are available by calling 713/227-2787.

• Houston Grand Opera presents The Little Prince, based on the 1943 novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman joins Olivier Award-winning Nicholas Wright in creating their first opera. Teamed up with other award-winning folk, The Little Prince promises to be largely entertaining. Runs through June 22 @ the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, Texas at Smith. Tickets are available at 713/228-OPERA, at www.houstongrandopera.org, and at the box office (in the lobby of the Wortham Center).

• Jerker. Nudity. Sex. Masturbation. Need we say more? Playwright/composer Robert Chesley wrote his two-character drama in response to the AIDS epidemic in 1986, and it has all the physicality and wanton abandon as his other sexy works for the theater. More flesh is on view, but a lot more heart, too, in this sentimental paean to anonymous gay phone sex and the phantoms of sexual freedom. Brett Cullum and Glen Fillmore heat up Ma Bell and then some. Through July 12 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm) @ Theatre New West, 1415 California. Tickets $20. Reservations/info: 713/522-2204.

• Killer Karaoke and Come Up and Slay Me Sometime are presented by Mystery Café, home of Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. • Killer Karaoke: The Gulf Coast Regional Semi-Final Three Steps Before National Silver Microphone Karaoke Competition will continue, despite an “accidental” fire and a crazed karaoke serial killer stalking the contestants. Anybody who’s actually listened to karaoke will probably side with the killer, if they can figure his or her identity. • Come Up and Slay Me Sometime: Bathtub gin isn’t the only illegal thing going on in this 1920s floating speakeasy—there’s a dead body lying around, and nobody can call the cops. Featuring special appearances by Mae West, Charles Lindbergh, and Abraham Lincoln. • Killer Karaoke plays Fridays; Come Up and Slay Me Sometime plays Saturdays. Both shows presented at 8 pm at Marriott West Loop, 1750 West Loop South at San Felipe. Reservations required: 713/944-2583 or www.mysterycafe houston.com.

• Little Mary Sunshine is a loving spoof of the Jeanette McDonald–Nelson Eddy movie musicals of the ’30s, complete with Little Mary Sunshine & an almost proper group of finishing-school girls; the stalwart Captain Jim who leads an unusual squad of Royal Canadian Mounties; a maurading renegade Indian; and a “senior” romance. A funny, tongue-in-cheek musical. 8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, through June 28 @ The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. Tickets are $12. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219.

• Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things is loosely based on the experiences of novelist Richard Wright. The premiere performance reveals the schemes of womanizing insurance men who prey on unwitting, innocent clients and the penalties paid when their treachery is exposed. Opens June 5 and runs through June 29 @ the Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. For tickets, call 713/520-0055.

• The Women, by Clare Booth Luce, focuses on the hypocritical lives of a small group of New York socialites. Moreover, this brutal comedy makes astute observations about how women can damage themselves by defining their lives through men. $20–$30. Previews: June 21, 22, and 25. Opens June 26–July 27 @ Main Street Theater, Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Tickets available by calling 713/524-6706, at www.mainstreettheater.com, www.ticketweb.com, or at the box office at Main Street Theater.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• Main Street Theater Kids on Stage Summer Performing Arts Camp. Young performers will turn into shining stars as they experience the excitement of a summer filled with theatrical activities and dance. Under the direction of professional actors, dancers, and educators, campers will learn all aspects of theater production, including acting, movement, directing, costume and set design, and makeup. Dance classes will teach campers to let loose and have fun with creative movement as well as teaching popular dance styles such as jazz, modern, hip-hop, and swing. At the end of each session, campers in each age group will produce and rehearse an eye-popping, high-energy production including a play and a choreographed dance spectacular for family and friends. For ages 4–14, June 9–Aug. 8. Prices range from $215–$465. For more info: Angela Harris, director of education, 713/524-9196, or e-mail at aharris@mainstreettheater.com.

• Ramona Quimby has been the star of a popular book series for kids of all ages. The character—created by Beverly Cleary and adapted for the stage by Len Jenkin—finds out her father has lost his job. Trying to help out with the family, lil’ Miss Quimby discovers that being a grownup is hard work and, as her sister Beezus puts it, “being a kid and trying to become a grownup is even harder.” $8 for children and $10 for adults. June 17–July 25 @ Main Street Theater at Chealsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Tickets available by calling 713/524-6706, at the box office, or at www.mainstreettheater.com, www.ticketweb.com.

• Snow White and Rose Red are threatened with destruction. Will their kingdom in the forest be safe? Will magic and mischief conquer? In this fairy tale by Houstonians Kate Pogue and Rob Landes, truth and kindness prevail. June 14–July 27 @ Stages, 1301 Allen Pkwy. Tickets available by calling 713/527-0220 or at www.stagestheatre.com.

• Winnie the Pooh. No one can resist the Pooh’s charm as he searches the nooks & crannies of the woods for a bear’s favorite food—honey! Joining Pooh in this adventure are his forest friends Eyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl, & his very dear friend, Christopher Robin. Saturdays, 11 am & 1:30 pm, through June 28, at the Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square. Tickets $6. Info: 713/726-1219.

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

• Asian Invasion. In Houston: A Site-based Installation features a first-ever collaboration among three of the most fascinating and provocative Chinese artists living in the U.S. today. New York’s Zhang Huan and Zhang Jian-Jun join Houstonian Weihong in a large-scale performance and visual installation that explores the history, geography, and personality of Houston. The exhibit blends traditional Chinese philosophy and aesthetics with contemporary artistic practice. Among the works is a collection of images chosen by various Houstonians and the locations they feel best represent the quintessence of Houston. Look for Jim Pirtle’s musings on the Home of Easy Credit building, once home to his own artists’ collective/coffee house brainchild, no-tsu-oH (Houston spelled backward). Through June 14 @ DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy (off N. Main at Naylor). For more information, call 713/223-8346 or visit www.diverseworks.org. Free.

• Evolving Art. Archway Gallery’s new show, Evolving Art, features new artist Keith McNay. McNay, referred to as soulful, uses oil on canvass as his medium. Through June 28 @ 2013 W. Gray in the River Oaks Shopping Center. Monday–Wednesday, 10 am–6 pm; Thursday–Saturday, 10 am–8 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm. For more information, call 713/522-2409 or visit www.archwaygallery.com.

• James Rosenquist: A Retrospective. Lichtenstein, Warhol, Rosenquist. All pop artists who draw from the images of advertising and mass media to create visual commentaries on life. From his early days as a billboard painter to his recent use of abstract technique, Rosenquist demonstrates an evolving mastery of color, line, texture, and shape. The retrospective of his work, organized by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, debuts in Houston and is divided into two exhibits; his early work (the late ‘50s-1970) can be viewed at the Menil Collection; his work after 1970 can be seen at the Museum of Fine Arts. Through August 17 @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For more information, call 713/525-9400 or visit www.menil.org. Free. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is located at 1001 Bissonnet and can be reached at 713/639-7540 or visit www.mfah.org.

• Sanctuaries: The Late Works of John Hejduk. This is no typical architectural retrospective. Not at the Menil. John Hejduk is best known for his designs that remained on paper, theoretical designs that returned architecture to a level of art and spirituality. Known for elemental biomorphism (buildings that seem to have eyes, hair, beaks, legs), a preference for geometrical form and typological variation, Hejduk’s work thematically explores falling from grace, passage, transformation, and architecture as sanctuary, a place of nurture. Through August 31 @ the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. For more information, call 713/525-9400 or visit www.menil.org. Free.

• Splat Boom Pow! Need we say more? Maybe so. Exploring the influence of cartoons in modern art, the works of Takashi Murakami, Elizabeth Murray, Kenny Scharf, and Andy Warhol are on display at the Contemporary Arts Museum. Among the many whimsical and kooky works to take in are a life-size Barbie doll entirely handsewn in beads, a painstaking process that simulates the dot-matrix look of comic strips. Also look for a shrine of sorts to Wonder Woman and a video montage of Linda Carter twirling into the aforementioned heroine on the ‘70s TV show version of the comic book super-vixen. Be sure to see this before it moves on to Boston in September. Through June 29 @ the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. For more information, call 713/284-8250 or visit www.camh.org.

• Strange Messenger: The Work of Patti Smith. Many of us know Patti Smith as music visionary, lover of and subject for Robert Mapplethorpe, and godmother to rock grrls everywhere. Through June 15, the Contemporary Arts Museum (5216 Montrose; 713/284-8265) presents a less familiar side of the honorary lesbian: visual artist. Strange Messenger includes nearly 85 drawings produced over 30 years, including a series of large-scale works inspired by the attacks on the World Trade Center. Organized by the Andy Warhol Museum, this is Smith’s first exhibition in Texas. More info: www.camh.org.

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