SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

In September, will the Emmys, Dark Angel, & Nightline go gay? Click here to find out.

5, 12, 19, 26 (Wed.)

HIV Testing. The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing and counseling every Wednesday, 6-9 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Center: 713/524-3818. Clinic: 713/830-3000. PLEASE NOTE: Free & confidential HIV/AIDS testing is also available from 1–3 pm on the 12th & 26th in Conroe at Northwoods AIDS Coalition, 1414 South Frazier, Ste. 106. More info: 936/441-1614.

6 (Thu.)

Gay & Lesbian Jewish Study Group. Co-sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel (Houston’s oldest synagogue) & Mishpachat Alizim (Houston’s gay & lesbian Jewish organization). Facilitators: Rabbis David Whiman & Brenner Glickman. The study group is open to ali gay & lesbian Jews (and their partners) and takes place once a month, continuing on Oct. 4, Nov. 1, & Dec. 6, from 7:30–9 pm @ Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Brasewood Blvd. More info: e-mail ahur111@aol.com or call 713/523-3673.

6 (Thu.)

Funny Girls. Lily Tomlin. Kate Clinton. Sandra Bernhard. Ellen DeGeneres. Lea DeLaria. Some of the best wisecrackers on the pop-culture scene are women. This month, the Women’s Comedy Collective debuts to encourage comics, including writers and stand-up talent. 7 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

7–9 (Fri.–Sun.)

Tommy Tune & the Manhattan Rhythm Kings. Houston’s own Tommy Tune leaps on to the Jones Hall stage with guests The Manhattan Rhythm Kings for an evening of song & dance. This nine-time Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation just might have you dancing in the aisles. Tickets ($22–$76) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 713/224-7575 or online at www.houstonsymphony.com.

8 (Sat.)

Be a Hero! Save a Life! Muscle Mechanics is opening its annual Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification class to the general public. You'll receive hands-on instruction in CPR, emergency procedure, & recognized certification through the American Red Cross. Cost is $27 per person and takes only three hours of your time, but the benefits of knowing how to save someone's life is priceless. Noon–3 pm @ Muscle Mechanics, 617 Richmond. Call 713/523-5330 to RSVP, but do it soon ... space is limited!

8 (Sat.)

Free Family Day. Gather up your family & friends and head over to Houston’s Museum District for this 5th annual event. Enjoy exhibitions, live music, & festive family atmosphere at 11 museums. Participating museums will waive their general admission fee from 10 am–5 pm so the entire community can enjoy the diverse offerings available in the district. Hop on a free Metro shuttle and make mulitple stops—it’s easy and a great way to discover museums you may not have visited in the past. When you get thirsty or hungry, there are plenty of choices available throughout the district. Participating museums: The Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, 713/522-1138, www.cmhouston.org; Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose, 713/284-8250, www.camh.org; Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline, 713/942-8000, www.hmh.org; Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive in Hermann Park, 713/639-4629, www.hmns.org; The Houston Zoo, 1513 N. MacGregor in Hermann Park, 713/284-8300, www.houstonzoo.org; Jung Educational Center, 5200 Montrose, 713/524-8253, www.cgjunghouston.org; Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main St., 713/528-5858, www.neosoft.com/~lawndale; The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, 713/525-9400, www.menil.org; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet, 713/639-7300, www.mfah.org; Museum of Health & Medical Science, 1515 Hermann Dr., 713/521-1515, www.mhms.org/; and Rice University Art Gallery, 6100 Main, 713/349-6069, www.rice.edu/ruag.

8 (Sat.)

"Understanding Transgenderism" (by psychotherapist Denise O’Doherty & members of the transgendered community) is the topic for AssistHers Care Team’s monthly in-service program (2nd Saturday of every month & open to the public). 10:45 am–noon @ Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold (enter from Hawthorne). To volunteer or find out more about AssistHers, come to the program, call 713/521-4628, or visit http://members.tripod.com/AssistHers.

8 (Sat.)

Galveston ArtWalk. An evening of the visual arts, openings, & receptions. 6-9 pm on Postoffice St. between 20th and 23rd. The trolley will provide free transportation during the opening night to the other galleries on The Strand. Dress is casual, exhibits are free, and everyone is welcome. For more info: Galveston Arts Center, 409/763-2403. ArtWalks future dates: Oct. 23, Nov 24, & Jan 26.

13–15 (Thu.–Sat.)

Judy Tenuta. Click here.

13–16 (Thu.–Sun.)

The 49th Theta Charity Antiques Show showcases a myriad of rare antiques from dealers around the country, plus a Petite Museum of antique toys & miniature room settings from the Weathered Family Collection & the Houston Toy Museum. Thurs., 10:30 am–8 pm; Fri. & Sat., 10:30 am–7 pm; Sun., noon–5 pm @ Reliant Hall (formerly AstroHall). Tickets $9 at Bering Hardware, Rice Epicurean Markets, & Central Market; $10 at the door. More info: www.ThetaAntiquesShow.com or 713/942-8699.

14 (Fri.)

ComedySportz. The improvisational comedy troupe presents "Back to School Blues Buster." As a proud result of public education, ComedySportz well remembers the anxieties associated with those first few weeks of the new school year. To help ease those sudden semester blues, ComedySportz is giving a break to all those who are still experiencing the joys of education—all students & teachers get half-priced admission. 7:30 & 10 pm @ Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. at 17th. Admission $10 ($5/person with student or teacher ID). Reservations/more info: 713/868-1444.

16 (Sun.)

I Said Thespian. Queer Informal Playreading Society, also known as QuIPS, welcomes individuals who enjoy reading aloud works written for the stage. If you’re lucky, you will get to declaim "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers" during the next reading of Streetcar Named Desire. QuIPS meets on the third Sunday of every month. 2 pm @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. More info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

16, 17, 19, 20 (Sun., Mon. Wed. Thu.)

Well, Bowl Me Over! It’s time to sign up for the gay, lesbian, and straight bowling leagues. Yes, OutSmart has been informed that several straight folks who bowl in these leagues think they’re more fun than regular straight leagues! The fall leagues begin Sunday, Sept. 16, at 7 pm at Palace Lanes with the Inner Loop Mixed League. Monday, Sept. 17, the Monday Night Women start at 6:45 at Dynamic Lanes, and the Montrose Monday Men start at 9 pm at Palace Lanes. Wednesday Night Mixers begin their season on Sept. 19 at 6:30 pm at Palace, and the I Luv Luci Duos start their short 12-week season at 9 pm on Thursday, Sept. 20, at Dynamic. For a sign-up sheet: 713/861-1187 or visit the league website at www.texasinvite.com.

19 (Wed.)

The Secrets of Healthy Aging. Are you confused by all the different "anti-aging" therapies available? How can you know which ones are safe & effective before you waste your time & money? The fact is that that there are eight modifiable factors of healthy aging which have proven to change the rate at which you age. Join Dr. Nellie Grose and hear how you can slow down the aging process safely & effectively. 12:15–1:30 pm @ Houston Title Company, 777 Post Oak Rd., ste. 100 (near San Felipe & Post Oak). Registration begins at noon. Info/reservations: Linda at 713/660-6620.

20 & 21 (Thu. & Fri.)

Orchestra X, Houston’s 2nd-largest professional orchestra, discovers the Venice of Vivaldi in "Baroque Carnivale," a concert sensuous in sight and full of passion & pageantry. The mood is set beginning with the Adagio in g minor by Tomasso Albinoni as a processional of mysterious masks. Masterpieces by Antonio Vivaldi will then be performed, including a favorite classic, The Four Seasons. 8 pm @ the sumptuous Grand Salon de la Comtesse at the Hotel La Colombe D’Or. For cost/info: 713/225-ORCX (6729) or www.orchestrax.org.

22 (Sat.)

Freedom to Read. The Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center and the GLBT Interest Group of the Texas Library Association observe Banned Books Week with a readathon of works previously considered verboten. Expect some celebrity readers. 7:30 pm @ the community center, 803 Hawthorne. More info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

22 & 23 (Sat. & Sun.)

Camera Show & Sale. Come see what develops at this 50th semi-annual show. Usable & collectible cameras, accessories, darkroom equipment, & much more. Buy, sell, or trade. $5 admission fee includes complimentary camera & shutter checkups. Sat., 10 am–5 pm; Sun., 10 am–4 pm @ the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center–Hobby Airport, 9100 Gulf Freeway at the Airport exit. More info: 713/868-9606.

27 (Thu.)

Ballet Folklórico de México. This company of 75 dancers & musicians presents a lavish celebration of life & Mexican culture in music, movement, & color. Its dances encompass Mayan & Aztec rituals, dramatic events from Mexico’s past, and colorful depictions of Mexico’s diverse culture & folklore. 8 pm @ the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Tickets ($10–$22) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.sfx.com, or www.ticketmaster.com. Phone charge: 713/629-3700.

28 (Fri.)

International Piano Competition. Once every four years, the premiere classical artists of our time select six of the next generation’s virtuosos. Discover the world’s newest talent in a performance by the Van Cliburn Gold Medal Winner accompanied by the luminous sound of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. 8 pm @ the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater. For ticket prices/more info: 713/227-4SPA (772) or visit www.spahouston.org.

28 (Fri.)

Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel: The fab four made TV history 50 years ago with the premiere of I Love Lucy. No other TV show has come close to matching the ongoing love affair that the world has had with these guys. • For the first time, we can get up close and personal with all of our favorite Lucy memories by visiting this new traveling experience (it’s only a four-hour drive to Dallas, where this experience takes place from Sept. 28–Oct. 21). "The I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Experience" features a plaza with three interactive games that encourage audiences to re-live three of the most memorable Lucy moments. In the first game, you can stand in the wine vat, hike up your skirt (if you’re a guy) or roll up your pants (if you’re a gal) ... or the other way around ... and compete against your friends to see who can stomp "grapes" the fastest to fill up the wine bottle; in the second game, get your hands ready to wrap chocolates at lightning speed as they zoom toward you on a conveyor belt; and in the final activity, try not to trip over your tongue as you do your best to sell the miracle elixir "Vitameatavegemin." • All of the activity will be videotaped, and every participant has the chance to appear in the I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special to be broadcast on CBS on October 15, 2001.• In addition to the plaza, the experience will offer fans their first chance to visit exact replicas of Lucy and Ricky’s New York apartment, the Beverly Palms Hotel, and the Tropicana Nightclub, where fans can view a highlight reel featuring great moments from the show. The reel includes clips from the long-lost pilot episode. • Display cases of priceless original props, costumes, scripts, and rare photographs are located at almost every turn. • "The I Love Lucy Experience" takes place at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, Texas. Cost for Lucy is $3; state fair is $7 & $11 (parking $5 & $7). More info (Lucy): www.sfx.com./. More info (fair): www.bigtex.com.

29 & 30 (Sat. & Sun.)

Dionne Warwick first burst onto the scene with her rendition of Burt Bacharach’s "Don’t Make Me Over." Since then, she has recorded one hit after another, including "I’ll Never Fall in Love Again," I Say a Little Prayer," "That’s What Friends Are For," "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," and, of course, "Valley of the Dolls." Tickets range from $11–$85. Sat. at 8 pm, and Sun. at 3 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice, 409/765-1894.

30 (Sun.)

Decadent Dessert Extravaganza. AssistHers is proud to present its first annual party of sweet indulgence to raise money for their wonderful organization. Mark your calendar and be prepared to leave your will power at the door. This event features tables of decadent desserts for epicurean tastes. 4–7 pm @ the Uptown/Urban/Lounge Meteor. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 and at the door for $25. Hurry and get your ticket(s) today by calling 713/521-4628, option 1.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR OCTOBER

October 4–8 (Thu.–Mon.)

Queeruption. Queers from around the world will be converging on the San Francisco Bay Area to collaborate, learn, & participate in a variety of open forums, performances, exhibits, screenings, & actions. What makes this event different from other conferences is its emphasis on people’s creation of independent culture and questioning of gay assimilation & commercialism. It will be an opportunity for people from a variety of places & backgrounds to share the ways in which they are doing political action, sex, technology, music, media, spoken word, food, & more. At the past Queeruption gatherings in London & New York, people found an opportunity to meet others who share an interest in the anti-establishment queer movement. For more info: 510/698-2039, ext. 3181; www. queeruption.org; queeruption2001@yahoo.com; P.O. Box 412, Berkeley, CA 94701.

October 5–7 (Fri.–Sun.)

Makers and Shakers: Texas Media Arts Conference is a two-and-a-half-day event attracting film & video professionals & emerging media artists. The purpose of the conference, sponsored by Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), is to inform & update Texas media artists & professionals about emerging technologies, showcase venues, and to provide mentoring & networking opportunities. It will emphasize national, regional, & local issues most relevant to Texas media professionals—including makers of film, digital, & video works; educators; programmers; administrators; and students, as well as anyone interested in making professional connections. Panel discussions will include digital media, distribution, exhibition, youth media & education, media as a social tool, funding, and more. Special screenings of independent films will play at the Museum of Fine Arts & Rice Media Center. Cost: full conference—$160 (students $130). Friday or Saturday only: $80 (students $65). For more info: 713/522-8592 or www.swamp.org.

October 5–7 (Fri.–Sun.)

Desert Hearts Women’s Festival. Beautiful campsites, live music concerts, comedy, games, movies, and flea market. 50 miles NW of San Antonio, near Bandera. Tickets by check or Visa/MC: $65 by October 1. $75 cash at gate (per person). More info: www.members.aol.com/cowgirlj or 830/796-7001 (or 796-7446). E-mail: beaux2@indian-creek.net.

October 6 (Sat.)

Da Camera Music Center embarks on its new season with an evening dedicated to the musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The concert features three chamber music works displaying Mozart’s incredible gift for melody. Tickets ($20–$35) are available at Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for students/seniors are half-price with valid ID. 7:30 pm @ the Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas.

October 6 (Thu.)

An Evening of Art Songs & Arias is Bering Omega Community Services’ annual operatic fundraiser for people with AIDS & HIV. Seven artists promise an evening of exceptional entertainment with a mix of operatic arias, amusing art songs, popular show tunes, & American spirituals. Bering Omega Community Services provides dental care, financial assistance, adult daycare, & residential-hospice care for people with HIV & AIDS; all proceeds from this evening’s show help fund these programs. Curtain is at 7:30 pm in The Parador, 2021 Binz, in Houston’s Museum District. Guests are invited to a reception at 6:30 pm. Tickets range from $100–$200. A limited number of $35 tickets are available for students & young artists. For reservations: 713/524-9304, ext. 100.

October 6 (Sat.)

To Market, To Market. Get in some pre-holiday season shopping at the Book & Craft fair presented by Community Awareness for Transgender Support. Browse through literary classics, get a tarot reading, and enjoy some live music. Proceeds benefit the 52nd Street House, CATS shelter in Galveston. 7 am @ the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

October 7 (Sun.)

Heights Festival. The theme for this 25th annual festival is "Revitalization/Retrospective." Enjoy the sights & sounds of live music & other entertainment provided throughout the festival. Stroll Heights Blvd. and view the over 100 structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Norma Zenteno will head the musical line-up, which includes the Zydeco Dots, Easy Money, & Girls With Guitars. Sample & purchase items at over 200 booths offering a variety of antiques & collectibles, arts, crafts, clothing, products, & services, as well as plenty of good food. 12 noon–6 pm on Heights Blvd. between 14th & 20th streets. Parade at 1 pm. Admission is free. No pets allowed in accordance with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation regulations. Info: www.houstonheights.org.

October 12 (Fri.)

Fall Fling. A lineup of musical talent and a silent auction of art and other treasures mark the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center’s benefit bash, the Fall Ball. $25. Proceeds support center programming for the year. 8 pm @ the community center, 803 Hawthorne. Info: 713/524-3818 or www.hlgcc.org.

October 25–27 (Thu.–Sat.)

Candace Gingrich will be the keynote speaker at this year's Lavender Law 2001 Conference which will convene in Dallas, Texas. This annual conference typically brings over 300 gay, lesbian, bisexual, & transgendered (GLBT) attorneys, judges, legislators, activists, & students together for discussions about legal issues affecting the GLBT community. The national host is the National Lesbian & Gay Law Foundation; the local host is the Dallas Gay & Lesbian Bar Association. Together these organizations offer an environment in which GLBT legal professionals can learn, compare strategies, network, & strengthen each other's efforts to build a stronger community. Anyone interested in attending may view conference/hotel/travel information by visiting www.lavenderlaw.org. Potential advertisers & sponsors may contact Russell Smith at 214/522-7520 for info about sponsorship plans & rates.

October 27 (Sat.)

Houston Women’s Festival is a celebration of music, art, culture, & community. Musical performers include Jennifer Marks & Edie Carey, Ruthie Foster & Cyd Cassone, Cafe Mocha, among many others. More info in next month’s issue. Can’t wait till then? Go to www.hwfestival.org.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR NOVEMBER

November 2–4 (Fri.–Sun.)

International Drag King Extravaganza. Produced by Fast Friday Productions and hosted by H.I.S. Kings, with the support of Student Gender and Sexuality Services at the Ohio State University, this event is the 3rd year of an annual gathering of drag king performers & enthusiasts from all over the world. This year’s event takes place at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Info: www.IDKE.com or 614/262-6558.

November 3 & 4 (Sat. & Sun.)

Stargazer ’01. Texas’ largest movie memorabilia show includes tables of modern & vintage autographs, posters, stills, books, magazines, cartoon & comic art, old TV/movies on video, and more. Special guest for this movie & autograph show is former Playboy playmate June Wilkinson, whose movies include Macumba Love, The Continental Twist, Career Girl, The Candidate, & many others. Saturday (10 am–6 pm) and Sunday (10 am–4 pm) @ Holiday Inn Hotel, 7787 Katy Freeway (near I-10 & Antoine). For more info or dealer’s tables: Robert or Kathleen Cullen, 713/365-0266 (after 6 pm).

PERFORMING ARTS

Betrayal. The roots of a long-term extramarital affair are exposed in scenes that travel backward in time: Emma, married to Robert, has had a 7-year-long affair with Jerry, Robert’s best friend. As the play moves from the end of the affair to its beginning, one discovers that Robert knew about the affair all along and may have been indifferent to it, throwing into relief the little lies and oblique remarks which reveal more than direct statement or overt action ever could. This Harold Pinter play runs Sept. 6–Oct. 7 @ Main Street Theater, 2540 Times Blvd., 713/524-6706.

Disparate Ingredients. Set against the backdrop of the culture wars, this world premiere musical by Richard Laub focuses on the exploits of an ultra-conservative mayor in his bid for re-election, his closeted spin doctor, his satanic public relations director, and his illegitimate son. Tickets $15 & $20 (students/seniors [+65] $10). 8 pm, Fridays–Mondays, through Sept. 22 (no performances Sept. 7 & 8) @ The Little Room Downstairs, 2332 Bissonnet, 713/522-LRDS (5737).

Elizabeth Rex. Elizabeth I is torn between the obliga-tions of a ruler and her passions as a woman. She has sentenced her lover to death for treason, and she alone can pardon him. In the dark hours before the headman’s axe falls, she seeks distraction in the company of William Shakespeare and his troupe of players—and finds insight from a surprising source. Elizabeth Rex examines questions of history, gender, art, and identity. September 5–30 at Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway @ Waugh. Tickets ($32–$42) are available at the box office or by calling 713/527-0123. Info: www.stagestheatre.com.

Fat, Tall, and Strong. Everyone in Dumpster, Texas, is excited because a record executive is coming to town. Country Wayne Conaway and His Swingin’ Sidekicks, the local rockabilly group, thinks this might just be the big break they’ve been hoping for. Champagnes, wines, beers, cappuccino, & munchies are available throughout the show. Admission is $16. Thursdays–Saturdays, through Nov. 17 @ Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt, 713/522-7722.

The Glass Menagerie. This revival of one of the greatest plays of the American theater features Tony Award-winner Elizabeth Ashley as Amanda Wingfield, a faded Southern belle who lives on the memories of her gentleman callers and the desire to find happiness & good fortune for her children. Ashley has crafted a celebrated career that spans more than 40 years—with almost 30 of those years devoted to starring in plays by Tennessee Williams. She received the Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway production of Take Her, She’s Mine and received Tony nominations for her performances in Barefoot in the Park opposite Robert Redford and the 1974 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Through Sept. 22 @ the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets ($35–$50) can be purchased at the Alley Theatre box office or online at www.alleytheatre.org, or by calling 713/228-8421.

Marriage Can Murder takes place at the seemingly doomed wedding of Stephanie & Phil, each the scion of competing baked-bean companies. A scheming lawyer, a hallucinating best man, & a sister fresh from the psycho ward further complicate matters. To say nothing of the dead body on the floor. This Mystery Café production plays @ Prima Pasta restaurant, 2710 Richmond. Reservations are required. More info: 713/944-CLUE or www.mysterycafehouston.com.

The Pied Piper. Houston Ballet launches its 2001-2002 season with the company premiere of The Pied Piper, based on the classic fairy tale of a magical musician who enchants the children of a medieval German village. It will feature puppets, projections, and an evocative score by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer John Corigliano. The company will revive Stanton Welch’s Indigo, and two pas de deux round out the program. September 6–16 at Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, Texas at Smith streets. Tickets ($11.50–$104.50) are available at the Wortham Ticket Center or by calling 713/227-ARTS. Info: www.houstonballet.org.

The Stand In. When a hunky, closeted soap star "plays gay" in a made-for-TV movie, hilarity ensues in this media satire by Keith Curran, the author of Walking Dead. A funny, biting look at the entertainment world. Sept. 13–Oct. 21 @ Unhinged Theatre Space, 3404 LaBranch. Info: 713/524-8707 or www.u-p.org.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Amelia Bedelia. Mr. & Mrs. Rogers want to soften up Great Aunt Myra so that she will give her valuable ornate diamond & ruby necklace to Baby Missy. To get ready for her visit, they hire a Maid-In-A-Minute. But you should always be careful before you hire Amelia Bedelia, the maid who does everything you say—exactly the way you say it. Change the towels? A pair of scissors will help with that. Dress the chicken for dinner? Do you want a boy or a girl? Amelia Bedelia’s well-meaning attempts will leave audiences laughing, her employers fuming, & everyone else very, very confused. Based on the series of books by Peggy Parish. For pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose. For more info on family performances (Sept. 21, 22, 29 & Oct. 6): 713/524-6706. Info on school bookings (Sept. 12–Oct.19): 713/524-7998.

RADIO

After Hours. Saturdays, midnight to 3 am. Featuring the QMZ (Queer Music Zone) with Jimmy Carper. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-5738.

Lesbian & Gay Voices. Mondays, 8-10 pm. Features, news, music, interviews, reviews, and commentary. KPFT 90.1 FM, 713/526-4000.

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Classes for People With HIV: The Art League of Houston is offering free art classes for people with HIV. The ongoing course meets every Thursday & Friday from 1-4 pm at the Art League, 1953 Montrose. Mixed media projects for the artist and non-artist. Constructive art-making in a relaxed atmosphere. Focus is on the healing power of art. More info: 713/523-9530. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is offering free art classes for those with HIV/AIDS. Patrick Palmer begins his 9th year offering art instruction. Abstract painting, linoleum-cut greeting cards, & ceramics are some of the media offerings for the fall semester. Class is limited to 16. Everything is free, even lunch! The classes meet at the Glassell School of Art every Friday, 1–4 pm, 5101 Montrose Blvd., room 202. For more info: 713/639-7500 or 713/526-1118.

Outreach. The annual Junior School Outreach Exhibition includes paintings, sculpture, & ceramics made by Houston-area residents who participate in outreach programs. The Glassell Junior School Community Outreach Programs serve nearly 10,000 students from the Houston area, including students from a multi-ethnic, low socio-economic background who would not otherwise have access to art classes. Outreach also provides art classes for hospitalized children & children with special needs, and for older Americans. Through Oct. 19 @ The Glassell Junior School, 5100 Montrose. For more info: 713/639-7700.

Remembering Plato. In a darkened gallery, inverted pyramids made of ice & pebbles are suspended over two rectangular pools of water. The undulating water is reflected onto the gallery walls & ceiling. As the ice melts, the pebbles fall, some plopping into the water, others striking brass pipes & piano wires. The musical sounds—akin to those of Kabuki theater—are random, depending on such elements as temperature, time, & gravity. Gathered together to be frozen again into new pyramids, the pebbles become part of a cyclical process. The creator of this "conceptual garden," Mineko Grimmer, cites Zen meditative arts as her chief inspiration. It reflects her interest in theater, music, even science. "Before it’s art, it’s physics," she says. Sept. 25–Feb. 3 @ The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, 713/525-9404, www.menil.org.

Robert Frank: A Retrospective from the Collection. This exhibition includes 47 photographs that span Frank’s career from his journeys to South America in the late 1940s, to images from Europe in the early ’50s, to his searing views of America in the mid-’50s, to the late Polaroid prints of his family & homes in New York & Nova Scotia. Through Oct. 14 @ the Museum of Fine Art, 1001 Bissonnet, 713/639-7300.

Trenton Doyle Hancock: The Life and Death of #1 traces the evolution of Mound #1, from an abstract form to a fully defined & central character in Hancock’s ongoing saga of what it is to be an artist, an African-American male, & a member of contemporary society at large. The forces of good & evil come to blows over Mound #1 and in turn, question our notions of justice, compassion, & understanding. Through Oct. 14 @ Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose Blvd., 713/284-8250.

WIVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts) presents its annual print exhibition and sale. Through Oct. 6 @ the Museum of Printing History, 1324 W. Clay. Info: 713/520-6263.