OCTOBER CALENDAR

For Ellen DeGeneres, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Houston Women’s Festival, click here.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (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 10th & 24th in Conroe at Northwoods AIDS Coalition, 1414 South Frazier, Ste. 106. More info: 936/441-1614.

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. Cost: full conference–$160 (students $130). Friday or Saturday only: $80 (students $65). Info: 713/522-8592 or www.swamp.org.

6 (Sat.)

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. 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.

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.

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. For more info: www.houstonheights.org.

11 (Thu.)

Ray Charles. Hear the music legend perform a special concert with the Houston Symphony. A winner of 12 Grammy Awards, Ray Charles has been the subject of a documentary and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has been inducted into both the Rhythm and Blues and the Jazz Halls of Fame. The first half of the concert will feature the Houston Symphony under the direction of conductor Michael Krajewski. 8 pm @ Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets range from $26 to $90 and are available by calling 713/224-7575 or at www.houstonsymphony.org.

11, 13, & 14 (Thu., Sat., & Sun.)

Flower Power. Enjoy the sounds of the ‘60s with hits by the Beach Boys, the Mamas and the Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, & more, all from the Houston Symphony. For a special treat, enjoy the Classical Mystery Tour, a Beatles look-alike band who faithfully recreate some of the classic Beatles studio recordings. Tickets ($22—$76) are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 713/224-7575 or online at www.houstonsymphony.com.

11 & 25 (Thu.)

Family to Family Adoption, a nonprofit licensed agency, is offering free seminars on adopting a child in less than a year. They currently have programs in the U.S., China, Vietnam, Russia, Bulgaria, Guatemala, & other countries. They work with single men, women, & couples 25—65 years of age. Everyone will be given a free info package. Oct. 11 @ Bellaire Medical Center (board room), 5314 Dashwood. Oct. 25 @ Methodist Hospital Sugar Land (conference room A), 16655 Southwest Frwy. Both from 6:30—8:30 pm. More info: 713/249-5941.

12 (Fri.)

Sekou Sundiata has redefined the term "spoken word." His sound is tightly packed with political insight, sly humor, & an unerring feel for the rhythmic possibilities of speech. A longtime fixture on the New York City poetry circuit, his work evokes the spirits of Coltrane, Hendrix, Mandela, Malcolm X, & Mary J. Blige in poem-songs rich with bebop, Afro-pop, & hip-hop grooves. 8 pm @ Hamman Hall, Rice University. Admission is $20 (members $17, students/artists/seniors $10). For 24-hour reser- vations: 713/335-3445.

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.

12—14 (Fri.—Sun.)

Texas Home & Garden Show includes interior & exterior decorating ideas; Japanese gardenscape; gourmet cooking shows; "how-to" seminars & demonstrations; new products, prizes, & show specials; vacation, leisure, & outdoor pavilion. Tickets $7 (children under 14 free). Friday 2—8 pm; Saturday 10 am—8 pm; Sunday 11 am—6 pm @ Reliant Hall, 8400 Kirby Dr. Info: 713/529-1616 or TexasHomeandGarden.com.

13 (Sat.)

Herb Alpert. Meet the music great at the opening of his new show, "Herb Alpert: Music for Your Eyes." The legendary leader of the Tijuana Brass will be wielding a paint brush rather than his trumpet. The show features approximately 70 paintings & sculptures. 6—10 pm @ Galveston’s Buchanan Gallery, 2217 Postoffice. The artwork will be on view through Nov. 16. For more info: 409/763-8683.

13 & 14 (Sat. & Sun.)

Bayou City Art Festival includes 300 artists from around the country selling their original artwork; music; and food & beverage. The juried festival includes painting, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, photography, wood, fiber art, & leather works. Admission is $7 (children under 12 free). 10 am—6 pm both days @ Hermann Square, downtown Houston at City Hall. For more info: www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

13 & 14 (Sat. & Sun.)

Bicycle Ride. The Houston & Southeast Region of the American Lung Association (ALA) is hosting their annual two-day cycling event, the EP Alamo Challenge. The ride will kick off from Katy Mills Mall, west of Houston, and will cover over 180 miles. Cyclists will spend the night in Moulton, Texas, and depart early on Sunday to complete the ride to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Persons interested in participating should contact ALA at 713/629-1600 or register online at www.alamochallenge.com.

14 (Sun.)

Empower 2001. Earn, educate, enlighten, encourage, energize, enrich, entertain, envision, equalize, exercise, and evolve at Houston’s nationally recognized business expo & trade show. Empower 2001 entertains everyone with an emporium of exhibits: business fair, job fair, health resources, performing & visual arts, sports & outdoors, food & drink, and special-interest seminars. Experience this one-day event @ George R. Brown Convention Center. Empower hotline: 713/523-7576.

17 (Wed.)

AIDS Update. This one-day conference in Beaumont, Texas, is designed to educate participants on the nature of HIV disease, the current care & treatments which are available, and the effects on specific populations & cultures, such as adolescents, African Americans, & Hispanics. It will cover physical, emotional, & spiritual involvement in preventing the spread of HIV, as well as contribute to the care of those infected with the virus. Conference is limited to 500 people. Cost is $60 (3 or more from same agency $50 each). More info: Triangle AIDS Network (TAN) at 409/832-8338 or 409/724-AIDS. To register on-line, have your credit card ready and visit www.tanbmt.com, and follow the links to "This week at TAN," then to "Special events."

19 (Fri.)

Mingus Big Band kicks off Da Camera’s acclaimed jazz series. Celebrating the music of the late, great composer and bassist Charles Mingus, the Mingus Big Band is devoted to the vast repertoire that Mingus left behind when he died in 1979. The 14-piece band, who makes its Houston debut, has performed every Thursday night since 1991 at The Fez under the Time Café in New York’s East Village. 8 pm @ Wortham’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas. Tickets are $25—$40 (students/seniors half price) and are available by contacting Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

20 (Sat.)

Wholistic Health Festival is the biggest annual gathering of alternative healthcare physicians and providers offering aromatherapy, bodywork, Chinese herbs, chiropractics, dermabrasion, feng shui, healing touch, iridology, reflexology, magnets, massage, spinal screening, spray vitamins, nutrition, aura photos, handwriting analysis, jewelry, arts & crafts, and more. Have fun with intuitive readers. Enjoy live demos on tai chi, yoga, face reading, and acupressure. Bring the kids for face-painting, portraits, drumming, and snacks. 10 am—6 pm @ CenterPoint for Body, Mind & Spirit,1920 Hollister. Admission is only $2. More info: 713/932-7224.

20 (Sat.)

National Ballet of China. China’s premier troupe from Beijing brings to life the enchanting love story or a beautiful sprite & a Scottish peasant in La Sylphide. Then The Yellow River pulses with the heroic spirit & courage of the Chinese people in a fascinating fusion of ballet & rich Chinese dance styles. 8 pm @ Jones Hall. For ticket prices/more info: 713/227-4SPA (772) or visit www.spahouston.org.

20 & 21 (Sat. & Sun.)

Garage Sale. Forget spring cleaning! Clean out your attics, closets, garages, & storage facilities now! The community-based AIDS fundraising group known as the Blue Crew is organizing a fall garage sale to benefit The Center for AIDS: Hope and Remembrance Project, Houston’s only HIV/AIDS research & treatment information center. Over the past few years, the many dedicated members of the Blue Crew have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Houston-area HIV/AIDS organizations. The Blue Crew is collecting items now: furniture, appliances, clothing, cookware, toys, tools, & other household items can be donated for the sale. Contact Misty, the founder of the Blue Crew (mblue2301@aol.com or 713/524-0104) or Jesse (jmarche@hotmail.com or 713/838-0191) to arrange the pick-up or drop-off of donated items. The sale is scheduled the weekend of Oct. 20—21 (rain dates are Oct. 27—28) at 1104 California.

20 & 21 (Sat. & Sun.)

Beer, Bratwurst, & Beethoven. Celebrate the classical period with an all-Beethoven concert as OrchestraX throws its own XTOBERFEST! 8 pm both nights @ the Bavarian beef gardens of the Garden in the Heights, 3926 Feagan. Tickets/info: 713/225-6729.

21 (Sun.)

Soccer Skills Clinic for Women is sponsored by Houston Women’s Soccer Association. All skill levels welcome. Balls & refreshments provided. $5 per person. 9:30—11 am @ Bear Creek Park, field 21. Map and more info at www.hwsa.org or call 713/523-2089.

21 (Sun.)

Several Dancers Core presents "An Evening of Critical Response," an evening of performing works by artists designed to generate response involving the audience in the creative process and assisting the artists in their artistic development. 4 pm @ Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), 1900 Kane St. Tickets ($5) are available at the door. More info: Several Dancers Core at 713/862-5530.

21 (Sun.)

Victorian Houston. Houston’s oldest intact neighborhood is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its annual Victorian Houston home tour. Walk through the neighborhood and take a peek into turn-of-the-century Houston, when life moved at the pace of a horse-drawn carriage. The homes give attendees a rare opportunity to see firsthand the few remaining examples of craftsmanship from the original settlers in Houston. Tickets are $10 at 1900 Kane. 1—5 pm @ Old Sixth Ward. Rain date: Oct. 28. More info: Larissa at 713/869-8309 or J.D. at 713/862-2097.

25 (Thu.)

The Hagen Quartet, from Salzburg, Austria, is making its Houston debut. For more than 15 years, the quartet has been acclaimed for its artistic excellence in the service of a broad, thoughtfully balanced repertoire.
8 pm @ Wortham’s Cullen Theater, 500 Texas Ave. Tickets are $25—$35 (students/seniors half price) and are available by contacting Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, at 713/524-5050, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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. 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.

26 & 27 (Fri. & Sat.)

Dance Theatre of Harlem. Witness one of the world’s greatest classical companies in Arthur Mitchell’s delightful South African Suite, an exuberant love song to the struggles, spirit, & hope of South Africa. 8 pm @ Jones Hall. For ticket prices/more info: 713/227-4SPA 9772) or visit www.spahouston.org.

26 & 27 (Fri. & Sat.)

Hepatitis Magazine Conference 2001 is a two-day conference open to patients, their families, support group leaders, medical professionals, and anyone interested in obtaining the latest info about hepatitis B & C. Registration is $125. Conference to be held at the Houston Marriott North at Greenspoint. For more info or to request a complimentary copy of Hepatitis magazine: Jennifer at 281/272-2744, ext. 133.

27 (Sat.)

George Carlin. Considered "the most influential comedian since Lenny Bruce," Carlin’s material pushes social boundaries, challenges mores, & points out the foibles of our modern society. His Grammy Award-winning comedy albums have made George Carlin a household name; hope you haven’t forgotten his best-known album, Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television. This program is for mature audiences only. 7 & 10 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice. Tickets $11—$85. Info: 409/765-1894.

27 (Sat.)

Walking for Breast Cancer. The American Cancer Society & The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast is holding its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Monies raised support breast cancer research, educational programs, & support to breast cancer patients in the Houston Metro Market. The 4.5-mile walk kicks off at 9 am @ the University of Houston main campus at Robert Stadium. More info: 1-877-606-WALK or www.Strides_Houston@cancer.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 (Sat.)

GoGirlsMusicFest. is a series of annual showcase events across the United States. Madalyn Sklar, founder of GoGirlsMusic.com, envisioned a festival promoting indie women in music while supporting various charities. This idea turned into 11 shows in the fall of 2000. Now in its second year, the GoGirlsMusicFest 2001 promises to be bigger and better with shows in 20 cities around the country. Confirmed artists for this year’s Houston show are Carolyn Wonderland, Elizabeth White, Hillary Arwen, and Astrogin (more artists to be announced). At the Continental Club, 3700 Main St. The first 75 people in the door will receive a free GoGirlsMusicFest 2001 compilation CD. Get updated info at www.GoGirlsMusicFest.com.• It all benefits the Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation, which is committed to developing and implementing long-term transitional housing and life skills programs for victims of family and partner violence by opening the doors to Nicole’s House. This will be a comprehensive 18- to 24-month program designed to enable each participant and their children to become economically self-sufficient. It will promote physical, emotional, and financial stability in a healthy, violence-free atmosphere. For more information on the foundation, visit www.NBCF.org.

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).

November 16—18 (Fri.—Sun.)

Cat Show. The CFA International Cat Show is the largest international pedigreed cat show in the western hemisphere. It will bring together 1,000 pedigreed cats from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Europe, Asia, & South America. This will be the largest cat show ever held in Houston. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/children under 12; children 5 and under admitted free. Friday & Saturday, 9 am—6 pm; Sunday, 9 am—4 pm @ the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall C, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas.

November 17 (Sat.)

Houston Black Tie Dinner. More than 1,200 people are expected to attend this year’s dinner, which last year distributed more than $130,000 to local & national organizations that serve the GLBT community. Keynoting the dinner this year will be Alec Mapa, an award-winning actor, writer, activist, & performance artist. Mapa most recently appeared in the CBS comedy Some of My Best Friends, on which he played television’s first major gay Asian sitcom character. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation will be the national beneficiary of this year’s event. 7 pm in the Grand Ballroom of the George R. Brown Convention Center. For ticket info: 713/523-9611.

PERFORMING ARTS

• Art. Yasmina Reza’s international sensation chronicles the hilarious events surrounding the purchase of a modern painting for a huge amount of money. Marc hates it and can’t believe Serge could possibly want such a work. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides in what has become a witty piece of modern theater. The Alley Theatre will present Art with an inventive approach to casting–six Alley actors will take on Art’s three roles–providing a new casting combination each evening. Oct. 5—Nov. 3 @ the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets to preview performances are $20—$40; tickets to performances on or after Oct. 10 are $35—$50. Tickets can be purchased at the Alley Theatre box office or online at www.alleytheatre.org, or by calling 713/228-8421.

• Boy Meets Boy is a champagne bubbly, gay musical, very Noël Coward, that is set in London and Paris in 1936, during the period when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Mrs. Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcée. During this period, Great Britain existed in the twilight of empire, dancing away the last years of pre-war peace. Such is the backdrop for this most entertaining of musical comedies, one with a simple but deva-statingly witty twist. Treated in a delightfully matter-of-fact manner, the romantic interest, as the title suggests, is between boy and boy. The writers have lovingly recreated the era of the black-and-white movie musical replete with witty lyrics, memorable melodies, and a book which is a gem of humorous writing. Sylvie Drake in the L.A. Times says, "We may all rejoice.... Hilarious.... Delicious. A musical done with wit, charm, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek." Regis Philbin (yes, that Regis Philbin) says, "Outrageously high camp at an exceptionally fast pace. Can a straight appreciate it? The answer is yes!" Directed by Joe Watts. Through Nov. 17 @ Theatre New West, 1415 California. Tickets are $20. Info/reservations: 713/394-0464.

• The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It. Join a troop of actors as they attempt to perform a production of As You Like It. Complications arise as the lead actor leaves for a career as a professional wrestler and the leading lady goes insane. Tickets are $12. Oct. 12—Nov. 17, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm @ The Company Onstage, 536 Westbury Square, 713/726-1216.

• 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.

• Houston Grand Opera. The 47th season opens with Rigoletto. Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda is abducted by the Duke of Mantua, who has designs on her. Rigoletto rescues her, but by now she loves the duke. Rigoletto arranges his murder, but Gilda substitutes herself for the intended victim. Oct. 19—Nov. 4 @ Wortham Center’s Brown Theater. Tickets ($15—$225) are available by calling 713/227-ARTS; in person at the center, 550 Prairie; or at www.houstongrandopera.org.

• Killer Joe. The London, Chicago, and off-Broadway hit, making its Houston premiere, is a black comedy of deplorable manners. Chris, his father, stepmother, & young sister are planning poor Mom’s demise. Into their world comes Killer Joe Cooper, full-time cop & part-time assassin. But when they are unable to pay up, Joe demands the young sister as his "retainer." The play is for adult audiences, and Theater LaB ask that you not reveal the ending. Tickets $20 & $22. Through Oct. 20 @ Theater LaB, 1706 Alamo, 713/868-7516.

• 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.

• One Mo’ Time celebrates the musical side of black vaudeville, a tradition that includes the ragtime jazz of Louis Armstrong. The story is an excuse for listening in on backstage banter between the performers in Big Bertha’s touring vaudeville show and her money squabbles with the cheap & sleazy theater owner. The troupe’s manager has a secret thing going on with someone else, which upsets Big Bertha. The numbers range from low-down blues to vaudevillian comedic to a rousing "There’ll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight." Through Nov. 25 @ the Great Caruso Dinner Theater, 10001 Westheimer. Tickets are $34 & $39 and include a 3-course dinner. For reservations/more info: 713/780-4900.

• Over the River and Through the Woods. This Houston premiere is a comic & lighthearted look at family & the ties that bind. Nick, a single Italian-American guy from New Jersey who visits both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner, has suddenly been offered a promotion, which will take him far away to Seattle. Thus begins a series of schemes hatched by the grandparents to keep Nick around. Tickets $15 & $20 (students/seniors [+65] $10). 8 pm, Fridays—Mondays, Oct. 15—Nov. 17 @ The Little Room Downstairs, 2332 Bissonnet, 713/522-LRDS (5737).

• The Pavilion by Craig Wright. Southwest premiere. At the memory-filled Pavilion, a dance hall on the shores of fictional Lake Melissa in small-town Minnesota, two former sweethearts meet at their high school reunion, still haunted by the anguish and regret of a decision made 20 years ago. An eloquent narrator creates their universe for us and then plays multiple parts in this comic, cosmic, lyrical look at the joys and disappointments of growing up. Oct. 3—28 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Tickets ($32—$42) are available at the Stages box office or by calling 713/527-0123. More info: www.stagetheatre.com.

• The Secret Affairs of Mildred Wild. Enter the mind of an "everyday housewife" who fantasizes herself as classic characters from the silver screen. Tickets $10 (students/seniors $9; matinees all seats $8). Through Oct. 13 @ Theatre Suburbia, 1410 West 43rd St., 713/682-3525.

PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• The Diary of Anne Frank. On July 6, 1942, Anne & her family were forced into hiding in a secret annex. She took her most valuable possession with her–a small red & white plaid diary. For over two years, she wrote about her life in hiding, the war, & her hopes for the future. This new adaptation retells the harrowing, true story of two families forced to hide from the world, three adolescents struggling to find their own identities with WWII raging around them, & the courageous people who risked their lives to protect their very existence. Recommended for 5th—12th grades. Main Street Theater at Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. For more info on family performances (Nov. 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, & 11): 713/524-6706. Info on school bookings (Oct. 30—Nov. 16): 713/524-7998.

• The Little Witch of Wichita. In this "bewitching" modern musical, "Little Witch" longs for the respect of her peers and tries to impress them by accepting the challenge of finding the final ingredients for the Halloween Happening stew. Little Witch’s adventures not only bring her to new friends–including Armando, a Mayorcan Mambo Mouse, and the shy Peek-a-Boo Tree–but also teach her that self-respect starts on the inside. Oct. 13—Nov. 10 @ Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. Public performances: Saturdays at 11:30 am & 2 pm; group performances are available for schools & others, Tuesdays—Fridays, 9:30 & 11:30 am, in addition to the Saturday performances. Tickets are $8; group rates, Family Fun passes, & subscriptions are available. Tickets are available at the Stages box office or by calling 713/527-0123. More info: www.stagestheatre.com.

• The Story of the Lone Star State. InterActive Theater Company begins its 5th anniversary with the return of the fast-paced, action-packed, knee-slappin’ 60 minutes of the history of Texas. Beginning with the Caddo tribes, settling with the Spanish conquistadors, riding with the cowboys, & pursuing the elusive jackelope, The Story of the Lone Star State promises an educational & entertaining outing (no, not that kind of outing) for all. And, of course, InterActive Theater Company promises their usual brand of audience interaction. Tuesdays—Fridays at 9:30 & 11:15 am, and Saturdays at 11 am, through Oct. 27 @ Lambert Hall Performing Arts Center, 1703 Heights Blvd. Tickets are $6. Reservations/more info: 713/862-7112.

• The Three Sillies is a re-telling of a well-known English folk tale. A gentleman–poised to marry a farmer’s daughter–is put off by the silly sensibilities of the woman and her family and refuses to marry her unless he can find "three sillies even sillier than she is." $6 ($5 for children under 12). Wed., Oct. 17 at 7 pm @ Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Post-office, 409/765-1894.

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

• Asian Visions/Gracious Images. Well-known Swiss/Italian photographer Pierre Poretti has been practicing his distinctive style of photography in Bali & throughout Southeast Asia since 1984. Poretti prints his own black & white photographs, then hand-tints them in watercolors in a style that creates a unique feel. Grace Jones is featured in this showing Oct. 15—Nov. 30 @ Mo Mong, 1201 Westheimer, 713/524-5664.

• Connections is a collaboration between Pat Moberley Moore’s sculpture and Joan Blakemore Nixon’s paintings. Through Oct. 20 @ Archway Gallery, 2031 West Gray, 713/522-2409.

• Documenting Hope: Celebrating Breast Cancer Survivors is a group exhibition by four women photographers. Commemorating the unique sisterhood of survivors, two survivors photograph themselves & others; the other photographers photograph their friends. The exhibition is intended to encourage cancer prevention, screenings, & early detection. Through Nov. 4 @ Houston Center for Photography, 1441 W. Alabama, 713/529-4755.

• Houston Diaries is an exhibition of new paintings by Nicholas Bakaysa. These hauntingly beautiful works depict a man alone in his apartment engaged in various mundane activities such as brushing his teeth, looking out the window, watching TV, or standing in the shadows as sunlight falls over his torso. The quality of light and the muted sophisticated palette transform these snapshots of everyday life into something magical. They are intimate and personal yet intelligently and thoughtfully executed. • There will be a reception for the artist from 6—8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Erie Street Iron Works Gallery, 1315 Sterrett Street, where the exhibition runs through Oct. 18. For more infor-mation, call 713/539-5815.

• One Saw; the Other Saw. Using advanced computer animation techniques, Jennifer Steinkamp creates interactive light projections that can be altered by visitors’ actions. Visitors can also activate electronic music composed by Steinkamp’s collaborator Jimmy Johnson of the electronic music group Grain.Through Oct. 28 @ Rice University Art Gallery (campus entrance 1 at the intersection of Main St. & Sunset Blvd.). Info: 713/348-6069 or www.rice.edu/ruag.

• 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. 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. Through Feb. 3 @ The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, 713/525-9404, www.menil.org.

• To the Trade is a trade show for the art industry. The exhibition doubles as an actual trade fair where artists provide services, and viewers are able to commission the services offered. Artists will be on hand in this gallery-turned-exposition hall for demonstrations, presentations, panel discussions, & workshops, all open to the public. Unique in its approach to art presentation, it provides a real-time, real-world situation where object & product yield to service and where art & business merge. Oct. 26—Nov. 24 @ DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway. Opening reception: Sat., Oct. 27, 6—8 pm. More info: 713/335-3445.

• 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.