June Events
Day-By-Day Events, Performance, Performance for Young People, Radio, Art/Photography, HIV Testing. Plus hot ticket: Patty Larkin
June Day-By-Day • Planning Ahead • Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • HIV Testing
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HOT TICKET: Out Pickin’
Openly gay singer/songwriter Patty Larkin doesn’t just play the guitar, she evolves with it.
Considered a musician’s musician by her peers, and a folk icon by many, Patty Larkin has spent over 20 years expanding the soundscape of folk-pop. Her picking-and-strum technique stands out from the first few notes of any song. Take “Might as Well Dance” from Angels Running. Strumming blends with slide-guitar riffs and what sounds like a Hammond b3 organ. All commingle in ways unlike any folksy tune we’ve ever heard. Larkin is currently on tour in support of her latest release, La Guitara: Gender Bending Strings, a compilation chronicling women’s contributions to the evolution of the modern guitar. Perhaps she’ll eke out a few previews of her upcoming CD, due out in 2008.
The Who: Patty Larkin in performance
The Where: McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk
The When: Saturday, June 16, 7:30 p.m.
The Wherewithal: $20
More info: 713/528-5999, www.mcgonigels.com, www.pattylarkin.com, and don’t forget www.MySpace.com/PattyLarkin
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June DAY BY DAY
(see also JUNE Weekly and Monthly)
2 (Sat.)
Poesía y Película. The Institute of Hispanic Culture & The Flamenco Poets Society presents “Poetry & Film.” The lineup includes the poetry of Rafael Alberti, a bilingual reading by Elsie C. Martinez and Julietta Parra Ducote, and a film by Latcho Drom. Free. 7 pm at the Institute of Hispanic Culture, 3315 Sul Ross at Audley. More info: 713/528-1492 or www.theflamencopoetssociety.org
9 (Sat.)
Pink Eye of the Tiger. Who will win the prestigious wrestling title in the ALL-U-CAN-bEAT buffet? Will it be Utah’s own Stormin’ Mormons? Or Asian tag team Sweet-N-Sour? Will the coveted title go to the mysterious, gender-neutral Precious Jules, clad head to toe in pink spandex? Will announcer Tex Lonestar and Mexican wrestling manager Dirty Sanchez [ OutSmart ‘s own Eric Dieckman] ever make peace? Find out in this off-beat wrestling parody. $10 advance, $15 day of event. 9 pm at the Meridian, 1503 Chartres. Info/reservations: 713/629-3700, www.ticketmaster.com, or www.DoomsdayWrestling.com.
9 (Sat.)
Summer Samba. Feel the beat of the Batucada (Brazilian drums) with Samba Nights in the Heights. Watch the 15-member Bateria (drum section) feed its dancers’ frenzy. Learn some new steps. The rhythm is going to get you. $10. 7-10 pm at Brazilian Arts Foundation, 1133 East 11th St. Info: 713/862-3300 or www.brazilianarts.org.
13 (Wed.)
The Big Laugh features the musings of Tom Hester at the Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre. Tickets ($20) available at http://www.symfonee.com/Improv/houston/home/index.aspx or by calling 713/333-8800. A portion of the ticket sales benefit Halloween Magic (www.halloweenmagic.org, 713/226-2342).
16 & 17 (Sat. & Sun.)
Daddy’s Li’l (Film) Stripper. If you’ve never been to an A/V Geeks screening of educational and miscellaneous film strips, you–and the Pops–are in for a treat with A/V Geeks: Daddy’s Day . Reels include “Schoolboy Father” and an after-school special featuring Dana Plato, Nancy McKeon, and Rob Lowe. $6. June 16, 8 pm, and 17, 3 pm, at Aurora Picture Show, 800 Aurora St. Info: 713/868-2101 or www.aurorapictureshow.org.
18-22 (Wed.-Sun.)
Tales of the Cocktail. Join the country’s hottest chefs, authors, bartenders, and cocktail experts for this culinary and libation festival in New Orleans. Enjoy spirited dinners, seminars, cocktail hour, cocktail luncheons, walking tours of the French Quarter, and classic and contemporary cocktail parties in the city known for its deliciously devastating drinks. A bit of advice learned from N.O. revelers: Get rid of the straw; it promotes faster consumption. $15 for wristband access to two parties, $485 for multi-event pass. In the French Quarter. More information/reservations: www.TalesoftheCocktail.com.
19 (Tues.)
Juneteenth. The premiere of TSU’s Thomas Meloncon’s new musical drama, Sarah & Joshua–a Juneteenth Musical , tells the story of two slaves in love and the events leading up to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston that all slaves had been emancipated two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln, thus effectively ending slavery in Texas. Free. 8:15pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Info/reservations: 281-FREE-FUN or www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
20 (Wed.)
Local Style, Global Goals. The United Sterling Artists Foundation presents “Houston Fashion Going Global,” a fashion runway show led by Sally Templeton. Local fashion designers display their finery, draped upon statuesque models gracing the catwalk. $5 (includes one raffle ticket). 7 pm at Venue, 719 Main St. More info: 713/623-0550.
22 (Fri.)
A Portrait of the Artists as a Horde of Young Musicians. The Texas Music Festival Orchestra features over 100 students from an intensive four-week program at UH’s Moores School of Music. Works performed include Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from “Prince Igor” and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 . Free. 8 pm (gates open at 7 pm) at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. More information: 281/363-3300 or www.woodlandscenter.org.
23 & 24 (Sat. & Sun.)
8-Ball in the Corner Pocket. The Independent Billiard League of Houston hosts the 11th Annual Houston Billiard Open. Come for the billiards, stay for the raffle. Benefits Bering Omega Community Services, AIDS Foundation Houston, and Camp Hope, which sends kids infected with HIV to camp. $20 in advance, $25 at the door; $10 for raffle tickets or 3 for $20. Registration at 9 am, activities begin at 10 am, at Slick Willie’s Family Pool Hall, 1200 Westheimer. Mail donations or gift certificates to HBO/IBL Houston, P.O. Box 542345, Houston, TX 77254-2345. Or call to arrange a pickup: 713/678-7285, fax 713-678-7285, or [email protected]. More info: http://hbo.iblhouston.com.
28 (Thurs.)
Wade Wilson Art and Halloween Magic present the works of Houston artist Dick Wray. Suggested donation is $10 at the door and all proceeds benefit Halloween Magic (www.halloweenmagic.org, 713/226-2342). Beverages provided by Barefoot Wines and hors d’oeuvres from Tart Café. 6-8 pm at Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose.
Weekly (Mondays)
Grab Yer Partner, Doh-Si-Doh. The rhythmically awkward are welcome here. Have some fun gittin’ fit with non-strenuous aerobic square dancing. No partner required. Casual dress. $5. 7-9 pm at Eldridge Park Community Center, 2511 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land. Please call ahead to verify time and place: Jan, 281/498-5301. More info: [email protected].
Weekly (Thursdays)
Depression & Bipolar Support Group. Don’t let depression or bipolar disorder dig its bleak claws into what little hope you’ve managed to hide from the shadows. Bering Support Network helps those in need to connect with others who are learning to cope. You are not alone and can benefit from the experience of others. Take a step away from the dark. GLBT friendly. Free. Groups meet at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold, Room 232, 7:15-8:30 pm. Info: 713/526-1018.
Semi-monthly (Wednesdays)
The D Word (Dinner). Come for a meal, stay for the camaraderie. The Lesbian Dinner Group welcomes womyn to build new friendships, enjoy conversation, network, and have a few laughs over an appetizing repast. Singles and couples welcome. The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 7:30 pm, at Café Express, 1422 West Gray. More information: [email protected].
Monthly (Tuesdays)
The Houston SPCA Pet Loss Support Group provides a professionally facilitated, supportive, and safe environment for people to grieve the loss of a beloved companion. Free. First Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, at the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Dr. Info: 713/869-7722, ext. 127, or www.houstonspca.org.
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PLANNING AHEAD
July 3 (Tues.)
Star-Spangled Salute. Celebrate with music one night, and with BBQ, beer, and fireworks the next. The Houston Symphony performs a selection of patriotic favorites. Free. 8 pm (gates open at 6:30 pm) at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. More info: 281/363-3300 or www.woodlandscenter.org.
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PERFORMING ARTS
All in the Timing. Six one-act comedies by David Ivies celebrate life, love, Trotsky, monkeys, and more. $14 ($12 seniors, $10 students). June 30-Aug. 4, 8 pm, at Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219, www.companyonstage.org.
American Homefront. When Dana and Rob learn their son’s military unit has been kidnapped in Iraq, their hearts are broken. But the devastating news is accompanied by a shocking revelation. $10-$20. June 29-July 21, 8 pm (Sundays 3 pm) at Silver House Theatre, 1107 Chartres. Info/reservations: 713/547-0126 or www.u-p.org.
Cocktails, Coward, and Cole. Sip a Main Street Martini as you enjoy the wit and sophistication of the plays, sketches, and songs of Noël Coward and Cole Porter. Benefits Main Street Theater. Attire: cocktail casual (dress like a vodka Collins in khakis?). $50 ($25 of each ticket is a tax-deductible donation). June 15, 8 pm, at Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info/reservations: 713/524-3622.
Debbie Does Dallas. The notorious film from 1978 is now a camp musical. If high schooler Debbie Benton is going to become a Dallas cowgirl cheerleader, she must first scrape up the bus fare to get to the Big D. But how can she get the money together? Through June 10, 8 pm (Sunday, June 3 at 5 pm), at Theater LaB, 1706 Alamo St. Info/reservations: 713/868-7516 or www.theaterlabhouston.com.
DRACULAw: Night Court 2007. This all-lawyer musical comedy presented by the Houston Bar Association is written and performed by lawyers, with an orchestra full of lawyers. We doubt the attorneys who created this “biting satire” had to spend much time before making the connection between barristers and blood-suckers. Proceeds benefit charitable organizations. $29 evening performances; $21 sneak preview; $15 matinee. June 13-16 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info/reservations: 713/315-2525 or www.thehobbycenter.org.
Fear of a Brown Planet. MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts) and DiverseWorks present a story from Chicano Messengers of Spoken Word. Based on Sartre’s No Exit , three Latino archetypes find themselves inexplicably in an internment camp. $5 advance, $9 day of. June 29 and 30, 8 pm, at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy (Main at Naylor). Reservations/info: 713/223-8346 or www.diverseworks.org.
The Kings & Queens of Spoken Word. SEHAH & Amandla productions present an evening of poetry, storytelling, music, hip-hop, and more. Free. June 9, 8:15 pm, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. in Hermann Park. Info/reservations: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
Monty Python’s Spamalot. Finally, nerds and devotees of musical have a common ground. The satirical six’s campy cult hit movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail is now a campy cult hit musical. The knights of Camelot wouldn’t hear Tim the Enchanter’s warning about the deadly killer rabbit. Will they take heed if he sings his cautions? $27.25-$77.25. Through June 17 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info/reservations: 713/558-TUTS, 888/558-3882, or www.tuts.com.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) is, in simplest terms, a musical about musicals. In this comical satire of musical theater, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim to (of course) Andrew Lloyd Webber. The basic plot: Threatened by her evil landlord, June is an ingénue who can’t pay the rent. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue? $25 Saturdays, $20 Fridays and Sunday matinee. Through June 9, 8pm, at Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo (off 2100 Houston Ave.). Info/reservations: 713/868-7516 or www.theaterlabhouston.com.
Sweet Charity. If your friends could see you seeing this musical now! Paige Davis stars as Charity Hope Valentine in Neil Simon’s classic musical. $29-$92. June 26-July 8 at Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info/reservations: 713/558-8887 or www.tuts.com. (See interview with dancer Brian Wanee on page 98.)
Treasure Island. In the world premiere of this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Jim Hawkins races against time and the wits of treacherous pirates to find hidden treasure. Tickets start at $19. Through June 17 at Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Info/reservations: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.
The Widow’s Blind Date. Israel Horovitz’ story opens simply, with the reunion of three former classmates. But everything goes wild from there. $10. Fridays and Saturdays, June 8-23, 8pm, at The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury (Town & Country Village). Info/reservations: 713/467-4497 or www.countryplayhouse.org.
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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Charlotte’s Web. Some pig. Some play. $7. June 30-Aug. 4, 11 am and 1:30 pm, at the Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square. Info/reservations: 713/726-1219 or www.companyonstage.org.
Schoolhouse Rock Live!–Junior. Any 30-something raised by Saturday morning cartoon television can still sing along to “I’m Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.” Here’s your second chance to get the numbers right in “Mean Ol’ Number 9.” Free. June 5-7, 11 am, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. Info/reservations: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
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RADIO
After Hours. Sunday mornings, 1-4 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.
Reach Out in the Darkness. Houston’s only transgender radio host and her partner present selected music from the ’60s, played like it was in the ’60s, exclusively from vinyl pressings. Every Wednesday morning, 3-6 am, KPFT Pacifica radio (90.1 FM).
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ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
Andy Warhol: Three Houston Women. One of the art world’s most colorful, memorable (and openly gay) figures, Warhol created portraits of three women who had a profound effect on the role of modern art in Houston: Dominique de Menil, Jermayne MacAgy, and Caroline Weiss Law. The exhibit is part of the year-long observation of the Menil Collection’s 20th anniversary. Through July 8 at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Information: 713/525-9400 or www.menil.org.
Expansive Link. The result of an international collaboration between DiverseWorks and Braga Menendez Arte Contemporaneo (Buenos Aires), the exhibit features works by a carefully chosen lineup of emerging Argentine artists with strong ties to pop and surrealism. Through June 23 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy off Main at Naylor. Info/reservations: 713/223-8346 or www.diverseworks.org.
Extremely Shorts 10. Aurora Picture Show’s aluminum anniversary micro-mini film festival brings a broad sampling of experimental and narrative short films, each title running at three minutes or less. $6. June 30, 8 pm, and July 1, 3 pm and 5 pm, at Aurora Picture Show, 800 Aurora St. More info: 713/868-2101 or www.aurorapictureshow.org.
Frogs. We’re all familiar with movie sequels, but a museum sequel? The NatSci museum has created this fun follow-up to Frogs! A Chorus of Colors . In addition to pre-existing colorful live amphibians like the poison dart frogs, meet fascinating new additions. Also, look for the Matamata, a bizarre aquatic turtle (a natural predator to some frogs) that looks like something from a Godzilla movie. $15 for adults; $12 for children (3-11), seniors, and college students. June 1-Sept. 3 at the Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org
The Future of Life. Global conservation and “biodiversity hotspots” around the planet are highlighted and celebrated in this photographic exhibit in collaboration with FotoFest. Through June 30 at One & Two Allen Center, 500 Dallas Ave. Info: www.bg-group.com/about/sponsorship.htm or www.conservation.org.
The Great Wall of China: Photographs by Chen Changfen. The first U.S. exhibition of work by this Chinese photographer who devoted 30 years of his life to exploring and photographing the Great Wall is reminiscent of the long-term projects undertaken by Ansel Adams in Yosemite and Alfred Stieglitz at Lake George. $7, $3.50 for kids 6-18. Through August 12 at the Museum of Fine Arts, 5601 Main St. Info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379, TDD/TYY for the hearing impaired: call 713/639-7390).
Hurricane on the Bayou. Narrated by Meryl Streep and driven by a rousing jazz, blues, and gospel-fueled soundtrack, this IMAX doc is both a disconcerting record of Katrina’s human effects and a call to restore Louisiana’s wetlands, rebuild New Orleans, and honor the place where America’s most vibrant homegrown culture was born. After seeing Hurricane on the Bayou , check out Vanishing Wetlands: Two Views , opening June 15. This exhibition displays the scientific and social impact of this environmental loss. $9 for adults; $7 for children (3-11), seniors, and college students. Opens June 1 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.
Imperial Rome. What began as a small village on the Tiber River grew into an enormous empire that dominated the politics, economy, and culture of the known world from 27 B.C. to the middle of the fourth century A.D. Meet the emperors, visit the homes, shudder at their once-fearful military. $15. Through July 29 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org (en Español: 713/639-4603).
The Last Supper. In the state that leads the nation in capital punishment, this exhibit by Julie Green has a pertinent significance. Hundreds of china plates depict the last meals of death-row inmates in the U.S. Through June 23 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Fwy off Main at Naylor. Info/reservations: 713/223-8346 or www.diverseworks.org.
Mysterious Skin. In this psychological drama, two young boys encounter a pedophile baseball coach. Fast forward to find one of them a gay hustler, the other convinced he’s the victim of alien abduction. Screening is accompanied by guest speaker/psychoanalyst Marianna Adler, PhD. Sunday, June 17, 6 pm, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. More info: 713/639-7515 or www.mfa.org/film.
Perspectives 156: Impulse! Works from Houston-area teens explore the idea of excitation through work in a variety of media by 26 area high school students. Through July 15 at the Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose Blvd. More information: 713-284-8257 or www.camh.org.
Shanghai: A Refuge During the Holocaust. Forced to flee their homeland during the Nazi regime, many Jews became “stateless refugees,” denied entry into most countries. Shanghai was one of the few places that stateless Jews could disembark without passports or visas. As a result, Shanghai became a refuge to thousands of Jews. The exhibit presents the complex Jewish community in Shanghai that resulted from this emigration. Free. Through July 22 at Holocaust Museum Houston’s Central Gallery, 5401 Caroline. Info: 713/942-8000 or www.hmh.org.
Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston: Who We Are. An installation of photographs and audiostories features Houston-based evacuees and survivors of the hurricanes, with photographs by Alice McNamara. Through June 15 at Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: 713/523-9530 or www.artleaguehouston.org.
Things in Which We Believe: Menil Gifts to European and American Museums. The title says it all. The Menils have donated works to some very important collections, including the MOMA and the Centre Georges Pompidou. This exhibit is part of the Menil Collection’s 20th anniversary (but does taking all this stuff back make us look like Indian-givers?). June 8-Sept. 16 at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Information: 713/525-9400 or www.menil.org.
Yale Street Arts Market is an exciting Heights market created for local artists to display and sell original works of art. Local musicians entertain all day. It’s a mini art festival in the Heights! Every month on 1st Saturday at 548 West 19th at Wind Water Gallery’s parking lot. Info: www.YaleStreetMarket.com. Be sure to visit The Artful Corner at 3423 White Oak Blvd., 713/426-4ART.
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HIV TESTING
Thomas Street Clinic is offering HIV testing free to the public, Mon.-Fri. 9 am-1 pm. There is no need to establish eligibility (“gold-card”), no donation will be asked of the person seeking testing, and the test is free. Thomas Street Clinic, 2015 Thomas, 713/873-4157 or 713/873-4026.
The Montrose Clinic offers free confidential HIV testing at these locations:
Decades, 1205 Richmond, 713/521-2224, Mon. 6-10pm (Dennis);
EJ’s, 2517 Ralph, 713/527-9071, Wed. & Fri. 10pm-1am (Rhonda & Lourdes);
Mary’s, Naturally, 1022 Westheimer, 713/527-9669, Wed. 4-8pm (Jack);
Midtown Spa, 3100 Fannin, 713/522-2379, Tues. 9pm-1am (Carlos), Wed. 10pm-1am (Juan), Fri. 10pm-1am (Quincy);
Ripcord, 715 Fairview, 713/521-2792, Wed. 9pm-12am (Matthew);
Inergy/Mango Lounge, 5750 Chimney Rock, 713/660-7310, Mon. 9pm-12am (Carlos);
1415 Bar & Grill, 1415 California, 713/522-7066, Thurs. 9pm-12am (Carlos);
611 Hyde Park Pub, 611 Hyde Park, 713/526-7070, Tues. 3-7pm & Sun. 2-6pm (Matthew);
All Star News and Video Emporium, 3415 Katy Freeway & Studewood, 713/869-7878, Mon. & Thurs. 4-8pm (Jack);
Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos, 713/528-9192, Thurs. 8pm-12am (Matthew);
Cousin’s, 817 Fairview, 713/528-9204, Thurs. 8pm-12am (Jack);
Club Houston, 2205 Fannin, 713/659-4998, Tues. 8pm-12am (Dennis). For more info: 713/830-3000.
Planned Parenthood offers free anonymous or confidential testing at clinic locations throughout the area. To speak with an HIV counselor: 1-800-230-PLAN, Dickinson: 281/337-7725, Fannin: 713/831-6543, FM1960: 281/587-8081, Greenspoint: 281/445-4553, Huntsville: 936/295-6396, Lufkin: 936/634-8446 x223, Rosenberg: 281/342-3950, Stafford: 281/494-9848.
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