Local News

Calendar: August 2007

August Events
Day-By-Day Events, Performance, Performance for Young People, Radio, Art/Photography, HIV Testing.

August Day-By-Day Planning AheadPerforming Arts Performing Arts for Young PeopleRadioArt/PhotographyHIV Testing

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TheSistersSpotlight: WORLD DANCE FEVER
Sisters of Avalon doing it for themselves
The dance show is called In the Garden of Gaia, but don’t expect the kind of dancers you might see on your favorite gay-with-a-Y stage. On August 11, Sisters of Avalon premieres its theatrical dance production, In the Garden of Gaia, a “fascinating dance event merging the worlds of tribal belly dance, flamenco, and gypsy dance into a dramatic creation celebrating the progression of life.” Angela Flores directs the troupe, a Houston-based collective of dancers from a wide array of cultural and artistic backgrounds. Part of the $12-$15 admission from the 8 p.m. performance at the University of St. Thomas Jones Hall benefits AssistHers, the volunteer group that provides in-home support for lesbians with debilitating illnesses. Details: www.sistersofavalon.com. — Nancy Ford

Spotlight: OPPORTUNITY FOR ARTISTS
It’s months before the Houston Women’s Festival takes to the stage, but organizers are already gearing up. In preparation for the downtown, daylong October 20 celebration of women’s art and music, organizers have announced a competition for the 2007 festival T-shirt and poster art. The talented winner will be awarded all sorts of HWF bling and adulation. August 31 is the deadline. Details: www.hwfestival.org. — N.F.

Spotlight: GOT GAME
Fans of both the Houston Women’s Festival and the Houston Comets have two opportunities to co-mingle this month. Comets players will attend the Club 1415 monthly happy hour on August 1, 6 p.m. (1415 California) in preparation for HWF game day when the Comets face the Chicago Sky on August 16 at the Toyota Center, the closing game of the regular home season. Details: www.hwfestival.org. — N.F.

Spotlight: BUSY BOIS
August is a big month for Houston Gendermyn. First, our town’s premiere drag king troupe hosts a Drag King Karaoke kegger party on August 12, 6 p.m., at Last Concert Café (1403 Nance). Five bucks gets you a commemorative Gendermyn cup and two beers, benefiting the troupe’s community education initiatives. Later, the bois’ second independent production, their “raucously political and stupefyingly entertaining” The Labor Show, hits the stage on August 25, 9 p.m., at The Engine Room (1515 Pease). Details: www.gendermyn.com. — N.F.

Spotlight: PLAY TIME
One of 10 scribes, Eric James is tapped to present his work at 10 x 10, the 17th annual showcase production of 10-minute plays by local playwrights. In James’ Commit for Life, directed by John Kaiser, a gay man suffers sexual discrimination at a hospital blood bank. Lambert Hall in the Heights (1703 Heights Blvd.) presents 10 x 10 on August 17 and 18, 8 p.m., and August 19, 5 p.m. $10-$15. Details: 713/866-4050. — N.F.

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August DAY BY DAY
(see also AUGUST Weekly and Monthly)

1, 3, 9, & 11 (Wed., Fri., Thur., & Sat.)

Mosquito Repellent, Wherefore Art Thou? Houston Shakespeare Festival stages the classic tale of forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet. This is the perfect opportunity to pull the wee ones away from the blockbusters of the movie theater and introduce them to the cultural nuance of the stage. Free. 8:30 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. The Aug. 3 performance is captioned for the hearing impaired. Free tix for covered seating available day of event at Miller’s box office. Info: www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com.

August 9, 16, & 23 (Thursdays)

Heart and Soular. Warhol and his Factory would be jealous. Soular Sessions transforms the CAM into a chi-chi, hipster art-lounge. DJ Sun collaborates with artist Xaviera Simmons for the performance component of Electric Relaxation: Digital Good Time (How to Break Your Own Heart). Guest DJs spin grooves inspired by the classic soul, funk, and jazz album sleeves adorning the gallery. A cash bar is available to complete the vibe. Free. 7-9 pm at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. More information: 713/284-8250, www.camh.org, or www.soulargrooves.com.

17 (Fri.)

Lady Sings the Jazz. The Community Music Center’s Jazz Cross Roads program presents “Women in Jazz: Sara Vaughn.” Vaughn’s performance features song stylists Gloria Edwards and Mickie Moseley. Free. 7:30 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. More information: www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com.

23-28 (Thur.-Tues.)

How Does a City Blow Out 171 Candles? “Happy Birthday, Houston! Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future” is a weeklong series of events at participating venues throughout the city  celebrating the founding of Houston. New York brothers Augustus Chapman and John Kirby Allen started it all on the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Aug. 30, 1836. It all begins with a screening at the River Oaks Theatre Aug. 23 and closes with a city fundraiser at the George R. Brown Center Aug. 28. More information: www.happybirthdayhouston.com or www.saveourlandmarks.com.

30 (Thur.)

The Spy Who Lawned Me. “Nobody does it better” than Michael Krajewski as he conducts the Houston Symphony in “James Bond: License to Thrill.” This shaken, yet stirring, evening of music visits memorable moments from the Bond soundtracks. $15 for reserved seating, $10 for uncovered reserved seats, free to plop down on the lawn. 7:30 pm (gates open at 6:30 pm) at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. More information: 281/363-3300 or www.woodlandscenter.org.

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 (Saturdays)

Second Saturdays at Winter St. Studios. It’s open-door policy at Winter St. Studios every second Saturday of the month (this month July 14). This is a great way to meet and hang with the varied artists working in many different media and styles in their studios. Participating artists have a large red dot on or near the door of their studio. All are welcome between 1 and 6 pm. At Winter St. Studios, 2101 Winter St. More information: 713/862-0082 or www.winterstreetstudios.net.

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

September 1 (Sat.)

Baroque & Roll. Mercury Baroque presents this family-friendly Labor Day weekend concert performance of the Baroque era’s most rousing and memorable hits. Feel the heat of Summer by Vivaldi, bask in Bach’s passionate Violin Double Concerto, and blast off to Pachelbel’s Canon. Free. 8 pm at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. Information and reservations: 713/533-0080 or www.MercuryBaroque.org.

September 6-9 (Thur.-Sun.)

The Secret Garden. Based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle. She stumbles across a closely guarded mystery in the dusty corridors of the mansion. With the help of her newfound friends, she discovers a new world around her and within. The production features a 24-piece orchestra conducted by Dominique Røyem. $25 and $35. Showtimes vary at the Heinen Theatre in Midtown, 3517 Austin at Holman, located on the Houston Community College Central Campus. Info/reservations: 713/465-6484 or www.bayoucityconcertmusicals.org.

September 8 & 9 (Sat. & Sun.)

The MS Walk. Take a step in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). Choose your location: Katy, Kemah, The Woodlands, or downtown Houston. The walks benefit the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter. More than just mile and 5K walks, myriad family-friendly festivities are in store for strutters and supporters alike. Saturday, September 8 MS Walks: Katy at Katy Mills Mall, Kemah at the Kemah Boardwalk, and the Woodlands at the Panther Creek Shopping Center. Sunday, September 9 MS Walk in downtown Houston at Sam Houston Park. Registration at 7 am, walk at 8 am. Registration and information: 1-800-FIGHT MS or www.mswalklonestar.org.

October 6 (Sat.)

The One-and-Only Lily Tomlin. Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) presents “An Evening of Classic Lily,” an evening in which Lily Tomlin journeys back in time re-creating more than a dozen of her famous characters including Ernestine the irascible telephone operator and the devilish 6-year-old Edith Ann. 8 pm at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets ($20-$100) will be available August 24 and can be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713/227-4SPA, or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall. Look for an interview with the out funny lady in next month’s issue of OutSmart magazine.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Doubt. It is 1964 at a Catholic school. A strong-willed woman finds herself confused about the actions of the liberal Father Flynn. Is she sure of what has happened or is it partly her imagination. Uncertainty, ambiguity, and church politics complicate her decision as to whether or not she should speak up. (Adult content, sexual situations.) Aug. 31-Sept. 23 at The Alley Theatre’s Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave. Info/reservations: 713/228-8421 or www.alleytheatre.org.

Forever Hold Your Peace. It’s a Fertle family wedding. The sacrament of matrimony doesn’t know what’s about to hit it. $20. Through Sept. 1, Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 pm, Saturdays at 8 and 10:30 pm, at Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Info/reservations: 713/522-7722 or www.radiomusictheatre.com.

Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. One of the wackiest Biblical musicals you’ll ever see. Aug. 8-19, 7:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday evenings, matinees at 2:30 pm Thursday through Sundays, at the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd. Info/reservations: 409/316-0346 or 800/547-4697.

Late Nite Catechism. This one-woman show is part interactive catechism class, part stand-up comedy. Catholics and “heathens” alike learn and laugh as the incorrigible nun leads and misleads her class—the audience—rewarding good students with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and assorted kitschy prizes while giving naughty students a taste of “what-for.” $30. Through Sept. 30 at Stages, 3201 Allen Pkwy. Info/reservations: 713/527-0123 or www.stagestheatre.com.

Love Letters. A.R. Gurney’s snuggly play returns for two performances only. $10. Fri. & Sat., Aug. 17 and 18, 8pm, at The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury (Town & Country Village). Info/reservations: 713/467-4497 or www.countryplayhouse.org.

Madame Butterfly. Houston Ebony Opera Guild presents Puccini’s beloved opera, a tragic tale of love set to poignant music. Willie Anthony Waters conducts this English-language production. Free. Aug. 24 and 25, 8 pm, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. The Aug. 24 performance is captioned for the hearing impaired. Free tix for covered seating available day of event at Miller’s box office. More information: www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com.

Patsy Cline—The Early Years. Crazy, [you’d be] crazy for missing the world premiere of this new musical. Aug. 21-26, 7:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday evenings, matinees at 2:30 pm Thursday through Sundays, at the Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort, 5600 Seawall Blvd. Info/reservations: 409/316-0346 or 800/547-4697.

Romeo & Juliet. The Houston Shakespeare Festival presents the most well-known love story ever told. Two hostile families, one undying love. Free. Through Aug. 11, 8:30 pm, at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. More info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.

The Subject Was Roses. Pulitzer Prize-winner Frank Gilroy’s story of a pampered son returned from war vastly changed. The engrossing drama explores the problems of the inability to express love. $10. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm, Aug. 24-Sept. 8, 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

Main Street Theater Kids on Stage Open House. The fall Kids On Stage teaching staff leads kids of all ages in mask-making, arts and crafts, theater games, and dance. Free. Sat., Aug. 25, 11 am-1 pm, at Main Street Theater-Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info: 713/524-9196 or www.mainstreettheater.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

Adaptation. Art League Houston presents Houston-based artist Katherine Veneman’s first solo exhibition, a new series of paintings and drawings. Veneman’s complex, abstract paintings metaphorically chart the processes of change – and growth – associated with experiences that affect us all. Through August 24 at Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. More information: 713/523-9530, [email protected], or www.art
leaguehouston.org.

Forgers, Frauds and Pirates: Faking the Book. Exposing the dark side of the literary world, this exhibit gathers some infamous examples of published deception over the past 400 years. Look for copies of the Texas Declaration of Independence, a newspaper account of the death of George Washington, “personal” diaries and autobiographies of Adolf Hitler, Howard Hughes, and Charles I of England, allegedly written on the eve of his execution in 1649. (If you missed the headline, they’re all fakes.) Learn the stories behind them. Free. Through Sept. 30 at the Museum of Printing History, 1324 West Clay St. More info: 713/522-4652 or www.printingmuseum.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. Through Sept. 3 at the Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.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 Aug. 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).

Holocaust Museum, Houston Museum District Day. Join the museum for guided tours, special workshops and changing exhibitions. Saturday, August 18, 10 am-5 pm, in the Morgan Family Center of Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. Info: 713-942-8000, [email protected], or www.hmh.org.

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. This exhibition displays the scientific and social impact of this environmental loss. $9 for adults; $7 for children (3-11), seniors, and college students. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia. Meet Lucy, or at least what’s left of her. The original fossilized remains of this 3.2 million-year-old hominid visit Houston. With 40 percent of her skeleton intact, Lucy’s remains remain the oldest and most complete adult human ancestor fully retrieved from African soil. Over 100 artifacts illuminate the rich heritage of Lucy’s homeland, including fossils, historical manuscripts, musical instruments, and implements of daily use to name a few. $20 adults; $12 kids (3-11)/seniors (62+)/college students. Aug. 31-April 20, 2008, at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More information: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

Mike Stilkey: When the Animals Rebel. Los Angeles artist Stilkey created the fifth installation as part of Rice Gallery’s Summer Window series. (The work can be viewed through the gallery’s front glass wall while the gallery is closed for the summer.) Stilkey’s installation involves a cityscape constructed of books, and features people and animals involved in the day-to-day mundane activities of city life. Free. Through Aug. 31 at the Rice Gallery, Sewall Hall, ground floor, off Campus Entrance 1 at Main and Sunset. Info: 713/348-6169 or www.ricegallery.org.

Of Gold and Grass: Nomads of Kazakhstan. Don’t believe Borat’s hype. Kazakhstan is an enormous country with a sophisticated ancient culture. The exhibit’s tour is the first time these artifacts have been seen in the U.S. The Scytho-Sakian culture of Kazakhstan developed a synthesis of foreign and indigenous design, now known as the “Wild Animal Style.” Sounds kinda sexy and hip-hop for a country Sacha Cohen claims can only boast of its potassium export. $14 adults, $12 kids 3-11/seniors/college students, free for museum members. Through Sept. 9 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. More info: 713/639-4629 or www.hmns.org.

Perspectives 157: Xaviera Simmons. The first Texas exhibition for the Brooklyn-based artist marks the debut of the installation, Electric Relaxation: Digital Good Time (How to Break Your Own Heart), which also doubles as a performance space. The installation is comprised of hundreds of vintage record album sleeves covering the walls of the gallery. The evolving aspect of the installation is music, supplied throughout the run of the exhibition by archival footage of jazz, rhythm and blues, and hip hop concerts, as well as soundscapes created by the artist, and performances on select nights by guest DJs from the Houston area (see Monthly). Free. Through Sept. 16, at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. More info: 713/284-8250, www.camh.org, or www.soulargrooves.com.

RED HOT: Asian Art Today. Drawn from the extraordinary holdings of Asian contemporary art of Houston collectors Robert, Jereann, and Holland Chaney, many of these works have not been seen outside of their home countries. The exhibit is augmented by a variety of award-winning, Asian-related films and three anime classics. Through Oct. 21 (films screen through August) at the Museum of Fine Arts’ Beck Building (as well as public spaces around the museum campus), 5601 Main St. More info: 713/639-7300 or www.mfah.org (en Español: 713/639-7379).

Red Velvet. A direct reference to the 1986 film Blue Velvet by David Lynch, the artists in this exhibition explore the peculiarities of contemporary domestic life in an ironic and lighthearted manner. Artists include Matthew Bourbon, Donna Huanca, and Kelly Klaasmeyer. Through Aug. 18 at Vine Street Studios, 1113 Vine St. More information: 713/224-6262.

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. Through 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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