Local News

Calendar: June 2008

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

By Sheri Taylor Bockelman

June Weekly & Monthly June Day-By-Day Planning AheadFor the SummerPerforming ArtsPerforming Arts for Young PeopleRadioArt/PhotographyHIV Testing
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Spotlight
Spaced Out

UK camp hit ‘Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens’ lands in Houston

SaucyJack
Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens.

In 1995, a group of young writers and musicians created an intentionally camp musical for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since its premiere, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens has become a cult hit (think Rocky Horror ), first in the United Kingdom and now in this country. Upon its launch, the critical raves included this plug from the Daily Scottish Mail: “a glam-rock space odyssey into high-camp extraterrestrial sleaze.”

Unhinged Productions, the local queer-positive theater company, presents the Texas premiere through June 20 at the Silver House Theatre (1107 Chartres). Set in a cabaret club on the planet Frottage III, Saucy Jack involves the pursuit of the Slingback Killer—who dispatches victims with a well-placed stiletto heel—by the Space Vixens, fashionable crime fighters who rely on disco-powered skills. Other characters sport names such as Chesty Prospects, Vulva Savannah, and “weirdo barfly” Dr. von Whackoff.

The Saucy Jack score includes the anthem “Glitter Boots Saved My Life” and the climactic “All I Need Is Disco.” Warning for shy people: Saucy Jack is staged in a nightclub setting, and audience members may find themselves part of the action.

Tickets are $20 ($10 for students and seniors with identification). For more information, call 281/312-9379 or visit www.u-p.org. — Tim Brookover

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Spotlight:

Art Wars
Splash!

TheSplasher
Troy Schulze is the incendiary title character in The Splasher

The very queer-friendly Catastrophic Theatre (largely made up of talent from the defunct, lamented Infernal Bridegroom Productions) presents the world premiere of The Splasher, written and directed by Troy Schulze. Based on recent actual events in New York, the play recounts the controversial actions of an unknown person who begins defacing the work of prominent street artists with paint splatters. In the process, he exposes truths at the center of urban graffiti culture and the big-money gallery system. Schulze portrays the title character, and the cast includes openly gay company member Walt Zipprian. The Splasher plays June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14. $15. DiverseWorks ArtSpace, 1117 East Frwy. Info: 713/335-3445, www.diverseworks.org . Next up: The inimitable performer Tamarie Cooper (also Catastrophic associate director) returns with one of her one-woman shows. The Tamarie Cooper Show opens June 19 at Stages Repertory Theatre. Info: www.catastrophictheatre.org. — T.B.

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June Weekly and Monthly, and DAY-BY-DAY

Weekly (Mondays)

TG Support Group. The transgender support group, “HTGA,” is open to any transgender-identifying individual, friend, or family member. Free. 7–9 pm at the Haven’s Center, 1827 W. Alabama. More info: 713/526-0555 x 228 (ask for Cristan) or www.transhouston.com.

Weekly (Thursdays) TG Potluck Social. The “Transgender Potluck Social” offers friendship, support, fellowship, and a hot meal to transgender-identifying individuals, friends, and family. Please remember to bring food to share. Free. 7–9 pm, at the GLBT Community Center, 3400 Montrose, Ste. 207. More info: 713/526-0555 x 228 (ask for Cristan) or www.transhouston.com. 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. GLBT friendly. Free. Groups meet at Bering Memorial United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold, Room 232, 7:15–8:30 pm. Info: 713/526-1018.

Weekly (Sun., Wed., Sat.)

Love and Rackets. Tennis players and enthusiasts of all levels are invited to join the Houston Tennis Club at Memorial Park tennis center. The club gathers Sundays from 9 am-noon, Wednesdays from 7:30-9 pm, and offers clinics every Saturday from 9-10:30 am. There are also social activities throughout the year. Annual membership $30, court fees $3 per session. More info: www.houstontennisclub.org

Monthly (Every 4th Saturday)

FTM TG Support Group. The Female-To-Male transgender support group, “STAG,” welcomes all female-to-male transgender-identifying individuals, friends, and family members. All new attendees must first contact Georges prior to attending. Free. 5-6 pm. More information (including location): 713/526-0555 x 228 (ask for Georges) or www.transhouston.com.

Monthly (Every 4th Saturday)

TG Support Group. TS Support Group. The transsexual support group, “TATS,” welcomes all transsexual-identifying individuals, friends, and family members. All new attendees must first contact the Cristan prior to attending. Free. 4 to 5 pm. More information (including location): 713/526-0555 x 228 (ask for Cristan) or www.transhouston.com.

Monthly (Saturdays)

Second Saturdays at Winter St. Studios. It’s open-door policy at Winter St. Studios every second Saturday of the month. 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. Winter St. Studios, 2101 Winter St. More info: 713/862-0082 or www.winterstreetstudios.net.

Monthly (Sundays)

Read On. Want to spend at least one afternoon each month sharing with other titillating women like yourself? The Exchange meets the first Sunday of each month, 2 p.m. at Baba Yega Restaurant. Bring your favorite nonfiction and/or fiction to this new book club to ruminate, and even cogitate, in public. Details: [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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JUNE DAY-BY-DAY

2 (Fri.)

Ritmo Latino , featuring the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, a Grammy Award-winning 13-member salsa and Latin music band, presented by Society for Performing Arts. 8 pm, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Free. Info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or 281/373-3386.

4 (Wed.)

Vintage Baseball Clips , presented by MFAH at Discovery Green. Shown are rare shorts and footage to excite baseball fans and thrill film viewers. Includes the first regular season game played at the Astrodome, footage of Casey Stengel and Mickey Mantle testifying before Congress, Gillette ads featuring Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays, and more. Free. 8:30 pm. Anheuser-Busch stage and Fondren Performance Space, Discovery Green Park in front of George R. Brown Convention Center, 1500 McKinney. Info: www.discoverygreen.com.

4–7 (Wed.–Sat.)

Postpartum Support International Conference . Sessions examine maternal mental health from a range of vantage points impacting mothers, children, and families. Explore, identify, and discuss issues involving medical, psychological, familial, cultural, legal, and governmental effects on maternal mental health. Fees/times/info: www.mhahouston.org or 713/523-8963. • Valerie Plame Wilson, former CIA agent and author of Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House , is the keynote speaker at the Postpartum Support International Annual Banquet (Friday). She talks frankly about living with postpartum depression and how she recovered. Silent auction and awards presentation. $100/person. 6–9:30 pm. Cocktail reception, 6:30 pm, dinner 7 pm. • Hilton Americas Houston, 1600 Lamar St.

6 (Fri.)

Bravissimo ’08 , presented by Opera in the Heights. Attend a memorable dinner concert featuring famous arias and duets presented by some of the nation’s finest young operatic voices. Take part in a silent auction, and enjoy an evening among museum quality art, while benefiting Opera in the Heights. 6:30–10 pm at The Houston Club, 811 Rusk Ave. Invitation/info: email [email protected] or 713/861-5303, www.operaintheheights.org.

Polka Party at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Czech, German, and Polish heritage of South Texas is celebrated with polka music, performed live by Harry Czarnek & The Texas Dutchmen. Several Dancers Core artistic director Sue Schroeder collaborates with the dancers of CORE Performance Company and members of the Red and Whites, the local chapter of the Polka Lovers Klub of America. Pre-show polka lessons 7:30 pm; performance 8 pm. Bingo and prizes during intermission. 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. Free. Info: www.severaldancerscore.org or 713/862-5530.

7 (Sat.)

23rd Annual Heights Fun Run. Pick up packets at Marmion Park between 6:15 & 7:15 am; the sanctioned race begins at 7:30 am.   Walkers start at 7:35 am, followed by the Kids 1K at 8:30 am. Course starts at the corner of Heights Blvd. at 18th St. Stopping point for all participants is Marmion Park for the post-race party, including food, juice, and music while awards are announced and door prizes are given. Entry fees: 5K Run & Walk $25; Kids 1K $15.   Info: www.houstonheights.org or 713/861-4002 opt 4.

Squeeze My Accordion. Hear Houston’s own Step Rideau & the Zydeco Outlaws, the Knights of Dixie Orchestra, and tejano favorites La Tropa F—all share Gulf Coast accordion backgrounds. Also, one winner will be chosen, with help from the audience, for the second annual Big Squeeze accordion competition, a contest for young Texas and Louisiana players. Free. 7 pm. Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Drive in Hermann Park. Info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or 281/373-3386.

Opera To Go: Sleeping Beauty. An operatic version of the classic fairy tale where a mysterious Winter Fairy appears and puts all of Russia in a snowy sleep. Free. Anheuser-Busch stage and Fondren Performance Space in Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney. Info: www.discoverygreen.com.

12 (Thurs.)

Energy2Cure at the 6th Annual Leukemia Cup Kickoff. Support research to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, while enjoying a casual social featuring a world-class auction, raffle, and cash bar; light hors d’oeuvres from some of Houston’s most popular restaurants. $20 entry donation, at the door; 100% of funds go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 5–9 pm at The Drake, 1902 Washington Ave. Info: www.energy2cure.org.

15 (Sun.)

Volunteer at Holocaust Museum Houston ( applications due today ). Help teach the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and apathy against the backdrop of the Holocaust. Docents must commit for a one-year period; weekdays for one 2-hour tour per week or weekends for one tour every other week. Must attend a 7-week training class in Holocaust history and giving tours twice weekly, 10 am-noon, Aug. 12–Sept. 25. Info: Suzanne Sutherland at [email protected] or 713-942-8000, ext. 102. Holocaust Museum Houston is free and open to the public, 5401 Caroline St., www.hmh.org.

17 (Tues.)

Everything’s Coming Up Roses. If old roses fascinate you, meet author Molly Glentzer and photographer Don Glentzer, whose dual talents have resulted in the publication of Pink Ladies and Crimson Gents: Portraits and Legends of 50 Roses , and visit the museum’s photo exhibition Antique Roses: Pink Ladies and Crimson Gents . Hear stories behind each of the images of common and not-so-common antique roses, and discover intriguing and historic characters behind their names. $17 adults, $12 members. 6 pm. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

19 (Thurs.)

A Gulf Coast Juneteenth , presented by the Houston Institute for Culture and Surviving Katrina & Rita in Houston Project. Featured performers include ReBirth Brass Band, Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie, and Sherman Robertson with special guest Trudy Lynn, and much more!   Free. 7:30 pm. Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, 100 Concert Dr. Info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or 281-FREE FUN, and www.houstonculture.org or www.june19.org.

21 & 22 (Sat. & Sun.)

Watch the 2008 Leukemia Cup Regatta up-close from the Observer, a 100-ft. air-conditioned party boat. Board at the Houston Yacht Club (HYC) harbor at 10 am; leave at 10:30 am. Return to the HYC dock at race conclusion (mid to late afternoon on Saturday, and early to mid afternoon on Sunday). Spectator donation $30–$300 benefits Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Box lunch and soft drinks provided; valuable regatta souvenir items with higher-level donations. For reservations on the Observer, 281/471-1255. Houston Yacht Club, on Galveston Bay near Clear Lake. Info: www.energy2cure.org.

27 (Fri.)

Best of Extremely Shorts. Films and videos from over 10 years of Aurora Picture Show’s Extremely Shorts Festival, selected by online audience voting. See 25 of the most crowd-pleasing short titles selected from over 250 works. Free. Anheuser-Busch stage and Fondren Performance Space in Discovery Green Park, 1500 McKinney. Info: www.discoverygreen.com or www. aurorapictureshow.org.

28 (Sat.)

Assert Yourself and Unleash Your Inner Power. Assert Yourself: Personal Boundaries and Effective Confrontation. Have you ever thought of the perfect thing to say long after the discussion/argument passed? What kept you from saying it when you needed it? Lack of confidence, self-esteem, and good communication skills often get in the way. Learn techniques on how to confront someone effectively and how to identify ways to overcome being manipulated, controlled, and intimidated due to differences in personality styles. • Unleash Your Inner Power to build confidence and self-esteem. Does your lack of self-esteem often sabotage your success in life? How you feel about yourself is directly related to your health, relationships, work performance, and attitude toward others. Discover ideas, tools, and coping skills that create confidence and lead to success and personal well-being. • Both workshops led by Denise O’Doherty, licensed professional counselor/therapist. Assert 10 am-noon; Unleash 1:30–3:30 pm. $30 each. Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Drive. Info: www.llu.com or 713/529-4414.

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PLANNING AHEAD: July

July 5. Saucerhead , a Houston-based band, plays ’70s and ’80s music and some new rock and roll. Michelle Henderson on lead vocals and bass, Marc Clark on lead guitar and vocals, Madame Yaya on keyboards, sax, and vocals, and John Sexton on drums. At Rainbow Ranch (THE Gay & Lesbian Campground in Central Texas), 1662 LCR 800, Groesbeck (located just outside Groesbeck on Lake Limestone). Toll free 1-888-875-7596, email [email protected].

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FOR THE SUMMER

Hike Amid Botanicals and Wildlife. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is home to more than 160 species of birds and 33 kinds of butterflies, where you can explore five miles of trees, botanicals, and native wildlife along walking trails. Located in Memorial Park, 4501 Woodway Dr. Hours: Arboretum grounds open to the public, 7 am–7 pm; Nature Center hours 9 am–5 pm; The Discovery Room houses interactive educational exhibits such as aquariums, touch screens, a 15-ft. model learning tree, and microscopes with video monitor displays,   open 10 am–4 pm (closed Mon.). Free admission; donations appreciated. More information: www.houstonarboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

City Critters Class for Kids and Kids’ Day Camp. City Critters Class for Kids: The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center has a fun week-long workshop for students ages 5–12, designed to give him/her knowledge on ecology with an urban twist. Learn about the creatures who manage to live close to humans while still staying wild.   Mon.–Fri., 9 am–9 pm, June 9–13 or July 14–18. Kids’ Day Camp: Nature Rangers to the Rescue! A Nature Ranger (age 5–12) explores, investigates, and protects the natural environment. Over five days, learn the skills rangers use to protect and improve ecosystems. Students have fun investigating the environment through experiments, games, and hands-on activities. Mon.–Fri., 9 am–3 pm, July 7–11 or Aug. 11–15. Each five-day workshop: $230 members; $270 non-members. For half-day camp: $120 members; $150 non-members. Pre-registration required. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr. Info: www.houstonarboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

Camp Xplorations Summer Science Adventures for ages 5-12. Fun and exciting themes sure to stimulate the imagination and creativity! From battle-bots to Hogwarts wizardry, there’s something for everyone! Weekly camps, June 2–Aug. 15, at The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Other Summer Adventures locations: Woodlands Xplorations Station, Woodlands Mall, 1201 Lake Woodland Dr.; in Fort Bend County at Christ United Methodist Church, 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. Register online at www.hmns.org. Info: [email protected] or 713/639-4629.

Houston Museum of Natural Science has four floors of permanent exhibit halls and is host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions. Plus, the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, and George Observatory offer incredible experiences for every age group. One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

Volunteer to Teach Dangers of Hate. Holocaust Museum Houston depends on the assistance of volunteers to help teach the dangers of prejudice and hatred against the backdrop of the Holocaust. In preparation for this fall’s busy tour schedule, HMH needs tour guides, commonly called docents, to help with those tasks. Docents must commit for a one-year period; weekday docents generally give one 2-hour tour per week; weekend volunteers typically give one tour every other week. Held at Holocaust Museum Houston’s Morgan Family Center, attend a 7-week class in Holocaust history and tour-training: Aug. 12-Sept. 25 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am-noon. Applications due by June 15. Info: contact Suzanne Sutherland at [email protected] or 713-942-8000, ext. 102. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, the museum teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and apathy. Holocaust Museum Houston is free and open to the public and is located in Houston’s Museum District at 5401 Caroline St. More: www.hmh.org.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Annie Get Your Gun. Opens at The Nathaniel Center in Kingwood June 13 for four performances only prior to its four performance run at Houston’s Hobby Center For The Performing Arts June 20-22. The Nathaniel Center performances will feature intimate table seating with a cash bar and an assortment of party trays making it the perfect venue for hosting theatre parties. This is a perfect show for the entire family and a wonderful opportunity to share with your Houston friends and co-workers the talent and rich production standards of Kingwood’s Centre Stage Theatre Company now in it’s 24th Season. For tickets at The Nathaniel Center in Kingwood purchase online at www.tix.com or call 281-540-0078 and for Houston’s Hobby Center purchase online at www.thehobbycenter.org or call 713-315-2525.

Bright Lights, Big City. He’s a young New Yorker who seems to have it all: good looks, a successful model wife, a job at a prestigious magazine, and many friends. In one week, Jamie, a 20-something New Yorker, relives the loss of his mother, wife, job, and dignity. He falls into a downward spiral where he turns to the addictive club and drug scene of 1980s Manhattan, but he escapes in time to learn valuable lessons about family, loss, and love. The rock ‘n’ roll score is reminiscent of the 1980s sound, but remains as timeless as the story it tells. $22–$27. Sun., June 8, 6 pm.; Fri.–Sat., 8 pm, through June 14. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo, off 2100 Houston Ave. Info: www. theaterlabhouston.com or 713/868-7516.

Cemetery Club. Three elderly Jewish women who have lost their husbands visit the cemetery together, and all is just dandy until a widower is thrown into the mix. A delightful blend of humor and pathos that shouldn’t be missed! $14; $12 students/seniors. Fri.–Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2:30 pm. Through June 15. Clear Creek Community Theatre, Nassau Bay. Reservations/info: 281/335-5228.

Electile Dysfunction. Laugh out loud at what is, and is not, presidential “hopefuls” in this zany look at national politics, in the land of Precious Trees (Houston’s most planned planned community). When Spy Eye News turns the divided family into local celebrities, and a popular Houston minister gets involved, things spin even more hilariously out of control. $22. Through Nov. 15. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Info: www.radio
musictheatre.com or 713/522-7722.

Houston Ballet caps its 2007-2008 season by pairing one of the oldest ballets in existence with one of the newest. Celebrated Danish ballet master Johnny Eliasen brings his staging of August Bournonville’s 1836 masterpiece, La Sylphide , one of the landmark works of the Romantic era, to Houston Ballet’s repertoire. Set in Scotland in the 1830s, the ballet dramatizes the romance of the farmer James and the Sylph, an ethereally beautiful, winged, fairy creature who visits him in his dreams. Inspired by the distinctive Japanese animé style, Stanton Welch’s A Doll’s House depicts a pitched battle that breaks out between the dolls in a toy store after the owner of the shop leaves, a reflection in futility. 7:30 pm on June 5, 7, 13 and 14; 2 pm on June 8, 14, & 15. Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. Tickets/info: www.houstonballet.org or 713/227-ARTS(2787).

Miller Outdoor Theatre. Free cultural, musical, and theatrical entertainment is always on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. One-hour daytime performances specially geared toward children offer an opportunity to expose youngsters to the performing arts. 11 am. No tickets necessary; seating first come, first served. Evening shows are family-friendly. Admission free for all performances, but some evening shows require reserved tickets for covered seating, available only on day of performance, 11:30 am–1:00 pm at the Miller Theatre box office. • Disney’s When You Wish… , hit songs from the Disney catalogue, previewing TUTS’ main Miller attraction in July. Tues., June 3–Thurs., June 5, 11 am. • Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Classical repertoire performed by young Houston artists. Tues., June 10, and Mon., June 23, 11 am. • The Giver , playwright Eric Coble’s stage adaptation of Lois Lowry’s award-winning novel, is the story of a courageous young boy determined to change a controlling, futuristic society. Produced by Stages Repertory Theatre. Fri., June 13, 11 am, 7:30 pm. • The Blew Notes Trio featuring Randy Weston. An evening of jazz, poetry and visual arts. Sat., June 14, 8:15 pm. • Houston Symphony/Target Summer Symphony Nights. Fri.–Sat., June 20–21, 27–28. Info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or 281/373-3386.

Merkel is the little Texas town filled with laughter. World premiere of Julia and Patti’s original two-woman musical, Merkel is an entire community of strangely familiar souls that are hilarious. Relive beautiful childhood memories and bring those long-forgotten dreams back to life! $22 adults; $15 children/seniors. Weekends through June 15. Fri.–Sat., 7:30 pm, Sun., 2:30 pm. The Strand Theatre, 2317 Mechanic St., Galveston. Info: www.strandtheatregalveston.org or 409/763-4591.

Present Laughter by Noël Coward. Flamboyant and witty, wearing a silk dressing gown and holding the requisite cocktail, Garry Essendine, an aging matinee idol, may be teetering reluctantly toward middle age, but everyone, both male and female, is infatuated with him. About to set off on an extended tour of Africa, he is visited by practically everyone, including his ex-wife/manager, lawyer, secretary, butler, business partners, an admiring young playwright, and a recent one-night stand. An acknowledged self-portrait of the playwright himself, the show is a comic exaggeration of the life that whirled around Coward in his heyday. $20–$35; $16–$28 seniors/students. Through June 8. Main Street Theater, Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info: www.mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706.

Sweeney Todd. The legendary demon barber, hell-bent on revenge, takes up with his enterprising neighbor in a delicious plot to slice their way through London’s upper crust. Justice will be served—along with lush melody, audacious humor, and bloody good thrills. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this dazzling reinvention of a magnificent musical thriller is set to stun theatergoers as never before. Parental discretion advised. Tickets start at $23. Through June 15. Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Info: www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Houston or www.thehobbycenter.org or 713/315-2500.

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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Beauty and the Beast. “A tale as old as time” comes to downtown Houston, presented by Masquerade Theatre. In a small provincial town, the beautiful Belle and her inventor father live in relative happiness until one day her father does not return from the local fair. As Belle discovers that he has been taken captive in an old castle by a terrible Beast and trades her freedom for his, the fantasy unfolds.   Featuring Alan Menken’s award-winning score from the movie as well as new songs written for the stage. $30–$50 adults; $10–$30 students/seniors. Sun., June 1 & 8, 2 pm; Fri. & Sat., June 6 & 7, 8 pm. Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: www.masqueradetheatre.com or 713/861-7045.

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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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ARTS/PHOTOGRAPHY

Blaffer Gallery’s 2008 Houston Area Exhibition. Sixteen artists were chosen through careful portfolio review and a series of on-site studio visits to exhibit their work in this exhibition, held only once every four years. Designed to introduce artists who are young or new to the Houston community and offer more seasoned artists the opportunity to develop new work and to be seen in a fresh light, the Houston Area Exhibition has been a part of Blaffer since the museum’s inception. Free. Through Aug. 2. Blaffer Gallery, 120 Fine Arts Bldg, University of Houston, Entrance 16 off Cullen Blvd.

Charles ‘Teenie’ Harris: Rhapsody in Black and White. The world’s largest known collection of photographs depicting urban African-American life, Harris’ work captures the spirit of the African-American community in Pittsburgh from 1936–1975. His photographs range from images of everyday people in the city to those of soldiers, jazz legends, baseball teams, and pivotal events in the city’s civil rights movement. Free. Through Aug. 2 at Blaffer Gallery, 120 Fine Arts Bldg, University of Houston, Entrance 16 off Cullen Blvd. Info: www.mitchellcenterforarts.org.

Folklore Art: The Old, Weird America. The first museum exhibition to explore the widespread resurgence of folk imagery and mythic history in recent art from the U.S. features 18 artists who explore native, idiomatic, and communal subjects from America’s past. From the first Thanksgiving in 1621 to the beginning of the Space Age in 1957, colorful storytelling works illustrate the creative composition of fact and myth. Through July 20. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.camh.org or 713/284-8250.

Geopalooza! A Hard Rock Anthology. Featuring “greatest hits” of Earth’s natural treasures, this interactive exhibition is built to draw visitors into all of the fascinating facets of mineralogy. From trilobite fossils to sparkling amethyst, crystallized petrified wood and massive geodes, the collection is nothing short of spectacular. Experiences include touching the metallic surface of a meteorite that has traveled millions of miles, and panning for gold. $15 adults; $10 children (3–11), seniors(62+), and college students w/valid ID; $7 museum members. Through Aug. 24. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

Kara Hearn: A Problem of Courage. The artist uses video and other works to build intimate and absurd narratives, animating the ways that fear, regret, grief, horror, and humiliation play themselves out before and after the fact, shifting in and out of consciousness, repeating endlessly, and being re-made along the way. Through June 14. DiverseWorks, 1117 East Frwy. Info: www.diverseworks.org or 713/223-8346.

Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia has been extended in Houston through Sept. 1. She’s the most fascinating exhibition ever, original fossilized remains of the 3.2-million-year-old hominid known as Lucy. With 40 percent of her skeleton intact, Lucy remains the oldest and most complete adult human ancestor fully retrieved from African soil. Learn more at www.lucyexhibition.com. Tickets: $22 adults; $15 children (3–11), seniors (62+), college students w/valid I.D.; $9 museum members. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

Making the Unfamiliar Familiar: A Program for High School Students. Twenty students who participated in an ongoing education program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, exhibit artworks that include canine portraits inspired by Best in Show: The Dog in Art and geometric compositions inspired by the work of Brazilian artist Helio Oiticica. $7, $3.50 kids 6–18/students/seniors. Through June 29 at the Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main St. Info: www.mfah.org or 713/639-7300, ( en Español: 713/639-7379; TDD/TYY for hearing impaired: 713/639-7390).

Max Neuhaus: Circumscription Drawings. A pioneer in the use of sound in the visual arts, Neuhaus invented the term “sound installation” to describe his practice based on the creation of unique sounds for specific locations. As opposed to the temporal experience of hearing a piece of music, his work presents sound as a continuous material used to engage our perception of the physical space around us. The Texas native has been invited to create a site-specific work for the exterior of The Menil building and will be the artist’s second permanent installation at a museum in the U.S. View his collection of drawings for this and earlier projects through Aug. 10 at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: www.menil.org or 713/525-9400.

NeoHooDoo: Art for a Forgotten Faith brings together an intergenerational group of artists who address ritual in the artistic process and the wider implications of spirituality in contemporary art. The term “HooDoo,” which originated in 19th-century America, refers to folk traditions derived from the Haitian religion of Vodun, itself preceded by the religion and culture of the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria. The artists in the exhibition frequently use everyday objects that resonate both within the confines of a gallery or museum and among members of their own local audiences. While the emphasis of the exhibition is on sculpture and the three-dimensional experience of walking around art, there are photographic works addressing themes such as slavery and colonization. Through Sept. 21 at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: www.menil.org or 713/525-9400.

Of Winter to Spring: New Works by Suzanne Manns. Influenced by her garden and the landscape directly surrounding her Houston Heights bungalow, and recording bits and fragments from this environ of which she is so intimately familiar, Manns creates highly individualized imagery that results in her works becoming like a visual diary of intimate experience. Through June 13. Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.artleaguehouston.org or 713/523-9530.

Perspectives 161: Tim Lee. This imaginative Vancouver-based artist uses video, photography, and performance to insert himself into cultural events and icons. Lee plays the role of Sunday philosopher, anthropologist, and ethnomusicologist, dissecting and re-envisioning revealing aspects of popular culture, film, and music. Using low-tech photography to develop self-portraits, he becomes hockey player Bobby Orr scoring a winning goal, or rocker Neil Young playing a famous concert. In high-tech videos, he simulates playing Bach’s intricate piano compositions. He inputs humor into art, as his illusionist craft works to create unique imagery. Through July 13. Zilkha Gallery, Contemporary Arts Museum, 5216 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.camh.org or 713/284-8250.

Pink Ladies and Crimson Gents highlights photographer Don Glentzer’s ability to bring roses to life in a rich melding of horticulture and human culture. Viewed through 40 large-scale photographs, and drawn from the new book of the same title, the exhibition pays homage to old-fashioned roses that, through their names, today bring an evocative sense of history, humanity, and gentility to the garden. Rather than focus strictly on the botanical, Glentzer puts characterization to his images, whose names commemorate artists, heroes and heroines, nobility, plant world personalities, and fictional characters. $10 adults; $7 kids (3-11)/seniors (62+)/college students; free for museum members. Through Sept. 1. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption —last chance to see it. Imagine the terror in those final hours on Aug. 24 and 25, A.D. 79, as residents of Pompeii and the nearby coastal resort towns of Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Terzigno in southern Italy gathered objects precious to them and tried to escape the fury of Mount Vesuvius. Uncovered after 1,700 years, bronze and marble sculptures, large-scale frescoes, jewelry, tools, table silver, armor, coins, skeletons, and plaster casts of the bodies of the victims now tell the stories of life at the Bay of Naples in the days of the early Roman Empire. In the Shadow of Vesuvius is shown in Brown Auditorium Theater; see museum for viewing times. Admission to this film is free with an MFAH Pompeii exhibition ticket stub. Pompeii requires special admission: tickets range from $7–$25. Through June 22 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet St. Tickets/info: www.mfah.org or 713/639-7300 (en Español: 713/639-7379, TDD/TYY for the hearing impaired, 713/639-7390).

Sterne and Steinberg: Critics Within. Romanian-born artists Saul Steinberg (1914–1999) and Hedda Sterne (b. 1910) met in New York City in 1943 after the Nazi occupation forced them to flee Europe, became U.S. citizens, and married in 1944. The couple exhibited at the same gallery, yet as artists had little aesthetic ground in common. Still, they shared an important artistic perspective: each questioned the ability of an artist’s personal aesthetic style to communicate a stable identity. By placing a small number of works by Sterne and Steinberg in dialogue with one another, this exhibition amplifies the artists’ joint (and unique) position as critics within their artistic milieu. Through Sept. 7 at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: www.menil.org or 713/525-9400.

Yale Street Arts Market. This fabulous Heights arts festival lets local artists display and sell original works of art. Local musicians also entertain: Danielle Reich Trio kicks off the Summer Evening Series. The Yale Street Arts Market is held every month on the 1st Saturday at 548 West 19th at Wind Water Gallery’s parking lot. Free. June 7, 6–10 pm. Info: www.Yale StreetMarket.com.

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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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Have an event to submit? [email protected].

Info needed for your event listing: a few lines of info about your event; date/time; cost; location/address; organization name; and two phone numbers—one for OutSmart to reach you for questions and one for OutSmart readers to get more info on your event (can be the same number). Mail info to: OutSmart Magazine, 3406 Audubon Place, Houston 77006.

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