Local News

Calendar: August 2008

Day-By-Day Events, Performance, Performance for Young People, Radio, Art/Photography, HIV Testing. Plus spotlight on Misfits Ball X

By Sheri Taylor Bockelman

August Weekly & Monthly August Day-By-Day For the SummerPerforming ArtsRadioArt/PhotographyHIV Testing
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Misfits
Misfits

SPOTLIGHT:

Yes, Sir!
Misfits Ball X celebrates ‘A Decade in the Dungeon’

You know the type. They’re those guys, clad in leather caps and harnesses (sometimes, little else) whose pictures the Fundies flaunt when warning about the perils of homosexuality. Mean, nasty, and society crumbling-looking, aren’t they?

In actuality, The Misfits, a social, not-for-profit, Levi/leather club, is much more than just guys in leather. In recent years the club has forked over $54,000 to local charities like Houston Buyers Club, Bering Omega Community Services, and even the HATCH youth group. Nothing mean, nasty, nor society crumbling about that.

The bulk of that cash has been raised via the Misfits Ball, Houston’s largest Levi/leather event second only to the weekend-long Let us Entertain You post-Mardi Gras bash. The ball, appropriately tagged A Decade in the Dungeon, celebrates its 10th anniversary September 7, 5–9 p.m. at Pink Monkey (709 Franklin St.). This year, Lazarus House and Gulf Coast Archives and Museum are beneficiaries.

Oddly enough, this is the first ball, Misfits president Denis “Woodja” Flanigan says, to officially incorporate a leather theme. The group chose to return to the subterranean venue of the Pink Monkey to enhance the appropriate “dungeony” feel.

In addition to the long-time perennial “lockdown” mock jail cell that raises more money for the beneficiaries, the ball offers demonstrations of BDSM fetish techniques, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and more surprises.

“One of the most important things to know is that you don’t have to be a member of the leather community to come out and have a good time,” Flanigan invites. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Curious? Thought so. Beyond the ball, The Misfits meet the third Sunday of each month after tending bar the third Saturday of every month on the patio at the group’s home bar, The Ripcord (715 Fairview Ave.). Details: www.misfitshouston.org. — Nancy Ford

Photo captions: Misfits members (starting from bottom left) include Lee Ingalls (on bench), Rene Cantu (in leather hat and sunglasses), Ed Crain (in red suspenders), Denis “Woodja” Flanigan (in uniform), Robert Hammond (in leather tank), and Roberto Raygoza-Pulido (in white T-shirt).

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August 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. 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 2nd Tuesday)

Free Legal Consultations for Anyone with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. (AFH, www.aidshelp.org ) and Katine & Nechman L.L.P. have partnered to provide 30 minutes of free legal consultation on any legal issue to anyone with HIV. If any action is recommended, an attorney will take steps when applicable or make referrals to appropriate legal aid offices.   Consultations are held at the offices of Katine & Nechman, located at 1111 North Loop West, Suite 180. To schedule an appointment, clients should call the law office at 713/808-1000 or use the contact box on the firm’s website (which has more info on the consultations): www.lawkn.com.

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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AUGUST DAY-BY-DAY

2 (Sat.)

White Linen Night in the Heights 2008. Celebrate art, culture, and community, with complimentary cooling summer beverages, entertainment, boutiques and shops, art galleries and restaurants—with free pedi-cabs, motorized rickshaws, and shuttles for transportation. White Linen banners will identify the participating shops, restaurants, and galleries in the Heights area including White Oak, Yale, Heights Blvd., 11th St., Studewood, 19th St., and more. Info: www.WhiteLinenNightHeights.com

7 (Thurs.)

3rd Monthly LGBT@HPL Series features the significant collections of GLBT material maintained by a number of local individuals and organizations. This presentation provides an opportunity for Houston’s GLBT communities to celebrate the resources available, discover some of the connections between them, and address some of the challenges faced by both the community and researchers in the future. 7 pm. Central Library Downtown, 500 McKinney. Info: www.hpl.lib.tx.us.

14 (Thurs.)

Hitler’s Al Qaeda? Making Sense of Participation in the Holocaust is a free public lecture by Dr. Mark Roseman, chair of the Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University and winner of numerous awards for his extensive research on the Holocaust. Limited seating; advance registration required. 7 pm. Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater at Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. Info: www.hmh.org/register.asp or 713/942-8000, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

16 (Sat.)

Canoe Down Buffalo Bayou and explore its wild natural history. This exciting trip with Whitewater Experience founder Don Greene takes you between I-610 and Shepherd Dr., including the Arboretum and Memorial Park. Mandatory orientation at the Arboretum on Thursday evening prior to the trip; canoeing experience not necessary. 1–5 pm. $85 members, $95 non-members. Info: www.HoustonArboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

Set an Artful Table: help feed Houston’s hungry. Houston’s only gallery exclusively dedicated to the ceramic arts presents The Table Show , featuring a stunning array of objects to set an artful table. Placemats, vases, dishes, and centerpieces arranged on dining room tables set to inspire ideas for dinner parties and home entertainment. Enjoy cool summer drinks—think mint juleps and mojitos—while browsing. Ten percent of sales benefit the Houston Food Bank. 6–9 pm. 18 Hands Gallery, 249 West 19th Street, Suite B. Info: www.18handsgallery.com or 713/869-3099.

16 & 17 (Sat.–Sun.)

See the History Behind Toypunks with Houston filmmaker Chris Nelson’s documentary about the intersection of Japanese toy culture, fashion, and the punk rock scene.   The film explores how Tokyo’s late-’90s street fashion scene inspired designer toys, and the cross-cultural exchange between American and Japanese creators. $6. Sat., 8 pm, and Sun., 3 pm. Tickets at the door or in advance: www.aurorapictureshow.org or 713/868-2101.

17 (Sun.)

From Superflat to Anime Network to Toypunks. Filmmaker Chris Nelson invites the public to a free video salon discussion that will center on the topic of where American and Japanese culture collide, with Nelson sharing his unique experiences from launching a Japanese animation cable channel and working on his documentary. 1 pm. Aurora Library, 1524 Sul Ross.

22 (Fri.)

Appalachian Basket Weaving. Since the early 1900s, rural Appalachia has perfected the craft of weaving intricate baskets, now prized by collectors and museums. Master basket weaver Kathy Chang leads this hands-on workshop, guiding students through the process of making an antique drying basket. $55 members; $75 non-members. 9 am–4 pm. Info: www.Houston Arboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

27 & 28 (Wed.–Thurs.)

Soothe Your Soul with Chinese brush painting. Learn and improve your watercolor painting skills in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Peihong Dong, one of China’s most well-known artists, will demonstrate a wide variety of brushstrokes and techniques. Students will create their own watercolor painting and receive individual attention adapted to their particular skill level and interests. Beginners welcome. 7–9 pm. $95 members; $125 non-members. Info: www.HoustonArboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

29 (Fri.)

Robert Earl Keen at 1894 Grand Opera House. With a voice that resonates and a style all his own, Texas artist Robert Earl writes songs that are picturesque and poignant, yet complex enough to demand repeated listening—and singing. 8 pm. The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, 2020 Postoffice St. Info/tickets: www.thegrand.com or 409/765-1894 or 800/821-1894

Opening Reception for Warren MacKenzie. Presenting a true master of 20th-century ceramic art, Legacy of an American Potter sheds new light on the life and work of one of America’s foremost studio potters. His work reflects the changing role of the ceramic artist in society. Free. 5:30–8 pm. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: www.crafthouston.org or 713/529-4848.

30 (Sat.)

Meet an American Potter. Artist Warren MacKenzie and Joe Havel, director of the Glassell School of Art, will discuss contemporary pottery. 2 pm. Free and open to the public. Wilhelmina Cullen Robertson Auditorium, University of Houston Downtown Campus, One Main Street, 3rd floor (Main Street level). Info: www.crafthouston.org or 713/529-4848.

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FOR THE SUMMER

Hike Amid Botanicals and Wildlife. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers five miles of trees, botanicals, and native wildlife along walking trails. Located in Memorial Park, 4501 Woodway Dr. 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. Free admission. Info: www.houstonarboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science , host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, features the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, and George Observatory. One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

Nature Rangers to the Rescue! The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center has a fun week-long day camp for boys and girls ages 5–12. Campers learn the skills real rangers use to protect and improve ecosystems through experiments, games, and hands-on activities. Aug. 11–15, 9 am–3 pm. $230 members; $270 non-members. Half-day mornings, 9 am–noon, $120 members; $150 non-members. Pre-registration required. 4501 Woodway Dr. Info: www.houstonarboretum.org or 713/681-8433.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Baby With the Bathwater. Too polite to check their new offspring’s sex, and a bit dismayed it doesn’t speak English, the proud couple just decide the child is a girl and name it Daisy! Well, she turns out to be a he, leading to all kinds of theatrical and hilarious scenes, as the saga of Daisy’s struggle to establish his identity continues, despite his parents’ growing obliviousness. Fri.–Sat., 8 pm. Aug. 22–Sept.6. Info/tickets: www.countryplayhouse.org.

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.radiomusictheatre.com or 713/522-7722.

Galveston Island Musicals: All Shook Up! and The Johnny Cash Show . • Tap your feet to the juke-box tunes of classic rock star Elvis Presley in All Shook Up! Relive the summer of 1955 when girl-mechanic Natalie disguises as “Ed” to ride on the motorcycle with Chad, after she overhears him saying he’s “had a lot of women” but only rides with men! Aug. 6–17. • The Johnny Cash Show stars nationally acclaimed tribute artist Dan Whyms and the Original Rock Island Land Band, featuring Earl Poole Ball, who played with Johnny Cash for 20 years. Aug. 27–31. • Tickets: $25–$35. 7:30 pm, Tues.–Sat.; matinee 2:30 pm, Thurs.–Sun. Galveston Island Musicals, Moody Garden Convention Center, Seven Hope Blvd., Galveston. Info/tickets: www.galveston
musicals.com or 409/316-0346 or (800)54-SHOWS.

Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. One-hour daytime performances specially geared toward children offer an opportunity to expose youngsters to the delights of performing arts.11 am. No tickets necessary; seating first come, first served. Evening shows are family-friendly. Admission is free for all performances, but some evening shows require reserved tickets for covered seating, available only on day of performance, 11:30 am–1 pm at the Miller Theatre box office; any remaining tickets released one hour before curtain. Maximum four tickets per person. • Houston Shakespeare Festival featuring Julius Caesar . The “virtuous murderer” Brutus uses assassination to rid the world of a dictator, only to be embroiled in civil strife, revolution, and social upheaval. 8:30 pm, Aug. 1, 3, 5, 7, & 9. • Cymbeline is alternately characterized as a romance, tragicomedy, and as a comedy of forgiveness; in this Shakespeare’s play, a tyrannical king who repulses a virtuous daughter, rewards the vicious members of his family with predictably unhappy consequences. 8:30 pm, Aug. 2, 6, 8, & 10. • Ain’t Misbehavin’ brings back musical favorites of legendary Fats Waller, a major figure in the “Harlem Renaissance” of the 1920s and 1930s, produced by the Ensemble Theatre. 8 pm,   Aug. 15 & 16. • Three nights of classic cinema comedy: classic movies starting at 8:15 pm each evening. The Thin Man starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, Aug. 19; A Day at the Races with the Marx Brothers, Aug. 20; Some Like It Hot featuring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, Aug. 21. • Jazz: A Tribute to the Big Band Era. Hear original works by the late Conrad Johnson and other big band greats such as Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington performed by the Conrad Johnson Youth Orchestra, the Young Adult Orchestra, and the Conrad Johnson Jazz Heritage Orchestra. 8 pm, Aug. 22. • Women in Jazz features Freda Payne performing her acclaimed “Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald” and vocalist Carolyn Blanchard in a salute to Dinah Washington. 7:30 pm, Aug. 24. • Porgy and Bess is a concert version of excerpts from the great George Gershwin opera, which features such classics as “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “Bess, You Is My Woman Now.” 8 pm, Aug. 29 & 30. • Info: www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or 281/373-3386.

Mixers, Elixirs and IMAX. The perfect party, where the science club meets the social set, happens every Friday night! Since we like it shaken not stirred, this year IMAX shows will be first-come, first-serve so you have the freedom to choose when you want to go. Start the evening out right in the Grand Entry Hall at 6 pm with a live DJ or an IMAX show. Doors open at 7 pm for the live band, dancing under the dinosaurs, cash bar, and complimentary appetizers. Entertainment: Siakara, Aug. 8;   Grady Gaines & the Texas Upsetters, Aug. 15; Yvonne Washington & The Mix, Aug. 22; Grupo Ka-Che, Aug. 29. Guests must be 21+ w/valid ID. $13 members; $15 non-members; cash bar. Fridays, 6–10 pm. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info/tickets: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629; en español: 713/639-4603.

Summer Concerts in Galveston. Enjoy hearing the Island Beach Band perform at the historic Sealy Gazebo on 24th Street and Avenue I across from Rosenberg Library. Free. Music starts at 7:30 pm every Tuesday in August. Info: 409/621-3177.

Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters from the “third smallest town in Texas” as they take a rambling romp in Sin City. Starring the incomparable duo Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, who perform all the roles of the eclectic inhabitants of Tuna—men, women, as well as Vegas showgirls, Elvis impersonators, and more. $11–$48. Aug. 5–24. The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, 2020 Postoffice St. Info/tickets: www.thegrand.com or 409/765-1894 or 800/821-1894.

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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

The Black List Project is a national museum premiere, pre-senting large-scale portraits of prominent African-Americans by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders along with excerpts from the HBO documentary film The Black List: Volume One , a series of filmed interviews with many of these same figures directed by Greenfield-Sanders and interviewed by Elvis Mitchell. The film borrows its title from the infamous 1950s-era dossier of suspected American Communists, playing on the connotations given to the word black through the experiences of 21 extraordinary people. Toni Morrison discusses her absorption with literature as a teenager; Lou Gossett Jr. describes the difficulty in finding good film roles even after winning an Oscar; and Chris Rock satirizes Hollywood’s idea of being African-American. Excerpts from The Black List: Volume One will play on a consecutive loop in the exhibition gallery. HBO’s broadcast is on Mon., Aug. 25. Portraits include Colin Powell, Chris Rock, Selena Williams, Louis Gossett Jr., Sean Combs, and many more. Aug. 3–Oct. 26. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St. Info: www.mfah.org or 713/639-7300.

Darfur: Photojournalists Respond. The horror of the Holocaust is not left in the history books, though as World War II ended, the world beat its collective chest defiantly,   proclaiming it would “never forget” the genocide of the Holocaust so that it could “never again” be repeated. Today, human suffering continues in the Darfur region of western Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or forcibly displaced from their homes. The photographers who have witnessed these atrocities first-hand have taken unforgettable photographs that are a testimony to the individual human beings involved in the injustices occurring daily in Darfur. Through Sept. 21. Central Gallery, Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. Info: www.hmh.org or 713/942-8000.

Escaping Their Boundaries: The Children of Theresienstadt. About 40 miles north of Prague in the Czech Republic, Terezin, built in 1780 as a military fortress and garrison town, was turned by Nazis into a ghetto where more than 150,000 Jews were gathered before deportation to extermination camps. The German name for this ghetto was Theresienstadt. During its existence, more than 12,000 children were imprisoned in Theresienstadt: it is clear from the children’s drawings, diaries, and clandestinely produced magazines that the children had an understanding of what was happening around them. Featuring more than 40 objects on loan from Beit Theresienstadt in Israel, the exhibit includes collages, drawings, diaries, magazines, games, and marionettes, plus an interactive section that invites visitors, young and old, to reflect and create a continuation of the story of the children of Theresienstadt. Through Sept. 28 in the Mincberg Gallery. Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. Info: www.hmh.org or 713-942-8000.

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.

Ice Worlds. See how the critical relationship between ice and life is developed throughout the solar system. From the icy moons of the outer planets to the recent Phoenix landing on Mars, Ice Worlds immerses audiences in each ice-shaped landscape to show how ice behaves on very different worlds. Then, explore our dynamic planet and its ever-changing climate. $6 adults; $5 children (3–11), seniors (62+), and college students w/valid ID; $4 museum members. Burke Baker Planetarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

In Residence: 2007 AIRs exhibition. The Artist in Residence program enables craft artists an opportunity to focus on their creative work, supporting emerging, mid-career, and established artists working in all craft media, including but not limited to clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. Through Sept. 14. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street (at Rosedale). Info: www.crafthouston.org or 713/529-4848.

Interwoven Traditions: The Spiritual Journey from African to African American. See how African spiritual symbols that were found on archeological excavations of plantations in Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina, demonstrate the ways Africans drew on religion and spiritual beliefs to both survive slavery and create their own unique African-American culture. Free. Through Sept. 28. The Heritage Society Museum, 1100 Bagby St. Info: www.heritagesociety.org or 713/655-1912.

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 ID; $9 museum members. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Drive. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.

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. 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. While the emphasis of the exhibition is on sculpture—often incorporating everyday objects into the piece—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.

Perspectives 162: Snow. Step out of the searing heat into a winter wonderland in this first museum exhibition for Los Angeles-based conceptual artist Allie Bogle and Houston-based photographer Libbie Masterson. In her installation, Antarctica 360º , Masterson invites museum visitors to immerse themselves in a dramatic 360º view taken at the Earth’s most southern polar region. For Snow , Bogle recreates her installation, Untitled (I Love You More Now That You’re Gone) , utilizing an interactive environment created with artificial snow. Free. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 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, 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. General admission: $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.

Sterne and Steinberg: Critics Within. Romanian-born artists Saul Steinberg (1914–1999) and Hedda Sterne (b. 1910), who met in New York City in 1943 after the Nazi occupation forced them to flee Europe, became U.S. citizens and married in 1944. This exhibition demonstrates the unique relationship of these two very different artists, by placing a small number of their works in dialogue with one another. Free. Through Sept. 7 at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: www.menil.org or 713/525-9400.

The Table Show : theme settings and artful expressions. Anything that can be found on a table is the idea, including placemats, vases, dishes, and centerpieces. See a broad spectrum of ceramic art objects designed specifically for the table, from the functional to the decorative. As Houston’s only gallery exclusively dedicated to the ceramic arts, 18 Hands Gallery holds a unique place in the city’s cultural landscape and represents the work of 22 local and nationally known artists through monthly exhibits. Aug. 2–31.   249 West 19th St., Suite B. Info: www.18handsgallery.com or 713/869-3099.

Thunder Within The Earth —featuring the works of Jack Livingston, Philip Maysles, Matthew Sontheimer, Marco Villegas, and Liz Ward—specifically refers to the hexagram “Fu” (Return or the Turning Point) and conjures up an image of a quiet but powerful force.   Through Aug. 22, Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.artleaguehouston.org or 713/523-9530.

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. July 5, 6-10 pm. Info: www.YaleStreetMarket.com. Stop by 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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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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