Compiled by Sheri Taylor Bockelman
Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • January Day-By-Day • Planning Ahead • HIV Testing
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HOT TICKET:
Toni Leago Valle’s ‘tetris’
putting it together
Being a gay dancer has its pros and cons,” says Corian Ellisor. “The field of people I come in contact with are more willing to come out and support dance. With that being said, many people ask what I do, and I am always faced with the stigma of dancing on a poll.”
In tetris, the new dance theater piece created by Toni Leago Valle, UH dance faculty member and Dance Source Houston project manager, people are dancing on blocks—huge, moveable puzzle pieces created by Houston Ballet designer, Tom Boyd. Throughout the evening-length work, a cast of 12 tries to put together all the pieces of a woman’s life, using many experiences from Valle’s coming of age in the 1980s. “We entered the dating scene after the ‘free love’ mind-set, so bisexuality and experimentation was popular during my teens,” Valle says. “I had many gay friends and even tried a few bisexual relationships. Then—wham!—we were hit with AIDS . . . all of a sudden, intimacy was banned and everyone withdrew from one another.” With a soundtrack from the ’80s and ’90s, tetris explores the loneliness and fragmentation these mixed messages had on a generation.
Ellisor is only one of four gay dancers in the cast of 12, the others being Brittany Wallis, Joe Modlin, and Alex Abarca, none of whom dance on poles in this production.
“Definitely nothing wrong with that,” Ellisor adds. “I just don’t do that.”
Tetris runs January 29, 30, February 5–7, 8pm, Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, 2201 Preston. Learn more at tonileagovalle.com.
— Neil Ellis Orts
PHOTO CAPTION
Corian Ellisor (supine) is one of four out dancers (from a total of 12) who are part of a new theater dance piece, tetris. The other three are (l–r) Joe Modlin, Alex Abarca, and Brittany Wallis.
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PERFORMING ARTS
But Not Goodbye. From the screenwriter and director of Miracle on 34th Street, this comedic version by George Seaton is set in the summer of 1910. Unbeknownst to him, Sam Griggs is not long for this world—if he had known he was going to die today, he might have made an effort to clean up the mess he’d made of the family finances. As he “sees” the devastating results of his recklessness, the spirit of the newly deceased Sam wants to try to repair the damage he left behind, but the spirit of Benjamin, his father, who died at 36 in a tavern brawl, arrives to help him “move along,” showing him that things will work out in the end. $20–$36; discounts for seniors 65+ and students w/valid I.D. Through Dec.28. Main Street Theater, Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info: www.mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706
A Fertle Holiday. Twenty-four years and counting. Once again, the Fertles are home for the holidays. Grab your butter pie and make your reservations early. This one sells out fast. $22. Through Jan. 10, 2009. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Info: www.radiomusictheatre.com or 713/522-7722.
Houston Grand Opera’s Studio Showcase. An incredible opportunity to enjoy opera by HGO’s inspiring young studio artists, preceded by a reception and followed by a light dinner—all included in the ticket price. Presented is a variety of operas, such as Carmen, Don Pasquale, La Clemenza di tito, Dead Man Walking, and La Boheme. $35. 7:30 pm, Fri., Dec. 12, & Sat., Dec. 13. Jones Hall, Univ. of St. Thomas, 3910 Yoakum Dr. Info: www.houstongrandopera.org or 713/228-OPERA.
New York’s Divine Performing Arts presents dazzling Chinese dancers gliding across the stage in a breathtaking blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Experience traditional Chinese culture displayed through this inspiring visual and musical spectacular, including state-of-the-art backdrops, masterful vocalists, and drum accompaniments. $30–$150. 8 pm, Mon., Dec. 22, and Tues., Dec. 23. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Info: www.divineshows.com/houston or 281/715-6369.
Portables! Travesty Dance Group’s new repertory show combines poetry, song, diversity, and the most festive holiday spirit! The nine-member Houston-based dance company known for its “quirky and intelligent modern dance” will present seven new works by choreographer and Houston director Karen Stokes. $26.50. 7:30 pm, Thurs., Dec. 11, and Fri., Dec. 12; 6:30 pm, Sat., Dec.13. Zilkha Hall, The Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Info: www.thehobbycenter.org or www.travesty
dancegroup.org or 713/315-2525.
The Receptionist is a dark comedy with a Twilight Zone twist. At the start of a typical day in the northeast office, Beverly deals effortlessly with ringing phones and her colleague’s romantic troubles. But the appearance of a charming rep from the central office disrupts the friendly routine. And as the true nature of the company’s business becomes apparent, The Receptionist raises disquieting, provocative questions about the consequences of complicity with evil. By playwright Adam Bock, winner of the 2007 Obie Award. $20–$25. 8 pm, Fri.–Sat. through Dec. 13; 5 pm, Sun., Dec. 7. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. Info: www.theaterlabhouston.com or 713/868-7516.
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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Houston Grand Opera to Go! presents Dvorák’s Little Mermaid , perfect for first-time opera goers and created especially for students. It is sung in English, 45 minutes long, and complete with full sets and lavish costumes. An opera about a little mermaid who would do anything to be with the man she loves. $5. Performances held daily at 9:30 am and 11:15 am. Jan. 20–24. The Heinen Theatre, Houston Community College Campus, 3517 Austin. Info: www.houstongrandopera.org (click “HGOco” link to “Heinen Matinee”) or 713/546-0231.
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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).
World of Opera. Houston Grand Opera returns to the airwaves for its 8th season beginning Oct. 14 with highlights from last season’s performances. Saturdays, 12:30 pm on 88.7 FM, KUHF. Info/radio guides: 800/62-OPERA or www.npr.org.
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ART/PHOTOGRAPHY
The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story is a new exhibition that explores the relationship between these two religions. Includes rare manuscripts and artifacts organized to tell the story so the visitor understands the relativity of the objects to its role in history. It concludes with an examination of the time before the Common Era as it turns into the Christian era. $12.50–$18. Through April 12. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: www.hmns.org or 713/639-4629.
Body Worlds 2 & The Brain: Our Three-Pound Gem. A vivid display of the latest neuroscience findings on brain development and function, brain disease and disorders, and brain performance and improvement, this is the original exhibition. It is a holistic meditation on the brain that merges anatomy, neuroscience, and philosophy that resonates with everyone. Also see 200 other real human body specimens, including more than 20 full-body specimens in life-like, dramatic poses; healthy and unhealthy organs; body parts and slices. $17–$25. Through Feb. 22. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: hmns.org or 713/639-4629.
Creating Space City USA. When Apollo 11 landed on the moon, Neil Armstrong’s first words were “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” As the world watched and listened to those words, Houstonians felt a special pride. See the evolution of NASA, from the construction of the Johnson Space Center in 1962, and the city of Houston’s critical role in the achievements of the space program. Free. Jan. 13–Apr. 26. The Heritage Society Museum, 1100 Bagby, Sam Houston Park. Info: www.heritagesociety.org or 713/655-1912.
Dr. Seuss Wants You! now at Holocaust Museum Houston. Theodor Seuss Geisel, well-known author of children’s books written under the “Dr. Seuss” pen name, was also a lifelong cartoonist who used his talent to express his concern and opinions during the early years of World War II, drafting more than 400 newspaper and magazine editorial cartoons. See a variety of his illustrations from 1940s newspapers. Free. Through Feb. 1. Central Gallery. Holocaust Museum Houston’s Morgan Family Center, 5401 Caroline St. Info: hmh.org or 713/942-8000.
First Saturday Arts Market (formerly Yale Street Arts Market). Local artists display and sell original works of art, and local musicians entertain. It is held the 1st Saturday of every month at 548 West 19th at Wind Water Gallery’s parking lot. Free. 11 am–6 pm. Info: www.yalestreetmarket.com. Stop by The Artful Corner at 3423 White Oak Blvd., 713/426-4ART.
Greenery Gala: A New Leaf. Celebrating Houston’s long growing seasons with a profusion of greenery and signature artwork, the Green House Gallery promotes eco-friendly themes with an eclectic and appealing body of paintings, prints, giclée, ceramics, metal sculpture, wearable art, and jewelry. In a stately house that opens onto a bough-canopied veranda, artists greet visitors and offer demonstrations, encouraging questions about their materials and creative processes. Through Jan. 31. The Green House Gallery, 716 W. Alabama. Info: www.greenhouse
artgallery.com or 713/535-6462.
Hot Glass and Environments . Hot Glass, Cool Collections offers a glimpse inside 12 of Houston’s best private glass collections. The works on view represent the many styles and techniques of the Studio Glass Movement, including hand-blown, kiln-worked, torch-worked, and cold-worked glass. Large Gallery. Environments = Form + Space features imaginative installations by three emerging glass artists who present new and expansive ways to define the discipline of glass. Small Gallery. Through March 15. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: crafthouston.org.
Max Ernst in the Garden of Nymph Ancolie is conceived around the mural, Pétales et jardin de la nymphe Ancolie . The surrealist work, with a bird-like figure emerging from monumental curling red flower petals, was painted by German-born artist Max Ernst (1891–1976) in 1934 for the wall of a Zürich nightclub. John and Dominique de Menil were close friends with the artist, meeting him the same year he completed the mural, recently fully restored. The Menil Collection is the first venue to showcase the work, which also includes 75 other important paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Ernst. Through February 15. The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, www.menil.org or 713/525-9400.
Museum of Unnatural History , presented by Art League Houston, is an installation of new works by Elaine Bradford. It consists of dioramic displays similar to those found in natural history museums, and which serve as “natural habitats” for the artist’s fantastical crotchet-covered taxidermy creatures. Opening reception is Fri., Jan. 9, 6–8 pm, with an artist talk at 6:15 pm. Two free docent-led tours of the installation, which is on view from Jan. 9–Feb. 20, will be conducted for the public on Jan. 10 and Feb. 7 at 2 pm. Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: 713/523-9530, artleaguehouston.org, or [email protected].
One-Man Army. Eleanor Roosevelt once described cartoonist Arthur Szyk as a “one-man army,” because he used his art as a weapon to garner support for the social and political issues in which he believed, crafting illustrations to draw the public’s attention to the murder of European Jews in Nazi Germany during World War II. He portrayed Jewish people as strong, patriotic, and heroic, while creating many powerful anti-Nazi and anti-axis cartoons. Free. Through Feb. 8. Mincberg Gallery, Holocaust Museum Houston’s Morgan Family Center, 5401 Caroline St. Info: hmh.org or 713/942-8000.
The Puppet Show : marionette art. A variety of media that explores the imagery of puppets, from actual puppets to works that evoke topics associated with puppetry and others that introduce new variations to this historical and global form of theater. Jan. 17–Apr. 12. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.camh.org or 713/284-8250.
The Sounds I See: Photographs of Musicians. An exhibition of formal-style studio portraits and an array of concert shots taken in auditoriums, nightclubs, and symphony halls, capturing moments in the life of a musician. Images of classical performers such as Pablo Casals and Igor Stravinsky to popular legends like Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, and ZZ Top. Through Jan. 19. Audrey Jones Beck Bldg. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St. Info: www.mfah.org or 713/639-7300.
Texas Green: 4th Annual Open Call Show. Artworks in various forms and interpretations that resonate with this year’s theme, from newly emerging as well as established local, regional, and national artists. The Texas Green exhibit will be on view through Feb. 15. Free. Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd. Info: artcarmuseum.com or 713/861-5526.
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JANUARY DAY-BY-DAY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY
January 6, 7, & 11 (Tues., Wed., Sun.)
Houston Roller Derby new girl tryouts. All new girls must attend all three days of tryouts. Dairy Ashford Roller Rink. For more info: http://houstonrollerderby.com/public/pag242.aspx.
Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 (Tuesdays)
Major Messages in Minor Prophets. The 12 “minor prophets” of the Hebrew Scriptures are “minor” only in terms of the length of the books, not their messages. This multimedia series enlightens serious Bible students and interested lay persons on these books of the Bible. The four-part free class is taught by John Rodriguez. 6:30–8 pm in Room S-301 of the Sanctuary Building of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: stpaulshouston.org.
January 9–11 (Friday–Sunday)
The Kooky Comedy Cabaret …a post-holidays spectacular! Enjoy entertainment by some of the finest singers, comedians, and variety performers in the city. Three performances only. $35. The Texas Repertory Theatre, Northwood Plaza, 14243 Stuebner Airline. Info/tickets: www.texreptheatre.org or 281/583-7573.
January 10 (Saturday)
Main Street Theater Kids On Stage Open House. Everyone is invited—and it’s free! Kids On Stage teaching staff leads kids of all ages in mask-making, arts and crafts, theater games, and dance. 11 am–1 pm. Main Street Theater, Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info: www.mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706.
January 11 (Sunday)
Blood Drive. A Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center mobile unit will be at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church to accept blood donations from 8 am–1 pm. They will be parked on Calumet Street between Fannin and San Jacinto and the church’s two parking lots. To reserve a time to donate: Phyllis at 713/528-0527 or [email protected]. More info about donating blood: www.giveblood.org. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (stpaulshouston.org) is located at 5501 Main St.
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 (Sundays)
Sacred Spaces. What makes a space sacred? What makes something we do sacred? What makes our lives sacred? A four-week study explores these questions as it focuses on the act of worship, particularly the act of sacred worship. Jan. 11: Dr. Bill Kerley discusses “Sacred Spaces”; Jan.18: Rev. Shelli Williams discusses the “Sacraments”; Jan. 25: Michael Pirics discusses “Sacred Symbols”; Feb. 1: a panel discussion addresses “Sacred Liturgy.” 5:30–7 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: stpaulshouston.org.
January 13 (Tuesday)
East Meets West: The Shanghai Quartet. For one performance only, featuring world-renowned guest artist, Wang Guowei, the Shanghai Quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovations. Tickets $17–$42. 8 pm. Stude Concert Hall, The Alice Pratt building, Rice University, entrance 18 off Rice Blvd. or entrance 8 off University Blvd. Info: www.HoustonFriendsofMusic.org or 713/348-5400.
January 15 (Thursday)
Bulldozers and Butterflies. St. Paul’s School presents Dr. Bill Kerley and Dr. Sherry Beeman in their 16th annual relationship seminar, Bulldozers and Butterflies. Constructing a relationship that leads to transformation and beauty requires tools and hope. This seminar for couples focuses on specific behaviors that can help remove the barriers to growth and provide bridges to new relationship territory. Free and open to the public at 7 pm in Fondren Hall at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: stpaulshouston.org.
January 17 (Saturday)
Fresh Fruit : Urban Harvest 9th Annual Fruit Tree Sale. Bring a wagon (if you can), the site is under cover, so you can pick your tree rain or shine. Choices include apples, pears, persimmons, peaches, plums, apricots, pecans, blueberries, blackberries, figs, olives, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, pummelo,kumquats, lemons, avocados, mangos, and more. 9 am–2 pm. Rice University Football Stadium Concourse, entrance on Greenbriar between Rice Blvd. and University Blvd. Info: www.urbanharvest.org.
Free Arbor Day fun at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Tree seedlings will be given away, while supplies last, and native trees will be available for sale. Learn proper tree planting and ask tree-care questions. Family friendly activities include constructing paper pots, recycling newspapers into hats, and a puzzle hike on a forest trail. Free. 10 am–4 pm. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive. Info: 713/681-8433 or www.houstonarboretum.org.
January 20 (Tuesday)
Rescheduled: Messiaen Centennial Performance. Da Camera of Houston celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of French composer Olivier Messiaen with a performance of Visions de l’Amen (original date Dec. 9, 2008.) The composer first performed his great religious piano cycle with his student and future wife Yvonne Loriod, in a semi-secret art gallery concert in Nazi-occupied Paris. $35. 7:30 pm. The Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. Info/tickets: Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard or www.dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
January 22 (Thursday)
ActOUT @ The Alley : Mrs. Warren’s Profession . Join the Greater Houston GLBT Chamber of Commerce for pre-performance mixers, complimentary appetizers, and music in the Alley Theatre’s 4th floor Terrace Room, 6:15–7 pm. To participate in the Red Ribbon Toy Drive, take an unwrapped children’s toy with you for donation. Free, with show admission. See “Performing Arts” for synopsis. 7:30 pm. Mention ACTOUT. Tickets start at $21. Hubbard Stage, The Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Info: 713/220-5700 or www.alleytheatre.org.
January 24 (Saturday)
Houston Press Presents Artopia 2009 features the first annual MasterMind Awards. Artopia is dedicated to highlighting the Houston area’s rich and diverse artists, musicians, fashion designers, culinary masters, and cocktail creators. This inaugural event will feature live musical performances and three fashion shows. Over 30 local artists will show visual art ranging in style from graffiti to abstract to pop. Dance performances will be given by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, and Travesty Dance Group. Then there’s the first annual MasterMind Awards, which are an acknowledgment of the area’s artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs who change our creative and cultural landscape. 8–11 pm at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter Street. Tickets: $35 donation. A $75 VIP donation is available and includes complimentary valet and access to an exclusive VIP lounge. Tickets available at houston
press.com or 713/280-2400.
January 25 (Sunday)
St. Paul’s Choir sings a Choral Evensong. The service of Evensong, also known as evening prayer, traces its origins to the daily rites of the medieval church and has been said or sung regularly in its current form since the 16th century. 4 pm, in the Sanctuary. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Info: www.stpaulshouston.org or 713/528-0527.
January 31 (Saturday)
Dr. Maya Angelou , presented by The Brilliant Lecture Series. Tickets from $18 to the VIP level of $150. Limited VIP tickets include a pre-event reception with Angelou, an autographed copy of her new book, and front orchestra seating. $75 level tickets receive a copy of the book and orchestra seating. 7:30 pm. Tickets/info: 713/974-1335 or brilliantlectures.org.
Songs of the Earth Concert. Da Camera celebrates over a century of cross-fertilization between the Asian and Western classical traditions, as composer Zhou Long makes his Houston debut. The orchestra program is Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun (chamber version); Zhou Long’s The Farewell for pipa, erhu, and chamber orchestra; and Mahler’s Abschied from Das Lied von der Erde in its chamber version. $25–$45. 8 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas at Smith. Info: Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard, 713/524-5050, or www.dacamera.com.
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Weekly (Mondays)
TG Support Group. One of the oldest groups in Houston (started in 1990), Helping TransGenders Anonymous is a facilitated support group for all transgenders, supporters, family, and significant others. 7–9 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. More info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Meditation Mondays. Alan Davidson, author of Body Brilliance: Mastering Your Five Vital Intelligences , leads Big Mind, a simple, yet powerful and rapid way to help you shift into wisdom, self-realization, and actualization. Begins Jan. 5 in the Montrose area. Info: ThroughYourBody.com/events.html or 713/942-0923.
Weekly (Tuesdays)
Houston Roller Derby Rec League. Girls interested in skating but need to learn more skating skills or just want to learn the game and skate recreationally do not have to join the derby to skate with the rec league. Training is 7:30–9:30 pm at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink. Info: http://houstonroller
derby.com/public/page236.aspx.
Weekly (Thursdays)
Depression & Bipolar Support Group. Don’t let depression or bipolar disorder dig its claws into what little hope you’ve managed to hide from the shadows. Bering Support Network can help. You can benefit from the experience of others. GLBT friendly. Free. 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: houstontennisclub.org.
Biweekly (2nd & 4th Wednesday)
City of Houston TransGender Task Force is charged by the city of Houston to ensure that transgender Houstonians are able to access the medical and social services in order to reduce the incidence of HIV within the transgender community. 7–9 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. More info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Biweekly (2nd & 4th Friday)
Transgender Buddhist Meditation Group offers a traditional Theravada Buddhist vipassana 30-minute meditation for transgenders. 7–9 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. More info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Semimonthly (2nd Tuesday & 4th Saturday)
FTM TG Support Group. Some Transgenders Are Guys is one of the most dynamic FTM groups in the country. STAG is a facilitated group for female-to-male identified individuals, supporters, family, and significant others. 2nd Tuesday 7–9 pm and 4th Saturday 5–6 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. More info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Monthly (1st Tuesday)
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. 7 pm at the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Dr. Info: 713/869-7722, ext. 127, or houstonspca.org.
Transgender Christian Bible Study and worship group is for Christian transgenders who want to share their faith with other Christian transgenders. 7–9 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. Info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Monthly (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): lawkn.com.
Monthly (3rd Tuesday)
The Chapter One Book Group at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church discusses the 1984 Booker Award-winning Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner at their January 20 meeting. The group, which is open to anyone who enjoys reading and discussing a wide variety of books, meets at 7:30 pm in the church’s Youth Library, J-202. To be added to the group’s e-mail list, contact [email protected]. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: www.stpaulshouston.org.
Monthly (1st Friday)
TG Social. The Friday Night Transgender Social is a special, once-a-month event hosted by the TG Center for the Houston-area transgender community, supporters, family members, friends, community providers, and significant others. Each themed social consists of a dinner, movie, games, and/or presentation. 7–10 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. $5. More info: 713/520-8586 or www.transhouston.com.
Monthly (2nd Saturday)
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 winterstreetstudios.net.
Monthly (4th Saturday)
TG Support Group. Texas Association for Transsexual Support is another one of the original support groups in Houston. TATS is a professionally facilitated support group for those identifying as being a transsexual. 4–5 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. More info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com.
Significant Others TG Support Group. The Significant Others Support is a group that provides support to the wives, husbands, girlfriends, and boyfriends of individuals whose partners are considering transition. 3–4 pm at the TG Center, 713 Fargo. Info: 713/520-8586 or transhouston.com..
Read On. Want to spend at least one afternoon each month sharing with other titillating women like yourself? The Exchange meets at 2 pm 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].
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PLANNING AHEAD
February 4 (Wednesday)
Cultural Encounters Through Music. Da Camera’s free lunchtime series for February includes a shadow puppet play by fourth-grade students from Lovett Elementary School and the music of Claude Debussy. Bring lunch and enjoy the performance, plus enter for a chance to win tickets for an upcoming Da Camera concert. Noon. Grand Foyer, Wortham Theater Center. Info: www.dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
February 6 (Friday)
“Out Night” at the Masquerade Theatre for the production of Man of la Mancha . This classic allegory of the struggle of good versus evil is highlighted at times by the sometimes comedic, sometimes dramatic attempts of Don Quixote to right all the wrongs in the world. While his exploits are occasionally chided by onlookers, the hero never wavers in his quest, and the purity of his crusade becomes more and more evident. Containing one of the most powerful moments in musical theater (“The Impossible Dream”), Mitch Leigh’s score highlights an entertaining and moving story of personal triumph. Man of La Mancha gives audiences an uplifting look at the power of ideas and the strength to follow one’s dreams. Tickets: Masquerade Theatre at 713/861-7045 and use this special code — MTGLBT — to receive a $10 discount off all adult tickets. A meet & greet will be held afterward in the lobby with the entire cast of the production. You can also call the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for tickets at 713/315-2525 o r visit www.masqueradetheatre.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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