TRANSFORMATIONAL NEW YEAR Houston Transgender Unity Committee hosts the second annual Brenda Thomas Memorial New Year’s Day Social, named for the local trangender community leader who passed away in 2006. Guests are encouraged to bring food or beverage items for the potluck meal, which also features door prizes, a silent auction, and a raffle. Benefits HTUC programs. Jan. 1 , 2 p.m., at Vanity: A Trans-formation Studio, 1442 Yale St. Details: Details: htuc.org.
SCHUUR ‘NOUGH This year’s Cabaret for a Cure fundraiser fighting HIV and AIDS features Grammy-winning jazz musician Diane Schuur, with Ken Gayle, Deidrie Henry, Deborah Duncan, The Richard Brown Orchestra, The Mary Griffin Band, Todd Honeycutt, Bubba McNeeley, Moodafaraka, Hanq Neil, Sky Shepherd, Shaun Smith, and Adam Tendler also providing entertainment. The evening also posthumously honors I. W. Marks with its Humanitarian Award. Benefits Legacy Community Health Services. Friday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. Hilton Americas-Houston. Details: cabaretforacure.org.
SILVER CELEBRATION Time to dust off those shoulder crowns: members of the Empire of the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Single Star celebrate the 25th anniversary of the charitable group with High School Reunion–A Night Amongst the Pyramids at Sheraton Houston North (15700 JFK Blvd.). The fun begins Jan. 15 , 8 p.m., with the In-Town Show at Brazos River Bottom, hosted by Christopher Garrett, Daryl Quijano, DD Demarco, and Selena St. John. On Friday, Jan. 16 , participants embark on the Houston Bar Tour, but not before they’re treated to the Out-of-Town Show, held at the hotel at 7 p.m. The main event, Coronation 25, takes place Saturday night, Jan. 17 , 5 p.m., followed by a Victory Brunch hosted by Bob Skinner and Kimberly O’Neil on Sunday, Jan. 18 , at 10:30 a.m.; both these events are also at the hotel. The weekend of royal camaraderie ends Sunday with the Victory Party and Show beginning at 4 p.m. at Brazos River Bottom. Details: 888/627-8196 • ersicss.org.
PAEANS TO THE NEW PREZ Prepare for Inauguration Day with Change That You Can Dance To: Obama Music Videos, a presentation of music videos about President-Elect Barack Obama. This special screening will include international videos, including “Viva Obama” by Mariachi Aguilas de Mexico, “Barack Obama” by Cocoa Tea, and more. Saturday, Jan. 17 , 6:30–8:30 p.m. Presented by Aurora Picture Show at The Station Museum, 1502 Alabama. Tickets: $6. Details: aurorapictureshow.org.
L+HRC It’s TL W ‘s final season, so let’s party while we can. The Houston chapter of Human Rights Campaign presents its annual The L Word kickoff party at two local nightclubs, featuring a raffle of popular Showtime DVD sets. Sunday, Jan. 18 , 8 p.m., at Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh Dr., and Chances, 1102 Westheimer. Tickets: $5. Details: hrc.org.
ART AND DANCE AIDS Foundation Houston presents Mukuru’s fourth annual Art for Life , an exhibition and auction of 50 pieces of artwork from established and emerging artists, but with a new twist: this year’s art exhibit is followed by a dance. England-born, now-Texas-artist Lucinda Cobley’s Elemental Desire , a piece produced on etched glass (pictured here), is among the works of art available for purchase at the event. Curator Wade Wilson of Wade Wilson ART serves as auctioneer, with entertainment by the ‘80s cover band, Molly and the Ringwalds. Saturday, Jan. 24 , 7–9 p.m. Artwork is on display Jan. 21–24 . Vine Street Studios, 1113 Vine St. Tickets: $20-$50. Details: 713/623-6796, ext. 278 • mukuru.org.
THE ART OF CAMP Southern Country Houston’s charity art auction benefiting Camp Hope, postponed due to a visit from Hurricane Ike, has been rescheduled for Jan. 23 , 7:30 p.m., at the home of John Danielson III, 3618 Burlington. The auction, featuring work donated by local artists, raises funds for AIDS Foundation Houston’s summer camp for children affected and/or infected by HIV and AIDS. Details: 713/492-2204.
PIANO, MAN Veteran pianist Jerry Atwood has found a new base at Bistro Calais where he performs Fridays, Saturdays, and every other Wednesday with a revolving cache of cabaret vocalists including Sharon Montgomery and Deborah Boily. 2811 Bammel Ln. Details: 713/529-1314 • bistrocalais.com.
DRAGGING FOR THE DOGS The furry-friends-loving folks at Spay-Neuter Assistance Program have announced the group’s second annual drag competition to crown Ms. Purrrfect. Benefits SNAP’s animal aid program, which provides free spaying and neutering and reduced-cost wellness services for the animals of persons affected by HIV and AIDS. Saturday, Feb. 7 , 7 p.m. Tony’s Corner Pocket (817 W. Dallas). Details: Paul Hidalgo, 713/516-8950 • www.snapus.org.
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