Performing arts, radio, art/photography, day-by-day, and HIV testing. Plus HOT TICKET: Rep. Barney Frank fundraiser for Annise for mayor.
By Sheri Taylor Bockelman
Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • February Day-By-Day • Planning Ahead • HIV Testing
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HOT TICKET
U.S. Congressman Barney Frank visits Houston this month compliments of the Victory Fund, the Washington, D.C.-based organization that endorses viable candidates for public office.
“As a part of Victory Fund’s focus in electing qualified open LGBT candidates to public office, we work closely with our current public officials in mentoring and assisting other LGBT individuals to run as well as moving up the electoral ladder,” says David Arpin, VF organizer. “This trip by Barney is a part of that, and his ongoing commitment to helping folks up after him.”
Frank and the Victory Fund have helped folks like Annise Parker in her past bids for councilmember and controller of our city. They’re about to help her again as she runs for mayor of Houston in the upcoming November city election.
A fundraising event for Parker featuring comments from the Massachusetts legislator takes place at the home of Richard Maier and Michael Flynn, 26 Crestwood, February 17, 6:30 p.m., preceded by a VIP reception at 6 p.m.
Tickets are available after February 2 by calling Arpin at 712/989-3053 or e-mailing him at [email protected].
Following the event for Parker, Frank also lends a hand to judicial candidate Andres Pereira as an honored guest at a fundraising dinner at the home of Neal Manne and Nancy McGregor. There, 16 people will help Pereira retire the debt from his pr evious campaign as well as help him set up his next one. Call Pereira at 713/305-6188 for more details. Details: victory
fund.org. — Nancy Ford
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Legally Blonde! The Musical. When sorority star Elle Woods’ boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” she does the unthinkable: enrolls in Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Fans of last summer’s hot MTV reality show Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods will recognize two faces: 3rd runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot, and 4th runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member. Tickets start at $32. Feb. 10–22. Theatre Under the Stars, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com or 713/558-TUTS (8887).
Macbeth , presented by Opera in the Heights. Shakespeare’s drama interpreted by Verdi is a treasure trove of powerful music as well as incomparable poetry. This story of unbridled ambition, bloodshed, and sorcery is as timely today as it ever was. Its electrifying score will galvanize each and every listener. Feb. 5, 6, & 7, 7:30 pm, Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. Tickets ($31–$45): 713/861-5303. More info: operaintheheights.org .
Man of La Mancha. An uplifting and emotional look at the power of ideas and the strength to follow one’s dreams, this classic tale follows Don Quixote’s often comedic, and usually quite dramatic, attempts to right all the wrongs in the world. Tickets start at $26.25. Feb. 6–8. Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: masqueradetheatre.com or 713/861-7045.
The Man Who Came to Dinner. Sheridan Whiteside, theater critic, lecturer, and radio personality, arrives to dine at the home of the prominent Stanley family in a small Midwestern town, promptly slips on their doorstep, and injures his hip. During his six-week recovery, he monopolizes the Stanley living room and takes over the entire household. Feb. 20–Mar. 22. Hubbard Stage, The Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave. Info: alleytheatre.org or 713/220-5700.
The Man Who Saved New Orleans by Thomas Meloncon tells the story of a family searching for life, love, and unity after Hurricane Katrina. The connection to their Creole heritage gave them strength, purpose, and a sense of family loyalty. Now they must rebuild their lives in Houston while facing raw truths that could crack their only foundation—each other. Through Feb. 22 at The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. More info: 713/520-0055 or ensemblehouston.com.
Marie is a world premiere by Stanton Welch inspired by the life of Marie Antoinette. Born an Austrian arch duchess in 1755, child bride to French King Louis XVI, and violently killed by guillotine at the height of the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette has fascinated historians and artists alike. Tickets start at $28. Feb. 26–Mar. 8. Brown Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Avenue at Smith St. Info: houstonballet.org or 713/227-2787.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is British composer Benjamin Britten’s masterful setting of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name. This Houston Grand Opera production closely follows the plot and language of the original play with the exception of the opening scene, which takes place in the forest and not in the city of Athens. Sung in English with English supertitles. Feb. 4 & 13, 7:30 pm. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, Texas Ave. at Smith St. Tickets (start at $20): houstongrandopera.org or 713-228-6737.
Nursery School Musical. Get a babysitter—this satire is definitely not for kids! Making its U.S. premiere, Nursery is a witty look at kids, their parents, and the first day of school. When you’re only three, college and getting into the “right school” are not exactly what occupies your days; Mom and Dad have a very different outlook. $20-$25. Feb. 18–Mar. 21. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo. Info: theaterlabhouston.com or 713/868-7516.
The Odd Couple. Neil Simon’s two most unlikely of roommates, Felix and Oscar, make their appearance on The Texas Repertory Theatre Co. stage, and the results are sure to be hilarious! $35. Feb. 4–Feb. 22. The Texas Repertory Theatre Co., Northwood Plaza, 14243 Stuebner Airline. Info: texreptheatre.org or 281/583-7573.
The Orphans . It’s been 25 years since two eccentric and extremely wealthy sisters have left their hotel room: reality forces into their lives. $15. Feb. 20–Mar. 14. Theatre Southwest, 8944-A Clarkcrest. Info: theatresouthwest.org or 713/661-9505.
The Pie Dialogues. Follow Dawn and Sean through their tumultuous lives as parents and individuals, bonded by daughter, Pie, who journeys from toddler-hood to womanhood. $20–$36. Feb. 21–Mar. 22. Main Street Theater-Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info: mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706.
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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Bud, Not Buddy. It’s 1936 in Flint, Michigan, and Bud (not Buddy) is filled with such determination and strength of spirit that even the Great Depression can’t keep him down! Using clues his Momma left, Bud runs away from an abusive foster family to look for the man who might be his father; he finds more than he could have possibly imagined. $10–$12. Feb 7, 14, & 21. Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info: mainstreettheater.com or 713/524-6706.
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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 Apr. 12. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: 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.
Colors of the World. Local artist Katherine Houston shares her colorful world with her first solo show. Her oil-on-canvas paintings range from still life and abstract, to portrait and landscape works, but her acrylic on plexiglass, which will be featured in this show, are abstract expressions of color. Feb. 3–28, opening reception February 6, 6–9 pm, at Canal Street Gallery, 2219 Canal St. Info: canalstreetgallery.com, 713/223-2219, or katherinehoustonart.com.
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. Through Apr. 26. The Heritage Society Museum, 1100 Bagby, Sam Houston Park. Info: heritagesociety.org or 713/655-1912.
Electric Mud explores visual art that blurs the boundaries between clay, traditionally used for its functionality, and paint, conventionally used for aesthetics. It highlights the basic properties of these crude, gooey substances to turn conventional ideas on their ears, confounding preconceived differences between art and craft, painting and ceramics, form and function, leisure and labor, still life and real life. Through Mar. 29 at Blaffer Gallery (Fine Arts Bldg. on the Univ. of Houston’s central campus, entrance 16 off Cullen Blvd.). Info: 713/743-9530 or blaffergallery.org .
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.
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 Mar. 15. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: crafthouston.org.
The Love Vibe. The look of love… interpreted by six Houston artists in a collection ranging from figurative watercolors to abstracts, digital collage, ceramics, and metal sculpture. The Green House Gallery promotes eco-friendly themes and using recyclables in artwork. Through Feb. 28. The Green House Gallery, 716 W Alabama St. Info: greenhouseartgallery.com or 713/535-6462.
Max Ernst in the Garden of Nymph Ancolie is conceived around the mural, Pétales et jardin de la nymphe Ancolie . The surrealist work was painted by German-born artist Max Ernst (1891–1976) in 1934 for the wall of a Zürich nightclub. John and Dominique de Menil met him the same year he completed the mural, recently fully restored. The Menil is the first venue to showcase the work, which also includes 75 other important paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Ernst. Through Feb. 15. The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross, menil.org or 713/525-9400.
Museum of Unnatural History , by Elaine Bradford, is a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional tour through an artist’s nature preserve. Dioramic displays similar to those found in natural history museums serve as “natural habitats” for the artist’s fantastical crotchet-covered taxidermy creatures. Through Feb. 20. Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: artleaguehouston.org or 713/523-9530.
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. Through Apr. 12. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. Info: camh.org or 713/284-8250.
Reclamation. The exquisite jewelry and unique sculpture of metal artist Edward Lane McCartney, exhibited through Feb. 14. Goldesberry Gallery, 2625 Colquitt. Info: goldesberrygallery.com or 713/528-0405.
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.
Yigal Ozeri. Known for both his still-life and portrait depictions, Ozeri is an internationally acclaimed painter whose works delight in the power of painterly surfaces, proportion, and atmosphere. In this exhibition, the Israeli native presents large and moderately scaled, hyper-realistic portraits. The striking images of young women are often first mistaken for photography. Only upon closer inspection are Ozeri’s brush strokes apparent and his masterful technique revealed. Feb. 20 with a reception for the artist from 6–9 pm. The exhibit remains on view through Mar. 28 at Wade Wilson Art, 4411 Montrose Blvd., ste. 200. More info: wadewilsonart.com or 713/521-2977.
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FEBRUARY DAY-BY-DAY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY
February 5 (Thursday)
Parent-Child Communication. St. Paul’s School presents Dr. Deborah Fry, who will discuss how to listen, acknowledge, encourage, give genuine attention to, and appropriately handle the feelings of children. Free and open to the public at 1 pm in the Jones Building at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main Street. More info: [email protected].
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. 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. 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. You can also call the Hobby Center for tickets at 713/315-2525 o r visit masqueradetheatre.com.
February 7 (Saturday)
At the Death House Door , an independent film told through the eyes of Pastor Carroll Pickett, who served 15 years as the death house chaplain to the infamous “Walls” prison unit in Huntsville. 7 pm in Fondren Hall at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info:[email protected].
February 8 (Sunday)
Celebrating Pipes and Voices! is a benefit organ and choral recital. Dr. Phillip Kloeckner—organist, conductor, music professor at Rice University, and artistic director of the United Nations Association International Choir (UNAIC)—performs in celebration of the choir’s 10th anniversary as an international musical organization. The concert features pipe organ music of J.S. Bach, Widor, Mendelssohn, Scheidt, Bédard, and Vierne. The 110 voices of the choir will also be featured. 4 pm, First Presbyterian Church of Houston, 5300 Main St., in the museum district. A reception follows the performance in the Church’s Fellowship Hall. Tickets ($15–$25): unahouston.org/unachoir or 281/498-7562.
February 9, 16 & 23 (Mondays)
Puttin’ on the Ritz: Irving Berlin in the 1920s celebrates one of the most prolific composers of American popular music. Hear hits such as “Say It With Music,” “What’ll I Do?” “Shakin’ the Blues Away,” “Always,” and “Blue Skies.” Director/performer Paul Hope’s comments and history of the various songs will be interspersed throughout the program. $25. 7:30 pm. Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St., in Midtown between Holman and Berry St. Info: bayoucityconcertmusicals.org or 713/465-6484.
February 10 (Tuesday)
Taste This! Opera takes its place alongside jazz, blues, cabaret and cabernet: enjoy a cabaret-style performance featuring Houston Grand Opera’s talented studio artists. Light appetizers.The main bar area; first-come, first-served. Seating limited; reservations required. $20. 6 pm. The Tasting Room at Uptown Park, 1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd. Info: houstongrandopera.org/tastethis. Reservations: 713/228-6737.
February 12 (Thursday)
The St. Louis Brass Quintet is one of America’s longest-standing brass quintets, originally formed 40 years ago by St. Louis Symphony members. Tickets $42. Stude Concert Hall, The Alice Pratt building, Rice University, Entrance 18 off Rice Blvd. or Entrance 8 off University Blvd. Info: HoustonFriendsofMusic.org or 713/348-5400.
UP@TUTS & OUT@TUTS : Legally Blonde! The Musical . Mingle and have an “Elle” of a time! Gather immediately after the performance for cabaret-style fun, held at Artista Restaurant, street level in the Hobby Center. Savor complimentary appetizers and happy-hour drink specials, meet cast members, and enjoy music by a TUTS pianist. Sing along or just enjoy the company of friends! Free admission with show tickets, which start at $32. 8 pm. Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Info: tuts.com or 713/558-TUTS (8887).
February 13 (Friday)
Pilobolus Dance Theatre. Seen on the 2007 Oscar telecast, The Ellen DeGeneres Show , and The Oprah Winfrey Show , Pilobolus presents a stellar program, which includes Laterna Magica , Pseudopodia , Darkness and Light , and Ocellus . 8 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Info/tickets: spahouston.org or 713-227-4SPA.
February 14 (Saturday)
Birds, Bees, and Brandenburg. Escape the usual Valentine’s fare and thrill your heart’s desire with the brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach. The first movement of Concerto No. 2 was chosen by NASA in the 1970s for Voyager’s Golden Record time capsule. Mercury Baroque presents all six concertos on period instruments for the first time in Houston. $20–$47. 8 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. Info: mercurybaroque
.org or 832/251-0706.
The National Acrobats of China. See this dazzling company of performers with its stunning displays of the best in Chinese martial arts, illusion, and acrobats, all set to traditional music. $20–$50. Performances at 2 and 7:30 pm. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Info: spahouston.org or 713-227-4SPA.
February 15 (Sunday)
Mercury Baroque at UHCL. Fall in love with the complete Brandenburg Concertos. Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. 2 pm. Bayou Theatre, University of Houston–Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Info: 281/283-2560.
February 17 (Tuesday)
Brentano String Quartet. Musical Wanderers: Exiles and Immigrants series continues with emotive poetry and music. Lee Hyla composed Howl to a recording of Allen Ginsberg reading his 1956 confessional poem; German émigré composer Arnold Schoenberg’s synchronized instrumentals emphasize Lord Byron’s response to Hitler; Kurt Weill shifts from Berlin cabaret to poet Walt Whitman. $35. 7:30 pm. The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Info: Da Camera, 1427 Branard, or dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
The Chapter One Book Group: Brick Lane . St. Paul’s UMC book group discusses this novel by Monica Ali. The book group meets at 7:30 pm on the third Tuesday of the month in the church’s Youth Library, J-202. To be added to the group’s e-mailing list, contact [email protected]. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Info: stpaulshouston.org or 713/528-0527.
February 20 (Friday)
Women on the Verge is a classical articulation by three distinctive femmes’ fatales, the stories of women loved and abandoned, scorned and bent on revenge. Joining the Ars Lyrica ensemble to sing arias, duets, and trios by Monteverdi through Haydn are Melissa Givens, Marie Lenormand, and Sonja Bruzauskas. $25–$35. 7:30 pm. Zilkha Hall, The Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets: the
hobbycenter.org or 713/315.2525. Info: arslyricahouston.org.
February 21 (Saturday)
The Bad Plus. Don’t miss this innovative piano trio and vocalist Wendy Lewis, featured on their new CD, For All I Care . Funky, original group continues to break harmonic boundaries with versions of songs by artists as diverse as Blondie, Pink Floyd, Yes, the Bee Gees, Neil Young, and Heart. $30–$50. 8 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas. Info: Da Camera, 1427 Branard, or dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
February 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday)
Hearts Afire. • See artists demonstrate their blazing torch work to create exquisite art. Free. Sat., noon–3 pm. • Support HCCC by attending a fabulous fundraiser that includes cocktails, tasty nibbles, and a live auction of glass art created throughout the evening. Sat., 7 pm–1 am. Tickets/reservations: 713/529-4848 x107. • Hear an insightful lecture by artist Paul Stankard, world-renowned for encasing his sculptures of flowers and insects in glass globes and cubes. Free. Sun., 4 pm. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: crafthouston.org.
February 25 (Wednesday)
Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday Prayer Breakfast hosted by the St. Paul’s Men’s Lectionary Bible Study. $5. 7 am in Fondren Hall. Two Ash Wednesday Holy Communion worship services, both including imposition of ashes: 12:15 pm in the Chapel and 7 pm in the Sanctuary. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: stpaulshouston.org.
Paddy Moloney with The Chieftains. These six-time Grammy winners weave traditional Irish music into a style of their own. The group tours the U.S. only three weeks per year, making this appearance a true jewel on the SPA season. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. Info: spahouston.org or 713.227.4SPA.
February 26 (Thursday)
Lenten Recital Series begins, featuring Rob Landes. 12:15 pm in the Sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. More info: stpaulshouston.org.
Leipzig String Quartet , featuring new violinist Stefan Arzberger, formerly an assistant principal of first violins for the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig. Tickets start at $42. 8 pm. Stude Concert Hall, The Alice Pratt building, Rice University, Entrance 18 off Rice Blvd. or Entrance 8 off University Blvd. Info: HoustonFriendsofMusic
.org or 713/348-5400.
February 27 (Friday)
The Spanish String Quartet. First-place winners of the 2000 London International String Quartet Competition, the Cuarteto Casals pay tribute to Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, the so-called “Spanish Mozart” who died at 19 in Paris. $25–$45. 8 pm. Zilkha Hall, The Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info: Da Camera, 1427 Branard, or dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
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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.
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 (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.
Monthly (1st Sunday)
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
March 3 (Tuesday)
Iraq and Beyond: The Real Story. Recipient of the Martha Gellhorn Award for Journalism in 2008 and the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism, Dahr Jamail, who has reported from the Middle East for the last five years, will discuss the war in Iraq, the current situation in that region, and the implications for human rights. Stay to meet the speaker after the program. Free. Seating is limited; first-come, first-serve. 7 pm. The Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. Info:rothkochapel.org or 713/524-9839.
March 4 (Wednesday)
Moores School Jazz Orchestra. Da Camera of Houston’s A Little Day Music series of free lunchtime concerts continues with a performance by music students from the University of Houston. Noon. Grand Foyer, Wortham Theater Center. Info: dacamera.com or 713/524-5050.
March 6 (Friday)
Wonderboy. Joe Goode brings his San Francisco-based company to Houston for an evening of riveting dance theater. His collaboration with puppeteer extraordinaire Basil Twist involves the magical, expressive fragility of a puppet manipulated by the company’s dancers. As a companion piece: Maverick Strain , a deconstruction of Arthur Miller’s screenplay for the film The Misfits , which parodies the macho cowboy myth using song, speech, movement and cross-dressing. 8 pm. Cullen Theatre, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Avenue at Smith St. Info: spahouston.org or 713/227-4SPA.
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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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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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