Local News

Calendar: April 2009

By Sheri Taylor Bockelman

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HOT TICKET:

UnSoireePelouse
Un Soiree Pelouse 2008 raised about $10K for Houston GLBT Community Center.

How Does Your Garden Party Grow?
Organizers have high hopes for the second annual Un Soiree Pelouse. With its “In Wonderland” costume theme, the event (labeled “a garden party” so as to avoid confusion with “The Garden Party,” a legendary though now-defunct Sunday afternoon fundraiser for local gay causes) is chaired by Tom Baker, Marc Garcia, and Tom Thompson. The men hope this year’s event raises “more than $80,000 in cash and in-kind donations with soiree proceeds being divided equally between the Houston Buyers Club and AssistHers organizations.” Garcia says about 600 people attended the inaugural event in 2008, with 900 costumed revelers expected this year. An increase in proceeds is expected as well. “The support in cash donations this year has been much more successful,” he says, “so going into the event this year we are at an advantage. If no one were to show up to the event we would have already raised money—though clearly not enough.”

Singers Kim Kuzma and Eric Alan entertain, with Anita Bump emceeing. April 26, 4 p.m. Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto. Tickets: $25–$300. Details: unsoiree.com. — Nancy Ford

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HOT TICKET:

MunchinTommy
Munchin Tommy Martinez

It may not be Emerald City, but Houston nonetheless welcomes out actor Tommy Martinez, blowing into town this month in the NETworks Presentations and Cadillac Broadway Across America-Houston production of The Wizard of Oz. Based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, the classic musical promises breathtaking stage effects to sweep audiences away, beginning with the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.

Representing the Lollipop Guild

Martinez, who plays a Munchkin, also performed with the first national tour and Atlantic City cast of The Wedding Singer . April 7–19, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Tickets: $21+. Details: 713/629-3700 • BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.   — N. F.

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HOT TICKET:

UnityBanquet
Scott Turner Schofield performs at the Unity Banquet

Spokespersons for the Unity Committee, an umbrella organization of local groups for individuals who identify as transgenders, transsexuals, and cross-dressers, are preparing for the 17th annual Unity Banquet. The semi-formal dinner dance is said to be one of the premiere single-night transgender events in the nation.

Unity and More

In addition to a silent auction that raises additional funds to support Unity Committee programs, the evening also includes the awarding of Peggy Rudd Transgender Scholarships, two scholarships for trans-identified students.

Performance artist Scott Turner Schofield, who was profiled in the February 2009 issue of OutSmart (“Girly Man?”), headlines the event. May 2, 6:30 p.m. Sheraton Brookhollow Hotel, 3000 North Loop West. Tickets: $50–$60. Details: htuc.org.   — N. F.

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HOT TICKET:
The food, the music, the vendor markets . . . it’s hard to pick one “best thing” about Houston’s legendary International Festival. Now in its 38th year and known by its more 21st-century-friendly nickname, “iFest,” each spring the Houston event draws thousands and thousands of people in support of the Houston Festival Foundation’s year-round arts, education, and outreach programs.

iFest
Boega at iFest

Houston iFest Goes Irish

But this year, perhaps its more appropriate name would be “O’Fest.” The centerpiece of this year’s festival, the Ireland Zone, celebrates the rich history and cultural influences of Ireland, complete with a replica of the legendary Blarney Castle. Interactive exhibits and artisan demonstrations depicting the arts, culture, and history of Ireland also emphasize this year’s Irish theme.

Spanning from City Hall to Upper Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston, iFest 2009 also features exotic international foods, as well as music and dance groups in seven international entertainment-themed zones highlighting Cajun, zydeco, blues, rock, country, folk, Latin, and reggae music.

April 18–19 and April 25–26, throughout downtown Houston. Tickets: $7.50–&18. Details: ifest.org. — N. F.

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PERFORMING ARTS

Constant Star. Portrayal of Ida B. Wells, daughter of freed slaves, in her roles as newspaper editor/publisher, co-founder of the NAACP, mother, wife, and the most powerful leader in the anti-lynching campaign in America. Through April 12. The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. Info: ensemblehouston.com, 713/520-0055.

The Convenient Woman. Teresa Chapman joins forces with choreographer and performing artist Leslie Scates and designer Frederique deMontblanc to develop a dance-theater performance that takes a personal look at the current culture of dissatisfaction. Apr. 3–11. DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway. Tickets ($8–$15): diverseworks.org, 713/335-3445.

Crossroads of America! The Project Divisi String Orchestra teams up with VOX: The Rob Seible Singers to explore themes of slavery, industrial revolution, and rock ‘n’ roll. Apr. 7 at 8 pm, Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby. Tickets: Hobby Center Box Office at 713/315-2525 or thehobbycenter.org, or projectdivisi.org for a direct link to purchase tickets.

Grandpa Hasn’t Moved in Days. Ned is dead and it’s a Fertle family funeral. $22. Through May 9. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Info: 713/522-7722, radiomusictheatre.com.

Hunter Gatherers. The Catastrophic Theatre, presented through a partnership with Stages Repertory Theatre, kicks off its second season with this comedy by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, who is openly gay. Though the play is about two heterosexual couples, there is a gay sensibility to it. Apr. 1–11 at 8 pm at Stages, 3201 Allen Parkway. Suggested ticket price is $25, but no one turned away for lack of funds. Tickets/info: 713/527-8243.

Les Misérables , by TUTS. Must-see 19th-century-France musical of a convict trying to start over, the relentless inspector in pursuit, and a single mother forced into prostitution. $32–$80. Through Apr. 5. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com, 713/558-8887.

Little Women: The Musical. Based on the literary classic by Louisa May Alcott, emotional saga of three March sisters and how pivotal moments changed their lives in the Civil War era. $12–$20. 8 pm. Apr. 3–18. The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury Lane. Info: countryplayhouse.org, 713/467-4497.

Houston Grand Opera presents Rigoletto . The battle between hunchback Rigoletto and the lecherous Duke of Mantua over adored daughter Gilda’s virtue. $25–$205. Apr. 17–May 2. Brown Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. at Smith St. Info: houston grandopera.org, 713/228-OPERA (6737).

RENT! with openly gay actor Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of Mark Cohen, and Adam Pascal as Roger. An incredible performance of the national tour. Tickets start at $20. Apr. 29–May 3. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com, 713/558-8887.

The Seven Year Itch. Richard Sherman’s wife is away for the summer and a beautiful girl has moved in upstairs. $13–$15. Apr. 10–May 2. Theatre Southwest, 8944-A Clarkcrest. Info: theatresouthwest.org, 713/661-9505.

Steel Magnolias. Truvy’s beauty salon, where life is shared between Southern women going through passages of womanhood, with hilarious turns, triumphs, and unexpected trials. $25–$45. Through Apr. 11. The Texas Repertory Theatre Co., 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd., Northwoods Plaza. Info: texreptheatre.org, 281/583-7573.

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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Asian Treasures. Three stories teach us to be fair and considerate to our friends. From India they tell “The Gifts of Wail Dad.” The story from Indonesia is “The Adventures of Mouse Deer” and from China “The Boy Who Drew Cats.” $8. Sat., Apr. 4 & 11. Express Theatre, 446 Northwest Mall. Info: expresstheatre.com, 713/682-5044.

Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Whimsical classroom adventures always happen in Wayside School, built one on top of the other, but for five students on the 30th floor, there’s never a dull moment! Sat., Apr. 18 & 25; May 2 & 16. $12 adult, $10 child/senior. Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Blvd. Info: mainstreettheater.com, 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

Bark for Art. Artists contribute in varying media and donate 10 percent of the proceeds to Red Collar Rescue, a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to providing rescue services, vet care, foster care, and adoptive placement to stray and abandoned dogs and cats. Sat., Apr. 4, Red Collar Rescue sets up an adoption site in front of the Green House Gallery. The Bark for Art exhibit runs through Apr. 30. The Green House Gallery, 716 W. Alabama. Info: greenhouseartgallery.com, 713/535-6462.

The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story explores the relationship between these two religions. $12.50–$18. Through Apr. 12. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: hmns.org, 713/639-4629.

The Boardroom. A collaborative installation featuring murals by graffiti artists WEAH, ACK!, Raiko Nin, and film work by Alex PR!MO Luster. Through Apr. 17. Front Gallery, Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose Blvd. Info: artleaguehouston.org or 713/523-9530.

Clay Across Texas Series: San Antonio shows the work of three San Antonio ceramic artists, each with their own distinct style. Apr. 4–26 (opening reception Sat., Apr. 4, 6–9 p.m) at 18 Hands Gallery, 249-B West 19th St. Info: 18handsgallery.com, 713-869-3099.

Creating Space City USA. See the evolution of NASA, from the construction of the Johnson Space Center in 1962, and the city of Houston’s role in the space program. Free. Through Apr. 26. The Heritage Society Museum, 1100 Bagby, Sam Houston Park. Info: heritagesociety.org, 713/655-1912.

First Saturday Arts Market. Local artists display and sell original works of art, and local musicians entertain. Held the 1st Saturday at 548 West 19th at Wind Water Gallery’s parking lot. Free. 11 am–6 pm. Info: yalestreetmarket.com.

Literally Figurative focuses on the many aspects of the human figure as depicted by several craft artists through works made from ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, wood, and mixed media. Apr. 4–July 3 at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: 713/529-4848, crafthouston.org.

Pioneers of Contemporary Glass is 300 pieces of exemplary glass works. Through July 26. Caroline Wiess Law and Audrey Jones Beck buildings of the Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet. Info: mfah.org, 713/639-7300; Spanish: 713/639-7379.

The Puppet Show : marionette art. A variety of media that explores the imagery of puppets. Through Apr. 12. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd. Info: camh.org, 713/284-8250.

Repository. Following surgery for cervical cancer, photographer Sarah Sudhoff began investigating the effects of the illness, resulting in a series of photos and videos that presents an account of the artist and her illness. Through Apr. 17. Main Gallery, Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose. Info: artleaguehouston.org, [email protected].

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APRIL DAY-BY-DAY
WEEKLYMONTHLY

1 (Wed.)

The New Songs Project. Da Camera’s A Little Day Music free lunchtime concert series: original music collaboration by college and middle-school students. Noon. Grand Foyer, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. Info: dacamera.com, 713/524-5050.

3 (Fri.)

Dafnis Prieto , Cuban-American drummer. Da Camera of Houston presents the energetic and innovative Dafnis Prieto Sextet. $30–$50. 8 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. Info: dacamera.com, 713/524-5050.

3–5 (Fri.–Sun.)

The Historic Houston Heights Spring Home & Garden Tour , themed “Soaring to New Heights,” celebrates how the neighborhood continues to invite growth while maintaining tradition. Kick off the festivities with the annual candlelight dinner & auction; follows a private tour of the homes. $100/person, Fri., 8–11 pm at Winter Street Studios, 2101 Winter St. Tour Weekend: Sat.–Sun., noon–6 pm, $20; individual homes $5. Tickets include all homes and bus shuttles. Info: houstonheights.org, 713/861-4002, ext. 3.

4 & 5 (Sat. & Sun.)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Updated version to amuse all ages, complete with all the usual characters, hilarity, and chaos. $15 adult, $10 child/senior. Main Street Theater–Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info: mainstreettheater.com, 713/524-6706.

4, 11, 25, May 2 (Sat.)

Square Dance Classes. Casual dress. Same-sex couples and singles welcome. No partner needed. $35 per person for four lessons, plus four dance practices on Thursdays (refreshments included). 9 am–1 pm at Memorial Drive Lutheran Church, 12211 Memorial Dr. @ Gessner. Info: 281/450-8258, fairbees.com.

7 (Tues.)

The Chiara String Quartet presented by Da Camera of Houston. T he quartet is joined by violinist Rebecca Fischer’s father, cellist Norman Fischer, in the world premiere of String Quintet: Thoughts Fly . 7:30 pm at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Tickets ($35): Da Camera Music Center, 1427 Branard; 713/524-5050; or dacamera.com.

A Holy Week Service of Wholeness and Healing is not necessarily a service of curing, but it can provide an atmosphere in which healing can happen. 6 pm in the chapel at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

9 (Thurs.)

The Ten Tenors ‘ Houston stop is part of its Nostalgica tour featuring a program of classical tenor repertoire, Neapolitan ballads, and rock classics. Presented by Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) at 8 pm in Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana. Tickets ($20–$65): spahouston.org, 713/227-4SPA, or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall.

9–11 (Thurs.–Sat.)

Dance Salad Festival is three days of a mixture of outstanding international dancers, who represent some of the best ballet and contemporary dance companies in the world from England, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and China. Many of these groups have never or seldom been to the U.S. before and are only coming to Houston to perform at the festival, no other city in the U.S. 7:30 pm at Cullen Theater, Wortham Center. Tickets ($17–$47)/details: dancesalad.org.

11 (Sat.)

The Easter Vigil has both historic and symbolic roots in the Jewish Passover. In this service, explains the United Methodist Book of Worship, “we experience the passage from slavery to freedom, from sin to salvation, from death to life.” Begins at 6 pm on the Main St. entry front steps of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King create a one-two punch of raw, tough, Lone Star blues-rock, performing fiery tunes from Blood Brothers , their debut CD. $8. 10 pm. Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club, 5731 Kirby Dr., 713/523-9999.

16 (Thurs.)

Pretty Party benefits The Fairy Godmother Project. Pink Lady vodka cocktails, beer from St. Arnold’s, wine, delectable nibbles, plus guests receive a Get Gorgeous Goody Bag, stocked with jewelry, eyeglass accessories, luscious false lashes, beauty products, and gift certificates. $20 donation at the door. Solution for Hair & Makeup, 1800 Westheimer. Festivities continue at Serendipity3 and The Eye Gallery. 7–9 pm. Info: SolutionForHair.com, Fairy
GodmotherProject.com, or 713/526-4545.

Lauren Anderson , retired prima ballerina and now outreach associate with the Houston Ballet, talks with the St. Paul’s Prime Timers at 11 am. The group gathers at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., at 10:30 am (program follows at 11). A $5 lunch is served to those who RSVP by Apr. 14 via [email protected] or 713/582-0527. One does not have to be a Prime Timer or member to attend. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

17 & 18 (Fri. & Sat)

Media Archeology: Liquid Light to the Laptop, the Evolution of Live Visuals. Aurora Picture Show salutes the technical phenomenon of the psychedelic light show: Friday night, enjoy a performance by the Joshua Light Show and Electronic Music pioneer Silver Apples. Saturday night features Maximal Art: The Origins and Aesthetics of West Coast Light Shows , and a special screening of Andy Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable with The Velvet Underground . $10–$12. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St. Info: aurorapictureshow.org, 713/868-2101.

18 (Sat.)

Free Earth Day Celebration. Learn about earth-friendly products from local companies and organizations, and find out about recycling opportunities in Houston. 10 am–4 pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center in Memorial Park, 4501 Woodway. Info: 713/681-8433, houstonarboretum.org.

Marcia Ball , award-winning blues singer, at iFest. She’s down-home, Texas-born, Louisiana-raised, and has true-blue soul in her music. Pianist/vocalist/songwriter Marcia Ball’s groove-laden New Orleans R&B, heart-wrenching ballads, and driving Gulf Coast blues have made her a favorite of music fans all over the world. $15; children 12 and under are free. 8 pm, Texas Stage. Houston International Festival is held in the area around Downtown Houston City Hall, Tranquility Park & Sam Houston Park. Info: ifest.org.

19 (Sun.)

Ray McGinnis , author of Writing the Sacred , presents a psalm-writing workshop. $15. 5–7 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Workshop info: Rev. Gail Williford at 713/528-0527 or [email protected] . To register: [email protected] , 713/582-0527.

19, 26, May 3, 10 (Sun.)

Exploring St. Paul’s is a four-part series about St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Topics: history; tour of the modified English Gothic sanctuary constructed in 1929; theology; and stewardship and how to get involved. 9:45 am at St. Paul’s, 5501 Main St. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

21 (Tues.)

The Tommy Tune Awards , presented by TUTS. Named for Houston native and Lamar High School alumnus, Tommy Tune, winners chosen from local 2008–2009 high school theater production winners are announced at a Tony Awards-style ceremony. The event features numbers from nominated shows, as well as award presentations for the performers, directors, choreographers, orchestras, and designers. Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com, 713/558-2600.

22 (Wed.)

St. Paul’s School is providing a parent education workshop with Dr. Sarah Pollack and Dr. Merle Holland about how to help young children develop a healthy relationship with food. Free. 9:45–11:15 am in the Jones Building of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. To RSVP for the workshop and childcare during it: 713/528-5779, [email protected]. Info : stpaulspreschool.org.

24 (Fri.)

Wine & Cheese Night Hike. Enjoy an evening walk in the woods to a deck overlooking the arboretum meadow and pond to sample a variety of cheeses, chocolates, and wines with Whole Foods wine specialist Dan Forbes. Ages 21 and up. Limited spaces. $22 members; $32 non-members. 7–9 pm at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center in Memorial Park, 4501 Woodway. Info: 713/681-8433, houstonarboretum.org.

25 (Sat.)

3rd Annual “Art with Heart” Charity Auction , with Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston as honorary chair, benefits the San Jose Clinic. The evening features live music by the Harry Sheppard Jazz Group, food, wine, and over 200 original works by local professional artists and high school students. $50. 6:30–9:30 pm. Three Allen Center, 333 Clay St. Info: sanjoseclinic
.org or 713/228-9411, ext. 2679.

30 (Thurs.)

UP@TUTS & OUT@TUTS: RENT! Starring openly gay actor Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of Mark Cohen, and has appeared in numerous Broadway shows and on television dramas. An incredible performance of the national tour, limited to five days. OutSmart magazine invites you to mingle in a cabaret-style atmosphere immediately after the performance. Complimentary appetizers and happy-hour drink specials. Meet cast members and enjoy music by a TUTS pianist. Artista Restaurant, street level. Free admission with show tickets, start at $20. 8 pm. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. Info: www.tuts.com, 713/558-TUTS (8887).

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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, 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. 7:30–9:30 pm in the studio classroom at 1712 Fairview. Info: ThroughYourBody.com/
events.html, 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. Sundays 9 am–noon, Wednesdays 7:30–9 pm, and offers clinics every Saturday 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 Wed.)

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, transhouston.com.

Biweekly (2nd & 4th Fri.)

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.

Biweekly (2nd Tues. & 4th Sat.)

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, transhouston.com.

Monthly (2nd Tues.)

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 Tues.)

The Chapter One Book Group at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church discusses A Long Way from Tipperary: What a Former Monk Discovered in His Search for the Truth by John Dominic Crosson. 7:30 p.m. in the church’s Youth Library, J-202, at St. Paul’s, 5501 Main St. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

Monthly (1st Fri.)

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, transhouston.com.

Monthly (2nd Sat.)

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. Info: 713/862-0082, winterstreetstudios.net.

Monthly (4th Sat.)

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, 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, transhouston.com.

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PLANNING AHEAD

May 1 & 2 (Fri. & Sat.)

The Gold tells a powerful, fictional story that follows the life journey of Joseph Cohen, a German Jew and amateur boxer, through the Nazi regime and the formation of the state of Israel, culminating at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Free, but tickets required for seating. 8 pm, Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. Info: MillerOutdoorTheatre.com, 281/373-3386.

May 1, 2 & 3 (Fri., Sat. & Sun.)

Ho’oponopono with Sondra Ray. Hawaiian spiritual process to “make right” or “make amends”—simple profound ceremony for forgiveness and release. Fri., 7:30–9:30 pm; arrive 7–7:15. Love offering/donation. • Live, Love, Flourish! is a two-day workshop with Sondra Ray. Create abundance & love in any circumstance. Teaching, interactive learning, & breathwork. Sat. & Sun., 10 am–6 pm (arrive 9–9:45). $250 till Apr. 10; $325 after. • Both at Great Hall at Mankind Project, 6950 W. 43rd. Info: LiveLoveFlourish.info , 713/649-3209.

May 1–9 (Fri.–Sat.)

André Previn’s Brief Encounter . World premiere. Two strangers meet by chance in a train station, leading to a relationship torn between love and loyalty. Based upon Noël Coward’s play Still Life and the film screenplay for 1945’s Brief Encounter . $20–$200. Brown Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. at Smith St. Info: houstongrandopera.org, 713/228-OPERA (6737).

May 2 (Sat.)

After Bach. This collaboration between Da Camera and Houston Chamber Choir includes Bach’s Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue, BWV 903 ; selected choral works by Mendelssohn and the Busoni arrangements of selected Bach chorale preludes. $25–$45. 8 pm. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas at Smith. Info: dacamera.com, 713/524-5050.

Carl Han’s 4th Annual Love Party , benefiting HATCH’s Alternative Prom in June, features Houston’s premiere belly-dancing troupe, The Tribal Lillies, and drag performances by Yna Nova, China Doll, and Christina Lee. Donation: $10. 6:30–9 pm.   Meteor, 2306 Genesee. Info: Montrose Counseling Center, 713/529-0037.

May 2, 3, 9, & 10 (Weekends)

Galveston Historic Homes Tour: Celebration of Historic Galveston’s Rebirth. Ten privately owned homes, each a survivor of a calamity such as hurricane or fire, some still in the midst of reconstruction, are on the 2009 tour. Advance tickets, $20; $25 after May 2. 10 am–6 pm. Info: galvestonhistory.org, call 409/765-7834.

May 6 (Wed.)

The Houston Chamber Choir. Da Camera’s A Little Day Music free lunchtime concert series. Enter for a chance to win tickets to future Da Camera events. Noon. Grand Foyer, Wortham Theater Center, 500 Texas Ave. Info: dacamera.com, 713/524-5050.

May 6–9 (Wed.–Sat.)

HGO Chorus Auditions at the Wortham Theater Center, 510 Preston.   The Houston Grand Opera Chorus is a professional group of diverse men and women of all professions and backgrounds. Info: houstongrandopera.org.

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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.

By Sheri Taylor Bockelman

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