Local News

Calendar: May 2009


compiled by Sheri Taylor Bockelman

Performing Arts • Performing Arts for Young People • Radio • Art/Photography • May Day-By-Day Planning Ahead • HIV Testing

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HOT TICKET:
History Revisited
Theatre New West returns to holocaust theme

Dan Clancy’s The Timekeepers, presented by Theatre New West in collaboration with Holocaust Museum Houston, is a psychodrama focusing on the relationship between two inmates of a World War II Nazi concentration camp.

TNW founder and play’s director Joe Watts hopes this production is as warmly embraced as his 2004 and 2006 sold-out productions of Bent, Martin Sherman’s psychodrama focusing on the relationship between two inmates of a World War II Nazi concentration camp.

Bent came about when I read Holocaust Museum Houston was going to have an exhibit titled ‘Persecution of Homosexuals in Nazi Germany,’” Watts says. “I talked to them about how perfect it would be to do Bent there during the exhibit, and they loved the idea. The rest, as they say, is history—in more ways than one.”

The museum is a beneficiary of this production. Runs through May 23 (Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 17, at 6 p.m. No performance May 2). 5401 Caroline St. Tickets: $20. Details: 713/522-2204. — Nancy Ford

Photo caption: Director Joe Watts says Taavi Mark (l) and Lance Marshall deliver “some shattering scenes” in Theatre New West’s production of Dan Clancy’s The Timekeepers. “What has to happen is the actor must take the scenes to the depth that the character would,” Watts says. “In not doing so, the actor and the production would be cheating the audience of that emotional experience, regardless of how it affects the actor.”

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PERFORMING ARTS
Armide (the opera). French stage director Pascal Rambert joins Mercury Baroque to revive Jean-Baptiste Lully’s opera for its Houston debut. $20–$52. 8 pm. Pre-concert lecture, 7:15 pm. May 15 & 16. Cullen Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. Info: mercurybaroque.org, 832/251-0706.

Armide (the musical performance). Concert by Mercury Baroque. Sun., May 17, 2 pm, at The University of Houston, Clear Lake, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Tickets: 281/283-2560.

Awake and Sing! Bessie Berger and her Bronx family struggle with poverty and the hardships of the Great Depression. $20–$36. May 7–June 7. Main Street Theater–Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd. Info: mainstreettheater.com, 713/524-6706.

Back to the ’80s, presented by UpStage Theatre, is a wild ride through the high school drama of the 1980s, filled with lots of pop tunes from the decade that made Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, and Debbie Gibson household names. May 8–30 in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. Tickets ($20, $15 for seniors/students): 713/838-7191, www.upstagetheatre.org .

The Beauty Queen of Leenane. A lonely Irish spinster is trapped taking care of her elderly, cantankerous mother. But after years of abuse and insults, things get horribly out of hand when the daughter has romantic inclinations. $13–$15. 8 pm. May 29–June 20. Theatre Southwest, 8944-A Clarkcrest. Info: theatresouthwest.org, 713/661-9505.

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. May 1– 9. Brown Theater, Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. Info: houstongrandopera.org, 713/228-OPERA (6737).

Fiddler on the Roof. Last chance to see Topol in the role of Tevye, humble milkman, harried husband, and devoted father to five marriageable daughters. Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. May 26–June 7. Info: broadwayacrossamerica.com, 713/315-2500.

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

Happy Days—A New Musical. The Fonz, Richie, and the gang rock and roll back to 1959 as the famed drive-in malt shop and number-one hangout, Arnold’s, is in danger of demolition, and they all team up to save it. Tickets start at $32. May 12–24. Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com or 713/558-8887. See interview with Garry Marshall, creator of the originalHappy Days, on page 71.

Houston Ballet’s Classically Contemporary showcases great classical showpieces like George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de deux to Solo, a contemporary tour-de-force for three male dancers. The evening also features two recent works by Stanton Welch:Mediaeval Baebes and Nosotros . May 8–10 at 8 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Free. Info: 281/373-3386, milleroutdoortheatre.com.

Houston Ballet’s Spring Repertory Program features Christopher Wheeldon’s Carousel: A Dance, set to melodic and evocative “Carousel Waltz” and “If I Loved You” from the iconic 1945 musical Carousel (see page 82) Jardi Tancat, by choreographer Nacho Duato; and Stanton Welch’s romantic Nosotros . $17–$125. May 28–June 7. Wortham Center’s Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave. Info: houstonballet.org, 713/227-2787.

Lend Me a Tenor. The Cleveland Opera Company of the 1930s has hired Tito Merelli, known on stage as “Il Stupendo,” to open their grand opera season. $12–$20. May 15–30. The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury Lane. Info: countryplayhouse.org, 713/467-4497.

Livin’ Fat. The Coopers are a hard-working family with no money but a whole lot of love for one another—until a bundled bank robbery drops $15,000 into their lives. $18–$27. Through May 24. The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. Info: ensemblehouston.com, 713/520-0055.

The Miss Firecracker Contest. When Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale”) enters the local beauty pageant, poignant self-improvement and outright hilarity ensue. $25–$45. May 6–24. The Texas Repertory Theatre Co., 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd., Northwoods Plaza. Info: texreptheatre.org, 281/583-7573.

RENT! With openly gay actor Anthony Rapp, who originated the role of Mark Cohen, and Adam Pascal as Roger. Tickets start at $20. Through May 3. Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com, 713/558-8887.

Rock ‘n’ Roll. Four-time Tony Award winner Tom Stoppard returns to the Alley with this winner of London Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play. The play spans two countries, three generations, and 22 turbulent years (‘68–’90), at the end of which, love remains—and so does rock ‘n’ roll. Recommended for mature audiences. Through May 24 on the Alley Theatre’s Hubbard Stage, 615 Texas Ave. Tickets (start at $21): alleytheatre.org, Alley box office, 713/220-5700.

Romeo and Juliet. Can two dreamers from warring families find the courage to love one another? Opera to Go! presents scenes from Gounod’s Shakespeare opera. Appropriate for all ages. May 4–8 at 11 am at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Free. Info: 281/373-3386, milleroutdoortheatre.com.

The Story of Burford, Category 5. When a hurricane hits Houston, the Spy Eye News team hits the water. May 14–Aug. 29. $22. Radio Music Theatre, 2623 Colquitt. Info: radiomusictheatre.com, 713/522-7722.

You’re the Cream in My Coffee, presented by Bayou City Concert Musicals, is the music of DeSylva, Brown, and Henderson. Their names may not be familiar, but their songs have lived on from the 1920s and become American standards. The cabaret takes place on consecutive Mondays in May—the 4th, 11th, and 18th. 7:30 pm, Performance Centre of The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main St. Tickets ($25): 713/465-6484, at the door, or at bayoucityconcertmusicals.org. Reservations recommended.

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PERFORMING ARTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Scapino! Sixteen Houston-area children perform in this slapstick comedy about love, chases, mistaken identities, an Italian menu set to opera, and, of course, a happy ending! $5. May 8–10. Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose. Info: mainstreettheater.com, 713/524-6706.

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., 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

Amy Blakemore: Photographs 1988–2008. Thirty-six intriguing works from Houston-based Blakemore’s collection includes black & white street settings to lush colorful landscapes. May 9–Sept. 13. Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet. Info: mfah.org or 713/639-7300; Spanish: 713/639-7379.

Beachtown. Tour Coastal Living Magazine’s Idea House. Built in carpenter gothic style several feet above the required base flood elevation, the Idea House is fortified with concrete and steel designed to protect it from potential hurricane damage. $10, proceeds benefit Galveston Historical Foundation. Through June 30. Info: galvestonhistory.org/Coastal_Living_Idea_House1.asp.

ConcealDisclose is an exhibition of paintings by Hagit Barkai (from Israel) and photographs by Tala Vahabzadeh (from Iran), works evolved from each artist’s life experience. May 8–June 19. Front Gallery, Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose. Info: artleaguehouston.org, 713/523-9530.

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. Through July 3 at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St. Info: 713/529-4848, crafthouston.org.

Mexcavations: Merry Calderoni. The artist’s archeological work unearthing a pyramid only 20 miles from her home in San Miguel de Allende provided the inspiration for a new series of paintings. May 8–31. Canal Street Gallery, 2219 Canal St. Info: canalstreetgallery.com, 713/223-2219.

The Nature of Diamonds. Included in the exhibition are the Elton John Cartier shoulder brooch and the 2,000-diamond corsage ornament made in 1855 for Princess Mathilde, the niece of Napoleon Bonaparte. Opens May 8. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr. Info: hmns.org, 713/639-4629.

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. ›

Project Row Houses: Home. Space. Place. Seven featured artists explore ideas centered around home, identity, culture, struggles, and perseverance in the Third Ward neighborhood. Round 30 on view through June 21 at 2505–2517 Holman St. Project Row Houses presents Yinka Adeyimi, a Yoruba artist from Nigeria in his solo exhibition, My Houston Turning Point, at 2521 Holman St. Info: projectrowhouses.org, 713/526-7662.

Regeneration is a group show highlighting the artists’ explorations into new materials. Includes new paintings, drawings, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and collages. Through May 31 at Green House Gallery, 716 W. Alabama. Info: 713/443-8397, [email protected], greenhouseartgallery.com.

The Retablos: Art for the Masses. An insight into the art of the retablo, small oil paintings on tin, zinc, wood, or copper. Free. May 5–July 12. The Heritage Society Museum, 1100 Bagby, Sam Houston Park. Info: heritagesociety.org, 713/655-1912.

Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor. Featuring 14 life-size clay figures and artifacts excavated in 1974. May 22–Oct. 18. Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Herman Circle Drive. Info: hmns.org, 713/639-4629.

Vulnerable Ecologies, an installation by British sculptor Susan Stockwell, displays one aspect of mass consumption that has a devastating effect on our global eco system. Recycled computers are autopsied, and the components interwoven into delicate architecture. May 8–June 19. Main Gallery, Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose. Info: artleaguehouston.org, 713/523-9530.

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MAY DAY-BY-DAY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY

1 (Fri.)

Cabaret of the Americas: From Piazzolla to Porter brings together the sensual heat of the South American dance hall and the cosmopolitan cool of North American jazz clubs. The evening is presented as a double-bill concert by APERIO, Music of the Americas, in collaboration with the Foundation for Modern Music and Flamart. 8 pm at Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway. A reception with the performers immediately follows the show. Tickets ($20, $10 students): aperioamericas
.org, modernmusic.org, 713/965-4597.

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.

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.

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).

2 (Sat.)

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 (Saturday)

Jazz vocalist Kristine Mills performs two shows in honor of the release of her third album, bossanovafied . $15. 7 and 9:30 pm at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk. Info: 713/528-5999, mcgonigels.com, or kristinemillsmusic.com.

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, 409/765-7834.

3 (Sun.)

Kenny Chesney concert, with Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum. $39.50–$85. 7:30 pm. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. Info: woodlandscenter.org, 713/629-3700.

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.

7 (Thurs.)

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, a Lost Highway band that recently released Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!, opens for Lucero. $12 adv/$14 door. Walter’s On Washington, 4215 Washington. Info: 4215washington.com, 713/862-2513, blackjoelewis.com.

9 (Sat.)

Houston Art Car Parade is a roadside stage of mobile artworks. See old favorites and new creative wheels from the whimsical to the outrageous. Free. 1 pm. Downtown Houston, Allen Parkway at Bagby. Info: orangeshow.org/artcar.html.

10 (Sun.)

Il Trionfo del Tempo, led by openly gay Mathew Dirst, captivates the audience in a timeless musical battle of wills between Beauty and Pleasure. $31.25–$41.25. 5 pm. Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: arslyricahouston.org, 713/315.2525.

A Rose Among Thorns: A Dramatic Tribute to Rosa Parks starring actress Ella Joyce in a special performance for The Ensemble Theatre’s 9th Annual Heart of the Theatre subscription drive. The one-woman show has received rave reviews. › Parks’ quiet dignity and strength turned the world’s attention to the “famous incident,” and hastened the pace of the Civil Rights Movement. Ensemble subscribers and new subscription purchasers may attend at no cost. Individual tickets available for purchase; seats limited. 5 pm. Wortham Theater, 501 Texas Ave. Info: ensemblehouston.com, 713/520-0055.

14 (Thurs.)

Happy Days–A New Musical. Happy days are here again with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable “king of cool” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli. OutSmart magazine invites you to mingle in a cabaret-style atmosphere immediately after 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 $32. 8 pm. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. Info: tuts.com or 713/558-TUTS. See interview with Garry Marshall, creator of the original Happy Days, on page 71.

Collectors & Cocktails. Join Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) for this fundraiser, where guests can jump-start or build their art collections with top-notch, yet affordable pieces. 7–10 pm at HCCC, 4848 Main St. $75. RSVP by May 12. Details/reservations: crafthouston.org, 713/529-4848.

Composer/pianist John Cornelius provides the primary entertainment for this meeting of the St. Paul’s Prime Timers. 10:30 am in Fondren Hall, Jones Building, 5501 Main. Program follows at 11. A $5 lunch is served to those who RSVP by May 12 via [email protected], 713/582-0527.

15 (Fri.)

Houston Symphony’s Four Italians . Hear the symphony, under the stars. Orchestra seating $15; free mezzanine and general admission lawn seating. 8 pm. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. Info: woodlandscenter.org, 713/629-3700.

Gnosis in Song features a collaboration between Rice University religious scholar April de Conick, harpist Becky Baxter, and mezzo soprano Sonja Bruzauskas. Free. Seating limited. 7 pm at Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. Info: rothkochapel.org and divasworld.org.

15 & 16 (Fri. & Sat.)

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is an overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones, and raise money for the fight against cancer. 6 pm at Delmar-Dyer Sports Complex. Info: rflgh.org, 281/630-5120.

15–17 (Fri.–Sun.)

The Houston Fringe Festival is a lively, show-stopping, no-curtains music and art fest held all weekend throughout Montrose. Enjoy presentations by playwrights, performers, dancers, and filmmakers from Houston and out of town. With minimalist staging and sets, performances emphasize non-traditional use of space at various venues on Westheimer. $15/person. Info: houstonfringefestival.org.

16 (Sat.)

Zine Fest Houston 2009 is an event dedicated to promoting zines, comix, and other forms of small press, alternative, underground, and D.I.Y. media & art. Featuring exhibitors, disscussion forums, workshops, & more. Free admission. 2–10pm at the Caroline Collective, 4820 Caroline. Info: zinefesthouston.wordpress.org. (Want the gay angle? See page 35.)

Bathing Beauties Contest. Islander By Choice (IBC) announces the resurrection of Galveston Island’s legendary Bathing Beauties Pageant, which is free to attend. Registration to compete is open to men, women — everyone! Two categories: contemporary swimwear and vintage-inspired. 2 pm on the Galveston shoreline, just east of the 33rd Street jetty. Details/to enter contest: registration form at GalvestonBeachRevue.com.

17 (Sun.)

The 2008-09 St. Paul’s Choral Scholars present a concert with a repertoire selected from previous service music featuring choral settings from composers such as Benjamin Britten and Arvo Part. 4 pm in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .

19 (Tues.)

Invitation to the Psalms is a 10-week study that begins at 6:30 pm on the 19th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main. The $10 text may be purchased at the first session. No registration fee, though you must register via [email protected] or 713/528-0527. Info: Rev. Shelli Williams, minister for adult education, at [email protected] .

21 (Thurs.)

Houston Symphony’s Dancin’ Beneath the Stars . Concert led by Michael Krajewski, conductor. Orchestra seating $15; free mezzanine and general admission lawn seating. 8 pm. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. Info: woodlandscenter.org, 713/629-3700.

23 & 24 (Sat. & Sun.)

Boni’s Dance presents Reach for the Stars . Local children and youth perform in a recital celebrating Boni’s Dance 25th anniversary. All reserved seating $11. 6 pm. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. Info: .woodlandscenter.org, 713/629-3700.

31 (Sun.)

St. Paul’s Choir sings an Evensong service on Pentecost Sunday at 4 pm in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main. Info: 713/528-0527, stpaulshouston.org .


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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. 7:30-9:30 pm in the studio classroom at 1712 Fairview. 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. 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 or 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.

Semimonthly (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 or 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 Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. May 19, 7:30 pm, in the church’s Youth Library, J-202, 5501 Main. To be added to the group’s e-mail list: [email protected] . 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 or www.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. More info: 713/862-0082 or 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 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.

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PLANNING AHEAD

June 4 & 6 (Fri. & Sun.)

See Fiddler on the Roof and benefit Holocaust Museum Houston. For each ticket purchased for special performances on June 4, 8 pm, and June 6, 2 pm, Broadway Across America will donate $10 to Holocaust Museum Houston. Tickets: broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales, password “Holocaust.” Sarofim Hall, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby.

Due by June 15 (Mon.)

Holocaust Museum Houston needs YOU! Can you spare a few hours each week to help teach the dangers of prejudice, hatred, and apathy? Held at Holocaust Museum Houston’s Morgan Family Center, volunteer docents attend a 7-week class in Holocaust history and tour-training: Aug. 4–Sept. 17 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am–noon. Applications due by June 15. Contact: [email protected] or 713/942-8000, ext. 102. Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline St. Info: hmh.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.

NO CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED AFTER MAY 9.

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