The Gay Agenda: May 2009

SOY SONGS. Who knew Wang Chung, Connie Chung, Chun King Chinese food, and Ricardo Montalban could all fit into one song? Three men sing, dance, and irreverently march their way through 4,000 years of Chinese history in Mark Brown and Paul Mirkovitz’s China: The Whole Enchilada. Linda Phenix directs and choreographs the 2008 New York City International Fringe Festival hit musical tackling racism, human rights, genocide, and the birth of the fortune cookie. Theater LaB Houston, 1706 Alamo St. Through May 31. Tickets: $25. Details: 713/868-7516 • theaterlabhouston.com.

CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY CONCERTS. Ms. Gay Pride Houston, Sara Sjolander, presents twin concerts celebrating country-western music. Hits of gone-by years are featured in Sjolander’s May 1 concert beginning at 9 p.m. at Brazos River Bottom (2400 Brazos St.) Contemporary country hits are the focus on May 2, 10 p.m., with a concert at Chance’s Bar (1100 Westheimer). Both shows benefit Montrose Counseling Center’s Stella Link SeVille Room and Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History. Details: montrosecounselingcenter.org.

AND THEY’RE OFF. Enjoy the Kentucky Derby with all its traditional trimmings at the second annual Derby Day, featuring drag performances by Miss Ginger Grant, Shy Anne, and other winners of the Mint Julep pageant. May 2, 2 p.m., at Chances Bar, 1100 Westheimer. Benefits Legacy Community Health Services. Details: 713/830-3015 • [email protected].

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOVE. Houston’s premiere belly-dancing troupe, The Tribal Lillies, and drag performers Yna Nova, China Doll, and Christina Lee entertain at Carl Han’s fourth annual Love Party, this year titled “Beautiful.” Benefits “Flashback to the ‘80s,” HATCH’s upcoming Alternative Prom, set for June 12. May 2, 6:30–9 p.m., at Meteor, 2306 Genesee. Tickets: $10. Details: hatchyouth.org.

GRIDIRON GIRLS. Houston Energy, the hometown champs of the International Women’s Football League, return to The Rig for its third season. Regular season home games include Miami Fury ( May 2 ), Shreveport Aftershock (May 23), and Dallas Diamonds (June 6). 3755 S. Main in Pearland. Details: 281/997-2323 • houstonenergyfootball.com.

PRIDE IDOL. Organizers for Pride Houston, the group that produces Houston’s annual Pride parade and festival, have announced the return of Pride Idol. Toddicus emcees the six-week elimination contest seeking “Houston’s most talented singer” beginning May 21, 10 p.m., at Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh, and continues Thursdays through June 25. But first, auditions are set for May 3, 12–5 p.m., at Warehouse Live, 813 St. Emanuel. Details: pridehouston.org.

CAUCUS TALK. For its May meeting, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus welcomes Rice University’s Dr. Brian Riedel discussing the GLBT Community Digital Archive Project. Members also vote on new terms for president and several board positions during this meeting. May 6, 7 p.m., with a casual reception starting at 6:30 pm. Havens Center, 1827 W. Alabama. The caucus’ community work day is set for May 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m, with general volunteers encouraged to pitch in with various organizational tasks each Saturday, also 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 1915 Commonwealth, Suite 104. Details: thecaucus.org.

GRIZZLY GOOD FUN. It’s a big weekend for hunky, hirsute, gay men and those who love them, as Bear Watch 10 returns to Galveston. Registration begins at Inn at the Waterpark and Groove Galveston, followed by treasure hunts, and beach, pool, and foam parties throughout the weekend. May 15–17. Details: bearwatch.net.

CLASS ACT. Multi-award winning actress Christine Baranski headlines “Imagine, Believe, Achieve,” Human Rights Campaign Houston’s 2009 formal dinner gala. Legislative director Allison Herwitt delivers the keynote address, with Houston Mayor Bill White receiving the group’s Political Equality Award and Shell Oil receiving the Corporate Equality Award. May 16, 6 p.m., at Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar. Tickets: $175. Details: hrchouston.org.

WEDDING SONG. Openly gay singer/songwriter and Logo Click List fave, Tom Goss, brings his country flair to Houston in support of his new album, Back to Love. One of the album’s songs, “Till the End,” a tribute to legalizing same-sex marriage, is getting considerable play on YouTube. May 17, 8 p.m., at The Artery, 5401 Jackson. Details: tomgossmusic.com.

TWICE EVERY YEAR WHETHER WE NEED IT OR NOT. Lesbian Health Initiative Houston’s biannual Rainbow Health Fair for women offers free HIV and STD, total cholesterol, and blood-sugar testing; A1C for diabetics; blood typing; oral screening for cancer; and information about living wills and related legal matters, as well as assorted health and wellness education. Free mammograms and Pap smears are also available by appointment. June 6, 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m., at Legacy Community Health Services, 215 Westheimer. Details: 713/426-3356 • lhihouston.org.

FINDING COMMUNITY NorthWest Corner is a new social and business networking group for GLBT Houstonians who live in the northwest quadrant of Houston, outside Loop 610. Steering committee members Clint Avila, Kevin Hamby, Ollie Perry, Brian Waddle, and Carol Wyatt invite interested neighbors to attend a launch party May 29, 7 p.m. at Wyatt’s house (3503 Cherry Forest Dr.) The $10 ticket covers barbeque and other expenses. Details: nwcorner.org.

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