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January 2010
As we ring in 2010, it is traditionally time for making new year
resolutions. We have one for your
list – find the time to slow down a little more often and explore the wonderful
city that we are all blessed to live in.
Take advantage of our many museums, performing arts venues, parks,
restaurants, sporting venues and annual festivals!
No matter what your interests, there truly is something for everyone this
month in Houston!
Everyone at Adaptations wishes each of you, along with your
families a very, very Happy New Year!!
May 2010 be filled with opportunity, joy, laughter and good health!!
In the spirit of the season, Adaptations has made contributions to
the following charities for 2009: Houston Food Bank, Star of Hope Mission,
The Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, AIDS Foundation Houston, H.E.A.R.T.,
Collage -The Art for Cancer Network, Medical Bridges, Sheltering Arms, Casa de
Esperanza, Covenant House, Brigid's Hope, The Beacon, Camp for All and Heifer
International.
Holidays
January 1st:
New Year’s Day
January 6th:
Epiphany
January 6th:
Dia de
Reyes (Mexican holiday)
January 18th:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Dance/Music/Theatre
Alley Theatre
(615 Texas Avenue)
January 20th – February 14th:
Wonderland – Composer Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde) returns to
the Alley with Wonderland, a
delightful new musical that updates Alice’s adventures through an amazing pop
score. Alley audiences will be among the first to see this new production filled
with extraordinary songs, fantastic characters, and lots of heart. Show is recommended
for general audiences.
January 25th:
David Wroblewski – David
Wroblewski burst onto the literary scene last summer with his debut novel The
Story of Edgar Sawtelle. The 600+ page novel, a “spellbinding first
novel…nearly impossible to put down” (Kirkus Reviews), follows the life
of Edgar, a mute boy who grows up on a dog breeding farm in Wisconsin. Richard
Russo writes, “I doubt we’ll see a finer literary debut this year. . . .
Wroblewski’s got storytelling talent to burn and a big, generous heart to go
with it”; Stephen King says, “I flat out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.
. . . I don’t reread many books, because life is too short. I will be rereading
this one.” The Washington Post Book World calls it a “big-hearted novel
you can fall into, get lost in and finally emerge from reluctantly, a little
surprised that the real world went on spinning.” The novel, a New York Times
bestseller, was chosen for Oprah’s Book Club. Wroblewski grew up in
Wisconsin and wrote the book, he said, because he wished he could read a novel
about a boy and a dog “flavored with the uncynical Midwestern sense of heart and
purpose so familiar from my childhood."
February 3rd – 28th:
Mrs. Mannerly – Inspired by a childhood memory of etiquette class,
playwright Jeffrey Hatcher conjures up the world of a seven-year-old studying
manners from the title character. Mrs. Mannerly is a demanding teacher,
and no student in her 36 years of etiquette classes has achieved a perfect
score. But when he discovers her secret past, Young Jeffrey is determined
to be the first. This unique comic
tale reveals truths about the face we present and real selves that lie inside.
Recommended for general
audiences.
March 10th – 28th:
Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps –
Mix a
Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you
have
The 39 Steps, a
fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. This two-time
Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150
eccentric characters – played by a prodigiously talented cast of four – an
on-stage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some good old-fashioned
romance. In
The 39 Steps,
a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy.
When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called
"The 39 Steps" is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes
in a death-defying finale. A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly
inventive stagecraft,
The 39 Steps amounts to an
unforgettable evening of pure pleasure. Recommended for general audiences.
for more information, see
www.alleytheatre.org
or call (713) 228-8421
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
(The
Woodlands)
Surrounded by a lush forest, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is
an outdoor amphitheater that provides the Greater Houston region with an array
of performing arts and contemporary entertainment in a setting of unparalleled
beauty.
2010 season begins in March.
for more information, see
www.pavilion.woodlandscenter.org
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
(800 Bagby @ Walker)
January 5th – 17th:
A Chorus Line – In an empty theatre,
on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17
dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for
- with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives.
It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance
to dance. This is A Chorus Line,
the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line.
Winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for
drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical
ever. Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s
best.
January 9th:
Focus – Aurora Picture Show and
Musiqa present and eye-opening mix of film, lighting and music. Music by
Kilstofte, Maroney, Knussen, Tumage and Brandt (world premiere), plus a
screening curated by Aurora Picture show! Lighting design by Christina Giannelli.
Tomasz Golka conducts.
January 11th:
Mary Karr – Mary Karr’s debut
book, The Liars’ Club, hit the New York Times bestseller list in
1995 and stayed there for more than a year, almost singlehandedly launching a
revival of the memoir. Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times called the
book, which won the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction, “astonishing…
one of the most dazzling and moving memoirs to come along in years.” The
Liars’ Club, a recounting of her apocalyptic childhood in the small East
Texas oilfield town of Leechfield, was followed in 2000 by the sequel,
Cherry, a document of the high school
years, which USA Today calls “funny, eloquent, profane. . . no one tells
stories like Karr.” She has also written three books of poetry and her
soon-to-be-published third volume of recollections,
Lit: A Memoir, from which she will read. Lit chronicles her life as
an adult and mother, as well as her time in “The Mental Marriott”—a loony bin so
famous one Harvard grad suggested putting it on her resume. Karr is the Peck
Professor of English Literature at Syracuse University and has won Pushcart
Prizes for both her poetry and essays; her poems frequently appear in The New
Yorker.
January 22nd – 24th:
Tuna Does Vegas –
Starring the incomparable duo Joe Sears and Jaston Williams,
Tuna Does Vegas re-unites the lovable and eccentric characters
from the 'third smallest town in Texas' as they take a rambling romp in Sin
City. The hilarity begins when oddball-conservative radio host Arles Struvie
announces on air that he and his wife Bertha Bumiller are heading to Vegas to
renew their wedding vows...but everyone in Tuna, Texas goes along for the ride!
Written by
Jason Williams, Joe Sears and
Ed Howard, Tuna Does Vegas will feature the favorite
characters from the award-winning “Greater Tuna” productions with some new
characters too! Houston Premiere!
January 28th – 31st:
The Screwtape Letters –
C. S. Lewis' brilliant novel,
The Screwtape Letters,
reveals spiritual warfare from a demon's point of view. This funny, provocative
and wickedly-witty theatrical adaptation with Jeff Award winning actor Max
McLean as Screwtape - critically acclaimed in New York; standing room only at
the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C. last season; called the
"most
successful show in the history of Chicago's Mercury Theater"
by the
Chicago
Tribune will change the way you think about the influence of demons
in your everyday life.
February 9th – 21st:
Miss Saigon – Once again the pop
composers Boublil and Schonberg, inspired by another classic love story in
wartime, have woven songs pulsing with memorable melodies and resonant lyrics.
With its exotic setting, but familiar conflict of returning draftees, Miss
Saigon makes the story of Madame Butterfly new again. It was clear after the
2001 sold-out TUTS debut — subscribers have since clamored for this soaring
score and indelible characters to return.
February 19th – 28th:
Camelot – A legendary production for a
legendary season, and the crown jewel in the collaborative efforts of Alan Jay
Lerner and Frederick Loewe performed as only Masquerade can! The legend of King
Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and of the tragic love between he,
his queen Guinevere, and the champion Sir Lancelot is built on the inherent
nobility of the King and his struggle to uphold a perfect ideal of chivalry and
goodness in an all-too-human world... and all too soon, the choices he must make
between being a husband, being a friend, and being a king. Allow yourself to be
drawn into the breathtaking drama and the beauty of Camelot, a perfect place
that cannot exist. The Masquerade Theatre is happy to offer you and your family
seats at the Round Table.
February 23rd – March 7th:
Cirque Dreams: Illumination – From the
creators of the groundbreaking Broadway hit, Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy comes
an all new journey of nighttime dreamers whose imaginations are ignited within a
landscape of towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Created and directed
by Neil Goldberg, this show has been hailed as Dazzling. Audiences of all ages
will marvel and experience a journey of city dwellers who reinvent everyday
objects, balance beyond belief, delicately dangle from wires, leap tall
buildings and redefine the risks of flight in an array of astounding occurrences
that transform the ordinary into extraordinary.
March 9th – 21st:
South Pacific –
A stunning reinvention produced by Lincoln Center Theater, South Pacific swept
the 2008 Tony Awards, winning seven honors including Best Musical Revival and
Best Director for Bartlett Sher. Set on a tropical island during World War II,
the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their
happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices.
March 20th:
Springtime in Paris – The
earthiness of Baroque oboe and the sweetness of the Baroque violin evoke the
soft breezes and fragrant blossoms of a French garden in spring. Transport
yourself to Paris with this concert of
French Baroque chamber works for voices and instruments.
Virtuoso oboist Kathryn Montoya returns to perform with the ensemble, joined by
two internationally renowned stars of the early music scene: violinist Marc
Destrube and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Lane.
for more information, see
www.thehobbycenter.org
or call (713) 315-2525
Houston Symphony
(Jones Hall – 615 Louisiana)
January 7th – 10th:
Marin Alsop’s Mahler’s First –
Marin Alsop, the first woman to head a major American orchestra, brings her
unstoppable energy back to Houston.
January 15th – 17th:
Rhapsody in Blue – Guest pianist Kirill Gerstein is featured in the
Gershwin classic. Also on the program are works by Ravel and Milhaud.
January 21st – 24th:
The Planets: An HD Odyssey –
The Houston Symphony has commissioned celebrated
producer/director Duncan Copp to assemble state-of-the-art, high definition
images from NASA’s exploration of the solar system to accompany Holst’s
exciting, cosmic score, along with commentary by the world’s leading planetary
scientists. Be present for this special world premiere event.
February 5th – 7th:
Red Carpet Oscar Party –
February means the Academy Awards! Remember your favorite Oscar
winning blockbusters with music from Lawrence of Arabia, Exodus, Ben Hur and
Titanic – as well as 2010 Oscar hopefuls.
February 19th –
21st:
Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony –
Graf rearranged his schedule to join legendary pianist Radu Lupu so they can
together illuminate Mozart's emotionally charged - even operatic - masterpiece.
February 25th:
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
–
The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Jersey Boys portrayed the
lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to international acclaim. Now hear
them live with the Houston Symphony singing “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,”
“Walk Like a Man” and “Oh, What a Night.”
February 26th – 28th:
Michael Cavanaugh Sings Billy Joel and More –
Michael Cavanaugh played Billy Joel
in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Now hear him perform Billy Joel hits
including “Uptown Girl,” “Piano Man” and “Just the Way You Are.” Also hear the
music of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John and The Who.
February 27th:
Beauty and the Beast –
Don’t judge a
book by its cover–true beauty lies beneath! Two stories -Beauty and the Beast
and Tubby the Tuba- will bring this idea to life on stage through music. Listen
to selections from Disney’s Oscar-winning Beauty and the Beast. Also hear
Principal Tuba Dave Kirk help tell the irresistible story of Tubby the Tuba.
March 5th – 7th:
Mozart’s Requiem
March 13th:
Schubert Experience Power Pass
March 18th – 21st:
Hannu Lintu Conducts Sibelius
March 19th:
The Beach Boys –
Surf’s up! Hit the California beach as the sun-soaked harmonies
of The Beach Boys join the Houston Symphony for an evening of classic songs like
“Barbara Ann,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” California Girls” and
“Kokomo.”
for more
information, see
www.houstonsymphony.com
or call (713) 224-7575
Jones Hall
(615 Louisiana)
February 12th – 14th:
Stomp
– Stomp, the
international sensation is making its triumphant return to Houston. The
return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections
of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale
routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.
The changes that can now be seen in the tour of Stomp are the biggest since the
late 1990's. From its beginnings, as a street performance in the UK, Stomp
has grown into an international sensation over the past fourteen years, having
performed in over 350 cities and 36 countries.
February 23rd: Band of the Irish Guards – The Irish Guards was formed on April 1, 1900 on the expressed wish of HM Queen Victoria, to commemorate the bravery of the many Irish Regiments who had fought in the South African campaigns. The Regimental Band was formed at about the same time and consisted initially of 35 musicians and a Warrant Officer, who was the Bandmaster. The Band quickly gained a reputation for excellence and in 1905, was invited to make what turned out to be the first of many tours of Canada. In 2010, The Band of the Irish Guards will make its debut tour of the United States. March 26th: Gilberto Gil – Brazil's internationally acclaimed guitarist and vocalist and former Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil brings his unique sound, incorporating an eclectic range of influences - from reggae, samba and forro to rock and African music - to Houston for one night only. gilberto Gil has developed one of the most relevant and renowned careers as a singer, composer and guitar-player in both world and pop music. In a career that has spanned four decades with over 30 albums released, Gil has six gold records, four platinum singles and five million records sold. The Tropicalist genre he introduced, along side Caetano Veloso, has secured his fame internationally, as well as at home in Brazil. His extensive and prolific catalogue of work has been covered and recorded by many. for more information, see www.spahouston.org
Toyota Center
(1510 Polk Street)
January 2nd:
Disney Live! Rockn’ Road Show
12:30 p.m.
January 30th:
Blue Collar Comedy Tour
8:00 p.m.
February 5th & 6th:
Harlem Globetrotters
7:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
February 22nd:
Jay-Z 7:00 p.m.
February 28th:
The Lipizzaner Stallions
2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
March 6th:
John Mayer 8:00 p.m.
March 18th:
Muse with Silversun Pickups
7:00 p.m.
for more information, visit
www.houstontoyotacenter.com
or call (866) 4HOUTIX
Wortham Center – Houston Ballet
(Texas &
Smith)
February 25th – March 7th:
La Bayadere – The high point of
Houston Ballet’s fortieth anniversary season will be a spectacular new
production of one of the great classical works of the nineteenth century
repertoire, featuring choreography by Stanton Welch and lavish scenery and
costumes by the celebrated English designer Peter Farmer. Set in the Royal India
of the past, La Bayadere is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance,
and justice. The ballet relates the drama of a temple dancer, Nikiya, who is
loved by Solor, a noble warrior. She is also loved by the High Brahmin, but does
not love him in return, as she does Solor.
March 11th – March 21st:
American at Heart –
Together in one program: three ballets that changed the landscape of American
dance. It wasn’t West Side Story that made American choreographer Jerome Robbins
a celebrity, but his first ballet, Fancy Free, staged when he was just 24.
Though he was born in Russia, George Balanchine is often regarded as America’s
greatest choreographer. His Apollo traces the birth of the god and his
flirtation with the muses who inspire him. Though he’s not American born,
Christopher Bruce’s Hush is. It’s a comic and moving celebration of life set to
the music of Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin.
for more information, see
www.houstonballet.org
or call (713) 227-ARTS
Wortham Center – Houston Grand Opera
(Texas & Smith)
January 22nd – February 7th:
Tosca – Renowned soprano
Patricia Racette makes her role debut as the passionate Floria Tosca in
Puccini’s timeless drama. Tenor Alexey
Dolgov is the painter Mario Cavaradossi, whom Tosca adores and
Raymond Aceto sings the menacing Baron Scarpia who will stop at
nothing to destroy the object of Tosca’s affections. Created especially for
Houston Grand Opera, this new production by
John Caird features classic sets and costumes designed by
Bunny Christie in the
style of nineteenth-century Rome.
January 29th – February 13th:
The Turn of the Screw – In this operatic thriller two children are
pulled toward the world of the dead by the ghosts of their prior governess Miss
Jessel and her lover Peter Quint. Internationally acclaimed soprano Amanda
Roocroft plays the governess whose obsessive efforts to protect the children may
prove more of a threat than the spirits themselves. Powerhouse mezzo-soprano
Judith Forst is housekeeper Mrs. Grose, the governess’s only ally. Haunting
Victorian sets depict the world of the Henry James novel on which the opera is
based. Directed by Neil Armfield, this is the third opera in HGO’s ongoing
Benjamin Britten series.
February 4th:
Concert of Arias –
The 22nd Annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers promises
entertainment as some of the best emerging operatic talent compete head to head
for top honors at this prestigious competition – and don’t forget to cast your
vote for the coveted Audience Choice Award. Following the competition, the
evening reaches its pinnacle with a Celebration Dinner in the Grand Foyer. Don’t
Miss this special opportunity to see and “discover” emerging stars of tomorrow.
for more information, see
www.houstongrandopera.org
or call (713) 228-6737
DaCamera of Houston (as noted below)
January 26th:
Seymour Lipkin, Piano – A giant
of the keyboard, known for his recordings of the complete sonatas of Beethoven
and Schubert, makes a rare Houston appearance.
A student of Rudolf Serkin and Mieczyslaw Horszowski at the Curtis
Institute of Music,
Seymour Lipkin won the prestigious Rachmaninoff
Competition at age 19 and went onto a distinguished career recording, appearing
with orchestras and playing chamber music.
February 6th:
Ben Allison and Man Size Safe –
Ben Allison is a “visionary composer, adventurous improviser, and strong
organizational force on the New York City jazz scene and has emerged as a rising
star over the past decade” (JazzTimes).
He has been cited in the “Best Bassist” category of the 2007, 2006 and 2005 Down
Beat Readers’ Poll. Allison’s Man Size Safe quintet mixes joyous exuberance and
good-humored irreverence with textured grooves and an occasional political jab.
February 12th:
The Spirit of England – Three
gems of the British chamber music repertoire are featured in this English
tribute: Vaughan Williams’ atmospheric settings of A.E. Housman poems, Elgar’s
majestic Piano Quintet and Britten's expressive Phantasy Quartet. Tenor Andrew
Kennedy, known for his dramatic performances in song and opera, and celebrated
rising-star Orion Weiss make their DaCamera debuts.
March 20th:
Brandon Lee Quintet –
The talented trumpeter and graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing
and Visual Arts makes his Da Camera debut on the heels of the release of his
debut album,
From Within.
The youngest faculty member in the jazz studies program at The Juilliard School,
Brandon Lee has performed
with Benny Golson, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra,
Wycliffe Gordon, Hank Jones, Ray Brown, Eddie Henderson and Lewis Nash.
March 26th:
Steven Isserlis: The Romantic Cello
–
Acclaimed worldwide as one of the leading cellists of his time,
Steven Isserlis makes his Houston recital debut in a
dramatic program evoking 100 years of romantic music. From 19th-century
Romantics Chopin and Schumann — whose bicentennials Da Camera celebrates this
season — to the 20th-century American composer Samuel Barber, born 100 years
ago, we hear the passionate Romantic spirit masterfully expressed within the
classical sonata form.
for more information, see
www.dacamera.com
Miller Outdoor Theatre
(Hermann Park)
Located on nearly eight acres in the heart of Hermann Park, Miller
Outdoor Theatre is the only free open-air theatre of its kind in the United
States. It is a home away from home for some of Houston's most dynamic arts
organizations such as HITS Unicorn Theater, Houston Grand Opera, the Houston
Ebony Opera Guild, Festival Chicano, Houston Symphony, Theatre Under The Stars
(TUTS) and a host of other multi-cultural groups and theater companies.
Performances take place from March through November.
2010 season begins in March.
for more information, see
www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
A.D. Players
(2710 West Alabama)
February 3rd – March 20th:
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie –
Based on the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder,
Voice of the Prairie
tells the life story of one of America's most popular authors. The play brings
to life Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories, providing children with a glimpse into
the author's life as an American pioneer.
February 19th – March 28th:
Ret. – An intricately written and powerfully involving play about a
playwright whose characters come off the page to confront the anger and
bitterness distorting his life. The play echoes the book of Hosea.
for more information, see
www.adplayers.org
Main Street Theatre
(2540 Times Blvd.)
January 2nd – January 24th:
Master Class – Maria Callas is teaching a master class. She's
glamorous, commanding, larger than life—and incredibly funny. An accompanist
sits at the piano, at the ready. Callas' first "victim" is Sophie, a ridiculous,
overly-perky soprano. Before the girl can sing a note, Callas stops her—she
can't stand hearing music massacred! And now what has started out as a class has
become another stage for Callas herself. She glories in her own career, dabbles
in opera dish and flat-out seduces the audience. MST’s production will star
Celeste Roberts as Callas. February 2nd – April 1st:
Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey
Business – She’s back! Junie B. Jones, the world’s most precocious
kindergartner, mistakenly believes her new baby brother is actually a
monkey. She starts taking bids from Lucille and That Grace, her “bestest”
friends, for the first look at him, but then Meanie Jim and Crybaby William
enter the fray and things get completely out of control. You won’t want to miss
seeing the havoc that ensues when Junie B. and friends team up for wild
adventures! February 13th – March 14th:
A Number and Machinal – Caryl
Churchill’s startling one-act A Number examines the emotional repercussions of
human-cloning and explores the nature of the father-son relationship. Salter has
three sons. His wife gave birth to the eldest. A lab created the second. The
third he didn’t even know existed. Forced to explain and try to make sense of
his decisions, Salter stares into the questioning, accusing faces of his own
flesh and blood who confronts him with the fact that each is merely one of "a
number." The play premiered in 2002 at the Royal Court Theatre in London with
Michael Gambon and Daniel Craig.
Machinal is a tragedy
of isolation turned to murder, loosely based on the sensational 1927 murder
trial of Ruth Snyder, who received the electric chair for killing her husband.
Sophie Treadwell used the case as a springboard for her own speculations about
what circumstances might drive a seemingly harmless stenographer to commit
murder.
for more information, see
www.mainstreettheater.com
or call (713) 524-6706
Opera in the Heights
(1703 Heights Blvd.)
January 28th – February 7th:
Un Ballo in Maschera – Love and politics - they cannot mix.
Despite good intentions, this ill-fated combination can only spell a bad ending.
One of Verdi’s greatest masterpieces.
for more information, see
www.operaintheheights.org
or call (713) 861-5303
Playhouse 1960
(6814 Grant Road)
January 29th – February
20th:
13 –
Simon Mostyn has recently married
Kay Ridgeway, a rich woman, having thrown over his former lover Jacqueline. The
couple are on their honeymoon and are at present on a paddle steamer on the
Nile. With them is Canon Pennefather, Kay’s guardian, and Jacqueline, who has
been dogging their footsteps all through the honeymoon. Also on the boat are a
rich, ill tempered old woman with her niece and companion, a rather direct young
man, a German who nurses a grudge against Kay’s father and Kay’s maid. During
the voyage Jacqueline works herself into a state of hysteria and shoots at
Simon, wounding him in the knee. A few moments later Kay is found shot in her
bunk. By the time the boat reaches its destination, Canon Pennefather has laid
bare an audacious conspiracy and has made sure the criminals shall not go free.
This is a suspenseful and mystery-wrought play, written by none other than the
masterful Agatha
Christie.
for more information, see
www.playhouse1960.com
or call (281) 587-8243
Radio Music Theatre
(2623 Colquitt)
Thru January 16th:
A Fertle Holiday – It’s the twenty-fifth anniversary of RMT’s
first Fertle family comedy. Once
again, the Fertles are home for the holidays.
January 21st – May 8th:
Birthday From Hell –
It’s
It's been a year since Ned's passing, and it's Bridgette's birthday.
Unfortunately, in memorializing the anniversary of Ned's death, no one remembers
Bridgette's birthday, including her husband, Lou. And the Widow Mildred is
now being courted by Ned's twin brother Gebble.
for more information, see
www.radiomusictheatre.com
or call (713) 522-7722
Stages Repertory Theatre
(3201 Allen
Parkway)
Thru January 3rd:
Panto Sleeping Beauty – An Outrageous Family Musical – Following the
glass heels of last season’s wildly successful Panto Cinderella, this hilarious
holiday romp finds Sleeping Beauty happily at home in Houston . . . except
there’s a nasty curse on her head, her father is busy running a gigantic oil
company, her nanny is a former nun seeking glory on the stage, and the love of
her life just left town. Will she
find a happy ending or slumber forever?
Packed with sharp wit, wild fun and original music, this unusual twist on
a magnificent classic is spectacular fun for grownups and kids alike.
January 27th – February 21st:
A Picasso –
It's 1941, the Nazis have rolled into Paris, and
Pablo Picasso has been ushered into a storage vault to authenticate three works
of art the Germans have recently "acquired".
The father of cubism, a virtuoso who poured his soul out onto the canvas,
faces off with an enigmatic young female officer and suddenly finds himself
forced to choose between art and politics, creativity and survival.
March 17th – April 11th:
Speech and Debate –
Teen misfits Solomon, Diwata and Howie discover each other online and build a
tentative alliance in the form of their high school's first speech and debate
team. Now they just have to decide which of their pressing personal issues will
make for the best performance: teen pregnancy, online predators, gay/straight
school programs...or who should be the lead in the school play. This winning,
fiercely funny dark comedy was hailed as a brilliant look at the modern
teenager.
for more information, see
www.stagestheatre.com
or call (713) 527-0123
Wortham Center
(Texas & Smith)
January 15th & 16th:
Mark Morris Dance Group – The
New York Times calls Mark Morris “the most successful and influential
choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical.” From its early years
as, essentially, Mark Morris and a group of friends, to its contemporary status
as a burgeoning dance institution, the Mark Morris Dance Group has stayed true
to its founder’s convictions, especially dancing with live music performed by
some of the world’s best musicians. Mark Morris Dance Group performances are not
just dance at the highest level, but simultaneously, concert-going at the
highest level. For its SPA performances, the Company will perform Excursions
with music by Samuel Barber; the tour de force Going Away Party to the music of
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys; the powerful Italian Concerto, danced to the
J.S. Bach score; and the astonishing Grand Duo, considered “one of the
masterpieces of the late 20th century” (The Guardian) with music by Lou
Harrison. Performance begins at 8:00 p.m.
February 11th –
12th:
Wait, Wait….Don’t Tell Me –
The oddly informative news quiz is coming to Houston.
Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
is NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program. Each week on the radio you can
test your knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and
entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's made up.
February 13th:
Romeo & Juliet –
This Valentine’s, bring your date and join Mercury Baroque and Dominic Walsh
Dance Theater as we remount our popular operaballet: Romeo and Juliet.
Shakespeare’s epic love story will be staged by Dominic Walsh and scored to the
music of Vivaldi as arranged by Mercury’s Artistic Director Antoine Plante. With
breathtaking sets, stunning dancing, and passionate music, Romeo and Juliet is
the perfect outing on Valentine’s weekend.
February 27th:
The Edge: Hip Hop from Across
Houston –
Dance Houston presents a high energy showcase of the latest dance moves and
styles. Over 150 local dancers will take the stage at the Wortham. The Edge
highlights the most progressive and organically trained dancers in Houston. It’s
the one chance you have all year to spend an evening enjoying live performances
of the dance that defines today’s youth culture.
for more information, see
www.houstontx.gov/worthamcenter/boxoffice.htm
Live Music Venues
House of Blues Houston
(1204 Caroline Street)
January 1st:
Frontiers: A Tribute to Journey
9:00 p.m.
January 7th:
BCS Championship Game Watching
Party 7:00 p.m.
January 8th:
High School Band Challenge
6:00 p.m.
January 9th:
The Wailers
8:30 p.m.
January 14th:
Goodie Mob Reunion with Scarface
8:30 p.m.
January 15th:
Super Diamond
9:00 p.m.
January 16th:
Led Zeppelin 2
9:00 p.m.
January 23rd:
Everclear
8:30 p.m.
January 24th:
The Anvil Experience
8:00 p.m.
January 26th:
Five Finger Death Punch
8:00 p.m.
January 29th:
Badfish: a Tribute to Sublime
8:00 p.m.
February 2nd:
Timbaland
8:00 p.m.
February 6th:
Theory of a Deadman
7:30 p.m.
February 10th:
Flogging Molly with Frank Turner
7:00 p.m.
February 15th:
Take Action Tour with We The Kings
6:30 p.m.
February 16th:
Cowboy Mouth
7:00 p.m.
February 19th:
Reckless Kelly
8:30 p.m.
February 20th:
Gov’t Mule
8:00 p.m.
February 23rd:
Henry Rollins Spoken Word
8:00 p.m.
February 24th:
Yes
8:00 p.m.
February 25th:
Rebelution
8:00 p.m.
February 26th:
Keb’ Mo’
8:30 p.m.
February 27th:
One Night with Queen
8:00 p.m.
March 5th:
Kevin Smith
8:30 p.m.
March 7th:
Great Big Sea
8:00 p.m.
March 13th:
Citizen Cope
8:30 p.m.
March 20th:
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
8:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.livenation.com
or call (713) 230-1600
Verizon Wireless Theatre
(520 Texas Avenue)
January 16th:
Eddie Griffin
8:00 p.m.
January 29th:
Slayer and Megadeath w/ Testament
7:00 p.m.
February 12th:
Jim Gaffigan
8:00 p.m.
March 11th:
David Gray 8:00
p.m.
March 13th:
Mariachi Invitational
6:30 p.m.
for more information, see
www.livenation.com
or call (713) 230-1600
Warehouse Live (813 St. Emanuel Street)
January 2nd:
New Monsson
9:00 p.m.
January 7th:
Casey Donahew Band
8:00 p.m.
January 7th:
Celebrate Dance
7:00 p.m.
January 8th:
Alpha Rev
8:00 p.m.
January 8th:
The Standard
9:00 p.m.
January 9th:
Commie Hilfiger
8:00 p.m.
January 13th:
Local Licks
9:00 p.m.
January 23rd:
PinHed
12:30 p.m.
January 25th:
The James Reese Band
9:30 p.m.
January 28th:
Yo La Tengo
9:00 p.m.
February 5th:
The Standard
9:00 p.m.
February 6th:
G. Love & Special Sauce
9:00 p.m.
February 10th:
Local Licks
9:00 p.m.
February 12th:
The Expendables
8:00 p.m.
February 14th:
The English Beat with Fishbone
9:00 p.m.
February 19th:
The Soundtrack of Our Lives
9:00 p.m.
February 22nd:
The James Reese Band
9:30 p.m.
February 27th:
Tegan and Sara
8:00 p.m.
March 2nd:
Dropkick Murphys
8:30 p.m.
for more information, see
www.warehouselive.com
Museums
Blaffer Gallery (University of Houston campus,
entrance 16 off Cullen Boulevard)
Thru February 6th:
Josephine Meckseper –
Josephine Meckseper premiers her first major solo exhibition in a Texas museum
at Blaffer Gallery. Meckseper’s exhibition focuses on her recent works that
examine the conflicting interests of the mass media, politicians, and the oil
and auto industries as played out in the Iraq War. Meckseper’s work engages
leftist theories and politics in a consumerist reality. Specifically, she
examines the semantics of media propaganda as well as capitalist sales and
advertising strategies. The exhibition at Blaffer Gallery, curated by Cynthia
Woods Mitchell Curatorial Fellow Rachel Hooper, will contain Meckseper’s
documentary photographs of antiwar protests; her signature mannequin and product
display installations; a video; and a new installation created on site—a
replication of the stage sets used during U.S. presidential television debates.
Describing her own work, Meckseper states, “Instead of aestheticizing political
issues and problems, what I try to do is to challenge ingrained perspectives,
for instance, habits of seeing while leafing through a newspaper in which horror
stories from Iraq appear side by side with underwear advertisements. These works
exaggerate this mode of disseminating information and consumerism in order to
expose it. The individual elements of the works symbolize or simulate commercial
objects.”
Thru February 6th:
Jon Pylypchuk –
Jon Pylypchuk’s work lays bare the frailty of human existence and the fragility
of social relationships. A contemporary fabulist, Pylypchuk creates
heart-wrenching stories of attraction and repulsion, love and loss, pleasure and
pain, triumph and failure. Endowed with human attributes, yet endearing in their
pet-like cuteness, Pylypchuk’s hybrid creatures inspire empathy. Their
experiences and struggles speak to the pathetic banality, stubborn
determination, and relentless optimism that define many of our paths through
life, that unfolding tragicomedy of epic proportion. Curated by Director and
Chief Curator Claudia Schmuckli, this exhibition presents a ten year survey of
Pylypchuk’s career, including 75 works created since 1999.
February 27th – March 13th: 2010 School of Art Annual
Student Exhibition
for more
information, see
www.hfac.uh.edu/blaffer
or call (713) 743-9530
Children’s Museum of Houston (1500 Binz)
The Children’s Museum of Houston offers a wonderful array of
ongoing exhibits, created to inspire children’s imaginations and help them to
learn through curiosity and hands-on activities and experimentation.
January 2nd – 6th: Kick Off the New Decade
Wonderweek –
Happy New Year! A new
decade only comes around every ten years. What will you do to celebrate? What
will you do during the next decade? Come one out to the museum and celebrate
with us as we look towards the future.
New Year’s Puzzles –
Find the hidden New Year’s words in the
word search puzzle or fill in the blanks from the clues on the New Year’s
crossword.
Calendars –
Decorate your own 2010 calendar to hang at home.
Noise Makers –
Make a noisy noise maker to help ring in
the New Year in a festive way.
Explorations into Fireworks –
Celebrate with a leap into the sky! Join
us at Science Station as we explore the characteristics which make fireworks
brilliant: noise, color, smoke and projection. Find out how fireworks are made
to create these dynamic effects.
Houston Youth Orchestra –
Enjoy a fresh new show when this small
ensemble of kids performs classical and chamber music. 2:00 p.m. January 2nd.
Electromechanical Folk Art Workshop –
Let your
mind run wild with future possibilities. Take apart broken appliances like VCRs,
radios, computers and more and explore their inner workings. See something you
like? Take it and use it as you build your own invention and/or art piece. All
day January 2nd and 3rd.
January 7th – 13th: Family Fit Wonderweek –
Come learn how to get fit. We are dedicating the
whole week to physical health and getting ourselves into shape. The healthier we
are in our decisions (choosing to exercise and eat well), the easier it will be
for us to play and have fun. Come work your way through PowerPlay, but some
fruits and vegetables from the grocery store in Kidtropolis, USA and grab a
healthy snack from the Kids Café before taking your new healthy habits home.
Fitness Lap Counter –
Make a lap-counter to keep track of how
many times you’ve walked or run around the block, park or track.
Fit Family Goals –
Make a list of fitness goals for your
family to try and meet and to hang up in your house.
Encouragement Signs –
Make a poster to cheer on a family
member at a local race or just in their day-to-day quest for fitness.
The Biggest Loser –
Take the family fit challenge and
receive a tracker to guide you through getting fit and eating healthy in
PowerScience Lab.
Biomechanics: Bodies as Machines –
Have you
ever used a lever before? Did you know that your arm is a built-in lever? Have
you ever wondered how you are able to stand on one foot and not fall over? We
are going to learn about simple machines like those in your body and explore the
concept of a center of gravity in Science Station.
Moving and Grooving with Florence Love –
Enjoy a
dance-inspired interactive fitness performance. 6:30 p.m. January 7th and 2:00
p.m. January 9th.
January 18th:
MLK Day Celebration –
Dream big! Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream which
became a reality. Why should your dreams be any different? Come help pay tribute
to Dr. King’s legacy. Enjoy an inspiring day filled with eloquent speakers,
music and a peaceful march down Kid’s Hall. The museum will provide free
refreshments and snacks in observance of King Day of Service.
Peace Rally –
Join us as we participate in a peaceful march down
Kid’s Hall at noon.
Volunteers Promise –
Make a certificate to give to your
school or other organization promising to perform some type of community service
for them.
Fundred Project –
Donate your art on a Fundred bill to
help provide clean safe soil for a community in need.
Dream Wall Notes –
Write your dream in a note to be added
to our dream wall.
January 21st – 27th: Bubble Wrap Bonanza – Bubble wrap is one of the most exciting packing
materials for children of all ages. Who can’t remember sitting and popping every
bubble in the sheet and it never getting old? Join us as we dive deeper into the
possibilities of bubble wrap. We will show you great ways you can have fun with
it all week, especially on Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!
Bubble Wrap Views –
Make a kaleidoscope using bubble wrap
and discover what wonders you can see.
Bubble Wrap Prints –
Use the bubble wrap and ink pads to make
your own cool work of art.
Pop Music –
Listen to the music playing in the museum and pop
your bubble wrap to the beat.
Don’t Swallow your Gum –
Does it really take 100 years for your
body to digest your gum? Come find out in Power Science Lab.
Bubble Wrap Designs Workshop –
Discover new inventive ways of using
bubble wrap. All day January 21st – 24th.
Tom’s Fun Band –
Watch this dynamic duo perform original
family fun music. 6:30 p.m. January 21st and 2:00 p.m. January 23rd.
January 28th – February 3rd: Rhythms of the Heart
Wonderweek –
The museum is honoring the
great storyteller Ashley Bryan, whose collection of illustrations, Rhythms of
the Heart, will be on display through March 28th. Join us for hands-on
activities and performances.
African Folk Mask –
Make an African mask like the ones that
inspired Ashley Bryan when illustrating African folk stories.
Get Published –
Write and illustrate your own story,
written in the form of an old folk tale.
Puzzling Titles –
Search out the names of the titles of
Ashley Bryan’s books in this puzzle.
Easel Painting –
Express your inner artist and create a
still life, portrait or abstract design in the Alexander Art Academy.
Jawad –
Get moving when this blues guitarist sings and plays family friendly original
music. 6:30 p.m. January 28th and 2:00 p.m. January 30th.
January 30th – May 23rd:
Building Brainstorm –The new Building
Brainstorm exhibition is a
design studio
where you can explore what it’s like to be an architect, designer, and engineer.
Plan a dream home or a dog house, build a skyscraper model, find the best
arrangement of an apartment model’s rooms and furniture, construct a structure
you can crawl through, and much more in
the bilingual show. The exhibit
introduces you to the design process, including collaborative problem-solving,
planning, revisions, and execution. Step inside
and you’ll find a kid-friendly studio environment inspired by the philosophy
and aesthetic of mid-century designers Charles and Ray Eames. Filled with
architectural plans, photographs, models, and authentic building elements, the
show features interactive workbenches and job sites that equip diminutive
designers to brainstorm creative solutions for architectural and engineering
challenges. You will discover the basics of buildings while exploring the
process of creating structures that match the needs of the people inside them.
The exhibit features several “design challenges,” where you experiment with
building materials, engineering concepts, and design decisions in an exciting
and educational environment. In the
Shape Search Challenge, find basic geometric shapes in complex
buildings. Try to replicate unusually shaped structures with wood blocks in the
Shapes in
Buildings Challenge. To experience curved, angled, and square building
shapes from a different perspective, make your own crawl-through structures at
the Inside Shapes Challenge. Lighting considerations in building
design become clear at the
Window House Challenge, when you experiment
with changeable clear, translucent, and opaque panels in a house made of
windows. The
Floor Plan Challenge opens
up the world of spatial organization and how people use rooms.
Create the ideal floor plan for a model home by arranging the rooms and
miniature furniture in just the right way for your needs. In the
Room Design
Challenge, create an inspiration board for different types of rooms,
using real material samples.
for more information, see
www.cmhouston.org
or call (713) 522-1138
Contemporary Arts Museum (5216 Montrose)
Thru January 17th:
Matthew Day Jackson: The Immeasurable Distance – Matthew Day Jackson: The
Immeasurable Distance
is a solo exhibition that includes works based on Jackson’s artist’s residency
at MIT List Visual Arts Center, Cambridge, MA.
Jackson’s complex research, histories, and hagiographies are manifested
in sculptures, constructed paintings, objects, books, and videos.
In this exhibition, organized by Bill Arning, Director of the CAMH,
Jackson continues his investigations into human consciousness and explores how
positive evolutionary developments in human thought and culture occur under
physical or mental stress. Other
works explore how constructive and destructive technological developments often
stem from a similar impetus: to expand human experience despite all odds,
proving that progress is possible, whatever the risk.
Drag racing, the Apollo space missions, test-pilot culture, the nuclear
legacy in terms of both science and culture, commingle with iconic
twentieth-century figures like visionary Buckminster Fuller, Big Daddy Don
Garlits, Eleanor Roosevelt…even the artist’s mother.
Jackson relates these modern myths using his iconic players as
mischievous tricksters to question what it means to live at a time when
technology has rewritten philosophy and religion.
Thru February 7th:
Perspectives 168: Anna Krachey, Jessica Mallios and Adam Schrieber –
Austin-based photographers Anna Krachey, Jessica Mallios, and Adam Schreiber are
fascinated by the transformations that occur when the visible world passes
through the camera’s lens. Capturing an image on film, they believe, is always
an uncanny process because the photograph inevitably differs from what the
artist perceived at the moment of its making. Using highly manipulatable,
large-format box cameras and a wide range of architectural, technological, and
household subjects, they create images that acknowledge the mysterious
slippages, distortions, and blendings of real and unreal inherent in
photography. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is pleased to present
Perspectives 168: Anna Krachey, Jessica Mallios, and Adam Schreiber, the first
museum exhibition for these artists. Krachey, Mallios, and Schreiber—friends and
colleagues who work independently but share interests and approaches—are aware
that, because of the instantaneous nature of exposures and the architecture of
cameras with origins in Renaissance camera obscuras, all photographs distort
appearances as they record light reflected from three-dimensional objects on a
flat surface. By employing unusual framing, extreme close-ups, and idiosyncratic
points of view, the artists seek to remind us of the artificial, enigmatic
nature of photographic images. “We’re more interested in how the medium of
photography invents something than how it records something,” says Schreiber.
Subtle disturbances of perception and cognition pervade the artists’ work.
Likening their images to mirages, Krachey, Mallios, and Schreiber make
photographs that evoke heightened or estranged versions of the visible world.
Anna Krachey concentrates on her domestic sphere, making images of oddball
objects she purchases on eBay or finds in ignored corners of her house and
neighborhood. Creating a homespun Surrealism, Krachey’s work is filled with
arresting juxtapositions of places and things that suggest a personal hall of
mirrors in which questions about intentionality and accident, play and
seriousness, abound. Jessica Mallios studies collisions of the natural and
artificial. She records architectural junctures where simulations of natural
forms meet mundane industrial surfaces, and where faux finishes designed to
evoke emotional responses collide with cold functionalism. Mallios also stages
tabletop experiments that poetically replicate many of the dynamics of the
process of making photographic images. Adam Schreiber draws much of his imagery
and inspiration from the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the
University of Texas at Austin, a library and museum dedicated to the humanities.
There, he has photographed cultural artifacts ranging from the first known
photograph taken in 1826 to a variety of other industrial and historical
oddities.
January 30th – April 18th:
Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool –
Best known for his life-sized portraits of those
living within the urban northeastern communities of Connecticut, Barkley L.
Hendricks’s bold portrayal of his subject’s attitude and style elevated these
common and overlooked persons to celebrity status. Organized by Trevor
Schoonmaker, curator of contemporary art at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke
University, Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool is the first career
retrospective of this renowned American artist. The exhibition is comprised of
57 paintings, including full-figure portraits and lesser-known early works, as
well as the artist’s more recent portal-like paintings of the Jamaican
landscape, where he returns annually to do outdoor “en pleine air” painting.
Hendricks’s stylistic renderings connect the art movements of American
realism and post-modernism while touching upon many of the art movements of the
1960s and 70s—pop art, photorealism, minimalism, even black aesthetic
nationalism. His work occupies a space somewhere between portraitists Chuck
Close and Alex Katz and pioneering black conceptualists David Hammons and Adrian
Piper. Cool, empowering and sometimes confrontational, Hendricks's artistic
privileging of a culturally complex black body has paved the way for today's
younger generation of artists.
for more information, see
www.camh.org
or call (713) 284-8250
The Heritage Society (1100 Bagby)
Thru January 3rd:
Spinning a Yarn: Houston History Through Clothing –
What would Houston socialite Constance Evershade
have worn for a night at the Pillot Opera House in the 1880s? Or how would Pinky
Yates, a school teacher and daughter of an African-American preacher dress in
her daily life in the late 19th century? In Spinning a Yarn,
our historic houses will come to life with the stories of the people who lived
in them. These stories will be told by featuring clothing and accessories from
the 1830s through the 1920s from The Heritage Society’s permanent collection.
January 12th – April 4th: Rain or Shine: How Houston Developed Space City Baseball –
George Scroggins, Texas Baseball Hall of Fame
Director, and Mike Acosta, Astros Archivist are the guest curators for the
Rain or Shine exhibit featuring
the history of, and memorabilia from, Houston professional baseball teams.
for more information, visit
www.heritagesociety.org
Holocaust Museum Houston
(5401 Caroline)
Permanent Exhibit: The Permanent Exhibit is personalized with the testimony of
Houston-area survivors who lived through a genocidal war that inflicted mass
death on unprecedented numbers of innocent civilians. The exhibit begins by
carrying visitors back to pre-war Europe and revealing the flourishing Jewish
life and culture there. Authentic film footage, artifacts, photographs, and
documents expose Nazi propaganda and the ever-tightening restrictions on Jews in
the steady move toward the "Final Solution." Visitors learn of the horrific
conditions within the Nazi-imposed ghettos, the special mobile killing units
that murdered thousands, and the industrialization of death at complexes like
Treblinka, Chelmno, and Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Thru March 21st:
A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People –
In the course of his papacy, John Paul II shattered the chain of 2,000 years of
painful history between Catholics and Jews.
The exhibit draws its name from the Pope’s 1993 appeal marking the 50th
anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising: “As Christians and Jews, following
the example of the faith of Abraham, we are called to be a blessing the world.
This is the common task awaiting us.
It is therefore necessary for us, Christians and Jews to first be a
blessing to one another”. The
exhibit, created by Xavier University in Cincinnati, includes photographs, video
footage, documents and artifacts recording the extraordinary contributions of
Pope John Paul II to relations between the Catholic and Jewish faiths.
Thru April 4th:
Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During
the Holocaust –
Albania, a European country
with a Muslim majority, succeeded where other European nations failed in dealing
with Nazi Germany. Almost all Jews
living within Albanian borders during the German occupation--those of Albanian
origin and refugees alike--were saved.
In a five-year project, Colorado-based photographer Norman Gershman set
out to collect the names of righteous, non-Jews who saved Jews during the
Holocaust. He discovered that some
of the names were of Albanian Muslims.
He then began a quest to meet and photograph the Albanian rescuers or
their descendents. During his interviews, when he asked why they had rescued
Jews, the resounding response was “Besa,” the code of honor deeply rooted in
Albanian culture and incorporated in the faith of Albanian Muslims.
As Gershman later would explain, “There was no government conspiracy, no
underground railroad, no organized resistance of any kind--only individual
Albanians, acting alone, to save the lives of people whose lives were in
immediate danger. My portraits of
these people, and their stories, are meant to reflect their humanity, their
dignity, their religious and moral convictions, and their quiet courage.”
The exhibit is traveled by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of
Religion Museum.
February 2nd – April 25th:
The Book of Memory –
Holocaust Museum Houston is proud to collaborate with the Consulate General of
Mexico in presenting samples of the work by artist Bela Gold. For several years,
Gold's work has been a reflection of the complexity of contemporary culture. Her
work is defined by a contrast between beauty and cultural references; in her
case, the Holocaust. She puts this conflict on display in all her pieces, which
offer evidence of our own ambivalence toward the beauty of artistic expression
and the social impact it creates. Gold offers a sample book of the various
graphics techniques depicting a variety of metal etchings,
photoengraved-intaglio, engraved-intaglio, laser engraving, graphite on stone,
silkscreen and graphite drawing on stone, and digital embroidery on cloth.
for more information, see
www.hmh.org
or call (713) 942-8000
Houston Museum of Natural Science
(One Hermann Circle Drive
– Hermann Park)
Thru February 28th:
Spirits and Headhunters: Vanishing Worlds of the Amazon – today the
Amazon is one of the world’s most diversified regions, encompassing the
rainforests of northeastern South America and the vibrant cultures of
approximately 200 Indian tribes.
Invisible to modern society, some of these are the last people of the new world
who retain their pre-conquest culture.
As they become more well-known, their recognition as great artisans of
feather ornaments grows. This
exhibition celebrates ceremonies and rituals of passage unique to these
indigenous people. Inspired by
ancient cosmology, mythology, and ecological knowledge, the ceremonies
represented in this exhibition include initiation and funerary rites, shamanic
practices and social visiting. The
ceremonial regalia and objects in this exhibition illustrate the unique artistic
expressions of each tribe, utilizing materials available from their immediate
environments – wood, cloth, fiber and feathers.
Marvel at the vibrant headdresses, full-body costumes, body decorations,
furniture and ceramic objects.
Thru April 4th:
Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the
Tsars –
Discover the spectacular designs of Carl Faberge, a master goldsmith and
legendary jeweler who is still celebrated for his inventive design and
meticulous craftsmanship.
Perhaps best known for the Imperial Easter Eggs
created for the Russian Royal family, the House of Faberge also fashioned
jewelry and luxurious gifts for many ruling families of Europe as well as other
wealthy patrons. Marvel at exquisite
objects produced by the Fabergé workshop at its peak, including personal gifts
to the Tsar and Tsarina, an extravagant tiara, magnificent "fire-screen" picture
frame, and the famed Nobel Ice Egg, a stunning piece that is one of the few
Imperial-styled eggs in private hands. From elegantly simple to breathtakingly
ornate, the jewelry, clocks, picture frames, boxes and eggs in this collection
were thoughtfully selected to exemplify extraordinary materials and workmanship.
In recent years, the McFerrin Collection has become one of the world’s
most important private collections of Fabergé. While many of the pieces in this
collection have been featured individually in other exhibitions and publications
over the past 60 years, this event marks the first time that the McFerrin
Collection has been presented for public display. Highlights of the exhibition
include: Empress Josephine’s tiara, the Nobel Ice Egg, Fire Screen Picture
Frame, Nicholas II Presentation Snuff Box, The Wedding Clock, and the personal
cigarette case of Nicholas II.
February 26th – September 6th:
Magic: The Science of Wonder –
Magic – Illusory feats of wonder that dazzle the eye and confound
expectations – has fascinated humanity for centuries. Mesmerized by the masters
of illusion who perform this mysterious craft, we’re drawn to the spectacle,
curious to discover “how did he do that?” Though their methods are enshrouded in
secrecy, magicians combine the art of performance with a variety of scientific
disciplines, including math, physics and psychology, to create their dazzling
effects and fascinating illusions. With a touch of hocus-pocus and a dash of
abracadabra, the Houston Museum of Natural Science pulls a spectacular new
exhibition out of its hat—Magic: The Science of Wonder, opening Friday, February 26,
2010. The extraordinary show examines how science and magic are intertwined,
tapping into our universal desire to know "How does that work?" Magic is the
perfect subject to inspire people of all ages—especially kids—to learn about the
science behind the magic, and the world around them. Presenting an array of
artifacts connected with legendary performers of the past and present, the
exhibition will also feature film and video clips of famous magicians, as well
as guest illusionists performing live. At the "University of Magic" inside the
exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to learn a magic trick of their
own. Among the many intriguing artifacts to be featured are torches for fire
eating; magic lanterns and automatons; Harry Houdini's trademark milk can and
water escape trunk; Harry Blackstone's "Zig Zag Girl" prop; Mike Caveney’s
linking coat hangers; and items from the acts of Doug Henning, Penn & Teller,
and other superstars of magic.
Permanent Exhibit: Lester & Sue Smith Gem Vault - Intensely hued
jeweled masterpieces float wondrously in utter darkness, embodying the ultimate
combination of natural perfection and flawless artistic execution. Don't
miss the chance to see this exciting new permanent exhibit.
Planetarium Showings:
Star of Bethlehem –
A famous story with a new ending? The Burke Baker Planetarium
offers new insight in the search for the legendary holiday star.
Who were the wise men? Were there just three? Did they come from Persia,
Babylon or Ethiopia? Did they follow a visible star to Jerusalem?
Impact Earth –
In 2006, the Museum unearthed a piece of an asteroid that crashed into the North
American prairie long ago. The story
takes us from the birth of our solar system, to the catastrophe that tore this
asteroid apart, to the surface of Mars, and to a future asteroid mining colony.
Dawn of the Space Age –
An epic, full dome experience recreates the great moments in human spaceflight,
including the Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle and International Space Station
programs. You are there each step of
the way, sharing the adventure, immersed in each great event.
Night of the Titanic -
A great tragedy
unfolds in the icy North Atlantic.
Weather, ice, the sun, and human error all contribute to the sinking of this
unsinkable ship. Experience the Titanic's last day to find out what went
terribly wrong and discover how changing Arctic ice can prepare us for tomorrow.
Starry Night Express - Audiences can practice finding constellations, planets, the
moon, meteor showers and the Milky Way band. Then the show will drop into
a star party led by Laurence Fishburne. From his country setting, the show
takes audiences through the solar system and into the Universe.
Breathtaking images from the Hubble Space Telescope hover and combine to show
the life cycle of stars. Audiences experience the eventual collision of
our Milky Way Galaxy with the neighboring Andromeda Galaxy as visualized by the
Space Telescope Science Institute. Then visitors plunge down and sweep
through the gigantic Valles Marineris canyon, simulated by the Centre for
Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology, using the
latest data from the Mars Global Surveyor.
Black Holes - The attraction of Black Holes is more than just gravitational.
These mysterious graveyards of dead stars have fascinated generations. The
Planetarium's new feature explores the history, physics and mystery of black
holes. Narrated by actor John de Lancie, this space adventure features
rich, expansive panoramas and incorporates several of the latest scientific
theories about how black holes are formed and where they are hiding now.
Witness the bending of light, the skewing of perception, and the dizzying
descent into a black hole. This show incorporates some of the most
visually stunning three dimensional effects ever created for the planetarium.
Add to that a sound effects track and 5.1 surround sound mix by George Lucas'
Skywalker Sound Studios and you have an incredible sensory experience.
Earth’s Wild
Ride
– A grandfather and granddaughter
watch a solar eclipse from scenic cliffs overlooking their moon colony.
Conversation leads to contrasts between the moon, the only home the
granddaughter knows, and the Earth, where the grandfather has spent most of his
life.
Through his stories, the grandfather
takes audiences on a wild canyon ride, to an ice age winter with a woolly
mammoth, and to the time when the dinosaurs lived and died. Each
experience begins with a telescope view of the dynamic Earth in stark contrast
with the unchanging lunar landscape.
Earth’s Wild Ride is like many tales shared by grandparents over the
centuries, except “the old country” is really another planet – always visible
from the moon base, but totally unlike the granddaughter’s world.
Adventure and appreciation for home fill this 20-minute journey back to
the Earth.
IMAX Theatre Showings:
Under the Sea 3D –
This film will transport moviegoers to some of the most exotic and
isolated undersea locations on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea
and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face
encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea.
It will offer a uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore
the impact that global climate change has had on ocean wilderness.
Under the Sea 3D will
transport moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations
on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the
Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with
some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. It will offer a
uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore the impact that global
climate change has had on ocean wilderness.
The filmmaking team has captured some of the most extraordinary marine
life ever shot on film, including the Stonefish - the world's most venomous fish
- and a new species of shark yet to be described by science.
Audiences will also be treated to an up-close look at South Australia's
exquisite Leafy Sea Dragon and the endangered puppy-like Sea Lion - animals that
can be found nowhere else on Earth.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol –
Experience Charles Dickens' timeless tale as never before – on
the 3D IMAX screen! Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Jim Carrey, begins the Christmas
holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk, played
by Gary Oldman, and his cheery nephew, played by Colin Firth. But when the
ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come – all played by Carrey – take
him on an eye-opening journey, they reveal truths that old Scrooge is reluctant
to face, and he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it's too
late.
Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs –
What is it about mummies?
These preserved human time capsules from ancient Egypt fascinate and
intrigue us, but why? Is it because
the blur the line between the living and the dead?
Or is it because they provide such a powerfully visual window to our
ancient past? Whatever the reason, there is
little doubt that mummies are some of the world’s most spellbinding subjects.
And Egypt is one of the most fascinating civilizations, in large part
because of the great mummies that have been discovered there in modern times.
Part historic journey and part forensic adventure, this feature follows
researchers and explorers as they piece together the archaeological and genetic
clues of Egyptian mummies. Through
ambitious computer graphics and dramatic reconstructions, the film tells the
story of one of the greatest finds in modern history: the late 19th century
discovery of a cache of forty mummies, including twelve Kings of Egypt, among
them the legendary Ramses the Great.
Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs is a walk back thousands of years
to the wonders of ancient Egypt, a real-life Indiana Jones adventure complete
with thieves and hidden treasure, and a modern day scientific journey to extract
clues about our past. The film
covers topics of grand proportions, making it ideal for the high-impact
experience in IMAX and other giant-screen theaters.
for more information, see
www.hmns.org
or call (713) 639-4629
Houston Museum of Natural Science
(University Blvd. and New
Territory Blvd., Sugar Land)
Thru January 10th:
Based on the blockbuster film series
and C.S. Lewis’ beloved fictional books,
The Chronicles of Narnia: The
Exhibition allows visitors to tour the scenes from the famed literary
world of Narnia. Through authentic costumes, props and set dressings from the
magical films, visitors will enter a three-dimensional world that combines the
wonders of science with aspects of fantasy of this enchanting world. Catch a
glimpse of artifacts from Lewis’ personal study and experience exciting
environments such as the famous attic and wardrobe. Encounter falling snow and
other interactive and instructive elements, including a replica of the White
Witch’s Throne, where guests can sit and feel the chill; and special areas
featuring King Miraz’s Castle from The
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, where visitors have the opportunity
to build an arch as well as create their own animals based on the mythical
creatures featured in the film. This special exhibition is a truly captivating
and entertaining experience for all ages.
for more information, see
www.hmns.org
or call (713) 639-4629
Menil Collection (1515 Sul Ross)
Thru January 3rd:
Joaquin Torres-Garcia: Wood Constructions – This exhibition will
center chiefly on works from the 1920s to the 1940s, spanning the time from when
Torres-Garcia lived in Spain, New York, Italy and France, developing toys and
the vocabulary for his wood constructions, to his eventual settlement in Uruguay
as the founder of a Constructivist art movement.
These sculptural works will be accompanied by a selection of
Torres-Garcia’s oil paintings and drawings, which demonstrate the connections
between his experiments in two and three-dimensional forms.
Torres-Garcia is revered today as one of the most influential artist of
the early 20th century to have emerged from Latin America.
A charismatic figure of the international art scene, he exhibited with
the most famous artists of his time, including Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian,
Theo van Doesburg, Jacques Lipchitz and Marcel Duchamp.
Though Torres-Garcia was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, the artist spent
most of his life in Spain, Italy, France and New York before returning to
Uruguay in 1934.
Thru February 14th:
Cy Twombly: Treatise n the Veil –
This exhibition showcases American artist Cy Twombly's monumental work, Treatise
on the Veil (Second Version), painted in Rome in 1970. The second of two
paintings (the first a 1968 painting in the collection of the Ludwig Museum in
Cologne), it entered The Menil Collection in 1998 following the museum's 1995
completion of a building dedicated to Twombly's work.
Thru February 14:
Body in Fragments –
Body in Fragments
brings together diverse works from the collection to explore the ways in which
different cultures conceptualize the spiritual, physical, and intellectual
aspects of personhood. The fifteenth
century finger reliquary, for example, evokes the miraculous power of the
physical body, the oversized finger acting as a testament to its spiritual or
supernatural significance. A wooden
Dan comb, with a handle that depicts strong, well-sculpted female legs, brings
together the idealization of the female form with the act of beautification
itself when the comb is used. The
disintegration of the human body witnessed in Cubist and Surrealist works speaks
to modern art’s challenge to Cartesian dualism and perceptions of the human mind
and consciousness in the wake of world war, reflecting the development of
psychology and its embrace of what was once known as “primitive” art.
February 12th – August 15th:
Maurizio Cattelan –
Contemporary Italian
artist Maurizio Cattelan is known for his witty embrace of semantic shifts that
result from imaginative plays with materials, objects, and actions. In his work,
contradictions in the space between what the artist describes as softness and
perversity wage a sarcastic critique on political power structures, from notions
of nationalism or the authorities of organized religion to the conceit of the
museum and art history. Like the traditions established by Dada and Surrealism,
his uncanny juxtapositions uproot stable understandings of the world around us.
For Cattelan even the banal is absurd. The exhibition at The Menil Collection,
organized by Franklin Sirmans, curator of modern and contemporary art, will be
the artist’s first solo show in Texas. The exhibition will focus on recent
large-scale works that premiered in Europe in 2007 and will feature sculptures
that range in tone from the melancholic and politically contentious to the
decidedly irreverent. Cattelan will also realize additional works for the
exhibition in response to site visits to The Menil Collection campus and the
museum’s world-famous collection of Surrealist works. Significantly, these
pieces will also mark the artist’s return to sculpture-based practice. For the
last five years his work has largely centered on publishing and curating.
for more details, see
www.menil.org
or call
(713) 284-8250
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
(Caroline Weiss Law Bldg. @ 1001
Bissonnet and the adjacent Audrey Jones Beck Bldg., 5601 Main)
Thru January 3rd:
Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography – The MFAH hosts
the debut presentation of Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography,
presenting photographs by 40 artists born between 1965 and 1984 and representing
two distinct generations. Co-organized with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and
accompanied by a fully illustrated scholarly catalogue published by the MFAH and
distributed by Yale University Press, the exhibition reveals the extraordinary
work being created in South Korea, as well as a shifting sense of the Korean
identity as expressed by artists who have witnessed the monumental cultural and
social changes in their country over the past 45 years.
Thru January 3rd:
Arts of Ancient Viet Nam: From River Plain to Open Sea – The MFAH
and Asia Society, New York, offer an unprecedented exhibition of art from
ancient Viet Nam – the first U.S. exhibition to address in depth the historical,
geographic and cultural contexts of pre-colonial Vietnamese art.
Throughout its long history, Viet Nam served as a central hub for trade
routes connecting the regions of Asia and the West, with travelers and merchants
traversing its long open plains and trade vessels from as far west as India and
Rome finding safe haven in its harbors.
This exhibition will introduce the history of Vietnamese art.
Approximately 110 objects, dating from the first millennium B.C. through
the 17th century, on rare loan from Viet Nam’s leading museums will be on view.
Highlights of the exhibition include ritual bronzes, terracotta burial
wares, fine gold jewelry, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and ornaments made of
jade, lapis lazuli, crystal and carnelian. The works have never before been
exhibited.
Thru January 10th:
The Moon: “Houston, Tranquility Base Here.
The Eagle Has Landed.” – Most Americans born by the mid-1960s
remember exactly where they were on July 20, 1969, the day the entire world
watched with amazement the flickering black and white TV pictures of the first
men walking on the surface of the moon.
The Museum celebrates the 40th anniversary of this momentous
event with this new exhibition, which pays tribute to the achievements of the
Apollo space missions, placing the unforgettable pictures of Neil Armstrong and
Buzz Aldrin in the context of mankind’s age-old fascination with earth’s closest
planetary neighbor. Over the
centuries, scientific observation, artistic interpretation and religious thought
have all informed people’s perception and understanding of the moon.
The exhibition provides an overview of 500 years of fascination with the
ever-changing phases, yet ever-constant image, of the moon.
Approximately 130 works of art will be on view, from an exquisite 15th
century Madonna whose virginity was likened to the immaculate surface of the
moon, to romantic moonlit landscapes by Caspar David Friedrich, to Impressionist
and Post-Impressionist works by Manet and Vallotton.
Thru February 14:
Your Bright Future: 12 Korean Artists –
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum
of Fine Arts, Houston are jointly organizing the first major museum exhibition
in the United States to focus on contemporary art from South Korea. The
exhibition features work by a generation of artists who have emerged since the
mid-1980s—some well-known and others on the brink of such recognition—working on
the cutting-edge of international art trends and within a distinctly Korean
context.
Thru February 21st:
Recent Accessions in Design – The MFAH presents important additions
to the museum’s design collection, created by some of the most renowned
designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
This exhibition features objects that demonstrate aesthetic significance
and technical innovation in all media.
Among the works on view are examples by international figures such as Gae
Aulenti, Mathias Bengtsson, Shiro Kuramata, Gerrit Rietveld, Wieki Somers and
Ettore Sottsass.
for more information, see
www.mfah.org
or call (713) 639-7300
Museum of Health & Medical Science
(1515 Hermann Drive)
Thru January 3rd:
Surviving: The Body Evidence –
All of our ancestors were successful in surviving the challenges of life and
adapting to the world around them.
Each of them inherited from their parents the characteristics that helped them
to survive - through thousands of generations, and over millions of years, to
us. In turn, we will pass on these
features to our children and, through them, to our descendants.
This exhibit is about you and all your fellow humans.
Your body carries evidence of many distinctively human features that
changed in your ancestors through the process of evolution.
Ongoing:
Planet You –
At The Health Museum, you
will experience a world you never knew existed before.
A world that is so much closer than you
think. Planet You is a 3D microscopic journey into the foreign landscape that is
your skin! This summer premiere 3D
film mixes live action and cutting edge computer animation to tell the story of
all the tiny critters that live on the surface of your skin and the miraculous
process of how the body heals itself.
From dust mites to the catastrophic paper cut, you will encounter it all
at the most cellular level. It will leave you both amazed and perhaps a little
uncomfortable in your skin. But it
will certainly be a unique experience. The Planet YOU film is an original
production of The Health Museum and The Museum of Science, Boston. This film is
the first of what will become a series of 3D film collaborations.
This partnership also marks the first time in the museum/science center
industry that science-based original 3D films will be produced for a
museum-based audience.
Ongoing: The
Adjustable Eye - A permanent addition to The Amazing Body Pavilion, the
Adjustable Eye gives visitors a chance to experiment with the eye's inner
workings and see the mechanics of the eye like never before. The shape of
the lens can be altered in order to focus on an image, duplicating what happens
in our own eyes. The exhibit encourages visitors to take care of their
eyes and get eye exams regularly to prevent eye diseases and vision problems.
Currently one in 10 children has undiagnosed vision problems that, if left
untreated, may lead to permanent vision loss and difficulties in school.
Ongoing:
You: The Exhibit -
The Health Museum is proud to announce the first
new permanent exhibition since its opening in 1996 - You: The Exhibit.
This unique gallery immerses visitors of all ages in The World of Tomorrow –
reminiscent of the 1939 World’s Fair. Join your fellow museum visitors in
a learning environment that allows investigation into the who, what, where,
when, and how of YOU. Using the latest
multi-media and special effects technology, The Health Museum has created an
experience that will take the museum visitor on a journey to explore their
physical selves, mental selves and their future selves. The sophisticated media
nature of the exhibition encourages group interaction and participation in the
exhibition, and visitors are able to leave something of themselves behind to
change the experience over time.
Ongoing: Pump
It Up - As you exit the Amazing Body Pavilion, get ready to dance at Pump It
Up, a cardio intense exhibit that encourages up to two dancers to get their
heart pumping in a challenging dance game. Each dancer must follow the
on-screen performer and lightly tap lighted panels as they illuminate the dance
floor. The fast paced game can increase in difficulty as the dancer
masters the steps. In an effort to stem increases in the obesity rate,
Pump It Up illustrates that fitness can be fun. There is a one dollar
charge for each dancer.
Ongoing:
Brain Teasers - Hands-on problem solving is the focus of Brain Teasers, a
collection of 20 different games that challenge the whole family to tackle
puzzles, solve number games and manipulate intriguing shapes. A wide array
of challenges for individuals of all ages; test your dexterity by tying and
untying knots; solve tangrum puzzles and intriguing number games; balance 14
nails on the head of one nail and much, much more. These mind benders are
guaranteed to challenge even the most experienced problem solver.
Daily:
Science Theatre - Offering films on a variety of interesting topics.
See museum calendar for monthly selection. Approximately 26 minutes.
for more information see
www.mhms.org
or call (713) 942-7054
Space Center Houston
(1601 NASA Parkway)
Daily:
Level 9 Tour. Go Behind the Scenes. This tour takes you
behind the scenes to see the real world of NASA up close and personal.
On this tour you will see things that only the astronauts see and eat
what and where they eat. All your questions will be answered by a
very knowledgeable Tour Guide as you discover the secrets that have been kept
behind closed doors for years. The
Level Nine Tour is Monday-Friday and includes lunch in the astronauts'
cafeteria. The only security
clearance is that you must be 16 years of age or older. Only 12 Level Nine
admissions are available each day.
National Geographic Maps; Tolls for Adventure: Maps are important tools that
help us explore and expand our thinking about the world.
They help people get from here to there—from where they are, to where
they want to be. “National Geographic Maps: Tools for Adventure” engages the
entire family by demonstrating the role maps play in daily life and by offering
collaborative, hands-on activities that help children and parents map their own
adventures.
In the exhibit, new explorers begin their adventures at Explorer
School, where they are introduced to mapping basics.
Families can see historical and contemporary maps of different shapes and
sizes and try their hand at using and making maps.
They'll also learn how different tools helped explorers like Lewis and
Clark map North America. Next,
families come across areas featuring today's explorers—on land, at sea, in the
air, and in space—and learn about their real-life adventures through maps,
artifacts, and interactive experiences.
Astronaut Gallery:
The Astronaut Gallery is an
unparalleled exhibit outside Northrop Grumman Theater featuring the world's best
collection of spacesuits. Astronaut John Young's ejection suit and Judy Resnik's
T-38 flight suit are two of the many spacesuits on display. The walls of the
Astronaut Gallery also contain crew photos of every U.S. astronaut who has flown
in space.
Space Center Theater. The challenge of President John F. Kennedy, to put a man on
the moon by the end of the 60's, had its beginning several decades before the
formation of NASA. As the guests
have seen in other parts of Space Center Houston, the equipment and the
technology have been developing since Robert Goddard's time.
This attraction shows the excitement, the commitment and the risks taken
by the people who fly in space. Here
we can see the evolution of the equipment and the training of the men and women
who dreamed to be astronauts. Nearly
300 people have flown in space since the first Mercury rocket took off in May
1961 with astronaut Alan Sheppard, Jr. on board.
That first flight lasted only 15 minutes.
Contrast that with the May 1992 flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavor,
which was 9 days with 7 crew members on board.
Starship Gallery. The journey into space begins with the film “On Human
Destiny”. Artifacts and hardware on
display in the Starship Gallery trace the progression of America’s Manned Space
Flight. This incredible collection
includes: an original model of the Goddard Rocket; the actual Mercury Atlas 9
“Faith 7” capsule flown by Gordon Cooper; the Gemini V Spacecraft piloted by
Pete Conrad and Gordon Cooper; a Lunar Roving Vehicle Trainer, the Apollo 17
Command Module, the giant Skylab Trainer, and the Apollo-Soyuz Trainer.
The Feel of Space. The Living in Space module simulates what life is like for
astronauts aboard the space station.
A Mission Briefing Officer gives a live presentation on how astronauts live in
space. The presentation uses humor
to show how the smallest tasks like showering and eating are complicated by a
microgravity environment. A
volunteer from the audience helps to prove the point. Beyond the Living in Space
Module are 24 part task trainers that use sophisticated computer technology to
provide visitors with the experience of landing the orbiter, retrieving a
satellite or exploring shuttle systems.
Blast Off Theatre. The space program truly comes alive in the Mission Status
Center, where Mission Briefing Officers provide live updates on current space
flights and astronaut training activities.
At any given time, they may look behind-the-scenes at Johnson Space
Center (JSC) and other NASA facilities around the country to see astronauts
train or see a shuttle launch via satellite link from Kennedy Space Center in
Florida. During missions, the center shares communication between Mission
Control and the astronauts on board the shuttle.
for more information, see
www.spacecenter.org
or call (281) 244-2148
Sports
Houston Dynamo – Major League Soccer
(Robertson Stadium - University of Houston)
Season is complete.
for more information, see
www.houstondynamo.com
Houston Aeros – American Hockey League (West Division)
(Toyota Center, 1510 Polk)
January 1st:
Houston Aeros vs. Milwaukee @ Admirals
7:00 p.m.
January 3rd:
Houston Aeros vs. Abbotsford Heat
4:05 p.m.
January 6th:
Houston Aeros vs. Texas Stars @ Austin
7:30 p.m.
January 8th:
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs
7:35 p.m.
January 10th:
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford IceHogs
4:05 p.m.
January 13th:
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford @ Ice Hogs
7:05 p.m.
January 15th:
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford @ Ice Hogs
7:05 p.m.
January 16th:
Houston Aeros vs. Toronto Marlies
7:35 p.m.
January 22nd:
Houston Aeros vs. Abbotsford @ Heat 7:30 p.m.
January 23rd:
Houston Aeros vs. Abbotsford @ Heat
4:00 p.m.
January 27th:
Houston Aeros vs. Chicago @ Wolves
7:00 p.m.
January 29th:
Houston Aeros vs. Milwaukee @ Admirals
7:05 p.m.
January 30th:
Houston Aeros vs. Peoria @ Rivermen
7:00 p.m.
February 1st:
Houston
Aeros vs. Abbotsford Heat 4:05 p.m.
February 3rd:
Houston
Aeros vs. Peoria Rivermen 7:05 p.m.
February 5th:
Houston
Aeros vs. Milwaukee @ Admirals 7:00
p.m.
February 6th:
Houston
Aeros vs. Grand Rapids @ Griffins
7:00 p.m.
February 12th:
Houston Aeros vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
7:35 p.m.
February 13th:
Houston Aeros vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
7:35 p.m.
February 14th:
Houston Aeros vs. Chicago Wolves
7:00 p.m.
February 19th:
Houston Aeros vs. Milwaukee @ Admirals
7:00 p.m.
February 20th:
Houston Aeros vs. Chicago @ Wolves
7:00 p.m.
February 21st:
Houston Aeros vs. Peoria @ Rivermen
3:00 p.m.
February 25th:
Houston Aeros vs. Manitoba Moose
7:05 p.m.
February 26th:
Houston Aeros vs. Texas Stars @ Austin
7:30 p.m.
February 27th:
Houston Aeros vs. Texas Stars
7:35 p.m.
March 3rd:
Houston Aeros vs. San Antonio @ Rampage
7:00 p.m.
March 5th:
Houston Aeros vs. San Antonio Rampage
7:35 p.m.
March 6th:
Houston Aeros vs. Texas Stars @ Austin
7:00 p.m.
March 12th:
Houston Aeros vs. Peoria Rivermen
7:35 p.m.
March 13th:
Houston Aeros vs. Chicago @ Wolves
7:00 p.m.
March 14th:
Houston Aeros vs. Rockford @ Ice Hogs
5:00 p.m.
March 20th:
Houston Aeros vs. Milwaukee Admirals
7:35 p.m.
March 21st:
Houston Aeros vs. Milwaukee Admirals
4:05 p.m.
March 26th:
Houston Aeros vs. Lake Erie Monsters
7:35 p.m.
March 27th:
Houston Aeros vs. Peoria @ Rivermen 7:00 p.m.
March 28th:
Houston Aeros vs. Peoria @ Rivermen
2:00 p.m.
March 31st:
Houston Aeros vs. Chicago Wolves
7:05 p.m.
for more information, see
www.aeros.com
or call (713)
974-7825
Houston Rockets –
National
Basketball Association
(Toyota Center, 1510 Polk)
January 2nd:
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans @ Hornets
7:00 p.m.
January 5th:
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles @ Lakers
9:30 p.m.
January 6th:
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix @ Suns
8:00 p.m.
January 9th:
Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
7:30 p.m.
January 12th:
Houston Rockets vs. Charlotte @ Bobcats
6:00 p.m.
January 13th:
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
7:30 p.m.
January 15th:
Houston Rockets vs. Miami Heat
7:30 p.m.
January 18th:
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
2:00 p.m.
January 22nd:
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio @ Spurs
7:30 p.m.
January 23rd:
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago Bulls
7:30 p.m.
January 25th:
Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m.
January 27th:
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets
7:30 p.m.
January 29th:
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trailblazers
7:30 p.m.
January 31st:
Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns
6:00 p.m.
February 2nd:
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
7:30 p.m.
February 5th:
Houston
Rockets vs. Memphis @ Grizzles 7:00
p.m.
February 6th:
Houston
Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers 7:30
p.m.
February 9th:
Houston
Rockets vs. Miami Heat @ Miami 6:30 p.m.
February 16th:
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz
7:30 p.m.
February 17th:
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee @ Bucks
7:00 p.m.
February 20th:
Houston Rockets vs. Indiana Pacers
7:30 p.m.
February 21st:
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans @ Hornets
6:00 p.m.
February 24th:
Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic
7:30 p.m.
February 26th:
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
7:30 p.m.
February 27th:
Houston Rockets vs. Utah @ Jazz
8:00 p.m.
March 1st:
Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors
7:30 p.m.
March 3rd:
Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings
7:30 p.m.
March 6th:
Houston Rockets vs. Minnesota @ Timberwolves
7:00 p.m.
March 7th:
Houston Rockets vs. Detroit @ Pistons
5:00 p.m.
March 9th:
Houston Rockets vs. Washington @ Wizards
6:00 p.m.
March 13th:
Houston Rockets vs. New Jersey Nets
7:30 p.m.
March 15th:
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets
7:30 p.m.
March 17th:
Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
7:30 p.m.
March 19th:
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics
7:30 p.m.
March 21st:
Houston Rockets vs. New York @ Knicks
12:00 p.m.
March 22nd:
Houston Rockets vs. Chicago @ Bulls
7:00 p.m.
March 24th:
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City @ Thunder
7:00 p.m.
March 25th:
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers
7:30 p.m.
March 27th:
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers 7:30 p.m.
March 30th:
Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards
7:30 p.m.
March 31st:
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio @ Spurs
7:30 p.m.
for more information, see
www.rockets.com
or call (713) 758-7200
Houston Texans Football
(Reliant
Stadium)
January 3rd:
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots
1:00 p.m.
for more information, visit
www.houstontexans.com or call 713-629-3700
Houston Astros (Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford)
Season is complete.
for more information, see
http://houston.astros.mlb.com
College Sports
Rice University – Basketball
January 2nd:
Rice vs. TCU @ Fort Worth
7:00 p.m.
January 6th:
Rice vs. Houston 8:00
p.m.
January 9th:
Rice vs. UCF @ Orlando
5:00 p.m.
January 13th:
Rice vs. Tulane @ New Orleans
7:00 p.m.
January 16th:
Rice vs. Memphis 7:00
p.m.
January 20th:
Rice vs. SMU 7:00 p.m.
January 23rd:
Rice vs. Tulsa @ Tulsa
2:00 p.m.
January 30th:
Rice vs. East Carolina @ Greenville
7:00 p.m.
February 3rd:
Rice vs. Tulane 7:00
p.m.
February 6th:
Rice vs. UAB 2:00 p.m.
February 13th:
Rice vs. Southern Miss @ Hattiesburg
4:00 p.m.
February 17th:
Rice vs. SMU @ Dallas
7:00 p.m.
February 20th:
Rice vs. East Carolina
2:00 p.m.
February 24th:
Rice vs. Marshall 7:00
p.m.
February 27th:
Rice vs. UTEP @ El Paso
7:05 p.m.
for more information, see
http://riceowls.cstv.com/sports
University of Houston – Basketball
January 1st:
UH vs. UTSA @ San Antonio
1:00 p.m.
January 3rd:
UH vs. Iowa State @ Ames
1:00 p.m.
January 6th:
UH vs. Rice @ Rice 8:00
p.m.
January 9th:
UH vs. Tulsa 6:00 p.m.
January 13th:
UH vs. UTEP 7:00 p.m.
January 16th:
UH vs. East Carolina @ Greenville
6:00 p.m.
January 20th:
UH vs. UCF 7:00 p.m.
January 23rd:
UH vs. Memphis @ Memphis
7:00 p.m.
January 30th:
UH vs. Marshall 5:00
p.m.
February 3rd:
UH vs. UTEP @ El Paso
9:00 p.m.
February 6th:
UH vs. Southern Miss
5:00 p.m.
February 9th:
UH vs. Western Kentucky @ Bowling Green
7:00 p.m.
February 13th:
UH vs. SMU 4:00 p.m.
February 16th:
UH vs. UCF @ Orlando
6:00 p.m.
February 20th:
UH vs. UAB @ Birmingham
7:00 p.m.
February 24th:
UH vs. Memphis 7:00
p.m.
February 27th:
UH vs. SMU @ Dallas
7:00 p.m.
for more information, see
http://uhcougars.cstv.com/sports
Parks
Houston Arboretum (4501 Woodway)
Wednesdays - January 6th, 13th, 20th
& 27th: Introductory Tai
Chi - The Arboretum provides a
serene, natural backdrop for this graceful, meditative form of exercise.
Class is held outside except when weather conditions are prohibitive.
Cost is $45 per month or $15 per session. 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Thursdays, January 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th:
Yoga On the Way Home -
Why fight the traffic? Slow down and
relax in the peaceful beauty of the Arboretum during a one-hour yoga session in
the Arboretum's classroom overlooking the forest.
Cost is $15 per session or $10 a session when registering for the month.
Registration is required. 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
January 9th and 23rd: Tadpole Troopers:
Weird Reptiles (ages 3-5 with an adult)
– Tadpole Troopers is a nature class for 3-5 year olds with an
adult. This spring classes will explore the weird and wild side of nature. In
January, children will learn about reptiles and some of their unusual
characteristics. Kids will even get to touch a bearded dragon. Cost is $13 for
members; $26 for non-members. 9:00 a.m.
– 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. – Noon
or 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. January
23rd. Pre-registration required.
January 9th:
Naturalist Explorers: Go Green (ages 5-8) –
This spring,
Naturalist Explorer students will learn to be an Eco Kid. In January’s class,
kids will learn things they can do to “go green” at home or school to help the
environment. Cost: $15 for members; $30 for non-members. Pre-registration
required by noon on Friday prior to class.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January 9th:
EcoTrackers: It’s Easy Being Green (ages 9-12) –
EcoTracker
classes inspire young naturalists with hands-on, engaging activities about a
nature topic each month. January’s class will include simple actions that kids
can do to “green up” their lives and help the planet. Cost: $15 for members, $30
for non-members. Pre-registration required by noon on Friday prior to class. 9:00
a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
January 22nd:
Tadpole Troopers: Weird Reptiles (ages 3-5 with an adult)
– Tadpole Troopers is a nature
class for 3-5 year olds with an adult. This spring classes will explore the
weird and wild side of nature. In January, children will learn about reptiles
and some of their unusual characteristics. Kids will even get to touch a bearded
dragon. Cost is $13 for members; $26 for non-members.
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Pre-registration required.
January 16th:
Arbor Day at the Arboretum
–
Bring the whole family to
celebrate Arbor Day at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center from 10:00 a.m.
–
4:00 p.m. Pine tree seedlings will be given away while supplies last and native
trees will be available for sale. Arboretum memberships will be discounted, and
those joining will receive a free gift and enjoy special members-only activities
at the event. Outside activities will include a kid’s zip line, puzzle hike on a
forest trail, and tours highlighting native trees.
Families will be able to make a piece of paper to take home, recycle
newspaper into hats, hear a tree story and make a craft, and get their faces
painted. Arboretum staff will
demonstrate proper tree planting and experts will be on site to answer tree care
questions. Johnny Appleseed and HANC the Owl will also be on hand.
Admission is free however selected activities require a small fee.
Arbor Day is sponsored by Waste Management.
January 29th:
Home School Class” Leapin’ Lizards
–
Designed
especially for home schoolers, this spring classes will focus on herpetology. In
January, students will learn about lizards, including how they use camouflage to
find food and hide from predators. Class will include a walk outside to look for
skinks, anoles and other lizards of the Arboretum.
Cost is $15 for members; $25 for non-members. 1:30 p.m.
– 3:00 p.m. Pre-registration required.
for more information, see
www.houstonarboretum.org
or call (713) 681-8433
Houston Zoo
(1513 North McGregor)
Founded in 1922, the ever-evolving Houston Zoo is an exciting
recreational destination and a unique educational resource serving 1.4 million
guests annually. Set in a lush
55-acre landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 3,100 exotic animals
representing more than 500 species.
The first Saturday of every month, Houston Zoo Members are invited to enjoy the
Zoo an hour earlier and see keepers, grounds crew, and other staff preparing to
open the Zoo for the day, including releasing animals from their night holds
into their habitats. Members can experience the Zoo before the crowds on these
select mornings and start the day off right with a trip to the Zoo.
Please note that the Wildlife Carousel, and concessions stands, and cafes
will open at 9:00 a.m. The Gift Shop, Aquarium and Natural Encounters will open
at 8:00 a.m.
January 28th:
International Rhino Foundaton Lecture –
The International Rhino Foundation is dedicated to
the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research.
While all five rhino species remain in terrible peril poaching, from forest loss
and habitat conversion, and from human settlements encroaching on their habitats
in Africa, Indonesia, and India – all are in better shape than might be expected
because of the International Rhino Foundation’s work. There are now about 19,500
rhinos on the planet – about 14,000 of these are white rhino, which have made a
tremendous recovery from low, however, and most rhinos live in small, isolated
protected areas surrounded by ever-growing, encroaching human populations with
whom they must compete for resources. In response to the global crisis in rhino
conservation, the IRF protects particularly threatened rhino populations in the
wild while also supporting management of and research on captive populations to
improve the chances for long-term survival. IRF has already made great strides
in preventing further declines and stabilizing rhino population trends in the
areas in which they work.
for more information, see
www.houstonzoo.org
or call (713) 533-6500
Food & Wine Related Events
Churrascos Westchase Wine Dinner –
Churrascos
(9705 Westheimer)
January 4th:
Five-course dinner
featuring Sophenia wines from Argentina.
$59 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Open seating. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
for more information, call (713) 952-1988
Wine 101: A Four-Week Course on Wine Basics – The Wine School at
l’Alliance Francaise
(427 Lovett
Blvd.)
January 5th: Please
join Spec’s fine wine buyer Bear Dalton for this new four-week Wine Basics
course. Wine 101 is focused both for those just developing their interest in
wine and those who feel the need for a good review to help organize their
tasting and thinking about wine. Also, this class is a good place to start for a
service professional looking to move more into the wine side of the restaurant
business or anyone looking to move into the wholesale or retail wine trade. It
will provide a solid foundation on which to build your wine knowledge. As wine
from all over the world is now so readily available, the 40 wines we will taste
over the four week class will come from all over the world. Week 1 (January
5th): Starting at the beginning: the basics of tasting, tasting wine versus
drinking wine, types of tasting, blind tasting, playing “the options game”. Ten
wines will be tasted. Additional topics will include proper glassware, wine
tools, and the restaurant wine ritual. Week 2 (January 12th): White wine making
and white wine varieties and styles. We will taste ten white wines including
Chardonnay with & without oak, off-dry whites, and sweet dessert wine. Topics
will include how grape growing and winemaking affect wine style and flavors and
how the types of wine represented by those tasted pair with food. We also will
talk about wine storage and wine preservation and the concept of terroir. Week 3
(January 19th): Red and Rosé wine making and red wine varieties. We will taste
ten red wines representing a range of styles and varieties including a new world
versus old world comparison. Topics will include how grape growing and
winemaking affect wine style and flavors and how the types of wine represented
by those tasted pair with food. We also will talk about age-ability and
age-worthiness as well as wine keeping and wine collecting. Week 4 (January
26th): Fortified wines (focusing on Port & Sherry) and Sparkling Wines (ranging
from the Charmat bulk process wines – such as Prosecco – to real French
Champagne. We will discuss grape varieties, styles, techniques and their impact
on flavor. We will discuss decanting and decanters and pairing these unusual
partners with food. The four-week Wine 101 will cost $200 total per person cash
($210.53 regular) for all four sessions. The course will meet at 7:00 p.m.
for more information, call (832) 660-0250
2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vintage of a Lifetime Dinner II – Cova
Hand Selected Wines
(5600 Kirby Drive)
January 8th:
By now you may have heard about the outstanding 2007 vintage in the Rhone
Valley. The vintage is already legendary. A lot of the buzz undoubtedly has to
do with Robert Parker declaring it the greatest vintage of his lifetime. That is
indeed a strong statement, even if it was uttered by someone given to hyperbole
when it comes to big wines. In fact, Parker rated no less than 9 wines from the
vintage a perfect 100 points. Can a wine be so good that it's perfect? There
really is only one way to find out - let's pop some corks! Join us for this
special evening as we enjoy eight of the greatest Chateauneuf-du-Pape from this
legendary vintage with a perfect five-course dinner to match. This is truly a
once in a lifetime opportunity. The featured wines will include: Clos St Jean
Vieilles Vignes, Bosquet des Papes Chante Le Merle, Mas de Boislauzon "Cuvee du
Quet," Dom Charbonnier Hautes Breusquieres Cuvee Especial, Domaine Vieux
Telegraphe "La Crau," Pierre Usseglio "Tradition," Chateau Beaucastel, Mas de
Boislauzon "Tintot". Seating is limited to 14 guests. $225 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 –
10:00 p.m.
for more information, call (713) 838-0700
Churrascos River Oaks Wine Dinner (2055 Westheimer)
January 11th:
Five-course dinner
featuring wines from Australia. $59
per person plus tax and gratuity.
Open seating. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
for more information, call (713) 527-8300
Robert Foley Vitner’s Dinner – Kiran’s
(4100 Westheimer)
January 13th:
A five course gourmet dinner hosted by Bob and Kelley Foley showcasing their
award winning wines including Pinot Blanc, Charbono, Merlot, Petite Sirah and
Claret. Bob needs no introduction to connoisseurs of fine wine. It will be a
rare and enjoyable event to listen and talk to one of the icons of California
wine-makers. Each wine will be meticulously paired with Chef Kiran's delectable
cuisine. Dinner will be served from
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. $125 per person plus tax and gratuity.
for more information, call (713) 960-8472
Rio Ranch Best of Wine Dinners 2009 –
Rio Ranch Steakhouse
(9999 Westheimer)
January 13th:
Rio Ranch invites guests to go to their website and vote for their choice of the
best of 2009 for a special dinner. The winning meal will be served at this
dinner. You can vote for your choice at
www.rioranch.com/winedinnervite.htm.
$55 per person plus tax and gratuity. 5:30 – 9:45 p.m.
for more information, call (713) 952-5000
La Jota Vineyard Company & Cardinale Wine Dinner –
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
(1510 Texas Avenue)
January 14th:
This dinner features the wines of two great winemakers. Enjoy a four-course meal
paired expertly with cabernets and champagne.
$135 per person plus tax and gratuity. 7:00 – 9:00
p.m.
for more information, call (713) 228-1111
Banfi Vitner’s Wine Dinner –
The Oceanaire Seafood Room (5061 Westheimer Road)
January 15th:
Join us for a wine dinner featuring wines from Italy and South America. Four
ultra-fresh fish inspired dishes with wines sure to please any palate will be
served. Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. $65 per
person plus tax and gratuity.
for more information, call (832) 487-8862
Italian Wine & Food Class: Tuscany – Cova Hand Selected Wines
(5555 Washington Avenue)
January 20th:
Join Monsterville for a vinous and culinary tour of one of the
greatest regions of Italy: Tuscany. Learn about the unique varietals planted in
this region and discover why Tuscan food is among the best in Italy. Eight wines
will be featured along with a 3-course dinner. This class is one of our most
popular and is held twice a year. So, don't miss out.
$75 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
for more information, call (713) 868-3366
Perfect Wine & Cheese Pairings Class – Cova Hand Selected Wines
(5555 Washington Avenue)
January 27th:
Wine and cheese is a classic pairing made in heaven right? Well, it can be,
however, it isn't always as simple as pick a tasty cheese and a good wine and
you're all set. Some cheeses are a near religious experience with the perfect
wines while others can ruin a great wine. If you'd like to explore how to
achieve wine and cheese bliss then join Monsterville as they lead a tasting of
eight delicious wines paired with over nine different artisanal cheeses. A
three-course dinner featuring various cheeses will be served. $65 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 – 9:30
p.m.
for more information, call (713) 868-3366
Bourbon Dinner – 17
Alden (1117 Prairie)
January 28th:
Join Executive Chef Chip Hight a she pairs a delicious four-course menu with
tantalizing Maker’s mark bourbon inspired cocktails.
$65 per person plus tax and gratuity. 6:30 – 9:30
p.m.
for more information, call (832) 200-8843
For additional information on wine tasting events at local wine
shops around town, see:
www.localwineevents.com
Central Market Cooking School (Westheimer @ Weslayan)
January 2nd:
Couples Cook: A Winter Dinner –
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School Staff
January 4th:
Sauteing & Pan Sauces – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School
Staff
January 5th:
Knife Skills 101 – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School Staff
January 6th:
Sushi – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Chris Nemoto, Executive Sushi Chef, Zushi
Japanese Cuisine
January 7th:
Seafood 101 – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – John Butler, Central Market Seafood Manager
January 8th:
15 Minute Mains – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School Staff
January 9th:
Confident Cook: Tarts – 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Central Market Cooking
School Staff
January 9th:
Couples Cook: Favorite Vietnamese Dishes – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Nicole
Routhier, Chef and Author
January 11th:
Vegetarian Paella – 6:30 – 9:00
p.m. – Emily Swanter, Chef/Culinary Instructor, Guest Chef, O’Keeffe Café, Santa
Fe, N.M.
January 12th:
Middle-Eastern Mezzo – 10:00
a.m. – 12:30 p.m.– Emily Swanter, Chef/Culinary Instructor, Guest Chef, O’Keeffe
Café, Santa Fe, N.M.
January 13th:
Comfort Food for Company – 6:30
p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Molly fowler, The Dining Diva
January 15th:
Let the Good Times Roll – –
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Myrna Kallergis, Food Innovations
January 16th:
Light and Easy – 10:00 a.m. –
12:30 p.m. – Myrna Kallergis, Food Innovations
January 16th:
Couples Cook: Fabulous Noodles
– 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Dorothy Huang, Cooking Instructor and Author
January 19th:
Vegetarian Indian Feast – 6:30
– 9:00 p.m. – Suneeta Vaswani, Cooking Instructor and Author
January 20th:
10 Ways to Increase Your Metabolism
Through Diet – 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Catherine Kruppa, Dietician, Houstonian
Hotel and Spa
January 21st:
Ecco La Cucina – 6:30 – 9:00
p.m. – Gina Stipo, Chef, Cooking Instructor, Culinary Tour Leader
January 22nd:
Southwest Vegetarian – 6:30 –
9:00 p.m. – Kathy Tauber, Owner Ez*Eatz, Avid Foodie and Chef
January 23rd:
French Bread Workshop – 10:00
a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Marian Tindall, Culinary Instructor
January 23rd:
Wine 101 – 6:30 p.m. – 9:00
p.m. – Martin Korson, Central Market Beer and Wine Manager
January 26th:
Super Sweets for Super Sunday –
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Vanessa O’Donnell, Owner/Pastry Chef, Ooh La La Dessert
Boutique, Katy
January 27th:
Luxurious and Lean – 6:30 –
9:00 p.m. – Pati Ramsey, Owner Epicurean Lite and Epicurean Delight
January 29th:
Artisan Breads Every Day – 6:30
– 9:00 p.m. – Peter Reinhart, Award Winning Author, Instructor, Johnson & Wales
University
January 30th:
Fun with Puff Pastry – 10:00
a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School Staff
January 30th:
Couples Cook: A Winter Dinner –
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. – Central Market Cooking School Staff
for more information, see
www.centralmarket.com
or call (713) 993-9860
Other Events
Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour
(Architecture
Center of Houston – 315 Capital Street, Suite 120)
First Saturday of every month: Architecture Center Houston, with the cooperation of the
Buffalo Bayou Partnership invite you to stroll along Buffalo Bayou Parkway for
an overview of downtown Houston’s history and architecture from its beginnings
in 1836 to the efforts to revitalize the central city today. Docents will
lead you on this two hour tour. Reservations are not required, but are
appreciated. There is a 20 person limit. 10:00 a.m. – noon – weather
permitting. $15 per person (cash and check only)
for more information, see
www.aiahouston.org
or call (713) 752-0314
Downtown Green Market: Central City Co-op
(Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney)
Sundays, all year round: Year round co-op and
farmer’s market offers the freshest organic produce and products. Noon - 4:00
p.m.
for more information, see
www.centralcityco-op.org/discoverygreen
or call (713) 400-7336
St. Arnold’s Brewery Tour and Beer Tasting
(Saint
Arnold Brewery, 2522 Fairway Park Drive)
Saturdays, all year round:
St. Arnold’s,
Texas’ oldest craft brewery, holds public tours every Saturday. Tour lasts
approximately 35 minutes, after which guests are welcome to stay for a free
tasting. Guests are allowed to bring snacks or lunch and may bring six-pack
carriers for recycling. All attendees receive a souvenir tasting glass.
Admission for the tour is $5. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.saintarnold.com
High Caliber Gun & Knife Show
(George R. Brown Convention Center, 2001 Avenida de
las Americas)
January 2nd – 3rd: Hundreds of displays
of new and old guns, ammo, parts, books, knives and related items at discount
prices. People are welcome to buy, sell or trade at this show. Admission is $8
per person. Hours are Saturday 9:00 a.m.
– 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. –
4:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.highcalibergunshow.com
or call (281) 331-5969
Festival of Lights
(Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd.,
Galveston)
Thru January 2nd:
Festive sights and sounds
will once again fill the air during the Festival of Lights. As one of the
largest holiday celebrations on the Gulf Coast, the annual event receives over
85,000 visitors, many of whom have made the festival their own holiday
tradition. Santa Claus will kick off the festivities on November 14th by
parachuting in to switch on a mile-long trail of more than one million lights.
The festival will be celebrated daily through January 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 10
p.m. In addition to over 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly
live entertainment, visitors can strap on a pair of skates and glide across the
ice at the area’s only Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Indoors, visitors can take
pictures with Santa or enjoy a variety of holiday-themed films at the IMAX 3D
Theater, Ridefilm Theater and 4D Special FX Theater. In the spirit of tradition,
Polar Express 4D will return with interactive special effects like snow, wind
and the smell of hot chocolate to engage all the viewers’ senses. Admission to
the Festival of Lights is $5.95, and tickets to additional attractions can be
purchased for $5 each.
for more information, see
www.moodygardens.com
or call (800)
582-4673
Yuletide at Bayou Bend
(1 Wescott Street)
Thru January 3rd:
Yuletide is Bayou Bend’s
annual celebration of the holidays. Each year, the house is transformed with
festive lighting in the gardens and eight of the mansion’s rooms decorated with
historic recreations of celebratory moments from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Keeping with the tradition of the season, guests are met with carolers and
holiday refreshments. Candlelight Open House nights are the highlight of Bayou
Bend’s annual Yuletide celebration. During these tours, which are enhanced with
the soft light of candles and period music, docents in each room provide
information about the holiday settings and discuss the customs of the times.
Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00
p.m. Sundays.
for more information, see
www.mfhah.org/bayoubend
or call (713) 639-7750
Monster Jam (Reliant Stadium, One Reliant Park)
January 9th:
This Thrill Show will
include monster jam freestyle, thrills, Galactron vs. Reptar, Draco the
Dragonator, freestyle motocross and much more. Come see the exciting Ultimate
Monster Jam Freestyle & Thrill Show Tickets start at $20 per person. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., and the show starts at 7:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.monsterjam.com
or call (832) 667-1400
Houston Cat Club 58th Annual Charity Cat Show
(George R.
Brown Convention Center, 2001 Avenida de las Americas)
January 9th – 10th: Cats from all over
will come to be judged in this annual event. The competition is DFA certified
and will also include feline agility and a household pet category. Admission is
$8 per person. Hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. –
4:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.houstoncatclub.com
or call (832) 688-9007
Bridal Extravaganza 2010 (George R. Brown Convention Center, 2001 Avenida de
las Americas)
January 9th – 10th: Meet face to face
with over 400 of Houston’s top wedding vendors. See what all they have to offer
in person, including samples of their designs, photos, videos of reception
locations, displays and new ideas to make your wedding the most special day of
your life. Everything from the garter to the getaway car will be under one roof
during this show. Other activities include bridal fashion shows, honeymoon and
wedding giveaways and much more. Admission is $8 per person. Hours are Saturday
10:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.bridalextravaganzashow.com
Chevron Houston Marathon
(George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de
las Americas)
January 17th:
The 2010 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon will have
a protected cap of 22,000 participants. Of the 22,000 entries, 11,000 entries
are reserved for each of the marathon and half marathon fields.
The course will run through downtown, the
Heights and the Galleria area. The race will have a wave start, beginning at
6:30 a.m.
for more information, see
www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com
or call (713) 957-3453
Ice Rink at the Woodlands Town Center
(The Woodlands Town Center)
Thru January 18th:
The Ice Rink at The
Woodlands Town Center will be at a NEW location this year—Northeast corner of
Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive in The Woodlands, Texas. As the largest
seasonal outdoor ice rink in the Southwest, The Ice Rink will be open daily.
for more information, see
www.TheWoodlandsicerink.com
or call (281) 363-2447
The Ice at Discovery Green (Discovery
Green, 1500 McKinney)
Thru January 18th:
With more than 100,000 park
visitors the first year, The Ice at Discovery Green returns to the park on
Thanksgiving Day. Make Discovery Green your tradition during the holidays with
an array of activities offered for families, couples, and visitors to the city.
Skate among the downtown skyline on the model boat basin frozen to a frosty 22
degrees using recycled water from Kinder Lake and powered by renewable energy.
Admission is $10. The following weekly programs will be offered: Mondays –
Skating with the Stars, Tuesdays – Jazz on Ice, Thursdays – Silver Screen,
Fridays – Cool Tunes Hot Ice with Hot 95.7, Saturdays – Skate with Santa with
KUHF, Sundays – Holiday Green Market. In addition to The Ice, park visitors will
enjoy holiday art exhibits including local artist David Graeve’s illuminated
globes featuring photos taken by FUUSA students and the return of Andy Mann’s TV
Tree to downtown Houston. The Holiday Green Market returns on Sundays with an
array of sustainable gifts and holiday food items. Downtown’s Holiday
Spectacular will feature two Holiday Trolleys that will connect all of the
festive happenings in downtown, and include three stops at Discovery Green.
for more information, see
www.discoverygreen.com
or call (713) 400-7336
Administaff Holiday Balloon Rides
(Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney)
Thru February 28th:
Enjoy Holidays on the Green while soaring 35 stories above
Discovery Green
in the Administaff Holiday Balloon. Proceeds from balloon rides will benefit
Discovery Green Conservancy and the park's free programming. Tickets are $20 for
adults after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and weekends and $15 during non-peak hours.
Children’s tickets are $15 during peak hours and $10 for off peak hours. Hours
are 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday and 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.
for more information, see
www.discoverygreen.com
or call (646) 827-6287
54th Annual Houston Boat Show
(Reliant Arena, One Reliant Park)
January 8nd – 17th:
As winter winds down and your mind drifts to fun sunny days spent relaxing,
fishing, boating and swimming with family and friends, join us for the Houston
International Boat, Sport & Travel Show. The largest Boat Show on the Gulf Coast
with more than 1,000 powerboats, luxury yachts, sailboats, and personal
watercraft, plus over 300 exhibits.
The ten-day
show, which annually attracts more than 125,000 visitors, doubles as Houston's
Biggest Boat Sale. Many boat manufactures and dealers will offer special savings
and discounts at the show. The show will also feature deals on a selection of
campers, travel trailers, and RV accessories for the outdoor adventurer. Besides
more than sixteen acres of boats and campers, there are outfitters from Alaska
to Costa Rica, fishing guides and gear, the latest in marine electronics, skiing
and wakeboarding accessories, art, clothing and more. Admission is $8 for adults
and $4 for children under age 12.
for more information, see
www.houstonboatshows.com
or call (713) 526-6361
Magnificent 7 Ice Sculpting Contest (Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney)
January 9th:
Watch as ice artists from around the U.S. transform blocks of ice into frozen
masterpieces using chainsaws and blowtorches. Finished sculptures will be lit,
displayed and judged by art and ice experts as well as park visitors. There will
be snow, chainsaws, guitars and rock stars from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Don’t
miss out on the grand finale including a live performance with The Reverend
Butter (recently featured on TLC's Chainsaw Ice Scupltors) and Downfall
2012 on the Anheuser-Busch stage. Simply must be seen to be believed. Free. Open
to all ages.
for more information, see
www.discoverygreen.com
Cabaret for a Cure (Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar)
January 15th:
The second annual Cabaret
for a Cure, an event proven to be magically unique in Houston's calendar of
fundraising, will feature 8-time Grammy-award winning Marilyn McCoo and Billy
Davis, Jr. Three performance stages will feature cabaret singers and musicians
from Houston, New York and Los Angeles.
All funds raised by Cabaret
for a Cure will benefit the HIV/AIDS programs at Legacy Community Health
Services.
Tickets are $500 each.
Cocktails will be served
from 6:00 a.m.
–
7:30 p.m. Dinner and performances are planned for 7:30 p.m. followed by dancing
at 10:00 p.m.
for more information, see
www.discoverygreen.com
or call (646) 827-6287
32nd Annual “Original” Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
(Texas at Jackson Street)
January 15th –18th: The Black Heritage
Society has planned several events for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
celebration. This year’s parade has the theme of Dreamkeepers 2010. Planned
events include a Dreamkeepers Banquet at 7:00 p.m. January 15th 2311 Canal
Street. A children’s march is planned 10: 00 a.m. January 16th at the corner of
Texas and Jackson street. The activities culminate in the 32nd annual
MLK Parade planned for 10:00 a.m. January 18th at the corner of Texas and
Jackson Street.
for more information, see
www.originalmlkparade.org/mlkparade
MLK Day Youth Parade
(Allen Parkway @ Taft Street)
January 16th:
Marching bands, floats, dancers and more will gather to honor Martin
Luther King, Jr., in this parade. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to
attend. The parade begins at noon.
for more information, see
www.mlkgrandeparade.org
or call (713) 953-1633
MLK High School Battle of the Bands
(Robertson
Stadium, 3875 Holman Street)
January 16th:
The 9th annual Houston Battle of the Bands is taking place at
6:00 p.m. This spectacular event features more than 20 nationally acclaimed
marching bands from across the country, including the best high school marching
bands from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and
Texas. Admission is $12.50 per person.
for more information, see
www.mlkgrandeparade.org
or call (713) 953-1633
MLK Grande Parade (Allen
Parkway @ Taft Street)
January 18th:
The 16th annual MLK Grande Parade is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.
This grand parade features marching bands, dancers, floats and much more.
Admission is free.
for more information, see
www.mlkgrandeparade.org
or call (713) 953-1633
24th Annual Houston
Collector’s Show
(George R. Brown Convention Center, 2001 Avenida de
las Americas)
January 22nd – 24th: Tristar is bringing
back one of the biggest sports collector’s shows back to Houston. The nation’s
finest exhibitors will showcase everything from vintage cards to sports
autographs. A wide variety of sports legends, including Willie Mays, John Elway,
Joe Montana, Tony Dorsett, Reggie Jackson, Don Mattingly, Randy Johnson and more
will be on hand to sign merchandise at the show. Admission is $8.00 per person
in advance and $9.99 at the door. Autograph tickets and photo opportunity
tickets are not included with admission.
Show hours are Friday 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m.
– 4:00 p.m. for more information, see |