http://www.visithoustontexas.com My Houston Dogs and cats can have their photos taken with Santa (the real one with the natural beard!) at West Oaks Mall Mondays, November 30 and December 14 from 6-9 p.m. Photo packages start at just $14.95. Just for grins, a selection of pet-sized cowboy hats will be available as props. Just think of West Oaks Mall as the Wild West and come see how the west was fun! Pets that are photographed with Santa will receive a free treat. All pets must be on a leash. West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Watch the Houston Texans take on the Indianopolis Colts at Reliant Stadium, 12 p.m. CST. The first annual Houston Homeless RunSM brought out more than 300 participants and over 50 dedicated volunteers, collecting a very generous total donation of roughly $6,000.00. All the proceeds will go toward strengthening and expanding MFMA's Bed Lease program. On November 29, 2009, MFMA will be hosting the 2nd annual Houston Homeless Run. Tranquility Park (along Memorial Dr.) Misfits * Saturday * 11/28/09 * at 8:30 PM House of Blues Houston Houston, TX Join Buffalo Bayou Partnership in celebrating the holiday season with 30-minute pontoon boat rides along Buffalo Bayou served up with plenty of decorations, brightly colored lights, song and cheer! November 28, December 5 and 19 – 5-8pm (weather permitting). No reservations are taken, and tours are on a first come - first serve bases. Limited capacity of 20 persons per trip. * Please check our website at www.buffalobayou.org for cancellations due to weather. Boat landing and pick up location is at downtown’s Sabine Promenade boat launch between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive. (150 Sabine Street) How much: $7 for adults, $5 for children (ages 4 -12) no strollers please. Cash only please. Private tours are also available – call 713.752.0314 ext. 4 for reservations. Parking is available in the Theater District parking Lot H. Take the Sabine Street exit off of Memorial Drive – Lot H will be on the right hand side before Houston Avenue. For more information, call 713.752.0314 ext. 3 or email tsmith@buffalobayou.org or log onto our website at www.buffalobayou.org. Traders Village presents 8th Annual Holiday Market with Santa Claus Saturdays and Sundays, November 28 through December 20. Traders Village turns into a holiday wonderland of shopping, family fun, festive foods and pictures made with the jolly old elf himself... Santa Claus! At Traders Village, you'll discover the perfect gift for all your family and friends. Stroll through street after street of holiday bargain ideas. It's a great place to shop with the kids too. They can shop for mom and dad, enjoy a yuletide kiddie ride and munch on festival foods! Santa arrives on November 28th to meet and greet. Kids of all ages can have their photo made with Santa. Donations go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Thousands of dealers selling holiday gifts and more for all tastes and budgets. Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. Austin’s amazing rock band The Invincible Czars perform their wacky version of the The Nutcracker Suite. Skate along or listen from the hill. When the performance ends, you can catch the first annual Illuminated Art Car Parade on Avenida de las Americas in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. You won’t want to miss this fabulously funky holiday evening! Saturday, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Anheuser-Busch Stage GLOWORAMA is Houston's first Illuminated Art Car Parade & Party. It's a great, and uniquely-Houston, to visit with family and friends over Thanksgiving weekend. And the parade viewing party from Discovery Green is free to the public! (begin with ice skating and a live band at Discovery Green) The VIP balcony viewing party for GLOWORAMA kicks off with an open bar and casual dinner on the balconies of the GRB, overlooking the parade route. A spectacular light show projected onto the side of the GRB will start the parade. Art Cars will begin their dazzling procession at 9pm - lit up like you've never seen them before! The parade will end with a bang as fireworks will signal the beginning of AfterGlow - an amped-up post-parade party amongst the illuminated Art Cars inside the exhibit halls of the GRB. Entertainment will be provided by the Rich Latimer Band, including spectacular performances and all the fun entertainment that Houston has come to expect from Art Car Artists. Prior to the parade, family and friends can visit Autorama in the GRB exhibit halls and celebrate its 50th anniversary. The VIP party will be from 7-10 and will include tickets to AfterGlow. Tickets are $150/person. AfterGlow tickets are also available separately for $25/person ($35 @ door) and may be purchased online at www.gloworama.com/tickets.html. Balcony Viewing Party Dinner & Drinks 7-10 Tickets $150 (includes AfterGlow) Rolls @ 9pm AfterGlow, 10-2 George R. Brown, Hall A Tickets $25/ $35 @ door; Cash bar - Illuminated Costumes Encouraged As your family gathers together this Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to capture a family photo. Haak Winery is hosting a Holiday Photo Shoot just for you. Create a unique and memorable family photo, plus, browse through our wines to stock up for the holiday party season and Christmas dinner. Saturday, November 28, 12-6 p.m. Photographer: Memories by Duskin Cost: $75, cost goes towards your photo order and there’s no sitting fee! Call 713.202.1256 to schedule your session, or send an email to info@duskinhill.com Walk-ups are welcome but priority will be given to reservations. Sessions are filling up quickly, so call or e-mail today to reserve your spot! Around the world, milestones are marked with glasses held high. From Haak Winery, here’s to history in the making. Watch the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. The Houston Zoo observes 5 free days each year – New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Columbus Day, and the Friday after Thanksgiving Day. Looking for a fun outing for your little one while the big kids are in school? Then stop by Borders in Market Street – The Woodlands for the store’s free, 30-minute Story Time every Friday morning at 11a.m. where children enjoy all types of story time favorites in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Besides the weekly Story Time presentations, Borders partners with the H-E-B in Market Street to coordinate field trips for pre-k and kindergarten-aged children. School groups first tour the H-E-B store where they learn about the importance of healthy food choices. Afterward, groups visit the Borders store for age-appropriate Story Time reading. For more information on the Friday Story Time at Borders, or to schedule a school field trip to the H-E-B and Borders in Market Street, contact Borders Store Manager Cindy Wexler at 832-585-0052 or by e-mail at cwexler@bordersstores.com. Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. Market Street is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors. Downtown Houston will deck the halls this holiday season with the second annual Downtown Holiday Spectacular, a seasonal celebration filled with family traditions and community events. From the Heritage Society’s Annual Candlelight Tour and Nutcracker ballet, to ice skating at Discovery Green and holiday trolleys, traditions both old and new are perfectly packaged by the Downtown District to draw Houstonians and visitors to downtown throughout the season. “This truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular offers families and guests numerous destinations and events to celebrate the season like nowhere else in the city,” said Bob Eury, executive director, Houston Downtown Management District. Kicking off Thanksgiving weekend, Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular will last through New Year’s Eve. Main Street Square, downtown’s pedestrian plaza and retail core, will be illuminated with peppermint sticks, snowflakes and 25-foot holiday trees twinkling with jeweled red, green and white LED lights while Discovery Green will be transformed into a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice skating rink on Kinder Lake. Festive décor will shine throughout the park, and the Andy Mann Video Tree will entertain park-goers along with a variety of family-friendly programming. The Holiday Green Market returns on Sundays, skating with Santa on Saturdays and the Silver Screen holiday movies series on Thursdays. Throughout the six-week celebration, families can also enjoy the Theater District’s merry medley of shows; holiday shopping, entertainment and dining at Houston Pavilions (Don’t miss your turn for a perfect strike at the new soon-to-open Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge); Downtown Aquarium’s Winter Wonderland and Breakfast with Santa; Buffalo Bayou Christmas Cruises; Wortham Theater Center Tree Lighting Ceremony; and City Hall’s fabulous Holiday Tree. Other holiday-centric happenings and volunteer opportunities include the City Wide Club of Clubs' Annual Thanksgiving Feast in November and the H-E-B Feast of Sharing in December, both taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center; and the House of Blues Thanksgiving lunch. New this year is the first annual Illuminated Holiday Art Cart Car Event that will light up Avenida de las Americas and the George R. Brown Convention Center Thanksgiving weekend with funky, brightly decorated vehicles. This is also a year of special anniversaries, as the City of Houston will celebrate the 90th Annual Holiday Show and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and the H-E-B Holiday Parade will march through downtown streets for the 60th year with five spectacular, brand new floats. “With Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular, downtown Houston is the perfect place for creating special holiday memories and traditions,” said Angie Bertinot, director of marketing and communications, Houston Downtown Management District. “All the unique seasonal celebrations and festive events will ensure that everyone has a happy holiday!” Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular will feature two Holiday Trolleys that will connect all of the festive happenings in downtown to make holiday stops convenient and close. FREE to all visitors, the trolleys make it simple for guests to park once and experience multiple downtown destinations during their visit. Twelve trolley pick-up and drop-off stops will be conveniently located close to parking areas and marked with holiday signage. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing to the end of December, the trolley service will operate on Fridays (6 – 11:30 p.m. regularly and 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve weekends) and all day Saturdays (11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.). Trolley supporters include: Convention & Entertainment Facilities Dept, Discovery Green, Houston Pavilions, The Shops at Houston Center, Macy’s and The Heritage Society. Downtown’s Holiday Spectacular Guide & Trolley Map will be available to the public, and information on downtown events and happenings throughout the holiday season can be found at www.houstondowntown.com. Company Actor Todd Waite will reprise his role as “Crumpet the Elf” in the outlandish, and true, chronicles of David Sedaris’ experience as a worker in Macy’s SantaLand display. This compact, one-character comedy has been described as "a dream rendition at the Alley Theatre, courtesy of the ideally cast Todd Waite" by the Houston Chronicle. The Santaland Diaries is an hilarious cult classic, featuring comic encounters during the height of the holiday crunch. NPR humorist and best-selling author of Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. Recommended for mature audiences due to language and subject matter. Featuring glorious scenery and costumes by Tony Award-winning designer Desmond Heeley, Ben Stevenson's breathtaking production of The Nutcracker is, in the words of The Houston Chronicle, "the crown jewel of holiday entertainment." Set in nineteenth century Germany, the ballet opens at a charming Christmas party at which the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer gives his little niece Clara a magical toy that takes her on an unforgettable journey. From the Christmas tree that grows to a towering forty feet in the first act to the cooks who fly magically through the air in the second act, The Nutcracker is sure to enchant audiences of all ages. November 27*, 28*, 29*, and December 5, 6*, 10*, 11, 12, 13*, 16*, 17*, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27*, 7:30 p.m. November 28*, 29*, and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 2:00 p.m. * Indicates discounted performance. The Herdman kids are the most horrible children imaginable. They are disrespectful, they cuss, they lie, they smoke cigars – they are every decent person’s worst nightmare! So when they show up at church one Sunday and decide to participate in the annual Christmas pageant, everyone is worried, to say the least. But miracles come in all shapes and sizes… Join the fun with this delightfully funny holiday story about the true meaning of Christmas. MAIN STREET THEATER – CHELSEA MARKET 4617 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 Friday,November 27, 2009, 11:30am Saturdays, November 28 and December 5 & 12, 2009, 1pm and 4pm (school groups call 713-524-9196 ext 101 for available field trip times). Recommended for Kindergarten and up. TICKET PRICES AND DISCOUNTS: $12 preferred seating; $10 side seating; group rates (10 or more) available. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Advance tickets for ALL Main Street Theater Productions, on sale at the Main Street Theater Box Office: Main Street Theater – Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Information & Charge by Phone: 713.524.6706 Charge Online: www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com Credit Cards: VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC Children's Museum of Houston presents Thanksgiving with Santa. Children’s Museum of Houston celebrates Thanksgiving with float making and energetic holiday parade, Friday, Nov. 27. Give thanks for what you have, and share joyful moments with your family and friends during our invigorating Thanksgiving celebration. Energize your holiday spirit with exhilarating activities that will engage you in terrific Thanksgiving traditions! Plus, don’t miss your chance to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Special Events: *Thanksgiving Day Float Making & Parade: Create your own dazzling float and strut it down through Kid’s Hall during our vivacious Thanksgiving Parade! Thanksgiving Float Making: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day Parade: 1 p.m. *Meet-and-Greet Santa: Say hello to the man in red and tell him whether or not you’ve been a great kid this year. Don’t forget to bring a camera. Event Time: 1 - 6 p.m. On-Going Events: * Cornucopia: Celebrate all the good things you have by filling your very own cornucopia with pretend fruits, vegetables and flowers harvested from the garden! * Being Thankful: Write your own “Thank You” poem to share with family and friends to show your gratitude! * Paper Bag Turkeys: Whether or not a turkey was eaten during the first Thanksgiving is a mystery, but we do know this bird is yummy and it symbolizes the holiday! Gobble up fun by making your own made-from-scratch pretend turkey! Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. Black Friday Doorbuster Event! Doors open at 8 a.m. The first 1,000 people through the doors at West Oaks Mall will receive doorbuster bags containing prizes and special retailer offers. Friday, November 27, 8 a.m. West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Catch snow flurries at West Oaks Mall Saturdays and Sundays at 7 p.m., produced by RPI Entertainment. November 27 thru December 20, near Dillard’s West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Slip into a pair – or three – of the finest premium jeans, pick up a party frock just in time for the holidays, or stock up on tops and jackets. Refreshing your wardrobe was never easier or more attractive, as The Warehouse Sale comes to the Westin Galleria Houston, Friday November 27 and Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29. The unprecedented sale will offer dramatic savings on some 15,000 pieces of pure luxury and style including women’s and men’s jeans in all sizes (this is not a traditional “sample” sale) as well as a full range of tops, jackets, dresses, sweaters, skirts and shorts. Brands normally sold at Neiman-Marcus and other high-end retailers will be offered at up to 80% off retail. These include 7 For All Mankind, AG Jeans, Antik Denim, BCBG Max Azria, Chip & Pepper, Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy, English Laundry, Frankie B., Junk Food, Laguna Beach, Lucky Brand, MEK, Monarchy, Morphine Generation, Rock & Republic, Rock Revival, Taverniti So, True Religion, William Rast and more. Shoppers who buy four items will receive a fifth item free. (The complimentary item is the least expensive of five.) Shoppers are encouraged to register in advance at www.thewarehousesale.com to receive an invitation to the event for expedited entry. They can also register at the door. The sale, which will occupy 12,000 sq. feet at the Westin Galleria Ballroom, is open to the public November 27 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and November 28 & 29 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is produced by California-based The Warehouse Sale, which travels to fashionable cities across the country to help consumers find perfect jeans and more at guilt-free prices. All items presented are manufacturer’s overstock, or pre-production designs. The Westin Galleria is located at 5060 West Alabama Street. For further information, or to register for an invitation, please visit thewarehousesale.com. Press inquiries contact: sophie@kipmorrison.com 310-274-6726 It’s time to give thanks! Muse celebrates the holidays with a two-day sale discounting 20% off the entire store. Shop the collection of stylish frocks, accessories and handbags by Calypso, Roberta Freymann, Linea Pelle and other delightful designers. Come holiday-shopping time, everyone deserves a bargain or two. 5K and10K chip time and Kids' K Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, 8:00 a.m. Uptown Park Post Oak Blvd & W Loop 610 Houston, TX 77056 Registration Fees: Aug. 18- Nov. 25: $25 for 10K and 5K, $10 for Kids' K Nov. 26 (race day): $35 for 10K and 5K, $15 for Kids' K Number of Entrants expected: 6,000 Proceeds Benefit: Sheltering Arms Senior Services Contact: Sheltering Arms, 713.685.6524, turkeytrot@shelteringarms.org All proceeds of the Turkey Trot help Sheltering Arms Senior Services continue its mission of promoting the dignity and independence of older adults through service, advocacy and support for caregivers. Watch the Houston Aeros take on Grand Rapids Griffins at Toyota Center, 5:05 p.m. The Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1949, when Santa arrived at Union Station and rode his sleigh to the downtown Foley's. That led to a 44-year tradition – the Foley's Thanksgiving Day Parade. In later years, Bank United and Washington Mutual each claimed the title sponsorship. In 2006, H-E-B was named the new title sponsor of the parade. The Parade also received a new look and logo, and is now referred to as the H-E-B Holiday Parade. The parade is telecast live locally on KHOU-TV, Channel 11 and is syndicated in many other major markets throughout Texas and beyond. Parade begins at 9:00am on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2009 in downtown Houston. Parade is free to the public anywhere along the parade route outside of the TV Zone. A limited number of reserved bleacher seats in the TV Zone are available for purchase. Proceeds from reserved seating ticket sales benefit the Houston Festival Foundation, Inc. education programs reaching more than 1,450 public schools each year and the Houston Chronicle Readers are Leaders literacy program. Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in other countries? Check out how we’ve adopted some of Norway’s holiday traditions and made them our own by making delightful decorations. Our Christmas in Norway celebration forms part of Seasons of Sharing, Houston’s only multicultural holiday exhibit for children spotlighting seven cultural celebrations, on display Nov. 14 through Jan. 10. On-going Activities: Norwegian Christmas Ornament: Weave a traditional heart basket Christmas ornament in the style of those used in Norway to decorate the trees. Paper Snowflakes: Fold and cut your paper to make fanciful snowflake designs reminiscent of the weather in Norway at Christmastime. Yule Log: Decorate your own Yule log to mark the Christmas holiday the way they do in Norway. Cutting Up (Mon Kirr): What kind of neat designs and patterns can you make in creating these symmetrical snowflakes? Special Events: Engineering Light and Shadow: Come explore with light and shadow! Engineer your own scenes using familiar items as well as fascinating things that sparkle, glow, shine, and reflect light. Friday & Saturday, November 27-28: 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 2:30, & 4:30 p.m. Sunday, November 29: Noon, 2 & 4 p.m. Leah White and the Magic Mirrors: Spotlight Performance. This Nickelodeon Parents’ Picks “Entertainer of the Year” band will present a live concert introducing their new holiday CD. Saturday, November 28: 2 p.m. On Thanksgiving evening, thousands of Houstonians and out-of-town guests will gather along Post Oak Boulevard for the Uptown Holiday Lighting. This fun-filled family event will ring-in the holidays with more than a half-million twinkling lights; festive music; holiday characters including clowns, larger than life Santa’s reindeer and 12-foot tall snowmen; a special appearance from Santa and a fireworks extravaganza. But it does not end there. The holiday ambiance created by 80 brilliantly-lit holiday trees standing guard over Post Oak Boulevard as well as numerous decorations and lighting throughout the area will continue into the holiday season. Cost: FREE and open to the public Parking: FREE at the following locations: Holiday Music and Concessions - Families can arrive early to enjoy the sounds of their favorite holiday tunes. They also can savor the flavors of the holidays as funnel cakes, cotton candy, kettle corn and holiday beverages are just a few of the scrumptious treats that will be sold at area concession stands. Messina Hof will serve a traditional gourmet Thanksgiving feast at the Vintage House Restaurant. MENU Soup: Pumpkin Bisque or New England Clam Chowder Salad: Messina Hof Champagne Salad or Messina Hof House Merlot Salad Entrees: Roast Turkey with Giblet Gravy Seasoned Cornbread Stuffing Green Bean Casserole or Prime Rib of Beef au Jus Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes Cabernet Mushrooms or Baked North Atlantic Cod with Fresh Dill and Cornichon Butter Sauce Jasmine rice Green Bean Casserole Desserts: Pumpkin Cheese cake or Chocolate Mousse Cake or Tiramisu Time: 11-5 p.m. Location: Vintage House Price: $49.95 Watch the Houston Rockets take on the Dallas Mavericks at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. Watch the Houston Aeros take on San Antonio Rampage at Toyota Center, 7:35 p.m. Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) and Andrew Green of Dote Inc. today announced a partnership to present “Rock Ur Soul,” a FREE community-wide concert on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at the House of Blues, 1204 Caroline. The purpose of the concert is to raise the awareness about the impact of poverty on underserved families in Houston. All concert proceeds, including a $10,000 donation by Green and a $10,000 matching donation from GCCSA, will go toward the purchase of food cards to be distributed to 400 Houston-area families. Additional guest performers at the FREE “Rock Ur Soul” concert include: Kym Smith, Erin Stevenson, I-Will and Comedian Black Prince. Smith toured singing background with the Black Crowes and performs regularly at Scott Gertner’s Skybar. Erin Stevenson sang background for Janet Jackson. I-Will is a new Houston R&B sensation. Doors open at 6:00pm and the concert starts at 6:30pm. The concert is free to the general public; however, concert goers are asked to contribute non-perishable items or to make a monetary donation. For more than four decades, GCCSA has been on the front lines of the battlefield to reduce poverty and build economic independence in Harris County. “Gulf Coast Community Services Association is pleased to partner with Andrew Green in this community-wide initiative to provide food cards to families for Thanksgiving meals,” Dr. Jonita Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Community Services Association, said. “We are acutely aware of the recession’s impact on the most vulnerable in our community. Houstonians will greatly benefit from the generosity of all of the artists and from contributions from the public.” “Rock Ur Soul is an opportunity for me and the other artists to give back to the community we call home through creativity and musical inspiration. Thanksgiving is a special feast because food plays such an integral role. With food cards, families can prepare what they want, which will be even more special because it’s celebrated at home with family and friends,” Andrew Green, Managing Partner of Dote3D Studios, said. Green performs as Dote Muzik on stage and is in final production on his debut album. For more event information, including on VIP seating, please contact Leona Baker, GCCSA Operations Manager at 713-393-4727 or email her at bakerl@gccsa.org. For more information on the performers, please visit the following websites: About Andrew Green of Dote Inc. - www.myspace.com/dotemuzik About Kym Smith – www.kymsmithrocks.com About Erin Stevenson – www.erinstevensonmusic.com Watch the Houston Texans take on the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium, 7:30 p.m. CST. Market Street – The Woodlands is giving away the ultimate holiday present – five pairs of round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines! Bring loved ones home for the holidays or take a vacation and get away from it all. To register, just visit the Concierge Desk at Market Street, located adjacent to the center’s Central Park. No purchase is necessary and entrants are limited to one entry per day. Market Street will draw a winner every Monday, beginning November 23 thru Monday, December 21. Entries are good the week of submission and will then start over the following week. Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, the Concierge Desk along with the shops, boutiques and restaurants at the shopping and entertainment destination will observe extended hours from 9 am – 9 pm. Market Street’s Concierge Desk and stores will open at 9 am on December 19, 22, and 23 for your shopping convenience. Market Street will open on Thursday, December 24 from 9 am – 6 pm. After Christmas Day, Market Street will re-open on Friday, December 26 from 10 am – 9 pm and will continue normal business hours through December 30. On New Year’s Eve, its stores will be open from 10 am – 6 pm. As always, some Market Street restaurants will be open for extended hours top celebrate New Year’s Eve. For more information on activities at Market Street this holiday season, visit www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com. The program, which begins at 2 p.m., also includes a new work composed by Thomas Larcher and selections from Schumann’s Kinderszenen, Op. 15 and Mussorgsky’s From Memories of Childhood. An afternoon extraordinaire! Andsnes has been referred to as “an eminently sensual musician, an artist capable of grace and introspection” by the Financial Times whilst the BBC Music Magazine commented on “how hard it is to over-praise the vitality and distinction of this princely pianist.” Andsnes has recorded over 30 discs spanning repertoire from Bach to the present day, been nominated for seven Grammies and awarded many international prizes. His latest disc released in Spring 2009, entitled “Shadows of Silence”, features works by the Danish composer Bent Sørensen and the French Marc-André Dalbavie both of which works Leif Ove Andsnes premiered at New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Proms respectively. This year also sees the culmination of several years of planning for a project centered around Mussorgsky’s epic piano suite Pictures at an Exhibition which will be premiered in New York in November and toured throughout Europe. Pictures Reframed sees the collaboration of Andsnes and South African artist Robin Rhode who is creating a video installation for a transcendental program which will culminate in Mussorgsky's masterpiece. EMI Classics will release the program on both CD and DVD, and Norwegian TV is documenting the project on film. Leif Ove Andsnes has received Norway’s most distinguished honor, Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav. In 2007, he received the prestigious Peer Gynt Prize, awarded by members of parliament to honor prominent Norwegians for their achievements in politics, sports, and culture. Andsnes has also received the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist Award, the Gilmore Artist Award, four Gramophone Awards and seven Grammy nominations – including a nomination for this year’s Awards for his latest recording of Mozart piano concertos with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra. Saluting his many achievements, Vanity Fair named Andsnes one of the “Best of the Best” in 2005. Andsnes was born in Karmøy, Norway, in 1970 and studied at the Bergen Music Conservatory under the renowned Czech professor Jiri Hlinka. Andsnes currently lives in Copenhagen and Bergen, and also spends much time at his mountain home in Norway’s western Hardanger area. He is a professor at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, a Visiting Professor at the Royal Music Conservatory of Copenhagen and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. StatoilHydro is the Commissioning Sponsor of Pictures Reframed. This event will be held at: Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. An urban outdoor experience: celebrate Houston in a whole new way! Paddle historic Buffalo Bayou through downtown. Join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a kayak adventure through Houston’s stunning urban wilderness. Sunday, September 13, 2009 Sunday, October 18, 2009 Sunday, November 22, 2009 Sunday, December 13, 2009 9am-1pm: Paddle from Shepherd to east of downtown and return to Allen’s Landing Meet at St. Thomas High School parking lot - 4500 Memorial Drive (at Shepherd). Shuttles will be provided to take paddlers back to the parking area. How much: $60 a person; includes kayak rental, paddles, shuttles, and guided tour (reservations required) All reservations must be made by the end of the day on Friday prior to the tour date. Only 20 spaces available per tour date. To sign up or to find out more information, please call the Buffalo Bayou Partnership at 713.752.0314 ext. 3 or e-mail tsmith@buffalobayou.org or log onto our website at www.buffalobayou.org. Messina Hof Winery & Resort, the fastest-growing award winning winery in Texas, will feature John Miller as part of its Singer/Songwriter Series. Guests are invited to enjoy gourmet food and award winning Messina Hof wines by the glass or by the bottle, available for purchase at the Wine Bar. Time: 5-7 p.m. Location: Wine Bar Lisa Price, the founder of Carol’s Daughter, will be stopping by the Houston Dillard’s (Post Oak) store on Sunday. She is inviting consumers to shop the store for holiday gifts, and will be sharing her recipe for holiday potpourri--an original and inexpensive gift. She has an amazing story to share of building her business from the kitchen of her own home. Carol’s Daughter has grown to be a favorite of consumers and celebs across the country. She was recently approached by Disney to create a line of hair and bath items for young girls in honor of the first African American Disney princess, featured in “The Princess and the Frog”. Dillard’s Houston- Post Oak 4925 Westheimer Houston, TX 77056 Your first step is their first hope. Help St. Jude fight childhood cancer. On Saturday, November 21, St. Jude supporters in 40 communities across the country will join together to participate in the Give thanks. Walk. to raise money for the children of St. Jude. By walking in this 5K event, you will help the doctors and researchers at St. Jude find lifesaving cures for desperately ill children in communities everywhere. Saturday, Registration, 7:00 AM; Start, 8:00 AM How do I get involved? • Register to walk in your local event. Visit www.givethankswalk.org to register online. • Recruit your team. Invite family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to join your team and walk with you. • Raise money for St. Jude. Set your personal fundraising goal. Show your commitment and make a donation to yourself. Ask friends and family to contribute to your efforts by sharing why you are supporting St. Jude. • Celebrate with fellow St. Jude supporters and walk in the Give thanks. Walk. on Saturday, November 21. Visit www.givethankswalk.org where you can… • Register online. • Create your personal fundraising Web page. • Send emails to your friends and family asking them to support you by joining your walk team or making a donation to St. Jude. • Collect donations online and track your progress. For more information, contact Angela Alvarado at 1-800-933-0611 or at angela.alvarado@stjude.org Enjoy an evening of shopping around the Georgetown Square while sampling Texas wines paired with local restaurants' best holiday fare. Start your Christmas shopping early and find unique gifts at the downtown stores and at the silent auction held in the Williamson County Courthouse. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Georgetown Visitor Information Center. Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Georgetown Main Street Program and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. Welcome to an evening of History, Mystery, Mood & Food. Imagine a nice social gathering. People are enjoying drinks....talking...catching up...until.....a murder is committed!! Who did it?... Was it?.... Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Elvis, Fran Drescher, Rocky Balboa or... was it you! With known characters like Sherlock Holmes and Lt. Columbo, these two famous detectives will lead you thru a trail of clues as they hilariously solve a crime. With an all-star celebrity cast, it's a night to remember where audience participation is always incorporated and laughter is never left to chance! $55 per person – includes 3 course meal, dinner show and gratuity. Seating limited; Make your reservations now! Evening Schedule: 7:00 p.m., Doors Open & Salad served 7:30 p.m., Show introduction 7:45 p.m., Act I Begins (no late seating) 8:15 p.m., Main Entrees' Dinner Intermission 8:45 p.m., Act20II inclusive of dessert served 9:30 p.m., The End We guarantee you the "Crime of your Life"! Menu Choices: Fifteen Layer Baked Lasagne---Our made from scratch lasagne features Italian sausage, noodles, rich meat sauce, ricotta, Romano & provolone cheeses, herbs & spices Chicken Tetrazzini---Diced chicken breast in a creamy white sauce with sautéed mushrooms and Romano cheese Fettuccini Alfredo---You'll Love it! Tossed in a creamy sauce with Romano cheese and a hint of garlic Grilled Chicken Marinara---Tender grilled chicken strips on top of spaghetti with our classic marinara Spaghetti & Meatballs---Hand-rolled, baked to perfection and full of flavor smothered in our famous tomato sauce All Entrees Include: Crisp Caesar Salad, Sourdough Bread, Coffee, Tea & Soft Drinks Dessert: Warehouse Tiramisu *Cash Bar provided for alcohol Rik Emmett, guitar hero from the legendary band Triumph, is performing at the Mucky Duck. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now, $40. Watch the Houston Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. See Dwight Yoakum live at Arena Theatre featuring some of his hit songs "Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs" and "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere." See Dwight Yoakum live at Arena Theatre featuring some of his hit songs "Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs" and "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere." See Dwight Yoakum live at Arena Theatre featuring some of his hit songs "Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs" and "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere." See Dwight Yoakum live at Arena Theatre featuring some of his hit songs "Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs" and "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere." Express Children's Theatre presents Rudolph - a delightful new holiday musical by Alex "A. C." Gardner. It’s the Holiday season and the North Pole is buzzing with excitement. Santa is about to pick a new leader for the sleigh team. There are so many talented reindeer. Who will win the most coveted spot on the team? Donner is the strongest, Comet is the fastest, Dancer never gets lost, but poor Rudolph only has a nose so bright. Come along with us as the Reindeer Games begin. November 21-December 19, 2009 (Saturdays) 2 pm On Saturday, Nov. 21, more than 150 artists in the Artist’s Warehouse District- north of downtown Houston- will open up their working art studios, exhibition spaces and homes to the public for the 17th Annual Artist’s Warehouse ARTCRAWL. Featuring 21 different warehouse buildings, this cool open studio event lets art lovers crawl through Houston’s urban arts scene to view and purchase art from up-and-coming local artists in their living and working spaces. WHAT: ARTCRAWL Houston is a all-volunteer, artist-run committee devoted to providing the community with an opportunity to explore the artist’s creative process and urban lifestyle. This open studio event assists the audience in understanding contemporary art by directly involving the visitors in a dialogue with Houston artists in their living and working spaces in the Artist Warehouse District of downtown Houston. Major warehouses include Mother Dog Studios, 720 Walnut; 3215 Commerce; and Houston Foundry,1712 Burnett. WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 10 am - 8 pm WHERE: The Artists Warehouse District in Downtown Houston Maps available at each warehouse HOW: Even though there will be NO shuttle bus transportation this year, visitors are encouraged to ride bikes and walk this diverse historical section of Houston that includes the vivid colored McKee Street bridge in what used to be called Frost Town. PARKING: Available at each warehouse; metered parking under I-10 between San Jacinto & Main. Metro Light Rail, exit U of H downtown Bakersfield Sound and Grammy-winning California-based country singer Dwight Yoakam has met the turn of the century head-on with an unprecedented burst of creativity. Some of his hit songs: "Honky Tonk Man", "Guitars and Cadillacs", "Little Ways", "Streets of Bakersfield" - a duet with country music veteran Buck Owens, "I Sang Dixie", "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere", "Fast as You", "Blame the Vain". Since his career began, Dwight Yoakam has twisted country music in every direction, both returning it to its roots and taking it to a higher level. He rejected the pop-oriented country Nashville had to offer, much like his idols Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and Buck Owens, and focused instead on a stripped-down approach to traditional honky-tonk and Bakersfield country. Yoakam’s frustration with Nashville prompted a move to L.A., where he found a niche in the music scene, playing both country clubs and some of the same nightclubs that punk and post-punk bands frequented. His acceptance into this music scene earned him a loyal following with both country fans, and the rock and rockabilly audiences. Yoakam’s debut full-length album, which featured "Guitars and Cadillacs" was a smashing success, going platinum.His follow-up album spawned hits like “Little Sister,” and “Please, Please Baby.” In 1988 he scored his first number one hit with “Streets of Bakersfield,” a cover of a Buck Owens song recorded with Owens himself. More recently, Yoakam left his major label and started his own label. His latest album of all-new tracks is 2005's Blame the Vain, on New West Records. Yoakam also released an album dedicated to Buck Owens, Dwight Sings Buck, on October 23, 2007. Yoakam has taken acting roles, most notably as Doyle Hargraves in Sling Blade and more recently appeared in a cameo role in the 2005 comedy movie Wedding Crashers and in 2008, in Four Christmases starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. Yoakam also has a food brand, called Bakersfield Biscuits. You won’t want to miss the hard shuffle, rockabilly passion Dwight Yoakam releases on stage. Theatre/Box Office Address: Arena Theatre 7326 Southwest Freeway Houston, Texas 77074 Celebrate the act of creativity firsthand at Houston Via Colori® 2009, presented by El Paso Corporation and Quantum Energy Partners and produced by The Center for Hearing and Speech. Imagine colossal works of art, completely created in pastels, all directly on the streets of downtown. This FREE, two-day street painting festival in Sam Houston Park, and the surrounding streets of Allen Parkway and Bagby, provides entertainment for spectators of every age. Watch the art in progress of more than 175 artists. Don’t miss the live music, food, children’s activities and much, much more. Proceeds from Houston Via Colori support CHS’ mission to teach deaf children to listen, speak and read. Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It's no exaggeration to say that Folklore Urbano has redefined modern Colombian music. This brilliant 12-piece ensemble harnesses the danceable swing of traditional Colombian folkloric rhythms while seducing the listener with the subtleties of jazz orchestration and harmony. November 21, 7:30 pm With this year’s hurricane season coming to a close on November 30, The John C. Freeman Weather Museum in the Houston Museum District is encouraging Houstonians to clear out their hurricane supply kit and donate any unused food to the Museum in exchange for free admission from November 21 - 30. “With the end of hurricane season, it is the perfect time to go through your supply kit and refresh your non-perishable foods,” said Jill Hasling, The Weather Museum Director and Meteorologist. “Those unused cans can be exchanged for complimentary admission to the nation’s only Weather Museum. Visitors can celebrate the end of hurricane season by exploring our many exciting weather exhibits.” All donated food will be distributed by The Blessed Basket of Galveston County in San Leon, Texas. Food will be given to the residents of San Leon, which was one of the hardest hit areas on the mainland from Hurricane Ike. The Blessed Basket of Galveston County is a non profit social services food pantry that caters to the underprivileged citizens of San Leon, including the elderly, mentally impaired and sick. On Friday, November 20, Hasling will give a complete overview of her observations of why the 2009 Atlantic season was so quiet, how The Weather Research Center’s forecast faired, and what we can expect in 2010. “The Weather Research Center’s 2009 forecast called for seven named storms in the Atlantic with four becoming hurricanes,” Hasling said. “To date, we have had eight named storms, two of which strengthened into hurricanes. Our predictions are certainly on target and have been for 25 years.” The John C. Freeman Weather Museum opened in 2006 and is the first and only weather museum in the country. It provides hands-on meteorological science education to the Houston community and out-of-town visitors. The Museum boasts nine permanent exhibits, including the Weather Studio, where visitors can record their own forecast on camera; Hurricanes, Cyclones & Typhoons, where hurricane satellite images are on display; Weather Wizard Corner, where experiments are performed and the Tornado Chamber, where visitors can see a tornado form right before their eyes. Admission for self-guided tours is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors and children under three are free. Guided tours are $8 for adults and $5 for students/teachers/seniors. Admission to the Museum is free from noon- 4 p.m. every Thursday. The Museum is located at 5104 Caroline Street and is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. The 27th Annual Lighting of the Doves is scheduled for November 21, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway. Don’t miss the magic when Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m.! Enjoy Live Music, Ice Carvers, Snow Play Area, Fireworks, Kid’s Activities and much more! Lighting of the Doves is in conjunction with the annual International Winter On The Waterway Festival! Visit www.lightingofthedoves.com for more information or call 281-363-2447 and email info@thewoodlandscvb.com. Urban Harvest Farmers Market will host a Thanksgiving FEASTival on Saturday, November 21, celebrating the autumn’s bounty and featuring many varieties of locally grown produce. Urban Harvest will host several local chefs who will be demonstrating how to make a simple, delicious side dish for the Thanksgiving meal. Included in the event will be Chefs Hugo Ortega of Backstreet Cafe and Hugo’s, and Ryan Pera of The Grove. Jessica Zapatero and Lauren Elizabeth Ballas of Green Lily Events will be at the market showing Houstonians how to design a show stopping, environmentally responsible Thanksgiving table, all under $30. They will be using products from our market, as well as recyclable, eco-friendly products. Stop by for some simple, beautiful tips. ADMISSION: As always, there is no admission at attend the Farmers Market ABOUT THE MARKET: The Urban Harvest Farmers Market, a project of Urban Harvest, is open every Saturday throughout the year and offers locally-produced vegetables, fruits and farm products. The market supports family farms and boosts the local economy, and all items are grown or produced within 180 mile radius of downtown Houston. There are 35 permanent vendors with 12 seasonal vendors whose products include a large variety of fruits and vegetables, yard eggs, duck eggs, goat cheeses, pasteurized goat milk, pastured chicken, pastured duck, grass-fed beef, Gulf fish, Gulf shrimp, honey and beeswax products, fair trade organic coffee, fresh cut flowers, fresh herbs, prepared foods and baked goods, healthy snacks, knife sharpening while you shop, and much more. ABOUT URBAN HARVEST: Urban Harvest is a nonprofit organization that uses fruit, vegetable and habitat gardens to improve quality of life in the greater Houston area through education, community gardens and school gardens. For more information, visit www.urbanharvest.org. A new downtown movie series presented by DOWNTOWN Magazine, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and other community partners. Anheuser – Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space November 21, 7:30 p.m. Planes, Trains & Automobiles Plus a sneak peek at all the wonderful downtown Houston holiday events! International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW) is scheduled for Saturday, November 21 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway in The Woodlands, Texas. This event is in conjunction with the 27th Annual Lighting of the Doves and provides attendees to learn about countries from all over the world and their unique holiday traditions. From foods, arts & crafts, to music and entertainment, iWOW adds an international flavor to The Woodlands holiday celebrations. Visit www.iwowinthewoodlands.com for more information or call 281-363-2447 and email info@thewoodlandscvb.com. The largest candle outlet in Houston will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Grand Opening specials and discounts will be storewide on all Fragrant Passage candles and fragrance products, gifts, home décor items and more. Attendees will receive a free gift during the open house celebration. Featured guest during the grand opening will be one of America’s most famous entrepreneurs, David Oreck, Founder of Fragrant Passage Candle Manufacturing Company and the Candle Warehouse Outlet. David Oreck is a renowned American entrepreneur and brander. A household name in homes across America, Mr. Oreck is Founder of Oreck Vacuums. A native of Minnesota, he served in World War II aboard B29’s in the 20th Air Force in the Pacific. Following the war in 1946, Mr. Oreck pioneered the introduction of both black and white and color television in New York and played an important role in the introduction of automatic washers and microwave ovens. His drive to move the industry forward in America continues as he now brings innovation to the candle business. Fragrant Passage Candle Company manufacturers top quality candle and home fragrance product collections. The collections are a creative assortment of candles and home fragrance products that capture and represent the essence of the American way of life. Candle Warehouse Factory Outlet is located in the Willowbrook Common’s Shopping Center at 7710 FM 1960 RD West in Houston. The knowledgeable sales team offers free decorating tips for home decor, parties and weddings. In addition to gift giving ideas, communities and businesses can also learn about fundraising opportunities provided by the Fragrant Passage Candle line. For do it yourself candle makers, Candle Warehouse is Houston’s candle making supplies headquarters. For more information visit their website at http://www.candlewarehouse.biz “For my first show at the Deborah Colton Gallery, I wanted to showcase ten of the most creative artists in Houston. Houston is my hometown, the location of the DCG, and the nexus of one of the most vibrant art communities in the United States. While I am not sure that a particular city can generate particular art, I do believe that Houston is somewhat unique. Houston is the only major U.S. metropolis without zoning, and the art here seems to take a cue from that particularity. The art expresses itself in a direction of boundless freedom, and in the case of THIS particular exhibition, I have searched out art that expresses a boundless freedom and inspiration of the SOUL. Art that has beauty, wonder, mystery, and visual poetry, that is my definition of inspirational art”. Mequitta Ahuja Nathaniel Donnett Trenton Doyle Hancock Joe Havel Sharon Kopriva Donald Lipski MIchael Meazell Julie Mehretu Angelbert Metoyer Julian Schnabel The Listening Room at NiaMoves presents An Evening with Dana Cooper. The venue does not serve alcohol. There is none of the usual bar noise and chatter. The concerts are held in a yoga studio. The sound/acoustics are great. It truly is a listening room environment that has an intimate, laid back charm to it. All ages are welcome. NiaMoves 508 Pecore Houston, 77009. Friday, Show at 9 p.m., Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $15.00 in advance. Available online at www.listeningroomhouston.com Wild Winks overnights offer those 7 years of age and older a unique opportunity to spend the night at the Houston Zoo. November 20, 21; 6 p.m. – 10 a.m. Ticketed event: ExxonMobil Scout Wild Winks $45 per person ‘regular’; $55 per person ‘badge.’ For more information or to purchase tickets on-line, visit http://www.houstonzoo.org/wildwinks/. ExxonMobil Scout Wild Winks: November 20: Girl Scout Junior Wildlife Badge (Badge Wild Wink) November 21: Girl Scout Wild Wink Looking for a fun outing for your little one while the big kids are in school? Then stop by Borders in Market Street – The Woodlands for the store’s free, 30-minute Story Time every Friday morning at 11a.m. where children enjoy all types of story time favorites in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Besides the weekly Story Time presentations, Borders partners with the H-E-B in Market Street to coordinate field trips for pre-k and kindergarten-aged children. School groups first tour the H-E-B store where they learn about the importance of healthy food choices. Afterward, groups visit the Borders store for age-appropriate Story Time reading. For more information on the Friday Story Time at Borders, or to schedule a school field trip to the H-E-B and Borders in Market Street, contact Borders Store Manager Cindy Wexler at 832-585-0052 or by e-mail at cwexler@bordersstores.com. Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. Market Street is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors. Houston’s seasonal favorite that the Houston Press described as having “Spectacular London sets …the inimitable Dickens’ tale – spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future.” A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas returns this year with a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, that follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season, through a dazzling production created by Tony Award-winning scenic designer Tony Straiges (Alley's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), with costumes by Alejo Vietti (Alley's Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mauritius, Eurydice, Cyrano de Bergerac), lighting by Rui Rita (Alley's Eurydice, Cyrano de Bergerac, To Kill a Mockingbird), and original music by John Gromada (Alley's Subject to Fits, Treasure Island, The Pillowman). Recommended for general audiences. Mercury Baroque celebrates the 350th birthday of Henry Purcell on November 20th, 2009 with an elegant concert dedicated to his music and the music of his closest contemporaries. Canada’s Les Voix Baroques joins the Mercury chamber ensemble, led by Antoine Plante on the viola da gamba, in an intimate performance of some of England’s finest baroque music by Croft, Jenkins, Locke, and Purcell. Friday, 8pm. Pre-concert lecture at 7:15pm with Dr. Yvonne Kendall. Wortham Center, Cullen Theater 500 Texas St. Houston, TX 77002 Les Voix Baroques joins the ensemble to celebrate the birthday of English composer Henry Purcell. Ticket Prices are $20 to $47 Student tickets are $10 and available by phone or at the door. Act of Life presents A Celebration of Life, an adoption event, with keynote speaker, Dr. Richard Land. Friday, 6pm Silent Auction - 7pm Dinner & Speakers Hilton Houston Hobby Airport 8181 Airport Boulevard. Houston, TX 77061 Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. Russian Cultural Center “Our Texas” presents “Man with the Movie Camera” (Chelovek S. Kino-apparatom), 1929 – classical silent documentary by Russian director Dziga Vertov. This unique movie was constructed by Vertov and his wife - editor Svilova from material “captured” by the “cine-eye” team during the turbulent years 1924-28. It was filmed in Moscow, Kiev, Odessa and other locations. It is a document of the Soviet Union, Modernism and Constructivism; indeed of the cinema itself. The film takes its viewer on a kaleidoscopic, humorous ride through Soviet cities, while drawing parallels between the moviemaker and the factory laborer, and exposing the filmmaking process. By making use of all filming strategies then available—including superimposition, split screens, and varied speed - Vertov created a revolution in cinematic art with his defiant deconstruction of moviemaking and dramatic norms. Like others of his generation, Vertov wanted to replace the human eye with the kinoki, an objective cinematic eye, in order to help build a new proletarian society. The film is digitally mastered from the 35mm nitrate negative. It features the original music score for the movie composed and performed by the Alloy Orchestra, based on musical instructions written by Vertov. The score is recorded in digital stereo. Time of screening: 68 minutes The movie presentation is accompanied by lecture of movie critic Assol Kavtorina. November 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets- $8 RCC members - $6 Reserve your seats now. Community screening with distributors’ permission In the morning, the owner and director of The Grand Hacienda Hotel in Spain, Arthur Seaton, was found dead in his office. He had been stabbed to death. The luxury hotel has only been in operation for less than a year, but a lot has been going on behind the scenes. Messina Hof Winery & Resort, the fastest-growing award winning winery in Texas, will crack the case during its monthly Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday, Nov. 20. Guests will enjoy a gourmet four-course meal as they track clues to uncover the murderer amongst them. Each course will be paired with one of Messina Hof’s award-winning wines. Menu Appetizer Savory Crabmeat and Corn Soufflé Served with Pinot Grigio 2007 Salad Baby Boston Lettuce Fresh Tomato-Basil Vinaigrette Feta Cheese Served with Gewürztraminer 2008 Entree Petite Veal Chops Solera Butter Sauce Roasted Tri-color Potatoes Brussels Sprouts Served with Private Reserve Merlot 2004 Dessert Chocolate-Port Cheesecake Served with Private Reserve Port 2005 For more information and to make reservations, please call (800) 736-9463 ext. 234. Time: 6:30 p.m. Price: $69.95 per person plus tax and gratuity Location: The Gallery Can’t get enough of the cool weather? Our Movies in the Vineyard are the perfect way to soak in the beautiful November evenings. Bring a blanket and get cozy while you enjoy this week’s feature. Food will be available through the Vintage House Restaurant as well as wine by the glass or bottle. Time: at dark Location: Rose Garden/The Wine Bar Be both thrilled and touched by these songs of youth, wine, death and beauty. Mahler called Song of the Earth “my most personal creation.” While it’s an expansive work, its words based on ancient Chinese poems speak to us with intimacy and directness. November 19, 21, 22, 2009 Hans Graf, conductor Jane Henschel, mezzo-soprano Paul Groves, tenor Brahms: Serenade No. 2 Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde (Song of the Earth) Representatives of the Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian Faith Traditions offer personal reflections on Thanksgiving. Thursday, November 19, 7 p.m. A reception for the public follows the service. This will be the first LPGA Tournament held in Richmond. Come cheer the Ladies on. The world's largest simultaneous French wine and gourmet food tasting. Beyond the annual celebration of the new Beaujolais, we will showcase a broad variety of both French and American wines and a selection of gourmet foods provided by local prestigious restaurants and caterers. And don’t forget to raffle for a pair of 1st class tickets on Continental Airlines*, executive sponsor and official airline of the FACC! There will also be a large silent auction boasting lavish hotel packages, luxury items and goods from local upscale boutiques. Thursday, 6:30pm-9:00pm $35 for FACC members, $55 for non-members, $60 on the day of. "Take part in a chance to win 1st class Continental Airlines tickets*! Enjoy the sounds and stylings of the nine-piece jazz band, Fried Ice Cream. Having toured the world, they return to their native Houston. The French-American Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome them for a special gourmet performance. Everyone is sure to take full advantage of the dance floor! Over 1,000 individuals from the executive and corporate crowds of downtown and midtown, wine aficionados, and other members of the French community are expected to attend. This event is a great opportunity for networking. It is also an occasion for restaurants, retailers and businesses to gain exposure at the advent of the holiday season!" Watch the Houston Aeros take on Hartford Wolf Pack at Toyota Center, 5:05 p.m. Our Thursday casual Loft concerts at the museum are fun and informative. Each concert is designed around the current exhibitions. Thursday, 6:30pm Contemporary Arts Museum Houston 5216 Montrose Houston 77006 A Night Out, benefiting Dress for Success® Houston, features dinner, a fashion show, boutique shopping, surprise bags and a raffle, all for the purpose of generating money to purchase business attire for economically disadvantaged women. An expected 400 attendees from Houston-area companies, including top-level female executives, will be entertained by local image consultant Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary with a fun-filled presentation on fashion tips and trends. Jan Carson will emcee the event. Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP serves as the event’s platinum sponsor for the fifth consecutive year. Chaired by Liz Howard, a banking partner in Gardere’s Houston office, the firm aims to surpass the $70,000 raised last year. Individual tickets are available for $100 per ticket. Additional sponsorship opportunities range from $1,250 to $5,000. To purchase tickets or inquire about event sponsorship, contact Ray Rivas with Gardere at 713-276-5508 or rrivas@gardere.com. Raffle tickets – $40 each or three for $100 – offer guests a chance at an amazing array of luxurious getaways, sports packages and culinary treats. Guests do not need to be present to win. Attendees also can purchase surprise bags filled with goodies in support of the organization. Money raised from the evening for Dress for Success Houston will purchase 500 suits to help women look and feel confident throughout the interview process. Thursday, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. DRESS FOR SUCCESS & GARDERE WYNNE SEWELL LLP Dress for Success® is a not-for-profit organization that provides interview suits, confidence boosts and career development to more than 2,000 economically disadvantaged women annually. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and a week's worth of separates when she gets the job. Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm celebrating 100 years in 2009 and one of the Southwest’s largest full-service law firms, has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City. Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of energy, litigation, corporate, tax, environmental, labor and employment, intellectual property and financial services. CMH is celebrating a unique holiday with roots in India and Nepal. Diwali means an “Array of Lamps,” which is why it’s often called a “festival of lights!” Come celebrate this exuberant holiday by creating colorful decorations to welcome visitors to your home. Our Diwali celebration forms part of Seasons of Sharing, Houston’s only multicultural holiday exhibit for children spotlighting seven cultural celebrations, on display Nov. 14 through Jan. 10. On-going Activities: Diwali Toran: Cut and color a traditional Diwali doorhanging, called a toran, to welcome visitors into your home. Diwali Diwa: Make a paper maché lantern with a pretend light inside. Medhi Hand Decorating: Trace your hands on a piece of paper and decorate them with swirls, flowers, or other designs of your choice Special Events: Anjali Indian Dance Company. Renowned art director, Rathna Kumar leads traditional fast-paced Indian dances in celebration of Diwali. Saturday, Nov. 21: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22: 2 p.m. StoryCorps Historias comes to Discovery Green in downtown Houston November 19 to December 19, 2009. StoryCorps Historias aims to record the diverse stories and life experiences of Latinos in the United States. Sharing these stories celebrates our history, honors our heritage, and captures the true spirit of our community. It will also ensure that the voices of Latinos will be preserved and remembered for generations to come. When you record your story, you’ll have a meaningful experience captured on CD to share with your friends, family, and community. With your permission, a copy will be archived at the Library of Congress for future generations to hear. Listen to examples of StoryCorp Historias. Individuals and families can make a reservation beginning November 5, 2009 by calling 800-850-4406. The reservation line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Houston is the first stop on this national tour – and the only city in Texas currently on the schedule. Hill/Finger Lecture Series presents Great Characters in Texas History by Judge Mark Davidson on Thursday, November 19, 2009. Thursday, 12 to 1 p.m. Complimentary Parking is available behind the Kellum-Noble House; Visitors should enter the lot from the Allen Parkway inbound. Members are free, non-members $5. Guests may bring a lunch or purchase one for $10 RSVP: 713-655-1912, ext. 101 For more information contact: Elizabeth Martin at 713-655-1912, ext. 101 The November 19 lecture on Great Characters in Texas History will be presented by Judge Mark Davidson, a local jurist and history buff. From 1989 until 2008 Mark Davidson was the 26th judge of the 11th District Court, the oldest court in the state of Texas. He is currently serving as the Multidistrict Litigation Judge for all asbestos cases filed in the State Courts of Texas. Judge Davidson has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Historic Document Preservation Project of the Harris County District Clerk’s office and is well-known for his interest in local history. If you would like to reserve a box lunch for this lecture, please contact Elizabeth Martin by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. The Hill/Finger Lectures are made possible by William J. Hill and the Jerry and Nanette Finger Foundation. The Heritage Society is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. Hundreds of member companies and Houstonians to gather at EOTRIBE09 on November 19, 2009, to share ideas and celebrate the vital role entrepreneurs play in job creation, innovation and economic recovery. If you own a business or ever thought of owning a business, you have found your tribe: EOTRIBE09. This event is a gathering of the brightest business minds and opportunity creators in Houston. EOTRIBE09 takes place on November 19, 2009, from 1pm to sundown in Mid-Town Park (100 W. Gray @ Bagby St.), with events spilling into the Houston Technology Center and surrounding restaurants and venues. The festival is FREE for everyone! The EOTRIBE09 festival will feature 11 events over a 9 hour span, including best selling author and management guru Bill George, Leadership Lunches, Houston Coaches Association Coaches Corner, Social Media Mastermind event and will culminate with an after party at Sammie’s featuring award winning band and EO members "The Mighty Profits." (For complete event details, and to purchase tickets to a Leadership Lunch, visit www.eotribe09.eventbrite.com and http://www.eotribe09.com.) EOTRIBE09 is part of EO24 Global Entrepreneurship Day. On November 19th, 100 Entrepreneurs’ Organization Chapters, representing 42 Countries, and additional entrepreneurial partner organizations, will come together in an effort to drive economic growth, share entrepreneurial wisdom and establish further connection. Over a 24-hour span there will be a real-time continuum across 65 events, capturing the EO24 experience at locations around the globe through Webcasts, EOtv, the Global Entrepreneurship Week Blog, Twitter, Facebook and other forms of traditional and new media. About EO Houston: The Houston Chapter of The Entrepreneurs' Organization was founded in 1993. In 15 years it has grown to include 160 members with combined revenues of over $ 1 Billion and employing over 6000 people. Member companies include advertising, computer services, real estate development, manufacturing, logistics, telecommunications, health and human resources to name a few. Member companies are leaders in their respective fields winning such accolades as "Best Place to Work," "Fastest Growth Companies," and "Fast Tech 50." About the Entrepreneurs’ Organization: The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) – for entrepreneurs only – is a dynamic global network of more than 7,300 business owners in 42 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group of young entrepreneurs, EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow from each other, leading to greater business success and an enriched personal life. Membership in one of EO’s 116 chapters is by invitation only; the average member is 40 years old with annual revenues of US$17.3 million. For more information on EO, visit www.eonetwork.org or call +1.703.519.6700. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC), the nonprofit organization founded to advance education about the process, product and history of craft. Please join Houston Center for Contemporary Craft for the AIR Fair & Asher Holiday Soiree. Meet and visit with our newest Artists-in-Residence (AIRs) while you tour their studios and see their latest works. Enjoy artist demonstrations, refreshments, and extended hours for holiday shopping in Asher Gallery. The main exhibition galleries, featuring Texas Masters Series: Rachelle Thiewes and Celebrating Our Creative Spirit: Texas Federation of Fiber Artists, will also be open. Thursday, 5:30–8:00 PM FREE to the public Meet the current AIRs: Gabriel Craig and Amy Weiks, extraordinary jewelers and metalsmiths; ceramic artists Kelley Eggert, Jeff Forster, and Peter Masters; metal artist Rebecca Roberds; and resident multi-media artist, Catherine Morgan. Tour their studios, view recent works, and learn more about their techniques and personal stories. In Asher Gallery, choose from a diverse selection of unique, handmade goods--from jewelry and scarves to glass art, ceramics, sculpture, and home décor. This special holiday event also coincides with the first day of the Houston Museum District Members’ Sale, so if you’re a member of HCCC or another participating museum, you can save 20% on your holiday shopping! (Visit www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org for more details on the sale.) A free luncheon for heart attack survivors and their families to learn about heart recovery and Hearts in Harmony, a new public education campaign to help people conquer the physical and emotional effects of surviving a heart event and get back to life. **A heart-healthy lunch will be served. This luncheon is for anyone who has suffered a heart event, such as a heart attack or stent placement, and their loved ones. Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. How to Register: Those interested in attending the luncheon should please call (866) 324-6788. **Space is limited. Speakers: - Dr. Bob Arnot, author of “Seven Steps to Stop a Heart Attack” - Dr. Neal S. Kleiman, Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at the Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College - Mended Hearts National Volunteer Officer and heart event survivor Donnette Smith More information: Please visit HealthyHeartsinHarmony.com You'll be "Having the Time of Your Life" with this exhilarating concert attraction that's sold-out around the world! Enjoy all the music that made the group famous in this outstanding recreation of their last live concert. Join in and enjoy all of your favorites, including: "Mamma Mia," "Voulez-Vous," "Dancing Queen," "Winner Takes it All," "Super Trooper" and many more. November 18, 8:00 pm November 18th- Tee-Off Party – 7 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy November19th- John Granato Celebrity Golf Classic- tee off at 11 a.m. at Wildcat Golf Club Fore and more! It’s that time of year again and we are celebrating our 12th Annual John Granato Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting United Cerebral Palsy; hosted by BP Texas City, Complete Environmental Products Inc., 1560AM – The Game, and Wildcat Golf Club; and sponsored in part by 89.3 KSBJ, Accenture, and Wyman Gordon Forgings Inc. We are inviting you to be a part of this annual event with the Golf Classic scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2009 at Wildcat Golf Club and the “Tee Off” Dinner & Auction taking place the night before at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Players, Teams and Sponsorship information as follows: (all players receive entry into Tee Off Party, Nike Golf Shoes, Ping event golf shirt, golfing, beverages, lunch and dinner on day of event!) $375 – Individual Player $1,500 – Team Sponsor $3,000 – Copper Sponsor $5,000 – Bronze Sponsor $10,000 – Silver Sponsor $15,000 – Gold Sponsor $25,000 – Platinum Sponsor To register: http://www.ucphouston.org/public/pag60.aspx or for more information visit www.ucphouston.org Please join many local sports celebrities in supporting this well-known fun event, which raises funds to support the eight programs UCP offers. Urban Harvest launches Food For Thought, a new, thought-provoking series of panel discussions on today’s hot topics that support growing and eating locally. The panels will be lead by local and regional experts, and are scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month. Urban Harvest inspires and empowers people of diverse backgrounds to grow healthy foods, in the process enriching the city we call home. With three hard-working programs at its core Community Gardens, Education and Urban Harvest Farmers Market­­ – Urban Harvest supports a network of gardens, farms and orchards in the greater Houston area. Food For Thought is the perfect complement to further Urban Harvest’s core mission. The initial lineup is as follows: November 18 ~ Edible Plants in the Urban Garden. December 16 ~ Fresh Fruit Year Round. January 20 ~ Living the Locavore Life. February 17 ~ Tools of the Trade. WHEN: Third Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Format: 7-7: 15 pm social ▪ 7:15-8:15 pm moderated panel discussion ▪ 8:15-8:45 pm Q&A session WHERE: The November 18 lecture will be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Oberholtzer Residence Hall., 108 Oberholtzer Hall, University of Houston, Central Campus (713-743-6000). Location for subsequent event TBA. Three virtuosos perform solo works by major contemporary composers, including a major new piano work inspired by the great paintings of American artist Cy Twombly. Australian composer Liza Lim, known for the visceral energy and vibrant color of hercompositions, is winner of Australia’s most prestigious composition prize and recipient of commissions from such ensembles as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and BBC Symphony. Nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award, the brilliant Avery Fisher prize-winning violinist Jennifer Kohand acclaimed Moores School of Music saxophonist Valerie Vidal make their Da Camera debuts. Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. The Menil Collection Liza Lim Four Seasons (after Cy Twombly) Kaija Saariaho Nocturne for solo violin Esa-Pekka Salonen Lachen verlernt Luciano Berio Sequenza IXb for alto saxophone Jennifer Koh, violin; Marilyn Nonken, piano; Valerie Vidal, saxophone Celtic Thunder * Tuesday * 11/17/09 * at 7:30 PM Verizon Wireless Theater Houston, TX The Get Up Kids * Tuesday * 11/17/09 * at 8:00 PM House of Blues Houston Houston, TX Watch the Houston Aeros take on San Antonio Rampage at Toyota Center, 7:30 p.m. Watch the Houston Rockets take on the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. The best in the world of women's golf are converging in Houston to settle who shall earn the title of Champion. This November, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club will host this premier event filled with elite competition, family fun and good old fashioned Southern hospitality. The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship will feature a field of 120 of the top LPGA professionals in the world, a $1,500,000 purse, and a unique format that will see a cut after 36 holes to the low 70 professionals and an additional cut after 54 holes to the low 30 pros. The LPGA boasts a strong history in Texas, with some of the biggest names in women’s golf winning tournaments including Nancy Lopez, Jan Stephenson, Betsy King and Annika Sorenstam. Apart from Houston hosting the Samsung World Championship in 2003, the last regular LPGA Tour event held in the city was in 1986. The 2009 LPGA Tour Championship not only marks the long-awaited return of the LPGA Tour to Houston, but brings perhaps the most prestigious women’s golf tournament in the area’s long sports history. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Tuesday, November 17 Practice Round (No ticket required for entry on Tuesday only) Wednesday, November 18 Pro-Am Competition Thursday, November 19 First Round Friday, November 20 Second Round (Cut made to low 70 professionals) Saturday, November 21 Third Round (Cut made to low 30 professionals) Ronald McDonald Charities Ronald McDonald House Charities Junior Clinic Driving Range 12:00 pm Sunday, November 22 Final Round (Awards ceremony will immediately follow play on 18th green) VENUE: The Houstonian Golf & Country Club 12600 Houstonian Drive Richmond, TX 77407 Tickets for the 2009 LPGA Tour Championship will go on sale June 1 and can be purchased online at www.lpgatourchampionship.org or by phone at 877-LPGA-TIX (574-2849). The cost for daily tickets, which allow grounds access for any one day of tournament week (Wednesday – Sunday) is $20. Daily parking passes are also available for purchase, and are priced at $5 each. Weekly grounds passes are priced at $60, and allows access to the tournament grounds for the entire week. All weekly ticket purchases also include one complimentary weekly parking pass. View the sweeping pageantry of Texas history through music. From early Spanish exploration and the first settlement by American frontiersmen to the Battle for Independence and the Civil War, music has given voice to the land of Texas. Listen and learn as Paragon Brass traces this epic saga with musical selections relating Texas' journey from colonization to independent nation to the Lone Star State. November 17, 11:00 am Presented by Young Audiences of Houston Kiran’s Restaurant is sponsoring a special wine dinner on Tuesday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m. featuring cardiologist and vineyard owner Dr. Revana. Revana’s wines have achieved acclaim from wine critic Robert Parker, and will be paired with Chef Kiran’s “heart-healthy” tandoori cuisine. The four-course dinner is $125 per person, including wines. For reservations, call 713-960-8472. Most show choirs exist in schools, but Houston Choral Showcase provides a unique opportunity for local adults to experience this distinctive and dynamic style of choral entertainment for themselves. Visit an Open Rehearsal on Monday November 16th, and see what all the fun is about. You can join in the singing, try some dance steps, or just come to watch and socialize. Houston Choral Showcase performs contemporary arrangements of popular songs with dance movement and sparkling costumes. At the Open Rehearsal you’ll get a sneak preview of the December 13 “Let’s Have a Christmas Celebration” Holiday Show and a taste of the music planned for next season. The Open Rehearsal with Houston Choral Showcase will be Monday November 16, 7:00pm, at Zion Lutheran Church in The Heights (3606 Beauchamp, Houston, TX 77009). More information is on the web site at www.houstonchoralshowcase.org. On November 16, 2009 from 6pm-9pm, the Boheme Café and Wine Bar will be hosting a book-signing/discussion with new Author Mary E. Gilder, in celebration of her debut novel A Misrepresentation of Myself. The Author will be on site signing books, meeting guests, and discussing her new novel. The event is FREE! Books will be available for purchase. You need more than guts and good intentions to record a convincing all-covers CD of songs by the modern-day pantheon of great singer-songwriters, from Bob Dylan to Mickey Newbury to Joni Mitchell. You have to add something special and personal to reignite oft-heard standards – musical talent, sure, but also a depth of feeling, experience and understanding. And Darrell Scott, from his genes to his genius as a sensitive vocalist, an award-winning songwriter of depth and perception, and a versatile instrumentalist, has earned that right. Born on a tobacco farm in London, Ky., in 1959, and raised in E. Gary, Indiana, Darrell was part of a musical family. His father Wayne, a steelworker by trade but a songwriter in his heart, moved his clan to Southern California when Darrell was 11. Soon Darrell and brothers Denny, Dale, Don, and David were part of their dad’s band, getting on-the-job training in country music as they played its hits on the stages of roadhouses and taverns as far north as Alaska. Darrell eventually left the band and California, paying some more musical dues in Toronto and in Boston and earning a degree in poetry from nearby Tufts University, where he also studied literature. With his lyric skills sharpened and his abilities on guitars, banjo and other instruments already road-tested, Darrell followed his muse to country music’s Ground Zero, Nashville. His key to entering Music Row’s inner circles was, at first, his string-slinging skills – starting in 1992, he appeared on albums by alt.country mavericks Guy Clark (for whom he later produced two CDs) and Steve Earle, Randy Travis, Patty Loveless, and dozens more. As his "day job" as a picker flourished, Darrell channeled his other creative energies into his own songwriting and recordings. By the time he had released his debut CD, Aloha from Nashville (1997), its follow-up Family Tree (1999), and Real Time (2000), a duo album with “newgrass” trailblazer Tim O’Brien, Darrell’s original songs were much in demand by singers looking for more than "big hat" bragging or slick country-pop. Suzy Bogguss was the first of many to record a Scott song, taking his "No Way Out" into the country singles charts in 1996. Darrell’s compositions became highlights of albums by Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Kathy Mattea, Maura O’Connell and even his mentor, Guy Clark. The Dixie Chicks’ recording of “Long Time Gone” from Real Time was not only a hit for the Chicks but garnered a 2003 Grammy nomination for "Best Country Song"; "The Second Mouse," a Scott/O’Brien tune from Real Time, was a Grammy finalist as “Best Country Instrumental Performance” in 2001. That same year, Darrell was named Songwriter of the Year by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, an honor repeated by ASCAP in 2002. Darrell’s solo CDs, session work, touring gigs with Steve Earle’s Bluegrass Dukes (of which he remains a member), Guy Clark, and Newgrass Revival founder Sam Bush, and his own live shows have steadily drawn reviews even payola can’t buy. USA Today praised his “brilliantly clever songs”; Entertainment Tonight raved about his “powerful songwriting, passionate vocals and masterful picking”; Rolling Stone listed his 2003 CD, Theatre of the Unheard, in their list of Critics’ Top Albums and compared him to Clark and Springsteen “at their best.” Performing Songwriter went all the way, dubbing him “the best of the best.” Somehow, Darrell has continually found the time and energy to expand his musical activities ever further. In 2003, he launched his own label, Full Light Records, and his first move as owner was to produce a traditional, mountain country album for his father, This Weary Way, that finally showcased Wayne’s original songs. For the past two years, Darrell has been the “artist in residence” with Orchestra Nashville (members appear on Modern Hymn’s “Joan of Arc”), creating what he calls “diverse musical happenings – the odder the better,” mixing the string section with such guests as Sam Bush, jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, and other musicians from many genres. Darrell has also been stockpiling songs and ideas for his next few CDs, including orchestral recordings, a “stone country” album, a duets project, and a band record of roots, Americana and folk-rock songs. He plays more than 50 shows a year, including prestigious US and UK festivals, and conducts songwriting workshops around the country. He recently had to turn down invitations to lead road bands for Joan Baez and for the current Alison Krauss/Robert Plant tour due to logistics. We should all have such problems; we should all have such skills. But Darrell does, and that’s what makes him such a distinctive and creative force in contemporary music. Admission: $15 Rusty Andrews McGonigel's Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk Houston Texas 77098 An award-winning composer, arranger, vocalist and jazz pianist of extraordinary range and sophistication, Billy Stritch breathes new life into the Great American Songbook, all the while bringing an easy sense of humor and showmanship to his performances. November 15, 7:30 pm Accompanied by the University of Houston Jazz Orchestra, he's guaranteed to heat up a cool fall evening. Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre Bid on a fabulous tree for your home! On display November 15 thru December 15, Auction Closes: December 14, TV Court Winners of the silent auction will be notified December 15. The 12 trees were decorated by Katy Area Chamber of Commerce members. Proceeds will benefit a children’s wish granting organization! West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Sunday, 6:00pm-7:30pm Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex 2201 Preston St, Houston TX 77003 Admission: $7 Local artists in a variety of disciplines showcase their works developed through the Fieldwork feedback process as part of the fall Fieldwork session. For more information, call (713) 862-5530 or email info@severaldancerscore.org. http://www.severaldancerscore.org PartnershipsInAction is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) and its volunteers in communities across America to raise funds and awareness to help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term solutions to poverty. Saturday, November 14, 2009 Registration begins at 08:30 a.m. Please celebrate with Musiqa as we honor composer Todd Frazier, founder of the American Festival for the Arts and Executive Director of Young Audiences of Houston. Dinner, silent auction and live music. All proceeds to benefit Musiqa's 09-10 season. Saturday, 7:00pm WHERE: the home of Sharyn and David Harris, 1804 Bolsover, Houston 77005 TICKETS: $100 advance reservations, $125 at the door CONTACT: 713-724-5678 OR www.musiqahouston.org Max's latest retrospective features over 100 pieces of Max's art, including original paintings, drawings, and limited-edition prints. The subject matter of the work ranges from the well known "Cosmic" images, to his famous iconic paintings, such as the "Statue of Liberty," and "Flag with Heart" and the newest edition, the portrait of President Obama. With paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide, Peter Max and his vibrant colors have become a part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Often incorporating iconic symbols of America into his work, Max has painted for five U.S. presidents, created the official artwork and poster for the Clinton Inauguration, his "Flag With Heart" impressionistic paintings of the American flag are in permanent installations in the Carter, Reagan and Bush presidential libraries in addition to his statue of Liberty paintings, which have become an annual painting tradition since America's Bicentennial, in 1976 and led to Max playing a lead role in the renovation of the Statue of Liberty. Art available for acquisition. Artist Appearances: Off The Wall Gallery 5515 Westheimer #2208 Houston, Texas 77056 RSVP Requested Meet the Artist: Saturday, November 14, 6-9pm Sunday, November 15, 1-4pm The Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground of fun for the young and young at heart at the 14th Annual Children's Festival. Award-winning children's performers educate and entertain thousands of children during two days of non-stop fun and excitement. Each artist has a unique ability to delight and inspire children with programs that not only amuse, but also communicate positive messages. The festival features music, dance, puppetry, theater, comedy, arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting and more! Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $6 when purchased in advance and $8 at the door Preferred parking for this event is available at all Ticketmaster locations for $5 plus service charge A Comcast Family Event A two-day Native American Pow Wow with colorful tribal dance contests, an Indian artist and traders arts & crafts tent, teepee, visiting with old friends, making new ones, honoring ceremonies, singing, dancing and much more will be part of the 20th Annual Texas Championship Indian Pow Wow. The event will take place at Traders Village Houston on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 & 15, 2009 and presented by the Dallas-Fort Worth Inter-Tribal Association. Several hundred Native Americans, representing dozens of tribes from across the United States will take part in this celebration of culture and heritage. Dancers in full regalia of feathers, buckskin, bells and beadwork will be competing for prize money and awards in eighteen different dance categories. Participants will range in age from two-year old toddler’s to grandmothers in their 80's. The Indian food booth will serve authentic Native American fry bread and Indian tacos. Artists, craftsmen and traders from Texas and surrounding states will showcase their wares and talents in the arts & crafts show under The Red Expo, so come rain and shine - the show will go on. Teepee exhibits will provide visitors with a close-up look at life with this age-old form of portable shelter. The dance contests will take place from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m., with Grand Entry at 12:00 noon, on Saturday and Sunday. The arts & crafts sale will be open from 9:00 a.m. to sundown each day. The teepee exhibit will be open only during daylight hours - dawn to dusk - both days. The drums will beat for the dancers in the following categories: tiny tots, little boys, little girls, junior boys, junior girls, golden age men & ladies, ladies cloth, buckskin, fancy shawl, jingle dress, men's straight, traditional, grass and fancy. Visitors will see dancers in full traditional dress at all dance sessions over the two days. The largest, most visited open-air market on the Texas Gulf Coast, Traders Village is at 7979 North Eldridge Road near Highway 290, just minutes northwest of downtown Houston. Call 281-890-5500 for more information. It’s Christmas time again! Come celebrate “Home For The Holidays” in Old Town Spring. Load up the whole family to enjoy the 28th annual Christmas celebration. Spend the day shopping, listening to strolling musicians and barbershop quartets, taking pictures with Santa, touring our museum, enjoying a train ride, and last but not least enjoy horse and carriage rides. Don’t miss the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting at dusk November 14th. Come enjoy the day shopping then come down to the museum around 6:00pm for children’s activities, entertainment, the tree lighting, and of course don’t miss every ones favorite Santa Claus. Old Town Spring will be draped with thousands of twinkling white lights and colorful decorations. The street lamps will be decorated from top to bottom to give you that old town Holiday feeling. Come step back in time and enjoy “Home For The Holidays” in Old Town Spring. For more information call 1-800-OLD-TOWN or 281.353.9310. Two open-house weekends with: 1) Musical entertainment Spring Historical Museum parking lot Strolling 2) Horse and carriage rides Both compliments of Old Town Spring merchants. Every weekend through December 20th: Santa House with photos with Santa Christmas train Photo's with Santa in the Museum Parking Lot; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Cost: 1 pose $5.00 2 prints $8.00 3 prints $10.00 4 prints $12.00 Train Ride near the Museum on Gentry Street; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Cost: $3.00 Shops open every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day The Annual Langham Creek HS FFA Booster Club 2009 Craft Show will be on Saturday and Sunday at the Cy-Fair ISD Exhibit Center (Telge Rd. & US 290). Fun for the whole family! 100-150 vendors, Indoors, Games, Silent Auction, Raffles, Concession Stand, & more! Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call Kim about booths or for more information (281) 414-0487 or e-mail at chef_kimmo@yahoo.com. Come join us for two days of family fun! Houston Happy Hikers will hold a 5k/10k Walk in Seabrook on Saturday, November 14. Start between 8-11 a.m.; finish by 2p.m. Start point is Miramar Park, 1900 N. Meyer Rd. The trail leads along the water and through parks where birds and wildlife live. Bring your binoculars and cameras to capture some beautiful sights. Contact: Dori Nelson (281) 474-4825 dori.nelson@sbcglobal.net hhhpresident@houstonhappyhikers.org Blending an athletic and technically virtuosic mix of ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary dance as their signature style of movement, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company presents Quirky Works Texas at the Cullen Theater, Wortham Center on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8 p.m. The performance program features three works created for the company in 2009 including: Where Beauty Washes the Soul by Randall Flinn; Elevated by Salim Gauwloos; and History by Braham Logan Crane. Guest companies Travesty Dance Group/Houston and CORE Performance Company each performs a work on the evening program. Tickets for Quirky Works Texas are available for $10 to $35 on-line at the Houston Met Web site or by calling (713) 522-6375. Flinn's work for Houston Met Dance, Where Beauty Washes the Soul, features the music of Yo Yo Ma and Ennio Morricone. Flinn describes his new work as "truly pure movement, not contrived or worked, but simply experienced and given in return." Elevated examines Gauwloos interest in an afterlife of "perfect balance and harmony" informed his work, Elevated, set on 11 dancers this past June. Gauwloos created a work of quiet reverence that builds to an exuberant conclusion. Braham Logan Crane re-set his seven section dance theater piece, History on the 13-member company this month. The 32-minute piece includes music; multi-media projections and precise movement that inform a narrative that celebrates life. Travesty Dance Group/Houston reprises their 2008 work, Raw Silk, choreographed by Karen Stokes, which is inspired by the cool hypnotic jazz sounds of Bill Ryan, combined with intricate gestures melded with explosive athleticism to mesmerizing effect. CORE Performance Company will perform Alicia Sánchez's work Tus Pasos Encontrados (Your Found Steps) which brings to life poignant, frantic characters in a surreal landscape of solitude, desperation, and humor. Quirky Works was created by Michelle Smith, Executive Director of Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in 2003 to showcase the company and offer it the opportunity to travel and present its work nationally. Over the past seven years, Houston Met Dance has shared the performance bill with Altered Modalities, California; Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Michigan; Chrysalis Dance Company, FLY Dance Company, Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble, all of Houston; and Tapestry Dance Company of Austin. Founded in 1995, Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, familiarly known as "Houston Met Dance", embraces a comprehensive dance style that fuses the dance idioms of contemporary dance, jazz, tap and ballet. The company is committed to commissioning new works by internationally renowned and emerging choreographers as well as nurturing the creative talent from within the company. Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. Saturday, Dinner and Art at 6:00pm, Dance Concert at 7:00pm NCI Ripley House 4410 Navigation Houston, TX 77011 Tickets On Sale PRESALE: $12 Adults, $10 Students Admission: $15 713-526-1049 For more info. Please contact Dance Houston: 713-526-1049 Tadpole Troopers Class at Houston Arboretum - Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Saturday, November 14: 9:00- 10:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Why do some birds fly and some birds swim? After reading Make Way for Ducklings, we will learn how birds adapt for their environments. Tadpole Troopers classes are nature investigations for 3, 4 and early 5 year olds accompanied by a big person of their choice. Learn how to engage your child or grandchild in a lifelong love of the outdoors. Next Classes - Friday, November 20: 10:30- 11:45 a.m. Saturday, November 21:9:00 - 10:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. One parent/adult participant per child required (only one adult please). Advanced reservation required. Register online at www.houstonarboretum.org/tadpoletroopersform.asp, in person, or by mail or fax (713-682-2539). Payment must be included at time of registration. Cost (per child/per class): $13 for members (Family Tree or above); $26 for non-members. (Cost includes one adult with child) Registration deadline is noon on Friday prior to each class (noon on Thursday for all Friday morning classes); confirmation will be mailed or emailed to you. Register for Fall series (all four classes) and save $7-14. Email us at register@houstonarboretum.org. Rachmaninoff’s quicksilver First Symphony explodes with tenderness, fire and passion fitting the 23-year-old composer. November 13, 14, 15, 2009 Hans Graf, conductor Jeffrey Kahane, piano Rachmaninoff: The Rock Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 22 Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 1 What makes Trey McIntyre’s choreography unique is “in the rhythm” says Los Angeles Times. He makes “brainy choices about a dance’s tempo, harmony and timbre.” Among other dances, the SPA program will include his latest work (serious), a trio set to the music of Henry Cowell. “McIntyre's approach to dance is ingrained in classical technique and movement, but (with (serious)) he is moving into new territory,” says Idaho Statesman. “Our goal is to use the inherent beauty of ballet vocabulary to create dances that authentically and clearly convey the emotion and grace of life’s journey, while meaningfully engaging audiences in the experience of art,” says Trey McIntyre, Artistic Director. Three short years ago, Trey McIntyre Project (TMP) burst onto the national dance scene with its debut performances at The Vail International Dance Festival. TMP’s “fresh and forward-thinking choreography” (Washington Post) was an immediate sensation with both critics and audiences alike. Led by celebrated choreographer Trey McIntyre, whose work has been commissioned by American Ballet Theatre, Stuttgart Ballet, and many other top ballet companies around the world, TMP also boasts an ensemble of top professional dancers, who have danced with companies such as The Washington Ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Ballet Memphis and Oregon Ballet Theatre. Since its inaugural season, the Company has gone on to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the country, including Jacob’s Pillow, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and the Aspen Dance Festival, premiering works created during annual summer residencies at White Oak Plantation. Guided by the choreographer’s unparalleled ear for musical structures, TMP’s repertoire spans classical music (The Blue Boy to Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1), rock (A Day in the Life, set to music by The Beatles and High Lonesome to music by Beck), jazz (Sacred Ellington, a collaboration with opera legend Jessye Norman and Blue Until June to music by Etta James), and historic bluegrass music selections (Go Out). TMP was initially formed as a summer touring company. Because of the overwhelmingly positive critical reception of the Company’s work since its founding in 2004 and the success of its operational model, TMP incorporated as a non-profit entity in order to be able to support a full-time, international touring company. TMP will debut the Company in its new form in a 30-city tour across the United States and abroad during the 2008-09 season. McIntyre’s ambitious new multi-media ballet The Sun Road about the effects of global warming, commissioned jointly by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and Glacier National Park for its Face of America program, will premiere in the summer of 2009 as part of the Company’s tour across America. This event will be held at: Wortham Center's Cullen Theater. Tariq Ali, Historian and Author Friday, November 13, 7 p.m. Join us in the Historic Heights at the luxurious remodeled Heights Theater where we will be showcasing the people, culture, art, food, beverage and music of Peru. The GAMAARTE Association from Peru will be exhibiting work of some popular Peruvian artists.. Festivities for Friday & Saturday begin at 7:00pm until midnight. Sunday, is family day and doors open at 1:00pm lasting until 6:00pm. There will music, dance, art, food, demonstrations, shopping and a silent auction both evenings. On Family Day the children can participate in hands on crafts, games, watch educational videos about Peru and see and touch live alpacas. Heights Theater 339 19th Street Houston, TX Admission is only a $10.00 Cash Donation with every adult receiving 1 free drink ticket. On Sunday, children under the age of 12 get in free. Additional food and drink tickets can be purchased at the door. 100% of the proceeds of this event will benefit the Sunshine Camps of Austin and Children’s Charity Programs in Peru. The date has been set fellow achievers for this years Houston Lebowski Bash! The Bums will descend on Discovery Green on Friday to partake in all things Dude. Come celebrate the opening of the new Lucky Strikes Lane in downtown Houston with music, trivia, costume contest, an outdoor human bowling alley and, of course, beer. Event begins at 7:30 pm, movie at 10 pm. Let me remind you achievers out there, the Dude uses a lot of cuss words so I hope you remember to leave the kids at home. Unless of course they have taste for cursin, Creedence and good ole hatred for the Eagles. Keep your eyes peeled to this site and Discovery Green for more details in the coming weeks Looking for a fun outing for your little one while the big kids are in school? Then stop by Borders in Market Street – The Woodlands for the store’s free, 30-minute Story Time every Friday morning at 11a.m. where children enjoy all types of story time favorites in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Besides the weekly Story Time presentations, Borders partners with the H-E-B in Market Street to coordinate field trips for pre-k and kindergarten-aged children. School groups first tour the H-E-B store where they learn about the importance of healthy food choices. Afterward, groups visit the Borders store for age-appropriate Story Time reading. For more information on the Friday Story Time at Borders, or to schedule a school field trip to the H-E-B and Borders in Market Street, contact Borders Store Manager Cindy Wexler at 832-585-0052 or by e-mail at cwexler@bordersstores.com. Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. Market Street is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors. Brecht and Weill’s creation is a savage, biting commentary on capitalism and modern morality. Set in London, The Threepenny Opera is a bitter tale told of the outlaw known as Mack the Knife. He secretly marries the daughter of Soho’s underworld boss but is soon betrayed by his sinister in-laws and sent to prison. After being freed by the police chief’s daughter, he is again betrayed – this time by a prostitute – and sentenced to death. At the final hour he manages a reprieve, thus providing a menacing finale of ferocious irony. Weill’s acidic harmonies, and Brecht’s piercing texts, create a revolutionary musical that inspired such subsequent hits as Cabaret, Chicago, and Urinetown. November 13-14, 8:00 pm November 15, 2:00 pm November 19-21, 8:00 pm For tickets, call 713-348-PLAY Visual & Dramatic Arts Theatre Hamman Hall Rice University MacGregor Elementary School students will perform songs they created in a weeklong Kid Pan Alley music residency program. Then, Miller Theatre joins the Houston Cinema Arts Festival with a special screening of "Peter Pan," the original 1924 film considered one of the most beloved film spectaculars of the Silent Era. November 13, 7:00 pm Legendary silent film accompanists Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton and Kid Pan Alley music director Paul Reisler perform the original score. Presented by Miller Outdoor Theatre and Houston Cinema Arts Festival Celebrating 16 years in Houston, ComedySportz performs fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Suitable and fun for all ages, this truly is the one show that makes everybody laugh. ComedySportz is competitive team improvisational comedy, played just like a sport. Two teams of professional comedians compete in rounds of improv games while incorporating audience suggestions, much like "Whose Line is it Anyway" on tv. Each team tries every wacky move they can manage in order to win the most laughs from the audience and the most points from the energetic, wisecracking referee. Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Fans never see the same thing twice, and they return again and again to cheer on their favorite players. The audience helps pick what games the teams will play, yells suggestions and ultimately decides which team is the evening’s winner. It's always fast, always funny and every show is appropriate for all ages. ComedySportz Matches are held every Friday and Saturday at 8pm at the ComedySportz Arena. The Venue: ComedySportz Arena The Coin Toss: Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm Gate Admission: $16 Adults $14 Students (with ID) $14 Seniors (65 and older) $14 Military Group Discounts available Show Length: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes Reservations are recommended for all performances. All reserved seats must be paid for when the reservation is made. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Your reservation will not be complete until we receive payment. All sales are final with no refunds and no exchanges. Contact us at 713.868.1444 to make your reservation or for more information. Concessions are available in the form of beer, wine, soft drinks, and water, as well as light snacks. There is never a drink minimum at ComedySportz. Children can have breakfast with Santa at West Oaks Mall. West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. Friday, 11 a.m., near Dillard’s For more information, call (281) 531-1332. All children who visit (the naturally bearded) Santa at West Oaks Mall will receive a FREE treat. Friday, November 13 thru Thursday, December 24, near Dillard’s West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Area school groups, organizations and local performers will present holiday entertainment representing a variety of musical genres all season long. Friday, November 13 thru Thursday, December 24, Centerwide West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. For more information, call (281) 531-1332. Frenchie Davis, semifinalist in the second season of American Idol, will perform a live concert during a huge celebration of Santa’s arrival at West Oaks Mall on Saturday, November 14 at 7 p.m. near Dillard’s. The celebration will also include a dazzling laser-light show, magical indoor snowstorm, “join in” parade, face painters, a balloon artist, story time, crafts, and more. For more information on Santa’s Arrival at West Oaks Mall, call Customer Service at (281) 531-1332. West Oaks Mall is located on the corner of Hwy. 6 and Westheimer. Unique jewelry and other earthly treasures. Mineral and fossil for the collector or home decor. Jewelry making, beading and lapidary demonstrations. Expert ID of gemstones and fossils. Children's activities including Scout merit badge and "Dino Dig." Displays of gems, fossils, mineral and astounding flourescent rocks. The Houston Gem & Mineral Society Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show. Friday, 9am-6 pm (Kids' Day) Saturday, 9am-6 pm Sunday, 10 am-5 pm Adults $7.00 Under 12, free. Free Parking Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway Humble, TX St. Andrew's in the Heights will present Jim Post in his one-man, musical show, Mark Twain and the Laughing River. For those who know and love Twain, this is a must-see! For those not as familiar with Twain's unique perspective on the human condition, this is a fabulous way to get to know him a bit better....as guided by the truth and talent of Jim Post. Mark Twain said his childhood was "the wellspring of [his] clearest inspiration." Jim Post took Twain at his word and wrote this delightful family show, joyously recalling Hannibal, a boy's paradise with a buckskin spirit of adventure. Post believed this “wellspring” was filled with literary treasures, so he dug deeply into every nook and cranny of Twain’s childhood and was richly rewarded. Learning that Mark Twain sang tenor and played banjo, piano and guitar, loving to show off at parties, Post found the footing for his unique interpretation of a musical Mark Twain. Mark Twain and the Laughing River has been performed in such places as the Smithsonian Institute to Vienna, Austria and many places in between, including Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theatre. One-hour-and-forty-five minutes of “Twainian” stories, wit and wisdom plus the brilliant, jubilant music many have come to expect from Jim Post, a homegrown Texan! St. Andrew’s will host three shows: Friday, November 13, 7:30 pm; Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15, 2:30 pm. Tickets are $18 general and $14 student/senior (60+) and may be purchased in advance at www.saintandrewsepiscopal.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door with cash only. Building Faith: Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Visiting Houses of Worship 201 Travis at Franklin Houston, TX 77002 Friday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. This event is free, however, space is limited, and advance registration is required. For questions about this event, please e-mail membership@hmh.org or call 713-942-8000, ext. 112. Join Holocaust Museum Houston, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Houston Da'wah Center during the Fall of 2009 for tours of each location. Each tour will give a brief description of the religion and will discuss how the building is used for religious services for the community. Following the tours of the synagogue, cathedral and mosque, Holocaust Museum Houston invites you to tour the Museum's two changing exhibits, "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" and "Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During the Holocaust," on Thursday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5 p.m. A panel discussion will follow at 7 p.m. in the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater. On the panel will be a religious leader from each religion discussed during the tours. This tour will be led by a scholar of the Houston Islamic Da'wah Center. Transportation will not be provided to any of the tours/events. Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time and meet in the foyer of the main entrance to the mosque. There is a small parking lot in front of the mosque, and all other parking is available along the street. Supported by her impressive acoustic trio, her voice is a gorgeous, evocative instrument, and she sings with bravura and power. “Mariza is the music's biggest star for a reason: She sings it not as musty nostalgia but as exuberant twenty-first-century pop,” says Rolling Stone. Mariza began singing Fado as a child, before she could read. Her father sketched out little cartoon stories to help her remember the lyrics. At the age of five, she would join in the spontaneous singing at her parent's restaurant in Mouraria, one of Lisbon’s most traditional neighborhoods. Mariza was born in Mozambique, but her family moved to Portugal when she was a baby, giving her plenty of time to get immersed directly in the Fado Houses where singing is part of everyday life. “They all stand on emotions,” says Mariza, “Fado is an emotional kind of music full of passion, sorrow, jealousy, grief, and often satire.” Mariza walks the fine line necessary to both genuinely carry the tradition of Fado and bring it freshness for today. Her performance style captures the raw emotion that characterizes the genre, but with her own personal twist. Mariza is a performer who has it all - charisma, stunning looks, a voice to die for and shows that deal in musical passion and drama. With her heart breaking voice, she performs with graceful, dramatic gestures, leaving slender wistful notes hanging in the air. If you cannot understand Portuguese, there is no problem. The way she sings Fado communicates directly to the soul and the emotions, tugging at the heart with a performance that speaks of longing, love and nostalgia. Mariza’s latest album Terra is the first masterpiece of a new breathing cycle. Mariza sums it all up in one word: “truth.” And she adds: “During seven years of international tours, I had the chance of discovering other peoples and cultures. I watched and I listened. I learned. This is my moment. This is my truth. I’ve always been true to myself, and I’ve always been true to my fans. And I wanted this album to show them my progress as a singer and a human being. My two previous albums, Transparente and Concerto Em Lisboa were like the end of a cycle to me. This new album, I’ve decided to call it Terra. Why? Maybe because I always have my feet firmly planted on the ground, and also because recording it was like going on a musical journey. Inevitably...” It’s December of 1939, and the world is facing great challenges, but the Frietag household in Atlanta is consumed with more immediate matters, such as the world premiere of Gone with the Wind and whether or not Lala will secure a date for Ballyhoo, the Jewish social event of the season. The author of Driving Miss Daisy turns a sharply amused eye on matters of assimilation and prejudice, identity and romance, in this rich portrait of a family struggling to know its place. MAIN STREET THEATER – RICE VILLAGE 2540 Times Blvd. Houston, TX 77005 November 12 – December 13, 2009 (Previews November 7, 8, and 11; no performance November 13); Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm; Sundays at 3:00pm TICKET PRICES AND DISCOUNTS: -Thursdays - $20/$26; Fridays & Sundays - $25/$32; Saturdays - $30/$36; previews - $10. Discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. -Pay-What-You-Can Performance, Sunday, November 15, 2009: Pay what you can afford for all tickets left at the door. $5.00 Minimum. Cash or Check Only. -Rush Tickets: Half Price tickets available 90 minutes before curtain for 1 hour AT DOOR ONLY (no reservations). Previews and Opening Night Excluded. Discount no longer available in 30 minutes before curtain. -Every Night is a School Night: $10.00 tickets for any Student with a valid School I.D. BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Advance tickets for ALL Main Street Theater Productions, on sale at the Main Street Theater Box Office: Main Street Theater – Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Information & Charge by Phone: 713.524.6706 Charge Online: www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com / Credit Cards: VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC Ensemble Led by Michael Zuraw, Piano Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m. Presented by Aperio, Music of the Americas, Michael Zuraw, Artistic Director The Texas Conference for Women will be held on November 12, 2009, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Keynote speaker Suze Orman, finance expert and one of the top motivational speakers in the world today, joins Isabel Allende, an internationally-celebrated author, career guru Tory Johnson, CEO and founder of Women For Hire and Good Morning America’s workplace contributor, and dozens of other nationally recognized speakers to share expertise on personal finance, career development, business and entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and much more. This year’s Conference will present the ReWork Career Fair, co-hosted by Johnson, featuring local and national employers and recruiters and practical advice for career development. Now in its tenth year, the Texas Conference for Women, hosted by Governor Rick Perry and First Lady Anita Perry, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, one-day annual conference that offers incredible opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth. Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, The Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance at Rice University, with support of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office present the 2009 Amazing Faiths Project Dinner Dialogue. The registration deadline is October 30, 2009 and hosts/participants can sign up online. The dinners offer participants the opportunity to gather in diverse and intimate groups for dinner and engage in moderated conversation about religion, faith and tolerance. This night of listening, learning and sharing will take place in private homes around the city and will include small groups of eight to ten people. Thursday, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Dinners will be held at volunteer host homes in neighborhoods across the Greater Houston Area. Participants will be assigned to a home based on diversity and proximity to registrant’s address. MORE: The Amazing Faiths Project is designed for people of all faiths, people of no faith and everyone in between to expand their comfort zones with regard to religious diversity in our community. The dinner is free of charge and participants are simply asked to attend with respectful attitudes. For more information on the Amazing Faiths Project Dinner Dialogue and how to get involved, please visit the website. In 1981, visions of sugar plums inspired long-time Houston Ballet supporter Preston Frazier to approach the board members of Houston Ballet with a new way to raise needed funds for the Houston Ballet Foundation, its academy and scholarship programs. His dream of a holiday market in the tradition of European or Latin American street markets has grown steadily and spectacularly from humble beginnings in a church-bazaar setting to a four-day shopping extravaganza at Reliant Center. Over 74,000 attendees with a strong passion to shop visited more than 300 national and international merchants, offering unique items for the entire family, including home décor, gourmet food, apparel, accessories, toys, garden items, and much more … just in time for holiday shopping! From the moment former First Lady, Barbara Bush cut the ribbon at the opening of the Nutcracker Market, and with a lot of imagination and a few setbacks along the way, the Houston Ballet 's Nutcracker Market has become an annual tradition that kicks off the holiday season in Houston. “Texas. It’s a whole other country,” goes the slogan. We might say, “The Nutcracker Market. It’s a whole other world!” Since 1981, the Nutcracker Market has contributed over $26 million to Houston Ballet Foundation to support its academy and scholarship programs, which nurture and develop young, promising dancers who have and will become the backbone of Houston Ballet. Currently more than 50% of the dancers in the company have received at least part of their training at Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy. To our army of energetic and devoted volunteers, dedicated staff, sponsors, donors, underwriters, and shoppers…thank you for keeping us on our toes! When: Thursday, November 12, 2009 10 AM - 8 PM Friday, November 13, 2009 10 AM - 8 PM Saturday, November 14, 2009 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday, November 15, 2009 10 AM - 6 PM Admission: Advanced tickets may be purchased at Houston-area Randall's for $10.00 beginning October 26, 2009. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $11.00. Half-price admission is available daily 3 hours prior to closing. Children under 6 are free. Groups of 20 or more will receive a discount of $2.00 off the regular admission price and group tickets must be purchased in advance. Nutcracker Market General Admission: $1 off coupon available October 1, 2009. NOTE: Tickets are good for one day admission (no repeat admission except for Preview Party, Luncheon, Brunch and Priority Shopping ticket holders). Ramadan is a major religious observance for all members of the Islamic faith. During this month-long celebration, Muslims practice a variety of activities aimed at increasing generosity and togetherness. Come down to the museum to learn more about Ramadan and how your Muslim friends celebrate it! Our Ramadan celebration forms part of Seasons of Sharing, Houston’s only multicultural holiday exhibit for children spotlighting seven cultural celebrations, on display Nov. 14 through Jan. 10. On-going Activities: Greeting Card: Create a Ramadan greeting card for your friends, saying “May You Be Well Throughout the Year.” Ramadan Lantern: Make your own version of the traditional fanoos, a lantern to celebrate Ramadan. Create a Hat: Decorate and wear a hat in celebration of Ramadan. Special Events: Spotlight Performance: Raindrop Turkish House. Enjoy an array of cultural performances in celebration of Ramadan and the Id. Saturday Nov 14: 2 p.m. Hidden Sugar Test: Ramadan is a period of fasting, which means most Muslims eat only before the sun rises and after it sets, hosting large family meals full of their favorite dishes during these times. Come to the Power Science Lab to guess how much sugar is contained in different popular foods. Wednesday, November 18: All day Art of Living Course for Mind, Body Wellness and Stress Management: The Art of Living course gives you the practical knowledge and techniques to unlock your deepest potential and bring fullness to life. Whether happy and successful or feeling the stress of poor health, work, or relationships, every participant is cared for and goes back much lighter. Key Features of the course: - The Sudarshan Kriya: An immensely powerful technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and purify the entire system by releasing toxins at the deepest cellular level. - Stretching and low-impact yoga for health, circulation, and physical well-being. - Guided meditation and breathing techniques that increase energy and deeply relax the body and mind. - Skills for handling negative emotions and situations. -- Guided interactive processes ... lots of fun. Health Benefits - Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) - Relieves depression & anxiety - Restores normal sleep patterns - Increased prolactin (well-being hormone) - Practical wisdom for improving focus at work and harmony in relationships. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with specific techniques that you can practice every day. The value of these practices grows overtime and the benefits continue to blossom in your daily life. For details and to register online visit this website: http://secure.artofliving.org/course_details.aspx?course_id=5820 For more information contact: Nataraj Kallur at 832-235-7191 or email: pnkjgd@gmail.com or Pramod Bansal at 919-619-4942 or email: bansalpramod08@gmail.com See this short video about the course as covered by MSNBC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3Atq_bNs2A&feature=player_embedded Houston Figure Skating Club and Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating Club will host the 2009 Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships. The 2009 Midwestern Sectional Figure Skating Championships, hosted by the Houston Figure Skating Club (HFSC) and the Texas Gulf Coast Figure Skating Club (TGCFSC), will take place Nov. 11-15, 2009 at the Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center (SLISC). The event will feature approximately 300 local-area competitors from 17 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The road to the U.S. Championships each year, and to the Olympic Winter Games every four years, begins with the U.S. Figure Skating qualifying structure of regional and sectional events. The structure is comprised of nine regional events and three sectional events (see chart below for clarification). Skaters who place in the top four at a regional competition qualify for either a sectional (novice, junior and senior) or the U.S. Junior Championships (juvenile and intermediate); skaters who place in the top four at a sectional qualify for the U.S. Championships. “The Houston/Sugar Land area is very lucky to have the chance to host this event,” said 2009 Midwestern Sectional co-chairs Tracy Scholz and Connie Calbat-Adams. “It is rare that the local community has the chance to experience Olympic-caliber skating. “Few people know how big figure skating is in the Houston area. This is the perfect opportunity for our community to showcase the wonderful skating resources we have right here at home.” The regional championships, from which this event’s competitors will be decided, take place Oct. 10-14 in various regions throughout the country. Champions of the sport who have competed in Midwestern Sectionals over the years include Evan Lysacek and Katy Taylor. The event is open to the general public. Ticket purchasing information and a tentative schedule of events will be posted on the event web site, www.mids2009.org, as soon as it is available. U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of approximately 1,425 member clubs and Basic Skills programs representing nearly 180,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States, including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed. Dinner and lecture about the U.S. Foreign Policy and the Greater Middle East with Richard Haass, President of Council on Foreign Relations. Westin Oaks, 5011 Westheimer Consort Ballroom Tickets: $40 Members / $50 Non-members For more information or to register visit our website www.wachouston.org, email rsvp@wachouston.org, or contact the Council office: 713-522-7811 Watch the Houston Rockets take on the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. More than 60 of Disney's captivating characters and their unforgettable stories come to life in this commemorative celebration, produced by Feld Entertainment. In this lavish ice show, everyone's favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Mulan, Timon, Pumbaa, Stitch, the beloved Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Nemo, the Incredibles and many more! Beautifully choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and toe-tapping songs will inspire fond Disney memories. Families can share this once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments. Ticket Prices: VIP Dining $85, Front Row $70, VIP $45, $28, and $16 Show Times: Wednesday, November 11 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday , November 12 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 13 – 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14 – 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15 – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Houston Single Source Presents: "Matchmaking, Massage & the Art of the Subtle Makeover" Houston Single Source & Norris Plastic Surgery Present: "Matchmaking, Massage & the Art of the Subtle Makeover" Featuring talks and Q&A by Nina Friedman, Dr. Norris, and Special by the glass wine prices and complimentary appetizers. Limited to the first 45 RSVPs so hurry and sign up! 5:30 to 7:30PM; Free Event. Tasting Room Uptown 1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77056 Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:30PM The San Jacinto Monument, rising 570 feet above the battleground, stands as a memorial to the men who fought for Texas independence. As such, it is fitting for San Jacinto to honor all military personnel on the federal and state holiday of Veterans Day. The San Jacinto Museum of History, located at the base of the Monument, will admit military personnel and their families to all its venues free of charge in celebration of Veterans Day. This includes FREE ADMISSION to: ● Ride the 489-foot elevator to the top of the Monument and view the land where the Battle of San Jacinto was fought, the Houston Ship Channel and much more. ● View the digital presentation Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto - which describes life from the earliest Spanish colonies to the day the West was won. ● Tour Developing Houston: Photographic Treasures from the Cecil Thomson Collection. In addition to photographs, period artifacts in this exhibit depict Houston neighborhoods, businesses and events during the years 1865-1950. Contemporary photographs are paired with their historic counterparts to help tell the story of the growth of Houston and the surrounding region. ● Visit the San Jacinto Museum of History. From books to bayonets, swords to sketches, there's something here for everyone. Both former and current military personnel and their family members will be guests of the San Jacinto Museum on Veterans Day - Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Guests are asked to show their military ID. Non-military visitors may purchase a Super Combo ticket ($12 adults and $8 children) for admission to the elevator ride, Texas Forever!! and Developing Houston. Tickets for individual activities and discounts for seniors and tour groups are available. Call 281-479-2421 for information on group sales and school field trips. The men who fought at San Jacinto were citizens of Texas as well as immigrant soldiers ranging in age from 16 to 64. They were born in different nations but were called together to fight for the ideal of a government that would provide representation to its citizens. Irrespective of race, nationality or creed, the soldiers fought to establish a free country whose government would obey the rule of law. As the San Jacinto Monument is dedicated to those who fought for Texas’ independence, Veterans Day honors military personnel, past and present, for serving our country to preserve its freedom. The San Jacinto Monument is located on the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, just minutes away from downtown Houston. Take Highway 225 east to Independence Parkway north, approximately 3 miles from the freeway. For more information about the Battle of San Jacinto and the San Jacinto Museum of History, please visit www.sanjacinto-museum.org. Houston Cinema Arts Festival, the only U.S. festival devoted to films by and about artists of all stripes, announced a stellar lineup of actors, directors, and other artists participating in the event scheduled November 11-15, 2009. Guests presenting new and classic films include actors Tilda Swinton, Texas filmmaker and director Richard Linklater and Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. The arts-oriented festival will also host photographer Susan Meiselas, rock band Dengue Fever, and members of The Yes Men and Ant Farm media collective, among many other notable presenters. The Festival program involves collaboration among many of Houston's extraordinary film and arts institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Menil Collection; Houston Ballet; FotoFest; Aurora Picture Show; and many others. SPECIAL SERIES AND GUESTS Three special series, or "mini-festivals," bring celebrity guests and incomparable work to the Festival: "The Worlds of Tilda Swinton;" "Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor" and "The Films of Richard P. Rogers and Susan Meiselas." "The Worlds of Tilda Swinton" celebrates the Academy Award winner's many artistic achievements in producing, writing and acting, as well as her passionate commitment to the cinematic arts. It includes a sneak preview of her latest independent feature film, to be presented on Saturday, November 14 at 6:45pm in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Brown Auditorium Theater. On Sunday, November 15, Swinton will discuss her close collaborations with two avant-garde artists, Derek Jarman and Lynn Hershman Leeson. She will present the documentary on Jarman she wrote and narrated, Derek at 1pm, followed by a showing of the cult feminist sci-fi film, Teknolust, where she will be joined by director Hershman. The weekend culminates on Sunday, November 15 at 6 pm with "The Ballerina Cinema of Dreams," a celebration at Discovery Green Park co-presented by HCAS and Swinton's 8&frac12; Foundation, featuring a free outdoor screening of The Red Shoes and preceded by a performance of three short pieces by Houston Ballet II. Swinton will be on hand at each of the screenings to introduce the films and, in many cases, engage in conversation with the audience. "Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor" is devoted to the work of Arriaga, the extraordinary artist who wrote the trilogy of films directed by Alejandro Gonz&aacute;lez I&ntilde;&aacute;rritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel). On Thursday, November 12 at 9:45 pm, Arriaga will introduce Amores Perros, the film that first brought him worldwide acclaim, at the Angelika Film Center. The next day, on Friday, November 13 at 3 pm at the Alabama Theatre, Nuestra Palabra will host a reading by Arriaga from his novels as well as a discussion about his approaches to writing across media. "The Films of Richard P. Rogers and Susan Meiselas" includes several screenings and events exploring the fruitful partnership of filmmaker Richard P. Rogers and photographer Susan Meiselas, including the Houston premiere of one of the year's most original and important documentaries, The Windmill Movie, at the Angelika Film Center at 6:45 pm on Saturday, November 14. Directed by Alexander Olch and produced by Pulitzer Prize--winning photographer Susan Meiselas, The Windmill Movie is imaginatively composed from footage collected over many years for an unfinished autobiography by legendary art documentarian, experimental filmmaker and film professor Richard P. Rogers. Meiselas, who was Rogers's life partner for many years (they married near the end of Rogers' life), collaborated with him on two classic documentary films made in the 1980s in support of the Nicaraguan people and revolution, Living at Risk and Pictures from a Revolution. Meiselas will be present for a discussion of Pictures from a Revolution after it shows Friday, November 13 at 4 pm at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Brown Auditorium. Living At Risk will play Saturday, November 14 at 4 pm at the Rice Media Center. Alfred Guzzetti, who co-directed Pictures from a Revolution and Living at Risk with Rogers and Meiselas, will also attend these screenings. Finally, thanks to Meiselas's efforts, some of Rogers's key works have been gathered for "Remembering Dick Rogers," which played to great acclaim at the Walter Reade Theater in New York this past June. The program consists of three short films: Elephants: Fragments of an Argument; Moving Pictures: The Art of Jan Lenica; and 226-1690. The series of three films, with each film being less than thirty minutes, which will be shown Sunday, November 15 at 1 pm at the Rice Media Center. OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES The Festival's Opening Night will kick off on Wednesday, November 11 with two highly anticipated films and a very special guest. Richard Linklater, who was born in Houston and is the maker of such seminal films as Slacker, Dazed and Confused, A Scanner Darkly, School of Rock and Before Sunset, will be at the screening of his latest theatrical release, Me and Orson Welles at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston at 8 pm. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire will be playing downtown at the Angelika Film Center, beginning at 7 pm. Me and Orson Welles is Linklater's tribute to the ultimate maverick director, Welles, as filtered through Robert Kaplow's novel of the same name. Zac Efron graduates from teen heartthrob to serious actor and displays impressive range as Richard Samuels, a young actor drawn into Welles's theater troupe and orbit. There he is enraptured by Welles's Girl Friday, Sonja (Claire Danes). Sonja, however, is enthralled with the great director, played by Christian McKay, whose impersonation and interpretation of Welles is nothing short of uncanny. Me and Orson Welles will be shown and Linklater will speak at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in the Brown Auditorium Theater on Wednesday, November 11 at 8 pm. Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, passionately directed by Lee Daniels, written with elegant economy by Geoffrey Fletcher and brilliantly performed by a fearless ensemble cast, is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. Since its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, where it won three awards (including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award), Precious has been moving people of all backgrounds with its dramatic, vividly realized story of a Harlem teenager who discovers her own worth, beauty and potential. Precious will be shown at the Angelika Film Center in Downtown Houston on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 pm. ADMISSION/HOTEL PACKAGES Although several Festival programs and components are free, including H BOX at the Alabama Theatre, Kid Pan Alley at Miller Outdoor Theatre, The Red Shoes at Discovery Green and many of the educational panels and sessions, buying Festival Passes, Badges and/or tickets is the most cost-effective way to explore all that the Festival has to offer. Several different types of ticketing options are available: $50 Festival Wristbands grant access to all regular Festival screenings $250 Festival Badges provide access for all screenings, educational panels and performances $500 Patron Passes/All Access Badges provide access for the screenings, education panels, performances, and opening/closing receptions Individual tickets for regular public screenings and educational panels are available at $6 for Matinees and $10 for evenings; premium screenings are $15 A student/senior price of $6 is available for all regular public screenings (excluding opening night) Special event tickets range from $15 -- $25 Tickets are now on sale on the Festival Web site, www.cinemartsociety.org; Tickets and Festival merchandise also can be purchased at the Festival's official headquarters, located at the historic Alabama Theatre, 2922 South Shepherd, Houston, TX 77098, beginning October 21. Two downtown hotels are offering special rates during the Cinema Arts Festival.&nbsp; To book the special rate, simply call the hotel directly and ask for the Cinema Arts Festival rate: Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel - $129/night (713) 577-6110 Hyatt Regency Houston - $109/night (888) 421-1442 ### About Houston Cinema Arts Society and Cinema Arts Festival Houston Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) is a non-profit organization created in 2008 under the direction of a dedicated task force with the support of Houston Mayor Bill White and the leadership of Franci Crane to organize and host Cinema Arts Festival Houston, a ground-breaking and innovative film and multimedia arts festival featuring art by and about artists and celebrating the vitality and diversity of the arts in Houston and enriching the city's film and arts community. HCAS is funded in part by grants from the Crane Foundation, City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and the City of Houston Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department. Cinema Arts Festival Houston debuts in Houston November 11 -- 15, 2009.; Festival headquarters are located at the historic Alabama Theatre, 2922 South Shepherd, Houston, TX 77098. Online tickets sales began October 14 at www.cinemartsociety.org.; In person tickets sales begin at Festival headquarters on October 21. Houston Cinema Arts Festival, the only U.S. festival devoted to films by and about artists of all stripes, announced a stellar lineup of actors, directors, and other artists participating in the event scheduled November 11-15, 2009. Guests presenting new and classic films include actors Tommy Lee Jones and Tilda Swinton, Texas filmmaker and director Richard Linklater and Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. The arts-oriented festival will also host photographer Susan Meiselas, rock band Dengue Fever, and members of The Yes Men and Ant Farm media collective, among many other notable presenters. The Festival program involves collaboration among many of Houston's extraordinary film and arts institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Menil Collection; Houston Ballet; FotoFest; Aurora Picture Show; and many others. They fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Catch the excitement of Soul Street (formerly Fly Dance Company) as these energetic performers demonstrate their varied styles and discuss the distinctive features and origins of each dance. From Brazil's Capoiera to New York's break dance and the multi-component forms of hip-hop, audience members learn how these styles developed and evolved. Tuesday, 11:00 am Presented by Young Audiences of Houston Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House (5061 Westheimer in the Galleria) is getting behind the Receipe for Success Foundation by hosting a Pizza Party fundraiser on Monday, November 9 from 5-7 p.m. RFS is dedicated to helping kids have a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. The $25 donation benefits RFS. Cash or check only at the door. For more information and to RSVP, call 713-355-2600. Sunday, 4pm Lone Star Convention Center Conroe Texas $15 Adults, $10 Children 12 & under Deadmau 5 * Sunday * 11/08/09 * at 9:00 PM House of Blues Houston Houston, TX Here’s a relaxing way to spend a Sunday late morning and afternoon. Come on over for a buffet and beverages at this well respected Sushi restaurant. According to the owner, Zen means something good for the body and that’s what they create for you. After you indulge your taste buds, you will find special items to bid on in a silent auction. Tickets are $25 if purchased online in advance ($30 at the door). You’ll enjoy good food, good company and the animals enjoy the care that the proceeds will be used for. Click here to view the event flyer. Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Zen 5 Japanese Restaurant 1330 Wirt Rd. Houston, 77055 The Urban Market Houston has become THE event for dealers as well as bargain hunters who are looking to spend a day in the beautiful outdoors looking through tents filled with incredible antiques and treasures right here in town. With measurements in hand many in this crowd are on a quest as they are regulars and they know the deals you can find at this market. Every February, May, and November you can count on spending a great Sunday looking at interesting objects, antiques, artwork, designer & decorators collections, and merchandise that has to be moved to make room for new goods. And they have one day to move it all! This is very good news for shoppers. Jackie Sharbrough has organized an amazing assembly of antique dealers for each of the three Urban Markets throughout the year. The dealers come from all over the country and each has their own specialty with merchandise to die for. It has the feel of a Paris flea market with the tents and big wide grassy walkways. Location/Directions: 607 E. Whitney, 77022 The Knights of Columbus Fields - north of the Heights Exit Airline off of I-45N, left on Airline, right on E. Whitney, right on Oxford for the entrance gate to the Urban Market. Parking on the site for everyone. Time: The rope goes down to start the day at 9 am sharp, and the dealers close and go home with their empty trailers at 4 pm sharp. Book signing at Wabash by the author and photographer of "Lovin' That Lone Star Flag," Mr. E. Joe Deering . A beautiful picture book in full color showing how Texans decorate anything with the star and colors of our Texas flag. A great tribute to Texans! A book you will enjoy. 1-5 p.m. free Food, Fun and 39,000 sq.ft.of indoor shopping. 140+ craft and gift vendors. Huge silent auction and raffle. Free Admission and Free Parking. Indoor concession stand. Saturday, Nov. 7, 9am – 5pm Sunday, Nov. 8, 10am – 4pm Cypress Fairbanks Exhibit Center 11206 Telge Road @ 290 West Across from Arnold Jr. High School Proceeds will be used for Jersey Village FFA student activities and scholarships. Shaw subtitled this 1908 play A Conversation. Set in the kitchen of the residence of the Bishop of Chelsea on the morning of his sixth (and last) daughter’s wedding, the action of the play begins as the family and a good number of the neighbors gather for the preparations. When the bride-to-be announces she has no intention of marrying – now or ever – she sparks a vociferous and lively discussion of the pros and cons of matrimony. When the bridegroom enters with a similar sentiment, it is revealed that both have been sent informational pamphlets about the truths and legalities of marriage. Shaw’s sparkling wit and dazzling language give way to a hysterical sociological experiment leaving everyone to ask, “Will they or won’t they, should they or shouldn’t they say, ‘I do!’” By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Claire Hart-Palumbo MST – Rice Village Subscriptions to all six productions range from $60 - $160. Single tickets range from $20 - $36. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. Buffalo Bayou Partnership invites you to take A LOOK BACK to the late 1800’s, when Houston was founded, to learn about those important individuals and families along Buffalo Bayou who helped shape Houston. Listen, learn and enjoy the breeze aboard Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s new pontoon boat. Louis Aulbach, local historian and author of (an in process book) Buffalo Bayou: An Echo of Houston's Wilderness Beginnings will be your guide. He will share stories of the Allen brothers, the founders of Houston, and provide historical information about places, people, animals and events along the bayou west and east of downtown including which families were first to settle in Houston, the first breweries of Buffalo Bayou, and early wildlife sightings. September 26 (10-12noon) west of downtown September 26 (1-3pm) east of downtown October 3 (10-12noon) east of downtown October 3 (1-3pm) west of downtown November 7 (10-12noon) west of downtown November 7 (1-3pm) east of downtown December 5 (10-12noon) east of downtown December 5 (1-3pm) west of downtown Meet at Allen’s Landing at 1001 Commerce Street (at Main Street) How much: $50/person. Reservations are required (limited capacity of 20) What else: Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled tour at Allen’s Landing Park, 1001 Commerce. Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a non-profit organization that oversees Buffalo Bayou improvements. The Partnership coordinates the integration of major amenities into the bayou greenbelt and seeks ways to increase community involvement through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities, permanent and temporary art installations, and other natural and built attractions. Parking: Metered parking is available on Commerce Street and paid parking is available at Spaghetti Warehouse. Please note there are no public restrooms along the tour route. For more information, call 713.752.0314 ext. 4 or email jballard@buffalobayou.org. or log onto our website. A hip-hop, slam poetry, "green" festival, featuring international artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph. Activities for all ages. Saturday, 11 am - 3 pm Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space Co-sponsored by the University of Houston Mitchell Center for the Arts and the Houston Arts Alliance. The festival is an inexpensive way to sample delectable chocolates from local and national chocolatiers, chefs and bakeries including truffles, bon-bons, fondue-along with sampling great Texas wines. Take your sample glass and enjoy samples from all your favorite wineries. All attendees receive an eco-friendly shopping tote goody bag with recipes, coupons and more at the entrance. Saturday, 10am-5pm Great New Sugar & Spice Kids Korner. Your little chef will enjoy making there own chocolate dessert treat. Chocolate Competition. Enter your favorite chocolate dessert into our competition. Professional and Amateur categories ribbons and prizes will be awarded. All entries will be included in a silent auction for attendees to purchase. Take home something yummy! Fantastic Crafts & Culinary Gift Items. The show features over 50 different Exhibitors that will offer neat gift ideas, for the foodie in you and your friends, including chocolate of course, wine accessories, jewelry and much more. Culinary Theatre. Increase your chocolate knowledge, enjoy chocolate baking classes, demonstrations and culinary classes by some of Houston’s and Texas’ best chefs. Sign up early for classes they will fill up quickly. 1 FREE class with admission. More info see ticket sales Be sure to register for our door prizes at the registration table. Tickets must be purchased online to include cooking classes, they will be sold out at the door. Proceeds to benefit Culinary Art Students education, ABWA and community awareness in Culinary Arts Education, Texas wines and Texas foods. Sara-Kate Connolly, the loner with the tough girl attitude introduces her popular classmate, Hillary, to her secret world: a tiny elf village created in Sara-Kate’s backyard. The girls’ friendship is challenged by other popular kids and even Hillary’s parents, but only grows stronger when Sara-Kate reveals the truth about her ailing mother. A beautiful story about the wonder of imagination and the strength of friendship, Afternoon of the Elves is a must-see for the upper elementary and middle school student! MAIN STREET THEATER – CHELSEA MARKET 4617 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 Saturdays, November 7 & 14, 2009 at 1pm and 4pm (school groups call 713-524-9196 ext 101 for available field trip times) Recommended for Third Grade and up. TICKET PRICES AND DISCOUNTS: $12 preferred seating; $10 side seating; group rates (10 or more) available. No children under 3 allowed in the theater (including sleeping babies). BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Advance tickets for ALL Main Street Theater Productions, on sale at the Main Street Theater Box Office: Main Street Theater – Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Information & Charge by Phone: 713.524.6706 Charge Online: www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com Credit Cards: VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC Mumiy Troll (pronounced Moo-me Troll) is undoubtedly the most significant, in fact the one and only band which modern Russia produced since the fall of the Soviet regime. They have really made their mark with startling albums and live performances that are bursting with energy, combining warmth with total debauchery. Mumiy Troll is not a one-man band — the 4 people on stage have been together for the last 10 years. Yuri Tsaler, one of the most admirable guitarists in the country, is also the co-author of some of the songs. Oleg Pungin began his drumming career at the age of 7 and is still delivering the strongest pumping beats as he helps to record a good half of all records in Russia. Sdwig is the bass player who is in charge of introducing the band to modern-day technologies. Mumiy Troll was the first to support the activities of PSI organization fighting AIDS in Russia. They are also well known for conservation activities on wild life in Far-East taiga and helping local minorities to survive. Ilia Lagutenko is a patron of the British-Russian ”Amur” fund for the protection of Amur tigers and leopards. The Aldine Area Quilt Guild will hold the 2nd Annual Showing of the Quilts. Demos of hand and machine quilting. Displays of quilting projects. The DVD of the Women of Gees Bend will be viewed. Door prizes. Viewing of the Raffle Autumn Log Cabin Quilt. Quilting books will be at the library for check out. This is a free family fun event. Come out and join us. Scenicwoods Library 10677 Homestead and Little York Rd. Saturday, 10-4PM The Legend of the Kitchen Stadium lives on! The Sugar Land Jaycees are proud to host the 2009 Iron Chef competition. Join us as we witness the head to head competition in this world-class battle between amateur chefs. Come early and see the unveiling of our famed "secret ingredient". Who will win this kitchen battle? Whose cuisine will reign supreme? Join us and find out! Date: November 7, 2009 Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm Venue: Signature Manor 66968 Howell-Sugarland Rd Houston, TX 77083 Come and enjoy an afternoon of culinary delight. Admission includes: -Witness the Head to Head Kitchen Battle -Instructional Cooking Demonstrations -Samples from local food providers -Information on starting a culinary career $5 Advance Tickets On November 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, join the Houston Zoo’s primate staff, docents and volunteers to celebrate all things orangutan! It’s Orangutan Caring Week at the Houston Zoo. Learn about orangutans and their rainforest habitat. Visit our booth at the orangutan exhibit to shop for orangutan paintings, magnets, photo note cards and new this year painted glass Christmas ornaments! All proceeds from Orangutan Caring Week sales will support the Zoo’s orangutan and elephant conservation projects in Indonesia. Orangutan Caring Week is observed globally from Nov. 7 to Nov. 15. During that period, the Houston Zoo’s primate staff will conduct a Meet the Keeper Talk at the Wortham World of Primates orangutan habitat daily at 2:30 p.m. About Orangutans: Asia's only great ape, orangutans are one of the world’s most endangered species. May experts believe orangutans will become extinct in the wild over the next 10 years. Some 50,000 of them, at most, still survive, and about 5,000 are thought to perish every year as the rainforests on which they depend are cut down for logging and agriculture. Originally some 300,000 orangutans lived throughout Southeast Asia. Today they survive only in isolated pockets on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. In the past 20 years, 80 per cent of their habitat has been destroyed - and only about 2 per cent of what remains is legally protected in reserves. Orangutans (the name means "man of the forest") are one of our closest relatives, sharing about 97 per cent of our DNA. Mothers keep their babies with them for up to six years, and have a single baby every eight years or so. Their rate of reproduction - the slowest of all the great apes - makes them particularly vulnerable. Orangutans have long been threatened by the pet trade. For every one that is sold as a pet, five or six are thought to die. And they are also killed for meat. But it is the destruction of the rainforest that is their greatest threat. It has long been cleared for logging and agriculture, but this has accelerated to meet the booming demand for palm oil, used in one in every 10 products on supermarket shelves. DiverseWorks is excited to announce our next exhibition, Third Ward is My Harlem, by Tierney Malone! The title of the show comes from a recent drawing by Malone containing a line declaring, "Houston is my New York, Third Ward is my Harlem." For the exhibition, Malone draws from his own Southern roots and experiences to reframe American history and to create non-linear narratives full of stoic nostalgia and sophistication. Plus, The gallery space will feature a site-specific theater constructed to showcase Malone’s first ever work in video. "Tierney Malone has a long history with DiverseWorks and an even longer history with Houston's Third Ward. I think the title of the exhibition perfectly captures the nature of his experience there; one that has fed his creative drive for many years. This exhibition funnels a collection of influences, memories and inspiration Tierney has garnered throughout his life in this city into a visually stunning installation of paintings, sound, and a site-specific theater showcasing the artist's long-anticipated first foray into film."- Diane Barber, Co-Executive Director & Visual Arts Curator Related Events To Third Ward is My Harlem: Live Music Performances Saturday, November 21, Hourly -11 am – 2 pm On the day of the Art Crawl, DiverseWorks will be hosting live music performances that feature local musicians performing the original score to Malone’s new videos premiering as part of Third Ward is My Harlem. A Conversation with Tierney Malone & David McGee December 2, 2009, 6:30pm In conjunction with Third Ward is My Harlem, join us for a conversation between Tierney Malone and David McGee as they discuss their work, the Third Ward community, and the influences that have shaped their personal creative practice. Kenny Garrett is “one of the more imposing musicians of his generation,” writes the New York Times. “[His] solos give the audience the sense of experiencing a natural event, of power and elegance in the form of music.” Known for his five years with Miles Davis, saxophonist Kenny Garrett’s music is roll-up-your-sleeves, in your face, hard bop blowing of rippling melodic songs. Friday, 8:00 p.m. Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center Playing AM gold from the 1970's, mixed with a few edgy album rock favorites from the 80's, SkyRocket is gracing the stage of Sammy's tonight! Skyrocket, a seven-piece band whose name comes from a series of compilation albums advertised in the 70's, breathes new life into old hits... You know the ones that made you smirk back then and make you howl today! If Jack Black and Jimmy Fallon formed a cover band, this would be it. First Friday of almost every month. Doors open at 8 and the party continues until 2 a.m. SkyRocket! is perhaps the most wickedly original party band to emerge from any music scene, let alone a city like Austin where original music rules. Two things make SkyRocket! stand out: 1) The players. All of them are recording artists in their own right. Maybe you've seen them before, on tour, on TV, or performing around Austin. 2) The songs. It all started when this handful of the city's most successful and well-loved songwriters discovered a common passion for '70s "solid-gold" music: Disco, glam rock, soft rock and soul one-hit wonders. One forgotten hit led to another, then the '70s led to the '80s, and the song list grew, cherry-picked for the ones most likely to get screams of sudden ecognition from the audience. Calling themselves The K-TEL Hit Machine, They caught on quickly as one of the freshest, funnest dance bands around. By the end of 2005, they had even charmed city's impossible-to-charm music critics at the Austin Chronicle's holiday bash, and the band's popularity SKYROCKETed from there, hence the name change. Glory may be just a little kid, but she's in big trouble—she has accidentally unleashed the ruthless Rain King, Master of Sorrows, by opening an old locked book. Vowing vengeance on the world that imprisoned him, the Rain King kidnaps Glory's friend Pete and disappears back into the world of books. Of course Glory and her friends must follow, and soon they find themselves pulled from story to story—battling pirates, helping young Arthur pull the sword from the stone, and facing down bank robbers in the Wild West—in their quest to set things right back in their world. 9 Houston-area children perform this grand adventure tale! MAIN STREET THEATER – CHELSEA MARKET 4617 Montrose Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 November 6 - 8, 2009, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3:30pm TICKET PRICES AND DISCOUNTS: All tickets are $5. BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: Advance tickets for ALL Main Street Theater Productions, on sale at the Main Street Theater Box Office: Main Street Theater – Rice Village, 2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Information & Charge by Phone: 713.524.6706 Charge Online: www.mainstreettheater.com or www.ticketweb.com Credit Cards: VISA, MC, AMEX, DISC Watch the Houston Rockets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. Jump, jive and swing into fall when the Houston Zoo brings back the most anticipated culinary event of the year - Feast with the Beasts on Friday, November 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy exotic culinary fare from 50 of Houston’s hottest restaurants, beverages from Yellow Tail and Silver Eagle, and an evening of hot jump jivin’ swing music by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the Bud Lite Stage, all set against the Zoo’s naturally wild backdrop. It’s an evening you won’t want to miss! Friday, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Not sure what will tempt your taste buds? Not to worry! Feast with the Beasts will feature 50 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and their signature food dishes. Among this years participants are Crapitto’s Cucina Italiana, The Capital Grille, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Strip House, Americas, *17, and Merlion on 4th. See the list of participating restaurants below. It’s an evening certain to satisfy a wide variety of culinary tastes. Of course, Feast with the Beasts would not be complete with out a feast for the beasts. Through out the evening keepers will be on hand with animal experiences and presentations featuring the Houston Zoo’s cheetahs, lions, tigers, elephants, Komodo dragons, and African wild dogs. Proceeds from the event will support animal enrichment programs at the Houston Zoo and are tax-deductible. Your support of Feast with the Beasts will help maintain natural exhibits filled with opportunities to enrich the lives of many animals, while inspiring guests to care about wildlife. The Zoo’s naturally wild environment and its collection of 4,500 animals offer an unprecedented venue for this food and wine event. Join us in highlighting Houston’s independent restaurants as we celebrate this fourth annual culinary tradition. Feast with the Beasts guests may enter the event through the Zoo’s main entrance or the West Gate entrance on North MacGregor at Ben Taub Loop. Our main parking lot is located at 6200 Golf Course Drive. Alternate parking is available at the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza garage at 6400 Fannin, just a short two block walk to the West Gate entrance. Ticketed event: From September 4 until September 16, Houston Zoo members may purchase tickets for $65 per person, $75 for non-members. After September 16, Feast tickets may be purchased on line for $75 for Zoo members and $85 for non-members. Feast with the Beast tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the event for $100. Purchase Feast with the Beasts tickets on-line when you visit www.houstonzoo.org/feast. Come join us for a night of fun and fundraising! Proceeds benefit the Houston Galveston Institute. We will have heavy appetizers, a silent auction, and a live auction with tons of great items just in time for the holidays. And of course, there will be plenty of champagne and chocolate. The Houston Galveston Institute is a non-profit organization established in 1978 and is internationally recognized for its innovative contributions to the advancements of theory, psychotherapy practice, and research. The Institute continues to encourage theoretical and clinical exploration where clinical services, training and research are intertwined providing a collaborative and dynamic environment. The event will be held at the Groovey Grill Mansion: The Groovey Grill Mansion 2619 North Calumet Street Houston, Texas 713-526-6464 Friday, 7:00-10:00 PM Tickets are $45 each or $85 for a pair. Call us or visit our website for details. Looking for a fun outing for your little one while the big kids are in school? Then stop by Borders in Market Street – The Woodlands for the store’s free, 30-minute Story Time every Friday morning at 11a.m. where children enjoy all types of story time favorites in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Besides the weekly Story Time presentations, Borders partners with the H-E-B in Market Street to coordinate field trips for pre-k and kindergarten-aged children. School groups first tour the H-E-B store where they learn about the importance of healthy food choices. Afterward, groups visit the Borders store for age-appropriate Story Time reading. For more information on the Friday Story Time at Borders, or to schedule a school field trip to the H-E-B and Borders in Market Street, contact Borders Store Manager Cindy Wexler at 832-585-0052 or by e-mail at cwexler@bordersstores.com. Located across the street from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. Market Street is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors. Mary Wilson, recently portrayed in the Oscar®-winning film Dreamgirls, brings her sultry, smoky voice to the Houston Symphony stage for songs like “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” and “Stop! In The Name of Love.” Friday, 8 PM Saturday, 8 PM Sunday, 7:30 PM Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pops at Jones Hall Series BBVA Compass Brett Mitchell, conductor Tickets start at $29. The 7th Annual Junior League Holiday Market is a shopping extravaganza event that features a variety of items. From flower arrangements to personalized gifts to holiday ornaments, you can begin your holiday shopping early and even have time left over to buy yourself something special. Special events include Santa's Gingerbread Workshop on Saturday, November 8, where children can visit with Santa, decorate Gingerbread Men and much more. Tickets are required for this event at a minimal cost. Visit www.jlholidaymarket.org for more information. The Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery Counties, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League Holiday Market is our largest annual fundraiser and allows us to make a difference in our community. The glorious voices of the Houston Chamber Choir lift in song as we celebrate the 350th birthday of composer Henry Purcell with a collaborative musical trip to late 17th-century London. This grandiose tribute to music’s patron saint features Purcell’s extravagant but seldom heard Hail! Bright Cecilia. Additional performance on at the Foundry United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 7, 4 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 4 p.m. Foundry United Methodist Church 8350 Jones Road Houston, TX 77065 One of the oldest and most prestigious gay tennis tournaments in the United States and is sanctioned by the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA), a member organization of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). November 6, 6:00 pm - Reception & Opening Screening November 7, 1:00-11:00 pm - Visual Arts Film Auditorium Rice Media Center The UN Film Festival makes its first stop in Houston to screen a compilation of international documentaries features films from around the world that deal with current, complex, and often controversial topics. Francesca Bachour is a new Italian Fashion Company for women clothing. It is meant to create elegant outfits for women who like to be comfortable and elegant in every occasion, from the office to the party. This is the presentation of our first Spring 2010 collection. $15 includes access to the show, wine before the it and buffet afterwards. Pavilion Royale 5800 Airline Dr 77076 Houston, TX Event program: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Cocktail time 8:00pm - 8:30pm Fashion show 8:30pm - 10:00pm Complementary buffet Tickets are available online at $15 The United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) makes its first ever appearance in Houston on November 6-8th. Under the theme One World, Many Stories this traveling exhibition will showcase a series of provocative and award winning documentary films from around the globe. The films aim to inform Houstonians of the significant social, political, economic and humanitarian issues the world is facing, while also allowing us to reflect on Houston’s own special role in the world. The exhibition will be hosted locally by the Houston Chapter of the United Nations Association at the Rice Media Center on the Rice Universtiy campus. The festival’s selections will include feature length and short subject documentaries such as the Oscar Nominated Salim Baba (India), Face2Face (Israel/Palestine/France), Iron Ladies of Liberia (Liberia/USA), Tiger Spirit (Korea/Canada), On a Tightrope (China/Norway), and Triage: Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma (Rwanda/Somalia/DR Congo). The festival will close on Sunday night with a new locally produced film about our global energy challenge, Houston, We Have A Problem: Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Cheap Energy (USA). This film has just recently been released and is beginning to tour major film festivals around the world. This film screening will mark its first public appearance in Houston. Conceived in 1998 at Stanford University by film critic and educator Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) screens documentaries by international filmmakers dealing with topics such as human rights, environmental survival, women’s issues, children, refugee protection, homelessness, racism, disease control, universal education, war and peace. Before coming to Houston, UNAFF events have taken place in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston, Paris, Venice, Belgrade (Serbia) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) among others. The Houston Chapter of the United Nations Association-Houston-USA, is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to building understanding of and support for the ideals and vital work of the United Nations among the American people. Its educational and humanitarian campaigns which include teaching students about international affairs through Model UN programs, clearing minefields recently war-torn nations, and providing school-based support for children living in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Africa, allows people to make a global impact at the local level. In addition, its policy and advocacy programs stress the importance of nations working together and the need for United States leadership in the United Nations. Ticket prices for the opening night reception are $60 per person and benefit UNA-Houston’s educational efforts with Houston area schools. Film Festival passes are $35 including Sat. and Sun. screenings. Single screening tickets are available for as little as $10, or $8 for students w/ID and seniors. For more information about the event, visit www.unahouston.org and click on upcoming events or call (713) 667-7044 Not only is Harrigan’s department store payroll missing, but crime of all crimes, somebody kidnapped Santa Claus! And private eye Harry Monday has only one day, Christmas Eve, to solve the case. What can a flatfoot do to stay free of the fuzz and find the felons? Wise cracks and plot twists fly faster than Santa's sleigh in this yuletide whodunit. Comedy by Pat Cook Directed by Laura Schlecht Assisted by: Judy Reeves Starring: Alex Tyska, Brian Heaton, Carol Davis, Chelsea Curto, Courtney Plake, Elizabeth Tyska, Jeff Henninger, Jo Ann Levine, Joe Miles, Morgan Sheppard, Nicholas Garelick, Sam Martinez and Victoria Gusa. This production is funded in part by grants from Harris County and the Texas Commission on the Arts through the Houston Arts Alliance. Also, this production is sponsored in part by an anonymous donor. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 PM; Sundays, November 22 and 29 at 3:00 PM. Tickets $14 adults; $13 Students & Seniors; $12 Sunday (Everyone). For reservations, call 713-682-3525. Theatre Suburbia is located on 4106 Way Out West Drive, Houston, TX 77092. Stryper Concert * Thursday * 11/05/09 * at 8:00 PM House of Blues Houston Houston, TX Now They Are Coming Even for United States Citizens and It Is Past Time That We All Spoke Up Part of a series examining issues critical to human rights and environment. Lisa Brodyaga, Volunteer Attorney, Refugio del Rio Grande, Inc. Thursday, November 5, 7 p.m. Stryper W/ Flight Patterns * Thursday * 11/05/09 * at 8:00 PM House of Blues Houston Houston, TX Hear this American icon with the Houston Symphony as he performs songs including “Lady”, “The Gambler”, and “We’ve Got Tonight”. Thursday, 7:30p.m. Symphony Special Brett Mitchell, conductor Tickets from $35. Houston artist, Hanh Tran, will debut original oil paintings at Artful Justice, exhibition and charity auction on Thursday, 6–9 pm at Mixed Emotions Fine Art. All proceeds from the silent auction and a raffle will benefit Justice for Children, a non-profit organization that advocates for the safety and protection of criminally abused children when the system designed to protect them fails to do so, leaving the child at unacceptable risk. Tran will premiere recent original oil paintings, several of which will be donated to the silent auction. Admission to the event is free offering complimentary valet parking and food. Capone’s will provide hors de’ oeuvres as the food sponsor. A cash bar offers wine and cocktails featuring Tito’s Vodka. Media sponsor for the event is Houston’s latest hip community magazine, absolutely! IN THE LOOP. The silent auction will include items donated by: Lookout at Playa Tortuga (Costa Rica), custom jewelry by Carol Lipworth, collector’s wine courtesy of Don Grogg, beauty package by Neiman Marcus, an evening of sailing compliments of Blue Marlin Sailing, weekend stay package from La Torretta at Del Lago, Gospel Brunch at House of Blues, happy hour at Vintage Lounge, a family ticket package from The Health Museum, cooking classes at HEB’s Central Market, custom framing from Mixed Emotions Fine Art, facial products by Kiehl’s and much more. Artful Justice will be artist Hanh Tran’s seventh public exhibition of original oil paintings, which have previously taken place at Brennan’s, Momentum Audi (2), Belmont Village, One Allen Center and Roche Bobois. She always includes a charity to receive the proceeds of the silent auction and has benefitted Artbridge, Child Advocates of Ft. Bend, Alzheimer’s Association, Project Sunshine, Pink Door Non-Profit and Sunshine Kids Foundation. Mixed Emotions Fine Art 95 Tuam at Taft Houston, TX 77006 Artist Hanh Tran grew up in Houston, a child of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants. As one of seven children, she learned at an early age that she had to find her own voice and learn to express herself. Inspiration for Tran’s explosive and colorful canvases are typically evoked from meeting a person or seeing beauty in nature. Colors arise as her emotions are realized about certain subjects. People also illuminate with colors to the artist. As Tran approaches a canvas, her subject matter is often secondary to the colors she feels. Heavy, sweeping, broad strokes of oil paint communicate for her as the image emerges from the work. The self-taught artist admits she is motivated to paint when the stress of daily life becomes prominent and she finds comfort in the release of expression. “Painting provides a respite from my hectic life, but it also a time of renewal for me…a quiet, comforting time to work things out in my head,” remarks Tran. Justice for Children (JFC) is a national child advocacy organization with headquarters in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1987 by Randy Burton, former Chief Prosecutor of the Family Offenses Section of the Harris County District Attorney's office and a group of concerned citizens within the community in response to the inadequacies and failure of the child protective system. Today, JFC continues to function as the voice of the abused and neglected child. It remains unique in its purpose to advocate and intervene on behalf of the abused and neglected child at any stage of a child's case. Advocacy for a child is not dependent on a court appointment; therefore, the child's safety and protection can become an issue long before the case goes to court. This distinction is critical when it comes to protecting an abused or neglected child. Often by the time a child's case gets to court, much damage has been done. Justice for Children cases involve persons trying to protect an abused or neglected child. Individuals call seeking assistance and guidance through a system that is often overwhelming, especially due to the emotional and traumatic events that are taking place in a child's life. Often, protective parties have nowhere else to turn for guidance through the maze of bureaucratic agencies and a legal system that is often stacked against the child. While the full extent of child abuse and neglect in Texas and across the nation is unknown, the magnitude of this problem is undeniable and has never been greater. Most alarming are the statistics, both locally and nationally, that only one-third of verified cases of abuse or neglect are investigated. For more information please visit, www.hanhtran.com; www.justiceforchildren.org or call 713.355.9011. Find the event on Facebook / Hanh Tran. The Buffalo Bayou Ball, a grassroots gathering, is the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's annual fundraising event. This year it will be celebrating the transformation of Houston's most significant natural resource: Buffalo Bayou. Honoring: Local Landscape Visionaires Guy Hagstette Kevin Stanley Johnny Steele Charles Tapley Chairing: Local Landscape Leaders Sis and Hasty Johnson Mimi Lloyd Leslye and David Weaver Thursday, 7 p.m. cocktails, 8 p.m. dinner On Downtown's Historic Sabine Street Bridge For information, please contact Trudi Smith, 713-752-0314, ext. 3 Opening Reception November 5, 2009 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday Matinee Artist Talks November 7, 2 p.m. - FotoFest Headquarters Exhibition on View November 5 - December 19 Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday Noon - 5 p.m. Alejandro Cartagena Minstrel Kuik Ching hieh Christine Laptuta Rizwan Mirza Takeshi Shikama Vee Speers Kurt Tong MiMi Young The contemplative aspects of the world’s great religious traditions are presented in this series of free lunchtime programs. Spiritual practice can offer the possibility of healing—physical and psychological—as it deepens a sense of meaning and connection to what matters most. This series is co-sponsored by Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. A parallel monthly meditation series is held at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on selected Thursdays. For the M.D. Anderson meditation schedule and directions, please call 713-792-7184 or email mjkenned@mdanderson.org. Meditation Guided by a Spiritual Leader Wednesday, November 4, 12 noon Watch the Houston Rockets take on the LA Lakers at Toyota Center. Tip off at 7:30. You’ll fall in love all over again as you experience Itzhak Perlman’s brilliant virtuosity in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Wednesday, 7:30 PM Symphony Special Larry Rachleff, conductor Itzhak Perlman, violin Berlioz: Overture to Béatrice and Bénédict Elgar: Enigma Variations Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto Tickets from $45. Unless otherwise noted, all concerts take place at Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, 615 Louisiana Street, in Houston’s Theater District. For tickets and information, please call (713) 224-7575 or visit www.houstonsymphony.org unless otherwise noted. Tickets may also be purchased at the Houston Symphony Customer Service Center in Jones Hall (open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM). All programs and artists are subject to change. Sullivan’s Steakhouse (4608 Westheimer) is offering a “Palate in the Pink” three-course dinner for $39.95 through November 23 to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sullivan’s will donate $5 per meal in the fight against breast cancer. For reservations call 713-961-0333. “Understanding Poverty,” a compelling documentary photo exhibit by award-winning photographer Ben Tecumseh DeSoto, will be displayed in the City Hall Rotunda of the City of Houston, November 4-21, 2009. This installation, recognized as the “2009 Best Art Show in Houston” by the Houston Press “Best of Houston” issue, is composed of a dozen images of homelessness in Houston that DeSoto has photographed over the span of 25 years, including his portraits of two individuals he followed for more than two decades, Ben White and Judy Pruitt. Added text and context to the photographic exhibit are words and quotes written and compiled by longtime Houston journalist/writer/editor Ann Walton Sieber. The “Understanding Poverty Project” also will spotlight artwork created by homeless children through Art Bridges Houston, a local non-profit organization that provides art-making opportunities to children and families living in area homeless and transitional living centers. Adding the artwork of area homeless children to his photographic exhibit helps achieve an important goal for the work: to combine the impact of the strong photographic narratives with Healing Trauma Art from local children, families, and adults. DeSoto’s work is inspired by the parable of the Good Shepherd, who leaves 99 sheep to rescue the one stray lamb. “In the city of Houston, we need to take the strength, compassion, and resources of the 99 percent of the population who are well-housed and mentally stable, and direct them towards helping the one percent of our city’s dwellers who have gone astray through the ravaging effects of poverty and other debilitating life traumas.” DeSoto puts forth his appeal to Houstonians of conscience and compassion as The One Percent Challenge. The “Understanding Poverty Project,” and The One Percent Challenge have been made possible with the initial support of Houston Endowment, DiverseWorks Art Space, Que Imaging, FotoFest, and the Caroline Collective. A major milestone in the project was the successful exhibit of work at DiverseWorks September 19 through November 1, 2008. Houston-based writer Ann Sieber has received an individual artist grant from the Houston Arts Alliance to pursue work on a book based on the “Understanding Poverty Project.” For further information on the “Understanding Poverty Project,” go to www.zendfoto.com and select Rotunda Installation and Schedule Nov. 2009. Watch the Houston Aeros take on Toronto Marlies at Toyota Center, 7:35 p.m. Every woman needs an occasional "Ladies Night” or a little “Me Time” and sometimes the trip to the grocery store just doesn’t cut it. Call your girlfriends and make time for yourself at “Ladies Night Me Time Mondays”. Market Street – The Woodlands will launch its first “Ladies Night Out” complete with food, fun and a fashion show on Tuesday, September 8 from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Attendees will begin their evening at Market Street’s Outback Western Wear, located in the North Commons building near Sur la Table, where they will be presented with the latest trends in men and women’s fall fashion from retailers such as J. Crew, Tommy Bahama, Hemline and Nizhoni Jewelry. Afterwards, shoppers will have an opportunity to experience Market Street’s eclectic mix of specialty boutiques and retailers or dine at any of the center’s signature restaurants. “Ladies Night is a prime opportunity for women to take a little “me time”, enjoy friends and make new ones, and support the local businesses,” says Ladies Night Out Coordinator and Personal Image Consultant Stacy Harris. Following its debut, “Ladies Night Out” at Market Street will take place on the first Monday of each month and will feature an assortment of Market Street retailers, interesting topics and fun programs for the serious shopper. Though admission to “Ladies Night Out” at Market Street is free and open to everyone, space is limited. To reserve a spot at any of the upcoming Ladies Night Out events, call 281-419-4774 or stop by the Concierge Desk at Market Street during normal business hours. Market Street - The Woodlands is bound by Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan’s Mill Road and Six Pines Drive. The shopping and entertainment destination is owned by a joint venture between an affiliate of Trademark Property Company and Institutional Mall Investors. Baylor College of Medicine is proud to represent Houston by hosting a listening tour presented by Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) and the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF). The Diabetes Nation: America At Risk listening tour is part of a national campaign to elevate diabetes as a national public health priority. As the numbers of people with uncontrolled diabetes escalate and billions of dollars continue to be spent, the listening tour will focus on shifting the current dialogue to one that includes diabetes prevention, treatment and management. It is aimed at examining local initiatives, assessing what works and what could improve, and seeing what the nation could learn from local efforts to help improve the epidemic of uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic public health problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the number of Americans with diabetes more than quadrupled from 5.6 million in 1980 to 23.6 million in 2007. This means nearly eight percent of the U.S. population had diabetes. The purpose of the listening tour is to rally local communities like Houston, where diabetes has impacted local residents, and to work toward finding solutions to address uncontrolled diabetes, treatment and management. Listening tour participants will be able to assess how to incorporate prevention, early treatment and effective disease management as part of defining a new model to help to better serve people impacted by diabetes. Convening in Washington, D.C., listening tour outcomes will be presented at a National Conference on Diabetes to private and public stakeholders in an effort to help control one of the most costly diseases, and come to an understanding that better disease management and awareness may help improve quality of life. Where: North East Harris Community Center 10918 Bentley St Houston, TX 77093-3508 Monday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please RSVP to 800-965-4318 or diabetes.nation@bm.com Free to the public. Talento Bilingüe de Houston (TBH) presents their Dia de los Muertos art installation and exhibition by Elvira Diaz-Ocampo and Christian Navarrete. We are very excited to have Elvira Diaz-Ocampo back at TBH. Her installations have brought many inspirations to our visiting audiences. This year her altar instillation La Tumba Azul is inspired by and dedicated to “Mujeres de Corazon. Women who were the backbone of their family and whose heart continues to beat as long as their blood flows through the veins of the seeds they leave behind.” TBH is excited to have native Houstonian Christian Navarrete’s art with us for the first time. His exhibition Día y Noche includes some of his newest works. His artwork is surrealistic with a dash of subtle satire and is a reflection of his daily encounters with everyday life experiences. He is versatile with many mediums, but prefers to use acrylics to execute most of his work. “The artwork that I create is a reflection of the world around us. There is nothing more beautiful than creating images through self-expression and impacting the lives of others.” His art work can be found in art galleries here in Houston as well as is in other museums and galleries in the U.S. For interviews and bookings, please contact Mary Vaughan at 713.222.1213 or mary@tbhcenter.org For more information on this event or any other events visit www.TBHcenter.org, call us at 713.222.1213. VisionWalk is the national signature fundraising event of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Since its inception in the Spring of 2006, the program has raised over $6 million to fund sight-saving research. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding is greater than ever before. Join the tens of thousands of people who have taken important steps toward a cure by participating in VisionWalk. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. Location: Buffalo Bayou Hobby Center for Performing Arts 800 Bagby Street Houston, TX 77002 The Listening Room at NiaMoves presents An Evening with David Wilcox. The venue does not serve alcohol. There is none of the usual bar noise and chatter. The concerts are held in a yoga studio. The sound/acoustics are great. It truly is a listening room environment that has an intimate, laid back charm to it. All ages are welcome. NiaMoves 508 Pecore Houston, 77009. Sunday, Show at 8 p.m., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $30.00 in advance. Available online at www.listeningroomhouston.com Houston Drummers to Join the Largest Ever Global Gathering of Drummers The 3rd Annual Texas BigBeat, a drumming charity event, will occur from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009. The event will be hosted by the Houston Airport System at the Bush Intercontinental Airport Services Complex, 4500 Will Clayton Parkway, Houston, TX 77032. Setting a world record, the Big Beat will be held in 11 cities across North America with more than 1,200 drummers playing the same beat at the same. Texas BigBeat drummers will set up drum sets in a 60,000 square foot warehouse and play along with celebrity drummers Chris Layton (drummer for the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn), Herman Matthews (drummer for Kirk Whalum, Tower of Power, Tom Jones, Bob James, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, "Baby Face" Edmonds and many others) and Rick Latham (featured long-term member of the Edgar Winter Band and author of “Advanced Funk Studies” and “Contemporary Drum Set Techniques”). “Music is a universal language and Texas BigBeat’s goal is to give drummers a chance to do what they love (drumming) while at the same time making a difference for our youth and communities,” said Donna Fisher, Texas BigBeat event co-chair. “We have found that many drummers feel like music played an important and positive role in their development as children. At the Texas BigBeat, they get to pass on the gift of music to the younger generation. It’s an emotional experience to hear hundreds of drummers, ages 4 to 70, playing in unison.” Texas BigBeat will drum up dreams for two nonprofit organizations, Cherish Our Children International www.cherishourchildren.org and The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation www.mhopus.org. In Houston, Cherish Our Children International supports No More Victims Program, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent the cycle of addiction, abuse, violence and incarceration. The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments to schools and community music programs in the greater Houston area in an effort to give youth the many benefits of music education such as improved academic performance, and inspired creativity and expression through music. Teachers and parents see every day how the simple action of giving a child an instrument can change his or her life forever. More than 20 vendors have donated over $16,000 in musical instruments and accessories for drummers who raise the most money, the first 200 drummers who register, and the "Drumming up Dreams" drawing for drummers who raise a minimum of $200. Also, the event includes a “World’s Fastest Drummer Contest.” Drummers of all ages and all levels of experience are invited to participate and make a difference for our youth, families and communities. For more information, to register, sponsor or make a donation, visit www.texasbigbeat.com or call the Percussion Center at 713.468.9100. About Texas BigBeat: Texas BigBeat is a drumming charity event raising funds to provide educational programs for unserved and underserved youth. Event proceeds benefit Cherish Our Children International and The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation. For more information about Texas BigBeat, visit www.texasbigbeat.com. The organizing event sponsor is the Percussion Center www.percussiononline.com, Houston's only music store that specializes in drums and percussion instruments, lessons, clinics and accessories. Watch the Houston Aeros take on Chicago Wolves at Toyota Center, 7:05 p.m. Get your skeletons out of the closet as the Children’s Museum of Houston pays homage to ancestors during our Día de los Muertos Celebration! This Mexican holiday keeps the memory of loved ones alive by remembering their essence. The festival will be celebrated with special activities and performances. On-going Activities: Tissue Paper Flowers: Make your own tissue paper flowers to honor your ancestors on el Día de los Muertos. Día de los Muertos Wall Art: Color your Día de los Muertos pictures using the brightest of colors to decorate your home. Word Search: Find el Día de los Muertos words hidden in this holiday puzzle. Special Events: Spotlight Performance: Las Américas Ballet Folklórico. This traditional Mexican dance will bring you to your feet with their technical foot work and colorful costumes! Event Time: 2 p.m. Sunday, All Day MECA proudly presents Dia De Los Muertos: Honoring our Past, Celebrating Our Future. Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Latin American holiday that honors and celebrates the lives of family and friends who have gone before us. Different countries celebrate Dia de los Muertos in their own unique way. The common theme that runs through the two-day celebration, traditionally held November 1 and 2, is the belief that the dead return home, visit loved ones, and feast on their favorite foods. A playful mockery of death and a reaffirmation of life are demonstrated through music, dance, theatre, and visual arts. MECA's event features Dia de los Muertos celebrations from throughout Latin America, with an altar exhibit competition, foods from the Americas, vendors selling authentic Latin American Dia de los Muertos arts and crafts, and a Calavera Fashion Show. This festival truly is a community cultural event celebrating our ancestors and Latin American traditions. MECA Dia de los Muertos: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future is held at MECA's colorful, art-filled campus located at the nationally recognized historic Dow School in Houston's Old Sixth Ward. Wings Over Houston Airshow is proud to welcome back the US Navy Blue Angels to Houston! A Blue Angels flight demonstration exhibits choreographed refinements of skills possessed by all naval aviators. It includes the graceful aerobatic maneuvers of the four-plane Diamond Formation, in concert with the fast-paced, high-performance maneuvers of its two Solo Pilots. Finally, the team illustrates the pinnacle of precision flying, performing maneuvers locked as a unit in the renowned, six-jet Delta Formation. The Blue Angels’ mission is to enhance Navy and Marine Corps recruiting efforts and to represent the naval service to the United States, its elected leadership and foreign nations. The Blue Angels serve as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors for the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps. In 2009, the team celebrates 23 years of flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Last season, more than 13 million spectators watched the Blue Angels perform. Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 455 million fans. Watch "Fat Albert", the Blue Angels' C-130 Hercules support aircraft — in one of its final performances — as it gets in the act and performs a high-speed, short-field, rocket-assisted JATO take-off. The JATO rocket bottles used by "Fat Albert" are no longer being manufactured and the military supply has been used up. The 2009 airshow season will see the final JATO demonstrations by "Fat Albert". JATO take-off will be on Saturday only! The bilingual production unfolds a heartfelt musical story of conflict, cooperation and love. This innovative bilingual production incorporates Mandarin and English dialogue and original songs into a wide variety of theatrical styles: American Broadway, Hip Hop dance featuring Houston based WyldStyl Hip Hop Dance Troupe, Chinese Acrobatics and Martial Arts, ensuring that young and old will be enthralled and entertained. Houston Baptist University Morris Cultural Arts Center Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. – each day Tickets are $28.00 for students, $38.00 and $48.00 for adults. Visit www.yinyangshow.com for more information or call 281-239-8888. The Legend of Yin and Yang illustrates a true collaborative spirit between Chinese and American artistic leaders and performers that brilliantly highlights the strengths of each nation’s art. With the new 2009 production set to show in Houston, The Legend of Yin and Yang celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Sino-American Relations. Worldwide Stage, Inc. is presenting The Legend of Yin & Yang spectacle with support from the Houston International Protocol Alliance, the Shenzhen Mayor’s Office, the Shenzhen Office of Cultural and Foreign Affairs Departments along with support from several Chinese American Associations. Hotel Sorella and Continental Airlines are official sponsors of the 2009 Houston performances. One secret protects one great love in Wagner’s mystical romantic opera. Celebrated Wagnerian tenor Simon O’Neill makes his Houston Grand Opera debut as the knight Lohengrin, whose pure love is threatened by common human greed. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka sings the misguided Elsa, bewitched into betraying the very one she loves. Soprano Christine Goerke is the sorceress Ortrud and Richard Paul Fink plays her husband Frederick of Telramund, who will stop at nothing to gain the throne. Daniel Slater directs this grand-scale production, conducted by HGO Music Director Patrick Summers. October 30, November 13, 6:30 p.m. (early curtain!) Nov 1, 8, 15, 2:00 p.m. Brown Theater Sung in German with English Supertitles Where does a best-selling writer go to write a novel in 24 hours? A summer resort in the winter in possession of the only key seems perfect except that there are 6 others claiming to own the “one and only key” to the Baldpate Inn. Throughout the night he is joined by a thief, the town mayor, a TV crew, the neighborhood ghost and a woman of mystery. Dead bodies disappear and even the chief of police has a hand in the mayhem. A delightful twist makes this play even more fun as our writer moves closer to his deadline... The 7 Keys is a frenzied farce adapted by University of Texas Professor Jack Stanley from the play Seven Keys to Baldpate and will run, on stage, at Clear Creek Community Theatre from October 30th through November 15th. Curtains are at 8: PM Friday and Saturday nights with Sunday matinees at 2:30 PM. Clear Creek Community Theatre is located at 18091 Upper Bay Road in Nassau Bay. Tickets are $14.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors and students and $10.00 for groups of 10 or more. For reservations call 281-335-5228. Christian Youth Theater Houston, an after-school theater arts training program for students ages 6-18, is proud to present its fall 2009 production of Aladdin at the Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts in The Woodlands, Texas. Directed by Jane Hallford and choreographed by Rebecca Reenie, the show features Andrew Miller in the title role, Lael Lawless as Jasmine, Thomas Miller as Genie and Seth Karl as the villainous Jafar, backed by an ensemble cast of ninety students. An original CYT musical written by Paul Russell and John Lorenz, Aladdin combines action, humor and a beautiful love story into one unforgettable adventure. This inspiring tale of a peasant boy, a princess, the sultan's greedy advisor, and of course, the hilarious genie of the lamp will take you far away to the enchanted land of Arabia where you will be swept away on a magic carpet ride you will never forget. The Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts will host eight showings of Aladdin beginning with the opening performance on Friday, October 30 at 7:00 pm. The show’s run will conclude on Sunday, November 8 with the final performance at 2:00 pm. Advance tickets are for sale at the price of $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 17 years of age. Group, matinee and senior ticket discounts are also available. To purchase tickets and to view a list of show times, please visit www.cythouston.org for more information. The 8th Annual Lone Star Rally returns to Galveston Island as the Worlds Largest Halloween Party. Over 300 vendors, live concerts, ghost ship tours plus much more! Free admission. This sparkling folktale is one of Donizetti’s most popular operas. Lovesick Nemorino falls madly in love with the young landowner Adina knowing well that she is out of his league. Luckily, the scheming Dr. Dulcamara has just the cure to what ails him. Russian soprano Ekaterina Siurina sings the minx Adina and Eric Cutler is Nemorino. Internationally renowned Italian bass-baritone Alessandro Corbelli plays Dr. Dulcamara, and Liam Bonner is the flamboyant Sergeant Belcore. Directed by Annabel Arden, this delightful production takes place in a rustic Italian town square. October 23, 7:00 p.m. (season opening night) October 28, November 4, 7, 7:30 p.m. October 25, 2:00 p.m. Brown Theater Sung in Italian with English Superrtitles Experience the Texas Senior State Games when athletes 50+ compete for the gold, silver and bronze. Combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film, the Tony® Award-winning Mary Poppins is everything you’d hope for in a Broadway musical—and more. Produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the show includes such wonderful songs as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s Go Fly a Kite and, of course, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The NY Daily News hails MARY POPPINS as “a roof-raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza!” Don’t miss all the magic of Broadway’s super hit musical, and let your imagination take flight. Lawndale Art Center is pleased to present its 21st Annual Día de los Muertos series of programs, a celebration of the art, music and practices of Mexico. Lawndale invites Texas artists to create their own interpretation of the traditional tin devotional painting practice in Mexico known as the retablo in this annual exhibition. Gruesome Playground Injuries charts two lives, using scars, injuries and calamity as the mile markers. An imaginative tour de force for actors and audiences, the play explores why people hurt themselves to gain another’s love, and the cumulative effect of such damage, of such demands. Director Rebecca Taichman will make her Alley debut. Recommended for mature audiences. Strong language, profanity, violence. Texas Indie Sundays brings three incredible film selections, including the fabulous Texas Filmakers Showcase, to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston this fall. The three-night series , presented in collaboration with Spacetaker, features the following: "Chalk" Directed by Mike Akel USA, 2006 85 Minutes Show Time: Sunday, October 11 @ 5:00 PM An award-winning "mockumentary" about the high-school experience, told from the educator´s point of view. "Harmony and Me" Directed by Bob Byington USA, 2009 75 Minutes Show Time: Sunday, November 1 @ 5:00 PM Austin is home to twenty-something Harmony (indie rock musician Justin Rice from Bishop Allen), who cannot get over his break-up with Jessica (Kristen Tucker). His moping is driving his friends, family, and coworkers to distraction. Variety praised the way the film´s "deadpan humor… surmounts the self-absorption and self-pity to approach a form of music." Also starring indie film stalwart Kevin Corrigan. Harmony and Me had its world premiere at New York´s New Directors/ New Films and has since screened at film festivals in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Edinburgh. 16th Annual Texas Filmmakers Showcase Various Directors USA, 2009 90 Minutes Show Time: Sunday, November 8 @ 5:00 PM Organized by the Houston Film Commission, this annual juried survey assembles a lively selection of recent short films by Texans. The 2009 showcase spotlights talented auteurs from Austin, Houston, Dallas and Denton. Color By Number - Marshall Rimmer, Austin TX Fury - Van Blumreich, Houston TX Skip and Lester: Here´s The Stapler If You Need It - Lance Myers, Austin TX It´s For Her - Travis Johns, Houston TX My Mom Smokes Weed - Clay Liford, Dallas TX Quarter To Noon - Kat Candler, Austin TX Smokey - Scott Thurman, Denton TX Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest, most acclaimed Renaissance theme park. The enchanted 53-acre Village comes to life every fall with the sights, sounds, tastes and beauty of a 16th Century English Village. The Festival starts in October and continues for eight themed weekends in Plantersville, Texas. Each weekend offers ye old entertainment, games and rides, refreshments, artisan wares, and 200 performances daily, including magicians, jugglers, minstrels, troubadours and comedians. When: Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday October 10th through November 29th, 2009 Where: On FM 1774, between Magnolia and Plantersville, Texas 50 miles Northwest of Houston. Time: Gates open at 9:00 AM and close at dusk Tickets: Gate prices: Adult - $21.00 Child - $10.00 Discount prices: Adult - $18.00 Child - $8.00 Discount tickets are available at select HEB, Market Basket, Randall’s, Woodforest National Bank, ClicknPrint Tickets, on-line at www.texrenfest.com or by calling 800-458-3435. Beware the siege this October at The Health Museum! First annual Siege of the Skeletons, a community art project featuring papier-mâché skeletons submitted by teams all over Houston. Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m. It’s all about bones! See the sensational skeletons on display throughout the month of October at The Health Museum. Visit the Museum before October 22 to vote for your favorite skeleton, then come back October 29 to see if your pick wins! Skeletons also will be judged by Texas Medical Center partners and Museum professionals. Viewing the skeletons is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket. Her colorful and shape-defying bracelets and earrings are part of the Texas Federation of Fiber Artists: Celebrating Our Creative Spirit show, where she was named to the Texas Master Series 2009. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is proud to present a solo exhibition of work by Rachelle Thiewes, a jeweler, metal artist and professor of metal arts at the University of Texas at El Paso. Recently named HCCC’s 2009 Texas Master, Thiewes has created several bodies of work that have made an instrumental difference to the field of art jewelry. Like no other artist working today, Thiewes takes into account the movement of the body and how a piece of jewelry might impact, or be impacted, by movement. Visitors will be wowed by the array of metal jewelry that ranges from stunning, kinetic earrings to multi-functional brooches and bold bracelets made from steel and color-shifting auto paint. Opening Reception: Friday, October 2, 5:30–8:00 p.m. The Texas Federation of Fiber Artists invited all fiber and textile artists living in the state of Texas to apply to this exhibition, which was juried by celebrated textile artist Tim Harding. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exceptional fiber art—including quilts, embroidery, collage, tapestry, sculpture and much more. Over 90 pieces were selected from 225 submissions. The art works were judged on criteria such as craftsmanship; compelling visual quality; and unity of overall form among the different components, such as material, technique, scale, imagery, color, texture, and composition. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Thornton Wilder’s Our Town follows the courtship and marriage of George and Emily, and in following the two, reveals the hidden mystery behind the everyday. Wilder’s portrait of life, love and death is set in Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, a fictional New England town at the start of the 20th century. With a penetrating wisdom about living in community, this play is an enduring American treasure and one of the greatest plays of world theatre. Recommended for general audiences. 2225 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. 713-914-1313 Oct. 1 – Nov. 7, 7:30-Midnight The climate-controlled indoor attraction welcomes geusts of all ages with more than a dozen heated rides, including tube slides, body slides, kids' areas, a wave river and surfing wave. Open weekends and select holidays. Playing on the term used by restaurants when new diners replace those who have moved on, Houston artist Mary Margaret Hansen’s Second Seating is a unique visual arts destination featuring elegant dinner tables set under fanciful chandeliers created from recycled packaging and products manufactured in Houston’s East End, the city’s industrial heart and historic core. Coffee cans, Clorox bottles, oil pipeline parts and beer cans are mixed seamlessly with reclaimed trash and vintage objects found in the community or reclaimed after Hurricane Ike. The installation, with it enigmatic text and program notes, invites viewers to take a metaphorical “seat at the table,” acknowledging that we can choose to reuse our trash and can renew old and diverse urban communities. Artists collaborating with Hansen are Jesse Sifuentes, Mercedes Fernandez, Teodoro Estrada, Jose Solis, Agnes Welsh Eyster and Gonzo247. The exhibition opens on September 24 with a reception from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and runs through November 1, 2009 at 22 North Chenevert in gallery space immediately adjacent to Irma’s Restaurant. East Ender Irma Galvan is the recipient of a 2008 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award. She will offer a special Second Seating Lunch Plate between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the exhibition dates. Gallery hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Second Seating is within walking distance of Minute Maid Park, Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center. Art League Houston, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, is pleased to announce the opening of The Image Altered, which takes place at Heritage Hall in the JPMorgan Chase Building in Downtown Houston, and runs from September 23 through November 19, 2009 as a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This exhibition is curated by Beth Secor, and features the work of Chuy Benitez, Jesus Galvan, Cheyenne Ramos, Y.E. Torres, and Rebecca Villarreal. September 23 - November 19, 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Reception Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. JPMorgan Chase Heritage Hall 712 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 The opening reception for the exhibition is Wednesday, September 23, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Heritage Hall in the JPMorgan Chase building located at 712 Main Street in downtown Houston. The Image Altered is the first in a series of four visual art exhibitions that focus on cultural heritage month celebrations. Celebrating Diversity Through Art is a unique collaboration of JPMorgan Chase and Art League Houston, which highlights established and emerging artists representative of diverse communities. This program is supported in full by JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Nothing can be more memorable than a great Fall day in the country, especially when you experience one of the best parts of coming out to Dewberry Farm — the hayride and pumpkin picking. Every year like clockwork, several different varieties of fresh vine pumpkins grow on sixteen acres of land during the Fall at Dewberry Farm. Enjoy a tractor drawn hayride taking you 'to and fro' for a farm fresh experience. Choose from big pumpkins for carving or yummy pies — or little teeny ones for holiday decorations. Take a stroll through Pumpkin Hollow to see carved pumpkins glowing in the twilight! Dewberry Farm Open through Nov. 15 The monthly show is held on the third Saturday of each month at the Johnny Arolfo Civic Center (except December) at 300 W. Walker, League City, Texas and the FIRE ON THE STRINGS FESTIVAL at HOUSTON NORTH/LAKE CONROE KOA the third weekend of May. The stage show begins at 6:30 PM, but pickers are welcome to bring their instruments and come earlier. The BABA kitchen provides tasty, inexpensive food and beverages (NO ALCOHOL). Door prizes are offered at every show. Dates: September 19 October 17 Novermber 21 A cool new fall movie series put on by the Downtown District at Discovery Green park. Fall movie line-up includes cult classics like The House of Yes, Best in Show and The Big Lebowski. The House of Yes - September 18 Best in Show - October 24 Young Frankenstein - October 30 The Big Lebowski - November 13 Planes, Trains and Automobiles - November 21 THE HOUSE OF YES Sep 18 Presented by Downtown Magazine, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Houston Young People for the Arts (HYPA). A well-done film adaptation of a play, The House of Yes gives us an amazing and very funny performance by Parker Posey who is a bit unbalanced (she thinks she is Jackie Kennedy) and flips into a murderous rage when her brother returns home to reveal he’s engaged. Adult content. Free. Fri 7:30. BEST IN SHOW Oct 24 Presented by Downtown Magazine, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Houston Pavilions. A colorful array of characters compete in a national dog show—and in the hands of master mock-documentarist Christopher Guest, the results are hilarious. Part of the weekend’s Barkitecture Houston festivities. Pet photos, puppy adoptions by Pup Squad and more prior to the show. Free. Sat 6:30, movie 7:30. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Oct 30 Presented by Downtown Magazine, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Emerging Leaders. A classic Mel Brooks movie that parodies the old Frankenstein movies. Dr. Frankenstein's grandson (Gene Wilder), after years of living down the family reputation, inherits his grandfather’s castle and continues in his footsteps. Free. Fri 7:30. THE BIG LEBOWSKI Nov 13 Presented by Downtown Magazine, Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge. Whether you’re a Big Lebowski-aholic or not, you’ll have a blast at Houston’s Lebowski Bash, including music, trivia, costume contest, an outdoor human bowling alley and, of course, beer. In this ultimate slacker movie, "Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), mistaken for a millionaire, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it. Adult content. Free. Fri 7:30, movie 10. For more info, check out lebowskihouston.com PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES Nov 21 Presented by Downtown Magazine and Saint Arnold Brewing Company. All that Neal Page (Steve Martin) wants to do is to get home for Thanksgiving. His flight has been canceled due to bad weather, so he decides on other means of transport. As well as bad luck, Neal is blessed with the presence of Del Griffith (John Candy), shower curtain ring salesman, who is never short of advice, conversation, bad jokes or company. Get a sneak peek at all the festive downtown happenings for the holidays. Free. Sat 7:30. Just a reminder that all events are FREE. Blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics are welcome, but please do not bring glass containers or alcoholic beverages into the park. Food, beer, and wine are available at the Lake House. Dogs are also welcome!! For more info on park rules, visit discoverygreen.com. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney. Each month this fall, Holocaust Museum Houston will sponsor an exclusive and intimate guided tour through buildings used for religious worship by three of the world's major religions: Judaism, Catholicism and Islam. Congregation Beth Yeshurun, the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Islamic Da'wah Center are opening their doors to members of the Museum and the public in the tour series "Building Faith: Church, Mosque, Synagogue; Visiting Houses of Worship." Each tour will give a brief description of the religion before moving onto the focus of the series: how the building is used for religious services for each community and the intricacies of how worship is conducted. The tour series is in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibits on display that highlight the possible compassion between the three monotheistic religions, "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" and "Besa : Muslims Who Saved Jews during the Holocaust." Following the tours, the Museum will invite members to come and tour these two changing exhibits on Thursday, Dec. 3, beginning at 5 p.m. A panel discussion will follow at 7 p.m. in the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Theater featuring a religious leader from each religion discussed during the tours. "A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II and the Jewish People" is an interactive experience that allows visitors to follow in John Paul II's footsteps from his childhood to his role as head of the world's largest church. The exhibit includes photographs, video footage, documents and artifacts recording the extraordinary contributions of the pope to relations between the Catholic and Jewish faiths. It includes about 70 artifacts on loan from 10 museums and private collections that help illustrate the pope's association with the Jewish community from the time of his childhood and how these life-long associations shaped his papacy, the church and Jewish-Catholic relations. Included among the artifacts on view will be a white Zuccheto, or skull cap, bearing the pope's initials and worn during his visit to Israel in 2000. Also included will be the walking staff used to help him approach the Western Wall. "Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews during the Holocaust" depicts the heroic stories of Albanian Muslims who saved Jews - those of Albanian origin and refugees alike - from extermination despite great danger to themselves. By the war's end, almost all Jews living within Albanian borders during the German occupation had been saved. Besa means literally "to keep the promise." One who acts according to Besa is someone who keeps his word, someone to whom one can trust one's life and the lives of one's family. So when the Germans occupied Albania in 1943, the local population refused to comply with the Nazis' orders to turn over lists of Jews residing in Albania. Albanians took fleeing Jews into their homes, lived with them as family and protected them at great peril. The exhibition stems from a five-year project by Colorado-based photographer Norman Gershman, who specializes in portraiture, and documents the story of 65 Albanian families. DATES: The first tour will be on Sept. 9, 2009 from 10 a.m. to noon at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096. On Oct. 19, 2009 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the tour will be held at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston, TX 77002. The final religious building tour will be on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Islamic Da'wah Center, 202 Main, Houston, TX 77002. Registration is required for each tour, and space is limited. To register, visit www.hmh.org/register.asp. Members who wish to attend should plan on arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Transportation is not provided, and all tours begin at the building site. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 104 or e-mail membership@hmh.org. Holocaust Museum Houston is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, remembering the 6 million Jews and other innocent victims and honoring the survivors' legacy. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, the Museum teaches the dangers of hatred, prejudice and apathy. Holocaust Museum Houston is free and open to the public and is located in Houston's Museum District at 5401 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston showcases a selection of key paintings by Joaquín Torres-García, one of the most influential Latin American artists and theorists of the first half of the 20th century. Organized by Mari Carmen Ramírez, the Wortham Foundation curator of Latin American art at the MFAH, Joaquín Torres-García: Paintings in Houston Collections features a dozen paintings all culled from major Houston collections. The exhibition complements Joaquín Torres-García: Constructing Abstraction with Wood, an exhibition of over 80 wooden constructions also curated by Ramírez, which will open on September 25 at the Menil Collection and is an MFAH/Menil collaboration. These two exhibitions will be the first to present Torres-García’s work in the United States in over forty years. As such, they provide a unique opportunity to acquaint Houston audiences with the work of this major exponent of the international avant-garde. To celebrate this special moment there will be a series of joint events and programs organized around both exhibitions. The paintings for the Houston show include half-a-dozen loans from Houston collectors, such as Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long, Mary and Roy Cullen, Mr. Fayez Sarofim, Dr. Luis and Cecilia Campos, and a couple of private lenders. Additionally, the exhibition will feature five paintings from the Brillembourg Capriles Collection of Latin American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, a major long-term loan addition to the museum’s Latin American holdings. This is the first time that all these works will be shown together. The paintings in the MFAH show vividly exemplify the diversity and multiplicity of solutions to which the Uruguayan artist arrived in his attempt to expand upon key issues posed by the early constructivist and abstract movements in Europe. That is, within a short span of time the artist not only produced works in different media but he also employed a variety of stylistic vocabularies, freely moving back and forth between them. Each painting on view at the MFAH show represents a different period of Torres-García’s production, ranging from an early landscape painted in France in 1928 to an oil on paper and canvas work made in 1945, giving viewers a rough overview of his career. Torres-García’s paintings often balance nature and reason through a combination of Constructive elements and signs. To convey this balance he elaborated his own particular language based on the neo-Plasticist grid (reason) and pictographic symbols (nature). He called this language Constructive Universalism. Convinced that the impulse towards abstract modes of abstraction lie at the core of all civilizations, the system of Constructive Universalism incorporated symbols from ancient cultures such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and the ancient cultures of the Americas. One outstanding work on view is an untitled oil painting from 1932, depicting the outline of a fish. Inside of the fish are painted a number of other objects, which are all familiar symbols from Torres-García’s Constructive Universal repertory: precise references to the cosmos (the sun), the ideal pentameter (the number five), human emotions (the heart and the anchor, representing hope), nature (the fish), and references to North American Indian art (the teepee framed by a crescent moon and the sun, such as is found on painted hides). These symbols can also be found in other paintings on view. Two additional and quite rare (only four of these exist and two are in Houston) tempera works, Forma anímica entrecruzada (Intersected Animist Form), 1933, (Fayez Sarofim Collection) and Formas cortadas por estructura (Forms Intersected by Structure), 1934, (Private Collection)—painted in Madrid, shortly before returning to Montevideo—were directly inspired in the designs of Nazca pottery from the collection of the Archaeological Museum in Madrid. About the Artist Torres-García is revered not only as a Modernist painter, but also as a teacher and author. Born in 1874 and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay, Torres-García moved with his family to Barcelona, Spain, at age 17. A self-taught artist, he soon began to explore styles from modern Classicism to the potential of creating a Catalan Classicism. He also moved frequently throughout his adult life, dividing his time between Spain, Italy, France, and New York, and exhibiting with the renowned artists of his time, including Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and Marcel Duchamp. It was not until he was in his 40s that the artist began to work in the Modernist and Constructive style for which he is so renowned, going on to found Constructive Universalism. At age 60, Torres-García returned to his birthplace with the intention of introducing Modernist and Constructive art to Uruguayan artists. He gave hundreds of lectures, organized over 20 exhibitions, and founded the Sociedad de los Artes del Uruguay and the Asociación de Arte Constructivo, followed by the Taller Torres-García, fulfilling his dream to influence the next generation of artists. Torres-García died in 1949. Opening Reception: Friday, September 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Houston—Reduced Visibility, curated by Core Program Critical Studies Resident Kurt Mueller, explores the intersection of abstraction and political subject matter in contemporary art today. The exhibition features photography, sculpture, video, and drawing by five artists based in the United States: Rico Gatson (American, born 1966, lives and works in Brooklyn, New York), Helen Mirra (American, born 1970, lives and works in Cambridge, MA), Mark Lombardi (American, born 1951, died 2000), Lisa Oppenheim (American, born 1975, lives and works in New York, New York), and Trevor Paglen (American, born 1974, lives and works in Oakland, California). “Abstraction is traditionally seen as counter to realism if not representation; abstraction distorts, occludes, or otherwise aestheticizes the direct and intentional communication of worldly matters,” Mueller explains of the exhibition’s curatorial premise. “However, there is also a long history—from the Russian Constructivists to Maya Lin—of abstract form conveying political and social meaning. Reduced Visibility attempts to show how visual abstraction may be a viable, if not also a necessary, means to engage socio-political phenomena today. The artists here address a wide range of issues—from government secrecy, corporate malfeasance, racial identity, and the environment—through the production of abstract artworks." Among the artworks in the exhibition, the drawings of Mark Lombardi help viewers visualize a very timely subject: financial and political scandals. International Systems and Controls c.1955 – 89 (1997), for example, documents the web of corruption and fraud spun by a Houston-based engineering outfit. Using public records, Lombardi literally sketched out the flow of money and influence between corporate identities and global public figures. A complex of arches and lines, the finished drawing provides an elegant and informative picture of power; Lombardi gives visual form, albeit abstract, to what normally remains invisible, fugitive, or behind closed doors. This effort to represent the unrepresentable is shared by the photographs of Trevor Paglen. San Nicolas Island (#1)/~65 miles 9 (2007), is emblematic of the self-professed experimental geographer's work to document the “blank spots on the map”—typically secret CIA and U.S. military installations. The image depicts, purportedly, a U.S. Navy missile testing a classified-operations testing facility off the coast of Southern California. Paglen shot the picture by pointing an astrophotography lens from Malibu, the closest spot of public land to San Nicolas. The resulting image, a hazy, Rothko-like mix of color planes, indexes the limits of seeing what is purposely held beyond our visual knowledge. Lisa Oppenheim’s Multicultural Crayon Displacements (2008) similarly reveal the shortcomings of representation, though of the highly visible subject of race. Her photograms each depict one of fourteen colors from Crayola’s Multicultural Crayon Set. Oppenheim recreated each Crayola hair, eye, or skin tone via the earliest known process for color photography, photographing each crayon color with red, green, and blue filters, and then projecting these black and white images through the same red, green, and blue filters and onto a photo reactive surface. The subsequent images are dynamic compositions of overlapping color, alluringly revealing the various ways—socially, optically, and categorically—that race is constructed. Racial identity is also the subject of Rico Gatson’s video-sculpture History Lessons (2004). In the ten-minute video, Gatson remixes footage from D.W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation (1915), clips of stereotypical depictions of African-Americans from 1930s and ’40s Hollywood films, and photographs from the 1965 Watts riots. Gatson submits these images of injustice to kaleidoscopic filters, stylized editing, and the mirroring effect of four different monitors. Another segment of the video offers pictogram lyrics to Bob Dylan’s song Only a Pawn in Their Game (1963)—which decries the murder of black Civil Rights leader Medger Evans. Through these processes of defamiliarization, Gatson re-animates history that might otherwise be forgotten. Sculpture and text-based work by Helen Mirra further consider the potential for abstraction, whether cinematic, language-based, or sculptural, to deliver political import. Bartók (2006), and Unirondack (2006), floor-bound constructions of pinecones and hand-sawn shipping pallets from Berlin’s Grunewald, offer a personal, if not poetic meditation on the ecology of forests. These deceptively simple objects condense a range of ideological references, from Minimalist sculpture to narratives of industrial development, as well as their respective namesakes: the anti-fascist ethnomusicologist and composer, and a Unitarian Universalist camp in the Adirondack Mountains. Like the other artworks in Reduced Visibility, Mirra’s abstract forms, far from rendering their political subject illegible or inert, open up to other readings. They offer new ways to see, regard, and engage social and political realities, in particular those that are otherwise secreted or hiding in plain sight. About the Artists Rico Gatson (b. 1966) lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Gatson’s multimedia practice, which includes videos, sculptures, and paintings, has been featured in several solo exhibitions at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, including Dark Matter (2009), African Fractals (2006), and History Lessons/Clandestine (2004). Other recent solo exhibitions include Black Magic/Black Power at Steve Turner Contemporary, Los Angeles (2008) and Pocket Utopia, Brooklyn, New York (2008). An installation of his videos at the New Orleans African American Museum was part of the Prospect.1 New Orleans Biennial (2008-09). Mark Lombardi’s (b. 1951; d. 2000) work was the subject of a posthumous retrospective, Mark Lombardi: Global Networks organized by Independent Curators International. From 2003 to 2005, the exhibition traveled to nine United States venues, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland; The Drawing Center, New York; and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco. His other solo exhibitions include Silent Partners, Pierogi, Brooklyn, New York (1998-2000) and Crossing the Line: 1994-1998, Museum of Contemporary Art, Washington, D.C. (1998). Lombardi lived and worked in Houston from 1975 to 1997. Helen Mirra (b. 1970) lives and works in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she is Associate Professor of Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University. Mirra’s recent solo exhibitions include 33 Bergwanderwege, Meyer Riegger Galerie, Berlin (2009); Case study: Swiss bird houses, Taka Ishii Gallery, Kyoto (2009); and Instance the Determination, a public project for the University of Chicago (2006-09). Mirra was awarded a residency at the Stiftung Laurenz-Haus in Basel, Switzerland for 2008-09. Her work is currently on view at The Quick and the Dead, curated by Peter Eleey at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis through September 27. Lisa Oppenheim (b. 1975) lives and works in New York City. Oppenheim's recent one-person exhibitions include The Making of Americans, STORE Gallery, London (2008), and By Faith and Industry, Galerie Juliette Jongma, Amsterdam (2007). She is an alumnus of both the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program (2003) and the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten (2004-5) in Amsterdam. Solo shows of Oppenheim’s photography-based and moving image work open at Harris Lieberman Gallery, New York, on September 12 and the University of California, Riverside/California Museum of Photography on September 26. Trevor Paglen (b. 1974) lives and works in Oakland, California. An artist, writer, and experimental geographer, Paglen exhibited his work in solo exhibitions in 2009 at Altman Siegel Gallery, San Francisco; Bellwether Gallery, New York; and Galerie Thomas Zander, Koln. Paglen was also recently included in the 2008 Seca Art Award Exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (2009), and will participate in the 2009 International Istanbul Biennial. Paglen is the author of three books, including, most recently, Blank Spots on a Map: The Geography of the Pentagon's Secret World (Penguin Publishers, 2009). About the Curator Kurt Mueller is a second-year critical studies resident in the Core Program at the MFAH. He received his MFA from the University of Texas, Austin in 2008, and his BA in visual and environmental studies from Harvard College in 2002. A critic, curator, and artist, Mueller also attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, in 2008. He has contributed criticism to frieze, Art Asia Pacific, Art Papers, and Art Lies, where he is Assistant Editor. Before enrolling in the Core Program, he helped organize exhibitions at the Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, TX; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC; Artpace, San Antonio, TX; and the Mattress Factory Art Museum, Pittsburgh, PA. About the Core Exhibition Program The Core Exhibition Program is comprised of three annual exhibitions. In the fall, a critical-studies resident develops and curates an exhibition. The second exhibition is curated in the winter by the associate director of the Glassell Core Program, Mary Leclère, and features work by a contemporary artist who is influencing the practices of younger artists. The program concludes in the spring, when the current Core residents exhibit their own work. About Core The highly competitive Core program awards one- and two-year residencies to visual artists and art scholars who have completed their undergraduate or graduate training but have not yet fully developed a professional career. Core residents are given private studio space or an office, 24-hour access to school facilities and equipment, privileges at the museum’s Hirsch Library and the Fondren Library at nearby Rice University, and a $10,000 annual stipend. The Glassell School of Art The Glassell School of Art is the teaching wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Established in 1927, it was renamed in honor of Alfred C. Glassell, Jr., in 1979. The school has a reputation for outstanding training in the fine arts, and offers the nationally acclaimed Core Residency Program for postgraduate study as well as a wide variety of programs and classes for adults and children through its Studio School and Junior School. The Glassell Community Outreach Program serves more than 5,500 individuals, including hospitalized children, and hearing and visually impaired people. The Glassell School of Art is located at 5101 Montrose Boulevard, and is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Radio Music Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of its latest original comedy revue, The Lighter Side of the Recession. This two-act show combines original comedy sketches and music inspired by our current economic woes, and all of the laughs are brought to you by a rambunctious local furniture salesman named Uncle Dan, who was recently the victim of arson. (Sound familiar?) Adding to the fun is a longer comedy sketch featuring RMT’s most popular characters, The Singing Fertle Family from Dumpster, Texas. This show, written and directed by Steve Farrell, will also feature a rare live performance of one of RMT’s original pieces created for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” The film short, a parody of Japanese horror movies, was shot on slides, using miniature dolls as actors, and RMT’s cast (Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Rich Mills) will perform all of the character voices and sound effects live. The Lighter Side of the Recession will open on Thursday, September 3, and run through November 21, 2009, with performances every Thursday and Friday at 8:30, and Saturday at 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. Desserts, snacks, wines, champagnes, beers, cappuccino, and soft drinks are available throughout the show. Admission is $24.00, reservations are recommended, and tickets can be purchased in advance at Radio Music Theatre (2623 Colquitt, near Richmond and Kirby) or by calling the theatre box office at (713) 522-7722. Varios chefs de Houston, conjuntamente con la Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes de Houston (Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, GHCVB) y Whole Foods Market, están preparando para el 2010 tours culinarios, para mostrar diversos restaurantes, mercados y vecindarios de la ciudad que han convertido a Houston en una de las metrópolis de mayor diversidad culinaria a nivel mundial. El grupo de los chefs está integrado por Bryan Caswell (Reef, Little Bigs y Stella Sola), Randy Evans (Haven), Monica Pope (T´Afia y Beaver´s) y Chris Shepherd (Catalan). Los restaurantes de Houston han ganado amplio reconocimiento a nivel nacional e internacional por su diversidad y calidad. Varios chefs de Houston ocuparon las portadas de las revistas especializadas Food and Wine y Bon Appetit y recibieron numerosos premios James Beard Awards. Pero a diferencia de otras ciudades en los Estados Unidos famosas por sus restaurantes, como Chicago, Las Vegas o San Francisco, no son los restaurantes de lujo los que han hecho que Houston se destaque en este campo, sino los pequeños restaurantes étnicos, cuyas recetas han pasado de generación en generación. Los chefs que están organizando los tours culinarios ya tienen una gran fama en los Estados Unidos, pero en lugar de descansar en sus laureles, se han propuesto dar a conocer, tanto a los residentes como a los visitantes de Houston, precisamente estos lugares del buen comer en la ciudad. Con tan sólo 15 personas por cada tour, los participantes descubrirán la ciudad en su faceta menos conocida, incluyendo varios vecindarios, restaurantes, mercados y a sus proveedores tejanos, que ayudan a cada chef en la conformación de sus menús especiales con el toque local. Los lugares a visitar son seleccionados por cada chef, por lo que los tours varían dependiendo del chef guía. Los tours se realizarán en distintas fechas los domingos, comenzando a las 11 a.m. y terminando a las 4 p.m. en el Whole Foods Market. El costo es de US $180 por persona por tour. Las entradas podrán ser adquiridas en el Whole Foods Market Kirby, 2955 Kirby Drive, Houston o llamando al 1-713-520.1937. La agenda del 2010 Marzo 14: El Sabor del Sureste Asiático. Este tour será guiado por Bryan Caswell y Monica Pope e incluye visitas a Kasra Persian Grill, Balaji Bawan, Sin Sin y Kim Tai. Abril 18: Tiendas de Comida y Mercados Etnicos. Este tour será guiado por Randy Evans y Chris Shepherd. Se visitarán Thai Grocery, Lankford Grocery, Hong Kong Market y Polonia. Septiembre 12: Long Point Road. Este tour será guiado por Bryan Caswell y Chris Shepherd e incluye la visita a los restaurantes étnicos más auténticos de la ciudad. Octubre 10: Fair Food. Este tour será guiado por Randy Evans y Monica Pope. La visita incluye Ray´s Franks and More, MAM´s House of Ice Snoballs, Frenchy´s Chicken y My Dee Dee´s Pie Shop and Deli. ### Sobre los chefs Bryan Caswell “Todos nuestros platos tienen su origen en este tipo de establecimientos. Son la base de lo que hacemos.” Siendo fiel a sus raíces de la Costa del Golfo, el chef y propietario Bryan Caswell comparte su pasión por la pesca y el océano en su galardonado restaurante Reef con variados menús, según la temporada. A los comensales les encanta la refinada mezcla de productos locales y foráneos presentes en las creaciones gastronómicas de este restaurante. En 2009, Caswell fue semifinalista en los premios James Beard Awards. La revista Food & Wine lo nombró en su lista de los “10 Mejores Chefs Emergentes”. Además, Caswell forma parte del prestigioso Congreso de los Chefs de Continental Airlines. No pierda de vista su nuevo negocio, Little Bigs, un restaurante muy casual, donde el concepto es una combinación de un bar de vinos con una amplia variedad de hamburguesas y emparedados. Randy Evans “A mucha gente, tanto a los que nacieron aquí como a los inmigrantes, les hace falta conocer la historia muy rica de Houston, porque todos ellos, de alguna manera, se cocinan en su propio jugo y, en realidad, no conocen todo lo que nuestra ciudad tiene para ofrecerles.” Muy popular tras la reciente inauguración de su nuevo restaurante Haven, certificado como un local “verde”, el Chef Ejecutivo y co-propietario Randy Evans continúa abasteciéndose de producción local para las modernas creaciones de su cocina al estilo de Texas. El restaurante, que se inauguró en octubre de 2009, es el producto de la experiencia de más de una década que tiene Evans en la escena culinaria de Houston. Es graduado del Art Institute. En su posición del Chef Ejecutivo de Brennan´s Restaurant, Evans fue nombrado entre los tres “Chefs del Futuro” por la revista Texas Monthly y como el “Chef Emergente del Año” por la revista My Table. Además, Evans publicó el galardonado libro de cocina, The Kitchen Table. Monica Pope “Siempre decimos que es la gente la que hace de Houston lo que es esta ciudad. Estas personas son las que dan un toque muy especial Houston.” Apodada como “Alice Waters of the Third Coast”, nacida en Alemania y criada en Houston, la chef Monica Pope ha estado revolucionando la escena culinaria de Houston desde que inauguró su primer restaurante en 1992. Ella comparte su pasión por conectar a los productores y granjeros locales con los consumidores en su exitoso Midtown Farmers Market, a través de clases se cocina semanales y en los restaurantes T’afia y Beaver’s. Pope recibió reconocimiento a nivel nacional al figurar entre los nominados a los premios James Beard Awards y sigue siendo la única mujer chef de Texas nombrada como la “Mejor Chef Emergente” por la revista Food & Wine, gracias a su estilo de cocina creativa con el lema “coma donde vive su comida”. Chis Shepherd “En realidad, hay muy pocas personas que ahora están viviendo en Houston y son nativos de aquí. Así que tenemos acceso a muchas culturas distintas, cosas para ver y platos para saborear. La gente debería aprovechar esta diversidad.” Criado en el Medio Oeste de los Estados Unidos, el chef Chris Shepherd pasaba los fines de semana, cuando era niño, buscando en las granjas de Oklahoma tomates directamente de la mata, maíz fresco y arvejas. Hoy en día, Chris es el cerebro de la cocina en Catalan, un innovador restaurante en Houston, al estilo español. Este local fue declarado uno de los “100 Restaurantes Favoritos” en el mundo por Robb Report. En el Catalan, Chis, alumno del Art Institute y ex Sub-Chef Ejecutivo, convertido en Sommelier, del Brennan´s, trae su pasión por la comida fresca, desde la granja directo a la mesa, en sus fabulosos platos como el muy popular Crisp Pork Belly with Cane Syrop y Foie Gras Bon Bons. ### 07/11/2009 al 14/11/2009 Afternoon of the Elves Main Street Theater Una hermosa historia sobre las maravillas de la imaginación y la fuerza de la amistad. ¡”Afternoon of the Elves” es una obra que ningún estudiante entre tercer y sexto grado debe dejar de ver! 713-524-6706. 11/11/2009 al 03/01/2010 Yuletide at Bayou Bend Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Esta celebración festiva que se realiza anualmente transforma los hermosos salones y jardines de Bayou Bends en recreaciones mágicas de los siglos XVIII al XX. 713-639-7750. 12/11/2009 al 15/11/2009 Nutcracker Market Reliant Center El festín de compras que organiza el Houston Ballet Guild anualmente contará con la participación de más de 300 comerciantes nacionales e internacionales que ofrecen adornos navideños, objetos para decorar el hogar, comidas gourmet, ropa, artículos deportivos, joyas e incluso muebles. 832-667-1743. 14/11/2009 al 10/01/2010 Seasons of Sharing Exhibit Children's Museum of Houston Descubre un mundo donde interactúan celebraciones religiosas y culturales de todas partes del mundo en la única exhibición navideña multicultural de Houston que está dirigida a los niños. Ramadán, Diwali, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Navidad, Kwanzaa y el Nuevo Año Lunar estarán representados mediante casas elaboradas a mitad de escala que ocupan un vecindario de una cuadra de extensión. Los niños pueden entrar y experimentar personalmente costumbres y tradiciones que son diferentes a las suyas. 713-522-1138. 14/11/2009 al 02/01/2010 Festival of Lights Moody Gardens – Galveston Island La magia navideña fulgura en este evento festivo atrayendo a más de 85.000 visitantes con sus compras navideñas, fotos con santa, una casa de pan de jengibre y la única pista de hielo en exteriores del área. 800-582-4673. 14/11/2009 al 29/11/2009 Home for the Holidays Old Town Spring Justo al norte de Houston el pueblito de Old Town Spring tipifica el espíritu de la Navidad con sus calles alegremente decoradas y sus comercios resguardados en un maravilloso conjunto de casas antiguas. Pasa el día comprando, escuchando a cantores de villancicos y paseando en carruajes tirados por caballos. 281-353-9310. 19/11/2009 Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service The Rothko Chapel Establecido hace más de 20 años, este evento gratuito que se celebra anualmente une a representantes de nueve religiones diferentes: bahaísmo, budismo, cristianismo, hinduismo, jainismo, judaísmo, islamismo, sijismo y zoroastrismo, que ofrecen reflexiones personales para “dar gracias”. 713-524-9839. 20/11/2009 al 27/12/2009 A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas Alley Theatre Houston’s seasonal favorite that the Houston Press describes as having "Spectacular London sets …the inimitable Dickens’ tale – spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present and future." 713-228-9341. 21/11/2009 al 19/12/2009 Rudolph Express Children's Theatre Este deleitable y nuevo musical navideño de Alex "A. C." Gardner envuelve a toda la familia en el espíritu de la época. 713-682-5044. 26/11/2009 al 18/01/2010 The Ice at Discovery Green Discovery Green Park The Ice at Discovery Green regresa al centro el Día de Acción de Gracias con más de 7.200 pies de reluciente hielo. Además de patinaje sobre hielo los visitantes pueden disfrutar de exhibiciones de arte y de apariciones y actuaciones especiales a cargo de patinadores. 713-400-7336. 26/11/2009 H-E-B Holiday Parade Downtown Houston La llegada de Santa Claus al Desfile de Acción de Gracias que toma lugar cada año en el centro marca el inicio oficial de la temporada de Navidad. El suntuoso desfile se transmite por televisión nacional y ostenta sensacionales carrozas y las mejores bandas de Houston. 713-654-8808. 26/11/2009 Uptown Holiday Lighting Uptown District La tarde del Día de Acción de Gracias miles de personas se congregan a lo largo del Bulevard Post Oak Boulevard para presenciar la iluminación del árbol navideño que es alumbrado con medio millón de lucecitas. El evento es acompañado por un increíble desfile de luces eléctricas y un escenario navideño con show pirotécnico. 713-621-2504. 27/11/2009 al 27/12/2009 The Nutcracker Houston Ballet Haciendo gala de una gloriosa escenografía y espectacular vestuario creados por Desmond Heeley, diseñador premiado con los Tony, la sobrecogedora producción del “Cascanueces “de Ben Stevenson es, en palabras de The Houston Chronicle, "la joya de la corona del entretenimiento navideño". 713-523-6300. 27/11/2009 al 27/12/2009 The Santaland Diaries Alley Theatre Todd Waite, actor de la compañía del Alley, representará el papel de "Crumpet the Elf" en esta crónica real y extravagante de la experiencia que tuvo David Sedaris como empleado en Macy’s, y su desempeño para montar la sección dedicada a Santa. Esta comedia compacta, de un solo personaje, es un simpatiquísimo montaje clásico donde toman lugar encuentros cómicos durante el auge de la época navideña. 713-228-9341. 28/11/2009 al 20/12/2009 8th Annual Holiday Market with Santa Claus Traders Village - Houston Traders Village se transforma en un mundo de ensueño navideño con sus buenos precios, diversión familiar y comidas festivas en su Holiday Market anual. 281-890-5500. 28/11/2009 Christmas Cruises along Buffalo Bayou Buffalo Bayou Celebra la temporada navideña con un paseo de 30 minutos en pontón por el canal de navegación Buffalo Bayou; ¡habrá muchos adornos, coloridas luces, música y regocijo! 713-752-0314. 03/12/2009 Bowfire Society for the Performing Arts El conjunto de música Bowfire, conocido mundialmente, te lleva por un viaje único, en el que verás a algunos de los mejores violinistas del mundo, de un modo nunca antes visto. 713-227-4772. 04/12/2009 al 05/12/2009 2009 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour Houston Heights Descrito recientemente por la revista ‘Southern Living’ como as “uno de los barrios más fascinantes de la ciudad más grande del sur estadounidense”, el barrio Heights será la escena del 2009 Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour, donde se mostrará al público siete espectaculares casas deliciosamente decoradas para las fiestas. 04/12/2009 Dianne Reeves' Christmas Time Is Here Da Camera of Houston La vocalista Dianne Reeves interpreta música de su querido disco “Christmas Time is Here”, que incluye sus versiones de “Carol of the Bells”, “Let it Snow”, “Little Drummer Boy” y otros temas favoritos de la temporada. 713-524-5050. 04/12/2009 Mayor's Holiday Celebration Houston Visitors Center Únete al alcalde Bill White para dar inicio a la temporada navideña con música festiva, fuegos artificiales y la iluminación de un gigantesco árbol de Navidad fuera del edificio del Ayuntamiento. 713-247-3500. 05/12/2009 al 06/12/2009 36th Annual Dickens on The Strand Galveston Island El evento navideño más famoso de la Isla de Galveston recrea el Londres victoriano de Charles Dickens por todo un fin de semana en diciembre. Personajes de novelas de Dickens caminan por las calles; comida y entretenimiento llenan la zona con las vistas y aromas que te hacen retroceder en el tiempo. 409-765-7834. 05/12/2009 Snow Flurry 2009 Houston Museum of Natural Science No pierdas la oportunidad de tirar bolas de nieve, acariciar renos y conocer a Santa en este mundo de ensueño navideño donde los niños reinan y a los adultos no se les permite la entrada; tomará lugar en el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Houston. 713-639-4629. 12/05/2009 The Twelve Days of Christmas Houston Symphony Un solo día de Navidad no es suficiente. ¡La Sinfónica de Houston te regalará doce de una manera nunca antes vivida! Bailarines, vestuario, iluminación. Disfruta del paseo navideño perfecto para la familia con la aparición de Santa Claus y el público acompañando a la Sinfónica con cantos. 713-224-7575. 05/12/2009 al 08/12/2009 Winterlight Bayou City Women’s Chorus Winterlight muestra el misterio, los colores, los humores y la alegría de la temporada invernal con magníficas canciones y un verdadero espíritu navideño. 713-521-7464. 08/12/2009 to 12/20/2009 The Sound of Music Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) Este año TUTS presenta otro regalo navideño de la lista de deseos de canciones favoritas del público, el show clásico para gente de todas las edades The Sound of Music. 713-558-2600. 09/12/2009 Garrison Keillor’s Christmas Houston Symphony Únete al querido cuentista estadounidense Garrison Keillor, que junto a la Sinfónica de Houston ofrecerá una presentación navideña que de seguro resultará entretenida con la mezcla única de cuentos improvisados y composición de canciones que caracteriza a Keillor. 713-224-7575. 10/12/2009 Holidays Around the World Houston Visitors Center ¡Una celebración navideña verdaderamente única! Holidays Around the World incluye una subasta silente de árboles en la que se ofrecen 22 árboles decorados por Houston Consular Corps y una celebración muy festiva con Santa Claus, compras de Navidad y entretenimiento musical. 11/12/2009 al 12/12/2009 47th Annual Candlelight Tour The Heritage Society Sumérgete en las vistas y sonidos de una Navidad al estilo de antaño en el Hipódromo Sam Houston. El pasado de Houston cobra vida mientras los visitantes pasean por caminos iluminados de resplandecientes velas y recorren el interior de la mayoría de las estructuras históricas de Houston. 713-655-1912. 11/12/2009 al 13/12/2009 Very Merry Pops Houston Symphony Tú y tu familia no olvidarán esta tradición festiva que se celebra anualmente y que presenta a Mike Krajewski, la Sinfónica de Houston, al Coro de la Sinfónica de Houston y una sorpresa especial, la sensación del mundo pop William Joseph. 713-224-7575. 11/12/2009 al 19/12/2009 Campfire Christmas George Ranch Historical Park ¡Experimenta una verdadera fogata de Navidad con los vaqueros del George Ranch! Comparte con soldados de la Guerra Civil y disfruta del sabor de tiempos pasados con la comida de históricos platillos que prepara el chef Nick Castelberg. 281-343-0218. 12/12/2009 Lights in the Heights Houston Heights Casas históricas ricamente decoradas, cantores de villancicos, bandas que tocan en vivo, y mucho júbilo navideño hacen de este evento anual uno de los mejores de Houston. Las familias y los amigos empacan sus hieleras en vagones y van a pasear al sector de Heights para ver las casas históricas que se acicalan de luces y decoraciones navideñas. ¡La ruta de este año es por la Byrne y la Euclid! 713-683-5188. 12/12/2009 Christmas Boat Lane Parade Clear Lake Este desfile de embarcaciones iluminadas por Clear Lake se ha convertido en una tradición de la Costa del Golfo. Unas 200 embarcaciones, decoradas extravagantemente, navegan por el lago hasta llegar a la Bahía de Galveston. 281-488-7676. 12/12/2009 al 20/12/2009 The Christmas Revels University of Houston Revels Houston presenta The Christmas Revels, una celebración del solsticio de invierno de la época medieval. El show, que no ha sido visto en Houston en una década, ofrece una encantadora historia, cantos con mucha alma del Medioevo y un entusiasta elenco de unos 60 cantantes, actores y bailarines. 713-668-3303. 12/12/2009 El Orange Show presenta East End X-Mas Orange Show Center for Visionary Art Esta fiesta navideña anual está llena de sabor de la comunidad East End; ofrece desde mariachis y degustación de tamales hasta recolectas de autitos “lowriders” de juguete para niños locales. Es la última fiesta del año antes del que el Orange Show cierre para el invierno. 713-926-6368. 12/12/2009 al 15/12/2009 Midnight in the Manger - Cantare en MFAH Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Entretejiendo tapetes musicales de diversos estilos y colores Cantare asombra al público con su calidez vocal y su energía, rodeado de las magníficas obras de arte del Museo de Bellas Artes. Midnight in the Manger presenta “Messe de Minuit pour Noel” del compositor francés Marc-Antoine Charpentier. 713-724-9648. 13/12/2009 Celebremos el Niño - A Mexican Baroque Christmas Christ Church Cathedral Este grupo basado en Minneapolis, que goza de reconocimiento internacional, trae una rara colección de música mexicana de épocas tempranas. Incluirá más de dos décadas de danzas navideñas festivas, baladas y villancicos de las grandes catedrales de Puebla y Ciudad de México. 713-432-1744. 15/12/2009 A Twisted Holiday Jones Hall El Gay Men's Chorus of Houston está aquí para un rescate navideño...dándole un giro diferente a los tradicionales villancicos. Este coro presenta muchos populares temas navideños, hace que te vuelvas a familiarizar con ellos y luego los cambian hasta el punto que te mueres de la risa. 16/12/2009 Jim Brickman Beautiful World Tour Wortham Theater Center ¡Estas Navidades el pianista Jim Brickman crea "Beautiful World" para las audiencias que deseen escapar de las tremendas demandas de la temporada festiva! En un concierto muy especial Jim y sus artistas invitados presentan una velada de deslumbrantes solos al piano, vibrantes canciones, calidez y humor. 713-237-1439. 17/12/2009 al 27/12/2009 The Gift of Christmas Live Moody Gardens Únete a esta estimulante presentación musical que mezcla canciones navideñas tradicionales y originales. Este show, único en su tipo, ofrece actuaciones de los artistas más brillantes de Texas junto a sensacionales sonidos e iluminación para crear una experiencia deslumbrante. 409-683-4186. 18/12/2009 al 20/12/2009 Handel’s Messiah in Candlelight Sinfónica de Houston ¡Aleluya! Es hora del Mesías. Experimenta el Mesías de Handel como lo habría hecho el público de los 1700s. Alimenta tu espíritu con esta trascendental experiencia de letra y música. 713-224-7575. 20/12/2009 Bayou Bend Family Day: Holiday Festival Bayou Bend ¡Celebra el jovial espíritu de la temporada en Bayou Bend, el Centro de Artes Decorativas Estadounidenses del Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, con canciones e historias sobre Navidad, Hanukkah y otras festividades de la época! 713-639-7750. 20/12/2009 Early Music Southwest: A Classical Christmas Rienzi Rienzi, el Centro para Artes Decorativas del Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, presenta un concierto navideño especial a cargo de Early Music Southwest en los hermosos salones de la colección Rienzi. 713-639-7800. 27/12/2009 Orquesta Transiberiana Toyota Center ¡La famosa orquesta de rock, conocida por sus elaborados conciertos y pirotecnia, regresa a Houston para dos shows navideños! El grupo incluye una sección de cuerdas, una banda de rock completa, múltiples vocalistas, extensa pirotecnia, un show de láser y de luces y una impresionante caída de nieve! 866-446-8849. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ PAQUETES ESPECIALES DE HOTEL Los siguientes hoteles están ofreciendo paquetes navideños para hacer posible que el visitante aproveche su estadía en la ciudad al máximo. The Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Paquetes comienzan a partir de $159/noche e incluyen: *Hospedaje nocturno de lujo *Un elaborado buffet para el desayuno en la mañana *Estacionamiento valet toda la noche Lamar al (713) 495-7829 para más información pertinente a reservaciones. www.cpdowntown.com Courtyard by Marriott Galleria Paquete Navideño Paquetes comienzan a partir de $69/noche e incluyen: *Desayuno completo del buffet para dos personas *Estacionamiento gratuito Llamar al (832) 325-6358 para más información pertinente a reservaciones. Paquete de Víspera de Año Nuevo Paquetes comienzan a partir de $109/noche e incluyen: *Habitación de lujo *Botella de champaña *Detalles para fiestas de fin de año *Desayuno caliente completo del buffet con huevos preparados al gusto (para dos) *Estacionamiento cubierto cortesía de la casa *Retirada tarde Llamar al (832) 325-6358 para más información pertinente a reservaciones. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa Paquete de Navidad Paquetes comienzan a partir de $249/noche e incluyen: *Habitaciones de lujo *Transporte de “shuttle” complementario hacia Galleria para compras navideñas *Película en la habitación, cortesía de la casa, con galletitas, leche y bastoncitos de caramelo para la familia *Desayuno para la familia del restaurante Olivette Llamar (713) 685-7904 para más información pertinente a reservaciones. www.houstonian.com Paquete de Víspera de Año Nuevo Los paquetes comienzan a partir de $590 por pareja e incluyen: *Habitaciones de lujo *Dos boletos para fiesta de Año Nuevo *Abundante cena del buffet y desayuno de medianoche del buffet *Siete boletos por persona para bebidas *Brindis de medianoche con champaña Llamar al (713) 685-7904 para más información pertinente a reservaciones. www.houstonian.com ### Con Estilo. Urbanista. Sofisticado. Culto. Diverso. Estas palabras pueden ser usadas para describir algunas ciudades alrededor del mundo, pero para una de estas ciudades, estas palabras se vienen usando desde hace mucho. Por años, Houston ha atravesado por percepciones negativas debido al clima, al tráfico y en sí a la imagen del Oeste que no ha reflejado la realidad desde los días del Vaquero Urbano. En dos recientes estudios- un estudio de percepción sancionado por el GHCVB para la firma internacional TNS y uno generado por la audiencia de la revista Travel + Leisure sobre las Ciudades Favoritas del País, en una encuesta realizada en-línea en Travelandleisure.com- Houston emerge entre la lista de las 10 ciudades urbanas con una importante oferta cultural y culinaria. Fortalezas 68% de los encuestados por TNS percibieron a Houston como una ciudad de moderado costo, un buen valor po su dinero. Houston quedó en primer lugar en la encuesta de Travel + Leisure por hoteles costeables, y en el No. 5 por viajes costeables. Los visitantes gastan en promedio $508usd. por viaje, de acuerdo a la encuesta TNS. La posición de Houston dentro de las dos encuestas son extremadamente altas en cuanto a viajes de negocios. De acuerdo con la encuesta TNS, Houston atrae más viajeros de negocios que el promedio nacional, quienes gastan más del doble de lo que gastan los viajeros de placer ($1,010 usd por viaje contra $501 usd). A la misma vez, la encuesta Travel + Leisure muestra a Houston en altos puestos en todas las categorías de viaje de negocios: Salas de Aeropuerto, hoteles de negocios y destinos, y restaurantes de renombre, Houston se posiciona particularmente alta en la encuesta de Travel + Leisure en las categorías de actividades urbanas: compras, cenas, artes y cultura y vida nocturna. De acuerdo con la encuesta TNS, las principales actividades del visitante (en orden de importancia) son: visita a parientes, compras, visita a amistades, cenas de calidad; y visitas a la ciudad. Mejoras Significativas Houston no habia sido incluido en la encuesta de las Ciudades Favoritas del País de Travel + Leisure desde el año 2004; había sido destituida debido a bajos posicionamientos, y compitió con 10 ciudades esta primavera por votos suficientes para así ser tomada en cuenta nuevamente. Las cosas han cambiado desde 2004. Los posicionamientos de Houston han tenido mejoras significativas en 29 categorías, encontrándose en segundo lugar, sólo atrás de San Francisco, ciudad que ha mejorado en 31 categorías. Houston se encuentra también después de San Francisco, como la ciudad con posicionamientos en el top 10 del mayor número de categorías (30 Houston, 31 San Francisco). Cómo Se Posicionaron Otras Ciudades de Texas Texas es el único estado que tiene cuatro ciudades incluidas en la encuesta de Travel + Leisure. La encuesta TNS también compara las percepciones de las ciudades más grandes de Texas y, nuevamente, los resultados fueron similares. Cuando son comparadas con las otras tres grandes ciudades de Texas en la encuesta TNS –DFW (Dallas Fort Worth), San Antonio y Austin- los viajeros ven a Houston como el mejor lugar en estas categorías; fácilmente accesible; variedad culinaria; artes y cultura; diversidad cultural; raíces familiares; y accesibilidad para incapacitados. San Antonio lleva la ventaja en Texas en las siguientes categorías de la encuesta TNS: muchas cosas que ver y hacer; historia y cultura; y excelente para niños y familia. En el estudio de la encuesta Travel + Leisure, lo posiciona en el No. 4 en la categoría de vacaciones para la familia y en el No. 5 en la categoría de sitios históricos y monumentos. Austin es el líder en Vida Nocturna en la tabla de posiciones, de acuerdo con la encuesta TNS, y se posiciona en los primeros lugares en la encuesta Travel + Leisure en la categoría de vida nocturna. Haciendo Cambios Ambas encuestas citan el transporte público y el tráfico como un reto para Houston, y la ciudad está trabajando arduamente para enfrentar estos problemas. En 2004, el METRORail, o tren ligero Metro, servicio de transporte público de 7.5 millas, empezó a funcionar a través del centro de la ciudad, el Museo Distrital, el Centro Médico de Texas hasta el Reliant Park. La construcción ya comenzó para dos líneas de tren ligero adicionales y, para 2012, cinco líneas con 30 millas adicionales de tren ligero estarán en uso, conectando con el ya existente con la Universidad de Houston, el área de la Galería (el segundo distrito más grande de Houston y principal área de compras), el área al Este de la ciudad y más. METRO también lanzó el METRO Aeropuerto Directo en 2009, un servicio de autobús que corre desde la terminal C del Aeropuerto Intercontinental hasta el centro de la ciudad cada 30 minutos con un costo de $15 usd cada viaje. Acerca del Estudio de la Encuesta TNS El estudio sindicado de TravelsAmerica recolecta datos basados en una metodología via internet. Son encuestas enviadas por e-mail a hogares, dirigidas al representante de la casa. La encuesta TNS constantemente se esfuerza por mantener alto el índice de penetración vía Internet y baja la fatiga del panel, monitoreando cuidadosamente y limitando el número de contactos con cada casa. Cada mes, las personas seleccionadas como potenciales participantes reciben un correo electrónico para participar en el estudio; la encuesta TNS apunta a un rango de respuesta del 45%. Para realzar relevancia, los datos son evaluados de dos maneras: • Demográficos: factores demográficos, tales como: región, edad, ingresos, tamaño de la casas-hogar, y estado civil para representar más claramente las características de las casas-hogar de Estados Unidos. • Total de viajes: las calculaciones cuentan cada viaje tomado por los participantes para un total de viajes. Información detallada recolectada de hasta tres viajes en el mes se proyecta en número actual de viajes tomados. Acerca de la encuesta TNS TNS, que se fusionó recientemente con Research International, es la agencia de investigación especializada más grande del mundo entregando profundizaciones procesables y consultoria de negocios basada en investigación, a sus clientes para que puedan tener decisiones de negocios más efectivas. TNS ofrece conocimiento industrial comprensivo a través del sector Consumidor, Tecnológico, de Finanzas, Automotriz, Político y Social, apoyado por una oferta única de producto que se extiende a lo largo del rango entero de mercado y de asuntos de negocios, especializándose en desarrollo de productos e innovación, marcas y comunicación, manejo de corredor de apuestas, venta al por menor y comprador, e investigación cualitativa. Ofreciendo un servicio, el mejor en su clase, a través de más de 70 países. TNS es parte de Kantar, la red de trabajo más grande del mundo, de investigación, penetración y consultoría. Por favor visite http://www.tns-us.com para mayor información Acerca de la encuesta Travel + Leisure Las Ciudades Favoritas de América. Una encuesta en línea apareció en travelandleisure.com desde Junio 1, hasta Julio 31 del año 2009. A los participantes se les pidió identificar si eran o no residentes de cada ciudad que calificaron. Las respuestas fueron recolectadas y tabuladas por travelandleisure.com. ### El único festival en los Estados Unidos realmente dedicado a los filmes de, y acerca de los artistas de todos los géneros, el Festival 2009 de Artes Cinematográficas comienza el 11 de noviembre, en varias locaciones culturales a través del centro de Houston y áreas de Museos del Distrito. Es más que un simple festival de cine, es un vibrante evento de artes multimedia que rompe con los confines de las salas de cines con música en vivo, muestras escénicas, proyecciones al aire libre, instalaciones de video interactivo y más. Invitados presentando filmes nuevos y clásicos, incluyendo actores como Tommy Lee Jones y Tilda Swinton, el director de Texas Richard Linklater y el escritor de escena Guillermo Arriaga. El festival orientado a las artes también será anfitrión de la fotógrafa Susan Meiselas, la banda de rock Dengue Fever, y miembros del colectivo de medios “The Yes Men and Ant Farm”, entre otros notables presentadores. El programa del Festival envuelve la colaboración de muchas extraordinarias instituciones de arte y filmación, incluyendo el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston; La Colección Menil; El Ballet de Houston; FotoFest; el Show de Cuadros Aurora; y muchos más. La mayoría de sus representantes sirven y se unen a las áreas de la Sociedad de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston, organización sin afán de lucro, responsable de que la concepción del Festival no pierda su identidad única. “Qué apropiado, para una ciudad con tantas instituciones de artes de primera clase, el ser anfitriona de un festival dedicado a los filmes por, y acerca de lo visual, artistas literarios y actores”, dijo el Alcalde de Houston Bill White. “Estoy, en lo personal, especialmente satisfecho de ver que el director Tommy Lee Jones y al escritor de escena Guillermo Arriaga estarán aquí para explorar los elementos que se combinaron para producir una obra de arte en nuestro propio Estado, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (Los tres Entierros de Melquiades Estrada). Productores de cine emergentes serán inspirados, espero, y los filmes clásicos Texanos crecerán de esta inspiración”. En Noviembre de 2008, la Sociedad de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston presenta un festival previo con solo cinco programas honrando a Lynn Hershman Leeson y a Alex Rivera. El Festival de este año se ha expandido para incluir cerca de cuarenta programas, incluyendo series especiales, muestras escénicas, instalaciones y paneles de discusión que se enfocan en varios temas multifacéticos que rodean al cine y a las artes. SERIES ESPECIALES E INVITADOS Tres series especiales, o “mini festivales”, traen consigo celebridades invitadas e incomparable trabajo al Festival. “Los Mundos, de Tilda Swinton”, “Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor” y “Los Filmes de Richard P. Rogers y Susan Meiselas.” “Los Mundos de Tilda Swinton” celebra los tantos logros artísticos de los ganadores del Premio de la Academia en producción, escritura y actuación, así como también su apasionado compromiso a las artes cinematográficas. Incluye una pequeña vista previa de ella. El último filme independiente realizado, será presentado el sábado 14 de noviembre a las 6:45 pm en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, en el Auditorio Brown. El domingo 15 de noviembre, Swinton discutirá sus cercanas colaboraciones con dos artistas de vanguardia, Derek Jarman y Lynn Hershman Leeson. Presentará el documental acerca de Jarman, que ella escribió y narró, Derek a la 1:00pm, seguido de una muestra de un filme de ciencia ficción acerca del culto feminista, llamado Teknolust, donde será acompañada por el director Hershman. La semana culmina el Domingo 15 de Noviembre a las 6:00 pm con “The Ballerina Cinema of Dreams,” una celebración en el Parque Discovery Green co-presentado por el Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston (HCAS) y 8 ½ de la Fundación Swinton, caracterizando The Red Shoes en una pantalla al aire libre, y precedida por una muestra escénica referente a tres piezas cortas, por parte del Ballet II de Houston. Swinton estará al frente en cada una de las actividades para presentar los filmes y, en muchos casos, engancharse en conversaciones con la audiencia. “Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor” este especial es dedicado al trabajo de Arriaga, el extraordinario artista que escribió la trilogía dirigida por Alejandro González Iñarritu (Amores Perros, 21 Gramos y Babel). El Jueves 12 de Noviembre a las 9:45 pm, Arriaga introducirá Amores Perros, el filme que lo llevó al aclamo mundial, se llevará a cabo en el Angelika Film Center. El día siguiente, Viernes 13 de Noviembre a las 3:00pm en el Alabama Theatre, Nuestra Palabra recibirá una lectura de Arriaga, acerca de sus novelas, así como también acerca de sus acercamientos con la escritura a través de los medios. Esa misma noche, a las 6:45pm en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, Arriaga será acompañado por el director Tommy Lee Jones para una investigación y discusión del Guión de Arriaga, “Los Tres Entierros de Melquiades Estrada”, una clásica historia de amistad, venganza y redención, situada en el ambiente contemporáneo de la frontera México-Texas. Los Tres Entierros serán también el sujeto del Festival “Setting the Scene” (“Alistando la Escena”) el 14 de Noviembre, caracterizando con miembros del equipo, explorando la producción de un clásico tejano. (Ver “Meet the Makers” abajo). “Los Filmes de Richard P. Rogers y Susan Meiselas” incluye varias investigaciones y eventos que exploran el fructífero compañerismo de el productor Richard P. Rogers y la fotógrafa Susan Meiselas; incluyendo la premier de Houston de uno de los más importantes y originales documentales, The Windmill Movie, se llevará a cabo en el Angelika Film Center a las 6:45pm el Sábado 14 de Noviembre. Dirigido por Alexander Olch y producido por la fotógrafa ganadora del premio Pulitzer, Susan Meiselas, el filme The Windmill Movie” (“La Película del Molino de Viento”) está imaginativamente compuesta de cantidades coleccionadas por muchos años para una autobiografía sin completarse de un legendario documentalista, productor experimental y profesor en filmes Richard P. Rogers. Meiselas, quien fue compañera de la vida de Rogers por muchos años (se casaron en la etapa final de la vida de Rogers), colaboró con él en dos filmes documentales clásicos hechos en los 80’s en apoyo al pueblo de Nicaragua y su revolución, Living at Risk (Viviendo en Peligro) y Pictures from a Revolution (Imágenes de una Revolución). Meiselas estará presente para una discusión acerca de Pictures from a Revolution después de que se presente el Viernes 13 de Noviembre a las 4:00pm en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, en el Auditorio Brown. Living at Risk se presentará el sábado 14 de noviembre a las 4:00pm y será llevado a cabo en el Rice Media Center. Alfred Guzzetti, quien co-dirigió Pictures from a Revolution y Living at Risk con Rogers y Meiselas, también estará presente. Finalmente, gracias a los esfuerzos de Meiselas, algunos trabajos claves de Rogers han sido reunidos en “Remembring Dick Rogers” (Recordando a Dick Rogers), los cuales fueron aclamados en el Walter Reade Theatre en Nueva York el pasado Junio. El programa consiste en tres filmes cortos: Elefantes: Fragmentos de un Argumento, Imágenes en Movimiento: El Arte de Jan Lenica; y 226-1690. Las series de los tres filmes, cada uno con una duración menor a los 30 minutos, serán mostrados el Domingo 15 de Noviembre a la 1:00pm en el Rice Media Center. . INAUGURACION NOCTURNA DE FESTIVIDADES La Inauguración Nocturna del Festival empezará el miércoles 11 de noviembre con dos filmes altamente anticipados y un invitado muy especial. Richard Linklater, quien nació en Houston y es productor de tan seminales filmes como Slacker, Dazed and Confused, School of Rock y Before Sunset, estará en la investigación de su último lanzamiento teatral, Me and Orson Wells, llevado a cabo en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston a las 8:00pm. Mientras tanto, el aclamado Precious: Basado en la Novela “Push” por Sapphire será presentada en el Angelika Film Center, a las 7:00pm. Me and Orson Welles (Orson Wells y Yo) es un tributo de Linklater hacia el director Welles, como filtrada a través de la novela del mismo nombre de Robert Kaplow. Zac Efron se gradúa de ser un actor adolescente a un actor serio y muestra una impresionante gama, como Richard Samuels, un joven actor sumergido dentro del teatro de Welles, y extasiado por Sonja (Claire Danes). Sonja, por otro lado, está cautivada con el gran director, caracterizado por Christian McKay, cuya personificación e interpretación de Welles es ante todo misteriosa. Me and Orson Welles será mostrada y Linklater dará un discurso en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston, en el Auditorio Brown el miércoles 11 de noviembre a las 8:00pm. Precious: Basada en la Novela “Push” por Sapphire, apasionadamente dirigido por Lee Daniels, escrito elegantemente por Geoffrey Fletcher y brillantemente escenificado por un excelente grupo de actores, es la historia de Claireece “Precious” Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), una adolescente afroamericana de dieciséis años, llegada al mundo dentro de una vida en la cual nadie quisiera vivir. Desde su premier en el Festival de Cine de Sundance en 2009, donde ganó tres premios (incluyendo en premio del Gran Jurado y el Premio de la Audiencia), Precious ha tocado a gente de todas las esquinas con su dramática y vívidamente realizada historia de una adolescente de Harlem que descubre su propio valor, belleza y potencial. Precious será mostrada en el Angelika Media Center en el centro de Houston el Miércoles 11 a las 7:00pm. FESTIVAL DE ARTES MULTIMEDIA: INSTALACIONES El compromiso con múltiples géneros de arte en el Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston se ha realizado con varios eventos multimedia, incluyendo instalaciones de medios y arte. Una de estas atracciones es la H BOX (CAJA H), la sala de proyecciones portable, diseñada por el artista/arquitecto portugués Didier Fiuza Faustino y patrocinada por la Fundación Hermés. La H BOX, que estará estacionada en el histórico Teatro Alabama al cierre del Festival el 15 de Noviembre, presentará un rotatorio y diverso programa de videos de diez artistas reconocidos internacionalmente, incluyendo a Alice Anderson (Reino Unido), Yael Bartana (Israel), Matthew Buckingham (EUA), Sebastián Díaz Morales (Argentina), Cliff Evans (USA), Kota Ezawa (Alemania), Cao Fei (China), Dora García (España), Shahryar Nashat (Suiza) and Su-Mei Tse (Luxemburgo). El Guardián Benjamin Weil, quien comisionó los trabajos para la H BOX, visitará Houston y hablará en las series “Meet the Makers” (ver abajo) el 15 de Noviembre. La H BOX está en exhibición en el histórico Teatro Alabama desde el 21 de Octubre hasta el 15 de Noviembre en el cierre del Festival. Se encuentra abierta de miércoles a viernes de 1-6pm, y sábados y domingos, de 11am a 6pm. La admisión es gratuita. Otra atracción multimedia es el preestreno especial de What if, Why not? Underground adventures with Ant Farm, un documental de productores texanos, como Laura Harrison y Beth Federici, todo acerca del renegado arquitectónico y el colectivo de medios Ant Farm de 1970. What if, Why not? Es el primer filme en adentrarse en el trabajo de Ant Farm, mejor conocido por su icónica pieza de arte, Cadillac Ranch en Amarillo Texas. Arquitectos radicales, pioneros de los videos e importantes comentadores, así se integra Ant Farm, un trabajo profundamente subversivo que cuestiona cualquier cosa al presentar un programa de alternativas cómicas creativas. El equipo de Ant Farm promovió estructuras inflables como costeables y opciones anti consumidoras como refugio. Estas estructuras inflables inspiradas por Ant Farm y proyecciones de video, creadas por los estudiantes de la Universidad de Houston, complementarán la investigación del Jueves 12 de Noviembre a las 7:00pm en la Universidad de Houston, en el Colegio de Arquitectura –Gerald D. Hines-. Los productores invitados, Laura Harrison y Beth Federici, y legendarios artistas; así como también Chip Lord y Curtis Schreier, miembros originales de Ant Farm, estarán presentes en la investigación y crítica, la cual está co- patrocinada por el Aurora Picture Show (Show de Imágenes Aurora), el Colegio de Arquitectura –Gerald D. Hines- de la Universidad de Houston y el Centro de Artes –Cynthia Woods-. Además se unirán a una dinámica de preguntas y respuestas al terminar el filme. FESTIVAL DE ARTES MULTIMEDIA: MÚSICA EN VIVO Y DESARROLLOS ESCÉNICOS EN LOS FILMES. El Festival expandirá su enfoque multimedia al integrar las formas de arte de los filmes y la música en vivo en únicas y sorprendentes maneras, así como en presentaciones de Peter Pan, When It Was Blue (Cuando era Azul) and The Lost World (El Mundo Perdido). Peter Pan, el filme de cine mudo de 1924 será presentado en el Teatro al Aire Libre -Miller- el 13 de Noviembre a las 7:00pm y será acompañado por música en vivo tocada por los legendarios arreglistas del cine mudo Donald Sosin y Joanna Seaton, y Paul Reisler, fundador de Kid Pan Alley. Previo a la película, la audiencia podrá disfrutar de un recital presentado por os estudiantes de la Escuela Primaria MacGregor, quienes trabajarán con Kid Pan Alley la semana anterior al Festival, componiendo canciones originales relacionadas con Peter Pan. Este programa es gratuito. When It Was Blue (Cuando Era Azul), una crítica sensación del Festival de Cine de Toronto del año pasado, es una puesta en escena de doble proyector de la artista y productora neoyorquina de vanguardia Jennifer Reeves, acompañada con música en vivo por el multi-instrumentalista y compositor Skúli Sverrisson en el Rice Media Center el 13 de Noviembre a las 7:00pm. Este filme, cuyas imágenes ecológicas que Reeves filmó a lo largo del mundo, para después ser pintadas a mano, buscan transportar los esfuerzos del artista para preservar la belleza de los ambientes naturales y los filmes de 16 mm, ambos en peligro de extinción. Reeves también presentará su filme narrativo The Time We Killed (El Tiempo Que Matamos), el Sábado 14 de Noviembre a la 1:00pm en el Rice Media Center. The Lost World (El Mundo Perdido),el clásico de aventura de 1925 será acompañado con música en vivo, tocada por la banda psicodélica Cambodio-Americana Dengue Fever en el foro Warehouse Live el Sábado 14 de Noviembre a las 8:00pm. Basado en la novela del mismo nombre de Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, El Mundo Perdido presenta sorprendentes secuencias “stop motion” hechas con ayuda del animador Willis O’Brien, quien tiempo después fue el encargado de la animación de King Kong. La banda Dengue Fever, misma que debutó en el Festival de Cine de San Francisco la primavera pasada, evoca singularmente ambos mundos, el conocido y aquél por conocer, y eleva el filme con humor y particular belleza. MÁS INVITADOS ESPECIALES Andy Bichlbaum de los Hombres Yes presentará el show -The Yes Men Fix the World-(Sábado, 14 de Noviembre a las 7 pm en el Rice Media Center y el Domingo15 de Noviembre a la 1pm en el Angelika Film Center). Ganador del Premio Audiencia Panorama en el Festival Internacional de Cine de Berlín, el filme está basado en una historia real acerca del satírico equipo activista, The Yes Men. Los desarrollos teatrales de Andy Bichlbaum y Mike Bonanno suceden en inusuales escenarios. Vestidos con trajes de tiendas de ahorro, mostrándose como ejecutivos de importantes corporaciones, los Yes Men, mienten en la forma como hacen conferencias de negocios y hacen parodia de las metas corporativas de manera indignante y extrañamente plausible. Holly Fisher presentará su filme Everywhere at Once (el Jueves 12 de Noviembre a las 6:45pm, en el Centro Cinematográfico -Angelika Film Center-), el cual co-dirigió con el fotógrafo de moda Peter Lindbergh. Trata de la historia de una mujer recobrando su habilidad de soñar y sentir que está encajada en una compleja hora de texto (por el poeta Kimiko Hahn), imágenes fotográficas (por Peter Lindbergh) y música (por Lois V. Vierk). A través del filme, el espectador es guiado por la magnética voz de Jeanne Moreau. Fisher también mostrará sus series de impresiones llamadas Fundy Blues, derivadas de imágenes de su propio filme Bullets for Breakfast en el sitio oficial base del Festival, ubicado en el Teatro Alabama, los días del 11 al 15 de Noviembre. La productora de cine Morgan Riles, quien trabaja con instalaciones, video, fotografía y nuevos utensilios multimedia, acompañará su filme Biomodd (ath1): A Living Game Computer as Social Sculpture. Trayendo consigo a la ecología, a la cultura del juego y el arte de la instalación; y a Biomodd (ATH1) que es un juego multijugador en línea y el ecosistema creado para éste fue hecho por el artista Belga Angelo Vermeulen durante su residencia en el Laboratorio de Tecnologías Estéticas en Atenas, Ohio. Riles, quien dirigió esta impresionante producción como su tesis mediante un filme en la Universidad de Ohio, dice, “es básicamente acerca del arte a través de los ojos de mi generación, acerca de cómo apreciamos el arte”. Bernice Rose, actual jefa guardián del Instituto y Centro de Estudios de Dibujo de la Colección Menil, fue directora de la Galería Pace Wildenstein en Nueva York cuando se unió con su dueña, Arne Glimcher, para desarrollar un ambicioso show de galería influenciado en el cine antiguo, en los pintores Braque y Picasso. Después de la exhibición, llegó este filme, dirigido por Glimcher, Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies, misma que Rose presentará y discutirá el día Sábado 14 de Noviembre a la 1:00pm en el Centro Cinematográfico –Angelika-. “MEET THE MAKERS”, PANELES EDUCATIVOS Y TALLERES “Meet the Makers” Es una serie de discusiones con artistas profesionales ofreciendo emocionantes oportunidades de dar un vistazo detrás de cámaras al cine en su modo más creativo. Todos los programas, la mayoría de ellos gratuitos; excepto por el programa “Setting the Scene”, serán presentados en el lugar base del Festival, el Alabama Theatre. La serie “Meet the Makers” es patrocinada por Southwest Alternative Media Project (SWAMP), una organización erigida en Houston, basada en la organización de medios artísticos sin fines de lucro y en la promoción de la creación y apreciación de los filmes, videos y nuevos medios, al proveer a los cineastas independientes con oportunidades para su desarrollo profesional, educación y una gran variedad de otros recursos. Experimental Film and the Visual Arts (Filme Experimental y las Artes Visuales) Viernes 13 de Noviembre de 1 a 2 pm La imagen dinámica como fue imaginada por dos aclamados cineastas-artistas, Jennifer Reeves y Holly Fisher, será explorada en relación a la pintura, a la escultura y a la fotografía. Esta sesión tendrá como moderadora a Andrea Gover, una artista, y escritora independiente que fundó el Show “The Aurora Picture Show” en 1998. Writing for the Page and Screen: A Conversation with Guillermo Arriaga (Escribiendo para la Página y la Pantalla: Una conversación con Guillermo Arriaga) Presentado por Nuestra Palabra Viernes 13 de Noviembre de 3-4 pm Guillermo Arriaga, aclamado autor Mexicano, guionista, director y productor, dará lectura a sus novelas y entablará una conversación acerca de las similitudes y diferencias de escribir novelas y guiones de cine. La sesión será moderada por Margarita de la Vega Hurtado, crítica de cine, y Tony Díaz, fundador y director de Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say (Escritores Latinos Toman la Palabra). Setting the Scene: The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada(Los Tres Entierros de Melquiades Estrada) Sábado 14 de Noviembre de 1-4 pm. Boletos $20 o $15 para estudiantes, gente de la tercera edad y miembros del SWAMP y Mujeres del capítulo Film and Television. Este taller, presentado en conjunción con “Mujeres en Cine y Televisión de Houston y la Comisión de Cine de Houston, presenta al equipo del filme The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada de Guillermo Arriaga / Tommy Lee Jones. Este creativo equipo se enfocará en cómo un filme terminado es el producto de la habilidad artística de varios artistas individuales, no solo el director. Entre los panelistas, se encuentran: Merideth Boswell, Diseñadora de Producción; Kathleen Kiatta, Diseñadora de Vestuario; Jeff Knipp, Director Artístico; y Erick A. Williams, Productor de Línea. El taller será moderado por Trish Rigdon, productora, diseñadora y directora en teatro y cine en la Escuela de Teatro y Danza de la Universidad de Houston. H BOX: Una Conversación con Benjamin Weil Domingo 15 de Noviembre de 1-2 pm. Benjamin Weil, el director artístico de la H BOX, una innovadora sala de proyecciones móvil presentará filmes cortos de diez artistas internacionales, habla acerca de comisionar artistas visuales y sobre la evolución de su emocionante colaboración con el arte y el comercio. Esta sesión será moderada por Toby Kamps y Mary Magsamen. Kamps es el Señor Guardián- Curador en el Museo de Artes Contemporáneas de Houston; y Magsamen es la Guardiana-Curadora del Show de Imágenes –Aurora- y artista visual que con frecuencia colabora con su esposo Stephen Hildebrand. El Estado de las Artes en el Video Domingo 15 de Noviembre de 3-4pm Este taller será un panel de profunda discusión acerca de las posibilidades de distribución de filmes por parte de los actores. Los panelistas incluyen a Fredericka Hunter, Patrick Kwiatkowski, Marian Luntz y a Kelly Sanders. Hunter es la dueña de la Galería de Texas y la co fundadora de ARTPIX, empresa que distribuye y preserva el trabajo de importantes artistas contemporáneos, en formato digital. Kwiatkowski es el co fundador de Microcinema Internacional, una distribuidora líder de filmes y videos de los artistas. Luntz es guardián –curador- del Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston; y Sanders es la Directora Ejecutiva de Truly Indie (Verdaderamente Independiente). El panel será moderado por Mary Lampe, Directora Ejecutiva de SWAMP y co productora Ejecutiva de The Territory, el cortometraje PBS de Texas. OTROS FILMES ACERCA DE LAS ARTES El Guardián –Curador- del Festival, Richard Herskowitz buscó meticulosamente entre varias Fuentes y festivales, incluyendo el de Toronto y el de Silverdocs para encontrar la mezcla exacta de filmes para mostrar en el Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston que se adhiriera al énfasis del Festival en los trabajos de los artistas. “Lo que traje de vuelta son los algunos de los más finos filmes que exploran las artes visuales, literarias y actorales hechos el pasado año”, agregó Herskowitz. La Danse: Le Ballet De L’Opera De Paris (La Danza: El Ballet de la Opera de París) Jueves 12 de Noviembre a las 6:45pm Teatro del Auditorio Brown, Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston. El Nuevo documental de Fredrick Wiseman muestra con un vívido detalle visual cómo el Ballet de la Ópera de París, una de las más grandes compañías de ballet, desarrolla siete ballets, incluyendo Paquita, El Cascanueces y Romeo y Julieta. Sus investigaciones revelan el coordinado y colaborador trabajo de los coreógrafos, los maestros de ballet, bailarines, músicos y diseñadores de vestuario, escenario y luces. Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench (Guy y Madeline en una Banca en el Parque) Viernes 13 de Noviembre a las 6:45pm Domingo 15 de Noviembre a las 9:45pm Centro Fílmico –Angelika- Un musical creado completamente al estilo MGM que retoma la tradición a manera de documental (la Revista “L Magazine” lo llamó el primer Musical mumblecore) Jason Palmer caracteriza a un joven músico de jazz en Boston, el cual va de aventura en aventura, con su trompeta como su única constante en su vida, hasta que hace una prometedora conexión con una introvertida mujer llamada Madeline. Who’s Afraid of Kathy Acker? (¿Quién le Teme a Kathy Acker?) Sábado 14 de Noviembre a las 4:00pm Centro Fílmico -Angelika- Un trabajo con múltiples capas que presenta animación, imágenes de archivo y entrevistas con los gustos de William Burroughs, Carolee Schneeman y Richard Hell, es un creativo y bien pensado filme biográfico/ensayo del escritor, cuyas novelas formalmente inventivas, publicadas desde los años 70 hasta la mitad de los 90, retó los esquemas de los roles de géneros, de la sexualidad y del canon literario Sacred Places and Nora (Lugares Sagrados y Nora) Sábado 14 de Noviembre a las 9:45pm Centro Fílmico -Angelika- Este programa muestra dos diferentes visiones de la cultura Africana, ambas explorando el cine, la música, la danza y las formas narrativas y expresiones orales de la cultura. Nora, es un poema coreográfico y es interpretado por Nora Chipaumire en su regreso a Zimbabwe, su tierra natal. Sacred Places (Lugares Sagrados), trae a escena cosas que son personales y sagradas y, a su vez, muy cercanas al corazón del director Jean Marie Teno, tales como: identidad en tiempos de globalización; el estado del Cine Africano; la complicada relación entre el arte y la cultura general y los negocios. Theatre of War (Teatro de Guerra) Domingo 15 de Noviembre a las 4:00pm Centro Fílmico -Angelika- Theatre of War (Teatro de Guerra), toma material tan diverso como imágenes detrás del escenario de Meryl Streep, ensayando para su inolvidable papel como Mother Courage para el modernista testimonio del afamado Bertolt Brecht. El filme de John Walter es acerca del teatro y la guerra, capitalismo y marxismo, acerca de la histeria de la posguerra anticomunista de los años 50 y una geniosa habilidad literaria para hacer de todo ello, arte. Passages From James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake and Pastorale: A Tribute to Mary Ellen Bute (Pasajes de James Joyce, Estela de Finnegan y Pastoral: Un Tributo a Mary Ellen Bute). Domingo 15 de Noviembre a las 4:00pm Centro de Medios Rice Media Center Mientras el Festival celebra la unión entre el Cine y otras artes, la pionera del cine experimental nacida en Houston en 1906, Ellen Bute, no puede ser pasada por alto. Su trabajo y las dos muestras de éste incluidas en el este programa, cruzan por encima del cine, la pintura, la música y la literatura. Uno de sus mejores filmes, Pastorale, crea formas continuas, Corrientes, vapores e iluminaciones de vivo colorido para evocar las múltiples voces de la obra J. S. Bach, Sheep May Safely Graze. El interés de Bute en la abstracción tiene su raíz en un interés más amplio en la estética contemporánea, incluyendo sus manifestaciones en los trabajos de James Joyce. Dedicó siete años a la filmación de su último trabajo, Finnegans Wake. LUGAR BASE DEL FESTIVAL, FOROS DE FILMES Y EVENTOS Mientras las proyecciones y los eventos se realizan en múltiples foros, como el Teatro al Aire Libre Miller, el Centro Fílmico -Angelika-, el foro Discovery Green, Warehouse Live, el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston y el Centro de Medios Rice Media Center, el lugar oficial base del Festival es el histórico Alabama Theatre (Teatro Alabama). Ahí, los visitantes podrán visitar la Oficina central, asistir a los paneles y talleres, como el taller “Meet the Makers” y visitar la sala de proyecciones H BOX. Uno de los cines principales en Houston desde que abrió sus puertas en 1939, el Teatro Alabama, cerró en 1983 y en 1989 se convirtió en la librería The Bookstop, eventualmente adquirida por Barnes & Noble, aunque su famoso exterior estilo art deco y su clásico adorno interior ser conservó, cerró y en 2009, La Sociedad de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston tomó la oportunidad de hacer de este sitio, el cuartel general o lugar base del Festival de 2009, reconectando así las raíces del cine y la evolución histórica del Teatro Alabama en Houston. ADMISIÓN Aunque la mayoría de los programas y componentes del festival son gratuitos, incluyendo la H BOX, situada en el Teatro Alabama, Kid Pan Alley en el Teatro al Aire Libre Miller, Los Zapatos Rojos en el foro Discovery Green y muchos más programas, paneles y sesiones educativos; adquirir Pases para el Festival, Placas y/o boletos es la manera más efectiva de explorar todo lo que el Festival ofrece. Diferentes opciones de boletaje están disponibles: • Brazaletes. Garantizan el acceso a todas las proyecciones y ponencias de caracter regular del Festival. Costo: $50usd. • Placas. Garantizan el acceso a todas las proyecciones y ponencias, a los paneles educativos y muestras escénicas. Costo: $250usd. • Pases “Patron”. Dan acceso a todas las proyecciones y ponencias, a los paneles educativos y muestras escénicas; y a las recepciones de apertura y clausura. Costo: $500usd. • Boletos Individuales. Dan acceso a proyecciones y ponencias regulares y paneles educativos, disponibles a un costo de $6usd en Matinés y $10 para eventos nocturnas; para las proyecciones y ponencias Premium el costo es de $15usd. • El precio para los estudiantes y personas de la tercera edad es de $6usd y es para todos los eventos de caracter regular (excepto la apertura nocturna) • Boletos de Eventos especiales. El precio de estos eventos oscilará entre los $15 y los $25usd. Los boletos ya están a la venta en el sitio web oficial del Festival www.cinemartsociety.org. Los boletos y mercancía del Festival también pueden ser adquiridos en el sitio oficial base del Festival, ubicado en el histórico Teatro Alabama, South Sheperd #2922, Houston, TX 77098, comenzando el 21 de Octubre. ### Acerca de la Sociedad de Artes Cinematográficas y el Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de La Sociedad de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston (HCAS) es una organización sin fines de lucro, creada en 2008 bajo la dirección de una dedicada fuerza de trabajo con el apoyo del Alcalde Bill White y liderados por Franci Crane para organizar y ser anfitrión del Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston, un innovador festival de cine y artes multimedia, presentando arte acerca de y por sus artistas, y celebrando la vitalidad y diversidad de las artes en Houston, enriqueciendo la comunidad del cine y las artes de la ciudad. La HCAS está fundada en parte por concesiones de la Fundación Crane, de la Ciudad de Houston a través de la Alianza de Artes de Houston, la Convención de la Ciudad de Houston y el Departamento de Instalaciones de Entretenimiento. El Festival de Artes Cinematográficas de Houston debuta en Houston del 11 al 15 de Noviembre de 2009. El sitio oficial base del Festival se encuentra localizado en el histórico Teatro Alabama, South Sheperd #2922, Houston, TX 77098, comenzando el 21 de Octubre. Los boletos en línea estarán a la venta a partir del 14 de Octubre en el sitio www.cinemartsociety.org. Los boletos en persona, estarán a la venta en el sitio oficial del Festival el 21 de Octubre. For a complete schedule of events, please <a href=http://mailcenter.newmediagateway.com/houston/dsc/collateral/Final_Cinema_Arts_Festival_Houston_09_Grid.pdf>click here</a>. Houston Cinema Arts Festival, the only U.S. festival devoted to films by and about artists of all stripes, announced a stellar lineup of actors, directors, and other artists participating in the event scheduled November 11-15, 2009. Guests presenting new and classic films include actors Tommy Lee Jones and Tilda Swinton, Texas filmmaker and director Richard Linklater and Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. The arts-oriented festival will also host photographer Susan Meiselas, rock band Dengue Fever, and members of The Yes Men and Ant Farm media collective, among many other notable presenters. The Festival program involves collaboration among many of Houston's extraordinary film and arts institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Menil Collection; Houston Ballet; FotoFest; Aurora Picture Show; and many others. "How appropriate for a city with so many first-class arts institutions to host a festival devoted to films by and about visual, performing and literary artists," said Houston Mayor Bill White. "I am especially pleased to see that director Tommy Lee Jones and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga will be here to explore the elements that combined to produce a masterwork from our own state, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. Emerging filmmakers will, I expect, be inspired and future Texas-filmed classics may grow out of this inspiration." <b>SPECIAL SERIES AND GUESTS</b> Three special series, or "mini-festivals," bring celebrity guests and incomparable work to the Festival: "The Worlds of Tilda Swinton;" "Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor" and "The Films of Richard P. Rogers and Susan Meiselas." <b>"The Worlds of Tilda Swinton"</b> celebrates the Academy Award winner's many artistic achievements in producing, writing and acting, as well as her passionate commitment to the cinematic arts. It includes a sneak preview of her latest independent feature film, to be presented on Saturday, November 14 at 6:45pm in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Brown Auditorium Theater. On Sunday, November 15, Swinton will discuss her close collaborations with two avant-garde artists, Derek Jarman and Lynn Hershman Leeson. She will present the documentary on Jarman she wrote and narrated, Derek at 1pm, followed by a showing of the cult feminist sci-fi film, Teknolust, where she will be joined by director Hershman. The weekend culminates on Sunday, November 15 at 6 pm with "The Ballerina Cinema of Dreams," a celebration at Discovery Green Park co-presented by HCAS and Swinton's 8½ Foundation, featuring a free outdoor screening of The Red Shoes and preceded by a performance of three short pieces by Houston Ballet II. Swinton will be on hand at each of the screenings to introduce the films and, in many cases, engage in conversation with the audience. <b>"Guillermo Arriaga, Escritor"</b> is devoted to the work of Arriaga, the extraordinary artist who wrote the trilogy of films directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 21 Grams and Babel). On Thursday, November 12 at 9:45 pm, Arriaga will introduce Amores Perros, the film that first brought him worldwide acclaim, at the Angelika Film Center. The next day, on Friday, November 13 at 3 pm at the Alabama Theatre, Nuestra Palabra will host a reading by Arriaga from his novels as well as a discussion about his approaches to writing across media. That night at 6:45 pm at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Arriaga will be joined by actor and director Tommy Lee Jones for a screening and discussion of Arriaga's screenplay, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, a classic story of friendship, revenge and redemption, grounded in the contemporary environment of the Texas-Mexico border. The Three Burials will also be the subject of the Festival's "Setting the Scene" workshop on November 14, featuring crew members exploring the production of a Texas-filmed classic. <b>"The Films of Richard P. Rogers and Susan Meiselas"</b> includes several screenings and events exploring the fruitful partnership of filmmaker Richard P. Rogers and photographer Susan Meiselas, including the Houston premiere of one of the year's most original and important documentaries, The Windmill Movie, at the Angelika Film Center at 6:45 pm on Saturday, November 14. Directed by Alexander Olch and produced by Pulitzer Prize--winning photographer Susan Meiselas, The Windmill Movie is imaginatively composed from footage collected over many years for an unfinished autobiography by legendary art documentarian, experimental filmmaker and film professor Richard P. Rogers. Meiselas, who was Rogers's life partner for many years (they married near the end of Rogers' life), collaborated with him on two classic documentary films made in the 1980s in support of the Nicaraguan people and revolution, Living at Risk and Pictures from a Revolution. Meiselas will be present for a discussion of Pictures from a Revolution after it shows Friday, November 13 at 4 pm at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's Brown Auditorium. Living At Risk will play Saturday, November 14 at 4 pm at the Rice Media Center. Alfred Guzzetti, who co-directed Pictures from a Revolution and Living at Risk with Rogers and Meiselas, will also attend these screenings. Finally, thanks to Meiselas's efforts, some of Rogers's key works have been gathered for "Remembering Dick Rogers," which played to great acclaim at the Walter Reade Theater in New York this past June. The program consists of three short films: Elephants: Fragments of an Argument; Moving Pictures: The Art of Jan Lenica; and 226-1690. The series of three films, with each film being less than thirty minutes, which will be shown Sunday, November 15 at 1 pm at the Rice Media Center. <b>OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES</b> The Festival's Opening Night will kick off on Wednesday, November 11 with two highly anticipated films and a very special guest. Richard Linklater, who was born in Houston and is the maker of such seminal films as Slacker, Dazed and Confused, A Scanner Darkly, School of Rock and Before Sunset, will be at the screening of his latest theatrical release, Me and Orson Welles at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston at 8 pm. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire will be playing downtown at the Angelika Film Center, beginning at 7 pm. Me and Orson Welles is Linklater's tribute to the ultimate maverick director, Welles, as filtered through Robert Kaplow's novel of the same name. Zac Efron graduates from teen heartthrob to serious actor and displays impressive range as Richard Samuels, a young actor drawn into Welles's theater troupe and orbit. There he is enraptured by Welles's Girl Friday, Sonja (Claire Danes). Sonja, however, is enthralled with the great director, played by Christian McKay, whose impersonation and interpretation of Welles is nothing short of uncanny. Me and Orson Welles will be shown and Linklater will speak at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in the Brown Auditorium Theater on Wednesday, November 11 at 8 pm. Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, passionately directed by Lee Daniels, written with elegant economy by Geoffrey Fletcher and brilliantly performed by a fearless ensemble cast, is the story of Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe), a sixteen-year-old African-American girl born into a life no one would want. Since its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, where it won three awards (including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award), Precious has been moving people of all backgrounds with its dramatic, vividly realized story of a Harlem teenager who discovers her own worth, beauty and potential. Precious will be shown at the Angelika Film Center in Downtown Houston on Wednesday, November 11 at 7 pm. <b>ADMISSION/HOTEL PACKAGES</b> Although several Festival programs and components are free, including H BOX at the Alabama Theatre, Kid Pan Alley at Miller Outdoor Theatre, The Red Shoes at Discovery Green and many of the educational panels and sessions, buying Festival Passes, Badges and/or tickets is the most cost-effective way to explore all that the Festival has to offer. Several different types of ticketing options are available: • $50 Festival Wristbands grant access to all regular Festival screenings • $250 Festival Badges provide access for all screenings, educational panels and performances • $500 Patron Passes / All Access Badges provide access for the screenings, education panels, performances, and opening/closing receptions • Individual tickets for regular public screenings and educational panels are available at $6 for Matinees and $10 for evenings; premium screenings are $15 • A student/senior price of $6 is available for all regular public screenings (excluding opening night) • Special event tickets range from $15 -- $25 Tickets are now on sale on the Festival Web site, www.cinemartsociety.org. Tickets and Festival merchandise also can be purchased at the Festival's official headquarters, located at the historic Alabama Theatre, 2922 South Shepherd, Houston, TX 77098, beginning October 21. Two downtown hotels are offering special rates during the Cinema Arts Festival. To book the special rate, simply call the hotel directly and ask for the Cinema Arts Festival rate: Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel - $129/night (713) 577-6110 Hyatt Regency Houston - $109/night (888) 421-1442 ### <b>About Houston Cinema Arts Society and Cinema Arts Festival Houston</b> Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) is a non-profit organization created in 2008 under the direction of a dedicated task force with the support of Houston Mayor Bill White and the leadership of Franci Crane to organize and host Cinema Arts Festival Houston, a ground-breaking and innovative film and multimedia arts festival featuring art by and about artists and celebrating the vitality and diversity of the arts in Houston and enriching the city's film and arts community. HCAS is funded in part by grants from the Crane Foundation, City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and the City of Houston Convention and Entertainment Facilities Department. Cinema Arts Festival Houston debuts in Houston November 11 -- 15, 2009. Festival headquarters are located at the historic Alabama Theatre, 2922 South Shepherd, Houston, TX 77098. Online tickets sales began October 14 at www.cinemartsociety.org. In person tickets sales begin at Festival headquarters on October 21. <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left">&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><b><font size="3">Houston Celebrates the Halloween Season All Month Long<br /> </font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><b><font size="3"><font size="2"><font size="3"><i>A Guide for Haunting Through Houston</i></font><br /> </font></font></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><font size="2">Once upon a time, Halloween was a one-day event. Now the holiday is morphing into an entire season with ghost walks, haunted houses and pumpkin picking events held throughout October. Houston is definitely on the Halloween bandwagon. Events range from <b><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9938 ">Zoo Boo</a></b>, Oct. 17-31, to <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10100 "><b>Ghost Walk Pub Crawls</b></a>, which run through Oct. 31, to the <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10081 "><b>Houston Symphony's Hocus Pocus Pops</b></a>, Oct. 23. <br /> <br /> <b>HOUSTON'S 2009 HALLOWEEN GUIDE</b><br /> Check out <b><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/halloween2009/">Houston's 2009 Halloween Guide</a></b> for the ultimate list of Halloween events, festivals and haunted houses.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> <b>TOUR HOUSTON'S MOST HAUNTED LOCATIONS</b><br /> Discover a world of whispers, spooks and good old fashioned ghosts in <b><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/press_releases.php?id=511&category=12865">Houston's most haunted spots</a></b>.<br /> </font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><font size="2"><b><i>For more info about Halloween events in Houston, read below...</i></b></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><font size="2"><br /> <br /> 09/23/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Harvest Festival</b><br /> Every year Matt family Orchard celebrates Autumn with a Harvest Festival featuring pumpkin picking, hay rides, camp fires, dressing scarecrows and much more. <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10064 "><i><b>More...</b></i></a><br /> </font><font size="2"><br /> 09/23/2009 to 11/15/2009<br /> <b>Pumpkin Picking</b><br /> Nothing can be more memorable than a great Fall day in the country, especially when you experience one of the best parts of coming out to Dewberry Farm&mdash;the hayride and pumpkin picking. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10065"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2">&nbsp;<br /> 10/01/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Boo on the Boardwalk!</b><br /> Enjoy Kemah's "Boo on the Boardwalk" that features a Haunted House open daily and spooky fun including pumpkin decorating, the great pumpkin weight guessing contest, magic shows and spooktacular musical entertainment the entire month of October. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10105 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/02/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Ghost Walk Pub Crawls</b><br /> Listen to true tales and urban legends on this night-time walking tour in the Downtown Historic District featuring: Ghosts of Spaghetti Warehouse, Ghosts of The Confederacy, Charlie Chaplin at the Isis, The Hanging Oak, and The Barmaid's Best Friend. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10100 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/03/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Broomstick Adventures </b><br /> Bring your digital cameras, camcorders, audio equipment, light sensors and EMF meters as you attempt to capture evidence of ghosts on this three-hour driving tour to haunted Houston sites. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10102 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/06/2009 to 11/01/2009<br /> <b>Siege of the Skeletons</b><br /> Beware the siege this October at The Health Museum! First annual Siege of the Skeletons, a community art project featuring papier-m&acirc;ch&eacute; skeletons submitted by teams all over Houston.<a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10040 "> </a></font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10040 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font><br /> </a><font size="2"><br /> 10/17/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Zoo Boo</b><br /> Houston Zoo's kid-friendly Halloween celebration is back for 5 great days in October! Enjoy safe Halloween trick-or-treating, games and fun activities with a "naturally wild" twist October 17, 18, 24, 25 and on Halloween October 31. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9938 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font><br /> </a><font size="2"><br /> 10/20/2009 to 10/31/2009<br /> <b>McDonald's Halloween Mansion</b><br /> Magic and mystery take over the Children's Museum of Houston as it morphs into the McDonald's(r) Halloween Mansion for two spine-tingling weeks, Oct. 20 through 31! </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10047 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/23/2009<br /> <b>Houston Symphony's Hocus Pocus Pops</b><br /> Bring your family and friends to this "spooktacular" Halloween event. Hocus Pocus Pops is a night of tricks, treats and enchanting music as the Houston Symphony casts a magical spell on The Pavilion. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10081"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/24/2009<br /> <b>Celebrity Mystery Theater</b><br /> Welcome to an evening of History, Mystery, Mood & Food. Imagine a nice social gathering. People are enjoying drinks....talking...catching up...until.....a murder is committed!! </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9685 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/24/2009<br /> <b>ArBOOretum</b><br /> Have a green Halloween at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center's annual ArBOOretum. Designed as a family adventure, you can learn about animal predators on the trick-or-treat nature trail, see live snakes and owls, enjoy pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating and face-painting. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10101"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2">&nbsp;<br /> 10/27/2009<br /> <b>A Nightmare in Venice</b><br /> The season launches with the notorious renegade of the recorder, Piers Adams, and his famed UK-based group, Red Priest, who will present A Nightmare in Venice - just in time for Halloween! </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9627 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/30/2009<br /> <b>The Bash</b><br /> THE BASH will be Houston's most outrageous costume event, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy, and featuring free flowing spirits, wall-to-wall music from SKYROCKET, and a one-of-a-kind costume contest judged by local Houston celebrities. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9953"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/30/2009<br /> <b>Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner</b><br /> A healthy alternative to the commonplace Halloween party, Messina Hof will be hosting a Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner, complete with a delicious Halloween feast, exceptional wine and a mysterious murder plot. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10103"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/30/2009<br /> <b>Spirits and Skeletons 2009</b><br /> Have a totally rad Halloween at Spirits & Skeletons with 80's revival band Molly and the Ringwalds! </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10130"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>SCREAM on the Green</b><br /> Houston's biggest city-wide costume party! Scarey-oke, games, a Living Mausoleum and much, much more. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9773 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Wig Out for Unicef Halloween Party</b><br /> Unicef, Hotel ZaZa and Houston Magazine present Wig Out! Dress up and get down this Halloween and all for a cause. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=9973"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>McDonald's Monster Mash Bash</b><br /> Howl at the moon while you bask in the McDonald's(r) Monster Mash Bash--Houston's ultimate Halloween party for kids taking place inside the all-new, twice as BIG McDonald's(r) Halloween Mansion. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10048 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Halloween Pirate Dinner Cruise</b><br /> Welcome aboard your very own ghost ship for the night, featuring an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner created by Murder by Chocolate. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10061"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Funkotron Halloween Bash at Last Concert Caf&eacute;</b><br /> The Last Concert Caf&eacute; will be hosting Funkotron Halloween Bash, featuring musical guests Subroutine. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10062"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font><br /> </a><font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>The Killdares at McGonigel's Mucky Duck</b><br /> McGonigel's Mucky Duck is presenting The Killdares for Halloween. The alternative Celtic rock band is known to move people to tears and certain to put you in a brooding Halloween mood. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10063 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>11th Annual Halloween Boo Bash</b><br /> Throw on your best Halloween costume and get ready to do the Monster Mash as Traders Village presents the annual Boo Bash, the biggest free spooktacular for kids in Houston. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10104"><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>The 3rd Annual Montrose Crawl</b><br /> A signature Houston Halloween event that combines a traditional pub crawl with the spirit of trick-or-treating and running it through the heart of Montrose. <a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10129"><b><i>More...</i></b></a></font><font size="2"><br /> <br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>Tricks, Treats & T. Rex</b><br /> Gather up your littlest ghosts and goblins and celebrate Halloween at Houston's very own dinosaur bone-yard--during Tricks, Treats & T. Rex at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. </font><a href="http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitors/events.details.php?id=10131 "><font size="2"><i><b>More...</b></i></font></a><br /> <font size="2"><br /> 10/31/2009<br /> <b>“All Hollow’s Eve” Bash at The Alden</b> The chills and thrills of “All Hollow’s Eve” will be in full force when Alden-Houston hosts its third annual haunted Halloween Soiree and costume contest on Saturday, October 31. <b><i><a href= http://www.visithoustontexas.com/visitor /events.details.php?id=10164>More…</a></b></i> <font size="2"><br /> 10/1/2009 to 11/07/2009<br /> <font size="2"><b>Haunted Houses</b></font></font></p>Some of the best haunted houses in Texas are located right in Houston. Check out </font><b><a href="http://www.thehauntedtrails.com ">The Haunted Trails</a></b>,<b> <a href="http://www.nightmareonthebayou.com/index.shtml ">Nightmare on the Bayou</a></b>,<b> <a href="http://www.darke.com ">Phobia</a> </b>and<b> <a href="http://www.screamworld.com/main.htm ">ScreamWorld</a></b>.<b> <a href="http://www.nightmareonthebayou.com/index.shtml "></a><br /> </b></font></p> Stylish. Urban. Sophisticated. Cultured. Diverse. These words could be used to describe quite a few cities around the world, but for one city, the words are a long time coming. For years, Houston has battled negative perceptions due to weather, traffic and a Western image that hasn't mirrored reality since the days of Urban Cowboy. In two recent studies—a GHCVB-sanctioned perception study by international research firm TNS and a 2009 Travel + Leisure audience-generated America's Favorite Cities survey on Travelandleisure.com—Houston emerges as a top-tier urban city, with strong cultural and culinary offerings.<br /> <strong>Strengths</strong><br /> Houston is a good value. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed by TNS perceive Houston as a good value for the money, and Houston ranked No. 1 in Travel + Leisure's survey for affordable hotels and No. 5 for affordable getaways. Visitors spend an average of $508 per trip, according to TNS.<br /> Houston's rankings in both surveys are extremely high for business travel. According to TNS, Houston attracts more business travelers than the national average, who spend more than double what leisure travelers spend ($1,010 per trip vs. $501). Similarly, Travel + Leisure's survey shows Houston ranks high in all business travel categories: Airport lounges; business hotels; on-time arrival and departures and big-name restaurants.<br /> Houston ranks particularly high in Travel + Leisure's categories featuring urban activities: shopping, dining, arts and culture and nightlife. According to TNS, the top visitor activities (in order) are: visiting relatives; shopping; visiting friends; fine dining; and urban sightseeing.<br /> <strong>Significant Improvement</strong><br /> Houston has not been included in the Travel + Leisure America's Favorite Cities survey since 2004—it was dropped from the list after low rankings and competed with 10 cities this spring for enough votes to be included again. <br /> Things have changed since 2004. Houston's rankings have significantly improved in 29 categories (noted by a green arrow on the T+L site), second only to San Francisco, who has significantly improved in 31 categories. Houston is also behind San Francisco as the city with top 10 rankings in the largest number of categories (30 for Houston, 31 for San Francisco).<br /> <strong>How Other Texas Cities Stack Up</strong><br /> Texas is the only state to have four cities included in the Travel + Leisure survey. The TNS survey also compared perceptions of the largest Texas cities and, once again, the results are very similar.<br /> When compared to the three other major Texas cities in the TNS survey—DFW, San Antonio and Austin—travelers view Houston as the best place in these categories: easily accessible; variety of dining options; cultural/performing arts; culturally diverse; family/roots there; and accessible for disabled.<br /> San Antonio leads Texas in the following TNS categories: lots to see and do; history and culture; and good for family and children. In the T+L study, it ranks No. 4 for family vacations and No. 5 for historic sites and monuments.<br /> Austin is the nightlife leader in Texas, according to TNS, and ranks very highly in Travel + Leisure's nightlife categories as well.<br /> The Travel + Leisure survey ranks all 30 cities 56 categories, and this is how Texas cities compare:<br /> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"> <tr><td bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top">&nbsp;</td><td bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top"><p align="left"><strong>Houston</strong></p></td><td bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top"><p align="left"><strong>Austin </strong></p></td><td bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top"><p align="left"><strong>DFW</strong></p></td><td bgcolor="#cccccc" valign="top"><p align="left"><strong>San Antonio</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><p align="left">No. of categories with a top 10 ranking<br />(out of 56 categories)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">30</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">26</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">1</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">17</p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><p align="left">Highest ranked categories<br /><em>(out of 30 cities, 1 being the best, 30 being the worst)</em></p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Affordable hotels (1)<br /> Airport lounges (1)<br />Business hotels (2)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Intelligent (2)<br />Athletic/Active (3)<br />Singles/bar scene (3)<br />Live music (3)<br />Neighborhood joints (3)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Luxury stores (10)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Holiday travel — winter/Christmas (3)<br />Family vacation (4)</p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><p align="left">Lowest ranked categories<br /><em>(out of 30 cities, 1 being the best, 30 being the worst)</em></p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Public transportation and<br />pedestrian-friendliness (27)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Luxury stores (27)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Diverse (30)<br />Romantic escape (30)<br />Ethnic food (30)<br />Cafes/coffee bars (30)<br />People-watching (30)</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Stylish 28)</p></td></tr></table> <strong>Making Changes</strong><br /> Both surveys cite public transportation and traffic as a challenge for Houston, and the city is working hard to address those problems. In 2004, METRORail, a 7.5-mile light rail service, began running from downtown, through Midtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center to Reliant Park. Construction has begun on two additional light rail lines, and by 2012, five lines with 30 additional miles of rail will be in use, connecting the existing rail to the University of Houston, the Galleria area (Houston's second-largest business district and its main shopping area), the East End and more. <br /> METRO also launched METRO Airport Direct in 2009, a bus service that runs daily from Terminal C to downtown every 30 minutes for $15 each way. <br /> <strong>About the TNS Study</strong> The syndicated TravelsAmerica study collects data via a web based methodology. Sample is selected from the TNS 6th dimension USA Panel with e-mail invitations sent monthly to representative households. TNS constantly strives to keep Internet penetration high and panel fatigue low by carefully monitoring and limiting the number of contacts with each household.<br /> Each month, potential respondents receive an e-mail request to participate in the study; TNS targets a response rate of 45%. The field period runs for two weeks each month, usually starting in the middle of the first week. <br /> To enhance relevance, the data are weighted two ways:<br /> Demographic weights adjust respondents by demographic factors such as region, age, income, household size, and marital status to closely represent the characteristics of US households<br /> Trip and state projection calculations counts every trip taken by respondents for total trips taken. Detailed information collected for up to three trips in the past month is projected to the actual number of trips taken. In the case of city level calculations, each trip taken to that city counts. A few tables represent person-trips — these take into account the immediate travel party size for each trip as well. For projections, the counts are weighted to reflect the actual number of US households and total trips. <br /> This special report focuses on results for Greater Houston. For the calendar year ending December 31, 2008, respondents (does not include others in travel party) for Houston and total are shown below.<br /> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"> <tr><td bgcolor="#cccccc"><p align="center"><strong>CY 2008</strong><br /><strong>#of Travelers (Unweighted)</strong></p></td><td bgcolor="#cccccc"><p align="center"><strong>CY 2008</strong><br /><strong># of Travelers (Weighted)</strong></p></td><td bgcolor="#cccccc"><p align="center"><strong>Region</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><p align="left">514</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">512</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Houston Visitors</p></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><p align="left">53,868</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">52,589</p></td><td valign="top"><p align="left">Total for TravelsAmerica</p></td></tr></table><p><strong>About TNS</strong><br /> TNS, which recently merged with Research International, is the world's largest custom research agency delivering actionable insights and research-based business advice to its clients so they can make more effective business decisions. TNS offers comprehensive industry knowledge within the Consumer, Technology, Finance, Automotive and Political & Social sectors, supported by a unique product offering that stretches across the entire range of marketing and business issues, specializing in product development & innovation, brand & communication, stakeholder management, retail & shopper, and qualitative research. Delivering best-in-class service across more than 70 countries, TNS is part of Kantar, the world's largest research, insight and consultancy network. Please visit http://www.tns-us.com for more information.<br /> <strong>About Travel + Leisure's America's Favorite Cities Survey</strong><br /> An online survey appeared on travelandleisure.com from June 1 to July 31, 2009. Respondents were asked to rate their choice of one or more cities (among 30 previously selected cities) in 56 different subject categories. Respondents were asked to identify whether or not they were residents of each city they rated. Responses were collected and tabulated by travelandleisure.com. ### Every city seems a little spookier during this time of year—old buildings creak a bit more, the wind howls a little louder and black cats come out of the woodwork. There are always certain locations that make your heart beat a little faster when you enter, and everything is intensified around Halloween. Discover a world of whispers, spooks and good old fashioned ghosts in this haunted tour of Houston. <b>The Old Spaghetti Warehouse & Its Ghosts</b> The upstairs elevator inside the kitchen is reported to be haunted. According to the staff at Spaghetti Warehouse, a pharmaceutical company used to occupy their building. In 1930, a male employee, possibly the owner, was killed after he fell down the elevator shaft to the basement. The restaurant still uses the basement to store the restaurant’s supplies. Today, members of the wait staff sometimes hear their names being called even though no one is nearby. They also report chairs, place mats, and utensils being moved—again when no one is around. And, even when they are sure they have turned off all the lights in the building, the lights have been mysteriously turned back on when they return to work the next day. Sandra McMasters, the Spaghetti Warehouse’s manager, reports that when she was closing the restaurant one night, she saw four translucent spirits float by in front her. Since then, no one has ever worked alone in the building, especially at night. When the Spaghetti Warehouse did some remodeling after Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, a construction worker was so frightened when he saw a ghost that he rushed off, leaving his tools behind him. He refused to come back to the restaurant to get them. <b>Federal Court Building</b> The 10th floor believed to be haunted by the spirit of U.S. District Judge Woodrow Seals, who died after surgery in October 1990. The judge's former chambers are said to always be colder than the rest of the floor and the smell of smoke from his cigars still lingers in the air late at night. Janitors and security guards report being touched and hearing voices and doors rattling when no one else is around. <b>La Carafe</b> La Carafe, Houston’s oldest bar, is located in a pre-Civil War building on Houston's historical Market Square. The second floor seems to be the seat of the haunting. Employees have reported hearing footsteps and the sound of heavy objects being dragged across the unoccupied second floor. It's said a former bartender and the woman depicted in the large portrait on the first floor - both no longer among the living - can sometimes be seen in the establishment's windows. <b>The Brewery Tap</b> The Brewery Tap is an English-style tavern below the Magnolia Ballroom in Downtown Houston. The original owner was killed by the mafia during prohibition for refusing to brew alcohol. Now, visitors to the brewery tap who take photos have seen a man sitting in a chair—exactly where the owner used to sit watching his staff brew beer. Every night at closing time, the ghost plays a song on the jukebox for Kathy, the bartender…Kathy’s Waltz. <b>Jeff Davis Hospital and Crematorium</b> The Jeff Davis Hospital, which was erected in 1924, was built on top of the city’s second public cemetery with approximately 3,000 people buried under the hospital. The site of the hospital is now occupied by apartment buildings, although the crematorium remains. There have been reports of ghostly doctors, nurses and patients in the old building. There have also been reports of ghostly activity and whispers from Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetary. An apparition of a man has been seen on the third floor, and most people avoid going down to the basement. <b>Julia Ideson Building at the Houston Public Library</b> There are reports that the Julia Ideson Building, which now houses the Texas Archives at the Houston Public Library downtown, is haunted by the building’s former caretaker, who is said to play music after hours. <b>Battleship Texas State Historic Site</b> Some visitors to this state park attraction claim to have seen the ghost of an unidentified sailor on the second deck. <b>Esperson Building - Downtown</b> Legend has it that Mellie Esperson's spirit still roams the building's halls and elevators (which are said to manifest cold spots). The elevator has been known to malfunction, and employees report feeling watched. <b>Treebeards Restaurant (downtown)</b> Located in the Travis building (the second oldest in Houston), some staff have reported ghost sightings and other unexplained activity. <b>Ghostly Tours</b> For Houston visitors and residents who want to experience these locations and more for themselves, there are several groups that offer tours through Houston’s haunted locations. <b.High Spirits Tours</b> offer tours to Houston’s most haunted locales, year-round. They’ve been in business for more than five years and are on a friendly basis with the spirits and ghosts they visit. They even teach their groups how to photograph the spirits. www.highspiritstours.com Discover Houston Tours presents <b>Ghost Walks</b> every October in the Downtown Historic District where ghostly tales abound. www.discoverhoustontours.com <p align=center>###</p><i>Houston is a space of infinite possibilities. As a top convention and tourism destination you’ll enjoy the very best hotels, convention facilities, sports, entertainment, dining, outdoor recreation and attractions. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and its partner, Continental Airlines, encourage you to make Houston your choice for business or pleasure. For more information on Houston attractions, log on to www.visithoustontexas.com or call 1-800-4HOUSTON.</i> A continuación ofrecemos una lista de diversos eventos que se celebran en Houston con motivo del Día de las Brujas: Asedio de Esqueletos (Siege of the Skeletons) Desde el 6 de octubre hasta el 1 de noviembre, el Museo de la Salud presenta el primero de un proyecto comunitario anual de arte que mostrará esqueletos elaborados en papier-mâché creados por equipos de toda la ciudad de Houston. ¡Todo gira en torno a los huesos! Visita el museo antes del 22 de octubre para que tengas la oportunidad de votar por tu esqueleto favorito y regresa el 29 de octubre para ver si gana. Los esqueletos serán juzgados por personal del Centro Médico de Texas y por profesionales del museo. La compra de la entrada de admisión general al museo incluye la exhibición de esqueletos. http://www.thehealthmuseum.org/skeletons Zoo Boo La celebración más grande para los niños en Halloween regresa por 5 días en octubre al Zoológico de Houston. En los días de Zoo Boo, los niños pueden pedir su trick-or-treating en un lugar seguro, participar de los juegos y otras actividades como escoger y decorar su propia calabaza. Zoo Boo se realiza los días 17, 18, 24 y 25 y el 31 de octubre de las 9 a.m. a las 4 p.m. Todas las actividades de Zoo Boo están incluidas en la admisión general del Zoológico. http://www.houstonzoo.org ArBOOretum Disfruta de un día de Halloween verde en el Centro de la Naturaleza y Arboretum de Houston. Aprende sobre los animales y la naturaleza en un sendero de "trick-or-treat" natural. Actividades incluyen paseos en ponies y decoración de calabazas, entre otras. Se realiza el 24 de octubre desde el mediodía hasta las 4 p.m. La admisión es de $15 dólares – para niños de los 3 años en adelante, e incluye todas las actividades. No se permiten mascotas el día del evento. http://www.houstonarboretum.org/arbooretum.asp Caminatas con Fantasmas (Ghost Walks) Del 2 al 29 de octubre, Discover Houston Tours ofrece sus recorridos anuales por lugares y sitios encantados en el distrito histórico de Houston. Escucha cuentos y leyendas urbanas mientras caminas y visitas lugares como el restaurante Spaghetti Warehouse y otros donde se dice habitan fantasmas. El recorrido de 7 a 10 p.m. comienza y termina en: Discover Houston Tours, 912 Prairie St. Además de la caminata, el recorrido incluye un paseo corto en METRORail y 30 minutos de descanso en el Acuario. $30 dólares por persona. La Sinfónica de Houston presenta: Hocus Pocus Pops El 23 de octubre lleva a tu familia y amigos al Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, en The Woodlands, para disfrutar de este “espektacular” concierto de música pop que celebra el tema de Halloween. Hocus Pocus Pops es una noche de trucos, dulces y música encantadora mientras la Sinfónica de Houston nos hechiza con su magia. Grandes y chicos están invitados a vestir su disfraz favorito. Conductor: Brett Mitchell. Asientos en la sección orquesta: $15 dólares. Mezzanine y admisión general gratuita cortesía de H-E-B. Estacionamiento disponible si compras los boletos en Ticketmaster por $5 dólares adicionales. Las puertas abren a las 6 p.m. McDonald’s® Halloween Mansion El Museo de los Niños de Houston presenta su casa embrujada que estará abierta del 20 al 31 de octubre. La magia y el misterio llegaron al Museo de los Niños, que se convertirá en la Mansión de Halloween de McDonald’s®, por dos terroríficas semanas. La mansión, que ahora es el doble de grande, invita a los niños a divertirse con la búsqueda de caramelos, a experimentar con Martin goo, o a construir monstruos, entre otras actividades. Las exhibiciones se disfrazarán de Halloween y en cada una habrá experimentos y actividades “para poner los pelos de punta”. La Mansión McDonald’s® de Halloween estará abierta hasta las 8 p.m. para que los niños puedan pedir dulces en la seguridad del museo los días 29, 30 y 31 de octubre. The Bash (la fiesta) Es una fiesta de Halloween a beneficio de la United Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral Palsy es una condición de daño al cerebro en los bebés al nacer). El viernes 30 de octubre a las 8 p.m. en el Salón Crystal del Rice Hotel se realiza una extravagante fiesta de disfraces con espíritus flotantes, música, comida, bebidas y un concurso de disfraces que tendrá como jueces a celebridades locales. Las entradas por adelantado cuestan $100 dólares por persona y $125 dólares en la puerta; el número de entradas es limitado por lo que no se garantiza la disponibilidad. Fiesta de Halloween “Wig Out” de la UNICEF El 31 de octubre la UNICEF, el Hotel Zaza y Houston Magazine presentan Wig Out! Modela tu mejor disfraz y baila toda la noche, todo por una buena causa. $75 dólares la entrada. $150 dólares entrada VIP. Crucero y Cena Misterio de Halloween Desde el 31 de octubre las fiestas de Halloween en Houston ya no serán lo mismo. ¡Bienvenido a un barco pirata fantasma de la noche! El crucero se convierte en un barco apresado por los piratas, donde la única persona que sabe dónde está el tesoro es asesinada. Disfruta de una noche de misterio, en un crucero de dos horas por Clear Lake y la Bahía de Galveston. Cena misterio de teatro interactivo, música bailable a cargo de un DJ y un buffet gourmet. $69 dólares por persona. ###