My Houston - All

Free Thursday Night C&W Dance Lessons at Brazos River Bottom - 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2010

Southern Country dance group shows you all the best country dancing moves!

Family Yoga with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2010

Enjoy a free family yoga class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park located in the heart of downtown Houston. Created as a partnership between the City of Houston and the Discovery Green Conservancy in 2008, it has hosted more than 800 public and private events, most of which are free, and welcomed more than 1 million visitors. It is located at 1500 McKinney, near the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PiYO with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2010

Enjoy a free pilates and yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Karate in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2010

Enjoy a free karate class from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

Thursday Concert Series at Discovery Green - 09/30/2010 - 09/30/2010

Discovery Green's Thursday Concert Series, presented by Capital One Bank, continues with the Wild Moccasins and The Mathletes from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Center.

Concerts on the hill feature popular musicians from around the region. Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are permitted; food, beer and wine are also available for purchase at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Ladies Night at Pravada - 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2010

Every Wednesday is ladies night at Pravada.
GoGo dancers and $2 draft. Dress to impress.

Blues and Burgers at Discovery Green - 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2010

Have your lunch in style with a lunchtime concert by Trudy Lynn from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch stage at Discovery Green.

Karaoke Wednesdays at Guava Lamp - 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2010

Join the pretty young things and belt out your favorite show tune or Madonna song!

Get there before 10:30, if you want a seat.

Zumba! at Discovery Green - 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2010

Enjoy a free Zumba class from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Fitness in the Park, presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Martini Wednesday at FWD - 09/29/2010 - 09/29/2010

Come out to FWD and enjoy drink specials all night every Wednesday.
DJ Arnold spinning the latest hits to keep you moving.
18 to party, 21 to drink!

$1 Jello Shots
$2 Well Vodka (10-12)
$3 Domestic
$4 Wells All Night
$5 Martinis (8-12)

For reservations: cellinipromo@gmail.com
510 Gray Street

Ladies Night at Boheme Wine Bar - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

Every Tuesday is ladies night at Boheme.
Happy hour specials all night.

Movies Houstonians Love Series: The Wizard of Oz - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

The Museum of Fine Arts presents its ongoing Movies Houstonians Love series with this month's installment, Mayor Annise Parker's fave The Wizard of Oz. Mayor Parker will introduce the 1939 classic that follows Dorothy down the yellow brick road. A reception will follow in the museum's galleries.

7 p.m.

Drag Show Tuesdays at Meteor - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

Boasting what some claim to be Houston's best gay happy hour in the city, join in on the fun every Tuesday night when Meteor hosts their weekly drag show.

Martini Madness at Ruggles Grill - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

Every Tuesday Ruggles Grill hosts martini madness. $1 martinis with chilled house vodka and olives from 5 - 10 p.m.

Happy Hour for Hunger benefiting the Houston Food Bank - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

It may be known for its Tuesday trivia nights, but on Sept. 28, The Harp, 1625 Richmond, will offer trivia for a good cause. Between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., a percentage of sales will go to the Houston Food Bank. Special Food Bank magnets will also be on sale.

The Houston Food Bank provides food assistance to more than 135,000 people a week through a network of more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other agencies. It is the largest source of food for hunger relief charities in southeast Texas.

Tango Tuesdays at Discovery Green - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

Enjoy a free tango lesson from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Steak Night - 09/28/2010 - 09/28/2010

Tuesdays are steak night. For $10, you get an 8 oz. ribeye steak, baked potato and a Lone Star Bar. $1 Lone Stars all night long!

Happy Hour Mondays at Cafe Adobe - 09/27/2010 - 09/27/2010

Get your week started off right! Voted #1 Margarita in the Houston Press, Cafe Adobe is the place to be on Monday nights.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Discovery Green - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Pick up fresh local produce, clothing, specialty items, baked goods and more during the Urban Harvest Farmers Market from noon to 4 p.m. The market, which features local farmers and craftsmen, is presented with support from the JPMorganChase Foundation.

Sunday Concert with Cypress Creek Band - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

A Haak Winery special is their Sunday evening concerts that start in May and go through September of every year.

Sunday, 6‐8:30 p.m.

Each Sunday features a different Live Band. Visit the Events page at www.haakwine.com for menu details. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome.

You are welcome to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket (although they have chairs available for first come first served) and wine glasses. They have a wonderful deli in the Tasting Room if you want to create your own picnic basket but they will be serving food from their full service kitchen. No outside food or drink allowed.

See you at the winery!

Cypress Creek Band: www.cypresscreek.us

Sundays at the Park at Discovery Green - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Enjoy a musical performance from the Houston Grand Opera Studio from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch stage at Discovery Green.

DecaDance at House of Blues - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Relax in the Foundation Lounge, or dance to DJ Jessica Lozano in the Bronze Peacock Room!
No cover!
Benefiting Houston Area GLBT Charities
Doors open at 3 pm

Huge dance floor
Relaxing lounge areas
Private rooms
Drink specials all afternoon

Happy Hour for Hunger benefiting the Houston Food Bank - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

This is one happy hour you can feel really good about. On Sept. 26, Anvil, 1424 Westheimer, will partner with the Houston Chowhounds to host a happy hour benefiting the Houston Food Bank, with 20 percent of all sales from the event going to the organization. Guests are also being asked to bring nonperishable food donations.

Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Head to Reliant Stadium to watch as the Houston Texans take on the Dallas Cowboys in what is sure to be a showdown. Call for a variety of ticket options and pricing.

Hoop Dance at Discovery Green - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Enjoy a free hoop dance class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Sundays in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/26/2010 - 09/26/2010

Enjoy a free concert from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Discovery Green.

Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics are permitted; food, beer and wine are also available for purchase at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Delicious Saturdays at Swivel - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

The atmosphere is sexy and inviting with tasty drinks to boot! You can relax, socialize and network.

Entertainment provided by Amuse Bouche, Houston's premier Lesbian resource.

Swivel Lounge - 2621 Milam

Admission is $10, but no cover before 10:30 pm.

Dress to impress.

Bicycle repair workshop at Discovery Green - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Learn how to fix your own bike during a workshop held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Green. Participants should bring their bikes.

Saint Arnold's Brewery Tours - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Admission is $7 per person and includes samples and a souvenir tasting glass. Tours are an open house format that starts at 11:00 a.m., so it is good to get here at least 15 or 20 minutes before hand.

St. Arnold's Brewery is located at 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020.

Yoga in the park with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Enjoy a free yoga class from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Museum District Day - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Get ready to enjoy a free day in the Houston Museum District on Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Board a free bus shuttle at any participating museum and spend the entire day exploring favorite museums and discovering new destinations. Museum District Day will feature fascinating exhibitions, hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances throughout the day. Seventeen museums will waive their general admission fee to offer the community the opportunity to enjoy the District's diverse displays of art, science, nature and history.

Parking in the Houston Museum District: Free and paid parking is available within the Houston Museum District. Please visit our website to view parking options.

Zumbatronic! at Discovery Green - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Enjoy Zumbatronic!, presented by H-E-B, on the Sarofim Picnic Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to noon. This Zumba class, presented by Cindy Samudio, is fun for the whole family.

Young Writers Workshops at Discovery Green - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green offer a free writing workshop for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshops are made possible by a grant from David Mendez.

Family FunDay at Sam Houston Race Park - 09/25/2010 - 09/25/2010

Head to Sam Houston Race Park's West Lot Sept. 25 for the sixth annual Family FunDay in the Park. The event starts at noon; tickets are $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for children ages 3-11 and free for kids under 3; parking is free. Ticket prices go up the day of the event.

Family FunDay will include live music from artists such as Lakeside, Con Funk Shun, Dazz Band, Brick, Slave, Barkays, Sugarfoot's Ohio Players and more. Vendor booths and a Kids Zone will also be available.

Sam Houston Race Park is located at 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West.

Houston Wine Fest - 09/25/2010 - 09/26/2010

Celebrate Houston's rich culinary community at the inaugural 2010 Houston Wine Fest, a festival of culture, food and wine featuring more than 200 wines from around the globe, including South Africa, Italy and Texas. The event will include wine samples, wines by the glass and bottles for purchase and will also include art, food, music and a cigar lounge. Many of Houston’s finest restaurants, including Maggiano's, Frank's Pizza and Sushi Raku, will be on-hand, cooking up their favorite dishes to complement the wine samplings available at the festival. Tickets are available for purchase online.

The festival will be held Sept. 25 from noon to 10 p.m. and Sept. 26 from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 pre-sale and come with a wine glass, gift bag and five tasting tickets. VIP tickets are available for $100 and include a wine glass, T-shirt, gift bag, free food, free wine, 10 tasting tickets, backstage access to musicians and access to the VIP lounge.

The festival will take place at the Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby.

Parking is available at the Theater District Garage on Rusk between Bagby and Smith. Free street level parking is also available on Sunday.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presents CraftTexas 2010 - 09/25/2010 - 12/30/2010

Take in 73 works selected from more than 460 submissions during the CraftTexas 2010 show, which features art created using clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood and found and recycled material, at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft through the end of the year. The sixth in a series of juried exhibitions, this one includes work ranging from the traditional to the cutting edge.

One standout exhibition is centered around contemporary jewelry created from alternative materials.

CraftTexas 2010 was juried by Gail M. Brown, an independent curator of contemporary craft from Philadelphia; Cindy Hickok, an acclaimed fiber artist from Houston; and Paula Owen, president of the Southwest School of Arts and Crafts in San Antonio. Works were judged on criteria such as technical proficiency, inventive use of the medium and innovation in style or concept.

An opening reception will be held Sept. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Rushmore Festival at Discovery Green - 09/24/2010 - 09/24/2010

Celebrate all things Rushmore with a screening, trivia contests, cast appearances and more at 6:30 p.m. at Discovery Green. The event, which is co-sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Company, will honor the cult classic by Houston-born director Wes Anderson, which was filmed on location in Houston.

31st Annual Texas State Hispanic Genealogical & Historical Conference - 09/24/2010 - 09/26/2010

The Hispanic Genealogical Society of Houston will be hosting the 31st Annual Texas State Hispanic Genealogical & Historical Conference on September 24-26, 2010 at the Hilton Houston Hobby Airport Hotel.

This year’s conference features topics covering the themes of Monterrey Archives and Protocolos, Tejano Leadership, Guerra Family History and Genealogy, Beyond the Alamo: Forging Mexican Ethnicity in San Antonio, plus other genealogy workshops. In addition there will also be a bus tour to the San Jacinto Monument and Museum Freedom Trail and a tour of the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research where you conduct individual research.

Wagner's Ring Without Words: An Orchestral Adventure - 09/24/2010 - 09/26/2010

The Houston Symphony and conductor Hans Graf present an evening of mythical musical enjoyment. Take a symphonic journey into a mythical world of gods, giants and heroes in the quest for a magic ring that holds immense power.

Bat Tours by Pontoon Boat - 09/24/2010 - 09/24/2010

You'll enjoy an amazing view of the bats' dusk emergence and learn more about these magnificent flying mammals that share the city with us. Cancellations must take place 48 hours prior to the boat tour. Depart at dusk, time depends on day of the month.

Reservations required.
Cost: $35 and $20 for children 4-12;
Tours begin at Allen's Landing.

These bat tours are generously sponsored by Houston Family Magazine.

Mucky Duck presents Druha Trava - 09/24/2010 - 09/24/2010

Friday, September 24, 7:30pm, $20
DRUHA TRAVA

Weekend of Contemporary Dance - 09/24/2010 - 09/26/2010

Dance Source Houston presents the 16th annual Weekend of Texas Contemporary Dance. Featuring everything from tap to trapeze to Tchaikovsky, this program is sure to have something for everyone.

This year's installment stars ten Texas-based dance companies including Frame Dance Productions, infinite Movement Ever Evolving (iMEE), NobleMotion Dance, Reck Dance Projects, Revolve Dance Company, Suchu Dance and Vault.

Performances are 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. And as always at Miller Outdoor Theatre, the event is free.

Party on the Patio at Sam Houston Race Park - 09/24/2010 - 09/24/2010

Celebrate the end of summer with Sam Houston Race Park's Party on the Patio, which will take place Fridays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. through September. The event will feature a variety of specials including 50 cent beer and $1.50 wine. The event, presented by ESPN 97.5, 103.7 Houston's Adult Alternative and the Houston Press, will spotlight simulcast racing on a 20-foot by 40-foot video tote board. Outdoor patio seating will be available on the Grandstand Apron.

General admission for the event is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

Sam Houston Race Park is an entertainment facility located about 15 minutes outside of Houston. It regularly hosts dining and entertainment events as well as live horse racing. It is located at 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway West.

Free Thursday Night C&W Dance Lessons at Brazos River Bottom - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Southern Country dance group shows you all the best country dancing moves!

Jewels - 09/23/2010 - 10/03/2010

A ballet in three parts, George Balanchine's Jewels was premiered by New York City Ballet in 1967 and was hailed as the first plotless full-length ballet. The gems in Jewels pay tribute to three golden ages of dance and also to the beauty of the ballerinas Balanchine adored. Poetic and flowing, Emeralds evokes France, the birthplace of Romantic dance. Its ballerinas drift on stage in clouds of tulle, whispering of elegance, fashion and fragrance. Rubies mirrors the carefree spontaneity of America, a throwback to the musical comedies and films Balanchine created soon after he arrived in his beloved adopted country: a sassy, jazzy burst of sunshine. Diamonds dazzles as Balanchine's tribute to the work of Marius Petipa and evokes the grandeur and precision of the Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg with each shimmering wave of classical elegance.

7:30 PM on September 23, 25, and October 1, 2, 2010
2:00 PM on September 26 and October 2, 3, 2010

Dancer(s) (from left to right): Jaquel Andrews, Mireille Hassenboehler, Amy Fote

Family Yoga with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Enjoy a free family yoga class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

PiYO with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Enjoy a free pilates and yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Out & Equal September Happy Hour - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Out & Equal Houston hosts its September happy hour at Habaneros Mex-Grill in Midtown.

The group's mission is to provide educational and networking programs that make it possible for companies, organizations and individual employees to create and maintain inclusive work environments for GLBT individuals. Click the link below for more about Out & Equal.

Habaneros will have special happy hour cocktails and will be showcasing its new happy hour menu.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Habaneros Mex-Grill, 3017 Milam St.

Karate in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Enjoy a free karate class from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

The Tales of Hoffmann (Les Contes d’Hoffmann) - 09/23/2010 - 10/02/2010

Starting on September 23, The Tales of Hoffmann (Les Contes d’Hoffmann) by Jacques Offenbach, is Offenbach’s romantic turn-of-the-20th century success, as Hoffmann recounts the tale of three unrequited loves, Olympia (the mechanical doll), Antonia (who sings herself to death), and Giulietta (who steals his soul). These performances will be in French with English surtitles through October 2.

Thursday Concert Series at Discovery Green - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Discovery Green's Thursday Concert Series, presented by Capital One Bank, continues with the Texas Tornados and opening act Los Pistoleros de Texas from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Center.

Mucky Duck presents Eliza Gilkyson - 09/23/2010 - 09/23/2010

Thursday, September 23, 7:30pm, $20
"Beautiful World should become a benchmark record for contemporary folk. Displaying humor, wit, and a winning charm... Gilkyson commands our attention. Listen." - PopMatters
"As an album, "Beautiful World" features so many elements that have made Gilkyson's 21st century body of work so compelling: softness, self-inventory, a prayer for mercy, psychological depth...The breadth of the album's tone is impressive." - Austin American-Statesman
"Few folksingers, even those from the original folk revival, have been able to combine social consciousness with musicality as well as Eliza Gilkyson. She merges strong songwriting talent with commanding vocals to create music that has immediate appeal as well as lasting intellectual impact." - Vintage Guitar Beautiful World is Gilkysons masterpiece. - All Music Guide

Ladies Night at Pravada - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

Every Wednesday is ladies night at Pravada.
GoGo dancers and $2 draft. Dress to impress.

Blues and Burgers at Discovery Green - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

Have your lunch in style with a lunchtime concert by the Milton Hopkins Band from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch stage at Discovery Green.

Karaoke Wednesdays at Guava Lamp - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

Join the pretty young things and belt out your favorite show tune or Madonna song!

Get there before 10:30, if you want a seat.

Zumba! at Discovery Green - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

Enjoy a free Zumba class from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Fitness in the Park, presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Happy Hour for Hunger benefiting the Houston Food Bank - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

This is one happy hour you can feel really good about. On Sept. 22, The Tasting Room River Oaks, 2409 West Alabama, will donate 20 percent of all happy hour food and wine purchases to the Houston Food Bank.

Martini Wednesday at FWD - 09/22/2010 - 09/22/2010

Come out to FWD and enjoy drink specials all night every Wednesday.
DJ Arnold spinning the latest hits to keep you moving.
18 to party, 21 to drink!

$1 Jello Shots
$2 Well Vodka (10-12)
$3 Domestic
$4 Wells All Night
$5 Martinis (8-12)

For reservations: cellinipromo@gmail.com
510 Gray Street

Ladies Night at Boheme Wine Bar - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

Every Tuesday is ladies night at Boheme.
Happy hour specials all night.

Drag Show Tuesdays at Meteor - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

Boasting what some claim to be Houston's best gay happy hour in the city, join in on the fun every Tuesday night when Meteor hosts their weekly drag show.

Martini Madness at Ruggles Grill - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

Every Tuesday Ruggles Grill hosts martini madness. $1 martinis with chilled house vodka and olives from 5 - 10 p.m.

Tango Tuesdays at Discovery Green - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

Enjoy a free tango lesson from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Steak Night - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

Tuesdays are steak night. For $10, you get an 8 oz. ribeye steak, baked potato and a Lone Star Bar. $1 Lone Stars all night long!

A Renaissance Feast - 09/21/2010 - 09/21/2010

With soaring lines and harmonic purity, the music of the Renaissance has long been a favorite of Houston audiences. To open the 15th Anniversary Season, Robert Simpson and the Houston Chamber Choir return to the majestic Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in a program that celebrates such expressive masterpieces as Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere and Thomas Tallis’s Spem in alium, a 40-part motet. Guest artists from the University of Houston, under the direction of Dr. Betsy Cook Weber, will join us in this unforgettable, one-evening-only performance.

Tuesday, 7:30 pm

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

1111 St. Joseph Parkway

Houston, TX 77002

Happy Hour Mondays at Cafe Adobe - 09/20/2010 - 09/20/2010

Get your week started off right! Voted #1 Margarita in the Houston Press, Cafe Adobe is the place to be on Monday nights.

Anthony Bourdain: Up Close and Confidential - 09/20/2010 - 09/20/2010

Think about what he was willing to reveal in Kitchen Confidential. Then consider what he’s willing to consume on No Reservations. Inhibited? Not really. So you might want to brace for yourself for what Travel Channel star Anthony Bourdain will have in store for us when he visits Jones Hall in September.

Anthony Bourdain: Up Close and Confidential
8 pm, Monday, September 20, 2010
Jones Hall
New Now Series

Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Discovery Green - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

Sunday Concert with Tony Vega Band - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

A Haak Winery special is their Sunday evening concerts that start in May and go through September of every year.

Sunday, 6‐8:30 p.m.

Each Sunday features a different Live Band. Visit the Events page at www.haakwine.com for menu details. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome.

See you at the winery!

Tony Vega Band: tonyvegaband.com/index.html

DecaDance at House of Blues - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

Relax in the Foundation Lounge, or dance to DJ Jessica Lozano in the Bronze Peacock Room!
No cover!
Benefiting Houston Area GLBT Charities
Doors open at 3 pm

Huge dance floor
Relaxing lounge areas
Private rooms
Drink specials all afternoon

Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park.

Hoop Dance at Discovery Green - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

Enjoy a free hoop dance class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Mucky Duck presents Patty Larkin - 09/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

Sunday, September 19, 6pm, $20
Acoustic Guitar hails her soundscape experiments. Rolling Stone praises her evocative sonic shading. She has been described as riveting (Chicago Tribune), hypnotic (Entertainment Weekly) and a drop-dead brilliant performer (Performing Songwriter).
Patty Larkin is part of the urban-folk/pop music phenomenon that spun off of the singer/songwriter explosion of the seventies, reinterpreting traditional folk melodies, rock, pop, bossa nova, drawing on anything from Dylan (Bob) to Dylan (Thomas). A self described guitar driven songwriter, Larkin has wound her way through soundscapes of evocative vocals, inventive guitar wizardry and imaginative lyrics. Her songs run from impressionistic poetry to witty wordplay.
In 2010 Patty Larkin releases a collectible collection of 25 love songs in celebration of 25 years in the recording industry. Here Patty has reworked 25 of her favorite songs in an acoustic, unplugged release, joined by friends along the way.

Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza in Lake Jackson - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

With hummingbird season just around the corner, it's time to pay tribute to the tiny creatures that can be seen moving through Texas on their journeys toward Mexico or Central America around this time every year. During the Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Lake Jackson, you'll have the opportunity to see hummingbirds up-close and even watch a "bird bander" take the little bird's measurements.

After you get your fill of hummingbirds, stay a while to walk the trails and browse the on-site store. The festivities will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.

Houston Roller Derby Bout - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

The bout will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at Kick's, in the Heights neighborhood of Houston. Tickets cost $12 in advance or $15 at the door.

Delicious Saturdays at Swivel - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

The atmosphere is sexy and inviting with tasty drinks to boot! You can relax, socialize and network.

Entertainment provided by Amuse Bouche, Houston's premier Lesbian resource.

Swivel Lounge - 2621 Milam

Admission is $10, but no cover before 10:30 pm.

Dress to impress.

Fiestas Patrias - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

One of the largest and most colorful community-sponsored parades in the Southwest celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain. Colorfully clad dancers from area ballet folklorico troupes spin down the streets performing to festive Mexican music. The celebration culminates with the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias.

Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park.

Bicycle repair workshop at Discovery Green - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Learn how to fix your own bike during a workshop held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Green. Participants should bring their bikes.

Saint Arnold's Brewery Tours - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

St. Arnold's Brewery is located at 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020.

Houston Dynamo vs Toronto FC - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Watch the Houston Dynamo, two-time MLS champions, take on Toronto FC live at Robertson Stadium in a battle for the league's top spot.

For season tickets and mini plan information call 713-276-7500.

Yoga in the park with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Enjoy a free yoga class from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The Waiting Room - 09/18/2010 - 10/17/2010

Laughs fly fast and furious in a most unlikely setting, a hospital waiting room where friends and family gather to learn the fate of patriarch Pullen Innes who has just fallen ill. Facing one's own mortality has compelled many to get right with God, yet the temptation to backslide is only a breath away. The Innes family struggles to keep their decorum and their sanctity when a shocking family secret is revealed. This funny test of faith almost makes them forget what they came to the hospital for in the first place. Their lives will never be the same!

The Waiting Room
By Samm-Art Williams
Directed by Eileen J. Morris
PG / Comedy
George Hawkins Mainstage

September 18 – October 17, 2010
Opening Night Media Reception September 23, 2010

Zumbatronic! at Discovery Green - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Enjoy Zumbatronic!, presented by H-E-B, on the Sarofim Picnic Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to noon. This Zumba class, presented by Cindy Samudio, is fun for the whole family.

Family Day at Discovery Green - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Celebrate District I Family Day Sept. 18 at 3 p.m. at Discovery Green. The event, hosted by Council Member James G. Rodriguez in collaboration with the American Association of Civil Engineers and the League of Women Voters, celebrates the arts and culture of Houston's District 1 while offering information about careers, health, wellness, education and more to visitors. It will also include a screening of the movie Monsters vs. Aliens.

Young Writers Workshops at Discovery Green - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green offer a free writing workshop for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshops are made possible by a grant from David Mendez.

Observe the Moon Night - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Everyone from amateur astronomers to space enthusiasts to the general public is invited to gather at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Blvd. in Clear Lake, on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. for Observe the Moon Night.

This free event will include children's activities, appearances by members of the Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society, moon viewing through telescopes and artifacts brought back by Apollo astronauts. It is open to all ages; no reservations are necessary.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute is a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging academic studies in the state, evolution and formation of the solar system. It is part of the Universities Space Research Association.

Mucky Duck presents Shake Russell with special guest Michael Hearne - 09/18/2010 - 09/18/2010

Saturday, September 18, 7:30pm, $20
SHAKE RUSSELL with special guest MICHAEL HEARNE

Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Cincinnati Reds at Minute Maid Park.

I Am Curious Remix with Potter-Belmar Labs - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

In June of 1969, arsonists set fire to Houston's Heights Theater during a run of the controversial film "I am Curious (Yellow)," by Swedish writer/director, Vilgot Sjöman. Live cinema artists Potter-Belmar Labs will investigate this history within the context of late-60s Houston, taking into account the broader censorship movement of the age as well as the phenomenon of reactionary violence in our own time. Potter-Belmar Labs will present the findings of their research in a live cinema performance, incorporating a mix of media from the 60s through today, centering on a "remix" of Sjöman's film. The "I am Curious" films are kaleidoscopic in shape, and Potter-Belmar Labs will kaleidoscope the kaleidoscope in their "I am Curious Remix," extrapolating on the films' inherent themes in relationship to the original incident at the Heights Theater, in the context of other historic violent uprisings.

Friday, September 17, 7PM

I Am Curious Remix with Potter-Belmar Labs

Location: Heights Theater, 339 W. 19th Street

FREE Admission

I Am Curious Remix with Potter-Belmar Labs - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

Friday, September 17, 7PM

I Am Curious Remix with Potter-Belmar Labs

Location: Heights Theater, 339 W. 19th Street

FREE Admission

Watercolor Art Society-Houston's anniversary celebration - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

Join the Watercolor Art Society-Houston as it celebrates its 35th anniversary with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at its gallery, 1601 W. Alabama. Those who attend the free event will have the ability to enjoy birthday cake and view the September watermedia show juried by artist Bruce Williamson.

Bruce Williamson is an award-winning artist who moved to Texas in 1996. He is represented in cities such as Houston, Dallas, St. Croix and Jacksonville, Fla. He is also known for his oil painting workshops.

The Watercolor Art Society-Houston is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing interest in watermedia to the Houston area through exhibitions, instruction and community outreach. The September watermedia show will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 7 at the gallery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Party on the Patio at Sam Houston Race Park - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

General admission for the event is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

Mucky Duck presents Warren Hood - 09/17/2010 - 09/17/2010

Friday, September 10, 7:30pm, $20
WARREN HOOD

Come As You Are: Houston! - 09/17/2010 - 09/18/2010

Join artists from across Houston as they celebrate queer sex in a show called Come As You Are: Houston! Sept. 17-18 at DiverseWorks.

The traveling show, a provacative look at queer sexuality and the moral values associated with it, was created by Theater Offensive in Cambridge, Mass., as a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The Houston show will include a variety of local artists including Daaimah Mubashshir, DumpTruck, Gendermyn, Michael Harren, Daniel-kayne and Michael Clay, Jonatan Lopez, Julia Wallace and Joe Watts performing on the topic.

Performances will touch on everything from sex lives within the queer community to life in the pre-AIDS generation to where queer sex fits into religion.

The shows will be held at DiverseWorks ArtSpace, 1117 East Freeway, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door. DiverseWorks is a nonprofit art center that encourages freedom of expression through art. It is dedicated to being a forum for artists to try out new ideas in the public arena.

Free Thursday Night C&W Dance Lessons at Brazos River Bottom - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Southern Country dance group shows you all the best country dancing moves!

Bronfman’s Tchaikovsky 1 - 09/16/2010 - 09/19/2010

The Houston Symphony and conductor Hans Graf present and evening of musical delight. You’ll be inspired by Tchaikovsky’s luscious melodies, performed with passion by giant of the keyboard, Yefim Bronfman.

For more information visit www.houstonsymphony.org.

Tokyo String Quartet featuring Desmond Hoebig - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

The Tokyo String Quartet has captivated audiences and critics alike since it was founded more than 30 years ago. Regarded as one of the supreme chamber ensembles of the world, the Tokyo Quartet-Martin Beaver and Kikuei Ikeda (violins), Kazuhide Isomura (viola) and Clive Greensmith (cello)-has collaborated with a remarkable array of artists and composers, built a comprehensive catalogue of critically acclaimed recordings and established a distinguished teaching record. Performing over a hundred concerts worldwide each season, the Tokyo String Quartet has a devoted international following that includes the major capitals of the world and extends to all four corners, from Australia to Estonia to Scandinavia and the Far East. Since it was founded, the Quartet has appeared nearly every year on the HFM series.

This performance with take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Stude Concert Hall located on the Rice University campus.

Family Yoga with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Enjoy a free family yoga class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

PiYO with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Enjoy a free pilates and yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Fiestas Patrias at the Children's Museum of Houston - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Celebrate Mexico's 200th birthday with a variety of events Sept. 16 at the Children's Museum of Houston.

This free family night of fun, sponsored by the Consulate General of Mexico in Houston, starts at 5 p.m. and will include a performance by Mariachi Hermosura Juvenil and Las Américas Ballet Folklórico. It will be followed by a "Grito de Dolores" reenactment of when a town official gave the cry for Mexico's independence. Then, the museum will unveil a children's display of what Mexico means to them.

Interactive craft exhibits will also be available, allowing visitors to make maracas, Mexican banners and flags.

The event will run until 8 p.m. at the Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz.

2010 Media Archeology Festival: Texas Focus - 09/16/2010 - 09/18/2010

The best treasures are found in your backyard. Aurora Picture Show and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts present a media archeological dig right from the heartland of Texas featuring artists including Luke Savisky of Austin, Potter Belmar Labs of San Antonio and Graffiti Research Labs of Houston. As part of our annual Media Archeology multimedia festival, these artists will host site-specific media events that will create cinematic experiences that explore the past and the present through tools that have been manipulated and repurposed such as film, light, sound, and live performance.

Laser Graffiti - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

For the opening night of Media Archeology: Texas Focus, GRL Houston will present a night of interactive light or laser graffiti. Laser Graffiti is an interactive installation where attendees will use a laser to draw with light on the side of the Menil Collection, just across the street from the Aurora Office and Library. Simultaneous projections of traditional spray-painted graffiti images will be projected next to the laser graffiti (laser tagging). Bring your cell phones and ipods to participate in the live Twitter graffiti and an mp3 synchronized concert. Oh My! Pocket Pies will also be on hand in their graffiti truck with snacks for sale.

Thursday, September 16, 7PM

FREE Admission

Karate in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Enjoy a free karate class from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft's Martini Madness! cocktail party - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Join the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft as it celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Martini Madness! cocktail party on Sept. 16. The party will be held at the center, 4848 Main St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will include bottomless martinis, delicious appetizers, live jazz and a big board auction.

The celebration, co-chaired by Jennifer LeGrand and Ashley Wehrly, will include one-of-a-kind artisan martini glasses for guests to take home. Guests are encouraged to dress in mid-century cocktail attire (think "Mad Men").

Tickets are $65 and include take-home martini glass.

Thursday Concert Series at Discovery Green - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Discovery Green's Thursday Concert Series, presented by Capital One Bank, continues with Cyril Neville & Tribe 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Center.

Mucky Duck presents Cheryl Wheeler - 09/16/2010 - 09/16/2010

Thursday, September 16, 7:30pm, $25
Cheryl Wheeler has to be seen to be appreciated. Nothing you read and nothing you hear from her albums prepares you for how good a performer she is.

You may not be familiar with Cheryl, but you have probably heard her music. She is very respected as a songwriter by her peers, which can be seen by how many of them record her songs. Cheryl's songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals, Peter Paul and Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Boggus, Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O'Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Holly Near. If they think she is great, then you owe it to yourself to learn more if you aren't familiar with her.

From her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. From other people's comments about her you can learn that she is a natural story teller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you've been told about her. Besides, almost half of the songs she does during her shows haven't been recorded!

If you have never seen her do a live concert, then by all means do so! I get e-mail from people all the time thanking me for spreading the word about Cheryl. They go to the concert knowing they will enjoy it, and often find it even better than they had thought it would be. If she doesn't ever perform near you, then try to find a copy of her video and see what you are missing. You can find some clips of her on YouTube, but they are usually only the songs, and not the stories. If she ever performs near you, do what you can to attend. If you don't, you will kick yourself later for missing a great show.

Blues and Burgers at Discovery Green - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Have your lunch in style with a lunchtime concert by Dianna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch stage at Discovery Green.

Ladies Night at Pravada - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Every Wednesday is ladies night at Pravada.
GoGo dancers and $2 draft. Dress to impress.

Karaoke Wednesdays at Guava Lamp - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Join the pretty young things and belt out your favorite show tune or Madonna song!

Get there before 10:30, if you want a seat.

Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park.

Zumba! at Discovery Green - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Enjoy a free Zumba class from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Fitness in the Park, presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Free Brown Bag Gallery Tours at Blaffer Art Museum - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Join artist Jillian Conrad at noon Sept. 15 for a complimentary lunch and free Brown Bag Gallery Tour of the exhibition Gabriel Kuri: Nobody needs to know the price of your Saab at Blaffer Art Museum.

Blaffer Art Museum is dedicated to promoting contemporary visual arts in Houston. It is located in the University of Houston's Fine Arts Building and is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Happy Hour for Hunger benefiting the Houston Food Bank - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

This is one happy hour you can feel really good about. On Sept. 15, Beaver's, 2310 Decatur, will create a special drink and bar bites in honor of the event and will give 10 percent of sales to the Houston Food Bank.

Martini Wednesday at FWD - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Come out to FWD and enjoy drink specials all night every Wednesday.
DJ Arnold spinning the latest hits to keep you moving.
18 to party, 21 to drink!

$1 Jello Shots
$2 Well Vodka (10-12)
$3 Domestic
$4 Wells All Night
$5 Martinis (8-12)

For reservations: cellinipromo@gmail.com
510 Gray Street

Free lecture by former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card - 09/15/2010 - 09/15/2010

Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card will give a free lecture presented by Holocaust Museum Houston's Lester and Sue Smith Distinguished Lecture Series, speaking about the globalization of world affairs as it relates to terrorism and genocide. The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. at Houston Baptist University's Dunham Theater, Morris Cultural Arts Center, 7502 Fondren Rd.

Advance registration is required.

Auntie Mame - 09/15/2010 - 10/10/2010

If you haven't seen the over-the-top film adaptation of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's play Auntie Mame, you should have your gay card revoked. Add the Rosalind Russell classic to your Netflix queue, but you only have a limited time to see this amazing play live at Stages Repertory Theatre. Houston's own Sally Edmundson takes on the title role in this production that features just nine actors playing 45 different roles!

Times:

Wednesday & Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

Regular tickets starting at $21.

Ladies Night at Boheme Wine Bar - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Every Tuesday is ladies night at Boheme.
Happy hour specials all night.

Drag Show Tuesdays at Meteor - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Boasting what some claim to be Houston's best gay happy hour in the city, join in on the fun every Tuesday night when Meteor hosts their weekly drag show.

Steak Night - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Tuesdays are steak night. For $10, you get an 8 oz. ribeye steak, baked potato and a Lone Star Bar. $1 Lone Stars all night long!

Martini Madness at Ruggles Grill - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Every Tuesday Ruggles Grill hosts martini madness. $1 martinis with chilled house vodka and olives from 5 - 10 p.m.

Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park.

Tango Tuesdays at Discovery Green - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Enjoy a free tango lesson from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Watercolor Art Society-Houston's monthly watermedia show - 09/14/2010 - 10/07/2010

Join Watercolor Art Society-Houston for the September watermedia show Sept. 14 to Oct. 7 at the gallery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

The September show is juried by Bruce Williamson, an award-winning artist who moved to Texas in 1996. He is represented in cities such as Houston, Dallas, St. Croix and Jacksonville, Fla. He is also known for his oil painting workshops.

Watercolor Art Society-Houston is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing interest in watermedia to the Houston area through exhibitions, instruction and community outreach. The gallery is located at 1601 W. Alabama.

Best Cellars Celebrity Dinner - 09/14/2010 - 09/14/2010

Pop a cork and sing a song, The Best Cellars Celebrity Dinner is coming to Houston. The Best Cellars Celebrity Dinner concept started in Nashville 10 years ago by music industry executives associated with the T.J. Martell Foundation, a top charitable organization supported by the music business. The event pairs Best Sellers (music and entertainment celebrities) with Best Cellars (top wine collectors).

The September 14 event will feature an extraordinary four-course meal prepared by guest chefs, Robert Del Grande and Dean Fearing. The chefs will top off the meal with a performance by their band, The Barbwires.

Robert Del-Grande’s name is synonymous with good food in Houston. His restaurant group Schiller-Del Grande has graced Houston with superb dining destinations Taco Milagro, RDG Bar Annie, Café Express, Rio Ranch and The Grove. Robert has received numerous awards and honors for his culinary flare for the tastes and flavors of the Southwest.

Dean Fearing, known as "The Father of Southwestern Cuisine,” was the executive chef for 20 years at Dallas' famed The Mansion on Turtle Creek. He left the restaurant in 2007 to start his own restaurant, Fearing's, in partnership with Ritz-Carlton. He is the host of a national television show, Entertaining at Home with Dean Fearing on the Food Network and the author of two cookbooks.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Sponsorships and tables are available for the Best Cellars Celebrity Dinner starting at $7,500 per table. Tickets will be sold individually for $1,000. For information, please visit www.BestCellarsDinners.com or call 615.256-2002.

Tuesday, 7:00pm

WHERE:
River Oaks Country Club
1600 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, TX 77019-1299

Happy Hour Mondays at Cafe Adobe - 09/13/2010 - 09/13/2010

Get your week started off right! Voted #1 Margarita in the Houston Press, Cafe Adobe is the place to be on Monday nights.

Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers - 09/13/2010 - 09/13/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Minute Maid Park.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market at Discovery Green - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Sunday Concert with Nigel Edison Band - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

A Haak Winery special is our Sunday evening concerts that start in May and go through September of every year.

Sunday, 6‐8:30 p.m.

Each Sunday features a different Live Band. Visit the Events page at www.haakwine.com for menu details. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome.

You are welcome to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket (although we have chairs available for first come first served) and wine glasses. We have a wonderful deli in our Tasting Room if you want to create your own picnic basket but we will be serving food from our full service kitchen. No outside food or drink allowed.

See you at the winery!

Nigel Edison Band: www.nigeledison.com

DecaDance at House of Blues - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Relax in the Foundation Lounge, or dance to DJ Jessica Lozano in the Bronze Peacock Room!
No cover!
Benefiting Houston Area GLBT Charities
Doors open at 3 pm

Huge dance floor
Relaxing lounge areas
Private rooms
Drink specials all afternoon

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Arizona Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

An Evening with Two Chefs at the Houston Arboretum - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Join chefs Adam Paul and Dan Budd as they dish up an evening of delicious cuisine with a backdrop of bluegrass music Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.

This intimate evening will include cooking demonstrations, dinner with wine and dessert and bluegrass music, performed by the chefs, under the stars. Desserts available for tasting will include wild berry tart, caramelized apple tart with minted ice cream, flourless chocolate cake and chocolate mousse.

Participants must be 21 and up; tickets are $185 for members, $225 for nonmembers.

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Head to Reliant Stadium to watch as the Houston Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts. Call for a variety of ticket options and pricing.

Hoop Dance at Discovery Green - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

Enjoy a free hoop dance class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Oktoberfest at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - 09/12/2010 - 09/12/2010

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will celebrate the opening of its German Impressionist exhibitions with an Oktoberfest festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 outside of the museum's Beck Building, 5601 Main St. All outside events are free and open to the public. Admission to the museum is $7 for adults and $3.50 for seniors 65 and over and children ages 6-18; admission is free for MFAH members and children 5 and younger.

The celebration will include complimentary beer and root beer samples from Saint Arnold Brewery; Bavarian-style soft pretzels from Slow Dough Bread Co.; German music by Peter Menzel; dancing by Die Lustige Tanzers; art stations; and German wine and food.

German Impressionist Landscape Painting, Liebermann - Corinth - Slevogt - 09/12/2010 - 12/05/2010

Impressionism is considered a fundamentally French stylistic development, but the international reputation of Paris as the world's leading art center inevitably brought with it the dissemination of this style to other countries. Art students from all over Europe flocked to Paris to be trained at the academy or one of the many private studios, and despite the strained political relationship with France, German interest in the artistic developments in France was particularly lively.

Max Liebermann (1847- 1935), who has been called "the German Manet," lived in Paris from 1873-1878 and subsequently became the leader of a generation of German painters who were inspired by the works of their French colleagues Manet, Degas, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and van Gogh. Although none of the three were exclusively landscape artists, their landscapes allow us to trace the development of a particular kind of German impressionism with works of the highest quality.

German Impressionist Landscapes: The Art of Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, and Max Slevogt will feature over sixty paintings by these three remarkable artists, celebrated as the "triumvirate of German Impressionism," along with a small selection of works by Carl Blechen, Adolph Menzel, and Wilhelm Leibl that serve as an introduction to Impressionist tendencies in 19th-century German art.

Organized in partnership with the Wallraf- Richartz Museum, Cologne, this will be the first major exhibition in the United States devoted to this subject in thirty years. Helga Aurisch, Associate curator of European art, and Edgar Peter Bowron, Audrey Jones Beck Curator of European Art, will coordinate the Houston presentation.

Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza in Lake Jackson - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

After you get your fill of hummingbirds, stay a while to walk the trails and browse the on-site store. The festivities will be held from 8 a.m. to noon.

Mucky Duck presents Asylum Street Spankers - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Saturday, September 11, 2 (Kid Show) and 7:30pm, $20
ASYLUM STREET SPANKERS

Delicious Saturdays at Swivel - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

The atmosphere is sexy and inviting with tasty drinks to boot! You can relax, socialize and network.

Entertainment provided by Amuse Bouche, Houston's premier Lesbian resource.

Swivel Lounge - 2621 Milam

Admission is $10, but no cover before 10:30 pm.

Dress to impress.

John Flynn - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Second Saturday Concert is presented by the Houston Folklore/Music Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of folklore and acoustic music. Homemade refreshments are available. Tickets are sold at the door - adults $12, senior citizens (65) $8, and children under 12 free with adults.

Concerts are held the second Saturdays of each month in the West University Community Center at 6104 Auden (intersection of Auden. and Rice Blvd.) Phone Paul Cooper at 713-662-2643 (home) or 713-204-1207 (cell) or for more concert information. Visit our website at: www.houstonfolkmusic.org

The dates for other future concerts are:
June 12, 2010               The Malvinas
September 11, 2010     John Flynn
October 9, 2010           Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen

"A Vienna Soirée" - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

The Houston Symphony and conductor Hans Graf present an evening of musical delight featuring the sweet sounds of Vienna.

No passport needed as you escape to an evening in Vienna. Find yourself transported by Strauss’ Blue Danube Waltz and his deliciously charming Overture to Die Fledermaus. Be captivated by the sounds of Vienna as you hear the Houston Symphony kick off a new season with our newly-appointed concertmaster, Frank Huang, and principal viola, Wayne Brooks, playing Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante.

For more information vistit www.houstonsymphony.org.

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Arizona Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

Bicycle repair workshop at Discovery Green - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Learn how to fix your own bike during a workshop held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Green. Participants should bring their bikes.

Saint Arnold's Brewery Tours - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

St. Arnold's Brewery is located at 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020.

Yoga in the park with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Enjoy a free yoga class from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Zumbatronic! at Discovery Green - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Enjoy Zumbatronic!, presented by H-E-B, on the Sarofim Picnic Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to noon. This Zumba class, presented by Cindy Samudio, is fun for the whole family.

Young Writers Workshops at Discovery Green - 09/11/2010 - 09/11/2010

Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green offer a free writing workshop for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshops are made possible by a grant from David Mendez.

H-E-B Movie Night at Discovery Green - 09/10/2010 - 09/10/2010

H-E-B Movie Night presents “The Wizard of Oz” Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. at Discovery Green. The event will include a live sing-a-long and costume contest with fantastic prizes.

Bat Tours by Pontoon Boat - 09/10/2010 - 09/10/2010

Reservations required.
Cost: $35 and $20 for children 4-12;
Tours begin at Allen's Landing.

These bat tours are generously sponsored by Houston Family Magazine.

Dominic Walsh Dance at Miller Outdoor Theatre - 09/10/2010 - 09/11/2010

Get a free taste of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater when it hits the Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr., Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. Expect a variety of performances in the show from past seasons, including Walsh's I Napoletani.

Dominic Walsh Dance Theater was created by former Houston Ballet principal dancer Dominic Walsh in 2002. The contemporary ballet company aims to bring traditional ballet techniques into a current and even intimate realm with performances that are both sensual and athletic. In addition to its Houston shows, the company also tours the United States and Europe.

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - 09/10/2010 - 09/10/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Arizona Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

"OFFLINE FV" at the Community Artists' Collective - 09/10/2010 - 09/25/2010

Combining works selected through an open call and selected viewings from groups such as The Territory, "OFFLINE FV" will be an exciting two-week mini-exhibition of film and video at the Community Artists' Collective, 1413 Holman at LaBranch.

The exhibit will run Sept. 10 to Sept. 25. It will include a selection of works chosen by curator Michael K. Taylor, a Texas artist who has been featured at the Museum of Fine Arts, Lawndale Arts Center, Project Row Houses and more.

The Collective is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. The Collective, which is a member of the Fresh Arts Coalition, is dedicated to promoting and preserving African American traditions through art. It is supported in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and through collaborations with community organizations.

Party on the Patio at Sam Houston Race Park - 09/10/2010 - 09/10/2010

General admission for the event is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

Simon Fashion Now - 09/09/2010 - 09/11/2010

Ready for the sweaters, boots and scarves of fall? Get a sneak peek at the latest cosmetic trends, must-have accessories and to-die-for outfits during Simon Fashion Now, hosted by The Galleria and presented by Cadillac.

With free runway shows held on the main ice rink and interactive entertainment, there's no need to travel to New York City to get an idea of the hottest trends around. The show kicks off on Thursday with Trends & Friends night, which includes a fashion show and free cocktails and appetizers. It continues on Friday with public fashion shows offering first-come, first-serve seating. On Saturday, retailers will offer related in-store promotions and special discounts.

Participating Galleria retailers include Saks Fifth Avenue, 7 For All Mankind, Apricot Lane Boutique, Betsey Johnson, Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Metropark, Miss Sixty, Salvatore Ferragamo and Steve Madden.

Free Thursday Night C&W Dance Lessons at Brazos River Bottom - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Southern Country dance group shows you all the best country dancing moves!

Body, Soul & Gershwin - 09/09/2010 - 09/19/2010

Inspired by a painting by Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch and English composer Benjamin Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem with its images of the sea engulfing the land, Ji•í Kylián’s Forgotten Land suggests the rising waves of a grey sea, the ebb and flow of life, and themes of metamorphosis central to human existence. A lavish, crowd-pleasing blockbuster inspired by the movie musicals of Hollywood’s golden age, Mr. Welch’s The Core is a highly theatrical depiction of the Big Apple, incorporating archetypal New York characters with plenty of Broadway flash and dazzle.

At 7:30 pm on September 9, 11, 17, 18, 2010 At 2:00 pm on September 12, 19, 2010

Pictured: Lauren Majewski & Oliver Halkowich

Family Yoga with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Enjoy a free family yoga class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

PiYO with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Enjoy a free pilates and yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Arizona Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

Karate in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Enjoy a free karate class from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

“Indian Summer and the Art of Vegetarian Cooking” Party with the Chef - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Messina Hof Winery and Resort hosts “Indian Summer and the Art of Vegetarian Cooking” Party with the Chef. Messina Hof is bringing vegetarian dishes straight out of the heart of India to this month’s cooking party on Thursday.

The class will be an excellent introduction to the vegetarian Indian culinary landscape - a dazzling array of fresh vegetables and zesty spices, expertly paired with award-winning Messina Hof wines. Guests will learn about the ancient tradition of India’s world-famous vegetarian cuisine, and as well as learn how to prepare authentic and nutritious gourmet delights at home.

Attendees will prepare authentic, easy to make, innovative and nutritious Indian vegetarian masterpieces, while learning secrets from Messina Hof’s culinary masterminds.

Novice cooks and expert chefs alike will learn an array of useful tips, tricks, recipes and techniques sure to come in handy for any occasion. All guests will receive a tote bag filled with seasonal goodies and a recipe booklet. Additionally, guests may register to win door prizes that will prove to be useful in the kitchen.

For more information or to make a reservation, call Messina Hof Winery & Resort at 800-736-9463, ext. 234.

Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

The Vintage House Restaurant

Messina Hof Winery and Resort

4545 Old Reliance Rd

Bryan, Texas 77808

COST: Price per person $69.95 plus tax and gratuity.

Thursday Concert Series at Discovery Green - 09/09/2010 - 09/09/2010

Discovery Green's Thursday Concert Series, presented by Capital One Bank, continues with Los Skarnales and opening act Karina Nistal from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Center.

Ladies Night at Pravada - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

Every Wednesday is ladies night at Pravada.
GoGo dancers and $2 draft. Dress to impress.

Michael Bolton - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

The Houston Symphony and conductor Randall Craig Fleischer present an evening of musical delight with award winning artist Michael Bolton.

Michael Bolton has not only sold more than 53 million records, won multiple Grammys®, and earned a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, but has also sung with artists such as Luciano Pavarotti and Ray Charles, written songs with Bob Dylan, Ne-Yo and Lady Gaga, penned hits for Barbra Streisand and KISS and played guitar with B.B. King. Bolton is headed to Houston to perform such hits as “Time, Love and Tenderness,” “How Can We Be Lovers” and “When A Man Loves A Woman.”

For more information visit www.houstonsymphony.org.

Karaoke Wednesdays at Guava Lamp - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

Join the pretty young things and belt out your favorite show tune or Madonna song!

Get there before 10:30, if you want a seat.

Zumba! at Discovery Green - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

Enjoy a free Zumba class from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Fitness in the Park, presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Free Brown Bag Gallery Tours at Blaffer Art Museum - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

Join art critic and curator Wendy Vogel at noon Sept. 8 for a complimentary lunch and free Brown Bag Gallery Tour of the exhibition Amy Patton at Blaffer Art Museum.

Martini Wednesday at FWD - 09/08/2010 - 09/08/2010

Come out to FWD and enjoy drink specials all night every Wednesday.
DJ Arnold spinning the latest hits to keep you moving.
18 to party, 21 to drink!

$1 Jello Shots
$2 Well Vodka (10-12)
$3 Domestic
$4 Wells All Night
$5 Martinis (8-12)

For reservations: cellinipromo@gmail.com
510 Gray Street

Ladies Night at Boheme Wine Bar - 09/07/2010 - 09/07/2010

Every Tuesday is ladies night at Boheme.
Happy hour specials all night.

Drag Show Tuesdays at Meteor - 09/07/2010 - 09/07/2010

Boasting what some claim to be Houston's best gay happy hour in the city, join in on the fun every Tuesday night when Meteor hosts their weekly drag show.

Martini Madness at Ruggles Grill - 09/07/2010 - 09/07/2010

Every Tuesday Ruggles Grill hosts martini madness. $1 martinis with chilled house vodka and olives from 5 - 10 p.m.

Tango Tuesdays at Discovery Green - 09/07/2010 - 09/07/2010

Enjoy a free tango lesson from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Math of the Afterwrath at Lawndale Art Center - 09/07/2010 - 09/25/2010

Math of the Afterwrath, a collaboration between Lawndale Art Center and Austin-based collecting consortium Boozefox, features a "pre-Khormusan monument that was salvaged from the Gulf of Mexico inside the Chicxulub Crater." The piece, which is located in the John M. O'Quinn Gallery, looks like a giant head and weighs more than 450 tons, according to the consortium. It will be on display through Sept. 25.

Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main St., is a nonprofit alternative art space that focuses on contemporary artwork and features roughly 500 artists annually. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Potential Modulations at Lawndale Art Center - 09/07/2010 - 09/25/2010

Potential Modulations by Robert Jackson Harrington was created to explore the idea of mass production and to question the personalization of objects that were made in bulk. By using actual mass-produced objects in his art, Harrington presents an interesting question about the way many of us live our lives. The work, which is located in the Mezzanine Gallery, will be on display through Sept. 25.

BEING at Lawndale Art Center - 09/07/2010 - 09/25/2010

Using wool, fabric and barbed needles, Tobiah Mundt explores how we as a culture read and react to human emotion through "anthropomorphic and zoomorphic forms." The work, which is located in the Grace R. Cavnar Gallery, will be on display through Sept. 25.

Following Huck Finn at Lawndale Art Center - 09/07/2010 - 09/25/2010

Contemplating the American idea of the road trip while paying tribute to Mark Twain, Logan Sebastian Beck offers this photographic journey along the Mississippi River. Documenting a bicycle trip from Houston to Hannibal, Mo., in honor of both the 175th anniversary of Mark Twain's birth and the 100th anniversary of his death, Following Huck Finn is an exploration of both Huck's world and the American rural ideal. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 25.

Steak Night - 09/07/2010 - 09/07/2010

Tuesdays are steak night. For $10, you get an 8 oz. ribeye steak, baked potato and a Lone Star Bar. $1 Lone Stars all night long!

Happy Hour Mondays at Cafe Adobe - 09/06/2010 - 09/06/2010

Get your week started off right! Voted #1 Margarita in the Houston Press, Cafe Adobe is the place to be on Monday nights.

2010 Houston Brazilian Festival - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

The Brazilian Arts Foundation hosts the 2010 Houston Brazilian Festival on Sunday, Sept. 5, at Jones Plaza in downtown Houston from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This year’s Houston Brazilian Festival features an entertainment stage for samba performances as well as capoeira and maculele demonstrations, a children’s area with games and classes, Brazilian cuisine vendors, traditional and contemporary arts & crafts, and a free health screening booth.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 at www.BrazilianArts.org or $10 at the door; admission is free for children under 12.

Sunday Concert with Pee Wee Bowen - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

A Haak Winery special is their Sunday evening concerts that start in May and go through September of every year.

Sunday, 6‐8:30 p.m.

Visit the Events page at www.haakwine.com for menu details. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome.

See you at the winery!

Pee Wee Bowen: www.peeweebowenband.com

Discovery Green Tours presented by Houston Greeters - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Houston Greeters will present a free, hour-long tour of Discovery Green Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. Learn about the history of the park, its architecture, its art and its gardens. Meet in front of the Alkek Building.

Seasonal gardening with Urban Harvest at Discovery Green - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Learn about seasonal gardening in a class called "Gardening Fundamentals" with Urban Harvest from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Discovery Green.

DecaDance at House of Blues - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Relax in the Foundation Lounge, or dance to DJ Jessica Lozano in the Bronze Peacock Room!
No cover!
Benefiting Houston Area GLBT Charities
Doors open at 3 pm

Huge dance floor
Relaxing lounge areas
Private rooms
Drink specials all afternoon

Houston Dynamo vs San Jose - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Watch the Houston Dynamo, two-time MLS champions, take on San Jose live at Robertson Stadium in a battle for the league's top spot.

For season tickets and mini plan information call 713-276-7500.

Hoop Dance at Discovery Green - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Enjoy a free hoop dance class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Target Free First Sunday at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - 09/05/2010 - 09/05/2010

Join families and visitors of all ages for a musical adventure through the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston during Target Free First Sunday's presentation of Art + Music = Fun! Sept. 5. A variety of performances in the galleries from artists such as Jawad and jazz duo Kim Prevost and Bill Solley will highlight the connection between music and art. Visitors will also be encouraged to create their own musical instruments in the art-making studio.

Other events will include a documentary about four girls at a rock 'n' roll camp in Portland, an instrument workshop in the Southwestern Bell Studio, sketching in the galleries and a lemonade stand.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum's Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main St., and Caroline Wiess Law Building, 1001 Bissonnet St. Free parking is available across the street.

Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola: Nick Verzosa and Matt Harlan - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Enjoy live entertainment select Saturdays in Cowboy Court . All performances are weather permitting.

Saturday, 1pm - 5pm

Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola: Nick Verzosa and Matt Harlan - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Enjoy live entertainment select Saturdays in Cowboy Court . All performances are weather permitting.

Saturday, 1pm - 5pm

Delicious Saturdays at Swivel - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

The atmosphere is sexy and inviting with tasty drinks to boot! You can relax, socialize and network.

Entertainment provided by Amuse Bouche, Houston's premier Lesbian resource.

Swivel Lounge - 2621 Milam

Admission is $10, but no cover before 10:30 pm.

Dress to impress.

Rice vs. Texas Football Game - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Reliant Stadium will play host to the 2010 Rice vs. Texas football game. The teams will square off on Saturday, September 4, 2010. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 18 at all TicketMaster outlets and online at TicketMaster.com.

The game will mark the third time the former Southwest Conference foes have faced one another at Reliant Stadium, with Texas winning 52-7 in 2006 and 48-7 in 2003. Texas holds a 69-21-1 advantage in the series, which dates back to 1914. Rice last defeated Texas on October 16, 1994, upsetting the Longhorns 19-17 on a rainy Sunday night at Rice Stadium in front of a national television audience.

For more information about the game, please contact the SMG-Reliant Park office at (832) 667-1400 or Lone Star Sports & Entertainment at (832) 667-2000.

Czech Festival with Chris Rybak - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Haak Winery has been hosting special festivals for many years focusing on the many diverse ethnicities of our great country. The Czech Festival will feature delicious Czech cuisine and music and dancing focusing on the wonderful Czech heritage.

Saturday, 4‐7 p.m.

Visit the Events page at www.haakwine.com for menu details. Reservations are not required. The event is free and children are welcome. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket (although they have chairs available for first come first served) and wine glasses. They have a wonderful deli in the Tasting Room if you want to create your own picnic basket but they will be serving food from the full service kitchen. No outside food or drink allowed.

See you at the winery!

Czech Festival with Chris Rybak: www.chrisrybak.com

Saint Arnold's Brewery Tours - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

St. Arnold's Brewery is located at 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, TX 77020.

Yoga in the park with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Enjoy a free yoga class from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Zumbatronic! at Discovery Green - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Enjoy Zumbatronic!, presented by H-E-B, on the Sarofim Picnic Lawn from 11:30 a.m. to noon. This Zumba class, presented by Cindy Samudio, is fun for the whole family.

Young Writers Workshops at Discovery Green - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

Writers in the Schools, HPL Express and Discovery Green offer a free writing workshop for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshops are made possible by a grant from David Mendez.

Queer Bingo - 09/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

On the first Saturday of each month, the folks at the Houston GLBT Community Center host Queer Bingo in the upstairs banquet room at One's a Meal restaurant on Westheimer. Meet other people in the GLBT community and learn about organizations and upcoming events. Bingo proceeds support the GLBT Community Center and raffle proceeds go to other select GLBT groups.

4-6:30 p.m. at One's a Meal, 812 Westheimer Road.

Hip Hop Fridays at Bocados - 09/03/2010 - 09/03/2010

Girls Night Out every first Friday of the month. Enjoy refreshing mojitos and a party on the patio.

Labor Day Weekend Sale - 09/03/2010 - 09/06/2010

Don't miss the annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Houston Premium Outlets, featuring 120 designer and name-brand outlets stores. Enjoy extra discounts on top of already low outlet prices.

Extended Shopping Hours: Fri, Sept 3 - Sat, Sept 4: 9am-9pm; Sun, Sept 5: 10am-7pm; Mon, Sept 6: 9am-9pm

Broadway Rocks - 09/03/2010 - 09/05/2010

The Houston Symphony and conductor Michael Krajewski present an evening of musical delight with tunes from the latest generation of Broadway musicals.

With show stopping numbers from the latest generation of Broadway musicals like Wicked and Mamma Mia, this concert will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles. Come hear upbeat selections from such high energy shows as The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent and more.

Art Series at Discovery Green - 09/03/2010 - 09/17/2010

Discovery Green's Art Series, which brings films, dance and music to the park, continues Sept. 3-17 with an outdoor sculpture exhibition called Las Comadres Recycled presented by Talento Bilingue de Houston. The sculptures will be on display during park hours.

Broadway Rocks! - 09/03/2010 - 09/05/2010

With show stopping numbers from the latest generation of Broadway musicals like Wicked and Mamma Mia, this concert will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles. Come hear upbeat selections from such high energy shows as The Lion King and Rent.

8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 Sunday, at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St.

Rice University Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month - 09/03/2010 - 09/03/2010

The Chamber of Latin Entrepreneurs of Houston (CELH), in conjunction with Public Affairs Office of Multicultural Community Relations at Rice University, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a fabulous food festival. More than 35 local Mexican and Latin American restaurants will be offering delectable samples from their menus. There also will be mariachis, artists, raffles and networking opportunities.

Most of the proceeds from this event will go toward projects to educate entrepreneurs in the Hispanic community about business relations within the group and outside the United States.

Admission:
Adults: $25
College Students: $20
At the Door: $30

Mexican Food Festival
Friday, Sept. 3
5–9 p.m.
Grand Hall
Rice Memorial Center
Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005

Party on the Patio at Sam Houston Race Park - 09/03/2010 - 09/03/2010

General admission for the event is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free.

Mucky Duck presents Clandestine - 09/03/2010 - 09/03/2010

Friday, September 3, 7:30, $15
CLANDESTINE

Mucky Duck presents Corb Lund - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Thursday, September 2, 7:30pm, $20
CORB LUND

Free Thursday Night C&W Dance Lessons at Brazos River Bottom - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Southern Country dance group shows you all the best country dancing moves!

Family Yoga with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Enjoy a free family yoga class from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

PiYO with TUTS at Discovery Green - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Enjoy a free pilates and yoga class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Karate in the Park at Discovery Green - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Enjoy a free karate class from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Discovery Green.

Broadway Showstoppers - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

The Bayou City Performing Arts’ Gay Men’s Chorus performs with Houston Symphony for Broadway Showstoppers. Tunes from modern day musicals such as The Lion King, Wicked and Mamma Mia are on tap for this evening of entertainment under the stars.

8 p.m., Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands

"Conscience in Content" at Holocaust Museum Houston - 09/02/2010 - 09/02/2010

Listen in as experts discuss violence in culture and its impact on art during a free panel discussion at 6 p.m. at Holocaust Museum Houston's Morgan Family Center, 5401 Caroline St. The panel, called "Conscience in Content," is part of the "Legacies and Lessons" program at the museum, which aims to educate the public about the holocaust, genocide and more.

Panelists will include Michael Collins, Houston Baptist University's director of the School of Art and artist in residence-painting; Gus Kopriva, a member of the Museum's Changing Exhibits Committee and owner of Redbud Gallery; and Hans Molzberger, artist affiliate in sculpture at Houston Baptist University and the artist featured in the exhibition "Never Let it Rest!" The panel will be moderated by Jim Edwards, Houston Baptist University's Academic Center Gallery director/curator and associate professor of art.

The event is free, but advance registration is required.

Ladies Night at Bocados - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Girls Night Out every first Wednesday of the month. Enjoy refreshing mojitos and a party on the patio.

Ladies Night at Pravada - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Every Wednesday is ladies night at Pravada.
GoGo dancers and $2 draft. Dress to impress.

Karaoke Wednesdays at Guava Lamp - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Join the pretty young things and belt out your favorite show tune or Madonna song!

Get there before 10:30, if you want a seat.

Zumba! at Discovery Green - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Enjoy a free Zumba class from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Fitness in the Park, presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors.

Houston Astros vs. Arizona Cardinals - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Watch the Houston Astros take on the Arizona Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

Martini Wednesday at FWD - 09/01/2010 - 09/01/2010

Come out to FWD and enjoy drink specials all night every Wednesday.
DJ Arnold spinning the latest hits to keep you moving.
18 to party, 21 to drink!

$1 Jello Shots
$2 Well Vodka (10-12)
$3 Domestic
$4 Wells All Night
$5 Martinis (8-12)

For reservations: cellinipromo@gmail.com
510 Gray Street

A Behanding in Spokane at the Alley Theatre - 09/01/2010 - 09/26/2010

Get ready to laugh. The Alley Theatre is about to present of A Behanding in Spokane, which was written by Martin McDonagh and directed by James Black and recently appeared on Broadway. Called "perfect, demented, ecstatic, sadistic and imaginative" by The New York Times, this play focuses on a mysterious man named Carmichael who is on the hunt for his missing left hand.

McDonagh won an Academy Award for Best Short Film for Six Shooter as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for In Bruges. This play, which is recommended for mature audiences due to profanity, violence and adult situations, officially opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 26 on the Neuhaus Stage. Tickets start at $21.

The play features Andrew Weems as Carmichael, Sean-Michael Bowles as Toby, Chris Hutchison as Mervyn and Emily Neves as Marilyn.

Earth Paint Paper Wood at the Menil Collection - 08/27/2010 - 11/28/2010

What better way to celebrate the Menil than with a new exhibit called Earth Paint Paper Wood that will feature newly acquired works, many of which have never been shown to the public.

The exhibit will feature nearly 60 works from artists such as Michael Heizer, Frank Stella, Marlene Dumas, Max Neuhaus and Kiki Smith. The works were created on a variety of mediums including paper, digital prints and ceramics. The exhibit will be held at the Menil, 1515 Sul Ross.

Houston Fringe Festival - 08/26/2010 - 09/11/2010

Each weekend of the Houston Fringe Festival features a different program designed to entertain, thrill, and provoke audiences. Experimental art veterans perform alongside daring newcomers in this annual event from FrenetiCore. Each performance piece is less than 30 minutes in length and multi-disciplinary visual art will be displayed throughout the theater, lobby, and exhibit hall.

Weekend of August 26,27,28
Theater performances by Loueva Smith, Fernando Dovalina, Brandy Holmes, Mark Carrier, and Mary Ellen Whitworth; Dance by Tsunami Dance from New Orleans, and Paul Smith; live graffiti art by Aerosol Warfare.

Weekend of September 2,3,4
Theater performances by Ray Hill and Dan Perez; Dance by Moth/Sol Y Luna from Canada and Zoetic Dance from Atlanta, GA; Film/live performance from Margo Toombs; light-painting by Matt & Che Crawford.

‘Anything Goes’ Weekend, September 10,11
Fast paced, over-the-top performances in any discipline by the Chip Tune Crooner, Hillerbrand + Magsamen, The Gendermyn, Michael Hoerman, Rogue Improv, Chadwick Peters and more.

All performances are at the Frenetic Theater, 5102 Navigation Blvd.

Thursday tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Friday and Saturday tickets are $17 in advance and $20 at the door.

Steak Night - 08/19/2010 - 09/14/2010

Tuesdays are steak night. For $10, you get an 8 oz. ribeye steak, baked potato and a Lone Star Bar. $1 Lone Stars all night long!

FotoFest: My Community Through My Eyes - 08/14/2010 - 09/05/2010

View artwork, photography and writing created by children ages 6-11 from Houston's Third Ward community during the My Community Through My Eyes exhibit, which runs Aug. 14 to Sept. 5.

Established in 1983, FotoFest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social ideas through photography while encouraging photographic arts and education. Literacy Through Photography is the nonprofit's classroom-based educational component, which focuses on helping students increase their written and communication skills using visual imagery and photography.

Children involved with My Community Through My Eyes worked with Houston photographer and FotoFest cohort teacher Ben DeSoto to create art that allows them to express the way they see themselves, their families, their friends and their communities. The exhibit will be on view in conjunction with Project Row Houses Summer Studio installations at 2521 Holman St.

Project Row Houses is a community organization created to celebrate the art, history and culture of the African-American community. For more information about Project Row Houses, visit http://www.projectrowhouses.org.

August Monthly Watermedia Show - 08/10/2010 - 09/09/2010

Reception, Friday August 13, 6 pm-8 pm. Gallery exhibit runs August 10 through September 9. 1601 W. Alabama @ Mandell. Tuesday- Saturday 10 am- 3 pm.

James Busby, a native Texan, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art from Sam Houston State University and a Master's of Art in painting and printmaking from Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He earned a Doctorate of Fine Arts, all but dissertation, at North Texas State University. In addition to creating his own art, he has been a professor since 1970 and is Art Department Chairman Emeritus at Houston Baptist University in Houston, Texas. Busby's paintings are gracing public and private collections throughout the U.S.

Houston Restaurant Week - 08/01/2010 - 09/06/2010

Savor the best of the city’s culinary scene at Houston Restaurant Week. Benefiting the Houston Food Bank, the event is an enticing opportunity to enjoy our impressive array of fine dining restaurants at prices that won’t break the bank, all while helping fight hunger in Houston.

Houston Restaurant Week expects to showcase 100 restaurants, spanning popular favorites to new hotspots. All participating restaurants will offer a prix fixe, three-course gourmet dinner menu for $35 per person, with $5 of each dinner sold benefiting to the Houston Food Bank.

New to Houston Restaurant Week 2010, select restaurants will also offer two-course lunch menus for $20, donating $3 of each lunch sold to the Houston Food Bank. All Houston Restaurant Week meals exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.

The event is by reservation only. For the latest Houston Restaurant Week information, including restaurant listings, menus, sponsor information, and reservations, visit www.HoustonRestaurantWeek.com. Menus from each participating restaurant will be posted to the HRW Web site by July 19. Follow HRW on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/HouRestaurantWk and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HoustonRestaurantWeek.

The Marvelous Wonderettes - 07/14/2010 - 10/17/2010

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a cotton-candy-colored, non-stop pop musical blast from the past that follows four girls from their high school prom to their 10-year reunion. At the 1958 Springfield High School prom we meet the Wonderettes—Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts, and voices to match! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls perform classic hits such as Lollipop, Dream Lover, Stupid Cupid, Lipstick on Your Collar, It's My Party, It's in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song) and many more!

Dates:
Previews: Wednesday, July 14 and Thursday, July 15, 2010
Opening: Friday, July 16, 2010
Close: Sunday, October 17, 2010

Times:
Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

Tickets: Regular tickets start at $19
713.527.0123

                            3201 Allen Parkway at Waugh Drive

                                                Tickets available online at www.stagestheatre.com

Greetings from Houston: Vintage Postcard Views of the City - 07/13/2010 - 10/03/2010

The city of Houston has changed dramatically over its 174 year history. As Daniel E. Monsanto notes in his Postcard History Series book on Houston, “No better medium expresses the city's transformation than the postcard. It acts as a chronicle and a window through time. One can view the earliest beginnings of the city, including horse-drawn carts in the streets and grand railway depots, to our first skyscrapers and suburban development." So much of the history of Houston is contained in The Heritage Society’s collection of over 120 postcards. The variety of images include parks, like our very own Sam Houston Park, familiar structures like the San Jacinto Monument, the Esperson Building and Rice University, and places long gone like the City Auditorium and the Hotel Brazos.

Tuesday, July 13–October 3, 2010

Museum hours: Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, 1– 4 p.m.

Parking: Visitors should park in the paved lot directly behind the historic Kellum-Noble House; Enter the lot via Allen Parkway inbound.

Cost: Admission to the museum gallery is free

Naked - 07/10/2010 - 09/04/2010

Naked highlights the work of five contemporary ceramists: Charles Birnbaum, from New York City, NY; Lindsay Feuer, from Philadelphia, PA; Heather Knight, from Asheville, NC; Jennifer McCurdy, from Vineyard Haven, MA; and Kamila Szczesna, from Galveston, TX.

Each of these artists works in all-white porcelain, using no colored glazes to decorate their objects, so the material, form and surface of each piece become the primary focal points. This stripped-down or “naked” body of work reveals the sublime qualities of porcelain: delicate, translucent, smooth and full of possibility.

Katsura: Picturing Modernism in Japanese Architecture, The Photography of Ishimoto Yasuhiro - 06/20/2010 - 09/12/2010

Ishimoto Yasuhiro (b. 1921), trained by Harry Callahan at the Institute of Design (or “New Bauhaus”) in Chicago, is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential Japanese photographers of his generation in the development of postwar Japanese photography. Among his most celebrated bodies of work are the photographs he took during 1953 and1954 that infuse the 17th-century Imperial villa of Katsura, in Kyoto, with a Modernist esthetic. But for 50 years these images have been known only as they were painstakingly sequenced and cropped for publication in the landmark 1960 book, Katsura: Creation and Tradition in Japanese Architecture, by Ishimoto’s collaborator, architect Tange Kenzo. On the 50th anniversary of that publication, the MFAH will present 70 of these iconic pictures as Ishimoto had intended them to be seen, in an exhibition that will explore the nuanced and complex relationship between architecture and photography and its profound impact on the public’s interpretation of Japanese “tradition” in Modern architecture.

THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON: The Audrey Jones Beck Building is located at 5601 Main Street, adjacent to the Caroline Wiess Law Building at 1001 Bissonnet Street. Hours are Tuesday–Wednesday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:15–7 p.m. The museum is closed Monday, except select Monday holidays. General admission is $7 for adults; $3.50 for students, senior adults, and youths ages 6–18; free for children 5 and younger. Admission is free for everyone on Thursday, courtesy of Shell Oil Company Foundation; and on the first Sunday of the month, courtesy of Target. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday for children 18 and under with a Houston Public Library Power Card, Harris County Public Library Card, or any public library card. Some exhibitions may have a special admission fee. Call 713-639-7300 for more information in English or 713-639-7379 for information in Spanish. TDD/TTY for the hearing impaired: 713-639-7390.

Exhibition: Because We Are - 06/19/2010 - 09/19/2010

This exhibition from the Station Museum of Contemporary Art presents the work of 10 distinguished artists who are dealing with issues regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual civil rights. Fundamental concerns include gay marriage, the AIDS crisis, religious and legislative persecution, hate crimes and gay sexuality.

Gay marriage is a controversial issue and a subject that Brooklyn based artist Patricia Cronin personally confronts through her well-known classically sculpted funerary monument Memorial To A Marriage. She also presents her intimate series of erotic watercolors. The AIDS crisis devastated the gay community beginning in the 1980s. Outspoken artists affected by this disease explored its effects in their artwork. One of the most influential figures of this time was New York based artists David Wojnarowicz. His “Untitled”(One Day this Kid…) reveals an intimate narrative that shows how devastating this disease is. More recently, Daniel Goldstein’s Medicine Man approaches AIDS on conceptual level. The suspended human-shaped sculpture consists of steel wire threaded with nearly 300 donated empty HIV medication bottles and 139 syringes. The sculpture is beautiful in spite of its foundation in hopelessness and despair. Arthur Robinson Williams presents intimate portraits of transgendered individuals and couples undergoing physical and emotional transformation in his photographic series My Right Self. Zanele Muholi takes us on a photographic journey through post-apartheid South Africa focusing on the subjective experiences of black lesbians in two of her series Only Half The Picture and Being. The following artists are included in this exhibition:

Eric Avery (Texas)	James Morrison (New York)
Patricia Cronin (New York)	Zanele Muholi (South Africa)
Daniel Goldstein (California)	Conrad Ventur (New York)
Brian Kenny (New York)	Arthur Robinson Williams (Pennsylvania)
Slava Mogutin (New York)	David Wojnarowicz (New York)

These 10 artists express their most intimate feelings and strive for recognition through their own fine art. This exhibition consists of a range of media including sculpture, photography, video, and mixed media. Coinciding with Houston’s Annual Pride Festival, this exhibition shares aesthetic, philosophical, and political views and experiences from a legitimate segment of society.

This exhibition will be on view on view from June 19, 2010 through September 19, 2010. This exhibition was curated by Tim Gonzalez with the help of the staff of the Station Museum.

The Station Museum is open Wed – Sun, 11am – 6pm. The museum is located in Midtown at the corner of Alabama and La Branch. Admission is always free. Please call to schedule tours.

The Paper Runway - 06/04/2010 - 09/04/2010

The Paper Runway is a juried exhibition of nearly 50 stunning works of paper clothing and accessories by artists from the U.S. and around the world. Featuring everything from handcrafted evening gowns to men’s vests, jewelry made from magazine pages, and a suit made from lottery tickets, each garment-inspired artwork is created from different types of paper. Materials range from recycled cotton rags and coffee filters to various handmade papers, created from fibers like abaca (banana leaf) and kozo (mulberry bark). The featured works encompass a dazzling array of patterns, textures, colors and exquisite detail. Some pieces would look right at home on the couture runways of Paris; others are inspired by the wild beauty of nature. Some pieces are whimsical and innovative, and others have a deeply personal story to tell. You’ve never seen fashion quite like this!

Opening Reception: Friday, June 4, 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Secret of Circles Exhibit - 05/29/2010 - 09/19/2010

The Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH) presents Secrets of Circles, a highly interactive new exhibit which allows you to discover the marvels of circles in nature and in cultures around the world.

Ever wondered why a wheel is shaped the way it is, or why a pizza and the sun are both round? Have you noticed that flat circles and three-dimensional globes are found everywhere in nature, from an orange to an eye to a compass? What makes circularity so common and yet so special? Secrets of Circles will answer these questions through activities rich in math, science, engineering, and art — because circles are as beautiful as they are functional!

Engineering activities let you see firsthand how circles power everything from cars to timepieces. Build your own gear contraptions in Gear Up and use them to turn the hands of a clock, a music box ballerina, and a drill. Then test out the unusual cars in Bumpy Ride to see why wheels need axles. What happens when the wheel isn’t even round? Use your muscles in Inventing the Wheel to figure out which is easier to move: a cinder block on a cart with wheels or a cinder block on a cart without wheels. Then test out different kinds of wheels to see which works best.

Hours and Admission:
Free Family Nights are offered Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 6 p.m. The Museum is open at 9 a.m. on the Second Saturday of every month for Museum Members. The Museum is closed Mondays but open on Federal Holidays, during Houston Independent School District’s Spring Break and during the summer months from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.

Animation Featuring Cartoon Network - 05/29/2010 - 09/06/2010

Explore how art, math, science and technology come together in the exciting world of Animation featuring Cartoon Network. Experiment with animation from concept to finished product―from storyboarding, character design and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming and sound. Larger-than-life graphics of popular Cartoon Network characters provide a colorful backdrop to the exhibit. Appropriate for all ages.

The six thematic areas in the exhibit include:

History―Visitors learn about early animation and apparent motion.

Animation Studio―Visitors explore the process of animation, story creation, animator techniques and tools.

Art in Motion―With help from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, visitors discover why art and math are important allies when creating characters, motion, and change.

Science Laboratory―In Dexter’s Laboratory, visitors can delve into the science and technology that make animation possible.

Sound and Stage―Visitors can discover the principles of sound and phonetics with the Kids Next Door.

Cartoon Museum – Visitors will take a seat in this intimate theater setting and view clips of popular animations while learning the secrets behind their production.

Several exhibit areas feature digital slide shows of real animators working in the Cartoon Network studios. Visitors will learn more about the skills and training needed to pursue an animation career.

Animation is included in the general admission ticket to The Health Museum. Adults are $8, Children and Seniors are $6.

Dinosaurs! - 05/29/2010 - 10/31/2010

Journey back in time to the days when giant, fearsome dinosaurs ruled the earth and mighty T Rex was king of the land. This summer, don’t miss DINOSAURS at the Houston Zoo. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the Zoo’s animatronic Land of Dinosaurs will feature 10 primeval lost creatures including the fish-eating Baryonyx, the fast-moving Dilophosaurus, and the swamp lizard Dimetrodon. Also appearing daily will be the well-armored Euoplocephalus, the crested Parasaurolophus, the spiked Stegosaurus and even a nest full of baby dinos.

Ticketed Event: $2 per person with regular Zoo admission.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - 05/29/2010 - 09/06/2010

The force will be with you once again as Space Center Houston kicks off another all-new and original Lucasfilm adventure beginning Memorial Day weekend with Star Wars: The Clone Wars, an interactive experience where visitors can step into their favorite action scene from the Lucasfilm epic series to face breath-taking challenges and memorable quests such as blazing through the galaxy on a vertical 360 degree loop; joining an intensely fun round of Clone Wars blaster training or testing your strength nearly 20 feet above the ground.

Once visitors step through the colossal and colorful portal of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the adventure will begin!

Clone Wars Blaster Training
Grab a blaster and join the clone troopers on the front lines as they prepare for a battle of galactic proportions against Ventris and her band of Separatists in this intensely fun and heart-pounding experience. There may not be much time to scope out the enemy before you head into the battlefield, face the enemy and save the Republic.

Blue Cliffs of Vanqor
Master one of the most challenging climbing experiences in this galaxy by scaling up this ‘intelligent’ rock formation that can track your every move with lights and sound. As you make your ascension up this massive cliff – you must travel in the right direction or the mission will surely be doomed!

Battle Droids
Strap in and take off for a sky battle against the droids in this fast-paced high-flying adventure. It’s up to you on how quickly you speed up, over and around a vertical 360 degree loop that can leave just about any Clone Wars fan breathless!

Ziro Hutt’s Palace
It will only take H20 and you to strike up some fun alien tunes at Ziro The Hutt’s Palace. Water jets used as a keyboard or strings will make these unique musical instruments create a wide scale of notes and chords. Bring your camera for a special photo op with the band for proof of your musical alien adventure.

The Castle of Teth
Attempt to navigate and journey through this mind-blowing mental challenge filled with infinite mirror reflections, endless hallways and a new twist through every corridor. Retrace your footsteps in this intensely fun venture and discover the path may have already changed.

Chasms of Geonosis
Put your physical limits to the test as you make your way across obstacles and various challenges nearly 20 feet above the ground. It’s a feat that can only be completed by a highly-skilled Jedi or a true Star Wars fan!

*Tickets purchased online at www.spacecenter.org through May 31, 2010 will be sold for half off the regular general admission through the H.O.T program. Those tickers are valid May 22 through September 19, 2010.

Space Center Houston is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas day. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children ages 4-11 and Senior tickets are $18.95. For more information please call 281.244.2105 or visit www.spacecenter.org.

Celebrating Cowboy Culture - 05/23/2010 - 09/12/2010

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston partners with The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to present Celebrating Cowboy Culture: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program.

The exhibition coincides with the MFAH presentation of the first-ever retrospective of “cowboy artist” Charles M. Russell, on view from June 6 to August 29, 2010.

The limited selection of Grand Prix winners created by high school students over the last ten years for the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art competition features pieces that date back to 1997, includes work from 15 surrounding independent school districts and incorporates mediums ranging from prisma color, pencil, watercolor, and pastels.

Approximately 300,000 students from 100 independent school districts and 60 private schools in the Houston and surrounding areas enter the annual School Art competition. Around 30,000 of these works are entered for judging, and only 50 are chosen at Grand Prix to be auctioned off to raise scholarship money for Texas students.

Sunday, May 23 – Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010

The museum’s Audrey Jones Beck Building, lower level (5601 Main Street). Call 713-639-7300 visit www.mfah.org/planyourvisit for more information.

“Never Let It Rest!” An Art Project by Hans Molzberger - 04/16/2010 - 10/03/2010

"Never Let It Rest!" is a documentary art project by contemporary German artist Hans Molzberger relating to the small town of Salzwedel in the Saxony-Anhalt region of Germany during the time of Nazi control.

A concentration camp for women was erected in Salzwedel in 1944 as a satellite to Neuengamme. Up to 1,200 women, most of them Jews from Hungary, were imprisoned there.

Included in the exhibit is historical documentation of events of the time and an art installation created to address specific issues of persecution, war propaganda and the concentration camps. The exhibit also includes oral testimonies from some of the women who were in the camp and now live in the United States and Israel.

The public is invited to a free preview reception with the artist on Thursday, April 15, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. at which Molzberger will discuss his work.

Visit www.hmh.org/RegisterEvent.aspx to RSVP online. For more information, call 713-942-8000, ext. 100, or e-mail exhibits@hmh.org.

Magnificent Se7en - 04/07/2010 - 10/06/2010

Surls has deep roots in the Houston arts environment. He taught at the University of Houston and helped create Lawndale Art Center, a nonprofit alternative space for the exhibition of contemporary works in all media, which helped launch Houston as a player in the national art scene. Surls’ work has been featured in the collections of many prominent museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, The Menil Collection, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Until the 1990s, he was the only artist to be featured twice in the Whitney Museum of American Art’s signature exhibition, the Biennial. He has also had exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Magic: The Science of Wonder - 02/26/2010 - 09/06/2010

With a touch of hocus-pocus and a dash of abracadabra, the Houston Museum of Natural Science pulls a spectacular new exhibition out of its hat—Magic: The Science of Wonder, opening Friday, February 26, 2010. The extraordinary show examines how science and magic are intertwined, tapping into our universal desire to know "How does that work?" Magic is the perfect subject to inspire people of all ages—especially kids—to learn about the science behind the magic, and the world around them.

Presenting an array of artifacts connected with legendary performers of the past and present, the exhibition will also feature film and video clips of famous magicians, as well as guest illusionists performing live. At the "University of Magic" inside the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to learn a magic trick of their own.

Among the many intriguing artifacts to be featured are torches for fire eating; magic lanterns and automatons; Harry Houdini's trademark milk can and water escape trunk; Harry Blackstone's "Zig Zag Girl" prop; Mike Caveney's linking coat hangers; and items from the acts of Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, and other superstars of magic.

Monumental Sculpture Exhibition of Works by Bernar Venet - 01/23/2010 - 10/31/2010

Texan-French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA) presents the nine-month exhibition of sculptures by the internationally renowned French artist, Bernar Venet. 15 monumental sculptures have been sited by the artist and McClain Gallery of Houston in eight locations throughout scenic Hermann Park. The sculptures are made of cor-ten steel, stand up to 30 feet high, and weigh up to 25,000 lbs (12 tons).

HOUSTON EN SEPTIEMBRE -

Arte y deporte son los dos rumbos más luminosos para quienes visitan Houston en este mes de septiembre, pues del 9 al 19 podremos disfrutar la temporada número 41 del Houston Ballet, titulada “Body, Soul & Gershwin”, presentando Tu Tu, una obra neoclásica y colorida de Stanton Welch; Forgotten Land, un ballet abstracto y lleno de emociones de Jim Kylián; así como The Core: Gershwin, the Heart of the Big Apple, una interpretación de Welch de la Nueva York de los años 30s en el estilo de Broadway (6 presentaciones en el Teatro Wortham). Por cierto, es una buena oportunidad para ver a Jun Shuang Huang, el nuevo bailarín principal del Ballet de Houston, proveniente de la Escuela de Danza de Shangai y del Ballet Guangzhou.

Por otra parte, los amantes de las artes plásticas se darán un banquete de antología, pues el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston presenta “Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria”, con 100 obras maestras que nos dan a conocer el legendario Reino Antiguo de Ife: esculturas de cobre, terracota y piedra que fueron descubiertas entre 1910 y 1930 en lo que hoy es el Suroeste de Nigeria.

Se les considera tesoros del espíritu humano, igual que a los Guerreros de Terracota, el Partenón y la Máscara de Tutankamon y nos proporcionan una visión muy completa de los que es el arte africano. Fueron realizadas entre los siglos 9 y 15 con una técnica notable, sensibilidad y un gran conocimiento del equilibrio y la proporción del cuerpo humano, como por ejemplo en las cabezas de tamaño natural que capturan la confianza y el espíritu sereno de los antiguos mandatarios de Ife, el centro sagrado de la creación, según la leyenda. La exposición estará abierta del 19 de septiembre del 2010 al 9 de enero del 2011.

Por otra parte, este mismo Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston presenta, del 12 de septiembre al 5 de diciembre del 2010, “German Impressionist Landscape Painting: Max Liebermann – Lovis Corinth – Max Slevogt”. Son 80 pinturas de los principales representantes del impresionismo alemán, escuela liderada por Liebermann siguiendo el desarrollo estilístico de los franceses. Es la primera exposición importante del impresionismo alemán en los Estados Unidos y cuenta con una exposición paralela de 40 dibujos y grabados para tener una visión mucho más completa de estos tres autores.

Como si lo anterior fuera poco, el 25 de septiembre es del Día del Distrito de Museos en Houston, de modo que de 10 a.m a 5 p.m. podremos entrar gratis a 17 museos y habrá autobuses gratuitos recorriendo todos esos recintos para empaparnos de arte, ciencia, historia y naturaleza, pues no sólo habrá exposiciones, sino también performances, demostraciones y actividades interactivas para todas las edades.

Los recintos participantes son: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum; Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum; Children’s Museum of Houston; Contemporary Arts Museum Houston; Czech Center Museum Houston; The Health Museum; Holocaust Museum Houston; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft; Houston Museum of Natural Science; The John C. Freeman Weather Museum; The Jung Center; Lawndale Art Center; The Menil Collection; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Rice University Art Gallery; y Rothko Chapel.

Por último, los aficionados al Fútbol Americano estamos muy contentos por el inicio de la temporada 2010 y tenemos la oportunidad de disfrutar un buen juego de los Texans de Houston, quienes tienen su primer encuentro como locales el domingo 12 de septiembre en contra de los Colts y el segundo el 26 de septiembre en contra de los Cowboys de Dallas, en lo que ya se está convirtiendo en el clásico texano.

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Anuncian los Días Internacionales en el Rodeo de Houston 2011 -

El Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Feria Ganadera y Rodeo de Houston) informó que los Días Internacionales de 2011 tendrán lugar del 1 al 8 de marzo, según la agenda preparada por el Comité Internacional. La Feria Ganadera y Rodeo se lleva acabo en el complejo Reliant Park, a donde se puede llegar fácilmente por el tren ligero METRORail desde el centro de Houston.

“Los Días Internacionales ofrecen a los visitantes del exterior una oportunidad única de participar en actividades educacionales y culturales, además de atender todos los asuntos relacionados con la compra del ganado”, explicó Jorge Franz, Vicepresidente de Turismo de GHCVB, acotando que en 2010, más de 2 mil visitantes de 51 países asistieron a este evento de fama mundial.

La agenda para los Días Internacionales del 2011 prevé la realización –el 3 de marzo- de la 21ra. edición de Annual Texas Agri-Summit (la Cumbre Agrícola Anual de Texas). Será un día completo de seminarios educacionales, demostraciones del ganado y otras relacionadas con la agricultura. También habrá un gran almuerzo y mucho entretenimiento para toda la familia.

El 4 de marzo tendrá lugar una gran Fiesta Internacional con cena y bailes en honor a los visitantes internacionales.

El 5 de marzo se prevé la realización de Ladies´Luncheon, un elegante brunch y un desfile de modas para las visitantes femeninas.

Durante los Días Internacionales, un equipo de voluntarios ofrece gratuitamente servicios de traducción para facilitar la visita a los que no hablan inglés. Los mismos voluntarios también brindarán asistencia en asuntos relacionados con la compra/venta del ganado. Además, los visitantes internacionales podrán contar con un centro de negocios dentro de la feria.

Para tener acceso al Comité Internacional, los visitantes -turistas y ganaderos- tienen que registrarse con anterioridad. Para más información sobre registración y eventos visite www.rodeohouston.com/events/international <http://www.rodeohouston.com/events/international> .

Si por alguna razón su agenda no le permite asistir al evento durante los Días Internacionales, tenga en cuenta que el Rodeo durará –en su totalidad- del 1 al 20 de marzo.

Sobre Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
En 1932, un pequeño grupo de personas tuvieron la visión de establecer lo que ahora es el Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Desde entonces, el show ha evolucionado y ha crecido para convertirse en un gran evento de fama mundial. Desde 2003 se realiza en el Estadio Reliant y el Centro Reliant, ambos ubicados en el Parque Reliant, muy cerca del Centro Médico de Texas. El Centro Reliant ofrece 130.000 metros cuadrados de espacio para convenciones y reuniones. El estadio tiene capacidad para 71.500 personas y es también casa del equipo de fútbol americano de la NFL, Los Houston Texans.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tiene entre sus objetivos no sólo mostrar lo mejor de la ganadería y sus prácticas, sino también apoyar a los jóvenes y su educación. Desde su fundación en 1932, la organización ha aportado más de 250 millones de dólares para las becas y numerosos programas de educación e investigación. Para más información, visite www.rodeohouston.com <http://www.rodeohouston.com> . También puede seguir al Rodeo en Facebook, MySpace o en Twitter (rodeohouston).

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Moving Forward in a Recovering Economy -

The travel industry is in recovery. After the "AIG effect" and declining travel budgets, the industry is coming back. Meeting planners are signing contracts again, business travel is picking up and hotel occupancy rates are steadily improving. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (GHCVB), fiscally conservative during the strong years, is poised for growth as recovery continues and reported on the State of the Bureau in yesterday's annual meeting.

Mayor Annise D. Parker described a letter she'd received from the executive director of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association, a group that held their convention in Houston in June. "This was a testament to the GHCVB's talent and dedication," said Mayor Parker. "I love receiving letters like this."

She spoke of Houston's hospitality. "It doesn't matter if you're a huge convention or a family reunion. We want to welcome you. We have some of the friendliest people in the world."

She stressed that Houstonians remain the key marketing tool for the city. "The best sales people are the people that live and work here. We are all ambassadors. I am Houston's biggest cheerleader."

Judge Ed Emmett spoke to the group in a pre-recorded video. "All of us in local government understand how important the work of the Bureau is in bringing tourists, conventions and business meetings to our community. What’s really important to focus on—and what the bureau does such a great job of—is the coordination between the City of Houston, Harris County and the surrounding area, because we’re all in this together."

Major achievements of fiscal year 2009-2010
The convention sales department booked 516,000 room nights for domestic conventions, trade shows and group meetings for future years—86 percent of goal—representing more than $630 million in direct expenditures in Houston for future years.

The sales team has been focused on markets that represent Houston’s economic demographics: energy; engineering/science and medical. Significant bookings from those markets include:

Microsoft (2012): 7,500 attendees; 18,000 room nights
Rockwell Automation (2014): 7,000 attendees; 16,000 room nights
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (2014, 2017): 5,000 attendees; 8,400 room nights
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (2015): 9,000 attendees; 25,000 room nights
Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching (2015, 2018): 6,500 attendees; 4,705 room nights
American Epilepsy Society (2016): 3,000 attendees; 7,400 room nights
Society of Thoracic Surgeons (2017): 2,100 attendees; 7,800 room nights
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (2018): 40,000 attendees; 54,000 room nights

The GHCVB continues to focus on key markets with large numbers of meeting planners and associations: Washington, DC, Chicago and New York. The GHCVB also launched Houston’s first-ever multi-media campaigns in Washington, DC and Chicago, utilizing radio, TV, print and direct mail, as well as events in both markets.

A major goal for 2009-2010 was to expand Houston’s footprint in the international meetings market. To date, the GHCVB has secured 28,000 room nights for international meetings and leisure with a direct impact of more than $34 million. A key international meetings initiative is Houston’s bid to host the World Petroleum Congress in 2014. Leaders from 20 energy companies were asked to participate in a local bid committee chaired by Conoco-Phillips. If Houston wins the bid, 41,000 hotel room nights will be filled in October 2014.

A new initiative of the GHCVB is to develop annual tradeshows—from conception to implementation. Comicpalooza is one example—a multi-format pop culture convention featuring comics, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, music and film. The inaugural event took place in March at the George R. Brown and featured celebrities, authors, artists, vendors and manufacturers, and significant growth is expected for year two. Similar events, such as Comic-Con, started a few years ago in a hotel ballroom but now attract more than 60,000 people. As part of this new initiative, two additional annual tradeshows will take place: South Texas Biker Jam and Expo and The Global Congress on Legal Safety and Security Solutions in Travel.

The My Houston campaign continues to expand. In addition to adding Lyle Lovett, Olympians Steven, Mark, Diana and Jean Lopez and rock band Blue October, the GHCVB worked with artist Kevin Phillips to create an illustrated map featuring personal recommendations from more than 15 My Houston celebrities.

The GHCVB worked with members and partners in the GLBT community to develop and launch MyGayHouston.com. The site continues to grow and expand. Expect changing content and frequent feature stories geared to Houston’s gay community and gay travelers soon.

Nearly 1.5 million people logged on to VisitHoustonTexas.com, and the GHCVB unveiled a free Houston Travel Companion iphone app—making Houston even more accessible to visitors.

In only its second year, Houston CityPASS annual sales totaled 35,688, a 19 percent increase. According to CityPass research, more than half the people who purchase CityPass are Houston visitors that stay in hotels.

Looking to the Future
The 2010-2011 fiscal year begins optimistically. There are currently 50,000 room nights pending contracts for the first quarter of the year.

Based on market research, the convention sales team has been restructured to better suit the needs of this ever-changing marketplace, focusing on short-term and citywide business. Roughly one-third of the sales team is now focused on citywide business that directly impacts our convention facilities—the George R. Brown Convention Center and Reliant Park. Two-thirds of the sales team is focused on short-term business taking place in non-convention facilities, allowing the team to create opportunities for need periods.

The goal is to book 612,000 room nights during the 2010-2011 fiscal year, comprised of:

575,000 room nights for domestic meetings and conventions
20,000 room nights for international meetings and conventions
12,000 room nights from Mexican tour operators
5,000 room nights from family reunions

As the budget remains conservative, the demand for additional resources continues to grow. The GHCVB plans to generate more sponsorship revenue with a new goal of $850,000, including:

$550,000 in cash, goods and in-kind services
$300,000 to develop and execute a successful plan to fund Houston’s bid to host the 2014 World Petroleum Congress

Expect a major Web site enhancement in the upcoming fiscal on VisitHoustonTexas.com and MyGayHouston.com, featuring ever-changing and timely content and feature stories.

The Houston International Protocol Alliance will continue their lobbying efforts to fill vacant consular posts for Jordan, Philippines and Singapore and to add consulate offices for Nigeria and United Arab Emirates.

The Houston Film Commission will accelerate lobbying efforts to grow the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program during the 2011 Texas Legislative Session. More incentives give Houston a better change to increate the number of projects filmed in Houston.

GHCVB Leadership
Jim Mills, general manager of the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, will serve his second term as chair of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. In his incoming speech for his first term, Mills pledged to enhance open communication, transparency and accountability within the GHCVB. In his first term, he changed the structure of both the board and the executive committee to allow more time for discussion and analysis of the metrics of the convention business. He has charged the board with providing fiduciary oversight, directional leadership to the CEO and ensuring accountability. Through this, the methodology for calculating room nights for special events has changed, and a new audit process has been created to verify future room nights claimed.

He highlighted teamwork. "Success always relies on what we are able to accomplish together. Houston is known as a place where things get done for a reason. Working together, we have much to look forward to."

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El Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston rinde tributo al arte latinoamericano -

El Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – MFAH) acaba de anunciar un extenso programa para conmemorar en los meses venideros el X aniversario de una iniciativa histórica. Se trata de la creación de la colección del arte latinoamericano en el museo y del establecimiento tanto de un departamento especial que se dedica al arte de América Latina como del Centro Internacional para las Artes de las Américas (ICAA, por sus siglas en inglés). Ambos fueron creados en 2001 y son dirigidos por Mari Carmen Ramírez, curadora Wortham del arte latinoamericano.

El programa conmemorativo contempla una serie de exhibiciones y publicaciones a partir de octubre de este año, incluyendo la exposición de unas 90 obras del arte latinoamericano provenientes de las colecciones privadas más destacadas de la región de Houston y de América Latina que llevará por nombre Cosmopolitan Routes: Houston Collects Latin American Art (octubre 24, 2010–febrero 6, 2011). En esta gran muestra se podrá apreciar obras de varios artistas destacados, incluyendo a Joaquín Torres-García, Armando Reverón, Frida Kahlo, Remedios Varo, Leonora Carrington, Hélio Oiticica, Lygia Clark y Mira Schendel, entre otros.

También fue anunciada la realización de la primera gran retrospectiva, con unas 150 trabajos, de Carlos Cruz-Diez, llamada Carlos Cruz-Diez: Color into Space (febrero 6-julio 4, 2011); y la instalación, en el invierno de 2010, de una obra fundamental penetrable de Jesús Rafael Soto, quien lideró el arte cinético en los años 50 y 60.

Asimismo, para el otoño del próximo año está prevista la inauguración de una gran biblioteca digital que proveerá acceso libre online a un archivo digital de unas 10 mil fuentes originales que han jugado un papel fundamental en el desarrollo del arte latinoamericano e hispano del siglo XX. Este archivo -que es el resultado de 10 años de trabajo de varios grupos en los EE.UU. y América Latina- contendrá documentos escritos por artistas, grupos artísticos, críticos y curadores de toda la región y servirá de apoyo para nuevos estudios e investigaciones sobre el arte latinoamericano. El lanzamiento del sitio Web está previsto para septiembre de 2011.

Fundado en 1900, El Museo de Bellas Artes, Houston (www.mfah.org) cuenta en total con una colección de más de 56.000 obras, que datan desde la antigüedad hasta el presente, y es uno de los destinos preferidos en los EE.UU. de los amantes del arte.

En cuanto al arte latinoamericano, el MFAH es uno de los líderes internacionales en coleccionarlo. Desde 1927, el museo ha presentado 34 exposiciones de arte latinoamericano, 11 de ellas en los últimos 20 años. La colección del museo incluye más de 760 obras del arte moderno y contemporáneo y más de 2.500 objetos precolombinos. Desde su creación en 2001, el Departamento del Arte Latinoamericano ha adquirido unas 400 obras del arte latinoamericano contemporáneo y moderno.

El museo está ubicado en el corazón de Houston, en 1001 Bissonnet. La entrada es gratis los jueves durante todo el día.

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Pie de foto: Un collage de documentos recuperados ilustra la portada de la publicación ICAA de MFAH. Documentos del siglo XX de América Latina y el Arte Latino.

Impresionismo alemán viaja de Colonia a Houston -

El Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston (Museum of Fine Art, Houston, MFAH) se prepara para inaugurar -el 12 de septiembre- la primera gran exhibición en los EE.UU. del impresionismo alemán, con más de 100 pinturas, dibujos y serigrafías de Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth y Max Slevogt, llamada German Impressionist Landscape Painting.

Liebermann, considerado “el Manet alemán”, fue el líder de una generación de pintores de su país inspirados por el impresionismo francés. Junto con Corinth y Slevogt, forjó el camino para el desarrollo del movimiento impresionista en Alemania.

El MFAH será el primer museo en los Estados Unidos en dedicar una gran exhibición al impresionismo alemán en esta muestra de paisajes realizados por los tres maestros, conocidos como el “Triunvirato” de este movimiento artístico en Alemania. La exposición, organizada en conjunto con el Museo Wallraf-Richartz y la Fundación Corboud de Colonia, Alemania, estará abierta al público en Houston hasta el 5 de diciembre de este año.

“Si bien es cierto que el impresionismo es fundamentalmente un movimiento francés, su avance en los países vecinos se hizo de manera natural. La exhibición de las obras maestras de los tres pintores visionarios alemanes, sin duda, llamará la atención de todos los amantes de las artes plásticas”, dijo Dr. Peter C. Marzio, director del MFAH, agregando que las obras de Liebermann, Corinth y Slevogt raramente has sido exhibidas en los Estados Unidos, y son muy pocos los museos en ese país que tienen sus obras en sus colecciones.

El impresionismo, desarrollado en Francia en los años 70 y 80 del siglo XIX, atrajo a muchos artistas en todo el mundo, incluyendo a los estadounidenses. Sin embargo, en el caso de Alemania, tuvieron que pasar 20 años desde el nacimiento de este movimiento en Francia hasta que fuera acogido por los artistas germanos. El impresionismo alemán -de corta vida y gran creatividad- estuvo en su apogeo en la primera década del siglo XX, con Berlín como cuna de este movimiento. Durante tres décadas del siglo XX, Liebermann, Corinth y Slevogt gozaron de un gran reconocimiento y fama. En 1920, Liebermann fue nombrado presidente de la Academia de Artes y Letras de Berlín. Con la llegada de los nazis al poder en 1933, fue obligado a renunciar a esta posición por ser de origen judío. Sus obras fueron removidas de todos los museos públicos de Alemania por ser consideradas por el régimen de Hitler como “arte degenerado”.

Fundado en 1900, el Museo de Bellas Artes, Houston (www.mfah.org <http://www.mfah.org> ) cuenta en total con una colección de más de 56.000 obras, que datan desde la antigüedad hasta el presente, y es uno de los destinos preferidos en los EE.UU. de los amantes del arte. Está ubicado en el corazón de Houston, en 1001 Bissonnet. La entrada es gratis los jueves durante todo el día.

Para conocer más detalles sobre Houston, sus atracciones, eventos, hoteles, CityPass y varias ofertas, explore www.VisitaHoustonTexas.com <http://www.VisitaHoustonTexas.com> , sitio Web en español de la Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes de Houston (GHCVB).

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El jazz, el arte y la cultura se dan cita en Houston este mes de agosto -

Para quienes piensan viajar a Houston en este mes de agosto es bueno saber que los días 7 y 8 se llevará a cabo, en el parque Discovery Green, de 16 a 22 horas ambos días, el Festival Internacional de Jazz de Houston en su edición número 20.

Este festival es ya todo un clásico del jazz internacional de primer nivel y da inicio a todo un mes de jazz en la ciudad. En esta ocasión se presentarán artistas como Rachelle Ferrell, Tito Puente Jr., Hiroshima, Texas Brass Band, Summer Jazz Workshop All Stars y The M. F. Production´s Latin Jazz All Stars.

Quienes gustan de las artes plásticas querrán visitar el Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, pues ahí se exhibe, del 10 de julio al 4 de septiembre, la obra de cinco grandes ceramistas estadounidenses contemporáneos: Charles Birnbaum, Lindsay Feuer, Heather Knight, Jennifer McCurdy y Kamila Szczesna.

El punto de coincidencia es que todos ellos trabajan en porcelana blanca, sin utilizar colores para decorar sus piezas, de modo que destacan las cualidades propias de la porcelana: delicadeza, blancura, lisura, además de que se da gran importancia a la forma y a la textura, logrando obras con un movimiento propio que en verdad impacta.

Quienes todavía conservan el espíritu futbolero podrán asistir, el 21 de agosto, a un juego de la Super Liga entre el Houston Dynamo y el equipo de Puebla.

El 29 de agosto es el Día del Distrito de Teatros en Houston, por lo que de 12 a 17 horas habrá ocho organizaciones de artes escénicas ofreciendo visitas tras bambalinas, presentaciones gratuitas, exhibición de escenarios y vestuario y probaditas de los estrenos que vienen para la temporada de fines del 2010 y principios del 2011, entre las cuales destacan títulos como Hairspray, 9 To 5: The Musical, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Billy Elliot The Musical, Curtains, Rock of Ages, Shrek The Musical, West Side Story y Mamma Mia. Los recintos que intervienen en este evento son el Wortham Theatre, Alley Theatre, Jones Hall, Aerial Theater y Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

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Houston, lugar con la mayor concentración de activos médicos en el mundo -

Cada mes, diferentes grupos de todo el mundo visitan en Houston el Texas Medical Center (Centro Médico de Texas (TMC por sus siglas en inglés)) el cual es reconocido entre los principales complejos médicos a nivel mundial. TMC cuenta con cerca de 50 instituciones, más de 90,000 empleados y tiene un impacto económico regional en Houston de más de 14 millones de dólares. La organización que funge como cámara de comercio el Greater Houston Partnership reconoció este complejo médico como una de las joyas de la corona de Houston.

Localizado a unos minutos de centro de la ciudad y de fácil acceso por METRORail, el TMC está conformado por numerosos hospitales de renombre mundial, universidades y organizaciones cuya misión es salvar vidas y mejorar la salud de la comunidad. Sin embargo, hace 65 años, este gran complejo médico, no era más que un sueño.

En 1930, un hombre de negocios llamado Monroe Dunaway Anderson decidió utilizar su fortuna en pro de la humanidad y asi surgió la idea de construir un gran centro médico en Houston, conformado por diversos hospitales, instituciones académicas y varias organizaciones de apoyo. Hoy en día, el TMC atiende a 5.6 millones de pacientes al año, tiene 160,000 visitantes diarios y actualmente está experimentando un crecimiento sin precedentes. Para finales del año 2014 se proyecta que TMC cubrirá un área de 3.8 millones de metros cuadrados, creando unos 30,000 puestos de trabajo. Esto propiciará un impacto significativo a la economía regional y a la comunidad de Houston.

Con más de 2.2 millones de habitantes, Houston es la cuarta ciudad más grande de los Estados Unidos y atrae a los visitantes con una maravillosa mezcla de arte de clase mundial, negocios, deportes profesionales, compras y cocina internacional reconocida con premios de la industria. La ciudad cuenta con una amplia oferta de hospedaje para todos los presupuestos, incluyendo hoteles localizados dentro del centro médico. Hoteles de lujo, de tipo boutique y los más tradicionales tanto en el centro como en el área de Uptown (también conocida como Galleria) ofrecen en muchos de los casos tarifas especiales a pacientes y familiares que llegan a Houston por razones médicas.

Lo que comenzó como un sueño es ahora una realidad. Houston tiene una "ciudad de la medicina" única e incomparable en el mundo.

Para mayor información sobre TMC visite www.tmc.edu. Para planear su visita a la ciudad Houston, la información está disponible en español en el sitio de Internet: www.visitahoustontexas.com.

ACERCA DEL Texas Medical Center (Centro Médico de Texas): Fundado en 1945, el Centro Médico de Texas ha crecido para convertirse en el mayor complejo médico en el mundo. Está compuesto por 49 instituciones, las cuales son autónomas. La mitad son agencias de gobierno: federal, estatal, del condado, municipales y locales y la otra mitad son instituciones privadas no lucrativas. El objetivo de las instituciones del Centro Médico de Texas es mejorar el estado de salud de todos los pueblos mediante la investigación, la educación y la atención al paciente.

El Centro Médico de Texas (corporativo) mediante su órgano de planificación y de coordinación fomenta la colaboración entre las instituciones y proporciona diversos servicios, por lo cual este complejo médico, se ha convertido en el distrito de negocios más grande de los 12 que hay en los Estados Unidos, con más de 2.7 millones de metros cuadrados de espacio construido y 1.3 millones de metross cuadrados adicionales cuando se agregan la Universidad de Houston y la “University of Texas Medical Branch” en Galveston, sus más nuevos miembros.
La ex primera dama Bárbara Bush ha reconocido el Centro Médico de Texas como un "regalo de Houston para el mundo". www.tmc.edu

Houston es una ciudad con gran diversidad cultural y étnica, casa de una vibrante escena de las artes y del Centro Espacial Johnson de la NASA. Houston es una de las pocas ciudades en los Estados Unidos que cuenta con compañías profesionales en cada una de las principales disciplinas del arte. Los fanáticos del deporte animan a sus equipos profesionales de fútbol, fútbol americano, béisbol, baloncesto y hockey. Houston es también casa del mayor centro médico en el mundo, del rodeo más grande del mundo, además de restaurantes y centros de compras aclamados nacionalmente. Con unas 22,826 hectáreas de parques, Houston está considerada como la primera ciudad en los EE.UU. en espacio total de terreno dedicado para parques recreativos.

Houston tiene todo preparado para las vacaciones de verano -

La Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes de Houston (GHCVB, pos sus siglas en inglés) acaba de presentar una amplia agenda de diferentes eventos que tendrán lugar en la ciudad durante los meses de verano y que pueden ser de especial interés para los visitantes a la cuarta metrópolis más grande de los Estados Unidos.

“Nuestra ciudad, que se caracteriza por una gran hospitalidad, tiene eventos para todos los gustos y edades”, señaló Jorge Franz, Vicepresidente de Turismo de GHCVB. “Aquí se puede disfrutar a cuerpo del rey sin arruinar el bolsillo, ya que varias actividades son gratuitas, y en las otras se puede ahorrar comprando el CityPass, la libreta de cupones con entradas a las principales atracciones de la ciudad, que ofrece hasta un 45 por ciento de descuento en cada entrada.”

El 4 de Julio, Día de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos, será marcado por 2 grandes eventos en la ciudad. Freedom Over Texas Festival (4 de julio) es la celebración oficial que tendrá lugar en el Eleanor Tinsley Park en Buffalo Bayou con entretenimiento en vivo, una gran feria de comida y espectaculares fuegos artificiales (www.houstonspecialevents.org <http://www.houstonspecialevents.org> ). Star Spangled Salute (4 de julio) es una celebración que será presentada por la Orquesta Sinfónica de Houston en el Teatro Miller Al aire Libre Miller (Miller Outdoor Theatre) en el Parque Hermann (Hermann Park). Las festividades incluyen mucha música y fuegos artificiales acompañados por 16 cañonazos. (www.milleroutdoortheatre.org <http://www.milleroutdoortheatre.org> ).

Los amantes del arte podrán disfrutar el 10 de julio ArtHouston, la feria anual de arte con la participación de más de 30 galerías, organizada por la Houston Art Dealers Association (www.arthouston.com <http://www.arthouston.com> ).

El teatro, obviamente, no podría faltar en la agenda de este verano. Del 30 de julio al 8 de agosto, el Houston Shakespeare Festival rendirá homenaje al famoso dramaturgo británico. Este festival, que tendrá lugar en el Miller Outdoor Theatre, espera la asistencia de más de 475 mil personas. La entrada es gratuita.

El 29 de agosto Houston celebrará el Theater District Day (Día del Distrito de los Teatros). Los visitantes de la ciudad podrán participar en tours detrás de los bastidores, disfrutar presentaciones en vivo, exhibiciones de trajes y decoración de los escenarios, así como previews de lo que se presentará en las próximas temporadas. El Distrito de los Teatros de Houston (The Theater District) alberga a 8 compañías de artes escénicas que ofrecen cada verano este evento gratuito a todo el público interesado. (www.houstontheaterdistrict.org <http://www.houstontheaterdistrict.org> ).

La música se apoderará de la ciudad del 6 al 8 de agosto durante el Houston International Jazz Festival (Festival Internacional de Jazz) que se estará realizando en el centro de Houston con la participación de grandes estrellas de este género musical (www.jazzeducation.org <http://www.jazzeducation.org> ).

Y si va a viajar a Houston con niños, seguramente, no querrá perder Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, la compañía de circo que estará presentando un gran show del 5 al 25 de julio en el Reliant Stadium (www.ringling.com <http://www.ringling.com> ). Los niños también se deleitarán con la exhibición especial de dinosaurios, en el Zoológico de Houston que está abierta al público hasta el 6 de septiembre (www.houstonzoo.org/dinos <http://www.houstonzoo.org/dinos> ).

Los amantes del deporte pueden disfrutar baseball de gran calidad en el estadio de Minute Maid Park con los Astros de Houston que están en plena temporada y juegan en casa hasta 6 veces al mes. Los que prefieren fútbol podrán presenciar el 28 de julio en el Reliant Stadium el juego de las estrellas de la MLS (Liga Americana de Soccer) contra el Manchester United.

Según varias encuestas realizadas por medios especializados en viajes y turismo, Houston está entre las mejores ciudades para vacacionar en los Estados Unidos. La revista Travel + Leisure la ubicó en su lista de las ciudades favoritas de los viajeros, mientras el sitio especializado en viajes, Hotwire.com, calificó a Houston como uno de los destinos más económicos para pasar las vacaciones en el país.

Tax Free Shopping aumenta su presencia en Houston -

La Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes de Houston (GHCVB, por sus siglas en inglés) acaba de informar que los visitantes internacionales que desean recibir la devolución de los impuestos a las ventas por sus compras cuentan desde ya con un nuevo Tax Refund Center. El anuncio fue hecho por Jorge Franz, Vicepresidente de Turismo de GHCVB, quien precisó que este nuevo centro está funcionando en una de las dos tiendas por departamentos Macy´s del centro comercial The Galleria.

“Los viajeros de Latinoamérica que visitan Houston saben que es un verdadero paraíso para los amantes del shopping”, expresó Franz. “Este nuevo Tax Refund Center les permite ahorrar dinero y tiempo, procesando la solicitud de devolución de los impuestos mucho antes del día de salida . Es uno de los pocos centros de este tipo en Texas ubicado fuera del aeropuerto.”

El nuevo Tax Refund Center, administrado por el staff de Tax Free Shopping, está ubicado en el segundo piso de Macy´s en Sage Road, cerca de la sección de ropa para damas de Ralph Lauren. Está abierto de lunes a sábado entre las 11 a.m. y 9 p.m. y los domingos de 11 a.m. a 8 p.m.

Según los voceros de Tax Free Shopping todo el proceso toma unos 5 minutos. Los visitantes internacionales sólo deben presentar su pasaporte, el itinerario del viaje y los recibos por las compras. Los compradores recibirán el dinero por los impuestos devueltos en unas seis semanas en cheque o en depósito a su cuenta Paypal.

Macy´s, la cadena de tiendas por departamentos más grande de Macy´s, Inc., ofrece -a precios razonables- una gran variedad de artículos de calidad que están a la moda, incluyendo ropa de damas, caballeros y niños, cosméticos, calzado, artículos para el hogar, muebles y mucho más. En total, hay más de 800 tiendas Macy´s en los Estados Unidos. Houston cuenta con 6 tiendas Macy´s, dos de las cuales están en The Galleria.

Tax Free Shopping Texas provee servicio amable en el reembolso de los impuestos con un proceso sencillo y eficiente que permite a los compradores internacionales disfrutar más de su visita. Para una lista completa de las tiendas participantes visite www.taxfreetexas.com <http://www.taxfreetexas.com/>

Para conocer más detalles sobre todo lo que Macy´s tiene que ofrecer a los amantes del shopping, visite www.macys.com <http://www.macys.com>.

GREATER HOUSTON CVB ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES -

HOUSTON – The Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) welcomes three new employees to its sales, services and protocol departments.

JOHN HYLAND
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF EASTERN REGION
John Hyland joins the GHCVB as the new managing director of the Eastern region. Hyland is in charge of managing the Eastern region’s staff and maintaining the GHCVB’s current relations with the Washington and NYC customer base, as well as increasing client relationships and driving more convention business to Houston.

As the former director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Washington Worldwide Sales Office, Hyland brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality sales and marketing industry. Hyland will help spearhead the GHCVB’s efforts to make Houston one of the premier convention stops in the country.

“My goal is to make sure Houston is the top destination in mind for groups considering holding meetings in the South and Southwest,” says Hyland.

Prior to working with Hyatt Hotels, Hyland served as director of marketing for the Sheraton Washington Hotel which was awarded the Sheraton's Hotel of the Year for the North America Division in 1984.

Hyland holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and currently resides in Centerville, Virginia with his wife and two Newfoundland dogs.

EMILY DAVIS
CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER
Emily Davis joins the GHCVB as the new convention services manager. She is responsible for managing the Texas market for the Convention Services department.

Davis brings several years of hospitality experience and a true passion for helping people to the GHCVB.
Davis served as catering & conference services manager for the Dallas Fairmont where she was recognized as the “Achieved Leader of the Quarter” in 2009.

“Overall my goal is to insure that the GHCVB mission is carried out,” says Davis. “I will ensure that each group receives an unimagined experience during their planning process, while they are on-site and follow up after their program.”

Davis holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from the University of Mississippi and enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Buddy.

LESLIE SANTAMARIA
PROTOCOL & SISTER CITIES MANAGER
Leslie Santamaria joins the GHCVB as the new protocol and sister cities manager. She is responsible for coordinating Houston’s sister city program and coordinating the visits of international dignitaries.

Santamaria joins the GHCVB with 10 years of experience in international relations and program management. She previously served as the manager of Catholic Relief Services and brings significant international experience in proposal development, cross-cultural program management, staff supervision, strategic planning and partnership-building. She is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

“My goal is to be an effective representative of Houston’s sister city program and help strengthen the dynamic program,” says Santamaria.

The Houston native has lived and worked in Chile, Honduras, Angola and the Dominican Republic. She also holds a M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University and enjoys running and Latin dancing in her spare time.

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Descubre en Houston los tesoros del arte africano en una exposición única -

Houston es la primera ciudad en los Estados Unidos en presentar esta importante colección que llega al Museo de Bellas Artes, Houston (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - MFAH) desde el 19 de septiembre de este año: Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria. Descubre más de 100 esculturas antiguas en terracotta, cobre y piedra que fueron descubiertas primero en la década de 1910 y luego, accidentalmente durante una construcción, en los años 30 del siglo pasado en el Suroeste de Nigeria.

Actualmente las esculturas están en exhibición en el Museo Británico en Londres, donde la crítica calificó como excepcional su valor artístico e histórico. Los medios británicos más prestigiosos describieron las esculturas de Ife como el tesoro de la humanidad, igualándolas con el Partenón en Grecia, la máscara funeraria de Tutankamón en Egipto y los Guerreros de Terracota en China.

La exposición ha sido organizada por el Museo del Arte Africano de Nueva York y la Fundación Marcelino Botín de Santander, España, en colaboración con la Comisión Nacional de Museos y Monumentos de Nigeria, dueña de todas estas esculturas. El Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston será el primero en los Estados Unidos en presentar esta colección desde el 19 de septiembre de este año hasta el 9 de enero de 2011.

Elaboradas entre el siglo 9 y el 15 en Ife, una antigua ciudad-estado que fue un gran centro del comercio, las esculturas muestran excelentes técnicas en manejo de los materiales, un perfecto dominio de las proporciones y amplios conocimientos de la anatomía humana. Muchas de las cabezas esculpidas son de tamaño real y reflejan la confianza y la serenidad de los antiguos gobernantes de Ife, ciudad que según las leyendas africanas fue el centro de toda creación.

“Estas esculturas raramente pueden ser vistas fuera de Nigeria y son una verdadera revelación que enriquece y amplía nuestra visión del antiguo arte africano”, comentó Frances Marzio, curador del MFAH.

Ife hoy es una ciudad de varios centenares de miles de habitantes, considerada como la tierra natal de los Yoruba. Entre los siglos 12 y 15, Ife era una poderosa ciudad-estado en el Occidente de Africa que tenía extensas relaciones comerciales en la región. De hecho, el cobre fue importado a la ciudad unos 300 años antes del contacto con Europa. Los artesanos y artistas de Ife desarrollaron técnicas del arte realista únicas en toda la región que no se asemejan a ningunas otras expresiones artísticas africanas de esa época.

La realización de la exposición Dynasty and Divinity coincidirá con otro gran evento en el museo: la inauguración de los espacios renovados de todas las galerías del arte africano. La colección del museo del arte africano abarca más de 2500 años, desde la cultura Nok de Nigería que data de mil años antes de nuestra era, hasta el arte africano del siglo XX.

Sobre el MFAH
El Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston fue fundado en 1900. Es el museo de arte más grande en los Estados Unidos al sur de Chicago, al oeste de Washington y al este de Los Angeles. La colección del museo comprende unas 60 mil obras, desde la antiguedad hasta el presente, y abarca muestras de Europa, Asia, Norteamérica, Suramérica y Africa. Para más información sobre el museo, visite www.mfah.org.

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Let the Good Times Roll -

On May 8, the streets of Houston will become a colorful canvas for mobile masterpieces of all shapes and sizes as the Houston Art Car Parade, the world's oldest and largest, rolls its way through downtown. What began in 1986 with the Ford Fruit Mobile has grown into the largest and oldest art car parade of its kind. Inarguably one of the funkiest events in the U.S., the parade features some 250 cruisers best described as folk art on four wheels. The grand marshal of this year's parade is the beloved comedic actor, Dan Aykroyd.

As part of this year’s parade, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is presenting a weekend full of fun, art and entertainment for the whole family. Here’s a lineup of events:

Art Car Ball: Thursday, May 6, 2010
Orange Show Monument & Warehouse, 2402 Munger Street, 7-10pm
The Art Car Ball blurs the line between spectator and performer, as the audience is as likely to come in inspired car-part costumes as the artists. The Ball is sure to be a party to remember featuring live music, fantastic food/drink and cars, cars, cars!

Main Street Drag: Friday, May 7, 2010
Citywide
Caravans of Art Cars visit more than 20,000 people who otherwise may not be able to experience the Saturday Parade. The Main Street Drag stops at children’s hospitals, schools, community centers and senior living facilities to spread smiles and the creative spirit with more than 80 Art Cars participating.

Sneak Peek / Shop Talk: Friday, May 7, 2010
Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney Street, 7-10pm
Friday evening is the public’s first chance to see some of the spectacular new Art Cars and some old favorites from year’s past. Sneak Peek features live music and entertainment throughout Discovery Green. As the sun goes down, the park becomes filled with illuminated Art Cars outfitted with special night lighting and blazing fire.

The Houston Art Car Parade: Saturday, May 8
Cars line up at 9am at Taft and Allen Parkway. Parade rolls at 1pm.
Comedian Dan Aykroyd is set to stir up good times at the 23rd Annual Art Car Parade as official Grand Marshal. The Parade begins at Allen Parkway and Taft Street and ends at Montrose Boulevard after looping around the Heritage Society. Plenty of viewing space is available along Allen Parkway between Montrose and Bagby.

VIPit Party: Saturday, May 8
The Heritage Society, 1100 Bagby, 11am-3pm
Enjoy shaded bleacher seating, fun family activities, gift bags and live entertainment. VIPit offers the absolute best views and features a grand picnic lunch from some of Houston’s best restaurants.
Note: This is a ticketed event, with individual tickets starting at $125. To purchase tickets, please call 713-926-6368. Money raised helps keep the parade free for everyone.

Art Car Artists Awards Ceremony & Brunch: Sunday, May 9
Continental Club, 3700 Main Street, 11am
The Art Car Awards Ceremony and Brunch features live music and entertainment, food and drink, and artists selling their creations at the Continental Club.

For tickets or more information, visit www.orangeshow.org or call 713-926-6368.

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Houston se prepara para la gran exposición sobre dibujos animados -

Un evento que no puede faltar en la agenda de todos los que visiten la ciudad este verano. Se trata de Animation, una exposición sobre dibujos animados en The Health Museum, con la participación de Cartoon Network, que se inaugura el 29 de mayo y permanecerá abierta hasta el 6 de septiembre.

“Esta exposición enseña muchísimo a las personas de diferentes edades sobre varios conceptos científicos en los que se basa la animación, incluyendo la percepción, la ilusión, la geometría y la medición”, dijo Jon Iszard, presidente y CEO de The Health Museum. “Lo interesante está en que en esta exposición, todos podrán aprender divirtiéndose.”

Esta exposición fue desarrollada por the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry en colaboración con Cartoon Network, canal que es visto por más de 91 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos y en unos 160 países alrededor del mundo.

En Animation, los visitantes podrán explorar el mundo de los dibujos animados desde la concepción de los personajes hasta el producto final, observando todo el proceso de la creación. El ambiente estará lleno de enormes dibujos de los personajes de Cartoon Network que crearán una atmósfera muy colorida.

En las 6 áreas temáticas de la exposición (History, Animation Studio, Art in Motion, Science Laboratory, Sound and Stage y Cartoon Museum), los fans del dibujo animado podrán conocer la historia de este arte y varios aspectos científicos y tecnológicos del trabajo que implica la creación de cada personaje. También tendrán la oportunidad de explorar de manera práctica e interactiva varias tecnologías que llenan de vida a un simple dibujo, incluyendo sus movimientos, su voz y particularidades corporales. Además, verán cómo se crea la atmósfera general de una película de dibujos animados.

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, llamado en breve The Health Museum, es una institución miembro del famoso mundialmente Texas Medical Center y está ubicado en el corazón del Distrito de los Museos de Houston en 1515 Hermann Drive. Entre las novedades más recientes que esperan a los visitantes en este museo está la exposición You: The Exhibit, una experiencia interactiva que permite echar un vistazo a los diferentes aspectos fisiológicos y psicológicos de los visitantes para este momento y para le futuro. El museo también cuenta con el teatro en 4D, único en Houston, donde las películas en 3D se acompañan por los efectos ambientales como el viento, la lluvia, la neblina, los relámpagos y otros. Las entradas al museo cuestan $8 para adultos y $6 para niños de 3-12 años y las personas de tercera edad. Niños de 2 años o menos entran gratis. Hay descuentos especiales para grupos. Para más detalles sobre el museo, visite www.thehealthmuseum.org <http://www.thehealthmuseum.org> .

The Health Museum es uno de los participantes del programa CityPass, que permite a los visitantes explorar más y ahorrar casi un 50 por ciento en las principales atracciones de Houston, incluyendo Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children´s Museum of Houston, George Ranch Historical Park y The Health Museum. La libreta de CityPass puede ser comprada en cualquiera de las atracciones participantes, en el Centro de Visitantes de Houston (Houston Visitors Center) en el centro de la ciudad, u online (http://www.citypass.com/city/houston.html).

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La magia y la ciencia se dan cita en Houston -

Esta exposición, Magic: The Science of Wonder, dedicada a revelar las bases científicas de los espectáculos ilusionistas, fue inaugurada en el Houston Museum of Natural Science (Museo de la Ciencias Naturales) el pasado 26 de febrero y permanecerá abierta hasta el 6 de septiembre de este año 2010.

“El Museo de las Ciencias Naturales de Houston, ubicado en el corazón del Distrito de los Museos de la ciudad, es un sitio fascinante a visitar en cualquier momento y época del año”, explicó Jorge Franz, Vicepresidente de Turismo de GHCVB. “La exposición que se acaba de inaugurar agrega un toque realmente mágico a la extensa gama de exhibiciones interactivas existentes, que están a la disposición de los visitantes de este fabuloso museo, uno de los más visitados en los Estados Unidos.”

Aunque los secretos profesionales de los magos son siempre un misterio, nadie puede negar que los ilusionistas combinan el arte del espectáculo con varias disciplinas científicas, incluyendo las matemáticas, la física y la psicología.

“En realidad, es la ciencia la que nos ofrece el lenguaje para experimentar lo maravilloso. En el encuentro entre lo mágico y lo científico se revela la verdadera complejidad y las maravillas que nos rodean en nuestra vida diaria”, enfatizó Scott Cervine, curador invitado del museo. “No es una casualidad que muchos de los magos más creativos e innovadores son, en primer lugar, científicos o inventores.”

En esta exposición llena de maravillas, los visitantes podrán conocer la historia del ilusionismo, incluyendo las primeras ilusiones que están registradas y que datan del sigo I AC. También se familiarizarán con la vida y el trabajo de 22 de los más famosos exponentes del arte de la magia, incluyendo a Robert-Houdin, Harry Houdini, Blackstone, Dai Vermon y muchos otros magos legendarios.

Más de 100 artefactos de diferentes magos están en exhibición, incluyendo el tanque de escape que utilizaba Houdini y la replica del coche privado de tren del ilusionista Alexander Herrmann, construida especialmente para esta exposición y que es en sí un encuentro con una ilusión diseñada para los visitantes más atrevidos.

El fantástico encuentro con el mundo de la magia y la ciencia se complementa con varios videos, exhibiciones fotográficas y presentaciones en vivo de diferentes magos en el teatro del museo para más de 100 personas.

Todo está concebido para que, al finalizar el recorrido por la exposición, los visitantes tengan la sensación y la satisfacción de haber pasado horas inolvidables en el mundo secreto de los ilusionistas.

Si quiere conocer los principales trucos de los magos y su clasificación, vea este video sobre la exposición en Vimeo http://vimeo.com/9232892 .

Debido a la gran popularidad del evento, se recomienda comprar entradas online a través del sitio Web del museo (www.hmns.org).

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Tours Culinarios "Donde Comen los Chefs" -

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 16 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

Febrero 27: Houston Barbecue Trail. Este tour será guiado por Robb Walsh durante la competencia anual de asados típicos de Texas que precede al Rodeo y Feria Ganadera de Houston.

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.

Mayo 2: Tour-o de Mayo -Tour guiado por Robb Walsh y Hugo Ortega.

Agosto 22: El Sabor del Sureste Asiático. Tour guiado por Chris Shepherd y Randy Evans.

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: Southern Comfort. Este tour será guiado por Randy Evans y Mark Holley.

Octubre 17: Momma's House -tour guiado por Monica Pope y Marcus Davis.

www.VisitHoustonTexas.com/culinarytours/

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Debido al éxito de los tours guiados por reconocidos Chefs de Houston, se han abierto cuatro tours más:

Junio 6: El Sabor del Sureste Asiático -tour guiado por Monica Pope y Bryan Caswell

Junio 27: Southern Comfort -tour guiado por Randy Evans y Mark Holley

Julio 25: Tiendas de Cominda y Mercados Etnicos - tour guiado por Chris Shepherd y Randy Evans

Octubre 10: Chinatown -tour guiado por Chris Shepherd

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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.

www.VisitHoustonTexas.com/culinarytours/

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Pule las botas para el rodeo en Houston -

La celebración de Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Rodeo y la Feria Ganadera de Houston) tendrá lugar este año del 2 al 21 de marzo, en el recinto Reliant Park.

Este gran evento, famoso mundialmente, combina las competencias de rodeo con exhibiciones de ganado y caballos. Cada visitante puede conocer y ser parte de la herencia del Viejo Oeste americano en su más pura expresión en el rodeo más grande del planeta. Además, brinda a todos los visitantes la oportunidad de disfrutar de las opciones únicas de comida y compras, eventos educativos, varias atracciones en una gran feria y conciertos con superestrellas de entretenimiento.

Este año, 23 cantantes individuales y grupos confirmaron su asistencia, incluyendo a Black Eyed Peas, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Mary Blige, Jason Aldean, Jonas Brothers, Tim McGraw y Keith Urban, entre otros.

En reconocimiento al interés global por este evento, los primeros 8 días del rodeo se conocen como los días internacionales. El número de visitantes internacionales, ganaderos de todas partes del mundo, ha incrementado a través de los años. En el 2009 se registraron 1.826 visitantes internacionales representando a 94 países.

Las festividades comienzan con antelación el 21 de febrero con el evento llamado Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition con tres días de cocina, competencias de asados a la parrilla, la mejor comida y divertidos bailes. El 27 de febrero, Downtown Rodeo Parade (desfile anual del rodeo) se apoderará de las calles del centro de Houston.

Entradas individuales para el evento tienen precios que comienzan a partir de US$16 e incluyen las exhibiciones, el concierto y la feria. Para días selectos hay entradas de US$10. Para más información sobre el Rodeo y para comprar entradas, visite www.rodeohouston.com.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo también tiene varios videos en YouTube. Visite http://www.youtube.com/officialRODEOHOUSTON para echar un vistazo a distintas actividades para grandes y pequeños en este evento.

Sobre Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
En 1932, un pequeño grupo de personas tuvieron la visión de establecer lo que ahora es el Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Desde entonces, el show ha evolucionado y ha crecido para convertirse en un gran evento de fama mundial. Desde 2003 se realiza en el Estadio Reliant y el Centro Reliant, ambos ubicados en el Parque Reliant, muy cerca del Centro Médico de Texas. El Centro Reliant ofrece 130.000 metros cuadrados de espacio para convenciones y reuniones. El estadio tiene capacidad para 71.500 personas y es también casa del equipo de fútbol americano de la NFL, Los Houston Texans.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo tiene entre sus objetivos no sólo mostrar lo mejor de la ganadería y sus prácticas, sino también apoyar a los jóvenes y su educación. Desde su fundación en 1932, la organización ha aportado más de 250 millones de dólares para las becas y numerosos programas de educción e investigación.

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Houston: Top 10 Events for 2010 -

HOUSTON (February 9, 2010)—Texas' cultural capital lives up to its name with significant events and developments throughout 2010.

MAURIZIO CATTELAN
The Menil Collection
Feb. 12-Aug. 15, 2010
http://www.menil.org/exhibitions/MaurizioCattelanNew.php

The Italian artist, best known for his provocative and controversial sculptures, debuts recent large-scale works and installations in his first-ever solo show in Texas. Cattelan’s work will be exhibited throughout the museum and even on the roof of the Menil.

CENTER FOR DANCE
Houston Ballet
March 10, 2010
www.houstonballet.org/centerfordance

Join the Houston Ballet in a ceremony celebrating the next phase of development on its new, $53-million Center for Dance. Opening Spring 2011, the six-story building will be the largest professional dance facility in the U.S. with nine studios, a black box dance laboratory, administrative offices and a 20-student dorm.

FOTOFEST BIENNIAL
March 12-April 25, 2010
www.fotofest.org

Celebrate the longest running photography biennial in the states, as five curators team up for an exhibition focusing on contemporary U.S. photography. Hundreds of local art spaces and galleries will also feature special exhibitions, in conjunction with the annual event.

ART CAR PARADE
May 8, 2010
http://www.orangeshow.org/art-car/

More than 250,000 spectators line downtown’s streets each year to see the oldest and largest art car parade in the country. What began in 1986 with the Fruit Mobile—a 1967 Ford station wagon covered in plastic produce—has grown to parade of more than 250 wild and creative cars.

PRIDE PARADE
June 26, 2010
www.pridehouston.org; www.MyGayHouston.com

This year, the city has a whole new reason to celebrate. In addition to hosting the largest pride event in the southwest, Houston can now stake its claim as the largest city in the U.S. with an openly-gay mayor. Join more than 150,000 supporters for fun, festivities and the only night-time parade in the U.S.

MLS ALL-STAR GAME
July 2010 (exact date TBD)
www.mlsnet.com

This summer, Houston—home of the two-time MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo—will welcome soccer fans from around the world to the 70,000-seat Reliant Stadium. The 15th-annual competition showcases the sports’ top players taking on a high-profile international team.

BERNAR VENET
Hermann Park
Through Sept. 30, 2010
http://www.hermannpark.org/press5.php

See 15 monumental sculptures created by the world-renowned French artist, while they’re on display at Hermann Park. Each of the dramatic, curving creations are made of cor-ten steel, stand up to 30 feet high and weigh as much as 12 tons.

HOUSTON COLLECTS LATIN AMERICAN ART

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Oct. 27, 2010-Feb. 6, 2011
www.mfah.org

Comprised of more than 90 works in MFAH's collection, this exhibition celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the establishment of the MFAH's Latin American Art Department and the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). The center, the only one of its kind in the world, serves as both a curatorial department and a resource center within the museum.

AFRICAN FOREST
Houston Zoo
December 2010
http://www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest/

In late 2010, the Houston Zoo will unveil the first phase of its African Forest project—the organization’s most ambitious undertaking to date. The 6.5-acre site will provide 1.7-million zoo visitors with an awe-inspiring educational experience that puts them face-to-face with chimpanzees, rhinos and giraffes.

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO™
March 2-21, 2010
www.rodeohouston.com

This annual festival offers visitors a fun-filled carnival, the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, wine tasting at the Champion Wine Garden, shopping, Trail Rides, concerts and of course, championship rodeo competition. Stick around after the nightly rodeo for performances by Grammy Award winning artists like Tim McGraw, the Black Eyed Peas and Brad Paisley.

Houston siente el amor: eventos especiales para celebrar el 14 de febrero -

¿Unas tapas en Arboreto, un almuerzo con los animales del zoológico y quizás un baile con los dinosaurios? Cupido llega feliz a Houston, lleno de románticas posibilidades.

ARBORETO & CENTRO NATURAL DE HOUSTON
Tapas en Arboreto
Deja las lentejuelas y los tacones en casa y sal a celebrar el Día de San Valentín caminando de la mano de tu amor por los senderos del Arboreto & Centro Natural de Houston en el Parque Memorial la noche del sábado 13 de febrero entre 5 pm y 8 pm. Ponte zapatos cómodos para caminar y disfrutar de la naturaleza junto a tu ser amado mientras disfrutan de platos y vinos gourmet en el principal lugar de belleza natural de Houston. Pasa de una deliciosa mesa a la otra, a lo largo del recientemente restaurado Willow Oak Trail. Degusta las deliciosas tapas preparadas por el chef Adam Paul, coordinadas con sus vinos correspondientes. El último destino de esta celebración forestal será el Meadow Deck, donde los comensales podrán disfrutar de una copa de champaña y de un romántico postre junto a una compañía muy especial… ¡una lechuza! El costo para los miembros de Arboreto es de $60 por persona y $75 para el público general. Para más información, por favor, llama al 713-681-8433 o visita www.HoustonArboretum.org

MUSEO DE CIENCIAS NATURALES DE HOUSTON
Love Bugs
En este Día de San Valentín y el amor anda en el aire y el Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Houston presenta Love Bugs, una noche romántica con todo incluido. Baila toda la noche bajo los dinosaurios el viernes 12 de febrero desde las 6 pm hasta las 10 pm y luego deléitate con los deliciosos platos que provocarán la pasión entre tu amor y tú. Baila con ese alguien especial al ritmo del fabuloso sonido del sensacional grupo de salsa Ka-Che. Después, pongan sus corazones a volar, caminando por una verdadera selva tropical; cada boleto para Love Bugs incluye entrada gratis al Centro Cockrell Butterfly. Los boletos para Love Bugs tienen un costo de $15 para miembros y $20 para el público general. Para adquirir los boletos o para cualquier otra información, por favor, visita www.hmns.org o llama al (713) 639-4629.

ZOOLÓGICO DE HOUSTON
Día de Princesas: a beneficio de la conservación de los sapos
¿Qué sería de una princesa sin un sapo? ¿Qué sería de un sapo sin una princesa? El sábado 13 de febrero, desde las 10:30 am, las princesas se reúnen en pro de la conservación de los sapos, en el Primer Día de Princesas del Zoológico de Houston, evento en beneficio de la conservación de los sapos que tendrá lugar en el Centro Educativo Brown del Zoológico. Podrás ver verdaderos sapos (verdaderos sapos de Houston en peligro de extinción) y los guardas que se ocupan de ellos. Las princesas podrán degustar sándwiches variados, fresas bañadas en chocolate rosa, una gran variedad de panecillos, “brownies” y mini-pasteles, además de poder fotografiarse con el sapo mascota del Zoológico. Las entradas cuestan $25 (para miembros adultos), $20 (para miembros niños), $35 (para adultos del público general), $30 (para niños del público general) e incluyen la admisión al zoológico. Compra tus boletos en línea en http://www.houstonzoo.org/princess-day/.

Cena de San Valentín y Charla de Locos por Amor
El sábado 13 de febrero, a las 7 pm, explora junto a tu amor el mundo naturalmente salvaje del apareamiento de los animales durante la cena de San Valentín y la charla “Locos por Amor” del Zoológico de Houston (sólo para mayores de 21 años). Después de cenar, únete a Rick Barongi, director del Zoológico de Houston, y a los invitados especiales para que le des un vistazo al cortejo en el reino animal. Compra tus entradas en línea ($60 para miembros y $70 para el público general) en http://www.houstonzoo.org/wildforlove/.

Almuerzo de San Valentín

Incluye pieles y plumas en tus planes para el día de San Valentín y ¡disfruta de un momento naturalmente salvaje! Únete y confúndete con los animales de contacto del Zoológico y con sus guardas, durante el almuerzo con champaña preparado por el Zoológico de Houston para el día de San Valentín, el domingo 14 de febrero de 11 am a 1 pm, en el Centro Educativo Brown. Si vuelas solo o viajas con la manada, el almuerzo de San Valentín del Zoológico de Houston es perfecto para parejas o grupos de amigos. Deja que nosotros nos ocupemos de la cocina. Los comensales disfrutarán de una estación de jamón rebanado, parrillas, panqueques, tocineta y mucho más. Puedes comprar tus entradas en línea en
http://www.houstonzoo.org/valentines-day-brunch-frequently-asked-questions/ ($38 miembros; $45 público general).

BUFFALO BAYOU
Para San Valentín la organización Buffalo Bayou Partnership ofrece a las parejas comprar una entrada y recibir otra gratis para el segundo sábado de paseos en pontón por el Buffalo Bayou el 13 de febrero. Podrás disfrutar de un tour de 30 minutos por los ríos de la ciudad, a bordo de un pontón de la compañía The Osprey. Escápate de la ciudad y disfruta de la agradable brisa mientras navegas por las aguas del Bayou. Observa las garzas, los peces saltando y las tortugas tomando el sol a orillas del Bayou. Los paseos comienzan a las 10 am. Adultos $7 y niños $5. Para más información, por favor, llama al 713.752.0314 o visita www.buffalobayou.org.

ACUARIO DOWNTOWN
Tour con atracciones animales para el día de San Valentín
Celebra este día con ese alguien tan especial y aprende algunas cosas peculiares sobre el amor y el romance en el reino animal. Los biólogos del Acuario del Centro te explicarán algunos de los extraños y fascinantes comportamientos de los animales exhibidos en el tour “Atracción Animal”. Te hablarán sobre los cortejos, la reproducción, los rituales de apareamiento y la identificación de machos y hembras. ¡Diversión para todas las edades! Los tours serán del 12 al 14 de febrero, cada 30 minutos desde las 6 pm hasta las 8:30 pm el viernes y desde el mediodía hasta las 8:30 pm el sábado y el domingo. La entrada cuesta $2.50 por persona (con reservación para Romance Bajo El Mar).

Día de San Valentín Bajo el Mar
El paquete del ‘Día de San Valentín Bajo El Mar’ del Aquarium Downtown es la forma perfecta de agasajar a ese alguien tan especial. El Salón Nautilius se transformará en un soñado escenario romántico con mesas para dos, elegante música en vivo, una botella de vino cortesía de la casa y una inspirada cena de cuatro platos. Para cerrar con broche de oro las parejas disfrutarán de una rosa para ella, dos entradas para la Aventura del Acuario y una foto como recuerdo del paseo. El costo por pareja es de $198. Para más información, por favor, llama al 713-223-FISH o visita www.aquariumrestaurants.com.

EL CISNE NEGRO
El Cisne Negro, el famoso club nocturno del Hotel Omni de Houston, ofrecerá una “Spotlight Party” el viernes 12 de febrero desde las 9 pm hasta las 2 am. Se les pide a los invitados vestirse de “verde” si están solteros, de “amarillo” si están en una relación complicada y de “rojo” si tienen pareja. La entrada tiene un valor de $10. Para más información, por favor llama al 713-624-4828.

PAQUETES DE HOTEL PARA SAN VALENTÍN
Y, por supuesto, si estás de visita para el día de San Valentín una simple habitación de un viejo hotel no será suficiente. Te presentamos algunos lujosos hoteles de la ciudad con programas especiales en febrero dirigidos a los tórtolos. Los precios no incluyen impuestos; visita el sitio web del hotel para más información.

HOTEL ZAZA
Paquete El Amor está en el Aire
En Houston las parejas podrán celebrar con ese alguien especial todo el fin de semana en el Hotel ZaZa. El chef ejecutivo del Monarch, Aaron Neeley, ha creado un menú de cuatro platos a precio fijo para el fin de semana de San Valentín, opcional viernes y sábado y hasta el domingo. Para la relajación, el ZaSpa ofrece a las parejas el paquete “Perfección Personalizada” ($250 por pareja). Los huéspedes podrán aprovechar su fin de semana con los paquetes habitación especial (desde $350) que ofrecen una noche en el hotel, una cena de cuatro platos en el Monarch, masajes en pareja, servicio de apagado de velas y desayuno para dos. Para más información o para reservar, por favor, visita hotelzaza.com o llama al 1-888-880-3244.

FOUR SEASONS
Paquete Chicas en la Ciudad
¡Todas las chicas solteras, todas las chicas solteras! Si el día de San Valentín te hace pensar en convertir el rosado en tu color favorito y desear que Michael Buble desaparezca durante el mes de febrero entonces es el momento de canalizar a tu Carrie Bradshaw interior, buscar a tus mejores amigas e inscribirte en el Four Seasons para que se diviertan en una noche sólo para chicas. Comienza tu noche “sólo para chicas” cenando y viendo y una película, muy al estilo Four Seasons, y consiéntete con una cena de cuatro platos mientras ves “Sexo en la Ciudad”. Después, tus amigas y tú pueden ir al Lobby Lounge a tomarse un Cosmopolitan mientras discuten si Carrie y Big realmente debieron haberse casado o no. Si esa discusión no puede resolverse con un trago, entonces pueden llevar la celebración al nuevo y rediseñado salón para huéspedes del Four Seasons porque, como dicen las chicas de “Sexo en la Ciudad”, la amistad es algo que nunca pierde el estilo. Paquete para dos chicas desde $310 por noche en habitación doble ($155 por persona por noche). Disponible solamente el sábado 13 de febrero de 2010. Para más información, por favor, visita
http://www.fourseasons.com/houston/rates_and_reservations.html

ALDEN- HOUSTON
Paquete Adictos al Amor
¡Las flechas de Cupido están volando en el Alden-Houston! Asegúrate de poner a tu alguien especial en la línea de fuego con el paquete “Adictos al Amor”. Sentirás el amor de principio a fin. Al llegar, a las chicas se les obsequiará una rosa roja. Disfruten de una cena de cuatro platos, a precio fijo, en el *17. Después que les hayan servido el tercer plato, los llevarán al elegante mirador para que disfruten de piezas de chocolate con una copa de champaña, mientras bailan al ritmo de Danielle Reich y su orquesta. Luego, suban por el ascensor a una de las lujosas habitaciones. Duerman acurrucados y disfruten del desayuno en la cama y el horario de salida extendido a las 2 pm. El servicio de estacionamiento valet está incluido. Precios para dos adultos desde $419. Para más información y reservaciones, por favor, visita http://www.aldenhotels.com o llama al 832-200-8800.

THE HOUSTONIAN HOTEL, RESORT & SPA
Paquete San Valentín de Lujo
Sorprende a tu pareja con una docena de hermosas rosas rojas en una habitación de lujo. Abran la canasta de los productos de spa para ayudar a suavizar la mente, el cuerpo y el espíritu. Despierten al día siguiente y disfruten de desayuno en la habitación. Caminen por las instalaciones del spa, hagan un poco de ejercicios y disfruten de las tres piscinas hasta la hora extendida de salida a las 2 pm. No olviden llevarse el certificado de $100 de Trellis, el Spa en el Houstonian, para que puedan consentirse ahora o más adelante. Paquete disponible sólo para las noches del 12, 13 y 14 de febrero. Tarifas desde $499. Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.houstonian.com/SpecialOffers.aspx

Paquete Revive y reenciende la llama de San Valentín
Disfruten de una habitación de lujo con champaña fría o con el vino blanco de tu elección, servidos al llegar. Despierten para disfrutar de un fabuloso desayuno del menú de habitación o vayan al Restaurant Olivette y disfruten de la vista de los hermosos senderos. Consiéntanse con las maravillosas comodidades y servicios de los 72 metros cuadrados del Houstonian hasta que estén listos para marcharse; la hora de salida se extiende hasta las 2 pm. Paquete disponible para las noches del 12, 13 y 14 de febrero. Tarifas desde $299. Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.houstonian.com/SpecialOffers.aspx

HOTEL OMNI DE HOUSTON
Paquete Sólo Mi Amor y Yo
Incluye lujosas habitaciones, desayuno buffet, una botella de champaña y fresas cubiertas de chocolate, una cena de cinco platos y vino para dos, además del servicio de estacionamiento valet. Precios desde $349 por noche. Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Houston/SpecialOffers.aspx

Paquete Quieres Salir Conmigo
Incluye lujosas habitaciones, desayuno buffet, una botella de champaña y fresas cubiertas de chocolate, $200 de crédito para el Mokara Spa y servicio de estacionamiento valet. Precios desde $399 por noche. Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Houston/SpecialOffers.aspx

Paquete Noche de Amor
Incluye una lujosa suite ejecutiva, desayuno para dos, una botella de champaña y fresas cubiertas de chocolate, $200 de crédito para el Mokara Spa, una cena de cinco platos y vino para dos, además del servicio de estacionamiento valet. Precios desde $599 por noche. Para más información, por favor, visita
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/Houston/SpecialOffers.aspx

HOTEL SORELLA
Paquete No Molestar
Este paquete incluye: habitación por una noche, champaña con un pastel de chocolate de inspiración romántica de Alex Brennan Martin, $40 de crédito de servicio de habitación, servicio de estacionamiento valet y horario extendido de salida hasta las 2 pm. $190 (válido del 12 al 15 de febrero). Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com/specials-and-packages/

Paquete Vino Valentines Para Dos
Este paquete incluye: una cena de tres platos para dos en el Bistro Alex, dos pre-cócteles en el Bar Monnalisa, habitación por una noche, champaña con un pastel de chocolate de inspiración romántica de Alex Brennan Martin, servicio de estacionamiento valet y horario extendido de salida hasta las 2 pm. $290 (válido del 12 al 15 de febrero). Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.hotelsorella-citycentre.com/specials-and-packages/

HOTEL GRANDUCA
Paquete Palazzo della Passione
El paquete ‘Palacio de la Pasión’ de San Valentín del Hotel Granduca constituye la cita romántica por excelencia y se ofrece al verdadero estilo italiano. La apasionante escapada incluye una docena de rosas en la suite a la llegada al hotel, instalaciones en una lujosa suite, una botella de la fragancia de Pompelmo del propio Hotel Granduca, una cena íntima para dos en el Ristorante Cavour, opción para tomar un desayuno continental en la habitación o desayunar en el Cavour, horario extendido de salida y servicio de estacionamiento valet gratis. El costo es de $455 por noche/primera noche y $720 dos noches, todo incluido (paquetes disponibles del 1 al 28 de febrero de 2010). Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.granducahouston.com/packages/index.cfm

Paquete Ti Amo
Es una de las traducciones más reconocidas de “te amo” y la conocida frase de las celebraciones mundiales del día de San Valentín. El paquete ‘Ti Amo’ del Hotel Granduca incluye una docena de rosas y verdaderas trufas caseras a la llegada al hotel, lujosas suites “junior” con sábanas italianas de 400 hilos y majestuosas vistas panorámicas, opción para tomar un desayuno continental en la habitación o desayunar en el Ristorante Cavour, horario extendido de salida y servicio de estacionamiento valet gratis. El costo es de $315 por noche/primera noche, todo incluido / $565 dos noches, todo incluido. (Paquete disponible del 1 al 28 de febrero de 2010). Para más información, por favor, visita http://www.granducahouston.com/packages/index.cfm

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL
Paquete Día de San Valentín ‘Celebren Como un Rey y una Reina’
En este día de San Valentín celebren con estilo en el InterContinental Houston-Galleria de cuatro diamantes, donde los huéspedes podrán disfrutar de habitaciones de lujo, lujosas comodidades, servicios de habitación y mucho más. El paquete de San Valentín ‘Celebren como un Rey y una Reina’, que ofrece el hotel, está disponible hasta el 14 de febrero por un valor de $199 la noche. El paquete incluye una habitación de lujo, flores y champaña en la habitación, desayuno para dos, ya sea en la habitación o en el restaurante y horario extendido de salida hasta las 3 pm. Se incluye servicio gratis de estacionamiento valet. Para reservaciones, por favor, llama al 713-627-7600 o visita www.intercontinental.com

HYATT REGENCY
Paquete Grand Amour
¿Buscas revivir la llama del amor pero no sabes dónde comenzar? El Hyatt Regency Houston lo ha combinado todo para que tengas un excelente fin de semana de San Valentín, incluyendo servicio de limosina que los recogerá en casa (y los traerá al día siguiente), hospedaje en una de las Grand Suites de dos pisos del Hyatt, masaje en pareja en la habitación y una tarjeta regalo de $500 de la joyería I W Marks Jewelers. ¡Pero eso no es todo! La afortunada pareja podrá disfrutar de una exquisita cena servida por el mayordomo y preparada por Shula’s Steak House con una botella de champaña Dom Pérignon, dos botellas de vinos seleccionados para completar la cena y, para terminar, refrescantes fresas con triple cubierta. Como si todo esto fuera poco puedes disfrutar de una docena de rosas y desayuno al día siguiente en la confortable cama King Hyatt Grand Bed™ bebiendo mimosas o “bloody Marys”. El paquete Grand Amour del Hyatt Regency Houston está justamente valorado en $2010, impuestos y propinas incluidos, y estará disponible del 12 al 14 de febrero de 2010. Para reservaciones o más información, por favor, llama al (713) 654-1234 o visita www.HyattRegencyHouston.com

BOCADOS DE SAN VALENTÍN
EL TASTING ROOM
Únete al Tasting Room (TTR) para las celebraciones de San Valentín. El TTR ofrece una comida de tres platos y champaña por tan sólo $95 por pareja. Para reservaciones, por favor, llama al 713-622-4477. Para ver el menú, visita http://www.tastingroomwines.com/content_files/Valentine%202010%20TTR%20Uptown.pdf

DESSERT GALLERY BAKERY & CAFÉ
El emporio favorito de postres de Houston está lleno de platos preparados por Stone Kitchen Catering, servicio que ofrece platos “gourmet” listos para llevar el día San Valentín, con ensalada para dos, entrada para dos, pan fresco, una rosa roja y, por supuesto, postre. Los paquetes especiales de cena de San Valentín estarán disponibles para recoger el viernes 12 de febrero, el sábado 13 de febrero y el domingo 14 de febrero. Para ordenar, por favor, visita www.dessertgallery.com.

BACKSTREET CAFE
El Backstreet Cafe, con sus agradables patios al aire libre, acogedoras chimeneas y mesas íntimas, es uno de los restaurantes más románticos de Houston. Para este San Valentín el chef Hugo Ortega ofrecerá varias opciones de “Especiales para Parejas” en su menú de precio fijo y añadirá un poco de chispa a tu comida con media botella de Prosecco incluida en la cena. Las ofertas serán muy buenas desde el viernes 12 de febrero hasta el domingo 14 de febrero. Termina la comida con el postre Sampler para dos del chef Ruben. El costo es de $59 por persona más impuestos y propinas. Música en vivo con Bob Chadwick Tri. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones. Para más información, por favor, llama al 713-521-2239 o visita www.backstreetcafe.net

HUGO’S
Celebra el día de San Valentín a la Mexicana en Hugo’s. El chef Hugo Ortega ofrecerá un menú especial de tres platos. El precio abarca una selección de entremeses, que incluye ensalada de membrillo, caracoles al perejil, sopa de calabaza, cazuelita de camarones de río al mojo de ajo, sopesitos y chilorio. Los platos fuertes incluirán langosta al estilo Puerto Nuevo, filete de res, costillas de borrego, mariscos al ajillo o huachinango divorciado. El costo es de $57 por persona más impuestos y propinas. Música en vivo a cargo de Viento. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones. Para más información, por favor llama al
713-524-7744 o visita www.hugosrestaurant.net

PREGO
Celebra el día de San Valentín en el mejor restaurante italiano contemporáneo de Houston, ubicado en el centro de Rice Village. Disfruta de una deliciosa comida en un ambiente casual y sofisticado. El chef ejecutivo John Watt ofrecerá el menú regular el fin de semana y el día de San Valentín. Los favoritos del menú incluyen sopa mediterránea de mariscos, pescado rojo del Golfo con una capa de calabaza, lasaña, “risotto”, pimientos rojos rostizados y crema poblana, escalopas de conejo, trozos de cordero marinado, pechuga de pollo rostizada, raviolis de pato ahumado, torta de queso con chocolate Godiva; tiramisú y tarta de coco con helado de pistachos. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones. Para más información, por favor, llama al 713-529-2420 o visita www.prego-houston.com

NOE
NOE, el restaurant del Hotel Omni de Houston, ofrecerá una cena de cinco platos especiales para San Valentín, con vino para dos, el sábado y el domingo. $77 por persona. Para más información llama al 713-624-4828.

TREVISIO
Trevisio es uno de los restaurants más únicos de Houston, ubicado en medio del ampliamente reconocido Centro Médico de Texas, con impresionantes vistas panorámicas de la ciudad y áreas sofisticadas y sexys para cenar. El restaurante ofrecerá un menú de especiales a la carta desde las 5 pm. Abrirá el día de San Valentín de 5 pm a 11 pm. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones, para más información, por favor, llama al 713-749-0400.

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Houston Launches "Where the Chefs Eat" Culinary Tours -

If you’ve ever wondered where world-renowned, James Beard Award winning chefs go for grub in their downtime, you’re in luck. The same culinary geniuses that have topped endless ‘Best Of’ lists, graced the covers of Food & Wine and Bon Appetit and helped put Houston on the culinary map are now making it their mission to show residents and visitors the underbelly of the city’s foodie scene.

Forget the upscale restaurants—they aren’t the only things setting Houston apart from major epicurean cities like Chicago and San Francisco. This time around, it’s all about the small, independent, ethnic restaurants—whose recipes have been passed down from generation to generation—that set the city apart.

In conjunction with Whole Foods Market and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, chefs Bryan Caswell (Reef, Little Bigs and Stella Sola), Marcus Davis (the breakfast klub and reggae hut), Mark Holley (Pesce), Randy Evans (Haven), Hugo Ortega (Hugo's and Backstreet Café), Monica Pope (t'afia and Beaver's), Chris Shepherd (Catalan) and Houston Press food writer Robb Walsh are launching culinary tours to showcase the restaurants, markets and neighborhoods that make Houston one of the most diverse culinary cities in the world.

With only 16 people per tour, the participants will gain intimate knowledge about the city: unexplored neighborhoods; undiscovered restaurants; and markets that contribute to the locally-driven menus of each chef.

Tours are $180 per person, which includes tastings at each stop, complimentary local Saint Arnold's beer, limo-bus transportation and gift bag. Tickets are available through the concierge at Whole Foods Market Kirby, 2955 Kirby Drive, or by calling (713) 527-4454. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Houston Food Bank. All details are online at www.houstonculinarytours.com.

New tours on sale in June 2010.

!!SOLD OUT!! Houston BBQ Trail (Robb Walsh)
Saturday, Feb. 27
Learn about the four styles of Texas barbecue author Robb Walsh shares in his recently-released book, Legends of Texas Barbecue, Recipes and Recollections from the Pit Bosses. Meet the pit bosses manning the grills and savor African-Texan barbecue brisket and ribs, Mexican barbacoa served with tortillas and salsas, old-fashioned cowboy barbecue and Central Texas-style Czech and German meat market treats. Wrap up the tour at the World's Championship BBQ Cook-Off. Guests will receive wristbands for the Club No Minor tent, sponsored by Beaver's, El Patio and Whole Foods Market.

!!SOLD OUT!! Taste of Asia (Monica Pope, Bryan Caswell)
Sunday, March 14
Experience the best of Houston's new Chinatown (or, more appropriately, Asiatown). Tear into fresh-from-the-oven taftoon bread and spicy hummus at a Persian grill, snag a flavorful Báhn Mî sandwich at a family-owned French-Vietnamese joint, dig into potato-and-veggie-packed samosas at a hole-in-the-wall Indian place and venture past eel-and-squid-filled aquariums for hot pot soups and authentic Chinese-Vietnamese food.

!!SOLD OUT!! Grocery Stores & Ethnic Markets (Chris Shepherd, Randy Evans)
Sunday, April 18
Shop where the chefs shop! Learn the inner-circle's go-to spots for finding exotic fruits and spices. Discover the hidden gems offering up live abolone, frozen mochi and pungent durian. Stop by the largest Asian superstore in the region, venture inside a grocery-store-turned-hamburger institution, sample delicious, housemade pierogies at the city's only Polish restaurant and dive into a spicy plate of housemade som tum at a converted Thai grocery store.

Tour-o de Mayo (Robb Walsh and Hugo Ortega)
Sunday, May 2
Gear up for Cinco de Mayo with a tour of the Mexican market scene on Airline Drive. After hot chocolate and pan dulce at a Mexican bakery, Tex-Mex cookbook author Robb Walsh will take guests to a Mexican spice market and on a walking tour of Houston's biggest produce market. There, learn about the dried chiles, heirloom beans and other exotic ingredients found in the little stalls behind Canino's. The tour concludes with the Sunday brunch at Hugo's complete with mariachis.

!!NEW!! Taste of Asia (Monica Pope, Bryan Caswell)
Sunday, June 6
Experience the best of Houston's new Chinatown. Join t'afia's Chef Monica Pope and Reef's Chef Bryan Caswell as they visit four of their favorite must-see Asian hotspots. Tear into fresh-from-the-oven taftoon bread and spicy hummus at a Persian grill, snag a flavorful Báhn Mî sandwich at a family-owned French-Vietnamese joint, dig into potato-and-veggie-packed samosas at a hole-in-the-wall Indian place and venture past lobster-and-crab-filled aquariums for hot pot soups and authentic Chinese-Vietnamese food.

!!NEW!! Southern Comfort (Randy Evans, Mark Holley)
Sunday, June 27
Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the best homestyle fare the city has to offer. Haven's Chef Randy Evans and Pesce's Chef Mark Holley take guests on a tour of the comfort food restaurants that take them back to their childhood. From a momma-approved pie shop and a stick-to-your-ribs soul food joint to a family-owned ice cream parlor and an old-school barbecue classic, here's your chance to experience the true flavors of the south.

!!NEW!! Grocery Stores and Ethnic Markets (Chris Shepherd, Randy Evans)
Sunday, July 25
Shop where the chefs shop! Learn the inner-circle's go-to spots for finding exotic fruits and spices. Discover the hidden gems offering up live abolone, frozen mochi and pungent durian. Stop by the largest Asian superstore in the region, venture inside a grocery-store-turned-hamburger institution, sample delicious, housemade pierogies at the city's only Polish restaurant and dive into a spicy plate of housemade som tum at a converted Thai grocery store.

!!SOLD OUT!! A Taste of Asia (Chris Shepherd, Randy Evans)
Sunday, Aug. 22
Meet the personalities behind some of the city's most exotic, family-owned restaurants. Get your Malaysian fix with Cantonese dim sum, sample melt-in-your-mouth goat curry at a European-style Indian grill, experience made-to-order roti canai at a high-tech Malaysian restaurant and settle in for a bowl of hot-and-spicy pho at a Vietnamese staple in Chinatown.

!!SOLD OUT!! Long Point Road (Bryan Caswell, Chris Shepherd)
Sunday, Sept. 12
Anyone that's ever driven down Long Point Road in West Houston's Spring Branch district knows that it's a melting pot within the city's culinary scene. Guests will experience a diverse and well-edited selection of undiscovered hole-in-the-walls. From wallet-friendly taco trucks and authentic Thai food to Korean barbecue and Mexican fried chicken, savor an eclectic mix of cuisines all within a stone's throw of one another.

!!SOLD OUT!! Southern Comfort (Randy Evans, Mark Holley)
Sunday, Oct. 10
Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the best homestyle fare the city has to offer. From a momma-approved pie shop and a stick-to-your-ribs soul food joint to a family-owned ice cream parlor and an old-school barbecue classic, here's your chance to experience the true flavors of the South.

!!NEW!! Chinatown (Chris Shepherd)
Sunday, Oct. 10
Explore the hidden gems of Houston’s new Chinatown—the places you might never find without a translator and plenty of insider knowledge. Join Catalan’s Chef Chris Shepherd as he visits a hole-in-the-wall spot for unforgettable Beijing-style Peking duck that’s so popular, guests have to order it a day in advance. Other tour highlights include stops for delicious beef-soup dumplings, pan-fried pot stickers—you can even grab a frozen bag to go—and deep-fried chicken.

!!SOLD OUT!! Momma's House (Monica Pope, Marcus Davis)
Sunday, Oct. 17
There's nothing like mom's home cooking. Get an inside look at local food, and go behind the scenes and in the kitchens that helped some of Houston's most-loved chefs get their start. Discover the city's rich history and cultural diversity during four tours stops, two of which will be at Chef Pope and Chef Davis' actual momma's houses for home-cooked food and Southern hospitality.

About the Chefs

Bryan Caswell
"All of our food is born from these types of places. It’s the foundation of what we do."
Staying true to his Gulf Coast roots, Chef/Owner Bryan Caswell imparts his love for fishing and the ocean in his seasonally-changing, award-winning Reef restaurant. Diners love the spot’s refined blend of locally-grown produce and use of Third-Coast-caught seafood, as do foodies on the national stage. In 2009, Caswell was named a Semi-Finalist for a James Beard Award, Food & Wine magazine named him one of the "Top 10 Best New Chefs," and he was named to Continental Airlines’ Congress of Chefs.

Marcus Davis
"The food is just a way to bring the community together."
Native Houstonian Chef Marcus Davis jokes that he graduated from the Fifth Ward Culinary School. The brains behind Midtown's comfort food mainstay the breakfast klub spent his childhood surrounded by his culinary heroes—Davis' mother, dad and grandma all knew their way around the kitchen. Fortunately, the trio was quick to impart their foodie flair on the local legend, which he's translated into a much-loved soul food spot know for its signature dishes like Katfish & Grits and Wings and Waffle.

Randy Evans
"A lot of people miss Houston’s rich history—homegrown and immigrant—because they stay in their own little bubble and don’t really know what their city has to offer."
Hot on the heels of opening his new certified-green restaurant, Haven, Executive Chef and Co-Owner Randy Evans continues to source locally-grown produce in his modern Texas-style cuisine. The restaurant—which opened in October ’09—is the product of Evans’ more than decade-long experience in Houston’s culinary scene. As Executive Chef of Brennan’s Restaurant, the Art Institute-grad was named one of three "Chefs of the Future" by Texas Monthly magazine and "Upcoming Chef of the Year" by My Table magazine. Evans has also published an award-winning cookbook, The Kitchen Table.

Mark Holley
"There's a mystique behind our creativity and what we do day in and day out, what we're so passionate about. I want people to get the same comfort feel out of the food and the experience that I get out of it."
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Chef Mark Holley grew up working alongside his mom in the kitchen, preparing old family recipes like spoon bread and sweet potato soufflé. From there, the Garfield Training Center alum apprenticing at the Odyssey Restaurant, before moving to Houston and working with the world-renowned Brennan's family. During that time, he helped man the stoves at New Orleans' Commander's Palace and as Chef de Cuisine at Houston's Brennan's restaurant. In 2000, Holley went on to launch the award-winning Pesce restaurant, where he serves up new American seafood, infused with Asian, Creole, Southern and Mediterranean flavors.

Hugo Ortega
"Houston has an 'open door policy.' It has welcomed me—and many others—with its arms outstretched. It is rich with ethnic urban markets, shops and eateries. Many Mexican products are available here, so it feels like home."
Mexico City-born Chef Hugo Ortega has come full circle. After putting down roots in Houston more than 25 years ago, Ortega worked his way through the restaurant ranks as line cook at Prego, Executive Chef at Backstreet Café and now as the culinary brainchild behind Montrose-set Hugo's restaurant. There, he's rediscovered the foods of his homeland, serving up Authentic Regional Mexican cuisine and gaining national nods on Bon Appetit's "Top Table" list and as a "Restaurants We Love" in Gourmet magazine.

Monica Pope
"We always say that it’s the people that make Houston what it is. These are the people that make Houston."
Dubbed the "Alice Waters of the Third Coast," German-born, Houston-reared chef Monica Pope has been revolutionizing Houston’s culinary scene since she opened her first restaurant in 1992. She shares her passion for connecting local farmers and consumers in her successful Midtown Farmers Market, weekly cooking classes, online cookbook and t’afia and Beaver’s restaurants. Pope has also enjoyed national recognition in the form of a James Beard award nomination and remains the only Texas woman chef to be named Best New Chef by Food & Wine thanks to her inventive, "eat where your food lives" cooking style.

Chris Shepherd
"There are actually very few people living in Houston that are originally from here, so we have access to so many cultures—things to see and things to taste. People need to take advantage of that."
Midwest-raised Chef Chris Shepherd spent weekends as a child scouring farms throughout Oklahoma in search of straight-from-the-vine tomatoes, fresh corn and peas. Today, he’s the mastermind manning the stoves at Houston’s Spanish-leaning, boundary-pushing Catalan restaurant—a place Robb Report recently declared one of its 100 Favorite Restaurants in the world. There, the Art Institute-alum and former Executive Sous Chef-turned-Sommelier of Brennan’s brings his farm-to-table passion to fruition in decadent dishes like the wildly-popular crisp pork belly with cane syrup and Foie gras bon bons.

Robb Walsh
"Houston's food scene is unique because of the many cultures that rub up against each other here."
Two-time James Beard award-winning food writer Robb Walsh has devoted his career to exploring and interpreting foodways. As a child, Walsh watched his Eastern European grandmother communicate through her cooking, while his father worked as a restaurant purveyor. Today, the veteran critic has enjoyed stints on National Public Radio's Weekend Edition, as a food columnist for Natural History magazine and a writer for Gourmet, Saveur and Fine Cooking. He currently serves as a food critic for the Houston Press and has authored several books including the recently released Sex, Death & Oysters, which was voted one of the Best Cookbooks of 2009 by Eat Me Daily.

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Centro Médico de Texas en Houston acaba de celebrar su 60 aniversario -

Esta organización médica, la más grande a nivel mundial, agrupa a 47 instituciones, incluyendo hospitales, clñinicas, centros de investigación y escuelas médicas universitarias. El Texas Medical Center (TMC) cuenta con 15.400 médicos, 33.000 estudiantes, 70.000 empleados y más de 11.000 voluntarios. La dedicación y el profesionalismo de todos los que allí trabajan no tienen límites, cuando se trata de los pacientes. He aquí algunos de los casos de éxito más recientes.

Joseph Santos, de 25 años fue diagnosticado en 1998 con la malformación arterio-venosa en el lado derecho del cerebro, que se conoce como la AVM (por sus siglas en inglés). En aquel momento, tres neurocirujanos diferentes concluyeron que Joseph no podía ser operado. Diez años después, la malformación provocó una hemorragia cerebral, dejando a Joseph parcialmente paralizado. La familia acudió al Dr. Dong H.Kim, experto en neurocirugía del Memorial Hermann en Houston, quien realizó con gran éxito la intervención quirúrgica para eliminar la AVM. “Joseph ya está curado de la AVM y ahora se está recuperando de los efectos de la hemorragia”, dice Dr.Kim, explicando que el riesgo de hemorragia que corren los pacientes con la AVM es de 4 por ciento por año. Entre 1998, cunado Joseph fue diagnosticado, y 2008 cuando ocurrió la hemorragia, el riesgo estaba en 40 por ciento. “Si Joseph hubiese sido operado hace 10 años, hoy no tuviera que pasar por un largo proceso de rehabilitación de la parálisis”, enfatiza Kim. “Nuestro objetivo está en prevenir historias como ésta, diagnosticando la AVM a tiempo y removiendo la malformación antes que pueda causar daños devastadores.”

Raul Cuero, el investigador científico de la Prairie View A&M University, está a un paso para encontrar un agente de prevención del cáncer de piel. Castro, con la ayuda financiera de la NASA, llevó a cabo una amplia investigación para descubrir un agente natural que bloquea la radiación ultravioleta, causante del cáncer de piel. La patente de este descubrimiento está pendiente. Cuero trabajó conjuntamente con el científico de la NASA David McKay. El nuevo agente bloqueador será utilizado para proteger a los astronautas y las naves espaciales de la intensa radiación ultravioleta con la que se encuentran durante los viajes al espacio. La nueva tecnología también será utilizada para prevenir y curar el cáncer de piel en condiciones de vida terrestre.

Macie acaba de cumplir un año, pero en realidad tiene no uno sino dos cumpleaños. Por primera vez “nació” en el sexto mes durante el embarazo de su mamá, cuando el equipo de cirujanos del Texas Children´s Hospital, dirigido por los doctores Darrell Cass y Oluyinca Olutoye, la extrajeron parcialmente para remover un tumor del vientre de su madre que representaba una amenaza mortal para la bebé. Luego, Macie fue devuelta al vientre de su madre y continuó desarrollándose por 10 semanas más. Nació por cesárea y hoy en día es totalmente saludable. A pesar de que esta compleja cirugía se haya realizado con éxito en menos de 20 casos en todo el mundo, los cirujanos del Texas Children´s Hospital tomaron el riesgo, porque no había otra opción para salvar a Macie.

Si quiere conocer más detalles sobre el Texas Medical Center, explore www.tmc.edu . En este sitio Web podrá encontrar información sobre las instituciones miembros y los enlaces a las oficinas internacionales de cada una de las instituciones.

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