“This Thursday, April 28, from 6-9pm is the final exhibition opening reception of the 2010-2011 DiverseWorks Season. Stop by, mix and mingle, and meet the curators Carolyn Lee Anderson and Emily Johnson of This is Displacement. Saint Arnold Brewing Company and Whole Foods are providing the beverages. Plus, our good friends Oh My! Pocket Pies! Food Truck will be here from 6-8:30pm serving up dinner. Make sure to stick around after the opening reception for the Houston debut of The Thank-you Bar. Thursday’sThank-you Bar performance is PAY WHAT YOU WANT and promises to leave Houstonians with a very personal and truly unique evening. Reserve your tickets now, seating is VERY LIMITED.”

Grandalism featuring W3R3Curated by Gonzo247 April 28-June 11, 2011 Opening Reception: Thursday, April 28, 6-9pmDiverseWorks’ dock will be the backdrop for a rotating series of large-scale works by some of Houston’s most accomplished and sought after street artists. Grandalism explores the combination of street art’s traditional large scale format, it’s “grand” from the public, and sometimes its unappreciated label of vandalism.   The next Grandalism features Houston-based graffiti artist W3R3. He is on a mission to create eye popping images on walls throughout the city. Over the years W3R3 has taken his graffiti art-form to a higher level of design. His unique compositions give the viewers a look into the fantasy world where letters come alive in a vibrant array of color and movement.  For more information, click HERE.

Hope Stone Dance performed to nearly sold out audiences when Village of Waltz premiered in October, 2009. Touted as one of the “Best Productions of the Decade” by CultureMap, the show includes collaborations with internationally acclaimed composer and musician Peter Jones, vocalist Ana Trevino-Godfrey of Mercury Baroque and Bessie Award-winning lighting designer Roma Flowers.

Village of Waltz, set to all live music, is an exquisite evening-length dance and performance piece, choreographed by Jane Weiner. The piece takes a turn from the repetitive linear walk of life and moves into a circular and cyclical pattern. Village of Waltz is an examination of time and community that attempts to reconcile the enjoyment of life.  Weiner shares about her work, “It’s an idealistic cockeyed optimist’s dream of what I wish the world would be.  Everybody is accepted at a gut level.  We all have to make compromises to get along, but that doesn’t mean we have to change who we are inside, what we believe in and our goals and aspirations.”

Hope Stone will once again hold its balcony audience outreach campaign, “Not an empty seat in the house,” which provides 800 free tickets for at-risk youth to attend the live performances. Offering these seats to Houston’s youth is part of Hope Stone’s mission and commitment to present live theater to with the hope of helping students think outside the box, experience the magic of live theater and enjoy an alternative to electronic over-stimulation. Hope Stone has provided more than 4,000 free theater seats since 2005.

DETAILS:             Village of Waltz

Wortham Center – Cullen Theater

500 Texas Street, Houston, TX

October 22 – 23 @ 8 pm

Tickets: $25

To purchase online, visit www.hopestoneinc.org.

To purchase by phone or for on-line purchase assistance, please call 888.695.0888.

For show information, please call 713.526.1907.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Jane Weiner, the 2010 – 2011 lineup includes – Lemonade Stand, Village of Waltz, An Evening of Bread and Circus and the annual Kid’s Play premiere performance ONE. Season passes are available for $65, which will provide one ticket to each of the shows.

It’s been a rough summer, but working on getting back to the blog soon. thanks for hanging in there.

“Three fantastic events below to support Houston arts and they’re all for free.  If you can’t join me at all 3, I hope you can make it to at least one — they are not to be missed!

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions, just ask! Also, feel free to pass the information to any of your interested friends!” – hp

Ballet Barre
Young Professionals for Houston Ballet
Season Kick-off Party
Wednesday, August 25, 6:30-9:00 pm
RDG + Bar Annie, 1728 Post Oak Blvd

Ballet Barre has an amazing schedule planned for the 2010-2011 season (you can view it here, www.houstonballet.org/balletbarre) and it goes much beyond attending 4 performances! If you ever wanted an insider’s view of our world-renowned ballet company, this is the way to do it. Membership starts at $125! Join tomorrow night and receive 2 free drinks.

You do not need to be a member to attend tomorrow night.

Capital One Bank Culture Collision Version Theater District
Thursday, August 26, 6-8 pm
ArCH, 315 Capitol, Suite 120

Join Houston arts & culture enthusiasts to kick-off the 2010-2011 Theater District season amidst an outstanding exhibition,Ready, Set, Go showcasing Houston stage designers.

Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One Bank, Cadillac Dealers of Houston, Smith & Wollensky, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Cafe Moustache, Sprinkles Cupcakes, AIA-Houston, CultureMap and Houston Downtown Alliance.

Complimentary valet or $8 parking in Hobby Center garage.

www.houstondowntownalliance.com/hypa for more information!

RSVP: info@downtownhouston.org.

Experience Dance, Music & Theater at the 17th Annual Capital One Bank Theater District Open House!

It’s a free family day of performances, artist meet-and-greets and much, much more!

It is also the best day to purchase season tickets!  One-day-only specials on Sunday ONLY.

Visit www.houstontheaterdistrict.org for a complete listing of performances and ticketing specials!

]]> http://www.cosmopolitician.com/1-2-3-please-join-me-and-heather-pray/feed 0 http://www.cosmopolitician.com/so-you-think-you-can-dance http://www.cosmopolitician.com/so-you-think-you-can-dance#comments Wed, 05 May 2010 02:01:39 +0000 Monica Danna http://www.cosmopolitician.net/?p=1231 Yes, I’m absolutely stealing this text from an email from the wonderful Jessica Walters. Jess is who got me turned on to Dominic Walsh, and she’s a huge advocate of dance. I couldn’t have said it better myself, so here goes!

Friends,

I wanted to remind you about the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater performance this week!  Most of you know I’m on the Board of this wonderful organization, and I’m constantly moved by what these incredible dancers do.  I hope you’ll join me at one of the performances this week – you can pick from Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

This is a Mixed Rep – some of the works are dark and evocative, some humorous and artistic.  And we’re premiering a new duet that I have not seen, yet promises to be amazing.  This is contemporary ballet – rooted in classical tradition, but more freedom of movement.  No tutus here, folks.

Tickets can be purchased here:  http://www.dwdt.org.

I’ll be attending Friday performance.  If you are free Friday night, I encourage you to come then.  If you buy the “Casting Couch” ticket, (one for $35, two for $50!), you come up on the stage after the show, mingle with the dancers, and have wine and light bites.

For the other nights, tickets start in the $20s – and in Zilkha Hall (at the Hobby Center) there’s not a bad seat.

I hope you’ll join me!  This is the last performance of the season, so if you’ve been telling yourself that you need to go, but haven’t, this is your chance!

{Tuesday.25}

The Wine Conference Kick-off Party

This September some of Houston’s most dedicate vino lovers will be hosting the first annual Wine Conference.  Check out some of the amazing speakers (uh, freaking Gary Vee!!!!) wine labels, and local restaurant they have lined up to participate at www.thewineconference.com.  The wine conference will be held on September 26th at the Italian Cultural and Community Center.

Tonight, Join The Wine Conference, Virtuoso Selections and 29-95.com at Block 7 Wine Company, Houston’s newest retail wine & tasting venue. William Meznarich of Virtuoso will offer free tastings of 4 fine wines, as well as give a short presentation about wine basics. Block 7 will offer a free assortment of appertivo, and provide their gorgeous, art-filled venue for the event. This fun evening promises to put you in the mood for Houston’s fabulous first-ever Wine Conference with special conference discounts and door prizes.

Bob and Weave: Houston’s Creative Throwdown

5:30-9pm | Continental Club (3700 Main St.) | facebook invite

When I first saw the poster for this event I knew it was right up my alley. And FREE? Now, you’re talking.

Join H-Town’s top creative professionals as we come together to mix it up. Hosted by AD2 (AD2)
Crystal Land, President; American Advertising Federation Houston (AAFH) Natalie Gonzalez, President; The professional association for design (AIGA)
Robin Tooms, President; Art Director’s Club of Houston (ADCH) Alex Barber, President; Only in Houston (OiH) Dwight Cook, President; University of Houston Graphics Alumni Partnership (UHGAP) Daniel Bosse, President Elect.

{Thursday.27}

“Found” @ Hello Lucky

6 – 8pm | Hello Lucky (1025 Studemont) | www.hello-lucky.com

One of my very favorite Heights shops.  Still got a G.C. burning a holein my pocket from Fayza from last year’s birthday. must. spend. it.

“Found” Opening this Thursday August 27, from 6 – 8pm Artists : Tracy Melton, JoAnn Park, Christine West, David Brown, Mike Lonchambon as well as our ongoing artists.
Yeti Sunshine will be here for the opening serving up fresh organic juices and purees over shaved ice

On view now: Freebird on view through Saturday August 22, 2009
Artists : Elaine Bradford, Rene Cruz, Jay Giroux, Lisa Marie Godfrey, Frances Trotter, Christine West
and ongoing work by Sean Flournoy, Whitney Riley, Carole F Smith, David Waddell, Ryan Geiger, Tracy Melton, JoAnn Park

Artist Talk at Lawndale: Because we only turn 30 once!

6-8pm | Lawndale (4912 Main Street) | www.lawndaleartcenter.org

I had the chance to check out Lawndale’s 30th Anniversary exhibit (and amazing accompanying exhibits) last week as they hosted a quadruple opening.

In conjunction with Lawndale Art Center’s 30th Anniversary, Lawndale Art Annex founder James Surls, presents a talk on the origins of Lawndale, its unique place in Houston’s art community and its relevance today. Followed by a reception at Barbara Davis Gallery where James Surls From 2009 is on view through August 29, 2009.

p.s. as I was writing this, I got an email from Lawndale saying that Retablos are in for this year’s Retablo Silent Auction/Gala on Friday, Oct 23rd! Pick yours up today! Submission deadline is Oct 8th.

Spacetaker hosts Cultured Cocktails

5-10pm |Boheme (307 Fairview) | spacetaker.org

This week’s non-profit arts organization is the uber fly Fresh Arts. Mojitos or Sangria: they’re both FRESH!

{Friday.28}

Making Moves: Dance Party + Art Show

These are a few of my fav-o-rite things.  Dance + Art. Sucks I’m gonna miss it. You shouldn’t.

Indie Dance Sounds, Rock n Roll, Disco (Italo-cosmic-afro), Retro Dance Floor Classics, New Wave, No Wave, Punk, Electro,House, Funk: Pretty much all the cool jams that rock. With Djs on two floors: Glasnost Dj Set, Ceeplus Bad Knives, Mr. Castillo, J. Calero, G Wizz, IP Freely

Fresh Art Show with Rad Artist: Adrian Landon Brooks, Eli Sebastian Brubaugh, J. Paul Jackson, Jessica Cabaniss, Shelby Hohl, Leosapien, Skeez 181,

Photobooth with: One October Night dot com, Drink Specials All night! Free Mix Cds from, Afghan Raiders / LA Riots / Daptone Records / Ninja Tune + More

No Cover b4 11pm $3-5 after + No Cover if you ride a bike to the event in support of Critical Mass

{Saturday.29}

A/V Swap: The Good, The Bad, and the Dirty

7:30pm-10:30pm | Rice University Theatre | www.theavswap.com

This fall The A/V Swap is back with a bigger and badder group of films, this time from both Texas and New York! 34 films by Houston artists and musicians will screen at 8 pm, Saturday, August 29nd at Rice Media Center in our The Good, the Bad and the Dirty show. For our second screening Friday, September 18th at 8 pm, The A/V Swap presents the Best Of 2009, a selection of collaborations from Houston, Austin, Buffalo, New York and New York City created this summer. Both screenings will start with artist’s receptions at 7:30 pm and the Best Of 2009 screening will conclude a Q & A with participating filmmakers and musicians. This is the 6th annual A/V Swap, and we are glad to bring you more of the emerging filmmakers, aspiring composers, established artists and soulful songwriters that have made the swap a success in the past.

A/V Swap projects are collaborations that begin with a film or song that is traded between artists to complete; we hope to provide a forum where artists can showcase their talents by manipulating audio and video they would never otherwise encounter. In this “swap” we anonymously pair composers and filmmakers, hoping to expand their creative horizons. This year’s Houston artists include Ahmad Squad, Bexar, Chin Xaou Ti Won, Jody Cochran, David Courtney, Face and Russ Kuhner, Fumblz Fingerz-Nacha, Justin Giardina, Scott Gordon, Philip Hays, Chuck Ivy, Kanude, Travis Kerschen, David Lowy, Shawna Mouser, Ron Ochoa, Sharad Patel and Andrew Edison, Phara, PR!MO, Patrick Renner, Michael Rodriguez, Stephanie Saint Sanchez, Aimey Stinchcomb, Everett Taasevigen, The Art Guys, Thousands, Eric Todd, Vanessa Voss, Ramon West, Able Windham and Ruben Ybarra. Over thirty more artists from New York and Texas participated in this year’s swap.

{Tuesday}

Nightclub Cardio @ Pravada

Literally one of THE best workouts I’ve ever had. A night club atmosphere, pumpin’ tunes, and workout clothes and tennies. Pretty much my dream workout. The lights are down, and people let loose. I’ve been dying to write about this for weeks. I tried this class out earlier this summer and was hooked! Now if I can just find time to make it back!  Due to popular demand, they’ve just added a second day at Pravada (Thursday) and a second location (Bar RIO, 6400 Richmond Ave) that begins September 15th. Tell Jennifer I sent you! 

{Wednesday}

Dress for Success 6th Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree

7-9pm | Tootsies (in Highland Village) | facebook invite

Nancy Levicki and the Women of Wardrobe event chairs Sharron Melton, Lauren Freeman and Shern-Min Chow with Tootsies invite you to the Sixth Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree.

Enjoy hip sips and cool canapes, and meet designer Trina Turk. 10 percent of the proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston, so you have a great reason to shop!

Event is free for WOW members and $45 for nonmembers. Purchase your tickets to Sizzling Summer Soiree in advance to avoid waiting in a very long line! Join W.O.W. for $75 which includes complimentary admission to all W.O.W. events through next June. Buy your ticket today by calling 713-957-3779. Special thanks to The Capital Grille and TY-KU.

{Thursday}

Thursdays are always nuts.  Get in where you fit in.

5-10PM | Spacetaker Cultured Cocktails benefiting Dance Houston | FREE
Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar (Taft @ Fairview)
This has been THE place to be this summer if you are a non-profit. Or if you like wine. Either will do.

6-8pm | HYPA Summer Cocktail Tour at the Grove (Discovery Green) | FREE
feat. Houston artists Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano + The Fodice Foundation
HOUSTON Magazine is sponsoring a summer long tour of hip places and pretty faces. This week at the Grove with HYPA. There is an afterparty at Katy + Patrick’s studio. The afterparty + film screening is free for HYPA members, and $35 for non-members.

6-9pm | 310 Rosemont Summer Mixer (1965 W. Gray) | FREE
Fashion and Denim for Women AND Men! Come for a drink. Stay for the new fall fashions. Toast to the end of summer.
I’m not sure about toasting to the end of summer…i’m hanging on with my fingernails. But LOVE this boutique. Check it.

{Friday}

Bright New Media

3:30-5:30pm | Bright Sky Press | 5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles | $35

Laura Mayes and yours truly will be leading a Social Media Workshop this Friday at the lovely Bright Sky Press. Stop by to ask all those burning questions about Twitter, Flickr, and Blogging, oh my! From 3:30-5:30 p.m. we’ll have the very informal workshop (Easy, practical social media training) and at 5:30 p.m. we’ll break out the Social Media Social Hour (A very happy Happy Hour where social media shows it social side).

Bright Sky Press is hosting its inaugural Bright New Media social media workshop at the Bright Sky Bookspace . Stop in to find out more about Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, Facebook, and a partridge in a pear tree. More importantly, we’ll talk about why we should care about all this (for business, for pleasure, for smart ways to connect)…and we’ll show you how easy it is to do (it’s really easy!). It all starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends with a Social Media Social Hour. $35 a person gets you all the know-how you need to go go go. We can’t wait to see you then!

RSVP to kara@brightskypress.com

Four Openings at Lawndale Art Center

6-8:30pm | Lawndale Art Center | 4912 Main Street | lawndaleartcenter.org

Yummm. I love me some Lawndale. Check out this Friday’s quadruple opening. Opening Reception August 21, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Artist talks at 6 PM. Exhibitions on view August 21- September 26, 2009:

Lawndale Art Center 30th Anniversary Exhibition –
Curated by Clint Willour
Work by Seth Alverson, Dawolu Jabari Anderson, Chuy Benitez, Elaine Bradford, Emily Sloan and Mark Schatz

Me, Mine, and not Yours – Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives

Paper or Plastic?– Nathaniel Donnett

The Green™ cyber web – Adela Andea

{Saturday}

Planned Parenthood + Riazul Tequila present Party Like a Rockstar

8pm-midnight | Warehouse Live

Whether you wear high heels, Doc Martens or blue suede shoes, come to move those feet and pump those fists in the air – and let your voice be heard!

Live Performances by DJ Alex C – voted #1 DJ by the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle and SKYROCKET! – voted Austin’s #1 cover band.

TICKETS:
Single Ticket ($50) – includes catering by Joe’s Crab Shack!

Be a VIP!
Solo-Act ($150) – one person, Hook-Up ($250) – two people, Groupies ($1000) – eight people, Entourage ($3000) – 30 people
VIP level includes catering by Morton’s the Steakhouse & Max’s Wine Dive with a Champagne Station.
Grammy Gift Bags. Exclusive After- Party from midnight to 2 a.m.

Visit http://www.pphouston.org/rockstar2009 for more information. Purchase tickets here

I’ve been hearing about this Neverland event a lot this week, and am determined to swing by and check it out. If nothing more, than to hang with the incomparable Miss Y.E.T.

Your are invited to Neverland, an art happening in memory of Michael Jackson at El Rincon Social (Houston, Texas). Featuring live music, video art, visual art, dance, and performance art. Neverland is a DIY celebration of the fantastic—- sequined gloves, the moonwalk, bubbles, and soulfulness.

Music by Nectarine, DJ Shundrick, dance by Sweft Feet Dance Co., and performance by Hisson.

Take pictures at the Michael Jackson photo booth. Bring a blank t-shirt & make your own MJ stencil shirt. Shake it off at the dance-a-thon.

Visual & video art by:

Fulana (Brooklyn)
Sebastian Forray (Houston)
Inge Hoonte (Brooklyn)
Emily Link (Houston)
Nia McCloud (Houston)
Emmanuel Ramos (Houston)
Stephanie Saint (Houston)
Y.E. Torres (Houston)
Fabian Vargas (Houston)
Sway Youngston (Houston)

Presented by labotanica and SPAMMO in collaboration with El Rincon Social, Objectif Magazine, & The Akire Group. RSVP on facebook here.

Questions? contact: la (at) labotanica dot org.

a map to El Rincon exisit aqui.

more info.

see you there.

There was something about Michael that was so immortal. He was the biggest personality on the planet.  Moreso than any political leader. Any actor or actress.  Even music superstars like Madonna, Britney and Justin, PALE in comparison.

So what was it about Michael that made people so damn happy? Smile with they sing along? Giddy when they dance? Nostalgia? I think it was magic.

Just caught wind of this on Twitter:

In honor of Michael Jackson and his unforgettable dance moves that inspired us all AND EMPLOYED DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS INTO NEW CAREER PATHS!

recent rehearsal photos (TMZ.com)

Lauren Perrone of Sandra Organ Dance Company along with the Houston Dance Community and their friends will be teaching the Thriller dance to anyone and everyone at Discovery Green Park on Thursday. WE want to commemorate the man who inspired so many of us to moonwalk and sing our hearts out. ROCK WITH US! Bring the kids, sneakers, and soul.

Thursday, July 2, 2009
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney, Houston, TX 77010
FREE!

Sponsored by Discovery Green and Spearheaded by Sandra Organ Dance Company, Dance Source Houston, and Dance Houston.