This weekend looks set to be hot – literally – as temperatures are expected to rise. Regardless, many options for indoors and outdoors. Look out for lively events: one raises awareness of critically endangered white rhinos, while the Bourbon Fest takes place at one of Houston’s premier bourbon/whisky bars.
Meanwhile, classical music lovers can enjoy a free open-air performance, a Heights spot celebrates sausage and beer, and the FotoFest begins with captivating exhibitions.
Enjoy; Here are your best bets for the weekend.
Thursday, 09/22
14 Pews Presents Cressandra Thibodeaux: Shadow Projections Opening Reception
As part of the FotoFest Biennale 2022, 14 Pews will host a new photography exhibition by Cressandra Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux, an award-winning Native American filmmaker and visual artist, received her MFA from Columbia University’s film program and her bachelor’s degree from UT in Austin and her associate’s degree from the Glassell School of Art in photography. She has produced/directed/edited numerous documentaries, short films and commercials. Until Sunday 6 November 6 p.m.
World Rhino Day at the White Rhino Cocktail Bar
In celebration of World Rhino Day and in an effort to raise awareness for all five endangered rhino species, White Rhino Cocktail Bar and Gallery Furniture are hosting this celebratory fundraiser. Guests are encouraged to wear safari attire and participate in the silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Houston Zoo. Live music, free food, and additional entertainment are provided throughout the night. The bartenders will also launch a specialty cocktail, Electric Rhino, featuring locally-owned Eado Vodka. All Electric Rhino cocktail sales go to the Houston Zoo fundraiser. 6 p.m.
The Ensemble Theater presents Love & Southern D!scomfort
This play (opening the ensemble’s 46th season) unfolds like a soap opera, and is a rich and timeless tale of how love and Southern unease stir discord when the death of the family matriarch creates a crisis for her heirs. Using the steamy and sultry setting of rural Louisiana, with the unbridled passion that only family can inspire, the story is infused with original contemporary music, steam, jealousy, joy, pain and love. This fast-paced and emotional piece offers good old-fashioned drama that will leave you pondering your own family ties. Until October 16th. 7:30 p.m. (8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday).
Friday, 09/23
Ars Lyrica presents Hail, Bright Cecilia!
The legendary Cecilia, the patron saint of the “heavenly art” of music, has inspired countless poets, composers and music organizations over the years. Ars Lyrica’s harmonious season opener spotlights two magnificent Cecilian odes by Henry Purcell for multiple voices and a colorful baroque orchestra of period strings, horns, keyboards, lutes and percussion.
Performers include Alexandra Gorman, soprano; Julia Fox, soprano; Jay Carter, countertenor; Cecilia Duarte, mezzo-soprano; Stephen Ash, tenor; Thomas O’Neill, tenor; Kirby Traylor, baritone; and Christopher Besch, baritone. 19:30 o’clock.
Bridgeyear prom
BridgeYear is a Houston-based nonprofit whose mission is to connect underserved youth with career and educational opportunities that provide economic stability and independence. At the BridgeYear Prom, guests can relive the best of high school memories while helping students in the Houston community develop skills and awareness of post-secondary pathways. The 80’s prom themed fundraising event gives attendees a chance to retake classic prom photos, slow dance with their crush and nominate a new prom dish. Additionally, guests have access to the full bar, as well as appetizers and desserts. 19:30 o’clock.
Karen Stokes Dance presents Mapping & Glaciers
Mapping & Glaciers reflects the changing landscapes, both metaphorical and factual, of our time. Choreographed/filmed/directed by Karen Stokes and original music by Samuel Lipman, the performance fuses film, dance and music to explore human concepts of territory and connection in a world of melting glaciers. The project examines man-made and natural boundaries that challenge humans through tribalism and power constructs, as well as the changing shape of our geological environment under the influence of climate change. 7:30 p.m. (Sunday 4:00 p.m.).
River Oaks Chamber Orchestra presents “Family”
Join a longtime classical music group at the Miller Outdoor Theater and celebrate Houston’s diversity with a performance. “Family” opens the ROCO season as part of the Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation’s In Concert Series. Expect a full 40-piece chamber orchestra conducted by artistic partner Mei-Ann Chen. Highlights include a world premiere performance by Michael Abels (composer of the Oscar-winning Go out) with guitarist Mak Grgic; Folk song of Hòa nhạc Bèo dạt can trôi; Juan Pablo Contreras’ mariachitlan; and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 17. 8 p.m.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at White Oak Music Hall
Rock horror is back in Houston with a live performance/show for all ages. Performed by CHAOS aka The Royal Mystic Order of Chaos, the Rock horror shadow-cast performed monthly at the River Oaks Theater from 2012 until it closed its doors. The film and show are presented by Friends of River Oaks Theatre, the non-profit organization. Proceeds from the event will go toward rebooting the CHAOS cast, including purchasing new props and costumes for performances at the soon-to-be-reopened theater. As well as other programming efforts to preserve the River Oaks Theater and allow it to thrive as an art house cinema. 12:15 p.m.
Saturday, 09/24
At the Water Boat & Outdoor Adventure Show
The first on-water boat show of its kind for Lake Conroe featuring a full entertainment program. This two-day inaugural show will be held at the Margaritaville Lake Resort and admission is free. They will have over 30 boats, watercraft, powersports and more on display for preview. There will be a Battle of the Bands competition on Saturday afternoon. As for Sunday, that’s family day! If you want to spend the weekend on a boat – just like the Lonely Island and T-Pain! – here is your chance. 10 am.
Sausage Festival 2022
The Heights Odd Fellows Lodge’s annual sausage-themed festival returns. We’re talking $5 sausage on a stick and a $15 sausage platter with traditional side dish. Break out your lederhosen and dirndl for beer, sausage, music, fun and cosiness. (For non-German speakers, Gemeinheit is a German word meaning a space or state of warmth, friendliness, and good humor). The Lodge has plenty of space for this celebration and it will come rain or shine. Midday.
FotoFest Biennale 2022 Grand Opening
The exhibitions “If I Had a Hammer” and “African Cosmologies: Redux” will be shown at the opening ceremony of the FotoFest Biennale 2022. Visitors can meet the artists, curators and team behind the Biennale while enjoying light snacks, a bar and music. You’ll also be among the first visitors to see artworks by artists who are redefining contemporary photographic and image-based art. There will be remarks from Biennial curators Steven Evans, Max Fields and Amy Sadao, as well as artists represented in the exhibitions. Biennial books and limited-edition merchandise produced in conjunction with If I Had a Hammer and African Cosmologies will be available for purchase on-site. 8 p.m.
Stereo Live Presents Kyle Watson: “My Machines”
South African DJ and producer Kyle Watson has recently embarked on his new tour of the United States. With the “My Machines” concept, Watson intends to use this extensive collection to develop a specially curated, completely original set. Each show will feature a mix of selections that have remained exclusive to his collection throughout his career as an artist. In addition to the audio component of the experience, Watson assembled a visual element and brand that reflects the concept of “My Machines”. Sponges will be the opening number. 22 O `clock.
Sunday, 09/25
Houston Tidbits presents the Fashion Farmers Market
Trusted lifestyle and fashion resource Houston Tidbits brings a big dose of style to North Houston’s City Place and its hugely popular market. Browse dozens of independent and desirable fashion and lifestyle vendors in Houston including Abner Hats, Bauble Bash, Carla Valencia, Confettees, Dos Margaritas Salsa, EDIT, Golden Thread, Independence Trading Post, Koco + Co, Margarita Mercantile, Meraki Wayuu, Mighty Aphrodity, Naked Natural, Saturday Silks, Sweet Elaine’s Bakery, Tru Colors Gameday and more. Additionally, the event serves as a showcase for a number of top-notch local wedding partners. Midday.
Julep Bar presents Bourbon Fest
Celebrating National Bourbon Heritage Month, Alba Huerta’s James Beard Award-winning Bar Julep hosts this festival of tastings, cocktail classes, light bites and live music. The full menu will also be available for purchase. Guests are invited to sample a selection of the house’s most popular bourbons including: Old Forester, Bulleit, Blade and Bow, Dickel, Wild Turkey and Longbranch. Ticket holders also learn how to make classic bourbon cocktails and discuss mash bill and whiskey with Julep’s director of education, Westin Galleymore. 4 p.m.
FotoFest Presents Performance: Ho Rui An: DASH
Opening with footage of an accident captured by a dash cam, HYPHEN considers the convergence between crisis and accident in a risk-managed and financially secure era. While the dashcam was designed to witness the accidents that happen to the vehicle for which it was fitted, its proliferation over the past few years has inadvertently produced a contemporary index of the accident in the vast accumulation of accident footage on the internet. By examining what it means to move on after the accident, the presentation unveils the broader logic of ‘horizon scanning’ that underlies the Singapore Government’s Foresight programmes. 6 p.m.
