Lets launch into 2014 with a series of out-of-this-world events — literally. This week, feel what it's like to defy gravity, explore the world of sound, see the result of two dissimilar concepts coming together in art, eat for a good cause and laugh while learning to look at life a tad differently.
Houston Symphony Young Professionals Backstage hosts "Moon Walk" plus The Planets and The Earth
Goose bumps from blast off to orbit — that's how I felt when images of NASA's space explorations poetically weaved to narrate an abstract story of the vastness of the cosmos alongside powerful classical music. Filmmaker Duncan Copp's meticulous visual essay is remarkable as a stand-alone work, but when coupled with music by Gustav Holst, Richard Strauss and John Adams, the experience will leave you breathless.
Enjoy this fast ride with young professionals with a penchant for the finer things in life. Houston Symphony YPB's "Moon Walk" adds socializing fun to an enterprising multimedia project that has earned the Houston Symphony worldwide recognition.
The skinny: YPB event is on Saturday, 7 p.m.; Jones Hall and the Houston Club; tickets are $45. Concert is on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; tickets start at $22.
DiverseWorks presents SonicWorks
Let's keep the aural theme going, shall we? With this exhibition, DiverseWorks goes beyond the genre of tuneful music to survey the world of sound — the medium of sound and the materials used to create it. The avant-garde presenter's curators have amassed a collection of installations and interactive works by well-known artists — such as locals The Art Guys, David Dove and Damon Smith plus international talent — that play with elements ranging from traditional to bizarre. What else would you expect from DiverseWorks?
SonicWorks will also present weekly live performances as part of DiverseWorks on Wednesday series.
The skinny: Opening reception is on Friday, 7 p.m.; DiverseWorks; free event.
Fresh Arts presents Seismic Atlas
Off we go from sound to movement, courtesy of Fresh Arts, a friendly army of art advocates that do their part to nurture local artists. What you'll find in the Winter Street Studios gallery is a number of large drawings by Katie Mulholland and Darcy Rosenberger, curated by Sapphire Williams, that somehow marries two concepts: The movement of the planet's tectonic plates with the organic rhythms of the human body.
How? I have no idea — but that's part of the excitement of discovering new art and new aesthetics.
The skinny: Friday, 6 p.m.; Fresh Arts; free event.
Galveston Restaurant Week
I hear that the weather is supposed to return to manageable levels this weekend. Perhaps an excuse to leave your igloo in search of a sniff of ocean life? Let's hope the forecasted rain holds off as Galveston Restaurant Week kicks off on Sunday, an opportunity to gallivant around the island sampling the fruits of the area's culinary stars.
Participating restaurants will offer special multi-course menus. You may be enticed by Number 13 Prime Steak and Seafood's crawfish stuffed beignets and 24-hour short ribs, or Brick House Tavern + Tap's cider pork chop . . . plus the recipes of 30 some other eateries.
Don't be afraid to take a break from your New Year's healthy eating resolution. Feel good about the calories as proceeds benefit the Galveston County Food Bank.
The skinny: Sunday through Jan. 25; Various restaurants in Galveston; prices range from $10 to $40.
Houston Premieres film screening: The Pervert's Guide to Ideology
Doesn't the title tickle your funny bone? It's often said that there's brilliance within the absurd, and you'll find plenty of that in this 2012 British documentary that deconstructs pop culture by suggesting what may be hidden in such films as The Sound of Music, Jaws, Taxi Driver and Titanic; products such as candy and Coca-Cola; Soviet and Nazi propaganda; and heck, mix in Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" for fun.
The main man of the film, Slovene philosopher and psychoanalyst Slavoj Žižek, isn't the type to shy away from expressing his views — no matter how quirky they may be. Watch the trailer here. Expect to be amused and bemused.
The skinny: Sunday, 5 p.m.; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; general admission tickets are $9.
In SonicWorks, DiverseWorks surveys the world of sound — the medium of sound and the materials used to create it.
