On the itinerary this weekend are an edgy art opening, a sassy south-of-the-border dance performance, springtime fun, a sporty water race and a parade in green.
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Art opening reception: Made in Iran by Iranian Street Artists ICY & SOT
Whether it's the raw, unbridled affect of street art or the message conveyed by Iranian-born brothers ICY and SOT — perhaps a combination of the two — the stencils that comprise the exhibition Made in Iran stop viewers dead on their tracks. In the middle a four-city national tour that began in San Francisco, the collection makes a 24-hour stopover in Houston's Aerosol Warfare Gallery.
Through a melange of East and West aesthetic movements, strong, polarizing subjects — such as love and hate, war and peace, and hope and despair — are imprinted in the edgy, fiery works. Post punk Iranian band Yellow Dogs, which tours along with the artist duo, adds a dash of cross-artistic stimulation.
The deets: Thursday, 7 p.m.; Aerosol Warfare Gallery; free event.
Society for the Performing Arts presents Grupo Corpo
If the love child of Stomp and Riverdance were to be born out of a lustful romp somewhere in the Amazon, it would grow up to be something like Grupo Corpo, a Brazilian contemporary dance troupe grounded in the tradition of Afro-Brazilian movements mixed with urban, popular, ballet and modern genres. Society for the Performing Arts hosts the 22-member ensemble for its Houston debut.
If the love child of Stomp and Riverdance were to be born out of a lustful romp somewhere in the Amazon, it would grow up to be something like Grupo Corpo.
The deets: Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m.; Wortham Theater Center; tickets start at $35.
Spring House and Gardens Days at Rienzi and Bayou Bend
The most wonderful time of the year is supposed to be Christmas, but at Bayou Bend and Rienzi, both satellite collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, that time is right now. The formal gardens are awash with the bright colors of springtime and fume with delightful aromas as azaleas, tulips and a miscellanea of flora are at their peak.
For ease of transportation, park at Bayou Bend. A shuttle hauls visitors between the two homes. Refreshments will be provided.
The deets: Saturday and Sunday; Bayou Bend and Rienzi; $15 includes admission to both locations.
Buffalo Bayou Regatta
It's not too late to join in the 15-mile, USCA-sanctioned race atop the currents of Houston's urban waterway. Though if you are not the type to paddle, watching and cheering those who row, row, row their boat is as much a part of the experience as it is getting wet and wild on Buffalo Bayou.
Seeing friends and family off at the starting line, on San Felipe Street just west off Voss, is a festive affair. And so is the the final party at Sesquicentennial Park, which includes live music, activities, food, drinks and the awards ceremony.
54th Annual Houston St. Patrick's Parade
No need to be Irish, just wear anything viridescent and drink plenty of beer to fit in among the thousands of amicable townsfolk that hit the streets for this yearly al fresco event. Donna McKenzie, whose voice has rippled through the city's radio airwaves for more than two decades, takes the reins as the 2013 grand marshal.
The parade begins at the Clock Tower entrance of Minute Maid Park, travels down Texas Avenue, up San Jacinto and back through Preston Street.
The deets: Saturday, noon; Downtown Houston; free for spectators.
Arts smarty pants and in-the-loop dance maven Nancy Wozny's pick: "The Suppression of the Powerful Feminine" by Dominic Walsh
Nancy says: "It's terrifically exciting to see Dominic Walsh back at the Jung Center with his program 'The Suppression of the Feminine.' Walsh will be speaking about the compelling, tragic life of sculptor Camille Claudel, and why he was drawn to translate her story into movement for Dominic Walsh Dance Theater's riveting production. More than a decade ago, as coordinator of the expressive arts, I brought Walsh in to speak about his provocative work."
Staff writer and savvy Houston explorer Whitney Radley' pick: RodeoHouston Concert with George Strait, Martina McBride and the Randy Rogers Band
Whitney says: "George Strait's crooning voice served as the soundtrack of my youth, his rugged good looks and his sculpted ten-gallon the quintessential qualities of a true Texas man. So I'll be damned if I miss his performance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on Sunday evening — allegedly his last."
The deets: Sunday, 6 p.m.; Reliant Stadium; sold out, but available through brokers.
Staff writer and totally awesome guy Tyler Rudick's pick: Zombies in concert with special guests Elephant Stone
Tyler says: "Those kings of 1960s British psychedelic rock — the Zombies — are making their way to Fitzgerald's this Sunday. While I'd say it's a chance of a lifetime, the legendary act known for chart-toppers like 'Time of the Season' are touring regularly these days and have even released two full-lengths albums in the last decade.
"Expect plenty of tracks from the classic 1968 album Odessey & Oracle as well as iconic singles like "She's Not There." Canadian psych band Elephant Stone opens."
The deets: Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Fitzgerald's; tickets start at $20.
Society for the Performing Arts hosts the 22-member Grupo Corpo ensemble for its Houston debut.
