On the itinerary this week are young professional gatherings, one big dog spectacle, a behind-the-scenes look at musical theater, an outsiders art show and a multicolored artsy evening at one Houston's fave green spaces.
Do this: Click on the link below each event to make planning easier. You'll a find a page with helpful features, like the ability to download the intel to your electronic calendar, in addition to suggestions on where to eat, drink and shop nearby your final destination.
36th Annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows
It's a dogs' world at Reliant Park through the weekend as this popular furry bacchanal rolls into town. As the pooches prepare themselves for their moment on the runway, so will a bevy of vendors that offer an array of goods that are ideal for spoiling your own four-legged friend. Be sure to catch the agility competitions — think Frisbees, hurdles, flyball, dancing, races — that kindle the inner athlete of man's best friend.
RedBuds' and Bayou Buddies' Summer Happy Hour
The young professional supporters of Trees for Houston and Buffalo Bayou Partnership have much in common when it comes to their penchant for nature and conservation. The two groups hang together for this dual summer happy hour that raises green to keep the city looking mighty lush with wholesome beauty — the perfect opportunity to meet up-and-coming do-gooders in the city.
The skinny: Thursday, 6 p.m.; Proof Bar + Patio; $10 admission, free for members.
Salon des Refusés 2013: Artwork rejected from Lawndale Art Center's The Big Show
Just as interesting as discovering how a juror curates an open call exhibition is poring over the submissions that, for whatever reason, didn't make the cut. Salon des Refusés 2013 at BLUEorange Contemporary Art Gallery is mused by the original Paris showcase that saw artists to the likes of Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet and Camille Pissarro as outsiders of what was considered on point in the opinion of the French school.
Artist Emily Sloan is the renegade gal behind this effort, which includes four, one-night receptions, the first of which is on Friday.
The skinny: Friday, 6 p.m.; BLUEorange Contemporary Art Gallery; admission is free.
Theatre Under The Stars presents A Chorus Line
This musical about the making of a musical forever changed how theatergoers view this part of the entertainment industry. It might look like it's all fun and games on stage, but the journey to winning a company spot — not to mention what it takes to be cast in a leading role — isn't for the weak of heart. If you've ever dreamt big, this musical will make you tingle.
The character of Valerie Clark — endearingly referred to as the "tits and ass" girl — was partly engendered by Chicago-native Mitzi Hamilton's choice to alter her body surgically (bigger boobs) to better fit in show biz. Hamilton directs this TUTS production that casts the gorgeous blonde bombshell Jessica Lee Goldgyn as Cassie.
Bering Omega Young Professionals Board's Second Annual Toga Party
Don't think for a second that grabbing a white sheet from your linen closet and draping it stylishly around your bod is good enough for this social gathering. The young professionals troupe that supports Bering Omega Community Services knows how to accessorize. What do you think this is? A frat party straight out of Animal House? Chairs Jason Leyva, Justin Concepcion, Cindy Rodriguez and Leslie Jackson have something else in mind.
The Second Annual Toga Party is more of a sophisticated affair, though it can get a tad wild after carousers imbibe adult beverages courtesy of Barefoot Wine, Dripping Springs Vodka and Saint Arnold Brewing Company.
The skinny: Saturday, 8 p.m.; Craft Salon; tickets are $35 per person, $50 per couple.
Arts smarty pants and in-the-loop dance maven Nancy Wozny's pick: Julydoscope
Nancy says: "I love the way Houston Cinema Arts Society supports dance, first by featuring several dance films in their yearly Houston Cinema Arts Festival and secondly by putting on Julydoscope, a multi-dance company performance followed by a screening of one fabulous dance film.
"This year, the show includes Impande Ye Africa, Samskriti, Frame Dance, MECA and FrenetiCore. The movie is none other than the original 1988 Hairspray, which screens as part of Qfest."
The skinny: Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Discovery Green; free event.
Jessica Lee Goldyn will star as Cassie in TUTS production of A Chorus Line at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
