Back to school already? Don't let the sucky traffic get in the way of enjoying what's happening in Houston this weekend, which includes thespian dance, a creativity workshop, a festival that celebrates frosty suds, a groovy Bollywood bash and the end of a month-long delicious campaign that fights hunger.
NobleMotion Dance presents Dark Matter: Evidence of Things Unseen
While spectacular lighting, cool projections and imaginative sets surely do add wonderful theatricality to NobleMotion Dance productions, the artistic directors, husband and wife Andy and Dionne Sparkman Noble, do so only when technology and design intensify and reinforce their aesthetic — not replace it.
Dark Matter: Evidence of Things Unseen, the company's newest concept, works to balance movement, tech and design to render a milieu that muses over issues of science and religion and how those two "polar opposite" subjects influence the human condition.
The skinny: Friday through Sept. 6; The Barn; $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Writespace Workshop: "How to Schmooze Your Muse and Keep Her by Your Side" with Sarah Cortez
Not everyone dances, sings, plays an instrument, paints, crafts or puts on a show (dramatic meltdowns don't count). But like it or not we all have to write.
If you've ever felt at a loss for words, if you've ever felt that you couldn't communicate effectively, if you've ever wanted your written words to jump off the page, try this workshop led by local author Sarah Cortez, who promises to rouse your creativity to flow freely.
The skinny: Saturday, 9 a.m.; Writespace Houston at Silver Street Studios; $35.
2014 Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival
Whatever you do, don't be the dude or gal who attempts to sample all of the 400 plus craft beers and specialty suds that will be showcased as part of this three-day brew fest. And if you are, you must post lots of Vine videos so we can all laugh at you when you find yourself ratchet, walking up with someone else's Spanx on your head. Be smart: Recruit a designated driver or book a room for this Labor Day weekend.
The schedule of this Galveston affair includes food pairings, tastings, live music parties and pub crawls.
The skinny: Friday through Sunday; Moody Gardens; admission fee varies by event.
Indian Performing Arts: Samskriti presents "Bollywood Blast: The Bollywood Bandwagon"
Without fail, when Bollywood music hits my iPod while on a jog, my stride gets longer and more confident. I don't even care that I can't understand a word of what the music is telling me. The rhythms are so delicious, you can't help but imagine yourself donning irresistible costumes and doing some exotic mudras with your hands.
Samskriti hits Miller Outdoor Theatre with another "Bollywood Blast" spectacle that evinces that new trends can draw from old traditions to offer something vibrant, current and fabulous.
The skinny: Sunday, 8 p.m.; Miller Outdoor Theatre; free event, tickets are available for the seated area.
Houston Restaurant Weeks
If you are looking at the calendar in disbelief as you realize that August is bye bye and back to school is here, you're probably also thinking, "crap, I need to get my Houston Restaurant Weeks on before I have to wait another year."
The arrival of Labor Day means the month-long campaign that supports the Houston Food Bank is almost over. So it's now or never — make your reservations and dine for a good cause. Here's an idea.
The skinny: Ends Monday; participating restaurants; menus range from $20 to $45.
Duck with a cherry sauce, one of the dishes featured at Tony's as part of Houston Restaurant Weeks.
Another view of the garden. Photo by Brian Austin, courtesy of Rothko Chapel.