To hear the Persian flute up close and personal is to imbibe the charm and essence of Iran. At the home of Diane and William Pray, fans, cast members and creative personalities responsible for birthing HGOco's production of Greg Spears' The Bricklayer toasted to a week-long busy schedule of rehearsals, the world premiere and follow-up performances.

Kamran Thunder, San Francisco-based ney virtuoso from Tehran, was in town exclusively for the run. When he opened an oversized briefcase with more than 20 wooden flutes, the curious crowd absorbed the sound, learning about playing techniques and the philosophy behind the instrument's two distinct tonal ranges.

What's a dance fundraiser without a flash mob?

Funds were raised for Houston Metropolitan Dance Company's shiny new digs at 2808 Caroline. Board president Adam Walker was spotted beaming like proud father and Houston Endowment's David Lake walked the red carpet and toured the facilities alongside 200 guests, despite the rainy forecast.

The 11,000-square-foot studio doubles the nonprofit's current home on Calumet and adds three more rehearsal/class/workshop spaces for children, amateur adults and professionals.

Local arts organizations kicking butt and taking names? Who doesn't love that. Among this week's suggestions, you'll find plenty of artsy prowess fused with musicals, a scavenger hunt, a juried art bacchanal, Russian chamber music and a quirky exhibition.

Here's what's on tap:

Theatre Under the Stars presents Annie at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Brace yourself for a sappy story: Annie was the first musical I ever saw on stage when I was a young 'un growing up in Lima, Peru. That "Tomorrow" was paraphrased as "Mañana" is a testament that everyone everywhere craves the moving tale of the ginger kid who refused to have a hard life.

With enough drinks, I can reenact the whole thing in Spanish and English — jazz hands, pirouettes and embarrassing choreography included.

Brenham-native Sadie Sink is the adorable 9-year-old redhead taking on the role. She's darling and so is Macy, the rescue pup playing Sandy. Annie is a TUTS self-produced show, so expect an army of local children on stage.

Tickets start at $24. Runs through April 1.

The Heritage Society’s "Finding maS notsuoH" Historic Scavenger Hunt

Are you a history junkie? Think you are the overlord, the keeper of all things local? Do you have what it takes to take on Houston's version of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code?

The Heritage Society is trying something new this year. Using a camera phone and a flashlight, guests will morph into forensic detectives as they decipher cryptic clues to track down "maS notsuoH" — that's Sam Houston in retrograde. But do it quickly as prizes will be awarded for the swiftest PIs.

What will be uncovered? The suspense is killing me. Along the way, indulge in adult beverages and light hors d'oeuvres. Because even the hardest working investigators need a breather now and then.

Thursday, 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for individuals, $15 for teams of two.

Capital One Bank 41st Annual Bayou City Art Festival at Memorial Park

Have you noticed exciting things happening at Memorial Park? It's impossible not to notice that the Bayou City Art Festival is this weekend. White tents have been erected, signs are everywhere and Memorial Drive smells of creativity, the kind that makes me take out my credit card for one-of-a-kind goods.

Sure, the main attraction are the 17 different categories of art — from paintings to pottery to sculpture to mixed media — and the featured artist, printmaker Tanya Doskova. But there are also performing arts stages jammed packed with local performers, interactive children's activities and great international food and drinks.

Honoring Diane and Michael Caplan and Wade Wilson, the festival's social gathering, "Sunday in the Art - It's a Red Affair!," set for 1 p.m. Sunday, mingles tapas, drinks, a fine art walk and fiery music by Nuevo Flamenco. Attire is anything red.

The festival is Friday through Sunday, $12 cash-only at the door. Tickets to "Sunday in the Art - It's a Red Affair!" start at $35.

A Season Opening Celebration and Fundraiser: "It's Dark and We're Wearing Sunglasses" at Hotel Zaza and Miller Outdoor Theater

Another spring (almost) means another season of free high-quality performances at Outdoor Miller Theater. Year after year, the nonprofit diligently pores over thousands of local, national and international acts to curate a wicked season Houston will love. The shows may be free, but don't let that fool you into believing there's any cost-cutting involved when presenting groups at Miller, a tradition since 1923.

The official kickoff begins at Hotel Zaza. For "It's Dark and We're Wearing Sunglasses," dig up your sassiest shades, fedoras and shine those dancing shoes. The evening begins with cocktails and dinner, after which guests will be shuttled to the high-decibel show at Miller, "The Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers."

Thursday, 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the fundraiser start at $150. The free performance starts at 8:15 p.m. and repeats Friday at the same time.

Apollo Chamber Players presents "From Russia, With Love" at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Not every concert that focuses on Shostakovich's Piano Trio No. 2 in E Minor is worthy of attention. The piece is a bloodbath for the performers but if executed well, it's a thrilling klezmer-esque rollercoaster for the audience.

There's no doubt that the Apollo Chamber Players will rock out to Shostakovich. In fact, I bet the musicians will find a new angle to bring out the Russian's rich framework and folk influences. That's what Apollo does best.

Also on the program are Prokofiev's Five Melodies for Violin and Piano, Schnittke's Prelude in Memorium of Shostakovich and Borodin's String Quartet in D Major — made famous by Kismet — as well as arrangements of Russian and Jewish down-home melodies, some of which have been arranged by the members of Apollo.

Saturday, 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $26.25; $19.50 for children 12 and under and students with ID.

Houston Ballet's "Raising the Barre - A Dinner in Four Acts" at Haven

Two of my favorite things come head-to-head in this Houston Ballet's delicious gathering: Young professionals doing good and the locavore cuisine of Randy Evans, Monica Pope and Chris Shepherd. I may be a devoted classical music boy, but the sassy ladies of Ballet Barre, Kristy Bradshaw and Lindsey Brown, have done what it takes to turn me into a balletomane.

"A Dinner in Four Acts" is chaired by Beth Zdeblick and includes a cocktail reception and a silent auction. Dancers Mimi Hassenboehler, Linnar Looris, Danielle Rowe and Connor Walsh will be the sous chefs for the evening. Can they cook? Find out.

Sunday, 6 p.m. Individual tickets start at $100; tables start at $1,500.

Staff writer, arts and architecture savant and cool guy Tyler Rudick's pick: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's Slide Jam

Tyler says: "Love the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's monthly Slide Jam event. Here's the set-up. Two artists — sometimes from similar backgrounds, sometimes not — are paired up to present and discuss their work. Then it's time for audience questions, which is where the fun starts!

"This Thursday,video/photo artist Anthea Behm from the CORE program joins Celia Butler, artist-in-residence at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. Always interesting! "

Thursday. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and the presentations kickoff at 7 p.m. Free.

CultureMap's intern and live music insider Karen Labuca's pick: Young the Giant and Grouplove at Warehouse Live

Karen says: "If you want to see a fun indie-rock show, these guys will definitely bring high energy. Both bands have released such impressive, addicting debut albums. Unfortunately as of now, the show is sold out. But you never know when last minute tickets will pop-up. So keep your eyes peeled — just in case."

Thursday. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m.

Staff writer and adorable Houston explorer Whitney Radley's pick: Nameless Sound presents "Sources and Echoes: A Decade of Musical Improvisation in Houston" at The Menil

Whitney says: "Living within walking distance of the Menil means that a stroll around the collection's grounds often makes it into my weekend routine. This time, I'll detour down the street to Richmond Hall to catch a couple of notes of the Nameless Sound's 'Sources and Echoes: A Decade of Musical Improvisation in Houston.'

Because really — what's better than Flavin and solo musical improvisations?"

Improvisations at Richmond Hall are from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Two new works by Pauline Oliveros, Four Meditations for Orchestra and Sound Piece, will be premiered at 8 p.m. at 4215 Mandell Pavilion. Admission is free.

Arts smarty pants and lovable dance maven Nancy Wozny's pick: Marina Zurkow's Necrocracy at DiverseWorks

Nancy says: "Did you know we are soaking in petroleum? Leave it to artist Marina Zurkow to tell us just how we live among and through oil based products. I first came upon Zurkow's visually stunning and provocative work at DiverseWorks at the last animation show, then again, two years ago at the FuseBox Festival.

"Her installation, Necrocracy, commissioned by DiverseWorks as part of Fotofest 2012 Biennial, examines geology, time, nature and that Texas tea we know and love, Petroleum, though video animation, drawings and sculpture. Necrocracy, (which translates to rule by the dead) was curated by artistic director Sixto Wagan and Diane Barber, former DiverseWorks co-executive directors."

On view through April 21. Admission is free.