On the calendar this week are a green-loving, white-themed young professionals bash, a quirky best-of-the-best show, a performance in which Brahms and The Beatles feel right at home, a spicy food battle and a musical journey to Hungary.
Urban Green Young Professionals hosts "Birthday en Blanc: Still White Hot at 100 Years Old"
You can always count on the Urban Green troupe to charm with lovely events that take advantage of Hermann Park's appeal. Set in the Lake Plaza, the white-themed centennial young professionals bash chaired by Jennifer Hobson, Gregory Kaldis, Kelly and David Leonard and Jon Sanfelippo raises funds to improve and maintain this landmark Houston destination. And yes, you'll be able to ride the train.
The skinny: Thursday, 7 p.m.; Hermann Park; $45 general public, $35 Urban Green members.
Houston Fringe Festival presents "The Best of Fringe"
When the three-week festival that presents creativity on the edge rolls into Houston, the task of what to see and where to be can be overwhelming. Think of this "Best of Fringe" show as the 2013 highlights that made a memorable impression on curators, audiences and behind-the-scenes experts. That list includes dance, circus art, spoken word and improvisatory performances by Alexandria Gurley, China Cat Dance, Cirque La Vie, Nicolay Dance Works and This Infinite Closet.
The skinny: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Frenetic Theater; $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Houston Chamber Choir presents "Love Me Do! Love songs of the '60s"
Those who haven't discovered the charisma of the musicians that comprise the Houston Chamber Choir have no idea what they're missing — this isn't your adorable neighborhood church choir, folks. While the professional group's renditions of choral works of yesteryear are exemplary, nothing is more fun than watching the sassy singers drop their metaphorical choir robs to let loose and croon popular tunes. Music by Brahms and The Beatles are coupled in a program that travels from the 1860s to the 1960s.
The skinny: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Lone Star College-Montgomery Campus; $40 general admission. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; South Main Baptist Church; $40 general admission. Sunday, 4 p.m.; Imperial Arts in Rosenberg; $30 adult tickets.
Third Annual Curry Crawl
Battle curry is on at this third annual party in which 13 restaurant and food truck chefs pull out all the stops to impress a panel of judges and guests with their savory creations in hopes of being awarded one of the tasting's honors, including Grand Prize, Best Presentation and People's Choice. Thank goodness for Grey Goose, No Label Beer, La Marca Wines and Evamor, which will be onsite to provide liquid relief from all the piquant flavors.
It's all for a good cause. That would be Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the Year campaign, particularly Fleming's operating partner Sam Governale and KPRC producer Amber Willis's quest to earn the coveted philanthropic title.
The skinny: Sunday, 5 p.m.; Straits at CityCentre; $55.
Apollo Chamber Players presents "Of Gypsies and Rhapsodies"
Exploring the intersection of classical music and folk traditions may be the schtick of the Apollo Chamber Players, but that doesn't meant that it's a gimmick. In fact, what I love most about the ensemble's performances is that you come away with a better understanding of the interplay between a master composer's journey and the environment that shaped their lives.
Off to Hungary we go in this concert that focuses on music by Haydn, Liszt and Bartok. As it's customary with Apollo, expect to be surprised by energetic homemade arrangements orchestrated by the string quartet's members.
Staff writer and resident gourmand Eric Sandler's pick: Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Market
Eric says, "Over the last year, the 300 block of Main has become one of Houston's hottest nightlife destinations. Things slow down one Sunday a month for an afternoon/evening market and street festival. Bars like Goro & Gun and Little Dipper run specials to entice people, and street parking downtown is free on Sunday.
"Come check out locals arts and crafts vendors, hear some live music from Troy Hess and the Texas Heartbreakers and snack on snowballs from Yeti Sunshine. It's a low-key way to wrap up your weekend."
The skinny: Sunday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; 300 Main; Free to walk the block, everything else costs.
A scene from Urban Green's 2013 bash at Hermann Park.
