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Your weekly guide to Houston: Five (plus) don't-miss events — unique food festival included

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.

The skinny: Sunday, 6 p.m.; Shepherd School of Music; $25 general admission, $20 seniors, $10 students.

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.

Urban Green's Hula in Hermann Park May 2013 crowd venue

Photo by Morris Malakoff

A scene from Urban Green's 2013 bash at Hermann Park.

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Musical theater veteran joins prominent Houston company

Courtesy of Stages

Stages has named Valerie Rachelle as its new associate artist director.

A Houston theater company is adding an accomplished artist to its ranks. Stages announced that Valerie Rachelle will be the company’s new associate artistic director beginning in January 2026.

For more than a decade, Rachelle has been artistic director of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, Oregon, where she oversaw artistic vision and operations. That theater specializes in musical theater performances offered in a cabaret setting.

Rachelle comes to Houston with a career spanning nearly 30 years as a director and choreographer. She has extensive experience in developing new musicals and plays for regional theaters and opera companies across the United States, including the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Sierra Repertory Theatre. She was appointed to her position at Stages following a nationwide search.

“I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity to join this incredible company, and I’m excited to be a part of a creative entity that has a strong mission and vision as Stages,” Rachelle said in a statement.

In her role with Stages, she will support artistic director Derek Charles Livingston with season planning and casting; liaise with artists, press, and staff; and coordinate day-to-day operations for the artistic department. She will also assist with crafting educational materials, direct and choreograph productions, and serve as the primary liaison with theatrical unions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valerie to Stages in this role,” said Livingston. “I have seen her work as a director and director choreographer — she's excellent. Those skills combined with her experience as a theatre artistic director and manager only further fortify Stages' commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.”

Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Rachelle began her career as a dancer and apprentice ballerina with the Eugene Ballet Company before earning her BFA in acting from California Institute of the Arts. She received her MFA in Directing from the University of California, Irvine. She has held teaching and directing positions at numerous institutions, including the University of Southern California, Southern Oregon University, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, and others. She has also served as a mentor through Statera Arts, an organization dedicated to gender equity in the arts.

Rachelle teaches musical theater, auditioning, and singing at Southern Oregon University when she isn’t on the road as a freelance director and choreographer. She’s also a classically trained singer and toured the world with her parents and their illusionist show as a child.

“Joining the team that has a long-standing reputation of excellence in theater is an honor,” Rachelle added.

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