On the itinerary this week are a sultry burlesque show Vegas-style, a play that has been the talk of the theater town, a festival that celebrates people being themselves, an artsy bash with street cred and a performance in which it just may be OK for you to grab your crotch — and dance like a zombie.
Dem Damn Dames presents "Tribute to Sin City"
It really doesn't matter what kind of feathery theme takes center stage at any Dem Damn Dames burlesque show. Because when the buxom gals strut, shake and shimmy their sexy lady parts, everyone has a good time.
The glam of Las Vegas descends onto Houston for this Sin City revue. The foxy Tifa Tittlywinks, Lady Lush, Emma D'Lemma and Honey MoonPie mount a production that, as they describe it, includes classic showgirls, circus antics and a drug-fueled "fantasy-lesque."
The skinny: Friday, 7 p.m.; Numbers Nightclub; tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $30 VIP seating.
Queensbury Theatre presents Oleanna
It's been quite the week for two theater companies as they experience the long arm of the copyright law. While Theatre Under the Stars has come under fire for unapproved changes to Hands on a Hardbody, a breach of contract for which the thespians had to cancel four performances, Milwaukee's Alchemist Theatre also was handed down a cease-and-desist letter from playwright David Mamet for casting a male actor in what's supposed to be a female role in his play Oleanna.
Queensbury Theatre mounts Mamet's work about a female students who accuses a professor of sexual misconduct. While the company waits for its new West Houston building, set to finish construction early next year, this provocative production moves to Spring Street Studios.
The skinny: Playing through July 19; Studio 101 at Spring Street Studios; tickets are $20.
2014 Houston LGBT Pride Celebration Festival and Parade
It may be that this series of parties, socials and events celebrates the LGBT community, but the spirit of the festival is really about the freedom for people be themselves — beyond sexual orientation and beyond the confines of the traditional social norms that rule society.
The Houston Pride festival that features exhibitors and food vendors is held from 1 to 7 p.m., followed by the parade at approximately 8:15 p.m. Bring cash. And remember where you park. Because the last thing you need is having to meander the streets of Montrose looking for vehicle after a raucous night of anything goes (but keep it classy).
The skinny: Saturday, 1 p.m. festival, 8:15 p.m. parade; Westheimer at Waugh; free event.
MFAH Mixed Media with Lunice, Gracie Chavez y Navó and DJ Sun
Upper British echelon gets a dose of street cred at this artsy dance rave at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The bash pairs the opening of the exhibition Houghton Hall: Portrait of English Country House — think real life Downton Abbey — with a Montréal-based underground b-boy that has risen the ranks to land a spotlight at SXSW.
Lunice, née Lunice Fermin Pierre II, blends musical influences to render a charismatic style with big beats. The wicked DJ, who's known for tearing up the dance floor, is joined by Gracie Chavez y Navó and DJ Sun.
The skinny: Friday, 8 p.m.; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; $20 general public, $18 MFAH members.
Brilliant Lecture Series presents "King Michael: A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop"
I was 8 years old when Michael Jackson's "Thriller" hit the music stores. Although I remember being utterly freaked out by the music video — which by 1980s standards was quite scary — I couldn't help practice the zombie moves over and over again until I got them down. I admit, I felt like the coolest kid in town.
Leave aside the pop celeb's controversies — including the scandalous crotch grab — we all have fond memories grooving to the tunes that continue to rock. Think of this Brilliant Lecture Series show as a walk down memory lane with songs such as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Man in the Mirror."
The skinny: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Jones Hall; tickets start at $80.
CultureMap's resident gourmand and food expert Eric Sandler's pick: Pappa Charlies and Feges BBQ Pop-up
Eric says: "The idea of eating really good barbecue for dinner has become rare as the success of places like Corkscrew BBQ, Killen's Barbecue and Gatlin's BBQ means that establishments typically sell out during lunch service. But that all changes Saturday night. In a collaboration born out of their being next to each other at this year's Houston Barbecue Festival, pitmasters Wesley Jurena and Patrick Feges will be serving a one-night only pop-up on Saturday night.
"Jurena, who operates the Pappa Charlies trailer that's become a staple at Jackson's Watering Hole, describes the menu as 'some traditional, some not.' Yes, there will be brisket and ribs, but also a 'Texas gyro' made with smoked lamb shoulder and turducken sausage served with dirty rice. If that doesn't have you recalibrating your Saturday night plans, we probably can't be friends."
The skinny: Saturday, 6 p.m.; Jackson's Watering Hole; pricing is a la carte.
Brilliant Lecture Series presents "King Michael: A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop" at Jones Hall.
Purple Reign cruising through downtown Houston for the Art Car Parade.
Courtesy Art Car Museum
The Orange Show will be the new home of the Art Car Museum.
Rendering courtesy of Rogers Partners