Too much art (is there such a thing?), too little time.

The Alley Theatre opened its 2011-12 season with Ether Dome, a world premiere by Elizabeth Egloff. The three-hour (or so) marathon had me worried, bordering on a typical operatic performance, sans music. With initial thoughts of a dry historical narrative focusing on the birth of anesthesia, the playwright's approach hones in on the characters' struggles with love, deception and betrayal while raising the question: Should certain things — like healthcare — be free? A must see.

The Brahms Violin Concerto is one of the instrument's staples and James Ehnes did the work justice at last week's Houston Symphony concert. He managed to find that ellusive balance between a fresh interpretation while keeping the work's traditional elements intact. Even in the most taxing — and deliciously harmonic — technical passages, every note was crystal clear.

The program began with Pierre Jalbert's Shades of Memory. Commissioned by the symphony as a memorial to 9/11, the composition's atmospheric and intense ethos earned a standing ovation. Kudos to the artists as that's rare for an opening piece.

Then there was the Ars Lyrica performance at the Museum of Fine Art, Houston's newest exhibition. Imagine walking through an 18th century elite Parisian townhome. From morning rituals to evening activities, the halls chronicle the life of the top socialites as they indulge in the era's finer frills. Layer a concert of music by Rameau, Couperin and Marais — performed by Houston's early music virtuosos — and the experience was magnifique and gaily French.

Matthew Dirst artistry warrants — again — the label of harpsichord bad ass. Joining him were the silky vocals of baritone Charles Stanton, viola de gamba virtuoso Mary Springfels and baroque violinist Sean Wang.

Many Houstonians were spinning around on Saturday with the 2011 Care2Spin challenge. The stationary bike spinning fundraising bash also encouraged anyone wishing to spin anything to do so as a way to bring awareness to Easter Seals Greater Houston. All in all, $145,000 will aid the nonprofit to continue to provide services to children and adults with disabilities.

It was a busy week. Though next one seems just as jammed packed. My colleagues and I suggest the following happenings:

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft's "Martini Madness!" 10th Birthday Bash

Time flies when you are having fun, or drinking serious bottomless libations out of handsome one-of-a-kind hand-crafted martini glasses by local artisans. Better yet, guests of Houston Center for Contemporary Craft's "Martini Madness" yearly fete get to take theirs home.

Over the years, I have accumulated quite the lovely collection — my favorite one earned its rightful spot on my writing desk. Though the glasses are the centerpiece of the gathering, the party often brings an assemblage of entertaining supporters ready for lively socializing. Chairing the 10th year anniversary of the artsy center are Alton LaDay, Libbie Masterson and Judy Nyquist. Thursday at 7 p.m.

Houston Ballet presents Giselle and Indigo at Wortham Theater Center

True story. Giselle — one of the most popular French works of the Romantic era — was the first ballet I ever saw as an impressionable teeny-weeny child. I must have been quite mesmerized by the whole experience as I clearly remember a friend waking me up from self-absorption, tapped me on the shoulder and posed a questioned: Would you like to be "him" when you grow up?

I certainly did. But alas, it wasn't meant to be, though I would come to love ballet and dance in general. Stanton Welch's Indigo is also on the bill. Opens on Thursday and runs through Oct. 2.

Westside Chef’s Throwdown at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

Say cheese! You smiled didn't you? It's impossible not too, especially as it will be the featured ingredient in Westside Chef's Throwdown. Over 30 restaurants and food trucks will line the grounds of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch for a food bacchanal filled to the brim with music, cooking demos and children's activities.

With proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association summer camps program, the foodie fest is an awesome way to give back while filling your tummy. Saturday beginning at 1 p.m.

Bayou City Outdoors Special Event: Broomball at Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center

Think of broomball as similar to ice hockey without the skates. Instead, you'll wear special rubber-soled shoes for better traction and attempt to score a goal by using an aluminum shaft called the "broom" to coax a small ball into your opponent's net.

The game is a bit of a workout, something we definitely need to catch up on now that the arts and social seasons are in full swing. Bring a bicycle helmet, rubber gloves and show up early to test your balance on the slippery surface. Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Musiqa presents "Play a Song For Me" at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

For its opening concert, Musiqa explores many aspects of the song genre. For those that grew up with the music of Bob Dylan, the strong poetic text carried meaning beyond what popular music was able to support. American composer John Corigliano, without listening to Dylan's music, sets lyrics from "Mr. Tambourine Man," "Blowin' in the Wind," "Masters of Wars" and others in his own characteristic descriptive compositional style.

Celebrating the nonprofit's 10th anniversary — a major feet for contemporary art music ensembles nowadays — Musiqa will also premiere a set of miniatures that describe the organizations raison d'etre. Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Arts and lifestyle contributor Tyler Rudick's pick: Reading Series: Writing and C/Siting Houston "From Hip Hop to Sugar Hill" at Bohemeo’s

Tyler says: "The project invited 10 figures from Houston's creative community to create written portraits of local sites of personal significance. This week's theme 'From Hip Hop to Sugarhill' features readings from a DJ/professor (Marco Cervantes), a poet (Bao-Long Chu), a fiction writer (CultureMap's David Theis) and a Houston music historian (Roger Wood). Two more sessions will follow — 'Old Neighborhoods, New Neighborhoods' in October and "Houston Inside Out" in November. See the Houston Arts Alliance's listing for details and upcoming locations." Thursday 7 p.m.

Arts contributor and Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: Classical Theatre Company's The Triumph of Love

Nancy says: "Love or reason? Oh, it's an easy question, but it sure is fun to watch the characters of Pierre de Marivaux's The Triumph of Love try to figure it all out. It's your last chance to see Classical Theatre Company's splendid production of De Marivaux's 1732 classic, which is directed by Julia Traber. The fantastic cast includes Bree Welch, Ivy Castle, Thomas Prior, Matt Hune, Philip Hays, S. A. Rogers and Pamela Vogel. The play runs through Sept. 25 at the TBH Center."

Photo editor and design junkie Barbara Kuntz's pick: Galveston Island Shrimp Festival

Barbara says: "With glorious weekend weather forecasted, a trip to Galveston sounds ideal, especially for the Wild Texas Galveston Island Shrimp Festival. I can't resist the invitation of a huge gumbo cook-off, live music, boat parade and show (just window shopping for me) and merchant walk-about (ready to buy!). And, of course, there's the blessing of the fleet. Ocean breezes, here I come!"