Something old, something borrowed, something new, and plenty of awesome. Last week, the Houston event scene was nothing short of inspiring.

Ars Lyrica finished its season with a tour de force concert that revived the spirit of an era when the castrati were rock stars. Though no singers were harmed in the production of "Forbidden Pleasures," countertenor Ryland Angel and soprano Melissa Givens reminded us why the music of yesteryear — that of Scarlatti to be precise — is timeless.

A party at Artista following the concert also served as a bon voyage. Ars Lyrica is on its way to the Boston Early Music Festival to present what we in Houston know to be fabulous.

The stimulating and impassioned aftermath of TEDx Houston 2011 is still buzzing, and should be for a while. The forum serves as a colloquium to share ideas worth spreading and provides an opportunity for like-minded thinkers to plot their next undertaking. The curator team led by Culture Pilot rocked the event. Those who were present, what are you planning to do? Where will you go from here?

If you weren't able to attend, the videos will be posted on the event's website in the near future.

The festivities continued on Sunday morning when we turned into tourists in our own city and ended up at the quirky and zany Orange Show Monument. What did I learn? That the house, completed in 1978, is an ode to the orange and its healthful benefits. I also turned into a three year-old when I participated in the scavenger hunt.

This week, I grow up a bit, but not too much.

Houston Ballet's The Taming of the Shrew at Wortham Center

He's from Mars, she's from Venus. There is a bit of the battle of the sexes in John Cranko's translation of The Bard's Taming of the Shrew to the ballet genre. It's witty, feisty and virtuosic.

The work was originally conceptualized for the Stuttgart Ballet in 1969. Today, it has become a standard in major companies all over. Houston Ballet's run ends on Sunday. Don't you think you owe it to yourself to see it? Friday at 7:30 p.m, Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Aurora Picture Show Extremely Shorts Film Festival at Molly Gochman's Studio

Can you tell a story in three minutes or less? Aurora Picture Show challenged national and international filmmakers to submit extremely short cohesive works to be juried by Brent Hoff from Wholpin DVD.

The two-day fest ends Saturday with a lovely, friendly picnic with yummies from Ruggles Green, Tequila Pasion, Mission Burrito, Whole Foods Market, My Fit Foods, Crave Cupcakes and Natachee's Supper N Punch. Thirsty? Local favorite Saint Arnold will serve up its favorite brews while you try your "luck" at karaoke. It's a yearly tradition. Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (picnic and awards presentation).

Midnight Opening of Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination at The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science

A galaxy far, far away comes to a museum near you. Turn to the dark-side by attending the midnight opening of the exhibit, which contains costumes and interactive exhibits from the six films. Practice Yoda-speak you will.

For $35 you can attend and enjoy the special exhibit, a breakfast buffet, music, and appearances by the 501st and the Rebel Legion. If you are a hardcore fan, the $50 VIP ticket gets you to the front of the line. Friday beginning at 11 p.m.

Sustainable Living Fest at Georgia's Farm to Market

Houston's on a green roll. Sustainability director Laura Spanjian has sparked the conservation fire in all of us, charging folks to live consciously. Not sure how to get started? Learn how to reduce your environmental footprint by partaking in eco-education and interactive events mingled with live music, local foods, demos and children's activities.

Bands Sideshow Tramps and The Wheel Workers & Yello Echo will entertain while you nibble on yummies from Oh My! Pocket Pies, Green Seed Vegan food truck and Georgia's Cafe. Saturday at 10 a.m.

Gay Men's Chorus of Houston's "Anything Goes" at Jones Hall

The title could not possibly describe what happens at Gay Men's Chorus performances more accurately. A little comedy, some seriousness and lots of fun.

"Anything Goes" is a cabaret-style show in preparation of Houston Pride the following week. Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Where will you find my colleagues lurking around?

Arts contributor and Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: PrintMatters's PrintHouston 2011

Nancy says: "Did you know you could print on a feather? Check out "The Roux" at Houston Museum of African American Culture, along with a virtual feast of activities during PrintMatters Houston, a month-long celebration of shows and talks dedicated to printmaking. Don't miss Orna Feinstein's printing on glass as part of "Just Press Print" at Anya Tish, a handful of outstanding exhibits at Museum of Printing History and "The Printed Surface", opening Thursday at Houston Community College Southwest." Click here for a complete schedule.

Lifestyle contributor and fashionista Dillon Sorensen's pick: Garrett Leight Launch Party

Dillon says: "After working for his dad at Oliver Peoples right out of college, Garrett Leight decided to branch out and his do own thing. This is the first season for his eponymous eyewear label, and he recently added Mortar to his impressive list of stockists. To celebrate his Texas debut, Mr. Leight himself is coming down all the way from Venice, Cali. for a launch party at Mortar.

"There will be music by DJ Melodic, food from Fusion Taco and drinks by Austin's own Deep Eddy's Vodka. And better yet, 10 percent of all proceeds from the evening will be donated to Workshop Houston. It's going to be a great time, and while I'm a big proponent of his sunglasses, you should go just for the chance to hang out with Garrett." Friday at 6 p.m.

Assistant editor and nightlife expert Caroline Gallay's pick: "Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me Tour" with Heather, Josh & Brad

Caroline says: "I've seen Chelsea's stand-up before (as well as read all her books) and she does not disappoint. Draw attention to yourself at your own risk — this shady lady isn't afraid to call out the crowd." Friday ay 7 p.m.

Assistant editor and art savant Steven Thomson's pick: Opening of Not Tourists, The Clearing and Jenny Schlief Stock Photography: From the Woman Series

Steven says: "Saturday evening brings a moveable art feast to Box 13 ArtSpace, where Tudor Mitroi's commentary on WWII Romanian air raids collides with Jenny Antill's photographs of Jenny Schlief's ironic take on online stock photography. Duck into Curation Myth Ministries for the one-night-only #notmethough exhibition of social media-based art, organized by Cameron Blaylock and yours truly. Also, arrive by 8 p.m. to witness Joanna-cofounder Cody Ledvina's inaugural performance artwork." Saturday at 7 p.m.