Music to our ears

Another myth shot to hell: Houston offers a lot of jazz and classical musicoptions

Da Camera will present the Houston premiere of artistic director SarahRothenberg’s latest multi-media production “The Blue Rider: Kandinsky and Music"January 29, 2011.
Shepherd School of Music's Pierre Jalbert has been tapped to write his StringQuartet #5 for the esteemed Emerson String Quartet (shown here). The premierescheduled for April 28, 2011.
The rolodex of organizations goes from Aperio (chamber music of the Americas)and Ars Lyrica (early music) to Virtuosi (youth chamber orchestra) and YoungAudiences (presenting music and more in our schools). Pictured here, ArsLyrica's Matthew Dirst.
Also on Da Camera's schedule: West African jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke willperform Feb. 5, 2011.
Israeli jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen plans a Dec. 4 appearance
Red Jazz cafe
Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

We’ve all heard the rumors and seen the numerous articles about the death of classical music—and more recently, the reported demise of jazz. The National Endowment for the Arts doesn’t offer encouraging news, either, noting a general decline in public participation in the arts. While these may be trends on the national level, luckily Texas is “like a whole other country.”

Houston’s flourishing arts scene challenges these skeptics on a daily basis. We have an especially vibrant chamber music and jazz community that continues to be infused by visionary musicians and civic/philanthropic leaders. The rolodex of organizations goes from Aperio (chamber music of the Americas) and Ars Lyrica (early music) to Virtuosi (youth chamber orchestra) and Young Audiences (presenting music and more in our schools). Chamber music and jazz can be found in our neighborhoods, schools, clubs, museums, galleries and major performance halls—anywhere a small ensemble can unpack their instruments and attract an audience.

So what is the state of the art scene in Houston? Let’s take a look at what a few of our friends are up to…

In chamber music this year, our colleagues at the Houston Friends of Chamber Music are celebrating their 50th year with the premiere of a new work commissioned for the occasion.
Shepherd School of Music’s Pierre Jalbert has been tapped to write his String Quartet #5 for the esteemed Emerson String Quartet, with the premiere scheduled for April 28, 2011.
New music is the name of the game at Musiqa, a relative newcomer to the scene with five seasons under its belt. The artistic board, made up of composers on the faculty at the Shepherd and Moores schools of music, have slated a world premiere from composer Stewart Wallace on Oct. 16. Taken from his San Francisco Opera work The Bonesetter’s Daughter based on the book by Amy Tan, who also did the libretto for the opera, this work is entitled She Told Me This… And, as a nice lead-in don’t miss Amy Tan’s appearance on Inprint’s Margarett Root Brown reading series on Sept. 20.
While August is the official jazz appreciation month here in Houston--thanks to our friends at Jazz Education Inc who produce the annual Houston International Jazz Festival presented earlier this month at Discovery Green—in truth every month is jazz appreciation month in Houston! Local clubs, restaurants and bars feature sets from the many jazz luminaries who call Houston home. Artists like Horace Alexander Young, Andre Hayward, Kyle Turner, Bob Henschen, Woody Witt, Mickey Mosely, Horace Grigsby, Kelly Dean, Jose Miguel Yamal, Pamela York are just a handful of the many standouts that can be heard regularly at hotspots like Cezanne, The Red Cat, Truluck’s, Brasil, King Biscuit, Café 4212.
Here at Da Camera of Houston, chamber music and jazz are alive and well in the concert hall and in our community. Our season features chamber and jazz musicians from Houston and from around the globe. A few standouts include early music superstar Jordi Savall and soprano Montserrat Figuerras, French string quartet Ebene Quartet, New York’s International Contemporary Ensemble, American pianist Jeremy Denk, Israeli jazz clarinetist Anat Cohen and West African jazz guitarist Lionel Loueke. We also present the Houston premiere of artistic director Sarah Rothenberg’s latest multi-media production “The Blue Rider: Kandinsky and Music,” which received accolades for its New York debut in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal last fall.

All of these wonderful music organizations, as well as our colleagues in theater, dance, visual art and literature, commit resources to building audiences of the future by bringing our art forms into area schools and neighborhoods. If you’re not familiar with what’s happening in the Theater or Museum Districts, odds are that your children are up-to-date.

On any given day, you can find amazing performances, exhibitions, readings and art happenings right here in Houston. And it is all made possible by the generous support of our community—the individual audience members, the dedicated foundations, government entities and culture-conscious corporations.

Yes the economic downturn has affected us all. We may be leaner, but the artistic quality of what is on our stages, in our galleries and permeating our every day lives has never been richer. This season, take advantage of this cultural bounty that we have right here in our hometown. Become an engaged audience member. Get to know our artists, musicians, composers, writers—and tell your friends around the globe about all that we have to offer right here in Houston.

Sarah Duck Loudermilk is executive director of Da Camera of Houston.

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weekend event planner

These are the 15 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio is celebrating his 60th birthday on Thursday.

With Christmas season in full swing, Houstonians have the opportunity to attend many joyous events, including holiday markets, theater shows, and Lights in the Heights.

The stunning new Ismaili Center makes its debut, and Astros legend Craig Biggio will celebrate his 60th birthday. Record collectors have two opportunities to search for treasures. Without further ado, here are this weekend’s best events:

Thursday, December 11

Lindsey Leigh Jewelry presents Sparkle Market 2025
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry announces the return of its beloved Sparkle Market — a three-day holiday shopping event that celebrates community, creativity, and all things that shine. This year’s Sparkle Market promises an unforgettable experience, filled with local vendors and plenty of holiday cheer. Before the shopping on Friday and Saturday, it starts with a ticketed VIP night, where guests will enjoy first access to all vendors, cocktails, light bites, and exclusive swag bags. 5 pm (10 am Friday and Saturday).

Marriott Marquis Houston presents Craig Biggio's 60th Birthday Bash
Marriott Marquis Houston will present an evening celebrating Houston's legendary Craig Biggio with the man himself. Guests can enjoy a night filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories as they raise a glass with Biggio. There will be appetizers, drinks, and a bourbon tasting. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Sunshine Kids, one of Biggio’s favorite charities, dedicated to bringing joy to children with cancer. 6:30 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Very Merry Pops"
Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns with performances by Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a merry chorus. Houston’s treasured holiday tradition continues to deliver magical holiday cheer, 26 years and counting. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

Friday, December 12

Queensbury Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
The classic animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. First staged two years ago at Queensbury, the show will welcome several cast members back for this production, including Marco Camacho as Charlie, Austin Colburn as Linus, and Lauren Salazar as Lucy. Through Sunday, December 21. 7 pm (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Punch Line Houston presents Bob The Drag Queen
The alter ego of non-binary comic/actor Caldwell Tidicue, Bob The Drag Queen won the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar'' on season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Through her work on We’re Here, HBO’s first unscripted show, Bob has been awarded a Peabody Award, GLAAD Media Award, and a Television Academy Honors recognition. She also won a Queerty Award as well as another GLAAD Media Award for the podcast Sibling Rivalry, which she co-hosts with Monet X Change. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm Saturday).

Theatre Under the Stars presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Inspired by the iconic 1954 film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a dazzling Broadway musical packed with show-stopping numbers, heartwarming romance, and timeless holiday cheer. Two charismatic army buddies turned song-and-dance sensations team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a Vermont inn - and find love along the way. The production features Berlin’s unforgettable classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the show-stopping “White Christmas.” Through December 24. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 13

Coma Salon and Team Savage presents Autry Park Holiday Toy Drive & Car Showcase
Coma Salon will host a holiday toy drive/Coffee & Cars event at Autry Park Plaza. More than 70 luxury and exotic cars will be on display, with appearances from fan-favorite Houston car collective Team Savage, known for its high-performance vehicles and community engagement. In lieu of purchasing tickets, guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped toy donations, all of which will be delivered to The JuCan Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children battling cancer at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. 8 am.

Ismaili Center Public Opening Event
The Ismaili Center, Houston officially opens its doors with a day of family-friendly programming and cultural experiences. Guests can explore levels 1-3 of the 150,000-square-foot center, where they will experience dance performances, live music, art installations and other cultural activities. Guides will be stationed throughout to share more information about the Center’s architecture, spaces and cultural significance. Visitors will enjoy exploring the nine acres of gardens and culinary delights from local food trucks and a hot chocolate bar. 9 am.

The Union Kitchen presents Santa Brunch
The Union Kitchen is hosting a Santa Brunch at all five Houston-area locations. Guests can enjoy seasonal holiday dishes and the full brunch menu as well as receive complimentary photos with Santa from 11 am – 1 pm. Additionally, Houstonians can bring unwrapped new toys and Walmart, Target, or Amazon gift cards to any location to benefit Casa de Esperanza. It’s the perfect way for Houstonians to enjoy a magical holiday morning while also giving back to local children in need. Through Thursday, January 1. 10 am.

OMG! Burger Galleria Location Grand Opening Celebration
Family-owned burger brand OMG! Burger will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location, right in the heart of the Galleria. The Westheimer location will kick off with special promotions, including complimentary smash burgers for the first fifty customers; 50% off orders from 11 am to 3 pm & 6 pm until sell-out; and raffle giveaways throughout the day, with OMG! Burger gift cards ranging from $5 to $100. 11 am.

Creo presents Lights in the Heights Warmup
Join creative wellness space Creo for its Lights in the Heights neighborhood warm up! They’ll have wine tasting room everywine pouring glasses of their favorite selects, plus take away bottle packages to ensure the lights aren't the only thing that’s lit. They’ll also have a courtyard full of local makers, food, matcha, and a live set from Ruckus. Creo will also have 10% off every purchase from their mercantile. 3 pm.

Sunday, December 14

Houston Record Convention and Houston Record Swap
You have two opportunities this weekend to attend a wall-to-wall record market and get some last-minute LP gifts for you and/or those vinylheads in your life. You can start your morning by heading to GSH Event Center for the last Houston Record Convention of the year. Later in the afternoon, you can bounce over to Axelrad Beer Garden for its last Houston Record Swap of the year. Either way, you are certain to find the licorice pizza you’ve been looking for. 10 am and 2 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Studio Ghibli Anime Favorites
The MFAH will be showing two classic Hayao Miyazaki adventures – in glorious 35mm! First up is Spirited Away, the 2001 fantasy masterwork that won the second Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This will be followed by Kiki’s Delivery Service, the 1989 coming-of-age story about a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. 2 and 6 pm.

I’ll Have What She’s Having presents Good Soup Cook Off
The local nonprofit that’s focused on improving health care access for hospitality workers will hold a soup cook off at Axelrad Beer Garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite creation from more than a dozen contestants. A panel of judges will also pick its own winner. 6:30 pm.

River Oaks Theatre presents The Magic Before Christmas – A Holiday Magic Show
Join Dave and Jake Rangel, Houston’s favorite father-and-son magic duo, as they weave illusion, laughter, and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable evening that captures the true spirit of the season. Expect miracles wrapped in mistletoe, mind-reading beneath the lamplight, and the warmth of candlelit tales that remind us all to “honor Christmas in your heart and try to keep it all the year.” 7:30 pm.

10 things to know about America's first Ismaili Center opening in Houston