When the heat is on, Houstonians still want to play. Case in point Betty and Jess Tutor, who threw open the doors of their swank Galveston retreat Friday for a sunset patio party, co-hosted by Mary Ann and BOI (born on the island) Dr. Bob Wilkins.

The al fresco fete was a "locals launch" of Bob's play Galveston! The Musical, the party a celebration among Galveston residents and Houstonians who have second homes on the island.

The production is set for a Sept. 30-Oct. 9 run at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts as Masquerade Theatre's season opener. Speculation among guests was that if La Grange, Texas, can put The Best Little Whorehouse on the map, then the island locals can surely get Galveston! The Musical to Broadway. The story of the Maceo brothers' colorful lives of bootlegging and gambling during Galveston's heyday should have plenty of big-time sex appeal.

With sea breezes dropping the steamy temps, guests dined on barbecue and shared stories of the notorious Maceo days from some of those who might have known or certainly knew-of the duo including George Mitchell and Joy and Vic Fertitta.

Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski was in the mix as was Masquerade Theatre founding artistic director Phillip Duggins, Masquerade board president Paula Smith and husband Malcolm Smith, Suzanne Little, Joann and Bill Crassas, Rose Marie Porretto, Charles Noll and Zarine and Meherwan Boyce.

In from New York was composer and collaborator Mark York. Also on hand was Houstonian Andreé Newport, a lead collaborator on the musical.

Laura Bush helping vets

The Helping a Hero national gala will take place at the Hyatt Regency Downtown on Aug. 30 and former First Lady Laura Bush will be special guest as she lends a hand in support of the effort that raises funds to buy homes from wounded veterans. Carolyn Farb, who co-chairs the benefit evening with Chuck Jenness and Stephanie and David Nini, reports that the goal is to raise enough funds to finance homes for 15 soldiers who've returned home with serious injuries.

Joining in the effort as honorary chairs are James A Baker III and George Strake Jr.

Details on the evening are available from Meredith Iler at 832-647-8683 or at gala@helpingahero.org

Audubon Society soars with an Eagle

When the Houston Audubon Society takes over Houston Country Club on Oct. 6, the award for Outstanding Achievement in Wetlands Conservation will got not to just any ordinary citizen but to Don Henley of The Eagles fame.

You night not readily associate the musician with wetlands and environmental issues but consider his involvement. Henley is chairman and founder of the Caddo Lake Institute, dedicated to protecting the ecological, cultural and economic integrity of Caddo Lake, a 26,810-acre cypress lake bordering northeast Texas and northwest Louisiana. Henley is also founder of the Walden Woods Project and editor of the book Heaven Is Under Our Feet.

Mayor Annise Parker and First lady Kathy Hubbard will share the spotlight as honorary chairs with Terry Hershey, Caroline and Charles Callery and Katherine McGovern. The event is being chaired by Heidi Helton Rockecharlie and Lynda Transier. Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, will serve as the evening's emcee.