08.02.10 at 1:53 p.m.
Heather Pray

Arts season kicks off in August

Although it may not seem like it in terms of temperature (100 degrees of hotness), it is officially the end of the lazy days of summer.  We're in the final weeks of preparing for Capital One Bank Theater District Open House (always the best day to purchase season tickets!) and invitations are arriving for season kick-off events and tickets are being secured for opening night performances.  Although the arts seasons really never goes dark, it's the start of the season for the resident Theater District companies...and there are a lot of great things to see!

Here's a quick guide to some fun evenings you shouldn't miss out on to prime you for the fall season:

Wednesday, August 4, 6-7:30 pm - Couture & Cocktails

Houston Grand Opera O.N. (O.N. = Opening Nights because that is when this group of YPs dresses up and heads to the opera) officially takes us into the socializing craze at this fun evening of couture evening dresses and cocktails at Tootsies.  Isabel David and Valerie Palmquist host this evening filled with fashions perfect for wearing to opening night of Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Admission is complimentary and 10% of shopping proceeds benefit Houston Grand Opera.  Tootsies, 4045 Westheimer.  Free.

Thursday, August 12, 5:30 pm - 8 pm - Emerging Leaders' Happy Hour at Shula's Steakhouse

Every month on the 2nd Thursday, EL hosts a happy hour in one of our neighboring Downtown restaurants.  It's open to the public and free to attend.  Members of Houston Downtown Alliance receive a complimentary first drink and it's always the best time to catch up on each other and Downtown's dining scene.  Shula's Steakhouse at Hyatt Regency Downtown, 1200 Louisiana.  Free.

Thursday, August 12, 7:30 pm - Hope Stone presents Lemonade Stand

Hope Stone Dance Company and guest artists Melody Herrera, Kelly Myernick and Connor Walsh (all of Houston Ballet) perform favorite Hope Stone pieces from years past. It will be a lovely and lively three weekends in EaDo of performances of choreography by Jane Weiner.  The third weekend of performances will feature guest company infinite Movement Ever Evolving (iMEE).  And, of course, lemonade will be served. $18. Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, 2201 Preston.  Lemonade Stand runs Aug. 12-14, Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 26-28.

Wednesday, August 25, 6:30 pm - 9 pm - Houston Ballet Barre Season Kick-off Party

Mingle with Houston Ballet dancers and sip cocktails with other ballet enthusiasts at hip hot spot, RDG + Bar Annie. 

Thursday, August 26, 6pm - 8 pm - Capital One Bank Culture Collision, v. TD

Culture Collision reappears after a brief rest and comes together to kick-off the 17th Annual Theater District Open House.  Guests will sip complimentary drinks and nosh on nibbles while viewing the latest exhibtion at ArCH showcasing Houston stage designers' creations in Ready, Set, Go.  You'll also get to find out what is happening in the Theater District arts scene and how you can be a part of it.  It's free and will keep you in the loop of where to be for the next couple of months as the Houston art scene throttles forward.   Architecture Center Houston, 315 Capitol, Suite 120 -- corner of Bagby & Capitol).  Complimentary valet. Free.

Hosted by Houston Young People for the Arts, Houston Downtown Alliance Emerging Leaders, UP @ TUTS, Club 615 at Alley Theatre, Houston Ballet Barre, YPB at Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera O.N., Buffalo Bayou Partnership Bayou Buddies, ArCHitypes.

Stay tuned for more info on the TweetUp happening at Capital One Bank Theater District Open House on Sunday, August 29 or follow us: http://twitter.com/downtownhouston.

There are 31 days in August and these are just a few of the things going on.  What are you going to be checking out this month?

Emerging Leaders, Houston Ballet Barre, Houston Downtown Alliance, Houston Young People for the Arts