Free Events Thursday

Godspell

Friday, Aug 29, 2014 at 8 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

AD Players present a free performance of Godspell at 8 pm Friday, at Miller Outdoor Theatre. It’s considered one of the biggest Broadway and off-Broadway hits of all time.

Price: This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free for the hill!

Critical Mass

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 at 7 pm

Ride begins at 301 Milam downtown

Grab your bike and join Critical Mass, a group of bikers that ride the last Friday of each month from Market Square Park. Its goal is to advocate for a bike-friendly urban environment.

Price: FREE!!!

Amazing Houston Comic Con 2014

August 29, 2014

FRI 8/29: 3pm-8pm SAT 8/30: 10am-7pm SUN 8/31: 10am-6pm

George R. Brown Convention Center

The Amazing Houston Comic Con is a convention spanning the latest and greatest from the world of comic books. Hosted by family-owned Jay Company Comics, one of the largest comic book dealerships in the country, the event will bring the best of popular culture to Houston. The event will feature a show floor packed with more than 100 exhibitors, an exciting artist alley featuring more than 200 artists, and autograph sessions giving fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators.

Price: Adult Admission: Weekend passes are $60, Saturday passes are $35, and Friday- or Sunday-only passes are $25. VIP tickets range from $150-$200

Disney in Concert Magical Music from the Movies

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 at 8:00 pm

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Come be enchanted by DISNEY IN CONCERT Magical Music from the Movies with the Houston Symphony. When everyone joins together for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all. Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m.

Price: $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating

Tomball Texas Music Festival

Saturday, Aug. 3oth, 2014 from 11 am – 6:30 pm.

201 S. Elm in Tomball

Live music from The John Evans Band, Jesse Raub, Jr., and Mike & the Moonpies. Food, music and free parking!

Price: FREE!!!

Answering the Call to Serve: Camp Logan, Houston, Texas 1917-1919

August 13, 2014 – November 15, 2014 (Recurring daily) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Learn about the hidden part of Houston’s history that resides in the underbrush at Memorial Park. The exhibit explores the history of Camp Logan with help of local archaeologist and will feature The Heritage Society’s Permanent Collection of Camp Logan materials.

Price: FREE!!!

Wellness Wednesday!

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Hi Framers!

I hop you all are having a great Wednesday so far.

If you are thinking about making a quick run to Starbucks later…don’t.

Check this article out and find out why!

http://foodbabe.com/2014/08/25/starbucks-pumpkin-spice-latte/

But if you’re one of those people (like myself) who just can’t resist a nice cup of whatever.

I have a solution for you-TEA! No artificial flavoring or sweetener added!

For those of you who might be new to the whole tea experience and are not sure of which ones to try, here is a little tip: The darker the tea the higher the caffeine.

Black teas are great if you are having a hard time staying awake. Add a small shortbread biscuit with your Earl/ Lady Grey or English Breakfast and you are all set to watch the exciting Cricket match…or Sherlock/ Downton/ Pride and Prejudice or whatever else you prefer!

Jasmine Green tea is also a wonderful choice for various health reasons, including losing weight. Aside from white tea, it’s the lightest of the teas and has no caffeine.

Warning: It is addicting! I drank two/ three cups of Twining’s Jasmine Green tea in one day. Very addicting. Just FYI.

Teas like Wild Sweet Orange and Passion from Tazo are perfect if you like a little flavoring once in awhile. Or spice things up a bit with Tazo’s Organic Chai tea!

So to put it plainly:

TEA is better than fatty, sugary, whipped-creamy anything and you never feel guilty after having a cup…or two.

So enjoy a nice cup of tea (iced or warm the next you time have the urge for a coffee shop)!

Recommended Teas:

Twining’s of London

– Anything!

Tazo

– Organic Chai

– Wild Sweet Orange (caffeine free)

– Passion (caffeine free)

Choice Organic Teas

– Rooibos Superfruit (caffeine free)

Taylors of Harrogate (Official tea of HRH The Prince of Wales)

– Early Grey

RC Bigelow Inc

– Darjeeling (The “champagne” of black tea)

– Earl Grey

– Green

– English Breakfast

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Houston Restaurant Weeks 2014

Participating Houston Restaurant Weeks Restaurants

August 1- September 1, 2014

For 32 days, diners will enjoy specially priced multi-course prix-fixe menus. Participating restaurants make donations to the Food Bank based upon their HRW sales. Check out the website for more details.

Price: $20-$45

Haircuts at Supercuts Studio

Supercuts Studio at 5727 Westheimer

August 14: 9 am – 11:45 am, 2 pm – 3:45 pm
August 15: 9 am – 11:45 am, 2:30 – 2:45 pm

Walk-ins are welcome or make an appointment! Email your name and phone number to supercutsstudiowestheimer@gmail.com. They will reply with your appointment time and date. Mention the cut you prefer in the email.

Price: FREE!!!

Summer Nights Salsa

Thursday, Aug 14, 2014 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Discovery Green Conservancy

All the music, soul and passion of street-style Salsa. Plus bachata, merengue and salsa suelta. No partner required.

Price: FREE!!!

Full Gallop

8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays until September 14th.

Stages Repertory Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway

Diana Vreeland was an American fashion icon for more than 50 years. As a columnist and fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar and then editor for Vogue, the undisputed fashion bible of the era, Vreeland influenced styles, set trends and ran with a very famous crowd (she “discovered” Lauren Bacall, advised Jacqueline Kennedy, and was an early champion of Diane von Furstenberg, Manolo Blahnik and Oscar de la Renta). She was 70 when she was eventually fired from Vogue, and that’s where playwrights Mark Hampton and Mary Louise Wilson’s comedy Full Gallop picks up.

Price: $19-$65

Drama in the House: On Approval

5:00 p.m. August 17, 7:00 p.m. August 21

Museum of Fine Arts-Brown Auditorium Theater

1001 Bissonnet Houston, TX

Clive Brooks’s restored 1944 comedy On Approval caused a sensation at the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival in L.A., Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Film Curator Marian Luntz says. “[When] it became available on 35mm…we just had to [get it on our schedule]!” The film, which has Brooks pulling double duty as director and star opposite actress Beatrice Lillie, follows two cash-poor aristocrats hoping to wed wealthy widows.

On Approval is one of a number of films that represent the English country house being shown in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition, “Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House.”

Price: $9

Blissful Warrior Yoga

Saturday, Aug 16, 2014 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Discovery Green Conservancy

Blissful Warrior Yoga, taught by Michelle and Anandaji, will unwind and rehabilitate you as well as challenge and strengthen you. You will discover the basics of vinyasa yoga, breath and fluidity, and the movement of energy, known in ancient cultures as prana, mana, or qi. Blissful Warrior Yoga brings together elements of tai chi, kung fu, balance techniques, and energy building poses.

Price: FREE!!!

Word Around Town Poetry Tour 2014

Aug. 14 – Boomtown Heights – 242 W. 19th St. at 8:00 pm
Aug. 15 – The Alley Kat Bar and Lounge – 3718 Main St. at 8:00 pm
Aug. 16 – Brasil – 2604 Dunlavy St. at 8:00 pm

The Word Around Town poetry tour is a week-long poetry marathon held at different venues. The lineup comprises Houston’s top poets and a select nightly feature that promises to bring the type of diversity and excitement that defines the Houston poetry scene.

Price: FREE!!!

“Back-To-School Event and Fashion Show” benefiting M.D. Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital

Saturday, Aug. 16th, 2014 at 1 p.m.

The Galleria
5015 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77056

Children, including pediatric cancer patients, and M.D. Anderson physicians will highlight this season’s popular trends on the runway with looks from Naartjie Kids, Macy’s, Peek Kids and more.

Price: FREE!!! Suggested donation of $10 – $25 for fashion show seating.

Nicole Longnecker Gallery opening reception: Help Yourself by Sketchy Neighbors

Saturday, Aug. 16th, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Nicole Longnecker Gallery
2625 Colquitt St.
Houston, TX 77098

Nicole Longnecker Gallery presents Help Yourself by Sketchy Neighbors, an exhibition inspired by self-help. The concepts and materials were randomly drawn and paired, defining the parameters for each artist’s piece.

Expect to see unorthodox materials such as modified Easy-Bake Ovens, cereal boxes and vitamins. As it’s Sketchy Neighbors tradition, some weirdness will most likely transpire during the opening reception. In conjunction, there will be an area for exhibition guests to make their own works of art using devices and processes created by Sketchy Neighbors.

Price: FREE!!! Proceeds from this creative zone area will benefit Neighborhood Centers.

Eat Well Wednesday!

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

55 Healthy Snacks Under 200 Calories

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1792

Chocolate Nutella Fudge

(Gluten-free and no-bake!) (Plus it has absolutely ZERO added sugar and it can be made in 5 minutes flat!)

1/4 cup coconut butter, melted
1/4 cup choc-hazelnut spread or Healthy Nutella
1-2 tsp cocoa powder or cacao powder
65g very-ripe banana (about 1/4 a large banana)
1/8 tsp salt
sweetener if desired (Some people want it, others don’t.)

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. (It’s best if the coconut butter is not solid, and if you use a frozen banana be sure to thaw so it doesn’t harden the coconut butter.) After blending, taste to see if you’d like to add any sweetener. Scoop into a container or even a little pie pan, and put in the fridge or freezer so it will firm up. This is freezer fudge, so it needs to be kept cold. It makes a small serving, but feel free to double or triple the recipe!

Puff pastry waffles filled with fruit jam

Ingredients:

1 roll of puff pastry (± 230gr)

3 1/2 tsp fruit jam of your choice

1 egg yolk

icing powder, for decoration

1. Preheat waffle iron

2. Roll out puff pastry and cut out 14 circles, around 6 to 7cm each, (± 2,5inch), by using a glass

3. Two pastry circles per waffle are needed; place 1/2 tsp of fruit jam in the middle of one pastry circle

4. Beat the egg yolk and spread it on the border of the pastry circle with the jam on

5. Close the ‘waffle to be’ with 2nd pastry circle on top and press well on the edge, close the edge by using a fork

6. Place prepared pastry circles in the waffle iron, two at a time, (that is if your waffle iron can make 2 waffles at the same time) and bake them 6 to 8min. or until golden brown.

Once they are baked, let them cool for 5min., sprinkle with icing powder and serve warm.

Eat Well Wednesday

by Lydia Eat Well Wednesday Uncategorized

Frozen Bananas

2 bananas

1/4 to 1/3c chocolate chips

1/4 to 1/3c peanut butter

Unsweetened coconut flakes

Set out a large plate with wax paper on it. Cut up the bananas. Heat the peanut butter and chocolate chips on high for minute. stir until smooth. Dip the banana pieces in the mixture. Lay on the wax paper. Use the remaining mixture to spoon over the tops sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes on top. Freeze for about an hour until hardened.

Southwest Black Bean Salad

15.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

9 oz cooked corn, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)

1 medium tomato, chopped

1/3 cup red onion, chopped

1 scallion, chopped

1 1/2 – 2 limes, juice of

salt and fresh pepper

1 medium avocado, diced

Combine items in a large bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste. Marinate in the refrigerator 30 minutes.

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Free Day of Music at Jones Hall

Saturday, July 19, 2014 from noon – 10 pm

The Houston Symphony’s Free Day of Music returns. The full day features 25 musical performances on six stages + kid-friendly fun, Instrument Petting Zoo, free salsa lessons, Harmonica clinics, food trucks and more.

Price: FREE!!!

Art Houston 2014

Celebrate Houston’s finest art galleries at ArtHouston2014 Friday and Saturday. The annual event includes more than 30 local galleries hosting events throughout the city in and around Montrose. There is a concentration of 11 galleries on Colquitt near Kirby.

Price: FREE!!!

Bayou City Outdoors Kayak Polo & Rolling Practice

Friday, July 18, 2014 from 8-10 PM

CLCCA Kermet H. Applewhite Sports and Recreation Center

16511 Diana Lane, Houston, TX 77062

Want to practice your kayak roll? Don’t know what a kayak roll is and want to learn how? There are lots of kayakers who are always looking for guinea pigs (whoops, we mean students) who want a little help. They will be practicing our rolls from 8:00 to 8:30 while they get the Polo court set up. @ 8:30… It is ON – Houston Kayak Polo (aka: Water Hockey) Haven’t played before? Get ready to have an incredibly fun time. We chase the ball, try and make goals, paddle around and in general just crack up. (if you don’t know how to roll they will teach you how to wet exit) See the what the Chron has to say about Kayak Polo and BCO

Price: FREE!!!

Bayou City Outdoors Stand Up Paddleboard Lessons

Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 2-6 PM

288 Lakes

4800 Schurmier, Houston, TX 77042

Haven’t tried this great new sport yet? Tried it and ready to step up your SUP? Come out and join us for some time on the water! We’ll be getting wet in the cool, spring-fed waters of 288 Lakes, easy access off 288 and South Sam Houston Tollway. Plan on learning all about this awesome new sport that has everyone raving. It’s a full body workout, but so much fun you won’t even notice you are working out! This is a rare opportunity to try a board out for a very low price. Please – you MUST bring cash. $12 for entrance to 288 Lakes and $10 for board rental and instruction (unbelievable price)!They will have boards, instructors, and don’t forget the FUN!

Price: $12 for entrance and $10 for board rental and instruction

Houston World Series of Dog Shows

July 16, 2014 – July 20, 2014 (Recurring daily)

One NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054

Mark your calendars for the largest tail-wagging event in Houston! Celebrating 37 years, the NRG Park World Series of Dog Shows brings together hundreds of dogs to compete in events such as conformation and obedience. The lively performance events, exhibitions and relay races make for a great family event, but don’t forget about the great shopping! The multitudes of vendors provide useful and unique doggy essentials for your four-legged family member!

Price: $15

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Blue Box Theater Live Smooth Music Thursday’s

Starting February 20, 2014 from 6p.m. – 11p.m.

2020 Leeland, Houston, TX 77003

Every Thursday, head to Blue Box Theater for live smooth jazz band and complimentary wine tasting. Happy hour is from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the first drink on the house. Located conveniently in the EaDo District near downtown Houston and just two minutes distance from the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Price: $10

Bikes, Bats and Brew

July 12, 2014 at 7:15 p.m. (depart at 7:45 p.m.)

Joe Jamail Skate Park

103 Sabine Street, Houston, TX

Bring your bikes (and helmets, too) for an evening spin around town and the Buffalo Bayou trails. Cycle the Waugh Bridge to see teh Mexican free-tail bats depart for their sunset flight, learn more about these important creatures from volunteers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, then head back downtown for a brew and some social time. Please note that all types of bikes are welcom (B-Cycles will be available for rent if you don’t have your own). Helmets are required (if you’re renting a B-Cycle we will bring helmets for you). Reservations are required.

Price: FREE!!!

A5: Annual Affordable Australian Aboriginal Art Show

July 12, 2014 – September 06, 2014 (Recurring daily) from 11 am – 5 pm

Booker Lowe Gallery

4623 Feagan Street, Houston, TX 77007

A5: Annual Affordable Australian Aboriginal Art Show, an exhibition of paintings and fine art prints priced from $225-$2250 by leading and emerging indigenous, opens at Booker-Lowe Gallery, Saturday, July 12, 2014 in conjunction with ArtHouston. The public is invited to the opening reception from 2-5 pm, at the gallery, 4623 Feagan Street, Houston, Texas. A5 features colorful Warlpiri paintings from Yuendumu and a variety of paintings from other Aboriginal communities. Artists include Josiah Omeenyo, Mary Napangardi Butcher and Nellie Nangala Wayne, and will be on display through Saturday, September 6th. Gallery owner Nana Booker said “A5 is our 7th Annual Affordable Australian Aboriginal Art Show and we are pleased to have the opening reception during NAIDOC Week (July 6-13), the Australia-wide celebration of indigenous cultures. NAIDOC originally stood for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day of Observance Committee, and was founded in the 1960s.

Price: FREE!!!

Annual Harvest Day Festival

July 12, 2014 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Haak Vineyards & Winery

6310 Ave T, Santa Fe, TX 77510

Come out and help us pick our grapes! It’s a family fun event for people of all ages! To guarantee you get to pick grapes, you need to arrive early. In previous years we have harvested all the grapes in two hours. Includes a complementary light breakfast for our harvesters and DJ Frankie will provide us with music from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Lunch will be available for purchase from our kitchen as well.

Price: FREE!!!

Bastille Day at Etoile Cuisine et Bar

July 14, 2014 at 5:00PM

Etoile Cuisine et Bar

Celebrate French National Day with a special menu crafted by Chefs Philippe Verpiand and Philippe Schmit. Hosted at Etoile Cuisine et Bar, the four-course dinner will pay homage to Jean Michel Diot of Tapenade San Diego who trained both chefs. The menu will be offered for $78 with the choice of two wine pairings, one at $32 and the other at $48. Menu- First Course Tarte de Chèvre Frais: “Coach Farm” goat cheese tart filled with Ratatouille and tapenade coulis Second Course Fletan Aux Artichauts: Alaskan halibut, artichokes “en barigoule”, basil and asparagus Third Course Magret de Canard Aux Cerises: Roasted duck breast with cherries, mini squash stuffed with polenta, fresh fava beans Dessert Mille-Feuille Aux Framboises Et Pistache: Raspberry and pistachio napoleon, raspberry gel, rhubarb ice cream

Price: FREE!!!

Bayou City Outdoors – A Walk in the Woods

July 12, 2014 from 8:15 am – 12:00 pm

Memorial Park Rugby Parking lot

N Picnic Ln, Houston, TX 77007

Memorial Park, known as the Central Park of H-town, is an amazing 1466 acre park (one of the largest in the county) right inside the loop! Trails are a mix of hard packed dirt, sand, trees and tree roots. Even with the loss of trees from the drought, it is still green and wooded. Join this group for an hour and a half quick-paced hike through some of the lesser-known (and a little more adventuresome) trails the park has to offer. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, it’s easy to bang a toe on a tree root. And, there’s some “elevation” in the park that you wouldn’t expect from just driving by. Remember to bring water; there are no water fountains along the trails. After the hike, a group is going to the Black Walnut Café @ 5512 Memorial Drive, for breakfast and coffee.

Price: FREE!!!

Big Tex BBQ Fest

July 10, 2014 – July 12, 2014 (Recurring daily) from 8 am- 1am

Pasadena Convention Center and Municipal Fairgrounds

7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507

The Big Tex BBQ Fest is a 3 Day Family Cook Off held on July 10,11,12 2014. The event will feature the top BBQ Cooking Teams in the state of Texas, live music, carnival, and special events for vets.

Price: $5; Free to Vets and Active Duty Service

BESO Latin Saturdays at Synn Ultra Lounge

April 05, 2014 – July 12, 2014 (Every Saturday) from 10:00pm – 2:00am

Synn Ultra Lounge

3302 Mercer St., Houston, TX 77027

Join us this Saturday Night at Synn Ultra lounge for BESO. Houston’s upscale latin party. With its welcoming ambiance, Moving Music, & Plenty of Eye candy BESO Saturdays at Synn Ultra Lounge display elegance, class, and style amongst all the rest.

Price: FREE!!!

Classical Concert

July 10, 2014 at 8pm

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Join us for a classical concert featuring the Houston Symphony and the 2014 Ima Hogg Concerto Competition winner. Named to honor the memory of Miss Ima Hogg, a co-founder of the Houston Symphony, this prestigious competition is open to young musicians who play standard orchestral instruments or piano. Pre-concert activities begin at 7 p.m.

Price: FREE!!! ( $15 orchestra seating)

Grand Opening Zum Barrel Tavern

July 12, 2014 from 7:00pm-9:00pm

13101B, Houston, TX 77090

Grand opening of Zum Barrel Tavern. 10,000 sq of Beer Wine Spirits & Food. Enjoy German Delights and over 32 beers on tap. Tv’s at every angle to watch the game, and yes a patio to smoke. Join us for a night of samples from our favorite vendors of food beer wine and spirits NO COVER!

Price: FREE!!!

Market Square Park: The Princess Bride

July 11, 2014 at 8:00 pm

301 Milam, Houston, TX 77002

Forget about trekking to the ‘burbs for your Alamo fix. Join us for a film under the stars as the Rolling Roadshow presents, The Princess Bride, a classic fairy tale about a beautiful princess who escapes the custody of an evil prince and reunites with her one true love.

Price: FREE!!! (Anybody want a peanut? Yes, I went there)

Free Events Thursday: 4th of July Edition!

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Hey Everyone! I hope all of you have exciting plans to celebrate America’s Independence Day! Don’t have any? Don’t worry, check out some of the amazing events that are going on this weekend here in Houston. Go see what events are happening in your neck of the woods this 4th of July and keep coming back for the latest news and events of the Framers!

A Star Spangled Salute

July 04, 2014 at 8:30pm

Miller Outdoor Theatre

6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030

Enjoy an evening with Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony listening to patriotic, toe-tapping American music. Make sure to stay until the end for the 1812 Overture-complete with booming cannons! This celebration concludes with a magnificent display of fireworks provided by Miller Theatre Advisory Board. As always, open seating on the hill.

Price: FREE!!!

17th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival

July 04, 2014 from 6pm-10pm

The Woodlands Town Center

31 Waterway Square Place, Woodlands, TX 77380

This all evening event celebrating the American Dream, will have two locations along the Waterway. Enjoy your Independence Day at both Town Green Park and Waterway Square, each featuring a main stage and activities for all ages.

In addition to live bands, the festivities will also include face painting, games, vendor booths and concessions. But we can’t forget American food staples for the Fourth of July, hot dogs and watermelon! There will be an eating contest for each of these, which are sponsored by HEB.

End the night at the Waterway Square, which will have the best view for the 23-minute fireworks extravaganza.

Price: The Festival is FREE and open to the public!!!

Cocktails & Covers feat Skyrocket! – 4th of July Kick Off

July 04, 2014 at 8 pm

House of Blues

1204 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77002

Join the House of Blues in their 4th of July celebration featuring the party band Skyrocket.

Price: $17.33

A Thin Wall of Air: Charles James

May 31, 2014 – September 07, 2014 (Recurring daily)

The Menil Collection

1515 Sul Ross, Houston, TX 77006

Artistic, difficult, and imaginative, Charles James was well suited to the eclectic spirit of his most unique patrons and clients, John and Dominique de Menil. As a couturier, Charles James was known for his virtuosic design and construction. His clothes fuse Victorian design approaches with forms derived from nature and are defined by dramatic curves and metamorphic extensions from the body, accentuated by unusual color choices and combinations.

Price: FREE!!!

Francesca DiMattio: Housewares

June 01, 2014 – August 30, 2014

Blaffer Art Museum

120 Fine Arts Building, Houston, TX 77204

For her first solo museum exhibition, Francesca DiMattio will create a new series of painting and ceramics that cut across art-historical genres, historical eras and cultural currents. Her work has been included in exhibitions at the Zabludowicz Collection and Pippy Houlsworth Gallery, London, Conduits Gallery, Milan, Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, The National Arts Club, New York, LAXART, Los Angeles, The Saatchi Gallery, London, and Locust Projects, Miami. She is represented by Salon 94 in New York.

DiMattio creates intricately layered paintings where objects and figures collide in continually shifting planes. Space and subject are carved out by juxtaposing different swatches of color, pattern, and form into a fragmented but choreographed whole. Likewise, her multi-faceted ceramic sculptures fluctuate between illusionism and abstraction, high art and craft, exploring shifting ideas of beauty, femininity, and art. The exhibition is organized by Claudia Schmuckli.

Price: FREE!!!

U-Pick Blueberries, Strawberries and Thornless Blackberries

June 14, 2014 – July 05, 2014 (Recurring daily) from 8am – 1pm

Blessington Farms

510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77485

Gather the family and head to Blessington Farms for a fun time picking fresh, delicious blueberries, strawberries and thornless blackberries. It does not get any fresher than this. The fun does not have to end after picking berries. Also enjoy other farm fun festivities like giant slides, hay maze, pedal cars, chickens, barrel train ride, hay rides, sand mountain and much more. No admission fee for berry picking – just pay for berries picked. Farm Funland is $5 to $8 per person depending on the day. Closed Sundays.

Price: $5-$8

MARVAILLOSSO! A Contemporary Circus

July 03, 2014- July 04, 2014 at 7 pm

Discovery Green

1500 McKinney

Don’t miss the Texas premiere of “ile O” by Barolosolo Cirkus Company, from Carcasonne, France, featuring a mash-up of modern physical theater. Houston’s own Cirque La Vie and FrenetiCore Dance Company also will perform.

Price: FREE!!!

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Sizzling Summer Dance

Jun 6, 2014 at 8:30 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Kick off your summer with MET Dance at the annual Sizzling Summer Dance Concert! Get a sneak peek of a World Premiere by New York based choreographer Joe Celej and 2014 Emerging choreographer Steven Vaughn. The evening will also include some of the Met’s most celebrated works. A diverse and versatile program bursting with dance, music and spirit, catch MET in their final performance of the season in a show perfect for all ages.

Price: FREE!!! As always, open seating on the hill. This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area.

25th Annual Accordion Kings & Queens

Jun 7, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Come out for an evening of dancing and roots music and help Texas Folklife celebrate the Accordion Kings & Queens Festival 25th anniversary! It will be a star-studded affair, featuring Mark Halata & Texavia and C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Plus, there will be a tribute to Conjunto and Tejano music pioneers with Avizo and many more.

Price: FREE!!! This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. As always, open seating on the hill.

Favorites and Firsts – Hear and Now!

June 07, 2014

The Church of St. John the Divine

2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019

We all have our favorites, but we also enjoy the excitement of something new. Well, in this case there is no need to choose. Both favorites and firsts will be found in this Special Bonus Concert as Houston Chamber sings audience requests and the world premiere of a brilliant new work by McKnight award-winning composer Jocelyn Hagen that the Chamber Choir commissioned just for this occasion. Past commissions by David Ashley White, Christopher Theofanidis, and Dominick DiOrio add to the mix of this spectacular concert.

Price: $25; Student tickets available for $10 with valid student ID.

Following General Sam Houston, 1793-1863 by Bernhardt Wall

June 06, 2014 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Artist and historian, Bernhardt Wall was a producer of fine press books who treated a vast array of subjects, including Texas and the Southwest. Today, Wall’s books are highly collectible and may be found in private collections, libraries and universities around the world. The etchings for this pictorial biography of Sam Houston were made while Wall was in La Porte, Texas in 1935, close to the battlefield of San Jacinto. At the time, Wall had the assistance of Houston’s one surviving son, Andrew Jackson Houston. One of the over seventy etchings in the book features Sam entering the 1850 Nichols-Rice-Cherry House, now located at The Heritage Society in Sam Houston Park. The exhibit will also feature some personal objects from the Houston family from the Permanent Collection of The Heritage Society. The etchings in this exhibition are on loan from The Printing Museum.

Price: FREE!!!

First Saturday Arts Market

(Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday) from 6:00 am -10:00 pm June, July, August

548 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008

First Saturday Arts Market is a monthly outdoor fine arts event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists. Located in the Historic Houston Heights by Gen’s Antiques at 548 W. 19th St. at Lawrence St., the market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. Bring the entire family and come enjoy the great outdoors, live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best gourmet food trucks.

Price: FREE!!!

First Saturday Art Crawl

(Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday)

Houston Socialites Club from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

On the first Saturday each month, join HSC for a fun, social art crawl around Houston, followed by dinner/drinks. Each month will feature a different art cluster/neighborhood, and includes these old favorites: Gallery Row, Montrose, Rice, Upper Kirby, Heights, to name a few.

This event is free. Houston Socialites Club (HSC) is a members-based social and events club for singles and couples over 30. Members enjoy a variety of social events each month, from art events to group dinners, recreational sports to game night potlucks, wine tasting to unique events, all designed to bring people together for friendship, fun while discovering Houston.

Price: FREE!!!

Garden Architecture Exhibition

Recurring daily

Architecture Center Houston (ArCH)

315 Capitol St., Houston, TX 77002

Garden Architecture will feature images and stories about many of Houston’s historic gardens, a juried presentation of recent significant garden design in both the public and private realm and a showcase of “vignette gardens” installed inside Architecture Center Houston. The exhibit is created for both architecture and landscape architecture design professionals, gardening enthusiasts, and will appeal to anyone interested in the history and growth of Houston as seen through the lens of our local gardens.

Price: FREE!!!

Posters of Gorbachev Era: The Sunset of Soviet Power

Recurring daily

Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Russian Cultural Center “Our Texas”

Every Soviet poster no matter the date of creation bears a stamp of expressiveness and graphical quality. The attention to details is awesome. The scope of techniques is endless. And what’s important, every Soviet poster has a historical reference essential for understanding the layers of meanings it carries through time. We present the collection of the posters that have been published in 1987-1990 years. It was very dramatic period in Russian history: Perestroika and the sunset of Soviet power took place then, leading to the new Russian Federation.

Price: FREE!!!

Free Events Thursday

by Lydia Free Events Thursday

Latin Beats

Friday, May 30th Downtown Aquarium from 7 pm – 10 pm and Saturday, May 31st, City Center from 7 pm-10 pm

Enjoy a live band (last Friday each month) plus free salsa dance lessons from professional dancers.

Price: FREE!!!

Dance Under the Stars

Friday, May 30th Sugar Land Town Square from 7:30 pm – 9 pm

Grab your dancing shoes and enjoy outdoor dance lessons with Fred Astaire instructors. This month’s dancing features Splash Band, a Motown and Oldies band.

Price: FREE!!!

Breakfast Yoga Club Houston

Sunday, June 1st at Asia Society Texas Center from 9 am – 11 am.

Soothing music and breakfast accompany the yoga.

Price: FREE!!! (with reservations)

Sandcastle Competition

Saturday, May 31, Galveston from 10am- 4:30 pm.

Galveston East Beach, 1923 Boddeker

The 28th year of this friendly competition pitting business teams against each other. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) annual Sandcastle Competition in Galveston is like nothing you’ve seen!

Price: FREE!!! (Parking is $10)

Learn Improv

Friday, May 30th at 7:30 pm.

Station Theater

1230 Houston Ave

Take a free Improv class, thanks to Station Theater’s Intro to Improv. All Intro students are invited to stay to watch Supernova Armando show for free ($6 value), a fast-paced comedy show with a guest monologist.

Price: FREE!!!

Walk the Streets

Sunday, June 1st, Studemont to Milam (Market Square Park) from 11 am – 3 pm.

Closed to vehicles, folks can walk, bike, dance and socialize their way down the road. Market Square Park will have several businesses onsite: Houston B-cycle, Bayou City Outdoors, Bike Barn, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt food truck!

Price: FREE!!!