The Herbal List
Image of Cirque La Vie via Discovery Green
So much to do! So little time! Let’s get to it.
Thursday, December 3
en/gulf: ecopoetics of the bay and gulf, an exhibition by Graphic Design and Creative Writing of the University of Houston — View a series of poetry videos and an installation of 70 glass jars that visually reference scientific collections of specimens for research and conservation. Preview en/gulf, a book of letterpress broadsides. 6:30-8:30 pm, University of Houston, FREE.
Touki Bouki — Film screening at UH’s Blaffer Museum. In this French New Wave-influenced fantasy-drama from 1973, two young lovers long to leave Dakar for the glamour and comforts of France, but their escape plan is beset by complications both concrete and mystical. Characterized by dazzling imagery and music, the alternately manic and meditative “Touki Bouki” is widely considered one of the most important African films ever made and was ranked No. 52 in Empire magazine’s “The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema” in 2024. 6:30-8:00 pm, FREE.
Jackelope — Ken Harrison’s 1975 documentary Jackelope follows the day to day activities of Texas artists James Surls, John Alexander, George T. Green, Mel Casas, Bob Wade, Letitia Eldredge, and others as they practice their craft and travel the state. 7:00 pm, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. FREE.
The Value of Art to Healing and Social Connectedness — This panel at the Houston Center for Photography will discuss the value that art holds on the healing process of mental illness, as represented in the exhibition Somewhere in the Balance. Moderated by HCP’s Director of Education - Juliana Forero, Ph.D., the panelist include members of the The Menninger Clinic -Jon Allen, Ph.D. - senior psychologist, Kula Moore- art therapist, and Brad Kennedy- director of rehabilitation services, collaborative artistic team Hillerbrand+Magsamen and HCP’s Outreach Coordinator - Jamie Robertson. 6:00 pm, HCP, FREE.
Night of Art at Rice University — Events and openings in the printmaking studio, Matchbox Gallery, and the fall student exhibition in Sewell Hall. 5:00-8:00 pm. All in Sewell Hall. FREE.
First Thursdays — The Houston Film Commission presents their monthly series of short films on the back patio of Cafe Brasil. 8:00-10:00 pm, FREE.
Polar Express — Discovery Green’s “Screen on the Green” series presents Polar Express. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas. Discovery Green, 7:00-8:30 pm. FREE.
Friday, December 4
B L A C K I E — Free show at Vinal Edge records. 7:00 pm.
Trumbo — In 1947, Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston) was Hollywood’s top screenwriter until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. Trumbo (directed by Jay Roach) recounts how Dalton used words and wit to win two Academy Awards and expose the absurdity and injustice under the blacklist, which entangled everyone from gossip columnist Hedda Hopper (Helen Mirren) to John Wayne, Kirk Douglas and Otto Preminger. The film also stars Diane Lane, John Goodman, Louis CK, Elle Fanning, and Michael Stuhlbarg. Various showtimes all week at the River Oaks Theater.
Cirque La Vie — A high intensity circus arts performance in collaboration with los Trompos through dynamic creations both in the air and on the ground. Discovery Green, 7:00-8:00 pm. FREE.
We Do It For the Love — Special guest Styvër joins residents Henry Chow and Noey Lopez for this monthly techno night at the Alley Kat. 9:00pm-2:00am, FREE (21+).
Saturday, December 5
First Saturdays — Join Royal Oak & Doc’s Bar & Grill Houston for a day of local music, local vendors and all sorts of fun activities! A great place to buy unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, with a dash of food and entertainment. Starts at noon, FREE to window-shop, listen to music, and take part in fun activities.
Ni De Aqui, Ni De Alla; Not From Here, Not From There — Living room art returns to Near Northside! This time, Voices Breaking Boundaries will transform a home with work that explores the places of our origin and their lasting effects on our identities and our paths of migration. The afternoon includes installations/
Femme Fest HTX — Femme Fest is a day to celebrate the cis women, transfolk, gender fluid/ nonconforming, Intersex, Queer (gay, bi, pansexual, a-sexual, anything not hetero sexual) folx in our community and the creativity they bring into our lives. Our goal is to create a safer space for networking and building relationships. Femme Fest is hosted by Planned Parenthood, sponsored by Creative Women Unite. With performances, vendors, and food trucks. 4:00 pm. FREE.
#WorldAIDSDay 2024 Gathering — Too often, when we speak about HIV, the Black community is left out, and when we do speak of the Black community, it is often by those who do not have HIV. The sole purpose of this event is to empower those living with HIV to take the lead in fight for respect, to break stigma and save lives. Meetup at the base of the hill near Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park, 6:30 pm, FREE.
Jessica Halonen: The Blue Hour — The title of Halonen’s exhibition, The Blue Hour, refers to an elusive period between day and night when a fleeting vibrant blue illuminates the sky. David Shelton Gallery, 6:00 pm, FREE.
DJ Solar — I’ve got so many great memories of hearing this guy play at the Top on Sunday nights in San Francisco, not to mention at the legendary Sunset Parties throughout the Bay Area. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard him, but back then he was mashing up house, hip hop, punk rock, and even pop in completely unexpected ways that lit up the dance floor. Jet Lounge, 10:00 pm, price unknown.
Sunday, December 6
Golden Pelicans / OBNIII’s / Talk Sick Brats — I don’t know any of these bands but they’re playing a free show at Big Star Bar on Sunday and I bet it’s going to be great. 9:00 pm, FREE.
Monday, December 7
Go see Glover Gill play solo tango piano at the Continental Club for Free. Or
Go see They, Who Sound at Avant Garden for the best in local avant garde improvisational music. Or
Go to the Monday Night Jazz Jam at Cafe 4212. Or
Have a pizza and a frozen mojito and shake your booty at the Flat.
Tuesday, December 8
Tuesday is the new Monday. Give yourself a break and stay in and read a book or work on your Christmas cards.
Wednesday, December 9
This Changes Everything — There will be a screening of the documentary This Changes Everything on December 9th at 7:30 PM at the Edwards Marq’E. “This Changes Everything” is a documentary on the climate crisis, inspired by Naomi Klein’s international best-selling book of the same name. What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we’ll ever get to build a better world? Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change.
Jazz on Ice — Jazzman Jawad skates and jams on the ice rink at Discovery Green. Too weird to miss! 7:00-9:00 pm, Discovery Green, FREE.
