This weekend comes to life with Broadway smash Chicago — starring a familiar Houston face — while Cirque du Soleil shines beneath the big top. Yet another circus makes a splash with performances in 35,000 gallons of water.
A star-studded art show begins with iconic images of the biggest names in pop culture, while a world-famous band from Harlem dances through the city. Is there anything better than ice cream for breakfast? (Read on.)
enjoy Here are your best bets for the weekend.
Thursday, February 2nd
Holocaust Museum Houston Presents Opening Reception Themed “The Life and Art of Alice Luke Kahane”
Artist and Holocaust survivor Alice Luke Kahane made a vow as she faced the horrors of Auschwitz and, later, Bergen-Belsen—if she survived, she would not hate those who imprisoned her and those who murdered her family. The Holocaust Museum in Houston will celebrate Kahane (who died in 2017), not only as an artist, but as a devoted friend, loving mother, and resilient survivor. Through Sunday, April 9th. 6 pm.
Presented by Cirque du Soleil Koza
A return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil, this homage to the traditional circus combines acrobatic performances with the art of clowning while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. The Innocent’s journey puts him in contact with comic characters from a world full of surprises, excitement, daring and total engagement. Through Sunday, March 5, 7:30 PM (noon, 3:30 and 7 PM on Saturday; 1:30 and 4 PM on Sunday).
Circus Italia presents a water circus
Cirque Italia presents their new show, which features a stage with 35,000 gallons of water in which performers perform dazzling moves, impressing the audience with every achievement. Cirque Italia has strived to bring a high-class experience to audiences across the United States since its inception in 2012. This year will be no exception as they take you on an exhilarating expedition in search of pirate loot. The event will take place in a tent in the Houston Premium Outlets parking lot. 7:30 PM (1:30 – 4:30 – 7:30 PM Saturday; 1:30 – 4:30 PM Sunday).
Friday, February 3
Pre-Masters Truffle Ceremony at the Central Market
DR Delicacy is set to host their highly anticipated event, the Truffle Masters. To mark the occasion, Houston chefs will be taking the loft from Central Market to delight guests in this celebration of all things truffle. During the opening party, guests will be served a variety of wines and champagnes as guests savor truffle-infused bites. Participating chefs include Michelle Wallace (Between Sandwich Company), Alex O. Young (Fat Eatery), David Skinner (Ecolent), Jassi Bindra (Amrina), Joseph Jeskopf (Seal), and more. 6:30 p.m.
YouGenious History: Selected Stories and Acapella Songs
Come sit down with some BYOB booze while YouGenious (aka The Misfit of R&B) talks about how he became one of Houston’s most legendary performers. (and this is for him Lyrics, btw.) He’ll tell stories about his favorite performance antics, strip club encounters and lost loves. These are the tales that have inspired the songs he’s been singing for the past 20 years (including the classic “Sex on a Spoon,” and he’ll strip it down to the bottom! 7 p.m.
Performing arts in Houston presents the Dance Theater of Harlem
The Harlem Company’s Dance Theater is celebrating its 50th anniversary and touring nationally and internationally, offering a powerful vision of ballet in the 21st century. The 17-member multiethnic company presents a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Saturday).
Theater under the stars Chicago
20 years ago, the film adaptation of the Broadway musical produced by Miramax won a host of Academy Awards. If you’ve ever wanted to see the theatrical release, here’s your chance. 25 years later, it’s still the only musical that has everything that makes Broadway rock: a universal story of fame, fortune, and all of jazz, with one song after another and the most amazing dance you’ve ever seen. Through Sunday, February 12, at 8 p.m. (2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday).
Saturday, February 4th
Jenny’s ice cream for breakfast
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will be serving their annual ice cream celebration for Breakfast Day. Last year’s great flavor, maple-soaked pancakes, is back for a limited time. The first 50 Splendid Rewards members will receive a free, very limited cup of ice cream for the day of breakfast. Visitors can also enter a free gift of ice cream for a year by taking a photo in your Jeni’s store PJs, sharing it with the hashtag #icecreamforbreakfast, and tagging Jeni’s on social media.. 9 am.
Presented by Brave Little Company Grandpa’s garden
Meet Pepe and her grandfather, the world champion gardener. If you are ready to learn something new, it will teach you how to grow your own fruits and vegetables. But curious Pepi can’t stop wondering what’s in Grandpa’s mysterious shed – and she needs your help to find the key. Bibi and her grandfather will explore the garden—and their roots and legacy as African Americans—through songs, senses, and stories. This musical will celebrate black history through the story of one family. 10 am and 1 pm.
Nicole Longnecker Gallery Presents Opening Ceremony of “ICONS KLINKO”
ICONS KLINKO will feature world-renowned photographer Marcus KLINKO. Klinko has photographed the likes of Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Mary J Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Naomi Campbell, and Iman, among his editorial clients Vogue magazineAnd GQAnd Vanity FairAnd Harper’s BazaarAnd interview. Through Saturday, March 25th. 4 pm.
14 Pews Carole King Home Again – Live in Central Park
This documentary features the 1973 homecoming party in Central Park, in front of an estimated audience of 100,000 people. The film presents full 16mm multi-camera footage that was filmed and recorded, but never previously released. Along with the full performance footage, there is a behind-the-scenes story of King’s remarkable transformation from an in-demand songwriter to an iconic artist in her own right. 5 m.
Sunday, February 5th
Gallery of Modern Art and IYO Visuals are present southern glory
The Gallery of Modern Art (The MAG) and IYO Visuals present this collaborative exhibitionAnd It features over 20 local and international visual artists. The gallery will also serve as the grand opening exhibition for MAG, a 23,000-square-foot contemporary art gallery located on GreenStreet, Downtown Houston’s premier mixed-use district. MAG aims to distinguish itself as an artist-first gallery concept, collaborating with artists and sharing their visual work with local and global audiences. Through Friday, March 31st. 11 am.
ReelAbilities: Houston Film and Arts Festival
ReelAbilities: Houston Film and Arts Festival, a free, citywide festival that promotes inclusion and celebrates the lives, stories and talents of people with disabilities, will offer a multifaceted experience of art, music, speakers and films that elevate audiences’ impressions of people with disabilities. ReelArt’s inaugural reception will be held on Sunday. The action takes place in multiple locations; Go to the festival website for more information. through Thursday, February 23rd. 1 p.m.
Main Street Theatre permanent set
African American businessman Sterling North has been appointed as the new director of the Morris Foundation. He soon discovers that this world-famous art collection includes many important African carvings in storage. The institution’s director of education has long opposed his proposal to add them to public galleries. Spurred on by an enthusiastic local journalist, the clash quickly escalated into public accusations of racism and a bitter struggle for control of the group. Until Sunday, March 5th. 3 p.m.