The Hidden Agenda: Summer Sads Ain't So Bad
Into the summer deep. The backyards smell of fresh cut grass, smokey grills, and freshly shocked swimming pools. You listen for the birds to cheer up your summer time blues, but you are certain they all died from the triple digit days that bombarded us with unwanted UVs. The only item of clothing that is remotely clean is a tank top your aunt gave you from Dicks Last Resort. Oh well, it will accentuate your splotchy pinkish peeling shoulders. Your steering wheel is too hot to touch, but you are already late for that next appointment. The air is wavy inside your car and you have soaked through all of your clothes anyhow. Can’t tomorrow be October 15th and also 3 more states north? Up ahead…it appears to be a lake made of cherry cola Slurpee! Is it a mirage? Oh even better, it's this week's Hidden Agenda. Chill those vibes with some art digs here in town.
Monday, 08/03
I feel like that weekend was not as relaxing as it could have been and now we cant eat eggs or bacon?! Take another evening for yourself and have yourself a soak.
Tuesday, 08/04
Picnic | 3PM
River Oaks Theatre | 2009 W Gray
This gritty black and white film shot in the summer of 1985 celebrates a pre white washed and ungentrified New York City. The boroughs were true and the streets were exhaling pure energy and vibes.
“Philip Hartman’s No Picnic is a priceless artifact of New York’s pre-gentrification East Village, with appearances by Steve Buscemi, Richard Hell, Luis Guzmán, and other fixtures of the Downtown music and art scenes. The winds of change were in the air”.
If you caught Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing then this will be the perfect summer time pairing of the purest NYC you will ever see.
Its in the small theatre so get your seats.
Wednesday, 08/05
Gabriel Mathias, Portrait of William Ansah Sessarakoo, son of Eno Baisie Kurentsi (John Currantee) of Anomabu, 1749.
Panel Discussion: Holding Freedom: Ghana in the Menil Collection | 7PM
The Menil Collection | 1533 Sul Ross
Co-organized with Dr. Lindsay Gary, Menil Summer School is a four-week public program series for adult learners that explores the legacy of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) through the lens of Houston’s Civil Rights history and the broader African Diaspora. Designed to complement John Akomfrah: The Hour Of The Dog, the series centers Houston as a site of radical Black education, activism, and global connection. The panel will feature Dr. Emmanuel Cudjoe, Paul R. Davis, and Dr. Lindsay Gary.
Crown Chakra Journey | 8:30PM
Art Club Infinity Room | 401 Franklin St.
Inner healing, sound meditations, and immersive visuals to help guide you to a higher level of SELF. Im still a huge fan of the sound meditation at the Houston Cistern, its my favorite on Saturday and Sunday mornings. However, this looks very interesting and im sure very cool. Check it out and be sure to bring a yoga mat, pillow, maybe blanket, and plenty of water because you are always dehydrated.
Psst. Here is the link for the Sound Meditation at the Cistern as well.
Thursday, 08/06
Break In Dance Fest | 7PM
Match Theatre | 3400 Main St.
Break-In Dance is returning for its second year as the BOOT Dance Project’s celebration of the contemporary dance and artists that make Texas unique. A wonderfully busy week for contemporary movements and we are here for it.
“Created to provide visibility, opportunity, and connection for Texas-based choreographers and dancers, Break-In Dance Fest brings together artists from across the state for an evening of original work presented in a professional performance setting. The festival serves as both a performance platform and a gathering space where artists and audiences can engage with new ideas, diverse perspectives, and innovative approaches to dance-making”.
Break-In is both Thursday and Friday 7PM at Match so grab some seats already!
Friday, 08/07
The Fisherman | 7PM
MFAH Browns Auditorium | 1001 Bissonnet
The Fisherman is Zoey’s Martinson’s Venice Film Festival–winning feast. Aging Ghanaian Atta Oko sets his sights on finally having his own boat and becoming the envy of his village. Gaining his insight and inspiration from a dead fish.
Saturday, 08/08
Floyd Newsum Summer Studios Opening + Community Market | 4PM - 7PM
Project Row Houses | 2521 Holman St.
Once again we have another wonderful Project Row Houses opening this. Six visual artists whose work speaks directly to the urgency, complexity, and fragility of our times will take over the cozy spaces. This dynamic exhibition explores how contemporary creators are processing the cultural and sociological nuances of identity and imagination.
The installations will be On View: August 8 - September 8 in the Art Houses at Project Row Houses at 2521 Holman Street, Houston, Texas 77004.
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Participating ArtistsItzel Aguilar
Monae Jacobs
Oghenetega Okperuvwe
Jordan Shumard
Elizabeth Martins
Itzel Rosales
Resident Talks: Arden Carlson and Dominique Munoz | 3pm
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft | 4848 Main St.
When you are hopping around your busy Saturday adventures make sure to stop by the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. This artists talk will give you a one on one with the artists in Residence and discover the artistic processes of working craft artists. Learn about their works of art, influences, and materials and after the talk, visit the residents’ open studios to learn more about their tools and explore their work up close!
This event will be held in person. A recording will be posted on HCCC’s YouTube page after the event.
Koda Contemporary Ballet | 7PM
Match Theatre | 3400 Main St.
KODA Contemporary Ballet is a new ballet company that we never knew we needed more than we do now. KODA’s Opening Act, is described as an unforgettable inaugural performance here to celebrate this exhilarating new launch.
“Bringing together exceptional artists, innovative choreography, and a bold creative vision, Opening Act features four original works by choreographers John Henry Reid, Aidan Kohles-Wolf, Andrea Dawn-Shelley, and Jack Wolff. Together, these distinct voices explore the beauty, complexity, vulnerability, and power of the human experience through movement”.
Sunday, 08/09
Sunday Funday and it's all about being chill.