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January 2009 Events Calendar
Music, Arts and Other Houston Tomfoolery

By Shea Serrano, About.com

Start the year off right this January by experiencing just what it is that makes Houston great. This month there are concerts, plays, art exhibits, sporting events, and outdoor activities. Know of an event in Houston that isn't listed below but should be? Shoot me an email.

Saturday, January 3
House of Blues: Concert

Wild Child, a Doors cover band, performs tonight at the House of Blues. As far as cover bands go, I’m not a huge fan, but these guys are pretty good. Plus, I had the opportunity to speak with Dan Aykroyd once, co-founder of HOB, and he is one smooth, intimidating fellow. So much so, in fact, that I totally choked on the opportunity to make some sort of half-baked joke about “consuming mass quantities” of Lone Star. Tickets are $15 to $25. Doors open at 8 p.m.

1204 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
888.402.5837

House of Blues

Sunday, January 4
Kemah Yachts: Bridal Showcase Open House

I’m not going to lie, I went to a bridal show with my wife a few years ago, and it wasn’t totally horrible. (Mostly due to the fact that they had a two foot cheese fountain.) So when I got this release in my inbox I figured I’d pass along the info. From 2-5 p.m. there is a Bridal Showcase Open House at Kemah Yachts (in case you don’t find an inland location that’s expensive enough for you, I presume). Exhibitors include a florist, photographer, videographer and so forth. No word on whether or not there will be cheese fountains.

280 Grove Road
Kemah, Texas 77565
281) 334-4692

Kemah Yachts

Monday, January 5
Discovery Green Ice Rink: Houston Skating Stars

If you’d like to be reminded of how utterly uncoordinated and unathletic you actually are despite all of those 2nd place Field Day ribbons you’ve got, head on over to Disovery Green’s Ice Rink today to see the region’s “best figure skaters, coaches, precision teams and ice show performers” put on a show. As much as I’m not an ice skating fan, this is pretty fun to see. The $10 admission includes skates rental. Starts at 6 p.m.

1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
Ph 713-400-7336

Ice Rink at Discovery Green

Tuesday, January 6
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Body Worlds 2 & The Brain: Our Three Pound Gem exhibit

If you’ve never seen Body World’s before, it really is a must. Essentially, Dr. GvH has “plasticized” more than 200 human specimens, removing their skins and exposing the “machine which winds the springs” for the world’s gawking eyes. Do not underestimate the creepiness of this exhibit. Price is $17-25 dollars.

One Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
713.639.IMAX

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Wednesday, January 7
The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club: Open Mic Blues Jam

The blues are arguably the most emotive form of music, and if you’ve got an inkling to perform, head on over to award-winning blues haunt The Big Easy for their weekly open mic night. And remember, they’re not saying “Booooo,” they’re saying “Oooooooh,” on account of your awesomeness on the harmonica, no doubt.

5731 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 523-9999

The Big Easy

Thursday, January 8
Houston Improv: Greg Fitzsimmons

Comedy Central regular and Emmy-winning comedian Greg Fitzsimmons will be bringing his slightly off brand of humor to Houston tonight. You can see clips of him here to see if he’s your brand of comedian before making your way out there. Show begins at 8 p.m.

526 Waugh
Drive, Houston
(713) 524-2333

Houston Improv

Friday, January 9
Toyota Center: Celine Dion

I know Celine Dion has sold millions upon millions of records and won countless awards. But, for me, I’ll always remember her as being the lady that sang that Titanic song. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets rang from $50 to $185.

1600 Jackson St
Houston, Texas 77003
866-446-8849

Toyota Center

Saturday, January 10
Verizon Wireless Theater: Cheech and Chong

And solely because I like to follow up all Celine Dion concerts with some sort of Cheech and Chong reference: For the first time in 25 years, comedy duo Cheech and Chong will be touring cross country. I’ll leave you to make your own meta jokes. Show begins at 8 p.m.

520 Texas St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 230-1600

Verizone Theater

Sunday, January 11
Stafford Centre: Montage Performance Circus

Former Cirque Du Soleil performers put on the show here, so you can expect that vibe. And just in case you happen to be a reclusive millionaire (who isn’t?) you can rent the entire show for yourself beginning at $6,000.

10505 Cash Rd
Stafford, TX 77477
(281) 208-6900

Stafford Centre

Monday, January 12
Stag's Head Pub: Speed Dating

For $35 you can enroll in the (potentially devastating) activity of Speed Dating. You’ll be matched up with a bunch of single professionals for a few minutes of one on one conversation in the hopes of forging some sort of love connection. There are two separate age categories (32-44 an 40-54). Begins at 7 p.m.

2128 Portsmouth St
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 521-2333

Stag's Head Pub

Tuesday, January 13
Bayou City Outdoors: Snow Sports 101

Because I don’t want to discriminate against cold weather activites, meet up with the Bayou City Outdoors people for a quick class on the necessities for making a snowy trip up north. It’s free, so there’s that. Class begins at 7 p.m. while demonstrations begin at 8 p.m. You’ll have to register via the website below.

7538 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77063

Bayou City Outdoors

Wednesday, January 14
Westin Galleria: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want; Free Motivational Seminar

He’s been on Oprah and Larry King, had his books become New York Times best sellers, and now he’s coming to Houston to teach you how you can live the life you really want. Normally costing many, many dollars, this will be a free seminar, but seats are running out fast, so sign up (via the website below) quick. Starts at 7 p.m.

The Westin Galleria Houston
5060 W. Alabama
Houston, TX 77056

Westin Galleria

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