In Performance: Spring 2013 Performance Series, Orange Show, Center for Visionary Art (Houston, TX)

Tyagaraja, courtesy of Orange Show, Center for Visionary Art

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, Houston’s pre-eminent folk art organization, has announced its lineup for their Spring 2013 Performance Series taking place at the internationally-renown Orange Show Monument, located at 2402 Munger St. From March 2 through April 20.

For over 30 years the Orange Show Monument has been a memorable venue for some of Houston’s best and most eclectic cultural performances featuring a variety of nationally and internationally recognized artists. This spring is no exception, and the Orange Show anticipates this lineup will attract new audiences who may have never experienced an event at the Orange Show Monument before. “Houston has always supported the fringe and folk art scenes, which is why annual events such as the Houston Art Car Parade drew large crowds from the beginning,” said Orange Show Center for Visionary Art Executive Director Lynette Wallace. “We are excited to continue utilizing the historic Orange Show Monument as a backdrop for showcasing emerging talent, while fulfilling our mission of creating a community where the expression of personal artistic vision is recognized and valued.”

March 1 – “Bless the Orange Show” featuring Tyagaraja

An annual tradition, the blessing of the Orange Show Monument marks the opening of the spring season and ensures that creativity and prosperity continue to flourish within the community. This year, transcendental singer/songwriter Tyagaraja will perform an ancient energy cleansing ceremony that will culminate with classical Indian dance and a special musical show featuring guest performers including Alaap Parikh and Gunjen Mittal. Doors at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10. For more information visit www.orangeshow.org/events/123.

March 2 – Houston Lebowski Bash 2013

The beloved cult classic The Big Lebowski is the inspiration for an evening of revelry that will take place at the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art’s Smither Park – located directly next door to the Orange Show Monument. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite character for the Lebowski costume contest and participate in a Lebowski trivia game, followed by a screening of the film. Make sure to bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Beverages will be available for purchase. Sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewery and the Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow. Doors at 6pm move starts at 8pm sharp. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information visit www.lebowskihouston.com

March 9 – Kerouac Fest: Go!Go!Go!

The purpose of Kerouac Fest is to educate, entertain and enlighten the public. Whether you’re familiar with Kerouac’s writing or just have a passing notion of what the Beat Generation is, you’ll find something to appreciate. Produced by Tanyia Johnson of Make.Play.Speak. and poet Stephen Gros, Kerouac Fest will include a rich lineup of performances, readings, panel discussions, film screenings and in-depth analysis of the Beat Generation. Sponsored by Brazos Bookstore, InPrint, and Black Swan Screen Printing. The daylong event is from 3pm-10pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information visit www.orangeshow.org/events/121.

March 23 – The Orange Show’s Annual Easter Orange Hunt & PEEPS Art Contest

This beloved annual event draws hundreds of children out to the Orange Show Monument for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt through the colorful, maze-like space. In addition, the first ever Houston PEEPS Art Contest will take place. To participate, use the delicious marshmallow treat, PEEPS, to create a sculpture, diorama, mosaic, or any other type of visual art, and bring it to the Easter Orange Hunt where a panel of judges will determine the winner. This event is free and open to the public. 11am – 2pm. For more information visit www.orangeshow.org/events/122.

March 23 – An Evening with Mother Falcon

The orchestral indie band from Austin has quickly become an award-winning recording act and a top concert draw. Classically trained musicians on cello, violin, guitar, mandolin, piano, saxophone, accordion, trumpet, glockenspiel, drums, bass, and vocals come together as a collaborative to produce emotional, arresting music ranging from chamber to pop to covering an entire Radiohead album. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information visit www.orangeshow.org/events/124.

April 6 – The Suffers

Comprised of current and former members of Los Skarnales, Heptic Skeptic, The Handsomes, and others, The Suffers is a soulful concoction of Reggae, Jazz, and tradition Jamaican Ska. Winner of three 2012 Houston Press Music Awards including “Best New Act,” “Best Reggae/Ska Dub,” and “Best Female Vocalist.” In addition, local comedic geniuses Brian Zeolla, Josh Brokaw and Dusti Rhodes will perform their stand-up routines to get the crowd warmed up. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information visitwww.orangeshow.org/events/125.

April 12 & 13 – Outside the Lines: An Un-Concert

Composers Stephen Bachicha, Charles Halka, and Robert McClure will present musical works that challenge the idea of the contemporary music concert. Each will present a work in which the Orange Show Monument will play an integral role in how the audience experiences the music. All Rice University Doctoral Candidates, these composers urge you to get out of your seat, walk around, and listen as you are enveloped in sound. Doors at 7pm show at 8pm both nights. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information about the April 12 show visit www.orangeshow.org/events/127, and for the April 13 show visit www.orangeshow.org/events/128.

April 20 – 2nd Annual Mills-McCoin Rock ‘N Roll Circus

Back by popular demand, the Orange Show is thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Mill-McCoin Rock ‘N Roll Circus – a showcase of local music, dance and performance art designed to keep the audience enthralled all night long. Expect to encounter clowns, contortionists, bearded ladies, fortunetellers, and some of Houston’s best musical acts. Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. Tickets are $10 advance and $15 at the door. For more information visit www.orangeshow.org/events/126.

Coming up after April 20th : 26th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend! The largest Art Car Parade in the world is back again and the Orange Show is bringing an entire weekend of events – most of which are free and open to the public. All information can be found at www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

For more information, visit the Orange Show online at www.orangeshow.org. Contact: Jonathan Beitler [email protected]