Golden Tickets of the Week: Aug 16–21
Comedy
Jay Pharoah
Famous for his spot-on versions of Ben Carson, Denzel Washington, Kayne West and President Obama, Pharaoh is one of the best SNL impressionists since Jimmy Fallon and Bill Hader. And while rumor has it that—sniff, sniff—he won't be returning this season, he will be stopping by the Bayou City this weekend. Finger crossed he'll do Shaq. (Spoiler: He nails it.) Aug 19–21. $25–35. The Improv, 7620 Katy Fwy. 713-333-8800. improvhouston.com
Theater
A Night with Janis Joplin at the Alley Theatre
Image: Courtesy of Alley Theatre
Opening Friday, this electrifying musical honors the legendary '60s singer and Texas native by chronicling the powerhouse performer's short but prolific life—and the sound that defined a generation. Aug 19–Sept 18. $31–72. 615 Texas Ave. 713-220-5700. alleytheatre.org
Visual Art
Emerging Artists 2016 at La Colombe d'Or Gallery
Image: Courtesy of Maddox Gallery
In association with London's Maddox Gallery, this pop-up exhibition at La Colombe d'Or has been in the spotlight since contemporary artist Bran Symondson's artwork—three decommissioned, non-working AK-47s embellished with dollar bills and butterflies—were seized and not released from customs at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport last week. (But don't worry, after working around the clock, Symondson's was able to create a piece to exhibit.) The exhibition has extended its run through the end of the month, and includes works by artists Bradley Theodore, Lincoln Townley, Finn Stone, Simafra, Bran Symondson, Massimo Agostinelli and Dan Baldwin. Thru Aug 31. La Colombe d’Or Gallery, 3410 Montrose Blvd. 713-524-7999. lacolombedor.com
Reading
Laura McHugh, author of Arrowood
Image: Courtesy of Spiegel & Grau
The award-winning author of The Weight of Blood reads from and signs Arrowood, her haunting new thriller about family secrets. Free with book purchase. Aug 16 at 7 p.m. Blue Willow Bookshop, 14532 Memorial Drive. 281-497-8675. bluewillowbookshop.com
Event
Blanket Bingo
You'll be singing B-I-N-G-O at the Houston crowd favorite, as long as you get there early: Tickets sell out within a half hour. Aug 18 at 6 p.m. $10 per packet of 9 bingo cards. Market Square Park, 301 Milam St. 713-223-2003. marketsquarepark.com
