September 1 – November 26, 2008
Live music, diverse cultural programs and ice skating highlight the fall activities at the downtown park
Discovery Green has been a popular destination with Houstonians and visitors to the city since its official opening on April 13, 2008. Located in downtown Houston across from the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green is 12 acres of urban green space including one-acre lake, children’s playground area, interactive water features, multi-use amphitheater stage and sloping lawn, small and large dog runs, and two restaurants, the Grove and Lake House operated by Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group. In addition to the relaxing setting, visitors to the park can enjoy a tremendous variety of activities and special events. During the inaugural spring season, 172 events drew more than 77,000 people to the park for free weekly exercise classes, live music concerts, outdoor films, organic Green Market, Saturday children’s programs, monthly art performances, and other special events.
“It was our goal to introduce a variety of cultural and unique events in our inaugural programming season,” said Susanne Theis, programming director. “The response to live music, films, recycling and other major events has been extremely positive. We look forward to offering Houstonians and visitors to our city a wonderful array of activities for the fall season.”
The Fall program season begins September 1 and will include the continuation of several of the popular activities offered in the spring as well as several new and diverse offerings for Houstonians and visitors of all ages. In November, the park will add another family-oriented holiday activity: outdoor ice skating on Kinder Lake.
All series programs are FREE and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Outdoor events can be affected by the weather. Performers, times, dates and other schedule changes may occur. For more information and program updates visit www.discoverygreen.com or call 713.400.7336.
DISCOVERY GREEN SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday, September 26
Thank You, Houston: A Celebration of Gulf Coast voices, music, and food
7 p.m.
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Free Admission
Houston's Katrina community comes together to commemorate the third anniversary of the hurricane and to express its thanks by sharing some the rich traditions they brought with them to Houston: brass band music, gumbo, gospel singing, stories of thanks recorded from survivors by the Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston project, and an audio/photo installation by photographer and fellow survivor Alice McNamara. Thank You, Houston takes place at Discovery Green, just outside the George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands of Katrina survivors were welcomed and housed in September 2005.
Friday, October 17
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts at Discovery Green
Honoring Nancy G. Kinder
Made possible by generous support from Andrea and Bill White
6:30 p.m.
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Slope
Free Admission. A showcase of Houston’s best young musicians, actors, dancers and artists from Houston’s famous High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
Friday, October 31
SCREAM on the Green!
5 p.m.
Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Slope
A new citywide outdoor Halloween party and costume contest. KPFT presents Scary-oke at Scream on the Green plus prizes for best dog costume, best child costume and best adult costume along with music and Halloween movies. Great prizes; judges provided by Bayou City Art Festival.
Saturday, November 1
District I Back to School Family Day
3 p.m.
City Councilman James Rodriquez invites families to celebrate the fresh start of a new school year at District I’s new neighborhood park, Discovery Green. The event features cultural performances, games, fun activities, community representatives with resource information for families, special appearances and a free showing of Bee Movie!
Friday, November 7
The Art Guys Silver Jubilee Tribute Album Concert and Variety Show Extravaganza
7 p.m.
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
In 25 years of making art, The Art Guys have collaborated with amazing musicians and artists. This concert honors that sense of collaboration and fun with a “variety show extravaganza” that will feature music by Brave Combo, the original nuclear polka band from Denton, Texas and performances by other musicians from The Art Guys Tribute CD. Underwriting provided by a generous and anonymous donor. Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
November 27, 2008 – January 19, 2009
The Ice at Discovery Green
Holiday Skating on the Lake
presented by the Houston Chronicle
Ice skating makes a welcome return to downtown Houston this holiday season with the opening of Discovery Green’s skating rink at Kinder Lake. Following the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, patrons will be able to line up for a turn on the ice, old-fashioned style. November 27, 2008 – January 19, 2009. Visit discoverygreen.com for upcoming details and admission prices.
DISCOVERY GREEN ART SERIES
Fresh Fridays presented by the Fresh Arts Coalition
September 19, 7 pm, October 10, November 21
Time: 7 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Fresh Arts Coalition presents a monthly series of exciting art performances. September 19 features an exotic and edgy collaboration with Dance of Asian America and The Best of Slant from the Aurora Video Library. On October 10 the Bard gets fresh in brand spankin' new recreations of his classics with Mildred's Umbrella Theatre Company and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater.
Houston Arts Alliance Showcase
Saturdays, September 20, October 25, November 22
Time: 3 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Presented by the Houston Arts Alliance, this series features the excellence and diversity of Houston’s performing arts community, including a special showcase on November 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. for the National Arts Marketing Conference. On September 20, enjoy exciting performances by Kuumba House and Houston Children’s Chorus. October 25 features the Brazilian Arts Foundation and Dance of Asian American. On November 22, it’s Salsa by the Houston Salsa Dancers! Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
KUHF Classic Film Concerts
Fridays, September 12, October 3 and November 14
Time: 7:30 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Houston Public Radio presents a series of silent film screenings accompanied by live music. These unique film presentations include the performance of new, original scores by Texas musicians set to silent films from the 1920s. September 12: Metropolis. October 3rd: Nosferatu. November 14th: Phantom of the Opera.
Inprint Readings on the Green
Wednesday, October 29
7 p.m. Free Admission
Saberioon Plaza
Andrea White reads from Window Boy, her latest novel which tells the story of 12-year-old Sam Davis—a boy with cerebral palsy, experiencing the joys and pain of the world first hand with his constant companion, Winston Churchill. White is an, author, attorney, community volunteer, education advocate, mother and Houston’s first lady.
Art in the Park
Thursdays
5 p.m. Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade
The Community Artist Collective gives YOU a chance to be the artist in the park. Each week you’ll have the opportunity to experience the artists’ way. Instructors include Michelle Barnes, Oriana McMillan and Ann Johnson. Supplies provided; bring your creativity. Classes are free; however there is a limit of 20 per class and it is first come, first served.
Dance Days at Discovery Green
Dance Scottish!
Saturday, September 6
1 p.m. Workshop at HPL Express
3 p.m. Performance, Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Celebrate Dance Scottish Week, a world-wide event with a performance of the Houston & District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
Houston Ballet II Lunchtime Concert
Tuesday, October 14
12 Noon, Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
HBII performs Esmeralda pas de deux plus excerpts from the Long and Winding Road and
Raymonda. Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
Dance Source Showcase
Wednesday, October 15
7 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
A marvelous evening of dance featuring choreography by Toni Valle, performances by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company and Suchu Dance. Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
Tenerife Danza Lab
Saturday, October 18
7 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Direct from the Canary Islands, Tenerife Danza Lab is a contemporary dance company draws inspiration from their spectacular “home” art complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. Tenerife Danza Lab presents “MIzu no yukue” a collaboration with Japanese choreographer Iso Yoshiko. Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
Oedipus Rex - Slammed!
Saturday, October 25
7 p.m. Free Admission Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Sophocles in the park. Prairie View A & M's acclaimed troupe of Charles Gilpin Players bring this Greek tragedy alive in the spoken word style.
DISCOVERY GREEN ENTERTAINMENT SERIES
Thursday Concerts on the Green presented by Capital One Bank
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
This series features fun FREE family friendly shows every Thursday from September 4 to November 20, 2008. Free street parking begins at 6 pm and all concerts start promptly at 6:30 pm.
September 4 – The Iguanas
A swamp pop party everyone will enjoy. The Iguanas’ rollicking performances showcase a potent blend of blues, Cajun/Zydeco, classic soul and Tex-Mex rock & roll.
September 11 – Real Guitar Heroes, Starring Texas Johnny Brown and I.J. Gosey
Put down the video games and come see real guitar heroes in action! Texas Johnny Brown and I. J. Gosey showcase the guitar traditions they pioneered in the 1950s as Duke/Peacock session players. The concert honors the legacy of Rory Miggins and Local Charm.
September 18 – KPFT Presents Jambolism, a sudden mind blowing event involving horns. Brace yourself for the brass, lose yourself in the textures and find yourself in the rhythms of Jambolism.
September 25 – The Gourds
The Gourds bring their “kaleidoscopic-country sound” back to Discovery Green.
October 2 – Disco Expressions
Get Down Tonight at DISCO-very Green! Bust out your favorite 70s clothes and compete to win the best dressed competition!
October 9 – Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Charismatic and engaging, Big Sam, former Dirty Dozen Brass Band trombonist, leads his Funky Nation through feel good jams with a blaring brass section and super tight grooves.
October 16 – The Suspects
Houston’s ska kings are back in action with a horn driven dance party for the entire family.
October 23 – Paul Minor and the Texas Tycoons
Lone Star classics form the biggest band of in-demand Texas musicians.
October 30 – SKYROCKET!
Hit the hill for a high-energy concert with 70s and 80s mega-hits. SKYROCKET! features four dynamic lead vocalists including Houston’s own Trish and Darrin Murphy and Johnny Goudie.
November 6 – Randy Weeks
Lucinda Williams, friend and fan of Randy Weeks, says “He writes amazingly well-crafted, beautifully melodic songs and delivers them with his own brand of laid back vocals and surfboard cool, very hip approach.”
November 13 – Cumbia Rock Latin Pop Revue featuring members of Chango Man, Merino and Passion D’Luna
Dip your hip outside the Latin Grammy Awards with a scorching set of music provided by some of Houston’s finest Latino musicians.
November 20 – KPFT presents Wazobia
Formed in 1984 by Dr. King Cobra, this unique reggae/world beat band is renowned throughout the Southwest.
Sundays in the Park presented by Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Sundays
3 to 5 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Saberioon Plaza
Afternoon concerts and park features to entertain children of all ages make for an idyllic Sunday in the Park.
September 7 – Space City Gamelon
Melodic Indonesian drums
September 14 – Miss Leslie and Her Juke Jointers
Honky Tonk revival!
September 21 – Houston Association of Acoustic Musicians showcase featuring Chris Collins, Ken Gaines, Dave Ransom and Pete Simple
September 28 - Sideshow Tramps
Hoedown picking and singing, Montrose-style
October 5 – Sebastian Whittaker Trio
Houston’s preeminent jazz drummer and graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
October 12 - D. R. U. M.
Divine rhythm, united motion from Houston Press “Best Reggae” band
October 19 – Moodafaruka
This Rom Ryan-created musical collective is endlessly inventive.
October 26 – Two Star Symphony
Houston’s most unusual string ensemble performing all original music with elegance, passion and edge.
November 2 – The Trade Jazz Band
A fusion of jazz, latin, funk, and "feel-good" sounds for all.
November 9 - 1 to 3 p.m. - The Gypsies
“…balalaikas, accordions, violins, mandolins, guitars, banjos, bouzouki, a full array of horns and ethnic percussion, and more…”
November 16 - The Defenestration Unit
“Free Jazz Circus Funk”, honest
November 23 - Spain Colored Orange
“a wicked combination of pop, psychedelia, jazz” – Houston Chronicle
Screen on the Green – “RUSHMORE” 10TH REUNION!
Friday, September 5
7:30 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Discovery Green’s free movie series celebrates Houston on film with a 10th anniversary screening of this indie classic by Houstonian Wes Anderson. Filmed at St. John's School and Lamar High School and notable locations around the Bayou City Rushmore features Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray.
DISCOVERY GREEN HEALTHY LIVING IN THE PARK
Downtown Green Market: Central City Co-op at Discovery Green
Thursdays
4 to 7 p.m. Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade
A year-round co-op and farmer’s market offering the freshest organic produce and products made from local, organic ingredients.
Pilates in the Park
Tuesdays
6 to 7 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Classic flexibility and strength training, only better. Instructor Jennifer Young Malstead also teaches at TUTS Humphreys School for Theatrical Arts.
Zumba!
Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. Free Admission
Grace Event Lawn
It’s not really a workout – it’s a party! Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses cumbia, merengue, salsa, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso in its routine. You’ll sweat, you’ll sculpt and tone and feel great. Instructor Oscar Sajche, a certified personal trainer has studied with "Beto", the creator of Zumba.
Boot Camp
Thursdays
7 to 8 a.m. Free Admission
Meet on the Andrea and Bill White Promenade, in front of the Alkek Building.
Instructor Eddie Moreno is an experienced Boot Camp instructor who will utilize the entire park to give you a workout you won’t forget.
Tai Chi in the Park
Thursdays
12 Noon to 1 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Reduce stress, increase focus and gain strength through Tai Chi, meditation through movement – on your lunch hour! Taught by Frank Murry, a student of Tai Chi master George Ling Hu.
Yoga in the Park
Saturdays
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Inspired movement, under the trees, in the park. Come on down for free Yoga in the Park! Instructor Jerry Randell also teaches at TUTS Humphreys School for Theatrical Arts.
Recycling Saturdays
Saturdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Andrea and Bill White Promenade at McKinney Street
Waste Management and the City of Houston partner with Discovery Green to present a recycling drop-off location every Saturday. Bring your paper, glass, plastic and cans. On the first Saturday of each month, enjoy the Fair with environmentally friendly product demonstrations and artist workshops, hands on recycling activities. Fair activities on September 6 a Natural Building Workshop for by Nick Moser and for kids, Mad Science Hands-on workshops “The Dirt on Garbage;” on October 4th an “Eco-Systems” workshop and November 1, learn all about “Decomposers.” Recycling Saturday Fairs proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
Texas Bioneers Youth
Friday, October 17, Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Texas Bioneers Youth presents a full program of performing arts, dynamic youth speakers and workshops focused on environmental issues, social justice, health and spirit. Free and open to the public in conjunction with the Texas Bioneers Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Houston Solar Tour Picnic
Saturday, October 25
4 - 6 p.m.
Grace Event Lawn
This community picnic caps an exciting day of visits to homes and businesses throughout Houston that have added solar panels to generate renewable energy. Music, food, conversation—all to highlight solar energy and environmental awareness. Co-sponsored with Houston Renewable Energy Group.
CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY EVENTS
Young Writers Workshop in the Park
Saturdays
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free Admission
HPL Express in the Lake House Building
Houston’s only open, free writing workshop for kids presented by Writers in the Schools in conjunction with HPL Express is back for a second season of creativity and fun.
Children’s Discovery Series presented by Wells Fargo
Saturdays
Noon unless otherwise noted. Free Admission
HPL Express at Discovery Green
HPL Express at Discovery Green presents free, weekly, family-oriented workshops.
September 6 - Citizens for Animal Protection
September 13 - Houston Zoo
September 20 – Kuumba House Dance Workshop
September 27 – Nature Discovery Center Workshop
October 4 – Houston Zoo
October 11 – Children’s Museum presents “Para los Nino”
October 18 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Citizens for Animal Protection plus Crafts: Pumpkin Drawing
October 25 – 1 p.m. Halloween Mask Making workshop taught by costumer to the stars, Jodi Bob
November 1 – Make a Mural with The Art Guys!
November 8 – Houston Zoo
November 15 – Citizens for Animal Protection
November 22 – White Christmas tap dancing workshop with TUTS
Story and Parachute Time with Gymboree
Saturdays September 13, October 11, November 1
10:30 a.m. Free Admission
HPL Express
Early childhood development – and fun!
Books Alive!
Saturday Series at HPL Express at Discovery Green
Free Admission
September 6 - 2 p.m. The Color Purple Learn a gospel theater song and dance from the award-winning musical with instructors from TUTS.
September 20 - 2 p.m. - Martha Speaks! Are you ready for Martha, the talking dog? Fun activities and stories based on the Houston PBS Martha Speaks series and the children's book by Susan Meddaugh.
November 15 - 3 p.m. – Stregna Nona - Opera To Go
Houston Grand Opera presents "Strega Nona" by Mary Carol Warwick, based on the Tomie de
Paola book about an elderly woman and her magical pasta pot. Proudly supported by KUHF Public Radio.
Discovery Green Conservancy
Discovery Green Conservancy is a private, non-profit organization that operates the park. At the behest of Houston’s Mayor Bill White, the Conservancy was formed in December 2004 and was charged with designing, building and operating Houston’s new urban park.
LOCATION
Discovery Green is located in downtown Houston, in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas. The park is just blocks away from Main Street, Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center.
HOURS
Discovery Green is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hours for events may vary. Areas of the park may be closed occasionally for maintenance or private events.
HOW TO GET TO DISCOVERY GREEN
Discovery Green is in downtown Houston on McKinney Street at Crawford Street between Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center.
PARKING
Metered parking is available on streets surrounding the park; and meter stations accept credit cards and cash. Metered parking is in effect Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m.
to 6 p.m., and is free on evenings and Sunday. Rates vary. Street-level lots and parking garages offer easy access to Discovery Green. Go to www.discoverygreen.com for nearby garages and additional parking information.
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