JESSI REAVE’S “IDOL OF THE HARES,” AT THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS MUSEUM HOUSTON
1. ‘Wild Life’
Sculptor Jessi Reaves and the late painter Elizabeth Murray are from different generations but both raucously question good taste by examining the details of ornamental and domestic objects. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston pairs the artists for the first show in its newly renovated Brown Foundation Gallery. Murray’s monumental “Tangled” looks like a vase that wants to be an intestine; Reaves’ garish chair and ottoman, “Idol of the Hares,” is repulsively inviting. Should be a fun house.
When: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, until 9 p.m. Thursdays; Jan. 21May 16
Where: 5216 Montrose
Details: Free; 713-2848250, camh.org
Molly Glentzer
2. Midori
Just about every celebration last year to mark Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday ended up canceled because of the pandemic. But if his music has stuck around this long, such dates are merely a formality. This weekend, superstar violinist Midori will join the Houston Symphony to play Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. The program also includes Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Elegía Andina” and Kevin Day’s “Lightspeed.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana
Details: $29-$66; 713-224-7575, houstonsymphony.org
Andrew Dansby
3. ‘Slowed and Throwed’
The Contemporary Arts Museum celebrates the aesthetic of the late Houston legend DJ Screw with a two-part show in its downstairs Zilka Gallery created for last year’s abbreviated FotoFest Biennial. Known for his signature stretched sound, Screw also was deft with transitions, sampling choices and beat juggling. He slowed tempos, reduced pitches, chopped lyrics and layered freestyles by Houston-based rappers. The show’s visual artists apply similar techniques to their mediums, mashing up, collaging and mutating “photographic inputs” (including video installations) that aim to literally slow time. A packed room of DJ Screw memorabilia sits amid it all, centering the conversation.
When: Noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, until 9 p.m. Thursdays; Jan. 21April 11
Where: 5216 Montrose
Details: Free; 713-2848250, camh.org Molly Glentzer
4. ‘The Stronger’
Two rival actresses run into each other at a café on Christmas night. OK, they’re actually distancing in the time of COVID, separated by rectangles on your monitor. But otherwise, Alley resident actors Elizabeth Bunch and Melissa Pritchett are all in as they duke it out mentally to determine which of them is “The Stronger” in Rob Melrose’s new translation of August Strindberg’s short play.
When: Streams free Jan. 15-Feb. 7; register at alleytheatre.org Molly Glentzer