Welcome to this week's "Gish Picks", where I highlight family-oriented cultural events, products or services. Please note that I "highlight" these events, but I don't know if they are appropriate for your particular children, so choose wisely based on age, maturity and interests.

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Now, GO FIND FUN!

TAKE A COOL INDOOR TUNNEL TOUR FOR ONLY $10.

During the Dog Days of August, join happy folks of all ages on Discover Houston Tours' two-hour "TunnelWalk & Rail Tour" for $10. Available weekdays from 9:30am until 11:30am, the tour starts with a short ride on MetroRail to the north end of the line at the University of Houston-Downtown, then back to the Preston Street Station in the Downtown Historic District. After a rest stop inside the Post Rice Lofts at Main and Texas, you'll enjoy a westward view from the highest sky lobby in Texas and a stroll through the Downtown Houston Tunnel System.

Along the way, you'll see historic frescoes at a National Register bank building. The tour ends at Main Street Square. The fee is $10/person and advance paid reservations required. There is no charge for small children who stay in strollers. Bring $1 in cash for MetroRail fare. Check their website calendar to see when a public tour is scheduled or book your own tour for a group.

For more information, call 713.222.9255 or go to www.DiscoverHoustonTours.com and click on the "TunnelWalk & Rail Tour" link.

JOIN DANCEPATHEATRE AS THEY PERFORM A PUBLIC DRESS REHEARSAL.

"Al Andalus! The Legend" will be performed this Saturday, August 11 at 8pm at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex at 2201 Preston Street. Al Andalus is the Arabic name for Andalusia (Southern Spain) during the Moorish rule (711-1492 c.e.).

This production celebrates the legendary exchange of knowledge and cultures, the leaps forward in sciences, math, philosophy and the arts of that period, as well as the relative peace among Muslims, Christians and Jews. A fictional, inter-ethnic love story featuring characters that are based on historical figures moves the entertainment forward. The stage is populated with pilgrims, troubadours, mystics, and other colorful characters. Lucia Rodriguez and Kristina Koutsoudas are among the dancers featured. Music direction by Sharon Joy includes original compositions, and traditional and contemporary music recorded by Arabic and Sephardic musicians, such as Isabelle Ganz.

Audience feedback will be incorporated into the production’s continued development as Dancepatheatre prepares for the final performances May 22 and 23, 2008 at Hobby Center. Tickets are $10/Adults and $5/children age twelve and under.

To purchase tickets, call 713.522.6000. For more information on Dancepatheatre, call 713.524.6545 or log onto www.barnevelder.org.

HERE'S AN EVENT WHERE KIDS ARE THE STARS FOR A DAY.

The Community and Children's Impact Center is a non-profit organization that was established to create a safe and secure facility for youth in 4 towns around Cleveland, Texas. "Make Me A Star" will take place this Saturday, August 11 starting at 10am at Stancil Park at 211 Peach Street in Cleveland. Admission is free and kids are encouraged to bring their instruments and singing voice for a big surprise. There will be a bar-b-que cook off judged by the children with the results sold for a $5 a plate donation and awards for the 1st and 2nd place winners. There will be a children's pet and talent show, cookie eating contest and many other children's activities.

Featured special guests will be the "World Famous" comedian Martin Walsh as well as the Rock N Roll Hypnosis Show, Still Broke Band, Charlie Lucas Band, Drink Water Floyd, Falling4Nothing Band, Get-A-Grip Entertainment, B.A.C.A.(Bikers against Child Abuse), M.A.D.D., Boozefighters and Christian Motorcycle Association, American Legion post 393 & 212 & 629, Browders Marina, and Labelinx Music Group & Promotions. Don't wait to join their fun!

For more information, call 281.432.1007 or email bmyersimpact@att.net.

THE HOUSTON SPCA NEEDS YOUR TENDER LOVING HELP.

The doors of the Houston SPCA are always open to animals in need, and no animal is ever turned away, and they receive hundreds of animals that for health or age reasons are not ready for adoption when they come in. Sometimes animals that have been in the shelter for an extended period of time need a break too which is why they need Houstonians that are willing to open their hearts and homes to temporarily provide loving care for these great animals.

To find out more about the Foster Care Program, please join them for an orientation and information session this Saturday, August 11 from 1 until 4pm at their site at 900 Portway Drive.

For more information, please call 713.869.7722 x188 or log onto www.hspca.org.

Sarah Gish
Gish Creative
1940-A Fountainview, PMB 116
Houston, Texas 77057
phone/fax: 713.532.1173

email: sarah@gishcreative.com
web: www.gishcreative.com
and: www.thesummerbook.com

© 2007 Sarah Gish

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