RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS ZING, ZANG, ZOOM

The mystery of magic and the mastery of skill will leave audiences spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Zing, Zang, Zoom, a mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery that reveal extraordinary worlds of fantasy and phenomena that celebrate the uplifting spirit of the circus and also ward off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of Heavies who try to bring everyone down.

This summer’s production will be in Houston from July 7-25 and features an all-new lush green garden oasis that is definitely not an illusion. Plan to come one and one half hours before show time to tour the Animal Open House. Meet the performers and animals. This event is free to all ticket holders.

Ticket prices range from $16-$125.

To purchase tickets, go to www.Ringling.­com, or contact Ticketmaster or the Reliant Stadium box office.

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FREEDOM OVER TEXAS

Texas singer/songwriter Pat Green will perform at Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration, “Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell.” The annual event will kick off at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, in Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou, with Green’s performance culminating in the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show, presented by Shell Oil Company. Admission to the event is free with the donation of one canned item per person to the Houston Food Bank. Without the donation, tickets will be $8 per person.

In addition to Green, the festival will also spotlight a top-notch selection of local and regional music. Throughout the day, four stages will keep toes tapping with music ranging from country and western and rock ‘n’ roll to Latin, R&B, and oldies. Booth exhibits and family friendly patriotic activities will encompass Buffalo Bayou and Eleanor Tinsley Park.

“Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell” will be simulcast on ABC-13/KTRK-TV from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., and KILT 100.3 FM will simulcast the music medley specially choreographed for the fireworks spectacular.

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SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS

The New York-based Shen Yun will bring to the stage of Brown Theater at The Wortham Center a brilliant blend of beauty, energy, and grace. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. Thunderous drums shake the stage, while spectacular backdrops take you to another world.

See ancient legends of virtue brought to life alongside modern tales of courage. Hear soaring songs by masterful vocalists that will move and inspire. Experience a sense of beauty and enchantment like no other with this unique, thrilling and unforgettable show.

Shen Yun has graced the world’s most prestigious stages, from Radio City Music Hall in New York City to the Royal Festival Hall in London. In 2009, Shen Yun performed in over 300 shows and more than 100 cities with three dance companies and three orchestras featuring hundreds of accomplished artists. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org or HouShow.com or call 1-800-877-1989.

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PROJECT PLAYHOUSE COMES TO BRIDGELAND

Baseball fans will be crying “Take me out to the Bridgeland community,” on July 10 to see HomeAid Houston’s 2010 Project Playhouse, “The Vintage Astros Dugout” and enjoy a day of baseball-themed fun.

The event, set for 10 a.m.-noon, showcases the playhouse, built in honor of the Astros’ 45th year as a ball club. It is the perfect getaway for the young baseball fan, including bench seating from the Astros dugout in Minute Maid Park (complete with cleat marks), a wall-mounted 32-inch HDTV, a Nintendo Wii, a DVD player and an 8,000 BTU air conditioner with remote control.

Raffle tickets for the playhouse are $5. Raffle ticket holders also have a chance to win a ball or hat signed by Lance Berkman, Jeff Bagwell, Hunter Pence and Brad Mills, or four tickets to an upcoming game.

Astros mascot Junction Jack will be in Bridgeland for the event, as will the Cy-Ranch High School baseball team. Visitors can also participate in a free batting clinic and enjoy complimentary hot dogs, refreshments and giveaways.

Project Playhouse is a major fundraising event for HomeAid Houston, which works to provide shelter for the homeless in the greater Houston area and to build dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.

David Weekley built the 10-foot by 10-foot playhouse with donated materials, labor and services from members of the Greater Houston Builders Association.

The playhouse will be on display at Minute Maid Park July 23-Aug. 19.

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HOUSTON ROCKETS SUMMER SKILLS CAMPS

The Houston Rockets are hosting 12 week-long summer skills camps at various locations throughout Houston. All camps are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Camps are targeted at basketball fans ages 6 to 16 who are interested in learning how to improve shooting, dribbling, passing and defensive skills, while learning about teamwork, sportsmanship and nutrition.

Session dates and locations include:

July 5-9, Westbury Christian, Houston;

July 12-16, JCC, Houston;

July 12-16, God Be the Glory, Houston;

July 19-23, Bailey Road Recreation, Pearland;

July 26-30, Emery Weiner, Houston;

Aug. 2-6, Bailey Road Recreation, Pearland; and

Aug. 2-6, The Gym, Humble.

The cost for each week-long camp starts at $199 per camper. Each camper will receive a Rockets 2010-11 game ticket, Rockets Skills Camp T-shirt, Rockets headband, Rockets basketball, and a Rockets jersey bag.

Log on to www.rockets.com for information on registration.

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FESTIVAL OF GLASS SHOW AND SALE

The Houston Glass Club will hold its 36th Annual Festival of Glass and Antique Show and Sale on Aug. 20-22 at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.

This annual event remains one of the leading shows in the nation for American made glassware primarily from the 20th century. Glass companies like Heisey, Cambridge, Fostoria and many others will be represented.

More than 30 leading dealers from around the U.S. will be represented with some of the rarest pieces of American made glassware ever produced in the 20th century. Whether you are a new collector or finishing up patterns, this is the place to be.

There is also a general line show in the second building. Dealers carry a wide range of antiques including furniture, silver, jewelry, quilts and other items.

Early shopping begins on Friday from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission on Friday is $10 and is good all three days. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $6.

Fore more information, call 713-729-4267.

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LEGAL RESEARCH DATABASE DEMONSTRATION,

JULY 2

Learn how to use Texas Statutes Online and Gale Legal Forms at the Legal Research Database Demo presentation on July 2 at 11 a.m. in the Barbara Bush Library Friends Computer Lab, 6817 Cypresswood Drive in Spring.

Other popular HCPL licensed databases include a social issues database, a reader’s advisory database, medical databases, a legal database, business databases and e-book databases such as NetLibrary, Safari Books Online, & HCPL Digital Media.

For more information, go to www.hcpl.net.

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EVENTS AT KLEB WOODS NATURE PRESERVE

DURING JULY

Upcoming events at Kleb Woods Nature Preserve during July include:

July 3, First Saturday Bird Walk, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.;

July 5, Nature Center closed;

July 7, Weekly Bird Walk, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 8, Texas History Discussion Group, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 9, Senior “Cool Birding” Bus Tour, Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection at Texas A&M, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.;

July 10, Saturday Volunteer Work Party, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.;

July 10, Ask-the-Naturalist: Dragonflies with Bob Honig, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 14, Weekly Bird Walk, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 14, Beginning German Language Course (week 5 of 6), 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.;

July 16, Bird Biology Class, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 21, Weekly Bird Walk, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.;

July 21, Beginning German Language Course (week 6 of 6), 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.; and July 24, Blue Grass
Music at the Nature Center, noon-4 p.m.

A weekly calendar is available online at www.pct3.hctx.net.

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FIREWORKS CELEBRATION AT TOWNE LAKE

Family fun and community camaraderie is the theme of the 3rd Annual July 4th Celebration at Caldwell Companies’ Towne Lake in northwest Houston.

The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Lakeview Crest and Towne Lake Parkway, which is the future site of the Towne Lake Amphitheater. There will be a live band, food and a Family Fun Zone with inflatables, a rock wall, train and face painting. The fireworks show will light up the sky at 9 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, but leave coolers and pets at home. Park at Lone Star College-CyFair at Barker-Cypress and West roads—next door to the Towne Lake community.

For more information, go to www.towne­laketexas.com.

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FREE SUMMER MOVIES

For the second summer in a row, families in the north Houston area can enjoy free movies every Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Silverado 19 IMAX. This free event is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, and shows are sure to fill up quickly. Free tickets are only available at the box office on the morning of the show. The theater is located at 24720 Tomball Parkway in Tomball.

Showing in July:

July 5-8, Alvin and the Chipmunks 2;

July 12-15, Tooth Fairy;

July 19-22, Evan Almighty; and

July 26-29, Coraline.

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LSC – MONTGOMERY’S PRODUCTION OF RENT,

JULY 8-10

Lone Star College-Montgomery hosts its summer musical theater production of Rent by Jonathan Larson on July 8-10, with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. A single matinee performance will take place on Saturday, July 10, at 2 p.m.

Individual tickets are $10; $7, seniors; and $5, students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MyCommunityTickets.com with all the money supporting the college’s theater and scholarship fund.

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TEEN ACTIVITIES AT THE BARBARA BUSH LIBRARY,

DURING JULY

Upcoming teen activities at the Barbara Bush Library during the month of July include:

Teen Craft – July 12, memory box;

July 26, sock creature;4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Registration is required.

Ani-Monday – July 19, Cosplay Ears;

Aug. 2, anime and snacks; 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

Chess and Go Club meets on Wednesdays from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. and Movie Night is held on Wednesdays from 6:15 p.m.-8:45 p.m.

Teen Game Day is held on Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5 from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

For more information or to register for a program, call 281-376-4610.

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WATERCOLOR ART SOCIETY- HOUSTON WATER MEDIA SHOW,

BEGINNING JULY 13

The Watercolor Art Society – Houston will hold its annual student/teacher Water Media Show juried by Larry Dyke, noted landscape artist, from July 13-Aug. 5. A reception will be held on July 16 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at 1601 W. Alabama in Houston. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 713-942-9966.

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BOOK CLUBS AT BARBARA BUSH BRANCH LIBRARY,

JULY 13, 15, 19, 22

The Evening Book Club will meet on July 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barbara Bush Branch Library. The group will view a movie based on the book by John Boyne about a boy during World War II. The selection for August is North River by Pete Hamill.

The Crime, Cake and Coffee Mystery Book Club will meet on July 15 at 1 p.m. The group meets on the third Thursday of the month from June-September. The selections for July are by Peg Marberg: Fatal Flip, Decorated to Death or Faux Finished. Read any one of these titles or all three. In August, the group will enjoy the Lovejoy mysteries by Jonathan Gas.

The Great Books Discussion Group will meet on July at 7 p.m. in the WCR Conference Room to discuss “The Criterion of a Good Form of Government” from Considerations on Representative Government by John Stuart Mill. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. For more information, contact Jeanne Henderson at 281-288-8941.

The Afternoon Book Club will meet on July 22 at 1:30 p.m. or June 25 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. The book club meets the fourth Thursday of each month. The selection for August is The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

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ORGANIC GARDENING CLASS,

JULY 14

Area residents can learn more about organic gardening for the landscape and vegetable gardening in a class set for 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on July 14 at Bridgeland’s Lakeland Activity Center, 16902 Bridgeland Landing.

Topics include how to improve the soil for healthier plants, which organic practices to use in landscaping, pest management and tips and techniques for the long-term health of the garden or landscape. Instructing the class is Glenn Olsen, who teaches gardening and other classes at Rice University’s Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. Cost is $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents. To register, visit www.bridgelandlife.com.

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THE MUSIC MAN,

BEGINNING JULY 16

Houston’s Center Stage Theater presents The Music Man in the Berry Center from July 16-25 for seven performances.

This is one of America’s perennial favorite musicals and it follows the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys band he vows to organize—this despite the fact he does not know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

The Music Man comes complete with quirky characters, charmingly predicable dramatic situations and a one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads, which have become popular standards.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.houstonscenterstage.com.

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BRIDGELAND HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL TRIATHLON,

AUGUST 8

Registration is under way for the second annual Memorial Hermann Bridgeland Triathlon, scheduled for Aug. 8, and a Kiwanis Kids’ Triathlon on Aug. 7.

Sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the Aug. 8 event will include a point-to-point swim, flat bike course and partial trail run with shade throughout the master-planned community and along the Cypress Creek Nature Trail.

Race divisions go from 14 and under to over 70. Also included are under age 40 and over 40 Clydesdales and Athenas (racers over a specified weight).

Online registration continues through Aug. 6. Individual entry fees are $65, and relay fees are $90. Register at: www.onurleft.com/Onurmark_Productions.

The Kiwanis Kids’ Triathlon groups children by age based on the participant’s age as of Dec. 30, 2010.
Every participating child will receive a T-shirt, goodie bag and finisher’s medal. The top three boys and girls in each age category receive a trophy. The pre-registration fee is $25 and race day registration is $30. Register at www.kiwanishoustonsunrise.org.