Well it looks like things are finally drying out around here. I have to accept part of the blame for yesterday’s rain. You see, I spent $13 dollars on a car wash at Bubbles which is usually more effective than cloud seeding when it comes to bringing on a downpour.

Photo by Dallas Children & The Arts Fund

Turns out there is a bunch to do this weekend in Houston. From a CD release party tonight at Guava to the Nutcracker ballet on Sunday.

Friday

• Join OutSmart Magazine and Centaur at Guava Lamp for the official CD release party of Chad Guidry’s Popular 4. Chad will spin live starting at 9pm. For more info, visit www.guavalamphouston.com. Guava Lamp – 570 Waugh – 9pm – No Cover.

Saturday

• If you’ve always wanted to be a part of the Oscars in Hollywood, but just couldn’t manage to get invited, here’s your chance for the next best thing: The Houston Film Critics Society’s Award Ceremony is Saturday night at the Museum of Fine Arts. Critics from around the area vote on this year’s best films and awards are presented – I’m not really sure to whom, but someone accepts them. Actual celebrities attend this event. Like Police Academy’s G.W. Bailey for example! For details, visit www.houstonfilmcritics.com. MFAH – 1001 Bissonnet – 4pm – Free.

Sunday

• This is the last Houston Weekend Preview before Christmas, so I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t mention a Christmassy event. How about the Nutcracker? No, not that crazy leather dude that lurks at Ripcord, the actual ballet! The Houston Ballet presents a fabulous rendition of this timeless story. Set in 19th century Germany, the ballet opens at a charming Christmas party at which the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer gives his little niece Clara a magical toy that takes her on an unforgettable journey. Brown Theater – Wortham Center – 501 Texas Ave. – 2:00pm & 7:30pm – Tickets $33 to $93 – Call 713.227.2787.

If you have a Houston event you’d like featured on TNG, e-mail me at josh@thenewgay.net.