The Hollywoodlands, and the Texas Film Commission after The Media Producers

An initiative by both The Texas Film Commission and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors' Bureau is in motion to attract the film and television industries to the State of Texas and The Woodlands.

Attractive Texas Film Commission's incentives are hoped to trigger the flow of producers to the area, among them: 6% refunds in state occupancy tax on hotel rooms, upfront sales tax exemptions, and fuel tax refunds for off road travel.

With the hope of establishing the area as a hot spot for TV and Film producers,
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch a Shooting Locations Inventory which will include parks, shopping centers as well as suburban neighborhoods to the Texas Film Commission.

On behalf of The Woodlands, event manager Julie de Guerre, commented on how the new initiative sets off a business diversification for local enterprises, promoting and helping outsiders to appreciate what this upscale community has to offer. In her view not much work is needed to place The Woodlands on the producer's location map. She made reference to to other state cities which have succesfuly capitalized themselves as film-friendly site leading a significant economic development.

Board Member of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and President of South Montgomery County The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, Karen Hoylman refers to Market Street as Hollywoodlands an exciting new marketing opportunity.

An example is Smithville with its Hope Floats shooting which led to a 17% increase in sales taxes and an $ 800,000 revenue income directly associated to filming. Other important productions are on the way, one of them Tree of Life starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Attracting media producers could turn The Woodlands into an ongoing tourist destination, according to TWCVB president's Nick Woda, another spokesperson pointed out the educational effort required on this initiative, bringing business to town, displaying The Woodlands suburban ambiance.

Source: The Houston Chronicle

E- Guide to Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in The Woodlands

Market Street Central Park

On May 4th, 2009 Maria Williams will be playing Latin jazz music in Market Street Central Park from: 5:00 to 9:00 pm, under the Jazz Beat Concert Series.

The 4th annual 5 de Mayo Celebration at Market Street will take place on May 5th from 5 to 9 PM, with Latin Music, Flamenco dancers, Mariachi bands, children's activities and a special performance by Crossing Borders.

Food and Margaritas will be available for purchase.

Town Green Park

The 6th annual family friendly celebration, Fiesta Universal, on May 2nd, 2009 from 5-10pm at Town Green Park at 2009 Lake Robbins Drive will be a display of Latin culture, there will be singing, dancing music, food and art, Mariachis, professional dancers of salsa, merengue and tango.

A Professional Tamale Eating Contest which will be taped by ESPN, children's games and activities, local restaurants will be offering food at the booths.

Source: The Woodlands csvb

Celebrate the New Year at The Woodlands Resort

The Year is ending and it's time to get together with family and friends and celebrate the coming year in The Woodlands, Texas. The Woodlands Resort is offering a five course dinner at The Glass, its signature dining venue which overlooks Lake Harrison.

The party will be brought to life with music from Daniel Blanchard & The Majestics. This celebration includes a champagne toast at midnight and traditional party favors.

The cost is $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. It will start at 8 p.m. and go until 1 a.m. on Wednesday December 31. If you would like to make a reservation for this event you can call 281-364-6323.

10th Anniversary for The Ice Rink in The Woodlands

The Woodlands, Texas celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Ice Rink located in The Woodlands Town Center. The Ice Rink in The Woodlands has moved to Six Pines and The Woodlands Waterway, it is exactly behind the Town Center Garage at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

The Town Center Garage will hold the parking for The Ice Rink. This great entertainment was previously located at Lake Robbins Drive and Six Pines Drive but has moved because of the new parking lot at this location.

Donoho's Jewellers Winter Wonderland TM has also moved and will display its lovely lighting which will be seen from The Woodlands Waterway and Six Pines Drive.

The Woodlands is a wonderful place to live with all its new life and magic. The Woodlands Texas is becoming a major visiting and residing place for national and international visitors. The Ice Rink will be opening on Saturday, November 22 of 2008.

The openings of this years 26th Annual Lighting of the Doves TM, The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center, Donoho's Jewellers Winter Wonderland and the International Winter On The Waterway TM will all take place on November 22. There will also be other events taking place in The Woodlands TX such as the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Market Street on November 20 and the Lighted horse and Carriage Parade at Market Street on December 7.

The Woodlands Mall will also open at 6 a.m. on November 28, the day after Thanksgiving so that all shoppers can start their gift buying early.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Seussical presented by the New Performing Arts Center in The John Cooper School

The new Performing Arts Center in the John Cooper School in The Woodlands, Tx will be presenting Seussical, a play about the many vivid worlds created by Dr. Seuss. This new musical will be presented November 13 - 16 with evening performances beginning at 7 pm November 13, 14 and 15 and matinee performances at 2 pm on November 15 and 16.

Tickets for this play will be $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Ticket order forms will also be available on the School News page of the school website at www.johncooper.org. You can also reserve your ticket by phone at 281-367-0900, ext 461 or also by email at drama@johncooper.org.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

20 Waterway Avenue home to new Crush Wine Bar in The Woodlands

A new lounge and retail store, Crush Wine Bar, will be opening in the new 20 Waterway Avenue building on The Woodlands Waterway around early spring of 2009. It will be located on the upper level of the north building and will include a rooftop terrace which overlooks the Waterway Square in The Woodlands, Tx.

The owner, Blake Boyd, stated that Crush will offer and serve affordable and unique wine selections in the store. It will also offer a gourmet appetizer menu with an option to order meals from neighboring restaurants which will be served in-house.

Crush will accommodate 250 people and feature mesmerizing views of the Fountains at Waterway Square. There will also be three VIP cabanas which will offer a more intimate party for up to 15 guests. A Cellar Room within Crush will also feature private parties up to 30 people. It is encouraged to book your events in advance for the best availability.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Early ending season for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Tx ended their 2008 season early because of Damage from Hurricane Ike. The pavilion did suffer severe damage to the Teflon coated Fiberglas fabric roof and support structure over the reserved seating area.

Damage was reviewed and assessed by a structural engineering firm that was hired to check the Pavilion. They concluded that it should not be used for public gatherings until everything had been completely repaired for the safety of the public.

Many events that were going to be held at The Woodlands Pavilion were canceled, postponed or relocated due to the damage, these shows included:

Houston Symphony's "Music of Mozart"

Santana

3 Doors Down

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Houston Ballet's "Classics on Pointe"

KSBJ's "The Music Builds Tour"

Brad Paisley

Houston Symphony's "Hocus Pocus Pops"

Buzzfest XXII

14th Annual Children's Festival

Refunds for all canceled events will be credited automatically to the credit card of the purchaser for those who purchased from Ticketmaster. For others who purchased their tickets at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Ticket Office or Ticketmaster outlets, refunds will be given in person at the point of the purchase. If you would like more information about ticket refunds for any cancelled shows, you can go to www.woodlandscenter.org

3 Doors Down was to be rescheduled at a later date; it will take place in the Houston area in 2009. KSBJ's "The Music Builds Tour" was relocated to the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas; it will take place at 6:30 on October 3.

Best Buy Showcase of Home Theatre Equipment and Appliances in The Woodlands

The Sixth Annual Fall Home and Garden Show is coming up in The Woodlands, Texas on Saturday September 6 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on September 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This annual event will be held in The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center located on 1601 Lake Robbins Drive. There will be a wide range of brands showcasing in the Best Buy exhibit, there will be anything from home theatre to home appliances like washers and more. The best brands will be exhibited including the Pioneer Elite televisions and speakers by Definitive Technology and Speaker Craft. There will be Speakers by Denon. Amazingly, sales associates will be giving away free home consultations which have a $100 value.

If you are looking for the best quality television and best picture quality, Best Buy of The Woodlands offers a calibration services, and an ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) certified technician which will be available for advice. During this exhibit in The Woodlands, Best Buy will also feature a variety of kitchen and household appliances which will include: Electrolux, LG, Whirlpool and Kitchenaid.

The admission for this wonderful event held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center will be $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and children under 12 enter free. There will also be FREE covered parking provided in the Convention Center garage. Valet Parking will also be available at the Hotel entrance. for a $1 off coupon you can visit WoodlandsShows.com.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

The New Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

The Grand Opening of the new Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in Creekside Park was only a few days ago. The Aquatic Center has been the latest addition to The Woodlands' community swimming pool system and it has been welcomed by many residents of the area. The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is designed with all family members in mind, it has the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

There are many characteristics that make the new aquatic center in The Woodlands an amazing one. There is a 500 foot lazy river with calm turns that let you relax and unwind in these beautiful summer days. There is also a 150 gallon dump bucket, the largest in the community which is located next to a shallow play area as well. And for those who love to swim, there are three lanes just for you.

There is tons of space to take in the sun in the grass or deck areas surrounding the aquatic center. This pool is also available for rental for residents and non residents. There is a charge of $750 for residents and $950 for non-residents. The rental hours are from 8 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m.

If you would like to visit the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in The Woodlands you can purchase the resident or non-resident pass at The Woodlands Recreation Center located at 5310 Research Forest Drive. You can be admitted to the other 12 community pools by purchasing this season pass as well. There is also a non-season pass which will have a $10 daily fee which can be purchased in the facility or they also offer a discounted punch card for multiple visits.

For more information you can visit www.thewoodlandsassociations.org and clik on Parks and Recreation, then Pools and Aquatics. You may also call 281-210-3950.

Go and visit the new and entertaining Rob Fleming Aquatic Center and relax, remember Creekside Park is home to this new development.

Source: The Woodlands Community Magazine

2008 Neighborhood Pool Schedule for The Woodlands

The new swim season is about to begin in The Woodlands, Tx. The Woodlands currently has 12 pools open to all residents of the area and will have 13 when the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is finished later this summer. The regular season will begin on June 6.

Pre-season Weekend Use

There will be some pools available for weekend use for the following dates: May 10,11,17,18,24,25,26,31, and June 1. The hours of the pre-season are Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. The pools will also open on Memorial Day from noon to 6 p.m.

The pools that will be available for this pre-season will be:

- Alden Bridge - Alden Bridge Pool
- Cochran's Crossing - Bear Branch Pool
- College Park - Harper's Landing Pool
- Grogan's Mill - Sawmill Pool
- Indian Springs - Forestgate Pool
- Panther Creek - Ridgewood Pool
- Sterling Ridge - Cranebrook Pool

Pre-season Daily Use

There will be one pool open during the pre-season for days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, hours noon to 6 p.m. The pool for the Daily use will be the Cochran's Crossing Bear Branch Pool.

Regular Season Daily Use

The regular pool season will have the following pools open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed one day each week for service.

- Alden Bridge pool
- Windvale pool
- Bear Branch pool
- Harper's Landing pool
- Sawmill pool
- Falconwing pool
- Ridgewood pool
- Cranebrook pool

Lakeside, Shadowbend, Forestgate and Creekwood pools will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. When The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is finished, it will be scheduled to open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed one day of the week for service.

Pool Admission Fees

0-2 years of age ___________________$8
3 years and older __________________$35

Additional Family Pass

(More than 4)_____________________$6

Discount Rate Season Pass

55 years and older _________________$10
Daily Pass _______________________$6
Punch Card (six visits) ______________$30
(woodlands residents only: includes all pools)

Non-resident Rob Fleming Punch Card

(six visits) ________________________$50

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

Daily Pass _______________________$10
Day Care Group Rate ______________$3
Rob Fleming Day Care Group Rate ____$6

Non-Residents Season Pass

0-2 years of age ___________________$18
3 years and older __________________$90
No additional family discount
No senior discount

Pool Rentals

The pools are available for pool rentals throughout the season. You can visit http://www.thewoodlandsassociations.org/ for more information on the pool season coming up.

Click on the Parks and Recreation, then Pools and Aquatics for more information. If you would like to make a reservation you can call the Parks and Recreation Department at 281-210-3900 or email parkrec@catw-tx.org.

Source: The Woodlands Community Magazine (May 2008)

'Great Day Houston' Coming to Market Street

On May 17 and 18, a popular morning show of Channel 11 is coming to Market Street, The Woodlands. This show is known as 'Great Day Houston' and it is inviting you to be in the audience. The show will be shot in the Central Park of Market Street.

People who attend the show as audience will receive amazing gifts like certificates for restaurants, spa services, cosmetics and more. There will also be a chance to mingle with Deborah Duncan, anchor of 11 News and new host of Great Day Houston.
To be in the audience you will have to reserve your spot, to do so you can email Barry Barnes at bbarnes@khou.com or contact him at Channel 11 at 713-533-5208.

The show airs weekdays at 9 a.m. on KHOU Channel 11. You can visit http://www.greatdayhouston.com/ for more information about the show and its hostess Deborah Duncan.

Market Street is located across the street from major attractions in The Woodlands such as The Woodlands Mall and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. It is also bounded by the streets Lake Woodlands Drive, Lake Robbins Drive, Grogan's Mill Road and Six Pines Drive.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

CB&I TRI coming to The Woodlands

The Woodlands Triathlon has been scheduled for May 3 of 2008 at Northshore Park. This Park is located in 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive close to The Woodlands Mall and Market Street among other attractions of The Woodlands Community.

This event has been sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT) and has been designated as the USAT South Midwest Sprint State Championship. It will consist of a sprint format of a 500 meter swim, a 15 mile bike and a 5K run. There will be around 850 participants, with a range from beginners to nationally ranked triathletes.

The ages will start from 14 and will go up, the registration for this Triathlon will end on April 27 at 10 p.m. This event will start at 7 a.m. on May 3 and will have a fee of:

- $85 Individual Late Registration
- $140 Relay Team Late Registration

There will be many different ways for people to volunteer, if you would like more information go to www.thewoodlandsassociations.org and find details and registration.

Source: The Woodlands Community Magazine

Muddy Trails Race this weekend

The Muddy Trails 5K Race was re-scheduled for this Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 9 a.m. This race will go through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve which is a 1,700 acre preserve located in Creekside Park in The Woodlands. The race will be for ages 10 and older.

There will be a post-race that will be held at Rob Fleming Park with a live band and a crawfish boil. If you would like more information you can contact race co-directors Willie Fowlkes or Meghan Sturrock at 281-210-3900 or email parkrec@catw-tx-org.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Rowing Championships set in Lake Woodlands

The Woodlands will have Rowing Championships located in Lake Woodlands this Saturday, April 5, 2008. These Championships are sponsored by The Rowing Club of The Woodlands (RCTW). The Championships will take place at Northshore Park in The Woodlands and races will begin at 7:30 a.m. and will be completed approximately at 5 p.m.

There will be more than 200 rowers including masters and junior level, and they will be coming from clubs throughout Texas. All public has been welcome to attend these championships. There will be Lunch Concessions available for purchase from the park pavilion.

If you would like more information about the Rowing Club of The Woodlands you can go to www.woodlandsrowing.org

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will showcase more than 200 national and regional artists on April 12 and 13. This wonderful event will take place at the Waterway in The Woodlands starting at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, along The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and ending at Town Green Park.

There will be a water taxi and a trolley service througout the festival. There will also be great international artists from Mexico who will be presenting their work. Some of the highlights of this festival will include master scratchboard artist Sally Maxwell, "Healing Arts", live entertainment on two stages, and "artopoly".

A new addition to this impressive festival will be the Floating Art Parade that will reflect this year's theme "Water Creatures". For this parade individuals, organizations and area businesses will be invited to design and build floats. They will start at 10:30 am on April 12. Participants in this Parade must submit their application along with a rendering and a brief description of their entry. The application's deadline will be on Monday March 24th. For more information you can visit http://www.woodlandsartsfestival.com/

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Township looks at plans for $40 million museum

Officials in The Woodlands are working with representatives from the Houston Museum of Natural Science in an effort to bring a $40 million, 200,000-square-foot museum to Town Center. The idea took shape after a market feasibility study was conducted in line with The Woodlands Township's "visioning" document.

That forward-looking document calls for adding new places to the community to benefit both residents and visitors, said TWT Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs Nick Wolda. "We have been in a process the last year and a half looking at what are the next options for 'people' places in the town center area," Wolda said. "We did a study that narrowed it down to eight options - arts, culture, history - we looked at all different types of things."

PFK Consulting, a San Francisco firm with a Houston office, estimates the economic impact of the facility, in terms of sales tax and other revenues, would be about $353 million over the next 20 years. "A partnership with Houston in building a museum here...would attract several hundred thousand people a year and be beneficial for the residents of The Woodlands, as well as the visitors, the schools here and many others," Wolda said.

Included as part of the proposed museum would be classrooms, exhibition space and an observation tower providing an aerial view of The Woodlands, said Joel Bartsch, president of HMNS. There has been discussion about locating an IMAX theater in the building, but Bartsch said he wasn't sure if that would happen. The Woodlands Mall currently houses two museums, The Woodlands Children's Museum and the XPloration Station, an HMNS satellite location.

Bartsch said the Houston Museum of Natural Science's first presence in The Woodlands was with its summer camp offerings. Because of their popularity, the XPloration Station was opened in the mall. About 1,500 memberships to the Houston Museum of Natural Science have been purchased by visitors to the XPloration Station, and The Woodlands now has one of the highest concentrations of museum memberships in the Houston area, Bartsch said. "That convinced us this is probably the time to do something a little more permanent (in The Woodlands)," he said.

No date has been set for the design or construction of the museum, and the project could still be several years away. "If this was a 12-step program we'd probably not even be to step one yet. We have a lot more to do and a lot further to go down the road," Bartsch said. Among the issues that need to be worked out are ways for TWT and the museum to finance the building and land acquisition options. The primary site being considered for the museum is at the southwest corner of Six Pines Drive and The Woodlands Waterway, south of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion parking garage.

That two-acre property is owned by The Woodlands Development Company. "We still have a long way to go before we can say a museum is coming, but we're excited to be at this point," said TWT Director Vicki Richmond. "(There would be) a community sense of pride in having a facility of this magnitude in The Woodlands. Cultural arts are really part of the fabric of a great community."

Source: The Villager by Jake Muonio

Hip Hop. Hip Hop. Look Who's Coming!

THE WOODLANDS MALL WELCOMES THE EASTER BUNNY SATURDAY, MARCH 1 THROUGH SATURDAY, MARCH 22.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas. February 19, 2008 ~ Everyone's favorite springtime bunny is hitting the trail and arriving at The Woodlands Mall on Saturday, March 1.

He'll be settling down in his very bright and colorful nest, greeting visitors every day of the week until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 when he hops away to deliver eggs for Easter Sunday morning. Find the Easter bunny in his bright and colorful springtime nest in Future Court across from JCPenney at the following hours:

>> Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and

>> Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. The Easter bunny takes hour-long breaks Monday through Saturday at 1:00 and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

There is no charge to stop and visit with the Easter bunny. Parents can purchase commemorative photos in a variety of different packages, beginning at $15.99. The Woodlands Mall is closed on Easter Sunday, March 23.

Source: www.town-center.com by The Woodlands Township

Town Center Theatre Announces the Cast for "All in the Timing"

Town Center Theatre is pleased to announce the cast of their first production of the 2008 Season, All in the Timing. The play, from one of America's finest comic authors, David Ives (Polish Joke, Wonderful Town ), is a series of six scenes about the powers of communication and the English language. Since its debut in 1993, All in the Timing has been considered an actor's Mt. Everest of memory and concentration. For their production, Town Center Theatre has thrown in an added challenge: each of the six cast members, four men and two women, will learn every one of the parts in the show (respective to their genders), and be prepared to play them on any given night, as they draw their roles from a hat in full view of the audience.

For this comic actor's tour-de-force, co-directors Joey Milillo and Chris Tennison have assembled one of the most talented casts imaginable. Three newcomers to the TCT stage join three favorites from each of the shows in our first season.

Audiences who remember Town Center Theatre's production of Sylvia will recognize Alison Luff, who appeared in the title role as the dog who won the hearts of her owners. In addition to Town Center Theatre, Ms. Luff has appeared with Texas Repertory Theatre, Main Street Theater, and most recently starred as Jo March in HITS' production of Little Women.

Ivy Rush, who appeared memorably in multiple roles in Quilters, returns to TCT for her second production. Ms. Rush is a veteran of many theatres around town, including Unity Theatre of Brenham, Stages Repertory Theatre, and Main Street Theater. Fans of the NBC Television program Clash of the Choirs will also recall Ivy as a member of Kelly Rowlands' Houston choir, and a featured soloist in their final performance.

Joining TCT for his third performance in as many shows is the multi-talented Ben Warner, who appeared in the regional premiere of Night and Her Stars as Al Freedman, and his appearence in Sylvia gave a glimpse into his abilities as a comic chameleon. Mr. Warner can frequently be found working in stage and film, and recently completed work on a movie in India.

New to the Town Center Theatre stage is Franz Hill. Hill is the founding company member of Houston's Ubertoast comedy troupe, and is a master of comic style, from musical theatre to Shakespeare. In addition to being a talented actor, Mr. Hill is a gifted writer and composer, and brings an element of unpredictability and wit to the production.

After a brief absence, Santry Rush makes a welcome return to the stage with this production. Although this is his first appearance with Town Center Theatre, Mr. Rush is a veteran of The Alley Theatre and Main Street Theater as well as being a filmmaker and author/composer.

Guy Schaafs rounds out the production, having recently returned to the Houston area from Chicago, where he studied with Chicago's Second City. A considerable comic and actor, Mr. Schaafs' experience with improvisation and rapid character changes make him ideally suited to this show. This is Guy's first appearance with Town Center Theatre.

The six scenes from All in the Timing take the audience from New York City to Mexico, with stops in a monkey-filled laboratory and the girder of a skyscraper high above the city. It's an environment where anything can happen, and Town Center Theatre is thrilled to have found six performers up to the challenge.

All in the Timing runs May 2 - 18, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., at the Nancy Bock Auditorium, 3800 S. Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands. The show is the inaugural production of TCT's four show season, which also includes Godspell, Julius Caesar, and Merry Christmas, George Bailey. Individual, group sale, and season tickets are available.

For more information or to purchase Season Tickets, call the Town Center Theatre box office at (832) 592-9697 or e-mail tctinfo@yahoo.com.

Source: TheWoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Town Center Theatre to Hold Season Kick-off April 4!

Town Center Theatre is proud to announce its second annual Season Kick-Off, which will be held on Friday, April 4, 2008, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, located at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive (View Google Map). The event will kick off with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m., followed by a seated dinner. Scenes from the 2008 season will be performed throughout the evening, which include the comedy All In The Timing, the musical Godspell, Shakespeare's Julius Caesar and Merry Christmas, George Bailey, a new adaptation of the classic holiday film It's A Wonderful Life. In addition, guests will be treated to a Latin dance demonstration.

In addition to the preview performances, Town Center Theatre will also be recognizing two honorees at the Season Kick-Off: David and Brenda Gottlieb, who have been longtime supporters of the arts in the community. Dr. Gottlieb served as CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion from 1995-2002 and is the Founding President and current Executive Committee Board Member of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Board. Brenda Gottlieb serves as Chairperson of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, which helps showcase the works of more than 200 national and regional artists. David and Brenda's contribution to the arts in The Woodlands is tremendous, and Town Center Theatre feels privileged to honor them as pioneers of culture in the community.

The proceeds raised at the Gala will fund Town Center Theatre's 2008 season. Individual tickets for the Gala are $100 ($200 per couple), while tables of 10 ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 are also available. To purchase tickets, call (832) 592-9697.

Source: TheWoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Woodlands Home and Garden Show comes in time for Spring renovations

The sixth annual Home & Garden Show will spring into The Woodlands Waterway Marriott on March 8 and 9. There will be more than 200 exhibitors at the show. Attendants will be exposed to a variety of different home and garden products for indoor and outdoor items.

Tony Wood, president of Texwood Shows, Inc. said the public will have an opportunity to interact with professionals about remodeling their home. "There will be good quality information on kitchen and bath design, how to go about remodeling, where to spend your money and how to design," Wood said. "A lot of people spend a lot of money and they want to make sure they spend their money on a quality design that is functional and will last a long time." He said the vendors will be primarily local and from the North Houston or Houston area. "Seventy-five percent are from The Woodlands," Wood said. He said that he understands homeowners that attend want to deal with quality vendors in close proximity to their home.

Exhibitors will have booths set up and the featured speakers will have their own presentation station. Experts include Peggy McGowen, member of the American Society of Interior Design and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer; Tom Tynan, energy efficient innovator; Linda Durham, organizer extrordinarre; John Ferguson, owner of Nature's Way Resources and Randy Lemmon, gardener.

Woods said their will be a variety of home problem solving exhibitors which include granite countertops, landscapers, tile, blinds, flooring and gutters, high density laminate countertops and a swim spa that keeps the swimmer in the same spot for exercise purposes. He said every year the show is different because each vendor is always coming out with new cutting edge products and designs.

Tickets can be purchased in the lobby of the convention center the day of the event.

For more information visit http://www.woodlandsshows.com/

Source: The Villager by Beth Kuhles