Pass the Salad

4-17

If you toss it, they will they come -- at least in the case of Dance Salad, one of the best-kept secrets in international dance. For 11 years, producer Nancy Henderek has been inviting the world's best dancers to Texas. And last year's three-day mini-festival was almost a sellout. This year, more than a dozen works will be performed, half of them North American premieres. Houston Ballet fans will get to see the National Ballet of China perform a suite from Ben Stevenson's Fountain of Tears, a full-length ballet he choreographed in China that's never been seen in this country. Also on the bill are performances by the Royal Swedish Ballet, Brazil's contemporary Quasar Companhia de Dance, the Memphis Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theatre. Says Henderek, "It truly is a way to see different things you would never see anywhere else in the world on the same stage and in the same way." 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, through Saturday, April 19. Wortham Center's Cullen Theater, 501 Texas. For information or tickets, call 713-227-ARTS or visit www.dancesalad.org. $15 to $39. -- Marene Gustin

You Go, Girl
Web site lauds chick rock

4-18

An online support network for women in music, the Sugar Land-based Web site GoGirlsMusic.com, promotes unsigned artists from around the country and sponsors live music events to showcase their talent. This Friday, three Texan artists take the stage at GoGirlsRock!, a monthly happening at the Rhythm Room. Two Houston acts, the Googe and Rebecca Torrellas, display a passion for what's come to be called "alternative rock" -- expect nods to your Avrils and Alanises. Recently assimilated Houstonian Elizabeth White goes the singer-songwriter/folk route with acoustic guitar and mature, passionate lyrics. And 12-year-old Plano native Cheyenne (soon to appear on TV's America's Most Talented Kid) picks the best tunes from her reportedly 185-song catalog for a set that promises to be, well, cute as hell. Future showcases feature all-new lineups and different musical styles, so if this gig isn't your scene, get on the mailing list. Your favorite all-girl punk band could be waiting in the wings. 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 18. The Rhythm Room, 1815 Washington Avenue. For information, call 713-863-0943. $5. -- Troy Schulze

Throwing Stones

4-18

Told through the eyes of two rural Irishmen recruited as extras on a film set, Stones in His Pockets is a satire about an Irish community that is both mobilized and traumatized by a Hollywood invasion. The Alley's Todd Waite and Jeffrey Bean play all 14 characters in Marie Jones's award-winning play, which runs Friday, April 18, through May 18. Alley Theatre, 615 Texas. For tickets and showtimes, call 713-228-8421 or visit www. alleytheatre.org. $35 to $50. -- Troy Schulze

Dom It All
Say this comedian's name

4-23

It's not Don. It's Dom. Like Dom DeLuise. Like the champagne. You'd think after six American Comedy Award nominations, two Cable Ace Awards, countless appearances on cable and network television and a slew of film appearances, people would get Dom Irrera's name right. But if the comedian has learned anything, it's that life ain't easy. As his Italian mother used to say, "Listen, you'll always be my little boy. And as long as you have a job, you'll have a place to stay in this house." 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, through Saturday, April 26, with additional 10:30 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday. Laff Stop, 1952 West Gray. For information, call 713-524-2300 or visit www.laffstop.com. $18.50 to $21.50. -- Eric A.T. Dieckman