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Smoking the Halfpipe

Top skateboarders, BMXers and motocrossers do trippy tricks

A A A Comments Thursday, Nov 6 2003

Put down those video game controllers and fingerboards. It's time to experience skateboarding the way it was meant to be: live and, uh, inside the new Toyota Center.Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam is a hell-on-wheels demonstration, featuring the world's top ramp skateboarders, BMX riders and motorcycle acrobats. Hawk will be there in body as well as in name, along with BMX biker Matt Hoffman and motorcycle back-flipper Carey Hart. Veteran BMX freestyler Rick Thorne will act as MC, providing voice-overs from a safe distance. One stunt promises some three-way action as a BMXer and a skateboarder ride the ramp while a motorcycle rider jumps the entire setup like a bird without wings.

Courtesy of Boom Boom Huck Jam

Tony Hawk gets some air.

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The arena will be filled with strategically placed obstacles, giant dirt jumps for the motorcyclists and street courses and ramps, including the "Loop of Death" and the "30 Foot Fall," a monumental roll-in wall that soars 30 feet above the bottom of the ramp.

But the halfpipe stunts and dirt-mound jumps are only part of the jam. Bands and DJs will provide some slamming atmosphere for Sunday's demos. We recommend Anarchy Orchestra, which plays instrumental versions of all your favorite punk and alternative tracks. 6 p.m. Sunday, November 9. 1510 Polk. For tickets, call 1-866-4HOUTIX or visit www.houstontoyotacenter.com. $25 to $75. -- Travis P. Ritter

Rain Dance Fever

The pounding sound of drumbeats thumping in the distance can mean only one thing: The Native Americans are restless, and it's time for the annual Texas Championship Pow Wow. Hundreds of Native Americans from dozens of tribes will compete in 18 different dance categories, including tiny tots, golden age, buckskin, fancy shawl, jingle dress and men's straight (we'll bite our tongue on the obvious pun). While the participants are strutting their stuff in full regalia of feathers, leather, bells and beadwork, visitors can hunt for bargains at craft exhibits. Authentic Native American foods will also be available, so be sure to stock up for the long trail ahead. 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9. Traders Village, 7979 North Eldridge Road. For information, call 281-890-5500 or visit www.tradersvillage.com. $2 parking. -- Keith Plocek

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