Houston Masterworks Chorus The average squid may not realize this, but our town supports a large population of choral music lovers. For a decade, the Houston Masterworks Chorus has thrilled Houstonians and public radio listeners with high-quality vocal concerts. Tonight's tenth anniversary concert features David Ashley White's Alleluia, a work commissioned by the chorus and performed by Stella Zambalis, Katherine Ciesinski and other nationally renowned singers -- plus a jazz number by Rob Landes and such choral crowd pleasers as Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" and Beethoven's "Ode to Joy." Be warned that unseemly enthusiasm may erupt: one member of the chorus was moved to sing bits of "Joy" into my voicemail. Tonight's concert is black-tie optional, and a champagne reception follows. 8 p.m. Rice University, Alice Pratt Brown Hall (Entrance 8 off University). For tickets, call 529-8900. $15$25.
sunday
may 19
Walk and Roll-A-Thon More than a dozen organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS education, health care, volunteer and social service programs will benefit from the thousands of Houstonians who will walk or skate in Southwestern Bell's From All Walks of Life. This is the seventh 10K Walk and Roll-A-Thon, and once again the not-so-athletic types who aren't up to major charity runs have a chance to get a little of exercise while doing their bit for a good cause. Pledge forms are available at Kroger stores. Registration and premium pickup, 78 a.m.; opening ceremonies, 8; walk and roll, 8:30; awards ceremony and party, 10:30 a.m. Sam Houston Park, downtown. For more information, call 629-WALK. Walkers/rollers are expected to raise at least $100, though the minimum pledge is $20. (And yes, you can sponsor yourself.)
Joan Karff's New Dance Group Six young choreographers show their styles in the contemporary dance group's 20th anniversary concert. The group's founder trained with Helen Priest Rogers, Erick Hawkins and Bella Lewisky. Since 1975, she's been teaching dance and presenting original works in Houston. 2 p.m. Jewish Community Center, Kaplan Theater, 5601 South Braeswood, 551-7255. $8 and $10.
Tolstoy is Dead! A new theater space debuts with the reading of a new drama. Tolstoy is the subject -- Sonya Tolstoy, that is. Eight actors, playing multiple characters, will present Elizabeth Gilbert's play about the wife of novelist Leo; afterward, the audience is invited to join a discussion with the actors and Gilbert. 2 p.m. Mercury Studios (a reference, perhaps, to Orson Welles' Mercury Theater of the Air?), 1600 West 13th (north of I-10; west of Shepherd/ Durham), 521-2875. Free.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization The Reverend Troy Plummer, from Bering United Methodist Church, is one of the featured speakers at the local service. The event is in honor of those who have died of AIDS and to show support for those living with it. At dusk. Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross. For more information or transportation assistance, call 964-8881. Free.
monday
may 20
Self-Traps: The Elusive Quest for Higher Self-Esteem Old wives' tales, rules of thumb and common sense argue that self-esteem is built by accomplishment. And though author William B. Swann Jr. doesn't disagree, he points out that starting something -- letting alone accomplishing something -- is sometimes difficult for the downtrodden, the depressed and those with low self-esteem. Swann's book draws on studies by other psychologists and sociologists and offers his theories on how such self-esteem is undermined by contemporary ideas about competence and love. His book doesn't seem to explain why completely worthless, no-good, low-down individuals are often cocky and smug, but one man can't do everything. Swann will sign his book and talk about self-worth, 78 p.m. Bookstop, 2922 South Shepherd, 529-2345. (The book is $23.95.)
tuesday
may 21
Sister city celebration with Baku For 25 years, Houston has had a sister city group, the Houston-Baku Sister City Association. To celebrate these 25 years, and Azerbaijan's recent independence, the sister city group has invited the public to a reception with His Excellency Hafiz Pashayev, ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azeri exchange students will perform folk dances; carpets and other art objects will be on display. 6:308:30 p.m. Vanderbilt Square, 7171 Buffalo Speedway. For more information, call Jonelle Glosch, 973-3283. Free; reservations suggested.
