1996 Amnesty International Benefit Concert Amnesty International is seeking an audience, and volunteers. The human-rights organization's focus this year is on China -- the political repression and abuse of power therein, et. al. To draw people out to hear the message, Manhole and the Zealots headline a full night of music. Enough music, in fact, to fill two stages. 6 p.m. Power Tools, 709 Franklin, 227-8665. $6.
Seventh Annual White Oak Bayou Fish-Off How the organizers are going to keep attention directed at the fishing when they've promised an Elvis sighting is beyond us. However, prizes have been promised for the biggest, the ugliest and the most unusual fish caught (those ribbons probably won't all go to the same fish). Looks are one thing; another concern is how all these fish will smell while the Fish-Off participants are enjoying the live music, the fish lips contest, the pin-the-fin-on-the-fish game and all the other auxiliary entertainment. Fortunately, the judging and whatnot is at Jimmie's Place -- an open-air establishment. Registration, 810 a.m.; weigh-in, noon1:30 p.m.; festivities, 12:302 p.m. Jimmie's Place, 2803 White Oak Drive, 861-9707 or 864-3008 (Fish-Off hot line). $10, preregistration (includes a T-shirt and fishing hole map). Day-of registration: $3, adults; $1, children age 13 and under.
Anything that Floats Parade This is, obviously, a day for enjoying Houston's waterways. This event takes place in Buffalo Bayou, not to be confused with White Oak Bayou, where the fishing is going on (though your decorated vessel is sure to make a splash in either contest). Anything from a canoe to a bathtub to on-water kinetic sculpture is appropriate for this 26th Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta event; just make sure it floats. Prizes will be awarded. Noon. From Buffalo Bayou's Overlook Park to the Sabine Street Bridge (along Allen Parkway). For info, call 654-8900. $5 entry fee.
sunday
april 14
Faure's Requiem Sing-In The Houston Conservatory of Music invites us all out to sing! There's a rehearsal, then a full-blown performance with an orchestra and a piano. Scores will be available; we hope that's enough. (And if you simply can't bring yourself to sing, listeners are welcomed as well.) 2 p.m., rehearsal; 4 p.m., performance. University of St. Thomas, Cullen Hall, 4001 Mount Vernon, 524-6222. Reservations requested, so they can know just how many vocal hopefuls plan to crowd their way on-stage. $5.
Kolbuchowa This is the second Houston stop for David Sonnenbluck and his ballet troupe while they're visiting from Brussels. This one-time-only performance, which he created to honor his parents, is timed to coincide with the opening of the Holocaust Museum; its tale is that of the destiny of the inhabitants of a Polish village who went from living a peaceful existence to one of exile. 7 p.m. The Jewish Community Center, 5601 South Braeswood, 551-7223. $15; $8, seniors and students.
monday
april 15
Man ... or Astro-Man? Talk about gimmicky; these guys bill their style as a "Philip K. Dick Dale brand of instrumental music," they claim to "employ advanced sounds and instruments that mankind may never fully understand" and certain members profess to be non-human, in total or in part (though Starcrunch does say he plays guitar better than anyone with five fingers and regular bones). Sure they're bold, and they back it up. They'll play their B movie/surf rock tonight; tomorrow, their new CD, Experiment Zero, goes on sale. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Fitzgerald's, 2706 White Oak, 862-7625. $7.
Visions to Another World Dr. F. Kent Reilly III, a professor at Southwest Texas State University, lectures on art, shamanism and political power in the Olmec world, this in conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts' display of "The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership." The Olmec were known for their huge stone heads, which could imply more than one meaning -- until you see the works. Lecture, 8 p.m. Rice University, Sewall Hall, Room 309, 795-4691. Free.
