Kickoff Cool!

Spring’s busy social season continued with kickoffs galore, like the one for JDRF Houston’s Promise Ball. Supporters hit Hotel ZaZa for light bites, cocktails and a preview of the 20th anniversary gala. … Northwest Assistance Ministries’ (NAM) two-pronged annual fundraising initiative Jeans & Jewels — a luncheon followed by a gala later in the year — launched at the Champions Golf Club. … And the Latin Women Initiative’s popular fashion show and luncheon, which takes place on May 17, kicked off at IW Marks.

Sharon Torres, Elia Gabbanelli and Maritza Gonzales at ‘Latin.'
Sharon Torres, Elia Gabbanelli and Maritza Gonzales at ‘Latin.'


Ernest Hunter at ‘JDRF.’

Party People

Actor Alan Brincks gets his makeup done for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.

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Art + Entertainment

Dandelion Cafe owners Sarah Lieberman and J.C. Ricks with Mireya Villarreal of GMA, Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of Southern Smoke Foundation (photo by Shane Dante Photography)

THE SOUTHERN SMOKE Foundation, established by chef Chris Shepherd, has only been around for seven years — but that's long enough to have helped hospitality workers through hurricanes, freezes, a pandemic, and countless other personal situations requiring emergency relief.

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Food