Midterm recess to-do list

By Reed Thornburg     3/14/12 7:00pm

1. The Naked and Famous Concert. $17 (plus fees). March 24.

This New Zealand group is just starting to get some serious stateside recognition for its blend of dance beats and spacey pop. Head over to the House of Blues on Saturday to catch it live.

2. The Menil Collection. Free. Open every day during recess 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Largely considered one of the best art collections in Texas, the Menil Collection in many ways serves as the cultural center of Houston. In addition to the strange and fascinating surrealist standards, over midterm recess, you will have the chance to view the drawings of famed artist Richard Serra.

3. Trader's Village flea market. Free (parking is $3). Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While it is something of a journey to get to, this flea market is more than worth the drive. Inside, it feels like a combination of a small city and a mobile carnival. The shopping guarantees a laugh and maybe even a lucky find.

4. Cactus Records. Free (bring money for CDs and records) Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m . Sunday: Noon - 7 p.m.

This store proclaims itself to be "Houston's First Independent Music Store." It often features live music from the local Houston scene, and if you have unwanted CDs lying around, you can sell them to the store.

5. Little Bigs. Wed. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 a.m.

Chef Bryan Caswell of Reef fame has a lesser-known restaurant dedicated to the art of the "slider," or small hamburger. Venture out to this affordable and delicious restaurant and go on your very own Journey to White Castle this break.

6. University of Texas "Round-Up". March 23-25.

The fraternities of our orange-clad compatriots in Austin traditionally host prospective (and not so prospective) students for what will undoubtedly be an exciting weekend of Animal House-style debauchery.

7. Houston Vietnamese Festival. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. March 24.

Head on over to Houston's beautiful Discovery Green to celebrate Vietnamese culture and dine on some delicious authentic Vietnamese food!

8. Texas Rock Gym. Friday after 6 p.m. for student night (with ID) $7.50.

The day pass will cover basic entrance, but you might also want to rent a harness and bring along a date for different take on a standard night out.

9. In Darkness. March 21. 8 p.m.

The Landmark River Oaks theater is one of the "select theaters" to screen this Academy Award-nominated Polish film about an escape from Nazi Poland.

10. Road Trip to Galveston.

The weather slowly keeps reminding us that we are, in fact, in Houston, and the heat is coming back with ferocity. Find a friend with a car, grab a pair of sunglasses and enjoy the weather before it becomes unbearable.

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