THIS WEEKEND: Can you change your whole life by simply changing your mind? Direct from NYC’s downtown scene, two-time Obie winner Cynthia Hopkins, backed by her Alt-Country band Gloria Deluxe and an inventively playful videoscape, explores amnesia with grit, humor and a good deal of twang (brief nudity.) Learn more about ACCIDENTAL NOSTALGIA by clicking on this link: www.spurdigital.net/clients/SPA/index.html. Your ticket to the show is your VIP pass to the After Party (January 13 performance only) starting at Midtown’s Deco, enjoy complimentary champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and your first drink on-the-house. Then the party moves to the legendary Red Door with one of the best patio views in town. Enter to win a $350 entertainment package you won’t forget. Package includes a $100 dining certificate to Bossa, two front Orchestra level seats to Accidental Nostalgia, and both an Alt-Country and a rare music CD package from Cactus Music & Video. http://www.spurdigital.net/clients/SPA/index.html. Want to save $10 on your tickets to Society for performing Arts Shows? Visit www.cc.com/onlinesales and enter the password queenvip. Because ALL who read my newsletter are VIPs and should save money on tickets so they can spend more at the bars and restaurant I work for!

Has anyone tried Sorrento Ristorante Italiano? The Houston Press says “the ambience and the food are hard to forget.” Sorrento is located at 415 Westheimer. I haven’t tried it yet and I’m wondering how the place is. Someone write to me and tell me what you think. I’m always open to hearing about places you all visit, so send me your suggestions and feedback. Speaking of restaurants, I am in love with the food at St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin (300 Main.) Let me know if you’d like to book a luncheon, rehearsal dinner, birthday party or happy hour event at St. Pete’s and I will help you plan a memorable event there. Call me at 713-227-1511.

Join the Queen of Clubs and Houston Single Source at The Flat (1701 Commonwealth) for an event called “Wine, Women and Song” on Wednesday, January 11th beginning at 6PM. This will be a wine drinking, err, I mean TASTING party for singles in the 20’s and 30’s age group. Jean Couture (jeans or after-work attire) is the dress and this evening is all about the ladies, so guys you won’t want to miss out. We will tantalize our pallets with 5 different wines and an assortment of cheeses. Special goody bags will be given to all the ladies and there will be great music to set the ambience. This is a 20’s and 30’s party, so we will be checking ID’s, and nobody over 41 is allowed. Ladies are free, $10 for the gentlemen. Free parking across Commonwealth at Reed’s Key Shop. RSVP today online at HoustonSingleSource.com or by calling 713-630-0546. Silver Spoon Events presents “Secret Society of Six Figure Women Who Love Shoes” a networking social event for women, by women, where women empower women. The event is on Wednesday, January 25th at Arcodoro (5000 Westheimer at Post Oak) from 6-9PM. Admission is $10 or a gently used pair of women’s or children’s shoes. There will be a complimentary buffet and a cash bar. Men are also welcome to attend this party and encouraged to do so. This is a great networking and socializing event for a great cause.

Diana: A Celebration is still on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, now through February 5th at One Hermann Circle. Directly from England comes this extraordinary exhibition celebrating the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. On display is home movies filmed by Diana’s father, childhood letters and treasured personal possessions, and 28 stunning designer dresses demonstrating Diana’s use of style to draw attention to the causes in which she believed so passionately. Also featured will be Diana’s spectacular royal wedding gown, original family jewels, artifacts, paintings and more. Don’t miss this rare and intimate glimpse into the life of the people’s princess.

Sandra Gunn Properties wants to ask if you know or are you someone who loves real estate, is highly organized and really knows his or her way around a computer? Potential candidates should have a working knowledge of the Houston real estate market, would need to know applications such as Photoshop, FrontPage and Adobe InDesign, and have a good eye for photography as well. Most of all, though, SGP looking for someone prepared for the commitment required by the job; someone proficient at multi-tasking and someone who interacts well with others. I’m sure they would also LOVE to employ someone that reads the Queen of Clubs each week, too. Please respond to marketing@gunn.net if you know of someone!

SAVE THE DATE: The UPPER HAND will keep it's doors open late for one night only on Thursday, February 9th from 6-9PM. Five of the master/senior stylists will lead small groups of clients and share all (most) of their styling secrets. Each group will focus on a different style or hair length, feature a demonstration, and leave clients with fabulous finishing tips. The sessions will begin at 7PM with instruction, demonstration, and lots of questions and answers. Clients are welcome to visit as many sessions as they would like. Guests will enjoy wine, cheese, and tasty treats from Central Market while filling your arsenal with styling tools. Also, you can take advantage of special values in UPPER HAND’S new boutique featuring Houston's hottest new designer, Michelle Ngo. There is no charge for the evening's activities, however, donations benefiting Zonta International Foundation for Women will be accepted and appreciated. Space is limited for this one-night-only event. Call or email Rachel to reserve your space now at 713-520-0772 or girltalk@theupperhand.com.

Experience a magical tale of adventure and enchantment when Theatre Under The Stars co-produces the new National Tour of Tommy Tune's Dr. Dolittle, starring Houston's own Broadway legend and nine-time Tony Award-winner, Tommy Tune. TUTS will present the popular family classic from January 17th-29th at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby at Walker.) In a lavish new musical based on Leslie Bricusse's 1967 Oscar-winning movie and "The Doctor Dolittle Stories" by Hugh Lofting, Tune will both direct and star as the beloved veterinarian who "talks to the animals." With a book, music and lyrics written by Bricusse, Dr. Dolittle features an irresistible score families will cherish including, the Academy Award-winning song "Talk to the Animals," "When I Look in Your Eyes," "I've Never Seen Anything Like It" and "After Today." For tickets to Dr. Dolittle, call (713) 558-TUTS or visit www.tuts.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Monday, January 16th is the Oz Happy Hour Mixer at the Flat at 6PM (1701 Commonwealth.) Friday, January 20th Young Active Professionals Mixer at the Flat at 6PM Monday, January 23rd at the Toyota Center is the Aerosmith and Lenny Kravitz concert. Tickets are $125, $85, $55 and $35. Doors open at 6:30PM. Friday, January 27th Houston Single Source all ages event at Gravitas, call 713-630-0546. See 8minutedating.com to register for any, or all, of the speed-dating events on dates in January and February. Locations are 6º Lounge (911 Franklin,) the Flat (1701 Commonwealth,) and St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin (300 Main) and a few other Houston locations. Click this link to sign up: http://8minutedating.com/signup/eventList.cgi.