Opera in the Heights Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Arts Appreciation Event

Opera in the Heights (Oh!) will be the star at Silver Street's "Second Saturday" on Aug. 8 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., hosted by Michael Raak of Flashback Films Inc., to kick off Oh!'s 20th anniversary season. Although the focus is on opera, the event will also celebrate the visual arts, as Oh! shares the space with Foto Fest International and its exhibit I Am A Camera, along with open studios for the artists housed at Silver Street. "Second Saturday" is free and open to the public.

The video production company, Flashback Films Inc., is one of the artist tenants at Silver Street, an arts and event complex near downtown which includes a 20,000 square-foot event space and 70 creative studios. Silver Street is committed to supporting the arts and providing local creative entrepreneurs a community in which their ideas can thrive.

"We are incredibly grateful to Flashback Films and Silver Street Studios for this opportunity to showcase Opera in the Heights as we enter our 20th season," says Mariam Khalili, Oh!'s Executive Director. "This event is a celebration of opera as an art form, in addition to paying homage to the vibrant visual arts community in our city. Art aficionados and those who are just curious about what goes on at 'Second Saturday' are encouraged to stop by Silver Street for an inspiring afternoon of creativity."

Khalili noted that guests at "Second Saturday" can experience all forms of art, enjoy food and drink and become educated about Opera in the Heights. Some of the activities planned include:

· Two brief performances to excite attendees about opera as an art form and give a glimpse into what to expect at Opera in the Heights

· Houston's first urban ice-cream truck, Chocolate Wasted, will be in attendance with tasty treats, as well as Wokker Texas Ranger, offering guests Asian/Texan fusion cuisine

· Karbach Brewing Co. will be on hand with complimentary beverages for guests while supplies last

· A VIP area in Flashback Films' studio for Oh!'s YOLO (Young Opera Lovers Organization) members and potential members to mingle and learn more about the benefits of joining this young professionals group. Special activities and swag bags will be available for YOLO participants. Arm bands can be acquired by joining YOLO or making a donation in honor of Oh!

· Showcase of opera costume work and set designs by Oh! designers

· A booth with information about Oh! and the upcoming season from Oh! Guild members

· Raffles for prizes

Silver Street Studios is located at 2000 Edwards St., Houston, 77007. Community members are invited to drop in any time between 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 for fun and festivities centered on the arts. Call 713-861-5303 or 713-589-8650 for more details.

About Opera in the Heights

Opera in the Heights is a professional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the Greater Houston Area. All operas are fully staged with orchestra and presented in the original language with English translation (where applicable) projected above the stage.

About Flashback Films

Owner Michael Raak, Director/Producer, launched Flashback Film Productions in 2011 and in 2015, incorporated as Flashback Films, Inc. (FBF). Previously, he studied film in Boulder, Colorado, and honed his filmmaking skills on projects of assorted size and scope from Austin to New York. Michael Raak's non-traditional filmmaking style has altered the traditional view of corporate videos, which has allowed FBF to expand quickly. The FBF production studio is located in Silver Street Studios, at the heart of a thriving Houston artist community. FBF's documentary-style approach to professional photography and videography combines effective marketing efforts with an interpersonal flavor that leaves the audience engaged, informed and more completely connected to the subject. Flashback Films, Inc. utilizes a team of talented individuals to produce content for the company's clients and their video work. Each member of the team is a dedicated and passionate professional who strives to produce Hollywood level work. Find out more at FlashbackFilmProductions.com.