Staff Writer

The University of Houston Residence Halls Association is sponsoring "Party Week" the week of Feb. 16. According to RHA Vice President of Programming John Grace, although the celebration is geared toward campus residents, all UH students will be welcome.

"We figured that spring is starting, the semester is in motion and everybody just feels like a party," said Grace.

The events of the week include a comedy night, a midnight broomball session, a masquerade ball and a battle of the bands.

The four-night spring kick-off party starts with a laugh on Tues., Feb. 17. Cleo's Comedy Players will be performing in the Oberholtzer Residence Hall Ballroom 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

"It's a great show. I really loved it," said freshman finance major Abby Di Paolo, who saw the troupe perform at Cleo's Comedy Theater in the Heights.

On Feb. 19, RHA will be bussing eager participants down to the Texas Ice Stadium for midnight broomball.

"It will be a midnight of madness," said RHA Programming Board member Jaime Seamands.

RHA expects a large turnout for the Thursday night romp, she said. Broomball was one of the most successful events of Cougar Roar, the fall semester's back-to-school week of events.

The masquerade ball is scheduled for Feb. 20. Free ballroom dancing lessons may be offered before the dance from 6 to 8 p.m. and the actual semi-formal will follow from 8 p.m. until midnight. Both will be held at the OB Ballroom.

Residents will also have a chance to make masks to wear to the ball in keeping with the masquerade theme, said Seamands. Because the dance coincides with Mardi Gras, feathers and glitter will probably be available to add flair to the masks, she said.

The week will wrap up on Feb. 21 with a battle of the bands, to be held in the Lyndall Findley Park on campus from 8 p.m. until midnight. Refreshments will be provided, said RHA, and bales of hay will be available for audience members to sit on.

Four bands have been scheduled to play, and a fifth is being sought, said Grace. Cash prizes ($100 for first place) will be offered to the bands who perform in the contest. To audition, contact John Grace in the RHA office at 743-6069.

RHA has other programs in the works. The Programming Board will be sponsoring an open mic night on March 3, so residents are encouraged to start thinking of performing, said Grace. A coffee bar is planned for the event.

A game show-themed booth is planned for Frontier Fiesta, said RHA, where residents will team up, possibly by floor, and compete against each other. RHA will also be co-sponsoring a self-defense seminar with several Greek organizations later this semester.

The RHA Programming Board meets every Thursday night in the South Houston Room in Horizons at 8 p.m. All residents are welcome.