Jade Esteban Estrada is a Texas boy at heart. The San Antonio-born

entertainer will be in town Wednesday through Sunday for a host of Pride Week activities. Estrada sings, acts, dances and hosts. He'll be doing a bit of each throughout his stay in Houston.

     "I get to Texas once a week to see my family and my dogs and to make sure Gov. Perry hasn't decided to move all my stuff to Massachusetts while I was away."

     And yes, he's funny, too.

     Estrada has lived in New York since he was a teen and also has homes in San Antonio and Los Angeles. He is currently on tour through March 2007, but he gets home to San Antonio for graduations, weddings and anything family-related.

     His Houston takeover kicks off Wednesday with "ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1." In the show, Estrada depicts six characters, including Sappho, Michelangelo, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein and Ellen Degeneres. ICONS is a benefit for the Gulf Coast Archive & Museum of GLBT History.

     On Friday, Estrada performs a Latin-pop concert, featuring his original music: 

     "I'm like the gay werewolf when I'm allowed to be spontaneous and I get to improvise a bit. When I get to leave the stage for a little audience interaction, I'm at my best. And if you're shy, don't think I can't walk to the back of the theatre and eat your food and sit on your lap. That's why cordless mics were invented."

     And Saturday -- whew! -- Estrada takes part in his 144th Gay Pride event. He will ride a float in the parade, which starts at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday.

     A lot of Latino fun in a short time, but Estrada will also remember someone close to him throughout the festivities:

     "My best friend died of AIDS in Houston in 1997. I will dedicate my performances to him as I return to the city for the first time since he passed away. There is not one passing day I that I do not think of him. I know that he is watching over me and protecting me in my travels."