Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 20, 2008 in
Revisited,
arts + events I wrote the below story 2 years ago for a Barstool Magazine Assignment. It’s always been one of my favorites. Given the Greek Festival is taking place this weekend, thought I’d revisit the story. Entirely true life events. 
My Big Fat Greek Hangover
by Monica Danna
Originally Published: Barstool Magazine, Nov 2006
As the hot Houston heat subsides and the autumn temperatures creep in at a snail’s pace, one thing Houstonians can look forward to is the Fall festival season. Art festivals, the Italian festival, Turkishfest; we even celebrate Dia De Los Muertos for our neighbors south of the border. And all this before Halloween festivities even begin.
Being Italian, I’m fairly familiar with Greece and Greek culture. My knowledge goes a little bit beyond Mary Kate and Paris Hilton’s ex-lovers, but I am still always anxious to partake in any “cultural studies” especially when food and drink are involved. So I headed down Montrose to check out the 40th annual Greek Festival.
Armed with a posse of fearless friends, we were for some reason filled with the urban spirit and decided to take the bus. YES-the Houston Metro. After walking halfway down Montrose (which would prove to not be my only trek down Montrose this night) we looked for a bus stop. We must have looked like Oprah Winfrey in a Wal-Mart. We had no idea were one was or what to do once we found one. I’ve lived in Houston for 28 years and have never been to a bus stop, much less on a Metro Bus. Wait, does the Rodeo Shuttle count? After finally finding one, waiting for 30 minutes for the right bus, we seceded our valiant environmental efforts and as a friend pulled up, “To Greece!” we shouted at our still-confused chauffer, and thus our Dionysian worship began.
Read more…
Tags: greek festival, wine
Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 11, 2008 in
arts + events,
music 
On November 2nd Ben “Paco” Jennings, best known as DJ Melodic, suffered cardiac arrest and is currently at St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. Soular Grooves and friends are organizing a benefit to offset medical expenses and support his family during this difficult time.
Please join us for a beautiful Sunday afternoon benefit filled with great music, light bites and prizes. Paco’s closest friends DJ SUN, DJ Chicken George and Nick Cooper will perform a musical tribute.
Plus, you can purchase raffle tickets and win some of the coolest things from shops like Barney’s Co-op, Sloan/Hall, Peel Gallery, Raye, Melodrama, Vanessa Riley + prizes from great businesses like SugarHill Recording Studios, Soundwaves, Warehouse Live, Boheme, AvantGarden, Dolce Vita and much more!
Check out all of the amazing raffle items .
Light bites will be provided by Gravitas, La Strada and Stir-It-Up Coffee House.
Sunday, November, 16, 2008
1-4PM
@ Block 21
2420 Washington Ave.
Houston, TX 77246
Event Tickets are $10, available at the door only
Raffle Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.
Thank you to Ziggy at Block 21 for generously offering to donate a portion of the bar sales to support the cause.
ABOUT PACO
“A genuine good guy”
“A great dj and great, positive person”
“A truly positive dude”
These and many other quotes like those are what people who have been touched by Paco aka Ben Jennings IV aka DJ Melodic express when they think of the person, the dj, friend. His gentle and positive spirit has touched many. His humility is unmatched.
Paco came to Soular Grooves and entered the Houston DJ community with the same genuine positive spirit and humility that so many describe about him. He learned as much as he could about dj-ing from as many as he could and applied those characteristics to his vast knowledge of music, to become one of the most respected, well-liked, and precision-like djs in Houston. His aesthetic is unique and contributes to creating an uncompromising signature of sounds that have no match. To listen to Paco, DJ Melodic, as he deejays, is to be taken on a course of great music that blends together seamlessly and continuously. All his selections, he intuitively knows, belong together. It is a truly joyful experience to listen to him and watch him perform.
Tags: arts + events, benefit, block 21, dj melodic, music, raffle
Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 6, 2008 in
personal 
this Ben Lee song has been running though my mind for the past 2 days. because it’s true. we’re all in this together. it’s not about how this election will affect YOU. it’s about how it will affect US. as a COUNTRY. and i finally feel like we ARE all in this together. for once.
“We’re all in this together”
by Ben Lee
I woke up this morning
I suddenly realised
We’re all in this together
I started smiling
‘Cause you were smiling
And we’re all in this together
I’m made of atoms
You’re made of atoms
And we’re all in this together.
And long division just doesn’t matter
‘Cause we’re all in this together…yeah
I saw you walking
In the city
We’re all in this together
The city’s changing
cause we are changing
and we’re all in this together
every 12 seconds
someone remembers
that we’re all in this together
In the kitchen of your rent control apartment
we’re all in this together
come on baby i don’t mean to rush you
I only wanted to reach out and touch you
I’ve got to start to open my heart
I know you think about jumping ship before it sinks
but we are all in this together
ask a scientist
it’s quantum physics
we are all in this together
and on the subway we feel like strangers
but we’re all in this together
yeah i love you and you love her and she loves him
But we’re all in this together
You know baby there’s never been protection
and all the history of human connection
come on darling its alright to show me
you dont ever need to be lonely
once you start to open your heart
I saw you crying
I started crying
cause we’re all in this together
and then religion is a big decision
but we’re all in this together
photo: zefrank: from 52 to 48, with love
Tags: ben lee, election 2008, patriotism
Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 6, 2008 in
arts + events,
music 
Yes, folks. They’re baaaaack. Both of ‘em. 2 greats in 1 night: Mustaches for Kids and Vinyl Ranch. You just can’t make a pairing like this up. Ya can’t.
This year’s Mustaches for Kids Campaign officially kicks off tomorrow night at Leon’s Lounge with the big “Shave-off.”
Join your most excellent hosts Dave Wrangler and LJ Walker for DOLLYWOOD, a celebration of Dolly Parton’s “hits” (film and music) this Friday evening! Vinyl Ranch hosts this super fun, FREE and unique even that is taking place at the quaint and charming Leon’s Lounge.
The party begins at 9pm with a “Shave-Off” mixer for the Houston chapter of “Mustaches For Kids“. MFK is an organization which grows mustaches to raise money for children’s charities. Read the “2008 grower’s information” here so you are adequately prepared for what you are about to get yourself into should you decide to grow!
At 10pm, the DJs fire up the turntables with heavy emphasis on Dolly Parton’s solo and duet recordings. As usual, they will also be spinning your favorite VINYL honky-tonk classics from Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn and more! catch a few different flicks starring Dolly Parton on the tubes! Again this event is free-so please come out and take part in the fun!
Dollywood – Friday, November 7th
Leon’s Lounge
1006 McGowen
Houston, TX 77002
Vinyl Ranch MySpace
Mustaches for Kids Houston
Tags: fundraising, leon's lounge, m4k, mustaches for kids, vinyl ranch
Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 5, 2008 in
personal 
Tags: election 2008, hope, vote
Posted by admin on Nov 5, 2008 in
sports 
Peeps!! Our HOUSTON DYNAMO is taking on the New York Red Bulls in the Western Conference Semi-Finals!!! After a long hard season, the boys in ORANGE have made it back to the Playoffs!
As you know, our HOUSTON TEAM is back to back MLS Champions for the last 2 years in a row. Come help cheer them on for #3 in a row in 2008!
We tied in game 1, let’s pull out a W for Game 2!!
If you are interested in getting tickets all in a group for this Sunday’s game, please shoot an email to Kristen Gambetta and she can get everyone close together.
Also, if you can’t make it for this Sunday’s game, but are interested in the next round of playoffs, Kristen can help you with those tickets, too. Tickets are $17 for this game.
Dynamo vs. Red Bulls
Game #2 – Playoffs Round 1
Sunday, Nov 9th
2pm
Robertson Stadium
tickets: $17
Hope you can make it out!
p.s. after the game, stop by and join us a Avant Garden for Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School!! www.houstonsketchy.com 2-6pm
Tags: Houston Dynamo, MLS, playoffs, soccer
Posted by Monica Danna on Nov 3, 2008 in
arts + events 
4 November
(Tuesday) |
Pilates in the Park
Tuesdays
6 – 7 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Classic flexibility and strength training, only better. Instructor Jennifer Young Malstead also teaches at TUTS Humphreys School for Theatrical Arts. |
|
5 November
(Wednesday) |
Zumba!
Wednesdays
6 – 7 p.m. Free Admission
Grace Event Lawn
Not a workout – it’s a party! Join Zumba nation for Latin dance exercise to cumbia, merengue, salsa, mambo, rumba, flamenco and calypso music. You’ll sweat, you’ll sculpt and tone and feel great. Instructor Oscar Sajche, a certified personal trainer, has studied with Zumba’s creator. |
|
6 November
(Thursday) |
Downtown Green Market: Central City Co-op at Discovery Green
Thursdays
4 – 7:30 p.m. Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade
A year-round co-op and farmer’s market offering the freshest organic produce and products made from local, organic ingredients. |
Boot Camp
Thursdays
7 – 8 a.m. Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade
Meets on the Andrea and Bill White Promenade, in front of the Alkek Building
Start your day right! Instructor Eddie Moreno is an experienced Boot Camp instructor who will use the entire park to give you a workout you won’t forget.Tai Chi in the Park
Thursdays
12 – 1 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Reduce stress, increase focus and gain strength through Tai Chi, meditation through movement – on your lunch hour! Taught by Frank Murry, a student of Tai Chi master George Ling Hu. |
Art in the Park
Thursdays
5 p.m. Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade
The Community Artists’ Collective gives YOU a chance to be the artist in the park. Each week you have the opportunity to experience the artist’s way. Instructors include Michelle Barnes, Oriana McMillan and Ann Johnson. Supplies provided; bring your creativity. Classes are free; however there is a limit of 20 per class and space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. |
|
7 November
(Friday) |
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8 November
(Saturday) |
Yoga in the Park
Saturdays
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage
Inspired movement, under the trees, in the park. Come on down for free Yoga in the Park! Instructor Jerry Randell also teaches at TUTS Humphreys School for Theatrical Arts.
|
Recycling Saturdays
Saturdays
10 a.m. – 2 p.m Free Admission
Andrea and Bill White Promenade at McKinney Street
Waste Management and the City of Houston partner with Discovery Green to present a recycling drop-off location every Saturday. Bring your paper, glass, plastic and cans. On the first Saturday of each month, enjoy the Fair with environmentally friendly product demonstrations and artist workshops, hands on recycling activities. Fair activities: September 6, a Natural Building Workshop by Nick Moser. Mad Science Hands-on workshops “The Dirt on Garbage” on October 4. November 1, learn all about “Decomposers.”Young Writers Workshop in the Park
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
|
9 November
(Sunday) |
Houston Arts Alliance Showcase
Sunday, November 9
3 p.m. Free Admission
Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Performance Space
Presented by the Houston Arts Alliance, this series features the excellence and diversity of Houston’s performing arts community, including a special showcase on November 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. for the National Arts Marketing Conference. On September 20, enjoy exciting performances by Kuumba House and Houston Children’s Chorus. October 25 features the Brazilian Arts Foundation and Dance of Asian American. On November 9, performances by the Houston Salsa Dancers, the Brazilian Arts Foundation and more. |
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Tags: arts + events, discovery green