I had been looking forward to last Friday night for a long time. Music has slowly slipped to the bottom of my todo list as work has gotten more and more hectic in 2010. But I was sweetly validated, as Justin Townes Earle took the stage at the Mucky Duck in Houston, less than a week after Earle’s father, Steve Earle won his first Grammy, for a tribute album to JTE’s namesake, Townes Van Zandt.
We had quite the motley crew in attendance for the show, and even got the chance to hang with JTE a little bit after the show.
I know what you're thinking, we make the raddest couple. I had the SAME thought!
Listen to a few of JTE’s tracks from his latest album Midnight at the Movies:
Happy New Year! Ten days late. Appropriately on the 10th day of the 10th year in the century, the millenium, even. As Laura Mayes pointed out earlier today on Twitter, “Ah, today. The 01.10.10. Still so in love with this year’s pretty dates.” And that’s exactly how I feel in this first year of the new decade. That things are in order. And pretty.
2009 was a year filled with ups and downs, and disorder, and rebuilding, and many wonderful lessons. As I’m sure there will be all of that in 2010, as well, I begin the year with a feeling of calm, confidence, and optimism. I’m constantly blessed with being surrounded by amazing people and projects that give me dream opportunities, and I’m super excited to share a few of the things I’ll be doing in 2010. Still pinching myself on some of these.
Alt Summit – I’m presenting! (in unrelated news…I’m dying…of excitement)
Pretty much a design junkie’s dream conference. Set in the beautiful town of Salt Lake City, UT smack dab in the middle of the Sundance Film Festival. Oh, and did I mention all of my design idols are speaking? I didn’t? Well, THAT is the best part. (Unless, I track down Justin Timberlake at Sundance. In that case THAT will be the best part.)
Um, Apartment Therapy? Hell yes. Design Milk? oh yeah, they’ll be there. NOTCOT< check! Design Crush, {frolic!} and Design*Sponge. Yep. I know, right? Breathe. Oh yeah, and that guy who created the Mastercard “Priceless” campaign. I can’t think of a better word to describe this experience. Oh, joy! (yeah, she’ll be there, too.)
I’m HELLA honored (I know, hella is classy) to have been invited by Kirtsy to present a pre-conference social media workshop with Laura Mayes. After I realized I wasn’t dreaming, panic set in that I’d instantly turn into a babbling idiot when faced with the purveyors of lovely that grace my Google Reader daily. Let’s hope I can at least keep up with them on the slopes. Did I mention the Sundance party we’re going to? I didn’t? Back to pinching myself.
Running away with the Sun
During a packed performance last night at Houston’s Continental Club, Texas blues rock favorites, Runaway Sun, made a major announcement. They have recently been selected to play in New York City as part of the Best Buy Live at Best Buy Music series on March 26th. Following an amazing year that included the release of their first full-length LP, and being nominated for a Houston Press award for Best Blues Band, the Texas foursome is preparing for a Southeastern U.S. tour this Spring.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew Karnavas is wrapping up recording a solo album at Sugar Hill Studios, before he embarks on a few solo shows on the way to the NYC performance. And I’m going with him! ROADTRIP! We plan to drive through Nashville, Charlotte and D.C. on the way to New York. If you’ve got peeps in those areas, let them know we’re headed that way!
WordCamp comes to the HTX
If there’s one thing I’m more passionate about than design and music, (or Justin Timberlake), it’s technology. And if blogging is my sickness, then WordPress is my drug of choice. Created by Houstonian Matt Mullenweg, WordPress is an open-source blog publishing platform that beautifully organizes all the posts, comments, and sidebar content that you see on this blog, and thousands of others. I’m a huge WordPress groupie, as are most who use the software. It’s hard to not fall in love with beautiful code. Especially when you don’t have to look at it.
We’ve just confirmed that my company, co.lab, my sister design company, Primer Grey, along with fellow WordPress enthusiasts will be hosting Houston’s first WordCamp later this year. PG and I are passionate about technology education and are friggin’ excited (official emotion) to host this incredible user group. We’re working on details and will share as soon as we lock down a date and location. Visit http://wordcamphouston.com or follow @wordcamphtx on twitter for breakin’ news. Yes, breakin’! We’re from Texas, y’all!
Posted by Monica Danna on Dec 10, 2009 in Best '09, music
As part of the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge I’ll be blogging daily on the bests of 2009. Better than a partridge in a pear tree.
Lots of great music during 2009, despite the autotune rage. Saw lots of great shows, heard lots of great tracks. A music post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my music mentors: Brentabousko, Groovehouse, Mark Austin, and James Mayes. Thanks to these guys, my iPod stayed chocked full’o good stuff. Thanks, guys.
Wilco continues to make songs that make me feel. And this year was no different with the release of Wilco, The Album. With songs like “Solitaire” and the hauntingly beautiful “One Wing”, Tweedy and the boys consistently entertain fans with songs of graceful acceptance of faults and problems. After a listen I always feel more human, more normal, and at peace.
A few of my other faves this year: Swell Season’s Strict Joy; Miike Snow, Miike Snow; The Avett Brothers, And I Love and You; Cory Chisel, Death Won’t Send a Letter; Neko Case, Middle Cyclone; Bat for Lashes, Two Suns.
Posted by Monica Danna on Dec 8, 2009 in Best '09, music
As part of the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge I’ll be blogging daily on the bests of 2009. Oh, and what a year it’s been.
{December 8 Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there?}
Unlike great meals out, nights on the town, and blog finds, moments of peace have been few and far between for me this year. I began this year knowing it would be a year of transition, however, I never would have been prepared for just how much of a rollercoaster it would be.
At times I feel like calm and peaceful moments are as foreign to me as cooking a 3 course meal. Either I escape them, or they are terrified of me. The pace I live and play at seems to leave less and less time for “me time.” I’ve appreciated those who have tried to help me with this part of my life, especially my writing coach, friend, and counselor, Beth Irvine, whose weekly meetings still continue to be (some weeks) the only thing that keeps me from driving head on into a concrete pylon to escape back to back meetings. She’s taught me priceless tips and tricks to easily introduce small ways for me to transform into a calmer person, who takes better care of myself, and I’m infinitely grateful to her for this.
When I have experienced fleeting moments of peace this year, they seem to have always involved music. Music creates an escape for me like nothing else ever has. A two hour show works wonders for my state of mind, and I can think of a few shows this year that I will never forget. Whether it be the company I keep at certain shows (Them Crooked Vultures at Stubb’s, Bob Dylan) or shows I watch all by myself (Pearl Jam at ACL, The Swell Season at Warehouse), being at a show is my meditation practice.
Looking forward to many more shows, and many more moments of peace in 2010.
c.u.t.here {the c.u.t.} is a weekly events post of various things going on in and around Houston. entirely subjective. entirely rad. c.u.t.here, peeps!
Ars Lyrica Houston is joined by the amazing Chamber Choir tonight! Don’t miss it, I’ll c.u.t.here!
“The glorious voices of the Houston Chamber Choir lift in song as we celebrate the 350th birthday of composer Henry Purcell with a collaborative musical trip to late 17th-century London. This grandiose tribute to music’s patron saint features Purcell’s extravagant but seldom heard Hail! Bright Cecilia.”
{Saturday.07}
Life Is Living Houston Kickoff Featuring MC Lyte!
11 am – 3 pm | Discovery Green Park (1500 McKinney St) | Free Admission
Explosive spoken word poet/choreographer Marc Bamuthi Joseph is back for the Houston launch of Life Is Living, a national campaign using hip hop to address changing perspectives on environmental justice. The kickoff will feature special guest MC Lyte, Houston area hip hop artists and DJs, graffiti workshops, dance performances, and more presented by a range of Houston organizations including Aerosol Warfare, CKCStart Street and Urban Arts & Graffiti Research Lab, Last Organic Outpost, Workshop Houston, Project Row Houses, youth slam poetry group Meta-Four Houston, plus the UH College of Architecture, Moores School of Music, and the School of Art. Presented in partnership with Discovery Green and Houston Arts Alliance.
Join us for the opening reception of Third Ward is My Harlem this Saturday, November 7th. Houston artist Tierney Malone transforms the DiverseWorks Main Gallery into a massive multi-media installation with his latest work. Drawing from his own Southern roots and experiences, growing up in urban black American, Malone reframes American history and situates himself and his audience firmly in complex, non-linear narratives full of stoic nostalgia and sophistication. Malone craft’s an undeniably personal story of the Third Ward in a way that speaks to the experiences of much more than just one man.
For more information on Third Ward is My Harlem, click HERE.
Uncle Charlie Poster Show at Sig’s Lagoon
6-11pm | Sig’s Lagoon(3710 Main) | Free Admission
Uncle Charlie Hardwick is back in town this weekend for a poster show at Sig’s. Music and arts fans alike will enjoy his graphic representations of the modern band’s show poster.
{Sunday.08}
Western Conference Semi-finals: Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders FC
This team has a soft spot in my heart ever since they came to this fair city 4 years ago. After winning back to back championships their first 2 years in Houston, they are back in the playoffs this season with a Western Semi-finals game this weekend vs Seattle Sounders.
I’ve always said this is one of the best entertainment values in the city. For $20 come out to see the best in the MLS.
Houston, let’s rally around OUR team and let them know we are PROUD that they are representing our city. Hope to see you there!
c.u.there is a weekly events post of various things going on in and around Houston. entirely subjective. entirely rad.
I’ll be at ACL fest in Austin this weekend for a much needed getaway, and I’m totally beside myself just thinking about seeing Them Crooked Vultures on Thursday night. Must. clam. down. Holler if you’re gonna be out there, and i’ll c.u.t.here! Peace, Love + Sound, Peeps! Speaking of, I’ve got a gCal for upcoming shows that you can access here. Have at it. Soon to be one for events as well. Stay tuned. c.u.there, peeps!
I’ve mentioned that I’ve been invited to join the Architypes board. This is one of the great programs they’ve got coming up this season. You can learn more about membership here.
Facebook, Twitter, Wiki, Blogs, Forums, LinkedIn, and everything else you’ve ever wondered about. What is social media, what it means to you and how you can use it.
Panelists:
Filo Castore, AIA LEED AP
Fayza Elmostehi (Schipul – The Web Marketing Company)
Jeromy Murphy, AIA
Craving your country fix? Stop by Mango’s for some pre-ACL celebration as Robert Ellis and the boys infuse this local music joint with some honky tonk blues.
{Thursday.01}
Elizabeth Irvine Lunchtime Lecture Series
I recently finished a site redesign for Elizabeth Irvine. Beth is an amazing mentor and friend. She’s most definitely positively impacted my life in the short time that I’ve known here. She’ll be doing 2 lunchtime series this fall the first one in October is focused on creating balance and well-being. In November, she will lead lunchtime meditation at Bright Sky Press. Stressed out? You seriously need this like I do!
Thursdays in October: 1, 8 and 15, 12 noon – 1 p.m COST: $100 for series, $40 for individual lecture. Lunch provided
Three Simple Ways To Create Balance in Everyday Life
Thursday October 1, 2009 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Beth shares ideas of how to relieve stress and replace it with balance and well being. How do I deal with the frustration of mundane tasks day after day? What can I do to have more energy and clarity? What are three things I can do to improve my diet? Do I really enjoy what I do?
6 – 9pm | First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2119 Avalon Place) | facebook invite | $20
I’ve recently found out about Divergence and met the lovely Misha Penton. I’d be here if i weren’t in Austin. Check it out!
Boundary-defying performances featuring historic and new opera, art song, piano works, theater, dance, and multimedia arts. Contemporary staging, a progressive attitude to repertoire selection, and an exciting fusion of interdisciplinary arts characterizes our non-traditional approach to opera and classical vocal works. Artistic Director: Misha Penton. www.divergencevocaltheater.org
An ethereal October eve of contemporary art song in English, piano & harp works, with sitar music, film, butoh inspired dance, & shadow play. Music of Dominick Argento, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Jake Heggie, Benjamin Britten, and more…
Friday, October 2nd, 8pm
Saturday, October 3rd, 8pm
Kicking off it’s 14th season on September 24th, Opera in the Heights! adventurously takes on the unique double bill of Il Tabarro with Pagliacci, two unforgettable stories paired together to heed the tale of unfaithful women, jealousy and revenge which result in their untimely death. Could these be the desperate housewives of a century ago?
Opera in the Heights! is a professional regional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are presented in the original language with English surtitles in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. located in the Houston Heights, with easy and convenient parking. Experience these traditional productions in an intimate, historic setting, where the audience can enjoy the performance up close! Ticket prices start at a mere $10 per performance, with the best seats in the house for only $45. Restrictions apply, call 713-861-5303 or visit www.operaintheheights.org for more information. See you UP CLOSE!
2995 continues their free concert series at the Continental Club this week with one of my fav local bands, Buxton. Listen to some of their tracks here. Or just show up. It’s free. duh. You won’t regret it.
{Friday.02}
C2 Creative presents Hous(e)ton: the photography of Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto
Please join the C2 Creative community in opening their newest show at Caroline Collective Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm. The show features work from local Houston photographers Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto.
The works collected here from the talented Houston Artists Ben Desoto and Shannon Duncan speak about home, house, and Houston – home to us all. Each artist has chosen to explore the shadowy axioms of house, home and Houston. That’s not to say in a derogatory manner, but to say from the inverse. Each of their subjects is shown without house, or home. Their work shows us the oft-overlooked side of our fair city. Shannon’s works painstakingly reveals the beauty in the everyday mundane detritus of urban life while Ben’s work forces us to confront the very human realties of homelessness. Each set however has an optimism that far outstrips the meager realities of the objects or people shown. Together each artist elevates the inverse, the shadows of our homes, houses and Houstonians to a place of touching poignancy. And together each photographer reminds us that every great image, and maybe every great story, starts with a negative. Light refreshments will be provided.
I’ve been hearing so much buzz about this performance, I can’t wait to make it out to see this. Naked people, sex on stage, and Amsterdam. I’m so there. Warning: this performance is not for the easily embarrassed or squeamish. OK, see, now you’re intrigured and you’re gonna go, right?
September 24, 25, 26; October 1, 2, 3 & 8, 9, 10
All shows at 8:00 pm
General admission price: $15 first weekend; $20 second & third weekends; Student price: $10 per ticket per student ID & must be purchased at door;
Tickets available now at http://horseheadtheatre.org/tickets and will be available at the door.
Horse Head Theatre Co. presents Red Light Winter as its premiere production running September 24 to October 10 at Frenetic Theater. Written by Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter has not been seen in Houston before. Horse Head Theatre hopes to bring an exceptionally new and engaging theatre-going opportunity for Houston audiences by creating a completely designed experience. Horse Head Theatre’s goal with all of its shows is to create a theatrical presentation that reinvigorates the soul and reawakens the human spirit. Horse Head productions begin and end with ceremonial rituals and create opportunities for audiences to break the traditional code of theatre etiquette.
The story of Red Light Winter centers on misplaced affections between long time friends Matt and Davis, and an enigmatic Amsterdam prostitute, Christina. All three characters have flaws that they are aware of but do nothing to change. Because of this, emotions are propelled in a tragically wrong direction, creating an end sequence that rips out your heart with rage, disgust, pity, and complete stupor.
A few things you should know about RED LIGHT WINTER:
• Don’t expect a traditional theatre experience.
• Red Light Winter audiences will not sit in standard theatre chairs in rows. You are encouraged to sit, stand, lounge, spread out and move around any time you’d like during the course of the show. There will be no intermission.
• Red Light Winter contains nudity, explicit language, drug references, strobe effects and fog. Cigarette smoking will take place on stage during the course of the show.
• No one under 18 will be admitted due to the content of the show.
• Photography or video of any sort is not permitted.
• Drinks and snacks will be available before, during and after the show. Please bring cash for the bar and vendor stand.
• You can party, drink and lounge before and after the show. The Frenetic Theater lobby will open at 7:00 pm.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Please turn off your cell phones.
Every 1st Sunday my buddy Jim mParsons leads this fantastic walking tour of Buffalo Bayou. Jim will be the first to remind you I haven’t bene yet. But I still know it’s fantastic if he’s involved.
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) with the cooperation of Buffalo Bayou Partnership invite you to a stroll along Buffalo Bayou Parkway for an overview of downtown Houston’s history and architecture from it’s beginnings in 1836 to the efforts to revitalize the central city today. ArCH docents will lead you on this 2 hour architectural tour.
WHEN: Every First Saturday of the month – 10am-noon *(weather permitting) These tours will take place every First Saturday of the month. Reservations are not required but appreciated.
WHERE: Architecture Center Houston 315 Capitol Street, Suite 120
FEE: $15, $10 for AIA Houston, ArchiTypes, and Bayou Buddies members. Cash/check only at the door. Credit card purchases must be in advance. Call 713.520.0155 for tickets.
PARKING: Theater District and Hobby Center parking garages recommended due to 2 hour limited street parking.
About Architecture Center:
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) houses offices of the American Institute of Architecture, Houston Chapter, the Houston Architecture Foundation, a gallery for rotating architecture-related exhibitions, meeting rooms, and a terrace overlooking Buffalo Bayou. ArCH aims to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the ways in which architecture and urban design influence and enhance the quality of life in our community. For general inquiries, please call 713.520.0155, or visit www.aiahouston.org online.
About Buffalo Bayou Partnership:
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a non-profit organization that oversees Buffalo Bayou improvements. The Partnership coordinates the integration of major amenities into the Bayou greenbelt and seeks ways to increase community involvement through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities, permanent and temporary art installations, and other natural and built attractions. For general inquiries, please call 713.752.0314, or visit the Partnership online at www.buffalobayou.org.
Recovering from the stomach flu….ugh. Sorry, for missing {c.u.t.here} last week AGAIN. It’s here now. Deal. AGAIN. life is crizzazy right now. On to the fun stuff!
GIVEAWAY! This week’s c.u.t.here features a ticket giveaway. Oh like I’m gonna just tell you what event it’s for. Keep Reading.
HP Rocks Off presents Movie Nite at the Mink. Free, every Tuesday night. Tonight’s movie is Fight Club. Stop by Continental Club next door to check out Umbrella Man and score a free hot dog. Ah, jeah.
It’s Tuesday, people. Now Hear this.
Jim James, Conor Oberst, M. Ward and Mike Mogis , a.k.a., Monsters of FolkAlbum Release Today. They’ll also be on Conan, Thanks, Brent! In other music news, I can hardly function day by day with my excitement of seeing Them Crooked Vultures play at ACL pre-show next Thursday. Are you headed to ACL? Are you gonna be at the Vultures show? Um, yes and yes, right?
I’m super excited to be a part of this year’s ArCH Committee. I’ve always been a fan of their programming and am looking forward to great upcoming events, including this one Wednesday.
Elsewhere, TX exhibition features significant architectural projects completed after the year 2000 through Texas and beyond, some of which may have been overlooked by publications or design awards. The projects are located outside of Houston’s city limits and were designed by architects whose practices are based outside of Houston as well. This show honors our peers throughout Texas as they visit us during the 2009 Texas Society of Architects Convention.
Music Makers Mixer
6-8pm | Warehouse Live (813 St. Emanuel)
The Music Maker Mixer is back! An awesome opportunity to mix and mingle with music industry professionals.
The Music Makers Mixer is a music industry night in Houston sponsored by The Recording Academy Texas Chapter, SugarHill Studios and the Houston Press. Our venue sponsor is Warehouse Live. ArtsHound calls the event the “one of the hottest gatherings in town.” Event admission is free and open to members of the music industry at large. Please join us right where it began!
One of my very favorite events of last year! Looking forward to this immensely. Get your tickets today, they will sell out by Thursday.
Eat. Drink. Chill. Cheer a cocktails + culture crawl benefiting Fresh Arts Coalition and Houston Young People for the Arts.
5 different stops. 5 different drinks. 5 different bites.
Via Colori artist Matthew Manalo | Center Court | 6-9 pm
Aurora Picture Show | In the Chill Room | 6-9 pm
Opera in the Heights | Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar | 6:30 pm
Main Street Theater | Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar | 7 pm
Runaway Sun | House of Blues | 9 pm
Enjoy complimentary signature drinks and food pairings from III Forks Steakhouse, Guadalajara del Centro, House of Blues, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant & Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar. Self-parking and complimentary valet parking available on Fannin.Purchase tickets at www.downtownhouston.org or call 713-658-8938. Only 300 tickets available!
Celebrate our local art scene each Thursday with Spacetaker and Boheme. Join us at Boheme from 5-10PM, when a portion of the proceeds benefits a new local non profit arts organization each week.
Our productions merge repertoire from both opera and art song sources with dramatic text-based works from classical theater, original theater making, and poetry. We’re driven by a fascination and commitment to the incredible gems of Western classical music and theater literature traditions: from medieval to modern to wholly original.
Opera in the Heights Opening Night: Il Tabarro + Pagliacci
It’s finally here! Opening night of Opera in the Heights 2009/10 Season!
Kicking off it’s 14th season on September 24th, Opera in the Heights! adventurously takes on the unique double bill of Il Tabarro with Pagliacci, two unforgettable stories paired together to heed the tale of unfaithful women, jealousy and revenge which result in their untimely death. Could these be the desperate housewives of a century ago?
Opera in the Heights! is a professional regional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are presented in the original language with English surtitles in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. located in the Houston Heights, with easy and convenient parking. Experience these traditional productions in an intimate, historic setting, where the audience can enjoy the performance up close! Ticket prices start at a mere $10 per performance, with the best seats in the house for only $45. Restrictions apply, call 713-861-5303 or visit www.operaintheheights.org for more information. See you UP CLOSE!
{Friday.25}
Steel Lounge Underground
8 – 11pm | Contemporatry Arts Museum (5216 Montrose) | facebook invite | FREE
DJ Pooks and Josh Zulu host the next edition of Steel Lounge Underground Friday September 25th at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (5126 Montrose, 77006) from 8pm-11pm. This is a special Steel Lounge Underground sponsored by Premium Goods (www.premiumgoods.net). Premium Goods is celebrating their 5th year anniversary.
Steel Lounge Underground is a monthly event featuring Houston based musical artists who create entertaining & inspiring soundscapes within a visual environment that is synergistic with their particular music style.This is a free event!
This month’s musical line-up features The ARE, Jaekim, Baby Jae plus a live performance by Neon Collars.
Musical Lineup:
The ARE
Jaekim
Baby Jae
Neon Collars
Exhibits on view in the museum:
In The Brown Foundation Gallery: No Zoning: Artists Engage Houston
On view: May 9 – October 4, 2009
This Saturday, a few of my friends are putting on Houston’s first Wine Conference! Featuring very special guest Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV!
I’ve got 2 tickets to give away to this event! Shoot me an email with your best wine hangover story, and the best story wins the tickets. #subjectivityrocks
“Coach to Cure” Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
all day Saturday | Bubba’s Sports Bar & Grill at (6225 Washington Ave)
Earlier this year, a friend of mine’s child was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A heartbreaking disease that is a severe recessive X-linked form of muscular dystrophy characterized by rapid progression of muscle degeneration, eventually leading to loss of ambulation and death. This affliction affects one in 3500 males, making it the most prevalent of muscular dystrophies. Read more on the Houston Chronicle here.
In an effort to raise money for research and awareness, this Saturday a national event that will take place called ‘Coach to Cure’. College football coaches across the nation will wear ‘Coach to Cure’ patches on their arms this day to increase awareness for Duchenne. National commercials will air about Duchenne. Also, around the nation on this day, families and groups will be holding tailgating parties to raise awareness for Duchenne. Attached is a 3-minute video about Duchenne and ‘Coach to Cure’. Although it is sad, we have to get the message across. This disease is ruthless. Please watch it and share it with all your friends. The video will ask you to donate $5 by texting the word “CURE” to 90999 on your phone.
With the help of family, friends, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, The Houston Chronicle, The University of Houston, and Academy…one the Houston area tailgating parties will be held at Bubba’s Sports Bar & Grill at 6225 Washington Ave (near Memorial Park). Bubba’s has agreed to donate 10% of all food sales from that day to Duchenne MD.
Please help us increase awareness for Duchenne and support ‘Coach to Cure’. Come out to Bubba’s the 26th to watch your favorite college football game, share the ‘Coach to Cure’ video with friends, or just tell someone you know about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Small things can equal a big impact! Click here to watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufeNxXto4a4
If you’re headed out on Saturday to watch some football, or just for lunch, head over the Bubba’s for a great cause. Thank you for your support!
The Houston Press and Rocks Off Music Blog present The Beatles RockBand Rock Off! Celebrate the release of The Beatles Rock Band edition and be the first to play on Wednesday, September 9th at Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby). Free Event! Enjoy Beatles inspired cocktails while you rock out. Prizes awarded for the highest score in each skill level and the best Beatles costume. Sign up your band starting at 6pm. Rock off competition starts at 7pm.
Hotel Sorella monnalisa lounge launch party
6:30-8:30pm | Hotel Sorella (800 West Sam Houston Parkway North (between I-10 and Memorial Drive) |facebook invite
I had a chance to check out this place a few weeks back and was hella impressed. If you find yourself outside the loop, don’t panic. Head here for come luxurious pampering. The pool is small and quaint, and once the restaurants get built up around the area, we may even find ourselves heading OTL more often. Gasp!
Totally stoked about this exhibit. My worlds collide = social media + art. They’ve got tons of events in conjuction with the exhibit, including a social media panel discussion that I will be sitting on Oct 7th at FotoFest.
The increasingly pervasive, user-created content of online social media – tweets, confessional video, status updates, online gaming – are these subjects for art? In online parlance a poke is a virtual gesture intended as interaction without any specific purpose, usually interpreted as “hello.” POKE! is also a new FotoFest exhibition featuring eight technologically savvy artists who explore online social media and its evolving relationship with the public, the media, and art.
On view September 10 – October 24, 2009, POKE! explores the inter-personal intentions of social media technology and the nature of modern internet-mediated relationships with work that references and uses source material from popular online social media websites such as Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Craigslist, and YouTube.
FREE dance, theatre and poetry performances; an instrument petting zoo, poetry booth, costume dress-up trunk, scratch film project and after-dark film screenings. A festival celebrating Houston’s alternative art scene.
FREE food provided by Strip House.
5-6PM: Educator’s Preview – Open to all educators! Come see what Houston´s alternative art scene has to offer you and your students! Incorporate arts into your classroom or come to us! You´ll also be treated to a free dance workshop from Dance Houston and performance from Main Street Theater.
6-8:30PM: FRESH FEST
Performances from U of H Dance Ensemble, Travesty Dance Group, Michael Khalil, Dance of Asian America, Mildred’s Umbrella and Main Street Theater; film screenings from Aurora Picture Show; scratch film project from SWAMP; an instrument petting zoo, costume dress up trunk and more!
It’s finally here! It was worth the wait, Houston.
HIWI: IKE tells the story of the hurricane that hit Houston last year through real stories and images. Late Friday, September 12, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston Island and the Texas Gulf Coast and continued its track inland through Houston, Dallas and as far north as Indianapolis. Many Galveston residents chose to remain on the island despite the National Hurricane Center’s warning of “certain death” for those who did so. Likewise, after witnessing the disastrous mass exodus preceding Hurricane Rita three years earlier, Houstonians were inclined to hunker down too. And hunker down they did. Houstonians met their neighbors while preparing for the storm, stayed together with friends and family during the storm, worked and cleaned up together after the storm, and endured the days, even weeks, without electricity. Without air conditioning. In Houston. At the end of summer. Together. In the spirit of HIWI: The Book, Houston. It’s Worth It. asked Houstonians to submit their accounts of Ike. This result is a personal perspective from some of those who experienced it, to remind Houstonians that, despite the occasional natural disaster, our city is very much still “worth it.” And while there were plenty of photos of destruction (with apologies, not all submitted photos of fallen trees are included), the camaraderie and support brought about in the storm’s aftermath was well documented in photographs and words, proving yet again that it takes more than a big storm to break the spirit of a Houstonian or of our neighbors to the south in Galveston.
DJ Josh Zulu, cocktails, giveaways, and a photo booth named Queso.
Join us for the DiverseWorks season kick off as we celebrate the opening of Now That I’m by myself,” she says, “I’m not by myself, which is good” in the Main Gallery and I found myself an innovator in the flickerlounge. Plus, we will have lots of other surprises. too!
Now That I’m by myself,” she says, “I’m not by myself, which is good”
Sept. 11-Oct. 24, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 11, 6-8pm
Rachel Cook brings together Brian Bress, Wynne Greenwood, Laurel Nakadate and Yuki Okumura, all of which take isolated private experiences from within studio, within the empty landscape, within the feeling behind the gut, within the fantasy of an alien inside your head, and bring them into the public realm through video, photography, sculptural cutouts, and even drawings.
I found myself an innovator
Sept. 11 – Oct. 24, 2009
Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, 6 – 8pm
In partnership with Aurora Picture Show
In this installment of flickerlounge, a selection of films and video art works will feature artists from the upcoming panel Je me laver, Je regarde moi-même as well as other artists who use themselves as subjects in their work.
Join Ars Lyrica on Saturday, September 12th at the new Block 7 Wine Co. for a preview of the 2009/2010 Season, A Musical Grand Tour. Musicians will be on hand to showcase some of this season’s performances, as well as wine and food pairings from France, Italy and Germany, representing the many places this season’s programming will take you!
This event is free to the public and open to all. Block 7 Wine Co. holds free tastings every Saturday from noon-3pm.
In additional to previewing the season, subscriptions will be on sale at the event for up to 33% off regular ticket prices. Receive an extra ticket to any performance by purchasing a subscription at the party!
Wines included in the tasting are: 2003 Chateau Bellevue sur Vallee « Vin de Bob », Bergerac, France; 2007 J & H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling, Mosel, Germany; 2004 Cantine Due Palme “Selvarossa,” Salice Salentino, Italy; 2006 Murinais “Caprice Valentine,” Crozes-Hermitage
Get ready to enjoy a free day in the Houston Museum District on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Board a free bus shuttle at any participating museum and spend the entire day exploring favorite museums and discovering new destinations. Museum District Day will feature fascinating exhibitions, hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances throughout the day. Seventeen museums will waive their general admission fee to offer the community the opportunity to enjoy the District’s diverse displays of art, science, nature and history. For more details about Museum District Day please visit the website or (713) 790-1020.
Participating museums include:
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum
Children’s Museum of Houston
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Czech Center Museum Houston
The Health Museum
Holocaust Museum Houston
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Houston Center for Photography
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Jung Center
The John C. Freeman Weather Museum
Lawndale Art Center
The Menil Collection
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Rice University Art Gallery
Rothko Chapel
Picnic in the Park with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
Before Dominic Walsh Dance Theater’s September 12th performance of The Trilogy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, join us for the third annual Picnic in the Park at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Individual tickets are $25 and include cocktails, a boxed supper (vegetarian options available), and a reserved seat for the performance. Co-hosted by SNAP. Visit www.dwdt.org to purchase tickets today!
We’re jumping back into Houston Dr. Sketchy classtime with a RED HOT model – JenXer! An accomplished artist herself, she’s putting herself onstage for a color study in red.
What: Houston Sketchy September party goes red hot, hot, hot! When: Sunday, September 13th 2-6pm Where: Avant Garden (411 Westheimer) How much: $10 + model tips
Bring your sketchpads, drawing pencils and sass – this is one back to school Sketchy that will be blazingly etched into your memory and drawing pads alike.
This September some of Houston’s most dedicate vino lovers will be hosting the first annual Wine Conference. Check out some of the amazing speakers (uh, freaking Gary Vee!!!!) wine labels, and local restaurant they have lined up to participate at www.thewineconference.com. The wine conference will be held on September 26th at the Italian Cultural and Community Center.
Tonight, Join The Wine Conference, Virtuoso Selections and 29-95.com at Block 7 Wine Company, Houston’s newest retail wine & tasting venue. William Meznarich of Virtuoso will offer free tastings of 4 fine wines, as well as give a short presentation about wine basics. Block 7 will offer a free assortment of appertivo, and provide their gorgeous, art-filled venue for the event. This fun evening promises to put you in the mood for Houston’s fabulous first-ever Wine Conference with special conference discounts and door prizes.
When I first saw the poster for this event I knew it was right up my alley. And FREE? Now, you’re talking.
Join H-Town’s top creative professionals as we come together to mix it up. Hosted by AD2 (AD2)
Crystal Land, President; American Advertising Federation Houston (AAFH) Natalie Gonzalez, President; The professional association for design (AIGA)
Robin Tooms, President; Art Director’s Club of Houston (ADCH) Alex Barber, President; Only in Houston (OiH) Dwight Cook, President; University of Houston Graphics Alumni Partnership (UHGAP) Daniel Bosse, President Elect.
One of my very favorite Heights shops. Still got a G.C. burning a holein my pocket from Fayza from last year’s birthday. must. spend. it.
“Found” Opening this Thursday August 27, from 6 – 8pm Artists : Tracy Melton, JoAnn Park, Christine West, David Brown, Mike Lonchambon as well as our ongoing artists.
Yeti Sunshine will be here for the opening serving up fresh organic juices and purees over shaved ice
On view now: Freebird on view through Saturday August 22, 2009
Artists : Elaine Bradford, Rene Cruz, Jay Giroux, Lisa Marie Godfrey, Frances Trotter, Christine West
and ongoing work by Sean Flournoy, Whitney Riley, Carole F Smith, David Waddell, Ryan Geiger, Tracy Melton, JoAnn Park
Artist Talk at Lawndale: Because we only turn 30 once!
I had the chance to check out Lawndale’s 30th Anniversary exhibit (and amazing accompanying exhibits) last week as they hosted a quadruple opening.
In conjunction with Lawndale Art Center’s 30th Anniversary, Lawndale Art Annex founder James Surls, presents a talk on the origins of Lawndale, its unique place in Houston’s art community and its relevance today. Followed by a reception at Barbara Davis Gallery where James Surls From 2009 is on view through August 29, 2009.
p.s. as I was writing this, I got an email from Lawndale saying that Retablos are in for this year’s Retablo Silent Auction/Gala on Friday, Oct 23rd! Pick yours up today! Submission deadline is Oct 8th.
Spacetaker hosts Cultured Cocktails
5-10pm |Boheme (307 Fairview) | spacetaker.org
This week’s non-profit arts organization is the uber fly Fresh Arts. Mojitos or Sangria: they’re both FRESH!
{Friday.28}
Making Moves: Dance Party + Art Show
These are a few of my fav-o-rite things. Dance + Art. Sucks I’m gonna miss it. You shouldn’t.
Indie Dance Sounds, Rock n Roll, Disco (Italo-cosmic-afro), Retro Dance Floor Classics, New Wave, No Wave, Punk, Electro,House, Funk: Pretty much all the cool jams that rock. With Djs on two floors: Glasnost Dj Set, Ceeplus Bad Knives, Mr. Castillo, J. Calero, G Wizz, IP Freely
Fresh Art Show with Rad Artist: Adrian Landon Brooks, Eli Sebastian Brubaugh, J. Paul Jackson, Jessica Cabaniss, Shelby Hohl, Leosapien, Skeez 181,
Photobooth with: One October Night dot com, Drink Specials All night! Free Mix Cds from, Afghan Raiders / LA Riots / Daptone Records / Ninja Tune + More
No Cover b4 11pm $3-5 after + No Cover if you ride a bike to the event in support of Critical Mass
This fall The A/V Swap is back with a bigger and badder group of films, this time from both Texas and New York! 34 films by Houston artists and musicians will screen at 8 pm, Saturday, August 29nd at Rice Media Center in our The Good, the Bad and the Dirty show. For our second screening Friday, September 18th at 8 pm, The A/V Swap presents the Best Of 2009, a selection of collaborations from Houston, Austin, Buffalo, New York and New York City created this summer. Both screenings will start with artist’s receptions at 7:30 pm and the Best Of 2009 screening will conclude a Q & A with participating filmmakers and musicians. This is the 6th annual A/V Swap, and we are glad to bring you more of the emerging filmmakers, aspiring composers, established artists and soulful songwriters that have made the swap a success in the past.
A/V Swap projects are collaborations that begin with a film or song that is traded between artists to complete; we hope to provide a forum where artists can showcase their talents by manipulating audio and video they would never otherwise encounter. In this “swap” we anonymously pair composers and filmmakers, hoping to expand their creative horizons. This year’s Houston artists include Ahmad Squad, Bexar, Chin Xaou Ti Won, Jody Cochran, David Courtney, Face and Russ Kuhner, Fumblz Fingerz-Nacha, Justin Giardina, Scott Gordon, Philip Hays, Chuck Ivy, Kanude, Travis Kerschen, David Lowy, Shawna Mouser, Ron Ochoa, Sharad Patel and Andrew Edison, Phara, PR!MO, Patrick Renner, Michael Rodriguez, Stephanie Saint Sanchez, Aimey Stinchcomb, Everett Taasevigen, The Art Guys, Thousands, Eric Todd, Vanessa Voss, Ramon West, Able Windham and Ruben Ybarra. Over thirty more artists from New York and Texas participated in this year’s swap.
A weekly events post {c.u.t.here} Or rather, see you there. Get it? See what I did there? Clever. I know. I try.;-) Each week I’ll highlight a few events that I’m looking forward to in this grand ole city of H. c.u.t.here, peeps.
{Tuesday}
Montage of Houston Grand Opening Party
5-8pm, Montage of Houston (5927 Almeda) | www.montageofhouston.com
The sister tower to the Mosaic on Hermann Park is finally finished! Join us tonight in breaking in the new digs on the 7th floor terrace overlooking Hermann Park. Sweet, views. For realz.
If you didn’t RSVP via email or facebook for this event, sorry, we’re at capacity! But become a fan on Facebookfor exclusive invites to upcoming parties.
Join Dan Redman of Mosaic Wine Group as he presents the wines of the ‘literal’ rock star, Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, A Perfect Circle & Puscifer) and the ‘viticultural’ rock star, Randall Grahm (Bonny Doon).
PLEASE NOTE: This is a wine tasting event hosted by Dan Redman – neither Maynard nor Randall will be in attendance, just their fabulous wines!
6:30-9pm, Pravada (2815 South Shepherd) | http://houston.fgi.org
The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc., (FGI) is proud to host Mix & Mingle Fashion Event on August 13, 2009, at Pravada, to show case five talented local fashion designers & boutiques, as well as a number of local hair stylists, make up artists, and beauty specialists.
Models on the runway will be showcasing clothing lines from Lucho at Uptown Park, POSH Boutique, F.Nebuloni, Au Paradis Swim wear and Kelly Kathleen Designs. Our talented beauty specialists are Hair Stylist – Janelle Alexis of Norris Day Spa & Salon and Make-Up Service is provided by Tree Vaello.
Appetizers + door prizes + fashion show.
{Friday}
Block 7 Wine Co. Opening Weekend Festivities:
Join us for events all weekend to celebrate the Grand Opening of Block 7! Art, live music, wine tastings, yummy bites, travel & education… plus the unveiling of our full menu. Also, any purchase you make over the weekend benefits local arts non-profit Spacetaker.
FRI AUG 14 @ Block 7
4-7pm | Special Art Exhibition: Western Appliance Meets Wine Warehouse featuring works created from salvaged materials from our warehouse
9pm | Live Music: Robert Ellis & listenlisten
Don’t Fight It @ Boondocks
10pm-2am, Boondocks (1417 Westheimer)
Easily my favorite monthly at Boondocks. Join all the usual suspects, my heart Young Squaddy, along with DJ Good Grief, Piss Heavy + Hosted by Miss Shina Rae + my baby boy 25 Cruz.
We want our party to feel like the best house party scene from your favorite 80’s movie. No genre of music is off limits, we play it all. Don’t Fight It is the most accessible and fun club party in Houston. Come see us and find out for yourself!
{Saturday}
Block 7 Wine Co. Official Opening Party
Noon-4pm | Saturday Tasting Market: free tastings of over a dozen of our carefully selected wines plus case pricing on all bottles
5pm-till | Block Party: great wine prices & free delicious bites all night
9pm | Live Music: Andrew Karnavas & Runaway Sun
ROFLCon, The Caroline Collective, Schipul the Web Marketing Company and Saint Arnold Brewery proudly present… A Gathering Of Houston Tech
Houston is full of cool Internet people. Why aren’t they meeting each other?
INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY is the new monthly party for Houston gathering hackers, activists, artists, designers, nonprofits, startups, academics and general geekery to hang out and connect with one another.
*No agenda, no “networking,” no presentations. Just beverages, food, ideas and cool people.
*Best of all the price is free, and where else are you going to get that kind of deal in this kind of economy?!
Aerosol Warfare has the privilege to host the final leg of Texas’ 1st traveling graffiti art exhibition. The show started its journey last year in Austin, TX when local graffiti pioneer (and curator), SLOKE, pulled together some of the top aerosol artists from each major city in Texas and ‘pieced together’ the exhibition. Since then, this art show has traveled to cities such as Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Houston is the final destination and we are ready to throw a Texas Size Ho-Down to celebrate the successful run of an exhibition that the LA Weekly called a “hybridized style existing in this stylistic space between two art worlds”!
Artists Include: Austin – Sloke, Wake, Spain & Mez; San Antonio – Enks, Duo & Supher; Houston – Coler, Weah, Sode, & GONZO247; Dallas – Soner & Lawgic; El Paso – Grave, Myker & Durock; The Valley – Dmise & News.
2-3pm | Travel Seminar: Unbelievable Undiscovered Wines of Southern Italy
4pm-till | Join us for dinner as our full menu is unveiled
8pm | Live Music: Kenneth Scott
Prairie Cadets with Benjamin Wesley, The Julys, Finnegan @ the Mink
9:00 PM – 1:00am | The Mink (3718 Main)
Come out and see us, with our new songs and some fantastic other bands! Seriously, Benjamin Wesley will blow your mind. We’re convinced The Julys are one of the next great Houston bands, and Finnegan will charm you quick.
Happy New Year! Ten days late. Appropriately on the 10th day of the 10th year in the century, the millenium, even. As Laura Mayes 
Running away with the Sun
Wilco continues to make songs that make me feel. And this year was no different with the release of Wilco, The Album. With songs like “Solitaire” and the hauntingly beautiful “One Wing”, Tweedy and the boys consistently entertain fans with songs of graceful acceptance of faults and problems. After a listen I always feel more human, more normal, and at peace.
Ars Lyrica Houston presents Hail! Bright Cecilia
Life Is Living Houston Kickoff Featuring MC Lyte!
Tierney Malone’s Third Ward is My Harlem
Western Conference Semi-finals: Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders FC
The Architecture of Social Networking
Robert Ellis + the Boys at Mango’s
Elizabeth Irvine Lunchtime Lecture Series
Opera in the Heights: Il Tabarro + Pagliacci
Elsewhere, Tx
HYPA + FreshArts Culture Crawl
Steel Lounge Underground
The Wine Conference
“Coach to Cure” Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
HP Rocks Off hosts Beatles Rock Band Rock Off Contest
FreshArts FreshFest!
Ars Lyrica Season Kick-Off Party at Block 7
Picnic in the Park with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater
“Found” @ Hello Lucky
Artist Talk at Lawndale: Because we only turn 30 once!
Making Moves: Dance Party + Art Show
A/V Swap: The Good, The Bad, and the Dirty
Montage of Houston Grand Opening Party
Rockstars of Wine @ 13 Celsius
Pieced Together: All Texas Graffiti art exhibition