Sounds like our Ms. Bucella is the real problem here.
Doug Diehl
via Internet
All That Jazz
I must confess that as a publicist and a journalist, I am a fervent protector of free speech and a free press. I even support freedom of choice. But the Margaret L. Briggs review of Sambuca Jazz Cafe ["See. Be Seen. Don't Eat," March 18] was a breach of the free press concept of fairness and borders on slander.
She should be ashamed. Her negative attitude that this place is devoid of any redeeming value seems jealously petty and intentionally hurtful. I've frequented Sambuca, as have many of my friends, clients and colleagues.
The garlic was not my enemy, the furnishings were refreshingly funny and affable, the views were exciting and challenging, and I could hear the music from each of my many table experiences. Let us, the real diners and purveyors of pleasure, make our own decisions. Sambuca, keep up the good work. I'll be back, to see, be seen and -- yes -- to eat.
Donald Fields
Houston
Din of Inequity
Let's face it: Houston is a "scene" oriented town. Trends come and go, but there is an insatiable thirst to be part of the scene. Sambuca seems to be the flavor of the month: part of the downtown vitalization (it has never been vital, so re is not part of the ethic), an attractive decor, and it supports some serious jazz music.
I have been there twice to hear music, and both times the din wins over nuance. It is difficult to understand why people would pay a $10 cover as they did to hear Terrence Blanchard, and then yell at each other as the music was playing. This is not audience participation night.
I think they are just part of roaming, vapid, cultureless schmoozemongers. If you want to hear music, go to Ovations or Cezanne, places that are booked and run by musicians. There are some wonderful players here in town that deserve to be heard and supported.
Fletch Wiley
via Internet
Poetry in Motion
Expand your verse!
So. You think you're a poet.
Now's your chance to prove it.
April, sometimes referred to as "the cruelest month," is also, by sheer coincidence, National Poetry Month, and we're celebrating by having the first ever Houston Press National Poetry Month Contest. Lately we've seen evidence that the Bayou City is percolating with poetic fervor: excitement and support for a proliferation of open-poetry mikes; feature readings through the Nuestra Palabra series and organization; packed-to-the-rafters prose shows at the Atomic Cafe, Brasil and DiverseWorks; DiverseWorks's popular "dial-a-writer" project, PhoneWorks; and the recent screening for the documentary film of poetry-slam contenders, SlamNation. Not to mention the continued success of the Inprint Reading Series ("First Friday" and various author events) and writing classes, plus both Rice's and University of Houston's (world-renowned) creative writing programs. So we thought we'd provide yet another outlet for poetic expression, right here on these very pages.
Enter the contest and win a prize, to be announced, as well as publication in the Press. First-, second- and third-place winners will be spotlighted, as will other noteworthy poems received, if space allows. There is no entry fee.
Here are the rules:
There are no subject, topic or form restrictions for the poems. Rhyme, free verse, sonnet, sestina, haiku, we don't care. Just make it good. (Hint: Walt Whitman, good; Jewel, bad.)
Poems must be the sole property of the person entering them and must be previously unpublished; plagiarism is obviously prohibited.
Poems must be typed and double-spaced and can be no longer than two typed, double-spaced pages (approximately 400 words).
Each entrant may submit only one poem.
Deadline: 5 p.m. April 19.
Publication date: April 29.
Your poem will be judged by editors and staff writers at the Houston Press.
No poems will be returned; do not send us your only copy.
Send typewritten copy to: Poetry Contest, Houston Press, 1621 Milam, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77006, attn. Kirsten Bubier.
Include a cover sheet with your name, the title of your poem, and your address and telephone number for verification. Or e-mail it, along with all of the above information, to feedback@houstonpress.com with "Poetry Contest" in the subject header.
No phone calls, please.
