New Life for Soul Train
The New York Times reported yesterday that production company Madvision Entertainment has bought the rights to television’s long-running R&B franchise Soul Train from the program’s founder and former host Don Cornelius. Soul Train ceased producing new episodes in 2006, but continues to air in syndication, including 2 a.m. Saturday night/Sunday…
Paging Doctor Brown. No, Not the Back to the Future Guy. The Wife-Beating, Coke-Snorting Hand Center Guy. Michael Brown. Yeah, That One.
Houston’s favorite wife-beating, medical-license-losing, cocaine-positive-testing dad has done it again: On June 4, a hair plucked from the scalp of “Doctor” Michael Brown tested positive for cocaine, according to Brown’s case file in Judge Bonnie Hellums’ family court. Brown lost his medical license after violating the terms of his probation…
A Clubhouse Divided, Part Two
Damn, what do you know? I was actually right about something. Astros beat writer Jose de Jesus Ortiz is reporting today that the Astros clubhouse is toxic, quoting an unnamed player on Tuesday as saying, “It’s real bad in here… It’s not going to get better.” And it does appear…
Announcing…Crime Story, a New Column from Randall Patterson
Like a perfect storm, what are all the components that need to come together to generate a crime? Could a crime that occurs in one part of Houston have happened in another, or in the suburbs? How much does place as well as persons have to do with all that…
Now Open: CRAVE Cupcakes in Uptown Park
Check out our slideshow of images from CRAVE Cupcakes… CRAVE Cupcakes at 1151 Uptown Park in the Galleria area just opened this Monday looking for customers with a sweet tooth and a lot of spare change in their pockets. The designer cupcakes ($3.50 each) are made fresh each day starting…
Jesus Is My Agent
So I’m surfing the internets the other day when I come across this story (yes, another one) on Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. This one is about how the talks for his new contract have been put off because he’s just gotten a new agent, some Christian agent who also…
Get Lit: Re-Make/Re-Model: Becoming Roxy Music by Michael Bracewell
Roxy Music emerged in 1971 out of art-school England. The first pop group to use artistic concepts such as collage in their music, Roxy helped define what would become known as art-rock, but at the time, they neatly completed glam-rock’s glittering triad alongside David Bowie and T.Rex. Roxy influenced everyone…
Lakers-Celtics: Not with a Bang, Barely with a Whimper
Maybe now the Kobe stroking will stop. Well that was disappointing. After all the hype and hope generated by a Lakers-Celtics Finals, we ended up with a lackluster series culminating in last night’s horror show: a 131-92 Boston massacre which cemented the Celts as world champs for the 17th time,…
Astros-Orioles: Birds Win, Luke Scott Talks Smack
A loss is a loss is a loss is a loss. Except when the loss is a loss. Like with what happened last night when the Astros lost 6-5 to the Baltimore Orioles on the first game of a six-game road trip. The Astros led the game at several points,…
Sugar Lump’s Fine BBQ Just Outside Lubbock
“His mama called him Sugar Lump,” one of the customers at Sugar Lump’s Fine BBQ said pointing in the direction of the owner, Roosevelt Brooks, when I asked about the restaurant’s unusual name. Roosevelt Brooks shot me a dour look, just in case I was thinking about calling him Sugar…
Covering the Spread: A Humble Request for Stacks of Twenty Dollar Bills
Daniel Kramer Hey boss man, I’ve got an idea for getting inside info on our local sports clubs. All you’ve got to do is give me a big stack of twenties every couple of weeks and send me out with the food critic guy reviewing strip club food. Why would…
John McCain in Houston
The presumptive Republican nominee and his backers came to the downtown Hilton earlier today to talk energy policy. McCain got plenty of applause when he called for more offshore drilling (big surprise here in Houston) and when he compared his opponent’s policies to those of Jimmy Carter. We got photos…
Happy Birthday Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky, born 126 years ago today in Oranienbaum, Russia (near St. Petersburg), was punk rock before his time. At the 1913 Paris premiere of his infamous Rite of Spring ballet – a depiction of Russian pagan rituals Stravinsky conceived as a maiden literally dancing herself to death – the…
$13 at Baba Yega on Grant
Where: Baba Yega, 2607 Grant, 713-522-0042 What $13 gets you: I ordered the Fantasy sandwich (and made the mistake of saying, “I’ll have your Fantasy, please,” when I ordered – giggles all around). Normally, the Fantasy runs $8.95, but I subbed out fresh fruit for the potato salad for a…
Texas Johnny Brown to Play Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Texas Johnny Brown, the author of Bobby Blue Bland’s hit “Two Steps from the Blues” and one of Houston’s last surviving links to the Duke/Peacock Records era, has been selected to perform at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s “Texas: A Celebration of Music, Food and Wine” program next week on the…
Anchovies and Black Olives at Locatelli’s
I heard so many raves from pizza lovers about Locatelli’s (13215 Grant Road, 832-717-3300) in Cypress that I finally went out there. It’s located in a shopping center at Louetta and Grant. There were lots of tables on the sidewalk and a big crowd gathered outside. The inside was small…
Houston Activist Deported from Australia, the Movie
After the jump, we’ve embedded a documentary about the deportation of peace activist Scott Parkin from Australia a few years back . Parkin now calls San Fran home, but he lived here before heading Down Under, and the documentary features some quick footage of the infamous 2005 anti-Halliburton protest in…
Hot Time, Summer in the City, Minute Maid Park Sure Is…
From what I understand, Minute Maid Park was a bit of an uncomfortable place to be this weekend, and not just because the Yankees were beating up on the Astros. It appears that though Drayton hiked the prices for the games, he didn’t turn on the A/C. And from what…
A Clubhouse Divided?
I give Richard Justice lots of grief. But the guy is connected with the Astros, and when he starts writing about problems in the Astros clubhouse, well, let’s just say that I’m going to listen. I’m not sure how widespread the problem is, probably because Justice doesn’t elaborate too much,…
What I’d Like To Do to Dina Lohan and Denise Richards
Can you relate to this? Have you ever found yourself collapsed on the couch, reaching for your drool cup, unable…yes unable to move from your position even though what you are viewing on television absolutely horrifies and disgusts you? And you begin to question your value as a fit human…
Review: Legacy of Ashes, by Tim Weiner
For decades now, the Central Intelligence Agency has reacted to most criticism by saying the agency’s successes are secret while their foul-ups are public. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tim Weiner puts the lie to that assertion in Legacy of Ashes, a comprehensive, chronological study of the past 60 years of the…
Instant Replay in Major League Baseball: Why Right This Instant?
It is being reported that MLB is considering going to an instant replay for certain calls by August 1 of this baseball season. And while it’s probably a good idea for baseball to adopt replay for home run and fair/foul calls, I’ve got a problem. What’s the rush? Botched home…
There’s a New Sheriff in Town
Today, for the first time since March 2001, the Press has a new Music Editor. Me. John Nova Lomax leaves some mighty big Crocs to fill, but luckily he’s not going far – just the other side of the deadline fence as the Press’ newest staff writer. I should also…
Ted Poe Wants You to See the Light
In the midst of rising gas prices, a mounting energy crisis and global warming, it’s comforting to know at least one elected official is fighting for our right to…watch TV and be lazy. A month ago on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Congressman Ted Poe of…
Steroids and Roger Clemens: Reports of Indictment Greatly Exaggerated
The New York Daily News posted a story this weekend on the imminent indictment of Roger Clemens for lying to Congress. I’ve been largely complimentary of the Daily News in the Clemens matter – in fact, I believe most of the stuff that we’ve learned this year about the Rocket…
Rolling Pin Mojitos, Revisited
All right. Okay. So not everyone has a 20-inch French rolling pin just lying around the kitchen. Or a baseball bat. (Thanks, Robb!) Well, here’s a combination lime masher/bottle opener from Reyes Produce (2426 Airline)…
Review: Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001), by Don Felder with Wendy Holden
Don’t believe the line on this book as “Disgruntled Fired Eagle’s Hatchet Job on Don Henley and Glenn Frey.” Because while “Fingers” Felder truthfully tells of his time with the band from his perspective – and there are certainly sections where he writes too coyly or with a naiveté that’s…
Over the Weekend: Bonnaroo, XO, Sculptura, Astros and Kolaches!
We did some traveling outside our normal stomping grounds this weekend, landing in East Bernard and, natch, Tennessee. But don’t worry, we still got plenty of nightlife photos in the Bayou City too, not to mention the weekend baseball wrap. Bonnaroo 2008 in Manchester, Tennessee Mark Austin hopped a plane…
Astros-Yankees: Morons in the Outfield
So, Astros fan, did you enjoy the big New York Yankees weekend? Why, the Astros even had a chance of winning one of the games, that is until Doug Brocail let Derek Jeter homer into the right field stands on Friday night for the Yankees’ second run, giving them the…
Kolaches! The Field Trip
Sausage, barbecued chicken, buttered potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet tea, polka music and kolaches! The East Bernard Kolache-Klobase Festival was already kicked into high gear when we got there at noon. The Shiner Hobo Band was playing at the outdoor venue. Inside everyone was gearing up for The Vrazel’s retirement concert. People…
Step Right Up: The favorite Tom Waits songs of tons of local and national music figures
We’re just nine days away from Tom Waits’s appearance in Houston, and I’ve got to say I’ve been pretty much obsessed all this week. One manifestation: I asked about 100 a simple two-part question: What is your favorite Tom Waits song, and why? Here are the results, along with a…
Pancho Villa Wants You, Gringo!
How can you resist a Mexican restaurant called Pancho Villa’s Kitchen (1482 Wilcrest, 713-782-3919) that advertises by hiring a couple of hombres to stand on the sidewalk in big straw hats and serapes holding signs? The restaurant turns out to be a charming little seven-table café with dark wood furniture…
Potential Theme Songs for the Astros
Okay, it’s contest time again. Since the Astros are pretty much stinking up the joint right now (4-11 for the last 15 games), and dropping down in the standings like a lead balloon, I thought I would go about picking a team song. I give you four choices for the…
Astros-Brewers: Home Run Derby
Let’s hear it for the Astros. They’ve got that hold on first place (for most homers surrendered in the major leagues) and they’re not letting it go. How else can you explain Brian Moehler giving up three homers in the second inning yesterday? Or Jose Valverde giving up a two-run…
Celtics-Lakers: The Boston Conundrum
I give up. I’m done trying to figure out this Boston Celtics team. It’s pointless; an exercise in futility. I truly believe I’d have a better chance of divining the meaning of life than piecing together the puzzle that is this Celtics squad. Heading into the postseason, Boston was clearly…
No Help for Mary Tillman?
Most of us can probably agree that former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Pat Tillman did a brave thing. After 9/11, instead of playing professional football, at which he was making millions of dollars, he joined the Army to do something about those who attacked the United States. Tillman died while serving…
The Spread: Treasures on Westheimer
Walking through the metal detector at Treasures, I wondered how the buffet would stack up against the gold standard that is Golden Corral. Things got off to a good start when an attractive young woman at the hostess’s stand said I had a nice profile – that kinda thing almost…
Wayne Dolcefino and Other “Celebs” I Have Spotted
My younger brother, who recently moved to Los Angeles, called me the other day. “I have an only-in-LA story for you,” he told me. “What?” “I was at a street festival and I saw Heidi Fleiss…man, she looked rough.” “No shocker there,” I answered. “It’s like she tried to suck…
The Wayback Machine: 15, Ten and Five Years Ago in Houston Music
On the second week of June, 1993…At Fitz’s, Nothing in Return released their CD Another Day, which was heralded as “a palatable alternative to the metal histrionics and industrial assaults” then all-too-prevalent. Deep Blue Something of eventual “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” infamy were one of the openers…Venus in Furs, a band…
Where’s the Great Espresso?
In this week’s review of French Riviera Bakery, I praised a cup of Segafredo espresso I was served there. But two of my espresso-loving friends, Jay Francis and Paul Galvani, were not as impressed as I was. “The flavor was good and strong, but the crema was a little weak,”…
Flavors of Yogurt Sets Up Shop Near the Galleria
Looks like another yogurt shop has joined the fray: Flavors of Yogurt (5757 Westheimer, 713-789-1111) just opened up in the Galleria area. The place is self-serve – patrons get to serve themselves ten different flavors of nonfat frozen yogurt, including green tea tart, cappuccino and banana; top it with their…
Rolling Pin Mojitos
My Dutch friend, Adrie, got me hooked on mojitos. When we go out, he has one as an aperitif and then switches to red wine for the meal. The way to make a mojito great, instead of just squeezing lime juice, is to mash the complete cut lime and release…
Great Excuses in Journalism, Part CXVII
Music writer Ramiro Burr, who for years has written columns and stories for the San Antonio Express-News and the Houston Chronicle, has resigned. Express-News editor Robert Rivard says Burr “caused [the paper] to unknowingly publish work under his name that was not, in fact, his own work.” A writer Burr…
To Do: Maggie Sefton Signs Her Latest Title
The good thing about mystery books is that there’s a genre for everyone. Want a tangled thriller? Got it. Want vampires who are good guys? Got it. Want a chef who cooks up a great meal while solving a murder? Got it, too. Maggie Sefton’s Dyer Consequences belongs in that…
Astros-Brewers: The ‘Stros Hold onto First Place (in Homers Surrendered)
I’ve got to give it to the Astros. When the competition gets tough, they stand tall and stay in front. Yeah, I know the Astros lost 10-6 to the Milwaukee Brewers last night, but that’s not the competition to which I’m referring. I’m referring to the major league lead in…
John Royal’s Roster of the Greatest Astros Ever
Seeing as how Fox Sports Houston has been running text polls during games for the greatest Astros ever, by position, and seeing as how those texting have seen fit to find Morgan Ensberg and Roy Oswalt to be among the greatest Astros ever at their positions, I thought I would…
Gary Panter
Two years ago, Gary Panter was featured alongside Charles Schulz, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, R. Crumb, Chris Ware, Art Spiegelman and others in the touring museum exhibition “Masters of American Comics.” Lofty company, but the Oklahoma-born Panter earned it; he’s one of the few American graphic artists for…
bare
Teenaged love and all its angsty conflict can get very dramatic. In Jon Hartmere Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo’s bare, that drama turns into tragedy. The pop opera that Variety called a “magnificent, totally original contemporary musical extravaganza” tells the story of two gay teens struggling with their sexuality at an…
Gilligan’s Island
Come on, you knew it was coming. It was only a matter of time before someone created Gilligan’s Island the Musical. After all, Gilligan and his pals aboard the ill-fated SS Minnow are some of the most syndicated characters in television history. We just can’t get enough of the skipper…
Richard Lewis
Reporters who interview comedian/actor/author Richard Lewis don’t have to worry about questions — they won’t get to ask any. His recent appearances on shows like The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson prepared us for his onslaught of random information. From the moment…
Ryan Stout
Ryan Stout often says the unexpected. For instance, the young comedian answers pro-lifers who ask, “What if Jesus had been aborted?” with “Well, then he would have died for our sins…sooner.” Stout’s comedy routines are a mix of his unique brand of logic and completely inane statements, all said with…
Jessica Brody
We’re guessing Jessica Brody’s interest in infidelity might make potential suitors nervous. “I have kind of an obsession with it,” says the author of The Fidelity Files. Brody’s book chronicles the life of Jennifer Hunter, a hired gun for married women who want to find out if their husbands are…
“Texas Grassroots: Botanical Prints by David J. Webb”
“Texas Grassroots: Botanical Prints by David J. Webb” features prints made using grass he collected from around Houston. Precise down to the smallest detail and aesthetically evocative, the prints straddle the line between science and art. See them today at an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Regular viewing…
“Ever Present”
Ruth Pastine uses a tiny two-inch brush to create the large-scale monochromatic paintings in “Ever Present.” The works seem seamless, as if swept on with a huge brush, when, in fact, they are made up of thousands of small daubs of paint. “It’s a long, laborious process, very methodical,” says…
“End Game: British Contemporary Art from the Chaney Family Foundation”
London is the epicenter of the avant-garde art world, and YBAs (Young British Artists) are why. Shocking and controversial when they exploded onto the scene in the 1980s and ‘90s, YBAs are drawing epic prices at the likes of Sotheby’s. Their work forms the backbone of “End Game: British Contemporary…
“The Kid Collection: Selected Images from John Cleary’s Personal Collection”
When he died, local art collector and dealer John Cleary left a mass of photographs, some of which are on display at the Houston Center for Photography’s exhibit “The Kid Collection: Selected Images from John Cleary’s Personal Collection.” “It’s John Cleary’s private [holdings],” says Houston Center for Photography Program Director…
Superman
Richard Donner’s original Superman is paced less like an action movie and more like a biography, with a story everyone knows presented in lush Hollywood hues. In what’s arguably the first modern superhero movie, Donner seems to savor every bit of the Superman story, detailing the character’s origins for over…
Best of Cinematexas
The Aurora Picture Show is digging up a buried Austin treasure for one last screening. Best of Cinematexas will feature gems from the internationally acclaimed festival, which ended its run last year (there were a couple of mock funerals in its hometown). Cinematexas started out as the hobby of a…
“Interwoven Traditions: The Spiritual Journey from African to African-American” and “The Road to the Promised Land: Martin Luther King Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement”
Two new exhibits at The Heritage Society examine the African-American experience. The first is “Interwoven Traditions: The Spiritual Journey from African to African-American,” based on the archeological work of two University of Houston professors, Kenneth L. Brown and Carol McDavid. It examines how Africans incorporated the spiritual beliefs from their…
Randy Weston
Randy Weston became a jazz powerhouse by knowing his history. Back in the ‘50s, the Brooklyn-born pianist took the styles of Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk and infused them with the percussive-heavy, rhythmic sounds of African music. The result earned him plenty of notice — shortly after he released his…
“Vibrant: Houston Artists in City Halls”
You might have a little trouble finding “Vibrant: Houston Artists in City Halls.” The 32 paintings, drawings and photographs that make up the exhibit are spread over several locations in Houston’s City Hall. Some of them, including Sandi Seltzer Bryant’s piece Untitled, are in the mayor’s conference room. The painting…
The Giver
Lois Lowry’s novel The Giver has seduced millions of readers. It made Lowry a literary hero (and landed her on a number of banned-book lists). Her message will be proclaimed again today with Stages Repertory Theatre’s presentation of Eric Coble’s adaptation of her novel. Opening with an emotion-free utopia of…
Oscar De La Hoya
The title of boxing champ Oscar De La Hoya’s autobiography, American Son, has a double meaning. Yes, he’s the golden boy of the American boxing world, but he’s also the American son of working-class Mexican immigrants. He grew up in -poverty-stricken East L.A. and is now a multimillionaire; in other…
“Moments in a Decade”
For a small dance company, ten years is a significant milestone. You’ve survived, a monumental and rare achievement in an era of tight funding for small troupes, and it’s likely that you’ve sharpened and refined your artistic vision — something that can absolutely be said about Psophonia Dance Company, which…
Diva
Because of its sleek production values, well-constructed visual language and philosophical undertones, the 1981 French classic Diva gets away with a plot that, on the surface, seems like it came from an aborted Blues Brothers sequel. After a postman (Frédéric Andréi) makes a bootleg concert tape of his favorite opera…
Matthew Ryan
Matthew Ryan’s songs almost always deal with conflict — often without resolution. In his incisively detailed lyrics, people struggle with themselves, lovers, family or society. Throughout, there are references to the valiant nature of love and passionate living. Sometimes the valiant rise to glory. But often the climbing never ends,…
Hero We Go Again with Guitar Hero: World Tour
I am absolutely dreading the arrival of Guitar Hero: World Tour. Can’t even enjoy the summer. It might sound like insanity given that the fourth installment in the Guitar Hero franchise could end up being the most successful game of 2008. It won’t even hit store shelves till late October,…
Juneteenth Revisited
From the 1970s to the early ’90s, Juneteenth at Miller Outdoor Theatre was the largest free blues festival in the world and one of the city’s marquee live music events. Thousands of people, young and old, black, white and brown, would come to the park and drag coolers and blankets…
County Attorney Candidate Vince Ryan Sues Linebarger Goggan
Vince Ryan wants to be your county attorney. He also wants $7.5 million from the law firm that fired him. So last April, Ryan, a former city councilman, sued the firm, claiming it promised him riches it never delivered. In its response and counterclaim, the firm states that Ryan was…
Machinist and Truck Drivers
Online readers respond to “College Immaterial,” by Todd Spivak, May 15. Slap: Thank you so much for publishing this. HISD’s motto, “Creating a College-Bound Culture,” is a slap in the face to the majority of our students, who have no college aspirations. We have radically distorted the place of public…
Supermarket Sweep in The Promotion
The screenwriter Steven Conrad writes movies about success and self-fulfillment in America — how we define it, the price we pay for it and what it looks like depending on where you’re standing. In Conrad’s The Weather Man, the central figure was a vain TV news personality who had everything…
Swimming In Denim and Eating Ice Cream
Dear Readers, The Mexican has published only one best-of column in his nearly four years living under his cousin’s identity in this country, but I must pull this week’s first pregunta out of the archives because ustedes keep asking it — obviously, not enough of you bought my paperback, since…
T.H.E. FLY and Rooster: The Smoke CD
As we all know, rappers do not lie. They’re like the George Washingtons of the music industry. But when T.H.E. FLY and Rooster say they’re destined to be bigger than Thriller during “Mphatigo” on their latest LP, The Smoke CD, we tend to believe they could be, shall we say,…
Bayousphere
Click to see full image…
Mates of State
Mates of State’s patented keys-and-drums pop gets something of a makeover on their aptly titled fifth album, last month’s Re-Arrange Us. Spouses Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel still swoon and overlap vocals every chance they get, but the crunchy vintage organ of earlier records is often replaced by piano. It’s…
The Not Terrible Hulk
In recent days, Universal’s been running a TV spot for The Incredible Hulk that gives away what should come as no surprise to any fanboy worth his action figure collection: the appearance of Robert Downey Jr. as, natch, Tony Stark. From the delighted, deafening squeals of at least one sneak-preview…
Usher : Here I Stand
You really can’t fault entertainers who claim “playa for life” status. At least they’re being honest; everyone from Rod Stewart to video performer-turned-tell-all-author Karrine “Superhead” Steffans knows the promiscuous can’t be reformed. Once you get a taste of the easy-lovin’, high-livin’ lifestyle, it’s almost impossible to let go. That’s what…
Hippie Cops and Loan Sharks
We’ve reported before about how Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt was pissing officers off with his campaign banning tattoos and beards, but now matters have gone to a whole other level. A $150,000 level. That’s how much the city has voted to spend on lawyers to defend Hurtt’s policy in…
The Roots Will Not Apologize
At all times, legendary hip-hop drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson is a man pulled in many directions. The 37-year-old musician, producer, blogger and hip-hop tastemaker fairly defines multitasking: Aside from anchoring his long-term band The Roots since the late ’80s, he’s an executive producer and producer for other musicians (Common, Slum…
Spiritualized: Songs in A&E
It took a stop in Cincinnati and a brush with death (unrelated incidents in this case) to bring Jason Pierce’s latest Spiritualized project into focus. Pierce wrote much of Songs in A&E years ago, strumming the melodies on a vintage 1929 Gibson he picked up at a Cincinnati music shop…
Tremoloco
Even though they are from East Los Angeles and have close ties to Los Lobos, there are few repertoires that scream “Gulf Coast” like Tremoloco’s. No matter whether the language is Spanish or English; the style honky-tonk, Tex-Mex or rock and roll; the dance a two-step, zydeco stomp or slow…
The Last Shadow Puppets: The Age of the Understatement
With their full-time bands, the Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner and the Rascals’ Miles Kane make loud, blurry Britrock that celebrates Saturday-night debauchery. With their new side project, The Last Shadow Puppets, they settle in and chill for a Sunday-afternoon tribute to the ’60s. But The Age of the Understatement is…
Nosaprise
Nosaprise, the trebly-voiced poet-rapper born Nosa Ebedor, is the antithesis of Houston rap; at least, that’s the skin-deep evaluation you’ll hear about him from most. And we suppose the “Not Typical Houston” label is correct. After all, he’s the son of heady poet parents, cites his discovery of B-boy culture…
Silver Jews
Singer-songwriter David Berman is as much of an ironist in life as he is in art. Note that after landing in rehab following a Xanax overdose (an act with sardonic aspects of its own), he belatedly embraced Judaism — a belief system he’d never taken that seriously despite his band’s…
What Do Shepard Smith and Soulja Boy have in common?
If there’s one thing the self-satisfied, liberal, tofu-munching, cappuccino-sipping, in vitro fertilization-utilizing coastal elite hate, it’s Fox News. The Rupert Murdoch-owned home to such neoconservative mouthpieces as Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity is known for cheerleading the Iraq war and not finding John McCain sufficiently right-wing. It even has the…
Madagascar Birthmarks at French Riviera Bakery
The pâté de campagne sandwich at French Riviera Bakery on Chimney Rock comes thickly spread with coarse, country-style pork pâté on your choice of breads. Go with the popcorn-crunchy baguette, lightly dressed with Dijon mustard and decorated with lettuce, tomato and pickles, and sink your teeth into one of the…
Season in the Sun, Part II
The summer classic rock invasion continues this week with the Doobie Brothers/Chicago show Saturday at the Woodlands Pavilion. As always, we’re here to help you get the most bang for your buck. We even have a handy-dandy rating system for all these shows, as follows: Positive Categories include the Lighter…
Precisely 88 mph at Etro Lounge
People who listen to ’80s music do not like to fight. It’s weird. Like, when was the last time you were sitting around listening to Depeche Mode and thought, “I feel like kicking some ass right now”? It just doesn’t happen. That’s why you can feel safe at Montrose’s Etro…
Jason Ward’s Matagorda Island Discs
This week’s installment comes from Jason “J-Thunder” Ward, current bassist for ’80s cover act the Lost Boys. “I keep seeing this,” he writes, “so I figured I’d throw a list out and see if anyone else wants to pick on me for it.” Despite his musical endeavors, Ward’s list ranges from the…
CAFE ADOBE’S EL PATRÓN
I love flirting with bartenders. Some are there to earn their tips and go home, and some just love their jobs and make me feel pretty. I hit the jackpot with Jefferson Bryan, bartender in residence at Cafe Adobe (2111 Westheimer, 713-528-1468). He suggested their signature margarita, but I opted…
Kick Ass: The Foot Fist Way
The Foot Fist Way has been trying to break into theaters since clawing its way down film-fest row, beginning at Sundance in ’06. It took Will Ferrell and his comedy life partner Adam McKay to get distributors interested; notes the trailer: The men behind Anchorman’s desk and Talladega Nights’ wheel…
The MFAH’s Pompeii exhibit fascinates — and horrifies
When Mount Vesuvius erupted on August 24 in 79 A.D., it killed thousands. But it also entombed and preserved an entire culture for millennia. The idea of a city and its people somehow being frozen in time is eternally and universally fascinating. “Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption” at the Museum…
Capsule Art Reviews: “Drawing in Space,” “John Alexander: A Retrospective,” “Learning by Doing: 25 Years of the Core Program”
“Drawing in Space” For his drawing/performance, “Marker Head Marker” at Lawndale Art Center, Daniel Adame encased his head in a giant chunk of plaster shaped like a huge piece of chalk. He then used his head and its new casing to make a drawing on a blackboard hung on the…
Avery’s Bayside Café
Here’s one we haven’t heard: The new Avery’s Bayside Café (21706 Burnet Dr., Galveston, 409-737-5151), a restaurant on stilts on Galveston’s west end, is a family establishment — owned by a divorced couple. “My business partner and I were married for seven years, and we’ve been divorced for 15. But…
Capsule Stage Reviews: bare, Big Range Dance Festival, Electile Dysfunction, La Sylphide and A Doll’s House, Present Laughter, The Splasher
bare Damon Intrabartolo (music and book) and Jon Hartmere (book and lyrics) call their vigorous and entertaining R-rated musical set at a co-ed Catholic boarding school a “pop opera,” and that’s all right by us, even though it’s a long way from having an opera’s thematic unity. Yes, everything’s sung,…
Supersize it at Saga Food & Wine
Like all the dishes on the menu at Saga Food & Wine (3017 Milam, 713-523-1010), the tuna nachos ($9) come in a tapas-size portion — you may find that one order isn’t enough. Sesame-encrusted ahi tuna is quickly seared, then chopped into tiny cubes. A spicy oil drizzled on top…
