NFL Wild Card Round: Texans 32, Chargers 12 — Four Winners, Four Losers
For the Houston Texans on Saturday, for a while, a quarter and a half to be exact, the outlook for victory was pretty bleak. The offense was stuck in mud, the Los Angeles Chargers had about a three to one advantage ratio in time of possession, and as usual, the…
NFL Week 17: Texans 26, Titans 3 — Four Winners, Four Losers
To process the magnitude of what the Houston Texans and head coach DeMeco Ryans are accomplishing in the 2023 season, just go back and look at the tail end of the 2022 season. Last year, the Texans rang in the new year by getting their asses handed to them at…
Officers Get Ready to Patrol for Illegal Firework Use on New Year’s Eve 2023
Say you decide to go the DIY route for New Year’s Eve fireworks. You skip the professional celebrations and somehow make it through the night without burning yourself or friends and family and without setting your neighbors’ fence on fire. That still doesn’t mean you won’t scare the bejesus out…
Openings and Closings : HiWay Cantina Debuts, Conservatory Galleria Opens Soon
HiWay Cantina, 1201 St. Emanuel, opened December 23 in East Downtown. The Tex-Mex concept comes from Agricole Hospitality, the local group that operates Coltivare, Eight Row Flint, Vinny’s and Lightnin’s Good Times, the latter two of which are located next to the new cantina. Owners Morgan Weber, Ryan Pera and…
New Documentary Immediate Family Shines the Spotlight on ’70s Studio Musicians
It is not unreasonable to think that some viewers might initially look at the new documentary Immediate Family and ask, “Who are these guys? And why did someone make a documentary about them?” Such is the fate of a session player, a breed of musician who always plays the right…
NFL Week 17: Titans vs Texans — Four Things to Watch For
Since Jimmie Ward’s interception of Russell Wilson, which ended the Houston Texans’ Week 13 win over the Denver Broncos, the Texans have endured a three week period that feels like a fever dream, and most of it has been a nightmare. Two double digit losses sandwiched around an overtime win…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Toasts to 2024 with Oysters, Bubbles, Martinis and More
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: New Years Eve Celebration At BuffBrew Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight 2101 Summer Folks are invited to ring in 2024 from BuffBrew’s Rooftop Beergarden. Ticketholders ($45) will have exclusive rooftop access beginning at 9 p.m., with views of the…
A Cold Weather Snap Brings The Possibility Of 2023’s First Light Freeze
It may finally be time for Houston area residents to officially unpack their winter clothes, blankets and other cold-weather essentials from storage as temperatures are expected to drop near freezing Thursday and Friday night. According to Jimmy Fowler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service that serves Houston and Galveston,…
Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibrations
If you put together all the famous musicians of the 20th century who died young or youngish—Elvis and Buddy, Lennon, Jimi/Janis/Jim—you can argue that none of them created a larger and more lasting (and still evolving) legacy and impact worldwide as Bob Marley. The life, music, and legacy of the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Days of Deals and the Houston BBQ Throwdown
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: El Bolillo Bakery Mission Bend, 6704 South Texas 6, will celebrate its Grand Opening with Days of Deals running from Tuesday, January 2 through Saturday, January 6. Visitors can enjoy specials including 25-cent bolillos on January…
The Five Biggest Houston Sports Stories in 2023
After spending the better part of the previous three years rooting for perhaps the worst teams in their respective sports, in the Texans and the Rockets, while having all of our championship hope attached to the Astros, the one word I would use to describe 2023 in Houston sports is…
Best Bets: Kid Flicks, Stop Making Sense and Tina
It’s the last weekend of the year and if you’re still looking for something to do, we’ve got a few suggestions. From family-friendly films and a New Wave masterpiece to a tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll and a movie perfect for New Year’s Eve, keep reading for…
December Dining and Drinking Deals: Week Four
The holidays may be over for some folks but many of us are still rolling with the Twelve Days of Christmas like Tudor royalty. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the coffers of King Henry VIII so we’re looking for dining and drinking deals to extend the festivities without overextending…
Should Baseball Fans Just Accept the Big Market-Small Market Problem?
One billion dollars. What sounds like something Dr. Evil would use as ransom demand is, in actuality, what the LA Dodgers are going to spend on two Japanese players: Shohei Ohtani and Yohinabu Yamamoto. We’ve all heard about the Ohtani deal, $700 million spread out over 20 years in a…
Houston Concert Watch 12/27: Toadies, Hadden Sayers and More
You’ve probably seen those clickbait links that have been showing up online, with headlines that make it sound like a prominent celebrity who is elderly, in poor health or both has just died. They can be distressing and, once you figure out that you’ve been had, annoying. Well, one of…
Houston Texans Playoff Picture is Pretty Simple — Win and They’re In
At this stage of the 2023 NFL season, you can look at the Houston Texans’ current situation through one of two lenses, and admittedly the lens you choose may have everything to do with how much alcohol is coursing through your veins. On the one hand, this has been an…
Doctor Who: Old is New
Stop me if you’ve heard this one. The Doctor lands in England on Christmas Day shortly after regenerating. Someone is killed by a Christmas Tree. Then, he has to help blond teenage girl and her family when an oddly primitive race in their flying ship that uses a vaguely magic-based…
Houston’s 10 Biggest Sports Stories of 2023
It’s been a pretty crazy Houston sports year that saw the Astros one home win away from the World Series, a massive draft day for the Houston Texans that has resulted in big wins on the field, and so many hirings and firings, Indeed is jealous. It was also a…
Houston Comic Andy Huggins Had A Great Year with the Release of His Early Bird Special
Andy Huggins is one of the great links from the comedy scene of Houston’s past to the thriving ecosystem of clubs and theaters that make up Houston’s comedy scene of the moment. Huggins was an original Texas Outlaw Comic back in the ’80s alongside departed legends like Bill Hicks and…
The Five Best Texans Christmas Gifts From 2023
We’re all still licking our wounds from the Christmas Eve drubbing the Cleveland Browns put on the Houston Texans. That was not a fun day at NRG Stadium. However, in a season where the Texans have won more games than the last two seasons combined, it is completely appropriate to…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Boys In The Boat
Title: The Boys in the Boat Describe This Movie In One Blazing Saddles Quote: SHERIFF BART: And now, for my next impression: Jesse Owens! Brief Plot Synopsis: Could be a winner boy, you move quite well. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 1.5 Michael Jordan Hitler mustaches out…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Holiday Dining and Aged Eggnog by the Bottle
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, December 25 Christmas Day Dining From family-friendly affairs to fancy multi-course holiday meals, check out our Houston Christmas Day Dining Guide for a list of local restaurants inviting guests to dine out for Christmas this year. Drink the Tree at…
NFL Week 16: Browns 36, Texans 22 — Four Winners, Four Losers
This has been one of the weirdest NFL seasons in my five decades of watching the sport. If you bought a ticket back in September to Sunday’s Texans versus Browns game, you had dreams of a C.J. Stroud versus Deshaun Watson battle. Instead, not only did you get Case Keenum…
Flood District Cancels Proposed Construction Plans For Horsepen Bayou
Bay Oaks resident John Watson received an email this week from the Harris County Flood Control District announcing the cancellation of a flood mitigation project that he and his neighbors had contested for years as a win-win. “They (district officials) listened to our concerns. They did this third-party study that…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Bouillabaisse, Holiday Roasts and More Xmas Eve and Day Dining
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Christmas Eve Brunch and a Movie at Wild Oats Sunday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 1222 Witte Wild Oats has arrived in Spring Branch and is guests with a Christmas Eve Brunch, with two screenings of “How The Grinch…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Iron Claw
Title: The Iron Claw Describe This Movie In One Rocky III Quote: THUNDERLIPS: It’s all fake! Right, meatball? Brief Plot Synopsis: Worst of Backyard Wrestling Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Dalton eagle claws out of 5 Tagline: “Sons. Brothers. Champions.” Better Tagline: “Stop hitting yourself. Stop hitting yourself.” Not So…
Openings and Closings: Little Rey Next Spring, Local Foods Tanglewood Relocates
Little Rey, 2345 Mid lane, has announced that its expected time frame for opening is spring 2024. The fast casual Mexican concept from chef/owner Ford Fry was announced this past May. Fry opened its ‘favorite cousin’ Superica in Houston’s Heights neighborhood in 2018 along with an original concept La Lucha…
Everclear’s Art Alexakis Talks Houston Ties, His Father, David Bowie and One Unique Christmas Elf
In both his geographic history and actual song titles, Art Alexakis of Everclear is mostly associated with places like Portland, Santa Monica, Summerland and Nehalam. But for a short period in the late ‘70s, he was a teenager living with his father’s second family in the Houston-adjacent Alief and Katy…
NFL Week 16: Browns vs Texans — Four Things to Watch For
If you purchased a ticket to Sunday’s Christmas Eve tilt between the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium, there was probably a certain “star power” energy you experienced when you hit the “PURCHASE” button on your ticket app. Deshaun Watson versus C.J. Stroud! The Texans past versus the Texans future!…
HISD HR Reports a 43 Percent Drop in Teacher Absenteeism Beyond 10 Days
Apparently tired of taking it on the chin about its new employee attendance requirements, Houston ISD scheduled a special news conference Wednesday to announce what it sees as a positive for students — namely a 43 percent drop in the number of high absentee cases (taking off more than 10…
Houston Press Music Writers Remember (The Original) Warehouse Live
On December 2, after 17 years of operation, venerable (to the extent such an adjective applies in Houston) EaDo concert venue Warehouse Live shut its doors. The place hosted all manner of musical genres, as well as comedians, burlesque shows, and outdoor festivals. It was also the site where, if…
Texans Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
For the five week period of Weeks 10 through 14 of the NFL season, the Houston Texans largely built on their success of the first nine weeks of the season, going 3-2, including a few last second wins. They did so while walking a tightrope at the placekicker position, with…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2023 You Probably Missed Part 5: 10 – 1
Welcome to the top ten of our annual look at the best indie and underground music videos. This year had some incredible standouts, and narrowing it down even to 50 was a monumental task. Thanks for reading, and enjoy. Check out Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 10…
Best Bets: Very Merry Pops, Up and Ho Ho Houston
It’s official that time of year now. It’s Humbug Day, the day “to cast off your frustrations before Christmas.” So, take the opportunity to vent a little and then check out the events that made this week’s list of best bets. Keep reading for a radio play, a comedy extravaganza…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Shop then Enjoy a Leisurely Lunch at MaKiin
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Recently opened Upper Kirby restaurant MaKiin,2651 Kipling, has launched a new daily lunch service, offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy plates such as silken calamari finished with black caviar; grilled pork ribs, classic pad…
Four Thoughts on Rockets Guard Jalen Green’s Struggles This Season
The Houston Rockets have been a pleasant surprise this season. As of writing this, they are already just nine games shy of their win total all of last year and only about a third of the way into the season. Coach Ime Udoka along with veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon…
Houston Concert Watch 12/20: Guy Forsyth, Beetle and More
Legendary radio personality Jim Ladd turned off the mic for the last time this past weekend, passing away at 75 after suffering a heart attack. Ladd spent the majority of his career in Los Angeles, most famously at KMET, “The Mighty Met,” before signing on with Sirius XM in 2011…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2023 You Probably Missed Part 4: 20 – 11
We’re in the top half of our annual look at the best indie and underground music videos of the year. This is where we put all the strange and wonderful acts, the kind that you don’t see on the mainstream award shows. Strap in and enjoy! Check out Part 1,…
Best of the Backlogs: Older Games I Played in 2023
Back in August, I wrote about how joining PS Plus Premium relieved a lot of my anxiety and executive dysfunction around gaming. The huge library of free games finally gave me a chance to play a host of older titles that I had balked at when they were released and…
Tale of the Tape: Who is the Bigger Backup QB Cult Hero — T.J. Yates or Case Keenum?
Sometimes, because of the fact that the last three years of Texans football, prior to 2023, felt like fifty years, we forget that our local team is the youngest franchise in the National Football League. During the two decades and change that the Texans have existed, they’ve gotten pretty good…
December Dining and Drinking Deals: Week Three
The holidays are kicking into high gear this week as we scramble for last minute gifts (or actually start our Christmas shopping) and try not to go over the spending limit we promised ourselves we’d stick to this year. Relatives are beginning to arrive, office parties are leaving us hungover…
Four Reasons Why the Astros Don’t Need to Spend Loads of Money This Offseason
Looking at the Shohei Ohtani deal and then looking at the Astros has some fans wondering why owner Jim Crane hasn’t broken out the checkbook to bring in big name free agents. It can be tough to watch the rich get richer while the Astros largely stand pat (no offense…
Texans Win Over Titans Creates Major NFL Playoff Storylines
Nothing of actual playoff substance was clinched for certain with the Houston Texans’ 19-16 overtime nail biter win over the Tennessee Titans (doing Houston Oiler cosplay) on Sunday. The Texans still need to handle their business over the next three weeks to return to the postseason since 2019. However, one…
Houston Restaurants are Toasting 2024 with New Year’s Day Brunch
Whether you partied well past midnight or got some much needed shuteye, these Houston restaurants are ready to help you kick off 2024 with a tasty post-NYE brunch. From black-eyed peas for good luck to gut-busting hangover plates and boozy hair-of-the-dog classics, here’s where to get your brunch in Houston…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2023 You Probably Missed Part 3: 30 – 21
Welcome back once again as we explore the deepest depths of the underground for the best music videos of 2023. You’ll find no Top 40 artists here. Just the weird, wild, and whimsical. We’re at the halfwayf point now, so keep tuning in for the next couple of days. Check…
Opinion: Nothing Biden Does in the Israel-Hamas War Will Affect My Vote in November
There is a lot of speculation among pundits about how the Israel-Hamas War will affect the 2024 presidential election. I can’t speak for others, but nothing that President Joe Biden does regarding the conflict will change the vote I plan to cast for him in November. To be clear, I…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Tamalada Parties and Christmas Eve Dining
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, December 19 Wine and Dine Series at Jūn Jūn, 420 East 20th, will welcome chefs Nicolas Vera & Stephanie Velasquez, owners of maize-focused Papalo Taqueria in Downtown, for its monthly Wine and Dine series. The chefs will collaborate with Jūn…
Our Video Games of the Year 2023
This has been a fantastic year for video game releases. Your humble game reviewer played a lot of them, and here are the five that stood out enough to be called Game of the Year for 2023. Note: there is a conspicuous absence in Baldur’s Gate 3. Honestly, I simply…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2023 You Probably Missed Part 2: 40 – 31
Welcome back to our yearly exploration of the best underground and lesser-known music videos of the year. If it got less than a million plays on YouTube, it was eligible for consideration. Let’s dive back in. Check out Part 1. 40. Real Estate, Water Underground” Creepy suburbia always makes for…
NFL Week 15: Texans 19, Titans 16 (OT) — Four Winners, Four Losers
It’s the holiday season, and Houston Texans fans got the greatest Christmas wish they could ask for. In Nashville on Sunday morning, missing at least a half dozen of their ten best players, while losing yet another (Jimmie Ward, concussion) early in the game, the Houston Texans came back from…
In Businesslike Fashion, the HISD Board Votes to Become a District of Innovation
With no discussion, the appointed Houston ISD Board of Managers in a unanimous decision Thursday night made a sea change in how the district operates voting unanimously to become a District of Innovation. To the astonishment of absolutely no one. The one surprise was that Superintendent Mike Miles who had led…
Houston Ballet’s Danbi Kim and What The Nutcracker Means to Her
With so many performances of The Nutcracker, younger members of the Houston Ballet ranks get a chance to shine in what are for them, new roles. Soloist Danbi Kim is one of them — making her debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy while dancing other roles in other performances. Originally,…
Reacher Gets The Band Back Together In Its Second Season
A big part of the appeal of the first season of Reacher, Amazon Prime Video’s series based on the exploits of Lee Child’s hulking ex-military policeman, was how it highlighted the character’s solitary nature. Jack Reacher (played again by Alan Ritchson) is that rare protagonist who’s truly rootless, walking the…
Openings and Closings: Berg’s Tavola Opens, Bludorn’s New Concept Announced
Tavola, 1800 Post Oak Boulevard, opened December 13. Located in the former home of the French fine dining restaurant, La Table, the newest concept from Berg Hospitality and The Bastion Collection will explore the various culinary regions of Italy with executive chef Luca Di Benedetto creating an authentic Italian dining…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Raclette, Oysters and Brunch with Santa
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Ugly Christmas Sweater Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All five TUK locations will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Brunch, with a festive spread featuring gingerbread pancakes, creme brulee French toast, peppermint white chocolate…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Leave The World Behind
Title: Leave the World Behind Describe This Movie In One Clerks Quote: DANTE: But you hate people! RANDAL: But I love gatherings! Isn’t it ironic? Brief Plot Synopsis: It’s the end of the world as we know it and honestly, I’m pretty bummed. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2023 You Probably Missed Part 1: 50 – 41
Every year I search high and low for the best underground and indie music videos releases. Tune in every day for the next five days to see the absolute best music videos you probably missed. 50. sKitz Kraven, “Creep Little Baby” Over the years doing this yearly roundup, I’ve included…
NFL Week 15: Texans vs Titans — Four Things To Watch For
When the schedule came out back in June, if you told people that one of these teams would be battling it out for a playoff spot and one would be barely hanging on for dear life, my guess is they’d have flipped this game on its head, and said that…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Bubbly and Caviar Tasting and Free Meals for Kids
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Over at the Stomping Grounds, Sonoma Wine & Cheese, 1227 West 34th, will host a Bubbles, Oysters & Caviar event on Sunday, December 17 at 4 p.m. The try-before-you-buy event features 25-plus Champagnes and sparkling wines…
Houston Texans in Middle of Muddy AFC Playoff Picture
Sunday’s Houston Texans 30-6 loss to the New York Jets felt like a disaster, and for good reason — it was a freaking disaster. The Texans allowed Zach Wilson, who was returning from yet another benching, to throw for over 300 yards and make the 2023 Texans defense look a…
Best Bets: Fashion Fusion, Horse Latitudes and Bad Santa
Hopefully, you’re not already burned out on holiday-themed festivities because we’ve got quite a few for you on this week’s best bets. For new film standards to classical masterworks – and a few non-holiday events, too – keep reading for our picks of things to do over the next seven…
U.S. Supreme Court May Rule on Whether to Limit Access to Abortion Pill Mifepristone
The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it would consider and could rule on the case that would limit access to the commonly used abortion drug Mifepristone by July. Mifepristone is used alongside Misoprostol, a partner drug, in a two-step regimen to induce the termination of a pregnancy chemically…
TINA —The Tina Turner Musical Delves Into the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll’s Life
The North American tour of TINA — The Tina Turner Musical is coming to Broadway at the Hobby and Roz White plays Zelma Bullock, Turner’s mother who left her child behind with her grandmother as she moved away to escape an abusive marriage. The irony is immediately clear in that…
Dog Adoption Declines While Population Increases at Shelters
A national trend is unfolding across several Greater Houston area animal shelters as canine populations continue to climb, yet adoption rates of these furry friends are faltering. “Dogs are harder because they’re bigger. Many of the dogs [BARC] has come from the fields through our enforcement team, so they might…
Davis Mills Starting at QB for Texans Possible with Stroud Concussed
The worst part about this past Sunday for the Houston Texans was not the 30-6 loss to the Jets, but instead was the loss of their starting quarterback C.J. Stroud to a concussion. When the game ended, we got news that Stroud had been placed in the league’s concussion protocol,…
Is Shohei Ohatani’s $700 Million Deal Good or Bad for the Astros?
In case you were ignoring baseball in the offseason still angry about the Astros inability to win at Minute Maid Park, here’s an update. Angels MVP Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend for a record 10 years, $700 million. Yup, nearly three-quarters of a billion…
December Dining and Drinking Deals: Week Two
Last week, we began our month-long series of December deals for drinking and dining in Houston plus some tips on holiday gifts. We continue this week with some ideas for festive dining, seasonal cocktails and gift card bargains. Cheap Eats: Firehouse Subs began its 12-day ‘Name of the Day’ specials…
Five Reasons the NBA In-Season Tournament Was a Success
The NBA In-Season Tournament (or IST as the kids call it) came to a close over the weekend with LeBron James and the LA Lakers hoisting the inaugural NBA cup and James taking MVP honors. It was the league’s first foray into the kinds of in-season tournaments that are commonplace…
Houston Concert Watch: Reverend Horton Heat, Asleep at the Wheel and More
The highlight of the holiday season is, for me, December 18. Gee, Tom, some might wonder, aren’t you jumping the gun on Christmas by a week? No, I am not. Because it is on that date that we celebrate Keithmas, the birthday of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who is…
Tea at Five Tells the Katharine Hepburn Story in Two Acts
There’s a moment at the end of the first act of Matthew Lombardo’s Tea at Five when the powerful magic of theater stops you dead. Katharine Hepburn (the mighty Annalee Jefferies) gets the phone call from her agent that she’s been anxiously awaiting. It’s about getting the role of Scarlett…
H-Town Orchestra & Opera Company Spotlights Groundbreaking Black Classical Composer
Joseph Boulogne (aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges) may have lived during the time of the French Revolution, but he was very much a Renaissance man when it came to the arts. An accomplished violinist, conductor, and composer, he also excelled in fencing, athleticism and dancing. He was also a contemporary and…
Houston Holiday Theater 2023, Part III
Cinderella There’s magic afoot in Theatre Under the Stars’ production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the musical theater titans’ only collaborative work for television, but it appears only in the subsidiary roles and the physical look of the show. The principals, the eponymous girl of the ashes, Brianna Kaleen, and…
The Supersuckers Coming to The Continental Club This Weekend
The holidays can be a time of high levels of anxiety and lots of commitments. Sometimes there’s nothing better than a high voltage, good old-fashioned rock and roll show to get out all the holiday jitters and angst. Coming at a perfect time to blow off some steam, The Supersuckers…
Where to Dine Out and Toast to 2024 in Houston This New Year’s Eve
Kiss 2023 goodbye and say “hello” to 2024 at these Houston restaurants, which are offering prix fixe meals, midnight champagne toasts, live music and more. Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd Enjoy a four-course dinner menu, a sparkling cocktail toast at midnight and live music by Bob Chadwick, with reservation slots…
Power Ranking the Houston Texans 2023 Last Second Finishes
It’s funny, after eight straight weeks where the Houston Texans experienced games, wins and losses, that went down to the final 30 seconds, there were many of us that went into Sunday’s game against the Jets saying “Man, can we please just have a double digit win for a change,…
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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Files For Re-Election To Retain Her Congressional Seat [UPDATED]
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee ended ongoing debate and speculation regarding whether she would run to retain her congressional seat, officially filing for re-election on Monday. This comes after a blowout defeat against Houston mayor-elect John Whitmire, with Whitmire collecting 65 percent to the congresswoman’s 35 percent. Jackson Lee is…
A.J. Croce Picks the Best Songs from His Dad’s Record Collection
A.J. Croce Bayou Music Center December 10, 2023 The tour is dubbed “Croce Plays Croce” so, as expected, A.J. Croce spent lots of time during last night’s Bayou Music Center show not only performing Jim Croce’s biggest hits, but speaking to them. These monologues between songs were revealing about A.J…
The Best Shows of 2023
This year has been weird but strong one for TV, despite the numerous problems in the industry that have impacted release schedules and the visibility of some shows. The year has provided some of the best slate of brand-new shows that paint a picture of a very diverse TV landscape. That is if…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Cozy Up at an Après-Ski Style Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, December 12 “Tuna Breakdown” Dinner at Norigami Sibling establishments Hidden Omakase, Sushi by Hidden and the recently opened Norigami are hosting a special 15-course “Tuna Breakdown” Dinner at Norigami, 2715 Bissonnet, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $300 per…
New Bio Details the Many Moods (and Muses) of George Harrison
Throughout his long career in music journalism, Philip Norman has chronicled in book form the lives of rock A-listers like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Elton John. But he’s most associated with tomes about the Fab Four, both singly and individually. His 1981 work Shout! The Beatles…
![Doctor Who: The [Redacted] Doctors](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/450943-4749420.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Doctor Who: The [Redacted] Doctors
Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who: The Giggle As this review will run a few days after the episode airs, I’m going to just wallow in the spoilers. Really roll around in them and get them deep in the crevices. If that’s not your cup of tea, here’s a bit of…
NFL Week 14: Jets 30, Texans 6 — Four Winners, Four Losers
On the heels of an eighth straight week of last second drama, and a huge win over the Denver Broncos, the Houston Texans came into Week 14 with all sorts of hype. They opened the week as nearly a touchdown favorite on the road against the New York Jets. That…
The Black Pumas Return To Houston
The Black Pumas exploded on the music scene in 2019 with their debut album of the same name racking up two Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best American Roots Performance. The Austin-based band, led by singer Eric Burton and guitarist Adrian Quesada, met in 2018 and within…
District G Incumbent Mary Nan Huffman Wins Houston City Council Race Against Attorney Tony Buzbee
One of the most watched races was trending in a rather expected turn of events as incumbent Mary Nan Huffman was leading high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee with 55.9 percent of votes to his 44 percent according to early returns on Saturday night. Huffman was the candidate who went into December’s runoff…
Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins Defeats Orlando Sanchez To Be Houston’s Next Controller
Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins was leading former Houston City Council Mmember Orlando Sanchez with 59.5 percent of the vote to Sanchez’s 40.4 percent as early returns came in late Saturday night to determine who would be Houston’s next controller. Hollins led significantly in November’s general election, collecting 44 percent of…
State Senator John Whitmire is Houston’s Next Mayor
As expected by residents and political experts alike, State Senator John Whitmire was leading U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee with 65.2 percent of votes to the congresswoman’s 34.7 percent in the race to be Houston’s next mayor as early returns came in late Saturday night. Whitmire was the favorite among…
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Harris County Clerk Says There’s No Reason Not to Get Out to Vote Saturday [UPDATED]
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth vows that Election Day today will run smoothly for the runoffs that among other races, will determine who will be Houston’s next mayor. With polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at more than 400 vote centers in the county, It will be voters’…
New Principals Announced for Cage Elementary and Project Chrysalis Middle in HISD
After weeks of turmoil and controversy surrounding two East End schools, Houston ISD has tonight named new principals at Cage Elementary and Chrysalis Middle, which may signal improvements for the school, its students, teachers and parents. Both schools are New Education System-Aligned schools whose curriculum has been the subject of regular…
Harris County Election Officials Prepare For Possible Bad Weather On Election Day
As Houston area voters head out to the more than 400 vote centers on Saturday in a last-ditch effort to cast their ballots in December’s runoff election, they may want to look at the weather radar. According to meteorologists at Space City Weather, a strong cold front is expected to…
Panto Alicia in Wonderland Engaging and Entertaining WIth Something for Everyone.
A Queen Red that channels her best Jennifer Lopez. A mad hatter that breaks into the bachata. A Lucha Libre fight in the middle of Wonderland. The Stages Panto tradition is back, and this year is Alice in Wonderland- or better yet, Alicia in Wonderland. Written by Teatrx, Panto Alicia…
Bathroom Policies and Libraries Dominate the Public Speaking Portion of Thursday’s HISD Board Meeting
As rumors continue to roil the Houston ISD community, or at least the portion of it that includes the most intense critics of Superintendent Mike Miles, it’s difficult to sort the real from the misperceived. What actions are those of overzealous administrators, which ones are critics’ exaggerations and which ones…
Rod Wave Leaves It All On The Stage at The Toyota Center
As sparks fall from the ceiling, the audience at the Toyota Center sways in unison while belting out lyrics at the top of their voices. Some cry, some scream, some hug, some stand stoically while staring into the air, and some hold their phones up as they record themselves rocking…
Will Election Day Republican Voting Determine Houston’s Governance?
The one unusual aspect of this year’s mayoral and council runoffs is probably that more Republicans are turning out than usual in Democratic-dominated Houston. That’s the assessment of University of Houston political science lecturer Nancy Sims. “Early voting reflects a very high conservative voter turnout, which is unusual for city elections,”…
Openings and Closings: Wild Oats Relocates, Albi Reopens
Wild Oats, 1222 Witte, opens December 8 in Spring Branch. It’s a relocation for the Texas-inspired concept from Underbelly Hospitality, joining its sister restaurant, Underbelly Burger, at the same development. The original location shuttered in September and was replaced with another Underbelly concept, Comalito, soon after. Wild Oats first opened at…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Godzilla Minus One
Title: Godzilla Minus One Describe This Movie In One Jaws Quote: BRODY: You’re gonna need a bigger boat. Brief Plot Synopsis: Luminescent lizard levels luckless locales. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 “Ewww, Girl, Ewwws” out of 5. Tagline: “Postwar Japan. From zero to minus.” Better Tagline: “Oh no, there goes…
Not-So-Sly Stone Evades, Avoids and Obfuscates in New Autobiography
There are any number of performers who, historically, didn’t mind keeping an audience waiting. At the top of the list are George Jones (“No-Show Jones”), Axl Rose (“Insufferable Douche Bag”) and, in a league of his own, Sly Stone, who, during his heyday, combined the worst habits of Jones and…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Feast on Tamales and Moles at a Tamalada Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Holiday Sip & Shop at Pastore Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. 1180 Dunlavy Pastore invites guests to sip on bubbles and spritzes while exploring offerings from a curated selection of top Houston retailers on the rooftop. Shoppers can enter…
NFL Week 14: Texans vs Jets — Four Things To Watch For
Since losing the first two games of the season by double digits and starting out 0-2, a start which prompted me to exclaim on the Houston Texans’ postgame show that the “honeymoon is over” for DeMeco Ryans, the Houston Texans have gone 7-3 and shown some particularly serious guts over…
Houston Chamber Choir Wishes Everyone A Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad has become the springboard phrase for Houston Chamber Choir’s holiday concert as it returns to Villa de Matel Chapel, 6510 Lawndale, to present its annual holiday concert on Saturday and Sunday.
On the Verge Presents Tea at Five, a One-Woman Play Celebrating Katharine Hepburn
In her one-woman play Tea at Five, about to open at Alta Arts in an On the Verge Theatre production, Annalee Jefferies plays the immortal Katharine Hepburn in both a younger and older version. On the Verge Producing Artistic Director Ron Jones contacted Jefferies (whose extensive resume includes stints on Broadway…
Astros Winter Meetings Update: Caratini In, Machete Out
The Astros have officially moved on from their starting catcher of four years by signing 30-year-old switch hitter Victor Caratini to back up youngster Yainer Diaz at cacher next season. Martin Maldonado was much maligned last season for being one of the worst everyday offensive players in baseball, but he…
Rush Hours May Be Getting Shorter, But Drivers Aren’t In The Clear From Congested Commutes
Although most employers have asked or told employees to return to their in-person offices, many workers still operate remotely or have a combination of both. These workplace returns – or lack thereof – have shifted and shortened rush hours in and around Houston. “This isn’t just a Texas thing. This…
A.J. Croce Brings the Family Business to Houston with Croce Plays Croce
Like many working folks, A.J. Croce went into the family business. “A lot of us do end up following the profession of our parents, whether it’s being a plumber or in construction or being a musician, lawyer, doctor – it’s very common. It’s the family business. Even if your father…
Best Bets: Islamic Arts, The Saints’ Offering and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
It’s National Letter Writing Day, and if you need a little bit more to talk about to fill out the pages, may we suggest partaking in some of this week’s best bets. If you want to make the recipient jealous of your local arts scene, keep reading to learn about…
Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley, Jr. Wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week
As the Houston Texans make their push for a run to the playoffs, one of the catalysts could be the return of cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr. from an early season hamstring injury. Through 2022 and the first half of this season, Stingley, the third overall pick in the 2022 draft,…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Santa Brunch and a “Tuna Breakdown” Dinner
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: All H Town Restaurant Group concepts (Backstreet Cafe, Caracol, Hugo’s, Urbe and Xochi) will be collecting toys for Texas Children’s Hospital now through December 15. Guests who bring an acceptable toy to any of the locations…
HISD: How Bad School Ratings Scores Can Be Good News if You’re Making a Point
It’s not often that a Texas public school superintendent calls a press conference to deliver bad news about his district’s accountability ratings before the state does that for him. Especially when it may be months before the official numbers are released and become unavoidable. Might even be a first. But…
Fourth Special Session Ends As Abbott’s Plans For School Choice May Be On Life Support For Now
Texas lawmakers failed to act again during this special session on several priority issues, including teacher pay raises, vouchers, and increasing funding for school safety measures. House Speaker Dade Phelan gaveled in Tuesday afternoon as the House was set to take up bills passed in the Senate, including Senate Bill…
Houston Concert Watch 12/6: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Queens of the Stone Age and More
Regular visitors to this space will be well aware of my skepticism regarding final / farewell tours. So when Kiss proclaimed that its show at Madison Square Garden this past weekend was “The End of the Road,” my reaction was something along the lines of “My ass!” Like Gene Simmons…
December Dining and Drinking Deals: Week One
It’s the holiday season and for many of us, the joy is countered with some trepidation about the cost of a holly jolly Christmas, eights days of Hanukkah or a Kwanzaa feast. The spirit of the season is the most important part but we all like to enjoy some delicious…
Houston Texans Long Snapper Jon Weeks Named Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee
Since 2010, there has been one constant with the Houston Texans, one person who has shown up every day to do their job and never been replaced (in the regular season or postseason, at least) and never really been recognized. It’s long snapper Jon Weeks, who joined the Texans as…
Fistful of Soul Returns to Houston This Weekend
In the past, Fistful of Soul nights at The Continental Club would draw lines around the funky block and fill the club and backyard with eager, smiling dancers. The popular DJ collective hasn’t hosted an event since their tenth anniversary show in December of 2019 but this week, the group…
Threats Of A Potential Respiratory Co-Infection Brew As COVID-19 Is Climbing Again
Over the past two months COVID-19 cases have remained relatively stagnant, after decreasing slightly following a peak in September. However, now new hospital admissions are climbing back to 20,000 nationally, as infections are starting to rise again. “The national trend is very concerning. That it never really went down and…
Houston Holiday Theater 2023, Part II
A Texas CarolDid you ever want a Christmas show to be fun and enjoyable without too much message or baggage? A warm and comfortable place with feel-good vibes? A play with heart? Well, if you can forego the fact that beloved “Mee-maw,” who the assorted Dinkle families are visiting on…
Where to Dine Out in Houston This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2023
From family-friendly holiday buffets to luxe prix fixe affairs decked with festive food and drink, these Houston restaurants are making the holidays better with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining. Christmas Eve Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd Christmas Eve Supper runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with a three-course dinner menu…
What Would a 12 Team College Football Playoff Look Like This Season?
Among college football fans and sports fans in general, I feel like I am in the minority with this take, but I’ll say it — I am going to miss the 4-team College Football Playoff. Next season, the playoff balloons from four teams to 12 teams, meaning the regular season…
Putting on the Mean When You’re the Stepmother in Cinderella
The very first day of rehearsal, Courtney Markowitz says she told her fellow cast members: “I just want everyone to know I’m in crisis over how mean I have to be.” That’s because the veteran actress has been brought in to play the Stepmother role in Theatre Under the Stars’ production…
Doctor Who: Ridiculous, Terrifying, Marvelous
A willingness to be 100 percent ridiculous has defined this era of Doctor Who, and the show is far better for it. “Wild Blue Yonder” is a classic adventure that calls to mind Tom Baker’s “The Ark in Space” and, to a lesser extent, David Tennant’s own “The Girl in…
On Your Mark, Get Set, Hustle: HISD Shifts and Compresses The Time to Make School Choices
School choice in Houston ISD will continue, but with tighter deadlines for families. All the plan’s details have yet to be worked out — questions are already surfacing on various education forums — but Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration have pledged to continue it. This is good news for…
Daniel Donato Recognized His Influences But Stayed True to Himself for Reflector
Daniel Donato is genuinely one of a kind, so when it was time to thread together his first album of entirely original music, the Nashville singer, songwriter, bandleader and guitarist extraordinaire had a unique theme in mind for its 15 songs. “The album is about embracing the individual,” said Donato…
Howie Mandel Has A Very Full Plate and is Coming to Jones Hall
It seems clear: Howie Mandel is not picky. The comedy mainstay, who will be performing a night of comedy with Performing Arts Houston at Jones Hall on December 10, seems to be happy performing for any audience that will have him. “The upside of working a theater setting is just…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Hanukkah Feasting and the 12 Days of Mole
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long 12 Days of Mole at Arnaldo Richards’ Picos Picos, 3601 Kirby, continues its 12 Days of Mole celebration, showcasing a new, authentic mole dish each day leading up to the twelve with the annual Tamalada Brunch on Sunday,…
Horsepen Bayou: Are Flood District Plans Well-Conceived or Just Another Bayou Boondoggle?
When Tia Neyman first walked through the doors of the two-story house on Brook Forest Drive, she thought to herself it was the ugliest house on the block. The awful colors on the walls, mismatched interior design, and insect and small animal carcasses scattered across the floor inside in addition…
NFL Week 13: Texans 22, Broncos 17 — Four Winners, Four Losers
If you’re a Houstonian who had gone through his or her life previously uninterested in the game of American football, but you’d heard how excited your Texan fan friends were after the team’s Week 4 blowout win over the Steelers and decided to start following the Texans the next week,…
Sense & Sensibility is Charming and Comedic at 4th Wall Theatre Co.
Years ago, in a middle school English class, we read Summer of My German Soldier. Instead of an essay, our teacher, younger than most and cooler by far, tasked us with making a soundtrack for the book using pop songs of the day. To give you a hint of what…
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HFT Files a Grievance About Those Bathroom Passes at Sharpstown High [UPDATED]
The Houston Federation of Teachers has filed a grievance on behalf of teachers at Sharpstown High School for letting children go to the bathroom without passes. Under a system implemented this year by Superintendent Mike Miles, students are forbidden to go to the restroom during the first and last 15…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Shift
Title: The Shift Describe This Movie In One Treehouse of Horror Quote: WILLIE: You’re still not in your own world, Homer! I can get you home, but you have to do exactly as I ARRGHHH. MAGGIE: This is indeed a disturbing universe. Brief Plot Synopsis: God is real, and likes messing with…
Three Houston MCs Battle It Out In The Red Bull Batalla
In 1971, a group of people gathered in Selsey, a small seaside town south of England, and held the Birdman Rally.People would come out with their homemade gliders and launch themselves off a pier to see who could go the furthest distance. For years the group competitions progressed resulting in…
Mom, Teen Turned Away From Rocky Horror Because of Anti-Drag Law
Senate Bill 12 isn’t being enforced right now, but it’s already having an effect. A Dallas woman who wanted to take her two children to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show was turned away at the box office this past Saturday. “I bought the tickets online, and there was nothing…
Trill Tenders Pops Up at NRG This Weekend
It wasn’t enough for the team at Trill Burgers to win Good Morning America’s United States of Burgers competition in July 2022. Now the crew has taken home a champion trophy for its new Trill Tenders which it showcased at Tenderfest 2023 in Los Angeles. Billing itself as the World’s…
It’s Ugly Sweaters Time at TUTS in a New Christmas Premiere
Did ugly Christmas sweaters become a thing in the 1980s thanks to the Clark Huxtable sitcom character played by Bill Cosby in The Cosby Show and Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswald character in Christmas Vacation? Or were they really jump-started by those folks in Vancouver in 2002 where the phrase was…
Woman Who Claims Scholastic Book Fairs Gave Her Porn Addiction Works for Right Wing Children’s Publisher
Lanah Burkhardt, 20, had quite a tale to tell the Conroe Independent School District board at a public hearing this November. My story started when I was 11, and I was introduced to a single kiss in a Scholastic book,” she said. “I didn’t understand why I liked it. This…
The “Glamorous” Comedy of Sandra Bernhard Collides with Raising Awareness
As the election year ramps up, comic and entertainer Sandra Bernhard declines to stand on the sidelines. Partnering with the organization SEAT, which describes itself as a “movement of young people developing transferable skills and demonstrating youth visibility in policymaking,” Bernhard is pulling out all the stops for a full-on…
Openings and Closings: Cocody Debuts Today, Artisans Opens Next Week
Cocody Restaurant and Bar, 1971 W, Gray, debuts December 1 in the River Oaks Shopping Center. With a dazzling interior and two skilled chefs at the helm, it promises to be a vibrant addition to the Houston dining scene. The duo behind the chef-driven concept, Lionel Debon and David Denis,…
NFL Week 13: Broncos vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
Undoubtedly, last Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars was a missed opportunity for the Houston Texans. Win that game, and you’re in first place heading into December. Now, the Texans are 6-5, entrenched as the eight seed in a conference with seven playoff spots, and now, here come the…
Conductor Bernstein’s Daughter Joins Houston Chamber Choir for Screening of Maestro
Jamie Bernstein, daughter of Leonard Bernstein, will join forces for a one-night-only event to celebrate the screening of Maestro, the Bradley Cooper biopic about the Bernstein family. The film is in limited release and will be available on Netflix starting December 20.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: When a Chopped Cheese and Detroit Pizza Collide
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Burger Bodega Collab at Gold Tooth Tony’s All weekend long 1901 North Shepherd Starting this Friday and running all through December, Gold Tooth Tony’s will feature Burger Bodega’s Abbas Dhanani for its December Pizza of the Month collaboration. Named…
Down the Rabbit Hole With the World Premiere of Panto Alicia in Wonderland at Stages
One moment he’s a Lucha Libre wrestler, then he’s dancing like a flower and then he’s climbing a hedge like a cat. It’s all part of the six roles that Juan Sebastián Cruz plays in the world premiere musical of Panto Alicia in Wonderland at Stages theater. As the story goes,…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Join the Beehive for a Beyoncé-Themed Brunch
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Holly Jolly Holiday Bar pop-up has decked the halls of Big Casino, 908 Congress, welcoming those 21-and-up to gather for an over-the-top holiday cocktail and entertainment. GA tickets start at $22 for 90-minute reservations (including…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best BBQ Chicken
Best BBQ Chicken: Truth BBQ Sundays are for chicken at BBQ wizard Leonard Botello IV’s righteous smokehouse, Truth BBQ. That’s when you can dig into the pit crew’s masterful bird, available by the half portion smoked or gorgeously battered and fried to a crisp. Both feature succulent, flavor-packed meat that…
Yes, We All Need to See Your Spotify Wrapped Playlists
Thanksgiving’s come and gone so ‘tis the season for music lovers everywhere to unwrap the gift of Spotify Wrapped. The music streaming behemoth summarizes its users’ annual listening habits with this special feature and the results of hours of listening over 2023 dropped as expected this week. The platform provides…
Best Bets: Dickens, Extreme Job and Surviving the Night
It’s National Stay at Home Because You’re Well Day, and whether you’re at home or in the office right now we still recommend taking it easy. Rest a little and save some energy for your evenings and some of the events below. From a Dickens festival and a lit class…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Brunch
Best Brunch: Traveler’s Table With a few years under its belt, this transformative global concept is equal parts exciting and reliable. There’s something on the menu for everyone, especially at its Friday-Sunday brunch, when the Bayou Bloodys and La Vie en Rose carafes flow and the people-watching is top-notch. Hit…
Houston’s The Nerve-Curlers Come To Bohemeo’s This Saturday Night, Live
Houston’s The Nerve-Curlers to perform at Bohemeo’s Saturday night.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Burger
Best Burger: Burger Bodega Houston’s burger wars haven’t quite reached their Good Burger-Mondo Burger peak, but people in this hamburger rich city do maintain devout allegiances. Of course, the more local the offering seems, the more love it gets. Anything which smacks of something that is not on-brand Houston –…
Is “C.J. Stroud vs Trevor Lawrence” the Next Great NFL QB Rivalry?
As sports fans, we love rivalries. We love epic clashes between legendary players or prominent teams, clashes we only see once or twice a year. In the NFL, the face of most rivalries like that are franchise quarterbacks. The gold standard for over a decade earlier this century was Tom…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Movie Theater
Best Movie Theater: Star Cinema Grill Baybrook Mall The big hit of the 2023 movie season was Barbie. We’re glad we saw the movie at Star Cinema Grill in Baybrook because the movie theater shares some of the blockbuster film’s best traits. Let’s start with how fun-loving the theater is,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Live Venue (Large)
Best Live Venue (Large): Toyota Center The perfect concert venue sounds a bit like a fairytale, perhaps. You need to go Goldilocks sometimes in search of venues that won’t ruin your happily ever after with your favorite music artists. If the venue’s too small, prepare for a long, crowded night…
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Severe Storms Are Expected To Blow Through Houston Area [UPDATED]
Severe weather is on its way to the Greater Houston area as strong thunderstorms and the potential for possible tornado development are expected Thursday morning into the early afternoon hours. According to the National Weather Service serving Houston and Galveston, parts of Houston, Columbus, Galveston, Freeport, Palacios, College Station and…
Maeta Brings her Tour to The Peacock Room
Maeta is a new artist who is starting to craft out a path in the world of R&B. The RocNation artist, fresh off her performance of “Through The Night” at the Soul Train Awards touched down in Houston at the House of Blues Tuesday night. The Indianapolis singer released her…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Margarita
Best Margarita: Verde Garden “Verde” is the Spanish word for green and the green at Verde Garden is the familiar hue of everyone’s favorite Mexican cocktail, the margarita. The Montrose-area Tex-Mex eatery goes all-in on the elixir, with a dozen frozen Margs. With the single rocks margarita on the menu…
Property Tax Statements Still On Their Way For Some Greater Houston Area Homeowners
Fort Bend and Harris County residents are waiting to receive their 2023 property tax statements amid slow returns related to new laws, November’s election and pending certification by appraisal districts, respectively. According to Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner, statements have yet to be mailed out or made…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Barbecue
Best Barbecue: Khói Barbecue Smoke is king at this game-changing Viet-Tex barbecue spot, which started as a side project from brothers Don and Theo Nguyen a few years back and has since grown into one of the most coveted ‘que pop-ups in the city. Now with a place to call…
Houston Texans in the Wild Card Swamp in the AFC Playoff Picture
It’s been a while since things like scoreboard watching and playoff probability scenarios mattered here in Houston during football season, but that’s where we are right now, and it feels phenomenal! Thanks to DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud, and the rest of the Houston Texans’ roster and staff, we have relevant…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Free Museum
Best Free Museum: Art Car Museum The Art Car Museum is much more than a place to house the most notable entries in Houston’s famous parade. Instead, the space hosts quarterly exhibitions of contemporary artists’ work, and pulls art cars from their donation stock to match the theme. The result…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Family Friendly Restaurant
Best Family Friendly Restaurant: Southern Yankee Crafthouse You won’t find playgrounds or arcade games at this Montrose neighborhood beerhouse and restaurant, but you will find a shady yard, fun and attentive staff, and both kid- and adult-friendly food options. While the youngin’s happily take down kids menu items from blistering…
Houston Concert Watch 11/29: Janet Jackson, Hayes Carll and More
I grew up in a family of hardcore Scrabble players. By gad, sir, we played by the rules, and they were brutally enforced. No quarter. Deguello. Though that’s not a legit Scrabble word, because it is not part of the English language. But what are some according-to-Hoyle Scrabble words? Glad…
Where to Get Your Holiday Tamale Fix in Houston This Season
‘Tis the season for tamales; and these Houston restaurants are ready to help you get your holiday tamale fix. From pre orders for pickup to a takeaway tamale stand, here’s where to find tamales to-go in Houston this season. Alicia’s Mexican Grille, multiple locations Holiday Tamales are available for $11.95…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Late Night
Best Late Night: Frank’s Pizza Late night’s got names like Carson, Conan and Colbert. In Houston, Frank’s is the big name synonymous with late night. The downtown Houston, New York-style pizzeria has been the city’s go-to afterhours slice for years. Once the weekend rolls around, expect to see or be…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Pizza
Best Pizza: Elro Former Pass & Provisions star Terrence Gallivan and his magical pixie dust are back, this time at his own neighborhood pizzeria and crudo bar set in a reimagined 1928 bungalow in Montrose. The concept is simple–combine really, really good pizza with tasty crudo preparations, but the execution…
Doctor Who: Tears and a Double Middle Finger
Last week, I said that Disney’s semi-takeover of Doctor Who had already made the show a little weird. Having just watched the first of the 60th Anniversary specials, “The Star Beast,” I can confirm that it is indeed weird, but in a good way. More than that, it’s got two…
Houston Area Voters Trickle To The Polls For The Start Of Early Voting
The first day of early voting for the December runoff election began with a slow start on Monday morning, as only about 2,100 Houston area voters cast their ballots to determine who would become the next mayor, controller and be on city council. “Houston voters will decide half of the…
Could J.J. Watt Return To Play for the Houston Texans?
When the season started for the Houston Texans, I had a pretty good idea on what the big stories for the team would be in 2023. First and foremost, the development (which has now become a rapid ascension) of C.J. Stroud was at the top of the list. Add in…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Art Festival
Best Art Festival: Thorn & Moon Magickal Market The number one place to find weird crafts and oddities is the monthly Thorn & Moon Magickal Markets, usually at Raven Tower (310 North Street) but occasionally in other spots. Run by Jessica and Stephen Anderson, the owners of the titular Thorn &…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Breakfast
Best Breakfast: Dandelion Cafe This family-owned Bellaire joint kicks off its all-day breakfast bright and early at 7 a.m. every day but Sunday (when you can sleep in a bit because it starts at 8). Make your way to the neighborhood to experience chef JC Ricks’ cult favorite buttermilk pancakes…or…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Live Venue (Medium)
Best Live Venue (Medium): Discovery Green Anheuser-Busch Stage It’s weird to suggest anything about Discovery Green could be overlooked, as integral as the downtown park has been to the city in its 15 years. But even we avid concert-goers must admit we may have slept on the park’s concert stage…
Kate Hamill’s Adaptation of Sense and Sensibility Opens at 4th Wall Theatre Co.
Following up on their success with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, 4th Wall Theatre Co. is presenting Hamill’s version of Sense and Sensibility, the story of what happens to the Dashwood girls and their mother after they suddenly fall on hard circumstances. 4th Wall co-founder Kim…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Get Your Hanukkah Orders in at Kenny & Ziggy’s
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, November 29 Vintage Gingerbread Stout Tasting at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company BuffBrew, 2101 Summer, is hosting an exclusive tasting of its Vintage Gingerbread Stouts on Wednesday, November 29 and Saturday, December 9. Tickets ($50) include a vertical sampling of various…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Brunch – Montrose
Best Brunch – Montrose: Ostia Take the decision making out of brunch entirely by easing into the chef’s family-style brunch offerings at this Mediterranean inspired neighborhood favorite. Chef Travis McShane and crew will wow you with offerings like seasonal frittatas and scorched pizzas, roast chicken with salsa verde and the…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bakery
Best Bakery: Bādolina Bakery & Cafe From the team behind hotshot Israeli restaurants Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa is this standout bakery in Rice Village (sitting right next to Hamsa). The uber chic spot expands on Doris’s famous bread service, offering fresh breads from smoked sourdough with sour cherries to a…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Immersive Art Exhibit
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected the Museum of Illusions as the Best Immersive Art Exhibit.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Sports Bar
Best Sports Bar: Home Run Dugout In a baseball-crazed city, it was just a matter of time before a baseball-crazed sports bar emerged and that sports bar is Home Run Dugout. The massive Katy complex celebrates America’s pastime – no, not baseball, but root, root, rooting for the home team…
Veteran Houston Musician Guy Schwartz Drops New Concept Album, Libretto
Longtime Houston musician, Guy Schwartz, 71, has just released a concept solo album called Libretto.
NFL Week 12: Jaguars 24, Texans 21 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Someday, perhaps next week, the Houston Texans will play in a game that doesn’t come down to the final two minutes, or in the case of several recent games, the waning seconds. For now, Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars was the epitome of who this team is. They…
Visually Delightful Nutcracker Returns to Houston Ballet
Despite what those who start blasting Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” the day after Halloween, the true start of the holiday season is opening night of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker at Houston Ballet. At least here in the Bayou City, anyway. The ballet, based on E…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Black Friday Brews and A Bistro Santa Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Friday Big Beer Blowout at Saint Arnold Brewing Company Friday, 11 a.m. 2000 Lyons Hit Saint Arnold Beer Garden & Restaurant to score epic finds at its Big Beer Blowout. The brewer has dug through its cellar to…
Openings and Closings: El Bolillo Mission Bend Opens, Chef Ha Departs Xin Chao
El Bolillo Bakery, 6766 S. Texas 6, is open with plans for a grand opening “Days of Deals” January 2, 2024 through January 6, 2024. The Latin bakery has been serving Houston for more than 25 years and the new Westside location is now the largest with 12,000 square feet…
Paul Hope Cabarets Celebrate the Holidays in We Need a Little Christmas
If you’re looking for “a nice grownup evening” this holiday season, with music not oft heard sung in an intimate and unique space by a troupe of talented local performers, Paul Hope would like to make a suggestion. On Monday, November 27, Paul Hope Cabarets will open their very first…
Houston Symphony goes full ‘Diva-licious’ for an unforgettable POPS concert
This Thanksgiving weekend, Houstonians are welcomed to trot their way over to Jones Hall for a concert to shake the tryptophan away – and some of the best leading ladies along with the Houston Symphony will provide the soundtrack to get the party rolling.
Best of Houston ® 2023: Best Food Hall Restaurant
Best Food Hall Restaurant: Kokoro Chef-led food hall Bravery Chef Hall has been around for a few years now, and while there have been a number of concepts moving in and out of the food hall, Kokoro has been going strong from day one. That’s because its counter seats are…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Thai Restaurant
Best Thai Restaurant: Street to Kitchen After gaining a cult following since opening her tiny but mighty East End haunt and winning a James Beard Award for “Best Chef Texas,” uber talented chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter announced she’ll be moving her cult favorite Thai concept to a bigger location in…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar – Heights
Best Bar – Heights: EZ’s Liquor Lounge At EZ’s Liquor Lounge, there’s a sign on the bar – one of those Office Depot nameplates you’d find on the desk of some worker bee – which says “Do Epic Shit.” It’s not a mandate because the mood at the Heights dive…
NFL Week 12: Jaguars vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
This Sunday’s game at NRG Stadium between the Houston Texans and the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars is a pretty simple breakdown —- it’s a steel cage match, in which two teams walk in, and the winner will walk out the leader in the AFC South, heading into the month of December…
Creative Minds Collaborative Will be Retracing Paths in New Program
The impetus for founding Creative Minds Collaborative in 2016, according to Executive and Artistic Director Nao Kusuzaki, was fairly practical. “We were going to do an exchange program performance in Chiba [Houston’s sister city in Japan] and a bunch of us – myself and some of my dancer colleagues, artists,…
Best Bets: British Arrows, Dirty Dancing and Diva Legends
Food and family will certainly highlight Thanksgiving weekend for many, but we got some suggestions of things to get you busy between napping off the tryptophan and watching football. Keep reading for this week’s list of best bets over the next seven days. Back in 2015, a study from Microsoft…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Mocktail List
Best Mocktail List: Bludorn Of course Bludorn has excellent mocktails. Chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and co. (which includes head bartender Fabio Pontes) always go above and beyond. You can “wine and dine” here without the booze, enjoying Bludorn’s French-influenced Gulf Coast cuisine while sipping your way…
Seven Possible Houston Texans Pro Bowlers for 2023
I’d like to think that most Houston Texans fans had faith that, with the hire of DeMeco Ryans as the head coach and the drafting of C.J. Stroud as the team’s franchise quarterback, eventually the fortunes of the franchise would turn around. I think most everyone reading this, though, would…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Hanukkah Feasts and Tasty Bite for a Cause
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Restaurateurs Benjy Levit and Partner Dylan Murray have appointed former Pass & Provisions co-owner and star chef Seth Siegel-Gardner to be culinary and creative director of their concepts, including Local Foods, Lees Den, Eau Tour and…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Breakfast – Oak Forest
Best Breakfast – Oak Forest: Nana’s Breakfast tacos are a staple of any Texan’s diet, but not all of us partake in the full Tex-Mex breakfast option. At Nana’s on 34th Street in Oak Forest, you can get plenty of both. The tiny, colorfully painted storefront is filled with classic…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Computer Store
Best Computer Store: Experimax We know not everyone is an Apple user, but with the iPhone, a LOT of us are. Finding help for Apple products is made incredibly easy with Experimax. Their multiple locations are small storefronts with experts in all things Mac. They buy, sell and repair anything…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Beer Garden
Best Beer Garden: Saint Arnold Beer Garden Things grow in a garden, even if it’s a beer garden. In that particular sort of orchard, the best yield is a crop of good memories with family and friends. In Houston, the beer garden at Saint Arnold is the area’s most fertile…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Tex-Mex
Best Tex-Mex: El Tiempo Cantina Near the entrance to El Tiempo Cantina’s Navigation location, there’s a painting depicting the legendary Mexican singer Vicente Fernandez. One of Fernandez’s greatest hits was “Volver, Volver.” In translation that’s “return, return,” which makes the painting a bit of clever subliminal advertising. Charming as “Chente”…
Houston Texans 2024 Home Schedule Shaping Up to Be VERY Fun
Hey, I know, as Houston Texans fans, there is plenty on our plate to eat right now. For the first time since 2019, our team is relevant midway through November, and as opponent quality goes, the schedule is relatively light, compared tot he rets of the league. Keep in mind,…
Novellas Are Big Again. Thank God.
The novella has been considered the bastard stepchild of the publishing world for decades, but it’s finally getting its place in the sun again. Thank God, because the modern world is just two damned busy for novels these days. To be clear, the novella has always been around. A great…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Seafood
Best Seafood: Navy Blue Swordfish Au Poivre. Clam Chowder in Puff Pastry, BBQ Shrimp and Charred Spanish Octopus. Those are just a few of the remarkable offerings at this fancy but not-too-so seafood spot from the skillful team behind stunning sibling spot Bludorn. Set in Rice Village, the modern American…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bookstore
Best Bookstore: Blue Willow Bookshop Customer service is paramount at Blue Willow Bookshop, as is a sense of community. On any given day when you walk inside, the little space will be packed with regulars talking about their latest finds and employees guiding them to titles they didn’t even know…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Fast Casual Restaurant
Best Fast Casual Restaurant: Loro Texas smoke meets Asian flavors at this game-changing concept from James Beard Foundation Award winning chefs Tyson Cole (Uchi and more) and Aaron Franklin (Franklin’s Barbecue). Set in a reimaged 1940s church, the soaring space and live oak shaded patio feel special enough for a…
Five Houston Sports Reasons to Be Thankful This Year
It’s that time of year when people start to think about why they are thankful. Maybe you sit around the table on Thanksgiving and tell each other what you are most thankful for, or maybe you are just biding your time until you can get in front of the TV…
Houston Concert Watch 11/22: Erykah Badu, Marcia Ball et al. and (The Stones Are Coming!)
So what do you do when orca whales are trying to bounce your boat? Obviously, you crank some heavy metal music to scare them away. And do it underwater! This was logic employed by the captain of a catamaran attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, where orca attacks have…
Sexyy Red Comes to the Bayou Music Center
In September a teacher’s video went viral for reimagining Sexyy Red’s hit song “SkeeYee!” for her elementary students and most recently another teacher’s video went viral for chastising the way parents raise their children. In the video she specifically names the same hit song. The videos highlight the divisive conversations…
Four Fun Facts About the Houston Texans’ Surprising 6-4 Start
As we count down the days to the most important game played in NRG Stadium since 2019, the huge AFC South tilt this Sunday for the Houston Texans against the division leading Jacksonville Jaguars, let’s take a moment to revel in some of the Texans’ accomplishments so far this season,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Indian
Best Best Indian: Musaafer With three years of traveling the Spice Route under its belt, this Galleria jewel is as wondrous as ever. You’ll want to visit the fine-dining Indian spot for the Butter Chicken Experience alone, or for its high-energy Bollywood Burnout nights. Or better yet, for chef Mayank…
Houston Holiday Theater 2023, Part 1 at Main Street, Ensemble and Alley
Georgiana and Kitty If “it is a truth universally acknowledged” that all things come in threes, then the final installment of Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s triptych of life after Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Georgiana and Kitty, Christmas at Pemberley, is proof enough. If you’re familiar with the first…
Opinion: The American Two-Party System is Actually Good
Ask any group of Americans, and the majority of them will express deep hatred for the two-party system. Support for a third party (though not any specific third party) is at an all-time high according to Gallup, who has been polling about it since 2003. The sentiment is more popular…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Xin Chao Vietnamese-American chefs Christine Ha and Tony J. Nguyen are no strangers to the food scene. Ha is a MasterChef winner also known for hits like The Blind Goat; Nguyen is well-known for his game-changing work at Saigon House Midtown, and both are past finalists for…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Museum Outside City Limits
Best Museum Outside City Limits: Rosenberg Railroad Museum The acreage of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum is tiny compared to some of the bigger names associated with Houston, but they pack a lot of content into that space. Dedicated to railroading over the past century, the museum tackles everything from luxury…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Comfort Food
Best Comfort Food – Barbecue Inn Just like the sign says, this family-run establishment has been serving up some of Houston’s best comfort food since 1946. Yes, they have delicious barbecue on the menu, but what has kept many coming back to the little spot just north of Independence Heights…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Sports Fans
Best Sports Fans: The Houston Astros It’s true that Astros fans have had a lot to cheer about in this, the golden age of baseball in Houston. But their intensity has yet to wane. This season, the Astros are likely to break the three million barrier at Minute Maid Park…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Friendsgiving, Turkey Day Potlucks and Thanksgiving Feasts
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, November 20 Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway at The Savoy The Savoy, 4402 Emancipation, will host a 500-Meal Thanksgiving Giveaway on Monday, November 20 from 4 to 6 p.m., teaming up with Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge and other Third Ward…
A Beatles Insider Gets His Own Story in a Titanic Tome
Non-Beatlemaniacs who saw Peter Jackson’s 2021 Beatles documentary Get Back may have wondered just who the large, bespectacled gentleman was often in the background. He can be seen setting up equipment, writing down lyrics for bandmembers, or even fetching tea. Later, during the climactic rooftop concert, he acts as a…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Food Hall
Best Food Hall: Understory It’s not in their press kit but Understory must be the preferred Houston food hall of claustrophobes. The space at 800 Capitol is cavernous and, like the best of caves, filled with treasures to explore. The food options are plentiful and overrun with downtowners at lunch…
Loss and Hope in Shih-Hui Chen’s sisila ila ila: saying goodbye at Asia Society Texas
Imagine sitting in a darkened theater, quietly waiting – anticipating – the start of a show. Now, name one sound that could make your stomach drop in an instant. If you said “Radar,” the iPhone’s default alarm, you are correct. Though, I would also accept any and all ringtones, notifications,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Cocktail Bar
Best Cocktail Bar: Julep In nearly 10 years it’s been around, lots of words have been used to describe Julep, the James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar on Washington Avenue. Most of them have been superlatives like “delicious” and “amazing” (the drinks), “lovely” and “romantic” (the space) and “delightful” and “knowledgeable”…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Brewery
Best Brewery: True Anomaly Brewing Company Beer. It’s why breweries exist. Craft brewers pour their hearts, souls and life savings into pouring you a perfect pint. Sure, the bells and whistles are nice when you can find them, things like a playground for the kids or a stage for the…
NFL Week 11: Texans 21, Cardinals 16 — Four Winners, Four Losers
When the Houston Texans lost to the winless Carolina Panthers in Week 8 on a last second field goal, they fell to 3-4 on the season, and the most optimistic view of that afternoon would have been to say “Hey, it’s bad loss, but maybe the Texans learned a few…
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin Light Up The Stage at Toyota Center
Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin The Trilogy Tour Toyota Center November 18, 2023 “Life is not a waste of time, Time is not a waste of life, So let’s stop wasting time, get wasted, And have the time of our lives!” – Armando Christian “Pitbull” Pérez “Don’t stop the party!”…
SpaceX’s Starship Explodes, Again
On Saturday morning, just shy of seven months after SpaceX’s first Starship test launch exploded midair minutes into flight, the company conducted the second test launch, with mixed results. On the upside, SpaceX’s mission of flying as much as possible and learning from previous mistakes seems to have paid off…
One More Turn of the Screw at Catastrophic Theatre
One More ‘Turn of the Screw’ by D.L.Groover Afsaneh Aayani’s set design for Catastrophic’s world premiere adaptation of Henry James’ powerful ghost story The Turn of the Screw (serialized in the American magazine Collier’s Weekly, 1898) is wonderfully goth and creepy. From the get-go, the lobby décor is stuffed with…
Texas House Strikes Down Voucher-Like Legislation Defying Governor Greg Abbott’s Wishes
House Democrats and nearly two dozen mostly rural Republicans successfully stripped legislation of a voucher-like program that would’ve allowed families to put taxpayer dollars toward private school tuition and related expenses. Representative John Raney (R-College Station) introduced an amendment that called to quash Article 6, the portion of the bill…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Breakfast – Downtown
Best Breakfast – Downtown: Taste Kitchen + Bar Relocating from Midtown to its new digs off Main, this elevated chicken and waffles spot now has Downtown’s hottest breakfast experience, serving the good stuff from 8 to 11 a.m. every day (plus extended brunch hours on weekends and dinner service, too)…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: 8th Wonder Brewery Celebrates Ten Years of Beers
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Cider & Cheese Pairing Class at City Orchard Friday, 7 to 8 p.m. 1201 Oliver City Orchard invites guests to a cider and cheese pairing hosted by co-owner, Patrick Kwiatkowsk and dedicated to the release of the Bad Apple…
Thanksgiving Grocery Store Hours 2023
The baking aisles at the grocery store are as packed as a Taylor Swift concert. Shoppers cluster around the refrigerated meat section inspecting the turkeys for size and price while debating whether fresh or frozen is best. Yes, it’s that time of year again when we spruce up our homes,…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Thanksgiving
Title: Thanksgiving Describe This Movie In One Planes, Trains and Automobiles Quote: CAR RENTAL AGENT: You’re fucked. Brief Plot Synopsis: It ain’t cool being no jive turkey so close to Thanksgiving. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Turbo-Men (Turbo-Mans?) out of 5 Tagline: “There will be no leftovers.” Better…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Galveston Restaurant
Best Galveston Restaurant: Katie’s Seafood House With decades under its belt as a seafood supplier for island restaurants, the team opened up Katie’s Seafood House a few years back with a dream of serving the freshest catch in the Gulf. It totally worked, and now the crew has their sights…
NFL Week 11: Cardinals vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
On Sunday, the Houston Texans will look to notch their third win in a row, with the Arizona Cardinals coming to town. The Cardinals are, by record (2-8 on the season), one of the worst teams in the NFL, and yet the spread on the game has hovered around a…
Apollo Chamber Players Turns Canceled Into Current
Apollo Chamber Players will dive deeper into its season-long story of “Silenced Voices” with composer, multimedia artist and writer Paul D. Miller (a.k.a. DJ Spooky). Spanning multiple eras, Apollo’s concert delves into the history of forbidden theories in science and astronomy to the present-day warnings of climatologists and the relevancy of George Orwell’s 1984 with…
Openings and Closings: Comalito Debuts Today, Underbelly Spring Branch Tomorrow
Comalito, 2520 Airline, opens November 17 at Houston Farmers Market. The new CDMX-inspired taqueria is a collaboration between Underbelly Hospitality and Nixt, a restaurant group led by internationally-known chefs Luis Robledo Richards and Atzin Santos. Co-founder Richards said in a press release, “Our vision for Comalito is to create a…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Dance Club
Best Dance Club: Fabian’s Latin Flavors How much dancing actually occurs at Fabian’s could be contested because the Main Street Latin restaurant-slash-dance club is always packed with beautiful people and more waiting in line to enter. There’s food but the establishment’s nightlife calendar not only made it popular, it spawned…
Doja Cat Brings The Scarlet Tour to Houston
“I’m just gonna go into the next song,” laughed Amala Ratna Zandile Diamini as the audience roared around her. The singer better known as Doja Cat sat perched on a chair in the center of the triangular stage. Sitting in front of the full house Doja almost gave the feeling…
Planned Parenthood Continues To Bridge The Gap For Those Seeking Gender-Affirming Care
Since Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast first launched its telehealth services, more and more of its patients are taking advantage of this method of care – particularly those who are transgender or gender diverse. Dr. Bhavik Kumar, the medical director for primary and trans care at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, said…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Sip Festive Booze at a Holiday-Themed Pop Up
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Christmas themed cocktail pop-up bar Miracle is back with festive original cocktails, over-the-top and kitschy holiday decor and nostalgic fun, open November 17 through December 30. Local pop-ups include Miracle at Johnny’s Gold Brick (by reservation,…
Opinion: Is Biden Unpopular, or is America Just Really Depressed?
I was reading a story about President Joe Biden’s poll numbers the other day, and this quote from a lifelong Democrat hit me like a pie in the face. “I love Joe Biden. He’s great, you know, but he’s an old dude and I am really frustrated with our lack…
Three Huge Ways Deshaun Watson’s Season Ending Injury Impacts the Houston Texans
Since about the time he requested a trade from the Houston Texans in late January, Deshaun Watson’s life, both on and off the field, have spun fairly wildly put of control. Of course, off the field, there were the two dozen lawsuits from massage therapists that took over a year,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Enchiladas
Best Enchiladas: Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill Enchiladas in these parts are so plentiful that sometimes when determining whose are best it’s tempting to look for some obvious difference. Is it stuffed with pit-smoked brisket? Or succulent veggies? Or doused in an exotic sauce? That approach is fine but…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Crawfish
Best Crawfish: Phat Eatery In a city flush with incredible crawfish boils (especially during the season), it’s kind of hard to stand out; but this Katy Asian Town wonder manages to do just that. Chef-owner Alex Au-Yeung’s cult favorite Malaysian Curry Crawfish is a true Mutt City creation — boiled,…
Rockets Week: Four Things That Have Dramatically Changed Since Last Year
For three straight seasons, the Rockets were the worst or worst adjacent team in the NBA. Their total record over those years was 59-177. Prior to the 2020-21 season, they had been to the playoffs in eight straight seasons, won the division four times and reached the conference finals twice…
Capitalist Fears Unlocked in Rice Players’ That Thing in the Bathroom
Imagine minding your own business, working your minimum wage job at a local coffee place, when you notice an odd substance in the public bathroom. It doesn’t look like anything you’ve ever seen before, it’s growing, and it appears to have an appetite. Pick your favorite “I don’t get paid…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar – Downtown
Best Bar – Downtown: Rabbit’s Got the Gun Your favorite local watering hole can either be a Cheers-like treasure which is fervently protected by a cadre of IYKYK regulars or something built for the corporate masses. Rabbit’s Got the Gun is the rare sort of bar that lives in both…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Brunch – Heights
Best Brunch – Heights: Jūn Chef Evelyn Garcia made H-town proud after absolutely smashing it on Top Chef: Houston, and she’s done it once again at her new Asian stunner, a collaboration with friend and partner chef Henry Lu. Enjoying an evening here is an obvious choice, but the weekend…
Best Bets: Pancakes, Greek Films and Zine Fest Houston
One week to go until Thanksgiving and it’s starting to look a lot like the holiday season when you explore the offerings at the city’s art organizations. Though we’ve got some holiday productions for you today, we’ve also got a film festival, the union of multimedia and a classic ghost…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Museum
Best Museum: MFA Houston Nancy and Rich Kinder Building It’s pretty cool when your city’s fine art museum happens to be housed (at least partially) in its own work of art. The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is such an example of incredible…
Conroe ISD Follows Suit Of Other Local District And Passes Revised Book Review Policy
Following in the footsteps of nearby school districts, Conroe Independent School District implemented changes to its book review process on Tuesday night – placing further restrictions on what can and cannot stay on the shelves. After re-evaluating the proposal initially introduced by Trustee Tiffany Baumon Nelson last month, it passed…
MJ the Musical Dazzles Though Avoids Deep Insights into the King of Pop
Not many musical artists are as generationally recognized and beloved as Michael Jackson. With songs like “Billie Jean” and music videos like “Scream,” Jackson has singularly carved out his mark in pop culture and music history. With a catalog as extensive and recognizable as his, there’s very little that needs…
Houston Concert Watch 11/15: Chris Stapleton, Peter Frampton and More
Though the thought of AI makes many in the creative community do a serious pearl clutch, I’ve got to say that I like the possibilities that the technology offers in terms of “unmixing” records. That is to say, separating the components in recordings that were made before multitrack recording was…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Wine Selection
Best Wine Selection: Papps Bros. Steakhouse Wine enthusiast or just enthusiastic drinker, there are few wine cellars more well stocked in the entire state of Texas than those at Papps Bros. Steakhouse locations. From the most dauntingly expensive to the downright reasonable by glass or by bottle, Pappas has them…
The Turn of the Screw: A Classic in Brand New Form at Catastrophic
When Henry James wrote his gothic horror story The Turn of the Screw in 1898, there was no multimedia available to extend the tale beyond its novella form. But now there is and creative director and multimedia designer Adam J. Thompson, working with Catastrophic’s Afsaneh Aayani, have come up with…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Wings
Best Wings: Blood Bros. BBQ The city’s best wings aren’t located in a chain of restaurants specializing in wings, but in a much-lauded craft barbecue restaurant in Bellaire. Among the many things Blood Bros. BBQ is doing right – so many things they’ve earned praise from the likes of New…
Our Own Music Writers Lament “The Shows That Got Away”
If you’ve been going to live music concerts for any length of time, you know the pain. The pain and misery of knowing a performer or band is coming to town, thinking about going to see them, and then—for whatever reason—never actually getting your ass to the show. Maybe there’s…
A Return to Pemberley on Christmas Day With Georgiana and Kitty at Main Street
She’s mentioned in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice with little attention paid to her. But now, in Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley at Main Street Theater, the younger sister of Mr. Darcy gets her due. As does the Bennet sister Kitty. It’s the third and final installment in the Christmas…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Place to Buy Video Games
Best Place to Buy Video Games: Re-Play Games Retro gaming collecting has exploded over the last decade, and Re-Play Games is the best place in Houston to get into that hobby. Customers can find a ton of titles that are not available on digital marketplaces. Because Re-Play has a reputation…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Gulf Coast Restaurant
Best Gulf Coast Restaurant: Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition The former Izakaya space in Midtown has been transformed into this Southern charmer from executive chef Lucas McKinney. Named after the chef’s great grandmother, Josephine’s serves inspired Gulf Coast fare with a focus on all things fresh and local — redfish from…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar
Best Bar: Julep Julep is the Sally Field of Houston bars. It stands to reason that bars noted as best in their respective neighborhoods in this annual rite would be nominees. The best bar in Midtown might be a perennial contender, like Meryl Streep. The one in the Village might…
Houston Texans Schedule of Future Opposing QBs Getting Very Intriguing
The first ten weeks of the NFL season, nine games in total for the Houston Texans, has been an incredible ride. In the last two weeks alone, we’ve experienced more excitement in Houston than we have in the previous three seasons. Two heart pounding, last second wins have the city…
A Texas Carol at A.D. Players: The Secret to its Success Started With the Title
Created on the fly, in full acknowledgment that sometimes it can be difficult to get people to buy tickets to theater shows they’ve never heard of, A Texas Carol at A.D. Players last year was the surprise success of the 2022 Houston holiday season. So as Jayme McGhan, the executive artistic…
Could Special Session Four Put A Voucher-Like Program Back On The Table?
For the first time in decades, legislation that would create education savings accounts for Texas families to use taxpayer dollars to send their kids to private school passed out of a House committee last week. After an hourslong hearing in the House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment, lawmakers…
Five Things Joe Espada Will Have to Address as Manager
The Astros made it official on Monday naming Joe Espada as their new manager and successor to Dusty Baker. Espada spent seven years as the team’s bench coach, taking over for Alex Cora when he left for Boston. As the team’s bench coach, Espada has become well liked by players…
The Disney-Fication of Doctor Who is Already Weird
It’s been a little over a year since Disney acquired the rights to Doctor Who, and frankly, it’s already gotten a little weird. First, some back story. Disney tried acquiring the complete rights to all things Doctor Who back in the 1980s. This was a period where The Mouse was…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Ice Cream Shop
Best Ice Cream Shop: Sweet Bribery by Craft Creamery You can get a double scoop of goodness at this revamped Heights concept, a collaboration between 19th Street ice cream shop Sweet Bribery and Montrose darling Craft Creamery. Just opened in September, the parlor features old school ice creams with a…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern: Albi The team behind Mary’z Mediterranean has upped the ante with this sultry new River Oaks spot, which spotlights the bold flavors of the Levant region of the Middle East, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and more. With a luxe atmosphere to match the eats, it’s an excellent…
Houston Texans Win Over Bengals Showcased Nick Caserio’s Amazing Free Agency Class
Perhaps the most striking thing to me about the Texans’ season altering 30-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals was that the Texans didn’t need a ton of luck to defeat what was perceived as a superior opponent. The game, in fact, was way closer than it should have been. The…
Houston Trauma Nurse Goes Viral as “Nurse Blake” and Returns with a Comedy Show For Healthcare Workers and Normies Alike
Nurse Blake’s life changed as a frontline worker in Houston. Now a viral comedy sensation, the former trauma center nurse is returning to a city that helped start him down the road to comedy with the Shock Advised Tour making a stop at the Smart Financial Centre on Saturday, November…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Little Free Library
Best Free Little Library: Little Banned Library Over the past year there has been a concerted effort to remove books from school and public libraries that deal with social justice, white supremacy, and LGBT themes. One solution to the problem is the Little Banned Library outside Ike’s Love & Sandwiches…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Banh Mi
Best Banh Mi: Moon Rabbit You’ll find a wealth of traditional Vietnamese standbys at this fancy-ish Vietnamese eatery, and while you should experience the full menu, do not overlook the banh mi. Here, the humble sandwich gets a not-so-basic spin with fillings like crispy breaded chicken breast and spicy sate,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Dive Bar
Best Dive Bar: Poison Girl You want an “anything goes” vibe from your favorite dive bar and that – plus boozy, affordable drinks – is precisely what you get at Poison Girl. On one hand, there’s a sign preaching the bar’s mantra, “Drink Like an Adult” and on the other…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Bourbon, Tamales, and a “Gobble ’til You Wobble” Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Whiskey Week 2023 at Reserve 101 Reserve 101, 1201 Caroline, will be hosting Whiskey Week 2023 from Monday, November 13 through Saturday, November 18. In addition to tastings, exclusive barrel releases and the launch of a new whiskey…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Italian
Best Italian: Mimo Italian concepts fluttered the city in 2023, but great as they may be, no newcomer was as exciting as this humble Eastwood Italian joint, from seasoned industry folk Fernando Rios (former executive chef at Weights + Measures) and Mike Sammons (13 Celsius and more). The duo dreamed…
Between Stand-Up, Sitcoms and Reality TV, Ms. Pat Wants It All And More – Including “A Husband With Four Arms!”
Ms Pat keeps her scheduled packed. The headliner has gone mainstream with her beloved BET sitcom The Ms. Pat Show, and has even dabbled in the reality TV world with her newly launched courtroom series Ms. Pat Settles It. “I’m just trying to stay afloat, child,” the comic says with…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Choir
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected the Houston Show Choir as the Best Choir.
Author David Ensminger Gets to the “Roots” of Punk—with a Special Guest—at Cactus Music
In general, music is an art of genres. And subgenres. And sub-subgenres. And even then, the lines get too fuzzy for nitpicky record store clerks looking to place discs in their respective divider cards. Take punk—itself a subgenre of rock. Is it the street-tough New Yawk ‘60s-inspired buzzsaw attack of…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Gelato
Best Gelato: Amorino Gelato Tucked into a back corner of the River Oaks District (with a second shop inside the Galleria) is one of the best gelato places in the world, never mind Houston. Amorino not only showcases the rich, creamy Italian frozen import (literally since the chain is from…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Grocery Store
Best Grocery Store: Central Market If we are being totally honest, seeing the Central Market label inside our neighborhood H-E-B makes us a little giddy because we know the quality is high and it reminds us that we can always go to the actual Central Market if we want. It’s…
NFL Week 10: Texans 30, Bengals 27 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Last week’s franchise turning point, in their thrilling win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a realization that the Houston Texans, in rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, have one of those elite level, late game quarterbacks that scare the bejeezus out of opponents, if they leave him any time on the…
Report: Astros to Hire Bench Coach Joe Espada as New Manager
In a report from respected baseball write Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Astros will sign current bench coach Joe Espada to be the team’s new manager as soon as Monday. Espada has been with the organization for seven seasons, joining the team in 2018. He will follow manager Dusty…
Judge Throws Out Harris County GOP Candidates’ Election Contest Cases
A do-over of last November’s race is not in store for former Republican candidate Erin Lunceford after Judge David Peeples denied Lunceford’s election challenge on Thursday. Lunceford’s case is one of 21 other election contests filed by fellow Republican candidates who lost their respective races. In a summary judgment, Peeples…
With More Achievement Gap Data, HISD Seeks to Further Justify Fast Action
Even before the Board of Managers voted unanimously (is there ever any other vote these days?) Thursday night to adopt an administration plan calling for an ambitious boost to student STAAR scores in five years, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles solidified his position with even more statistics. This time it was…
Openings and Closings: Chef Hori’s Katami Opens, Auden Autry Park
Katami, 2701 W. Dallas, opened November 7 in Montrose. The eagerly-awaited second Houston restaurant from chef Manabu Horiuchi, better known as Chef Hori, is a culinary partnership between the four-time James Beard Award-nominated Japanese chef and business partner Yun Cheng. The duo are the brains and talent behind the highly-acclaimed…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Saint Arnold Brings its Fan Favorite Pub Crawl to The Woodlands
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Pearland Restaurant Weeks All month long Running November 1–30, Pearland Restaurant Weeks supports the Pearland Neighborhood Center, with participating restaurants offering prix fixe menus throughout the month. Neighborhood favorites include Boiling Dragon, Eight Turn Crepe, Floyd’s Cajun Seafood, Grazia…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Breakfast – Heights
Best Breakfast – Heights: Dish Society Breakfast is served every day at this farm-to-table mini empire, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and until 3 p.m. on weekends. That means early birds and late risers can get their fill of honey, goji berry and yogurt loaded granola bowls, egg-topped avocado…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Birth/Rebirth
Title: Birth/Rebirth Describe This Movie In One Jurassic Park Quote: DR. IAN MALCOLM: I’m simply saying that life, uh… finds a way. Brief Plot Synopsis: Kid Sematary Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 basters out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “This isn’t the kind of STEM I was thinking of.” Not…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Mexican
Best Mexican: Cochinita & co. We love authentic Mexican food and do not begrudge the chefs and restaurants who endeavor to put this incredible cuisine on white linen pedestals where it belongs. But when it’s presented at budget-friendly prices and doesn’t forsake the freshness or flavors of our favorite Mexican…
NFL Week 10: Texans vs Bengals — Four Things to Watch For
If there is a team outside the AFC South against whom the Houston Texans have the most memorable moments in franchise history, it’s probably the Cincinnati Bengals. In a strange circle of life, this pattern began in Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans’ final season as a Texans player in 2011,…
Mr. Chuy Goes to Houston
Jesus Garcia is one of the Internet’s funniest, savviest content creators. Known to millions of followers as Mr. Chuy, the Mexican-American social media creator got serious about writing, acting and directing by being “the family clown.” “I’ve always been like the family clown. Obviously, being Mexican-American we have a big…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar – River Oaks
Best Bar – River Oaks: Marfreless Some bars need loud sound systems or flashing lights to make their mark but Marfreless, the iconic River Oaks cocktail bar, doesn’t even need a sign. Because the speakeasy has been around for decades, those in the know simply head for the blue door…
![Harris County Dodges GOP Critics After What Experts Say Was A Well-Run Election [Updated]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pollworkerspreppingtoprocess.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Harris County Dodges GOP Critics After What Experts Say Was A Well-Run Election [Updated]
Under the watchful eyes of GOP critics due to the issues experienced during last November’s election – operations this time around ran relatively smoothly, with only a few problems arising at a handful of Election Day vote centers. “I think on a curve, the election was a success, especially considering…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Friendsgiving Brunch and Free Sushi Raffle
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: TEN Sushi & Cocktail Bar, 4200 Westheimer, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Thursday, November 16; and to commemorate the milestone, the fan favorite is raffling off gift cards valued at $365 each. Any customer who…
C.J. Stroud Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
There was a time, not all that long ago, where a Texans quarterback being named AFC Offensive Player of the Week was not all that rare. Deshaun Watson did it three times in a two month span back in 2019. We all know how that story ended, so let’s make…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Wine Bar
Best Wine Bar: Plonk! Bistro & Wine Cellar Tucked away in a corner of a strip center in Oak Forest, behind a bank and adjacent to a Kroger store sits Plonk, a cozy, unique neighborhood wine bar that should be a must stop for any wine nerd in the Houston…
Why Teacher Certification Should Matter: One Apprentice’s Take
After slightly more than a month of classes as a teaching assistant at a New Education System Aligned school in Houston ISD, Nathaly Reyna quit. She thought she’d known what she was getting into with Superintendent Mike Miles’ approach to instruction and welcomed a chance to work as a TA at Gallegos…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best All Day Cafe
Best All Day Cafe: Ojo de Agua The already noteworthy River Oaks District just got a little more so with the addition of this renowned cafe and market with locations across Mexico. Here, you’ll find an open and airy space in which to enjoy its roster of coffees, fresh juices…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best French
Best French: Le Jardinier A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston should be on every Houstonians bucket list, as should experiencing its exquisite, on-campus modern French restaurant, Le Jardinier. French for “the gardener,” the artful spot highlights the season with fresh local produce and masterful culinary technique (there’s…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Liquor Store
Best Liquor Store: Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods (Smith Street location) It’s nearly impossible to argue. With all due respect to every other liquor store in Houston (probably Texas), there is just no place like Spec’s downtown. The local chain has been part of the lives of Houstonians since…
Best Bets: Terence Blanchard, Houston Cinema Arts Festival and Frostival
In this week’s best bets, we’ve got a suite from a groundbreaking opera, a boatload of films curated just for us Houstonians and, because it’s never too early for the holidays around here, an early visit to a winter wonderland over at Discovery Green. Keep reading for these and more…
Restaurants Thanking Veterans with Free Meals and Discounts This Veterans Day
Veterans Day is coming on Saturday, November 11, and several Houston restaurants, coffee shops and bars are showing their gratitude to those who have served with free meals, discounts and more. Here’s where to celebrate Veterans in Houston this year. Andiron, 3201 Allen Parkway Veterans and active-duty military who show…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Beer List
Best Beer List: Flying Saucer Draught Emporium The beer list at Flying Saucer is recommended reading according to beer librarians. It begins with a header titled “Transcendent Draft.” Below that header, there are several craft beer options which, the menu tells us, were chosen for “the abiding dedication to excellence…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Tasting Menu
Best Tasting Menu: March This uber stylish 28-seat restaurant from Goodnight Hospitality is where you want to go to be wow-ed. Chef-partner Felipe Riccio and team craft six- and nine-course tasting menus that explore the boundaries of the Mediterranean, and so far, each iteration of the menu is seemingly better…
HISD’s District of Innovation Application Opens Up a World of Waivers
Don’t ask, don’t tell. If Houston ISD goes all the way with a committee proposal and gets buy-in from the Texas Education Agency it will not only get to hire uncertified teachers at will without asking permission each time, but it won’t have to tell parents what it has done…
Houston Gets ‘The Byrd’ This Weekend
To honor maestro William Byrd on the 400th anniversary year since the Englishman’s death, Houston Chamber Choir will present Byrds of a Feather at 7:30 p.m. on November 11 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Meyerland. In this step back in time, the choir will perform works by Byrd and his flock of fellow musicians…
Houston Concert Watch 11/8: Jackie Venson, Better Than Ezra and More
As an increasing number of aging rockers curtail their touring schedules or retire altogether, tribute bands are stepping in to fill the void. A gander at recent local venue schedules shows that more tribute bands are being booked in more upscale venues. At Main Street Crossing, for instance, almost half…
Boogie & Blues Rockers Foghat Keep Up Their Sonic Mojo
Turn on any Classic Rock radio station—terrestrial, satellite or streaming—and you’re sure to hear something by Foghat. The UK-bred boogie blues band scored in the ’70s with hits like “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” “Drivin’ Wheel,” “Fool for the City,” “Stone Blue,” “Third Time Lucky (First Time…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Place to People Watch
Best Place to People Watch: Houston Murals It’s fun to guess what a clump of art lovers might be thinking about a certain painting or sculpture at the Louvre, the Met or Houston’s own Museum of Fine Arts. You might not approach an observer to pick their brain about Frida…
Houston Texans Midseason Fab Five Players
With an odd number of games on the NFL schedule, it becomes mathematically impossible to have a true “halfway point” of a season, based on games, unless you want to pause the league at halftime of every team’s ninth game. The midway point is the time to reflect, dish out…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Mexican Bakery
Best Mexican Bakery: Deleite Bakery Like any of Houston’s biggest, best panaderias, Deleite Bakery on Houston’s far east side boasts cabinets and cabinets filled with sugary, bready treasures. All the pan dulce staples are neatly arranged behind clear glass doors for visitors to see, like gems in a jewelry shop…
Property Tax Cuts Receive a Solid Approval Rating
Early voting returns showed widespread support for the statewide amendment that would allow the Texas Legislature to spend up to $18 billion to provide property tax cuts to homeowners and business owners. With about 79 percent of expected votes in, Proposition 4, which allows this, had garnered 181,199 votes. Texas…
Citywide Propositions and a County Measure All Approved in Tuesday’s Elections
Several of the Harris County Health system’s hospitals can expect to see construction commence as Harris County voters signaled their approval of $2.5 billion going toward funding a series of proposed expansions and renovations.
Runoff Ahead in Houston Mayor’s Race
Early returns in the Houston mayor’s race had State Senator John Whitmire taking the lead against Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for a probable upcoming runoff in December. Whitmire was leading with 59,697 votes or roughly 43 percent of the expected total votes. Jackson Lee fell slightly behind, with 48,548 or…
Election Day Starts With Slight Delays, But Overall Operations Appear To Be Running Smoothly
Election Day kicked off – for some later than others – amid several issues reported Tuesday morning that left a handful of the county’s 701 vote centers having to open later than planned. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, River Oaks Park, River Oaks and Frostwood elementary schools were among the polling…
Impractical Joker Joe Gatto Trades Stunts for Storytelling in New Solo Show
Almost two years ago, devotees of the long-running TruTv hit Impractical Jokers were bummed to see that after 9 successful seasons, fan favorite Joe Gatto was leaving the program. But fans who have sorely missed Gatto’s fearless wit are in luck, as the New York native is hitting the road…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Brunch – Midtown
Best Brunch – Midtown: Weights + Measures It may have been a while since you thought about Weights + Measures’ dukkah-spiced carrot pizza, but Xavier and Mari Godoy (owners of popular Heights haunt Mastrantos) hope to change that. The duo purchased the Midtown standby earlier this year, breathing new life…
C.J. Stroud’s Perfect Day Against Tampa Bay
It’s Tuesday and there is still metaphorical smoke coming off of C.J. Stroud’s record setting performance on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. C.J. Stroud didn’t need to make a statement game to tell people he is a capable NFL quarterback. His body of work going into Sunday proved that…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Japanese Restaurant
Best Japanese Restaurant: Money Cat With over a year under its belt, the Kirby Grove game-changer from chef and restaurateur Sherman Yeung (Tobiuo Sushi & Bar) has garnered fans far and wide. That’s thanks to Yeung’s combination of playful flavors and serious technique to put out perfectly polished New Japanese…
Opinion: Alternative Medicine is the McDonald’s of Faith
I have a deep and abiding hatred for quack remedy peddlers. Whether it’s the cult of ivermectin during COVID or that weird group of Facebook moms who try to rid their children of autism with bleach enemas, it’s a facet of humanity that is dangerous and deeply frustrating. I used…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Haunted House
Best Haunted House: 13th Floor For a Universal Studios-level haunted attraction in Houston, 13th Floor can’t be beat. The giant haunted house covers three different themed zones that are updated every year. The winding corridors are expertly maintained (and even wheelchair accessible!) and keep the usual complaints of bottlenecks from…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar Montrose
Best Bar Montrose: Anvil First opened in 2009, Houston’s O.G. cocktail bar is aging like a fine wine…or a fine spirit, rather. Over the years, Bobby Heugel and co. have managed to tip-toe the line between keeping things utterly classic and fresh feeling. That’s thanks to a smart, eager staff…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bike Shop
Best Bike Shop: I Cycle Bike Shop One of Houston’s long-time bicycle shops moved recently into the interesting confines of a former Masonic lodge off the White Oak hike and bike trail on Watonga in Oak Forest. Honestly, it’s a perfect spot, not just because of the size or proximity…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Coffee
Best Coffee: OSO Coffee Co. Ross, Rachel and friends drank a lot of coffee at their favorite java joint. They must have sipped and slurped gallons of espressos and flat whites. One concoction we know they never sampled was the Sabroso, the distinctive and addictive horchata latte created by OSO…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Election Day Slices and a Pizza Collab That Brings the Heat
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, November 6 Oheya x Kubota Sake Dinner Along with kicking off its new November menu, Oheya by Uchi, 904 Westheimer, will also host a one-night-only sake pairing dinner featuring Kubota sake, presented by sake sommelier Kaoru Ito from Asahi Shuzo Sake…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Breakfast – Montrose
Best Breakfast – Montrose: Citizens of Montrose Aussie-style flat whites, fresh juices and nutrient-packed breakfast plates that are as gorgeous as they are tasty are the bread and butter of this community-driven Australian by way of NYC cafe, which opened off lower Westheimer earlier this year. Dig into sweet and…
If You Didn’t Do Early Voting, Here’s What to Expect on Election Day
Early voting for the November 2023 election saw 224,400 voters in Harris County flocking to the polls to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. According to Brandon Rottinghaus, political science professor at the University of Houston, this surpassed in-person early voter turnout during the 2015 general election…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Gay Bar
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected Michael’s Outpost as the Best Gay Bar.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Live Venue (Small)
Best Live Venue (Small): The End Photographs tell the story of hallowed music halls like CBGB and The Fillmore and one day music historians may be able to add Houston’s The End to such a list. If you haven’t made your way to a show at the intimate space on…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Steakhouse
Best Steakhouse: Andiron A 22-foot live fire grill, handsome space and top notch meat program featuring the best cuts from around the globe help this scorching Sambrooks Management Company (The Pit Room, Candente) concept turn up the volume in Houston’s robust steakhouse scene. Executive chef Louis Maldonado helms the open…
NFL Week 9: – Texans 39, Buccaneers 37 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Coming into Sunday afternoon, we knew that C.J. Stroud was a pretty good NFL quarterback, not even by rookie standards, but by the standards that the veterans around the league have established. This was known. However, to win the ultimate prize in the NFL, chances are you need more than…
State Investigating HISD Over Too Many Graduation Waivers
Too many kids are graduating from Houston ISD schools not because they passed their end of course exams, but because a school committee waved them on – so much so that the state is investigating. That was the bomb dropped by HISD Superintendent Mike Miles during another lengthy meeting of…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Burger Bodega Celebrates One Smashing Year
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Night Market at Asia Society Texas Center Friday, 6 to 10 p.m. 1370 Southmore Asia Society Texas Center’s annual Night Market returns with an even bigger footprint. Expect free outdoor activities and fun, including a curated market with food…
Openings and Closings: Junction Takes Over Railway Heights, Relish Expands
Relish Restaurant & Bar, 12850 Memorial, is shooting to open in the Fall 2024. It’s the second location for the classic American restaurant from husband and wife duo Dustin and Addie Teague. The couple opened the first Relish restaurant in 2016 after outgrowing the original concept, Relish Fine Foods. Located…
Houston Voters: Beware These Election Myths
Houstonians head to the polls soon to elect a new mayor and vote on a handful of major state-wide propositions. There is some potent misinformation out there. Here are some of the current myths and whether they have any truth to them. Myth: Party Affiliations Will Not Be on the…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Pain Hustlers
Title: Pain Hustlers Describe This Movie In One Point Break Quote: DALTON: Pain don’t hurt. Brief Plot Synopsis: It appears the pharmaceutical industry is riddled with fraud. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Professor Elliss D. Traills out of 5. Tagline: “She deals your pain.” Better Tagline: “Get rich while others die…
NFL Week 9: Buccaneers vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
If I’ve learned one thing about the National football League in my time covering it since 2007, and my time being a fan of it since the early ’80s, it seems like bad losses, like the one the Houston Texans suffered at the hands of the Carolina Panthers last week,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Fried Chicken
Best Fried Chicken: Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers There’s often good music playing inside of Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers. On a recent visit, Barry White was serendipitously doing his thing when the city’s best fried chicken was delivered to our table. Fittingly, the song was “I’m Gonna Love You Just a…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Deli
Best Deli: Mandola’s Deli Houston is not loaded with a wealth of delis, but the ones that are here are not just fantastic but unique, with their own styles and flavors. Mandola’s Deli, just across the freeway from the University of Houston, is steeped in tradition and great food, particularly…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar – Midtown
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected Wooster’s Garden as the Best Bar – Midtown.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Place to Buy Plants
Best Place to Buy Plants: Cornelius Nursery Houston is a wonderful place to grow plants. Our near tropical climate provides gardeners with loads of options from flowers and vegetables to succulents and tropicals. And you can find them all at Cornelius Nursery. They have a unique and extensive selection of…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Comic Book Store
Best Comic Book Store: Nan’s Games and Comics Too Nan’s is such a Houston icon that’s it’s easy to forget how amazing the store really is. It started as a toy and doll shop more than 50 years ago, and since the 1990s has been the best place to find…
Prosecutors Are One Step Closer To Determining Pay In Texas AG Paxton’s Securities Fraud Case
After a court hearing earlier this week in the securities fraud case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, State District Judge Andrea Beall has ruled on the matter of delayed prosecutorial payment, which is now in the hands of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. In a filing by special…
Five Things the Astros Should Look for in a New Manager
With Dusty Baker officially retired, the Astros are on the hunt for a new manager. Names have already been bandied about in reports including current coaches Joe Espada and Omar Lopez, former Astro cacher Brad Ausmus, former Astro and current Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, and Brewers skipper Craig Counsell. Rather…
What Harris County Voters Should Expect On Election Day
Days away from the end of early voting, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said that operations are running relatively smoothly – with over 123,000 in-person early voters having cast their ballots as of Wednesday morning. Hudspeth added that Harris County election officials sent out 20,000 mail-in ballots to voters who…
POLL: Seven Games In, Are Houston Texans Fans More Hopeful or Fearful?
So, we are eight weeks into the season, seven games into the schedule — how we feeling Houston Texans fans? That’s really what sports is all about, right? How does it make us FEEL? Unless you’re a maniacal gambler, sports doesn’t make you any money. Quite the contrary, actually, especially…
Best Bets: Quilts, Alebrijes and Korean Film Nights
It’s a new month, but if there’s one thing you can always count on, it’s the offerings from our local arts and culture organizations. This week, we’ve got a classic Spielberg film played with live orchestra, literally thousands of quilts, and fantastical creatures to capture your imagination. Keep reading for…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Thin Crust Pizza
Best Thin Crust Pizza: Nonno’s You’ve heard of Chicago deep dish, but you may be surprised to learn there’s another style of pizza the Windy City folks are bonkers for (and rightfully so). That’d be tavern style pizza, epic bars pie made with a cracker-thin crust that’s cut into small…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Cheese Shop
Best Cheese Shop: Houston Dairymaids There are places that sell cheese and then there is Houston Dairy Maids, a shop completely dedicated to all things cheesy. Inside the quaint little storefront on the northeast end of the Houston Heights are a boatload of varieties from hard to soft, robust to…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Icehouse
Best Icehouse: West Alabama Ice House The modern icehouse is quite different from its predecessors. Now, many sport areas for kids to play and gourmet food options. Those are all nice, but if you just want a cold beer and a picnic area under a canopy of oak trees to…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Dog Park
Best Dog Park: Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park Even in a city as big as Houston, finding wide open spaces to let your pooch run free is difficult. It is illegal (and dangerous) to walk your dog off leash in Houston, but if your pup really wants to run, have…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Chamber Orchestra
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected Kinetic Ensemble as the Best Chamber Orchestra.
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Were HISD Student Leaders Asked to Spy on Teachers and Other Students? [UPDATED]
Student leaders at five different schools in Houston ISD were pulled from their classes at mid-day Monday to attend a meeting with a few principals and the executive director for the Central District Dr. Hilda Arnold, where they were asked to tell their principals if they hear of any planned…
Is Governor Greg Abbott’s Proposal For School Choice, Really A Done Deal?
Amid a weekslong stalemate between the House and the Senate over Governor Greg Abbott’s priority of school choice, Abbott said on Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with House Speaker Dade Phelan and other House leaders. Abbott doubled down by expanding the third special session call to include teacher…
Houston Texans Make No Moves at NFL Trade Deadline
Over the last week to ten days, one big question that Houston Texans fans had was “How will the Texans treat the trade deadline? Will they be buyers or sellers?” The fact that there was any question to the matter shows how far they’ve come in less than one season,…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Friendsgiving and Free BBQ for Veterans
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m., Sixty Vines in The Woodlands, 9595 Six Pines, invites guests to its first wine pairing dinner in partnership with California’s Stolpman Vineyards. Enjoy a curated menu featuring Stolpman wines,…
Houston Concert Watch 11/1: Polyphia, Marty Stuart and More
There is a scene in Mel Brooks’ film Blazing Saddles which shows a gang of bad guys (“rustlers, cut throats, murderers, bounty hunters, desperados, mugs, pugs, thugs, nitwits, halfwits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bushwhackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers,…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Oyster Bar
Best Oyster: Little’s Oyster Bar One of the year’s most exciting openings comes from a little restaurant group you may have heard of. That’d be this oyster house from Pappas Restaurants, and yes, we were kidding about the “little” part. Taking over the former Little Pappas Seafood House on South…
Coffee House Live At St. Andrew’s Celebrates Ten Years
Churches have historically been a place where many musicians got their start. From the roots of blues and rock, the list of artists who began singing along as children in church pews is never ending. For St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the relationship is not quite so one directional as ten…
Rockets Week: Alperen Sengun, Shooting Woes and a Long Home Stand
The first week of the Rockets 2023-24 season didn’t exactly go as planned. They stumbled out of the gate to an 0-3 record including an overtime loss in San Antonio to No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama. Given the number of players at or under 21-years-old, the new coaching staff and…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Bar Patio
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected Little Woodrow’s – Midtown as the Best Bar Patio.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Sandwich
Best Sandwich: Sandwich of the Day at Montrose Cheese and Wine One of the most sneaky, under-the-radar places for a great sandwich in Houston is a cheese and wine shop. Montrose Cheese and Wine has great selections of both cheese and wine, sure, but its “sandwich of the day” is…
Best Of Houston® 2023: Drag Performer
In this year’s Best Of Houston®, the Houston Press selected Kofi as the Best Drag Performer.
Best Of Houston® 2023: Best Sporting Goods Store
Best Sporting Goods Store: REI Admittedly, REI is a very specific type of sporting goods store, but for people who love the outdoors, there is no better spot for gearing up. From bikes and kayaks to tents and serious winter snow gear, REI is loaded with everything you could possibly…
Trick-or-Treaters Beware! Colder Weather Is in the Air!
There will be a chill in the air Tuesday night as trick-or-treaters take to the streets, and it’s not from the ghouls and goblins lurking in the corners of the dimly lit neighborhoods. The culprit is a powerful cold front that swept through the Greater Houston area on Monday, bringing…
Where to Dine Out in Houston on Thanksgiving Day 2023
Give yourself a break in the kitchen this Thanksgiving and consider dining out this holiday instead. Restaurants across Houston are ready to take care of Turkey Day dinner for you, offering family-friendly feasts, elegant prix fixe affairs, and plenty of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan…
NFL Sends Cease and Desist to University of Houston Over Luv Ya Blue Uniforms
It is widely known that the Houston Texans will be making changes to their uniforms in 2024. The team, from ownership on down, has been as transparent as they can be about that, and it’s no secret that the new look will likely include some form of light blue resembling…
Texas Attorney General Will Finally See His Day in Trial Court Over Securities Fraud Charges
After eight years of relocation debates and payment disputes, the ongoing securities fraud case against Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to trial in April. State District Judge Andrea Beall set the date during a hearing on Monday, where Paxton was present. The attorney general arrived through the front door…
Tony! Toni! Tone! Take Over The Smart Financial Centre
Tony! Toni! Tone! haven’t toured together since 1994 but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on their last stop at the Sugar Land Smart Financial Centre Sunday night. Raphael Saadiq revisits Tony! Toni! Tone! is not just a nostalgic return to the classic music the trio has created since…
NFL Week 8: Panthers 15, Texans 13 — Four Winners, Four Losers
There’s an old saying, when a fan base feels perpetually cursed, that the gods of whatever sport we are talking about “won’t let us have nice things.” Certainly, the last two or three years, that’s how it’s felt for fans of the Houston Texans. I feel comfortable now, in 2023,…
When the Rainbow Isn’t Enough: Local LGBTQ+ Students Feel the Walls Closing In
Like most high school students, James Onambele watched his peers constantly change, trying different versions of themselves to see which fit best. All the while, Onambele, a now 19-year-old transgender male, navigated a change of his own. “I would constantly feel too feminine, but at the same time, I was transitioning…
When They Were Young: Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire
The two leading candidates for Houston’s next mayor are Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire — two people the Houston Press has been writing about for a very long time. Two of the more entertaining stories about them were written for the Press in the mid-’90s by veteran journalist Tim…
It’s About Time For Best of Houston® 2023
The Houston Press annual curated list highlighting many of the things we like most about the Bayou City begins this Wednesday with Best Of Houston® 2023 and runs through November. Not a popularity contest, as always our list is a carefully curated one of people who know the Houston area…
Black Masses and Anal Probes: The Link Between the Witch Hunts and Alien Abductions
Witches and aliens are Halloween staples. In terms of actual historical reports, they are often actually the same thing. A core component of witch confessions extracted during various purges is the concept of the Black Mass. This is a perverted version of the Catholic Mass where various blasphemies (as designated…
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This Week in Houston Food Events: Red Lion Pub Celebrates Pints and Chicken Tikka Masala [UPDATED]
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, October 31 Halloween Frights and Bites From spooky cocktails to foodie freebies for those dressed in costume, check out our 2023 Halloween Food and Drink Guide for fun food and drink happenings this haunted holiday. The Great Pumpkin Beer Dinner…
Verdi’s Falstaff at Houston Grand Opera is Simply Glorious
If you want to know what walking on air sounds like, turn your attention to Giuseppe Verdi’s last opera, Falstaff (1893), a thoroughly entertaining, satisfying, and uplifting voyage at Houston Grand Opera. A hot air balloon ride has nothing on the King of Opera’s final masterpiece. In structure, musical inventiveness,…
NFL Week 8: Texans vs Panthers — Four Things to Watch For
For the first time in a long time, when it comes to the Houston Texans, it feels good to say the following — the bye week sucked! I hated having to wait two weeks for the next Texans game! This is what happens when you have the brightest young star…
Openings and Closings: MaKiin and Clark’s Oyster Bar Open, KP’s Kitchen Bellaire Soon
MaKiin, 2651 Kipling, opened October 23 in the Hanover River Oaks. Located on the ground floor of the luxury high-rise, the new Thai restaurant comes from restaurateur Lukkaew Srasrisuwan, who opened Kin Dee in the Heights in 2020 with friend and chef Miranda Loetkhamfu. The word Makiin means “come to…
Opinion: Wrestling Fans Finally Discover a Third Transphobic Joke
After decades of stagnation in the realm of transphobic jokes, wrestling fans on Facebook startled everyone by finally adding a third one to the current lexicon. For nearly a decade, there have been only two transphobic jokes used by the wide variety of online commenters. These are “I identify as…
Fear Itself: A Zombie Films With No Zombies
It takes some courage (or possibly gall) to make a movie about a new global pandemic in 2023 when COVID-19 is still lurking at the edges waiting to take more lives. Nonetheless, it forms a perfect backdrop for the Houston-based horror film Fear Itself, a tight psychological thriller about lockdown…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Have a Veuve Soaked Halloween Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Blk Mkt Birria Burger at The Waffle Bus Montrose Friday, 11 a.m. ‘til sold out 1540 West Alabama The Waffle Bus is collaborating with Blk Mkt Birria on a gut-busting, limited-time birria burger, featuring a quarter pound Black Angus…
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HISD Says There is an Investigation Under Way of “Inappropriate Behavior” at Eastwood Academy [UPDATED]
Following a student walkout Thursday afternoon, Leila Walsh the new chief of communications for the Houston ISD, read a statement that HISD was investigating possible “inappropriate behavior” between an adult and child at Eastwood Academy leading to the removal of the principal and other school leaders earlier in the week…
Dusty Baker Retires: Top Five Successes As Astros Skipper
Dusty Baker will officially retire as a manager on Thursday putting to an end and incredible baseball legacy that spanned more than 40 years as a player and manager. It was with the Astros that he finally won his first championship and solidified his position as a Hall of Fame…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Support Coastal Conservation at Blues & Brews
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Waffle Bus is collaborating with Blk Mkt Birria on a limited-time birria burger, available one-day-only on Friday, October 27 at its Montrose location, 1540 West Alabama. The gut-buster features a quarter pound Black Angus smash…
Odds for Astros Offseason Player Moves
The dead season’s body isn’t even cold and we’re talking about the offseason? You’re damn right! When your team is good enough to get to game seven of the ALCS, it means they have already played deep into the offseason of most teams in baseball. We are less than four…
Four Houston Astros Who Have Some Soul Searching to Do This Offseason
The dust is still settling on the Astros’ seventh straight run to the American League Championship Series, and unfortunately it as their third unsuccessful ALCS run. In retrospect, as painful as it is to acknowledge, the Texas Rangers were the better team. Their frontline starting pitchers, Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan…
The Rolling Stones Sparkle with Hackney Diamonds
In the early days, around 1965, the Rolling Stones were arrested for pissing on the wall of a gas station that wouldn’t allow them to use the facilities because of their long hair, uncouth demeanor and general disregard for the customs of polite society. Almost 60 years later, they’re still…
Best Bets: Good Manners, City of Stars and Día de Muertos
It’s Halloween weekend (sort of, since Halloween falls on a Tuesday this year), so we’ve got films with witches and and werewolves right alongside a great comedic opera, a tribute to one of psychedelia’s best bands, and more much. Keep reading for our picks for the best bets this coming…
HISD removes Administrators and Teachers at Eastwood Academy
As the removal and reassignments of principals and teachers continues in the Houston ISD, leaders and teachers at Eastwood Academy are the latest educators to be removed from their positions — amid increasing complaints that teachers are being bullied, with infraction demerits handed out without explanation, On Monday, Eastwood Academy saw the…
Rockets 2023-24 Season Preview: Four Keys to Success
The Rockets open their season in Orlando Tuesday night in what is expected to be something of a transitional year for the young team. Gone are the good feelings just based on development time. “Phase two” means they need some wins to go along with that talent growth. To that…
Two Netflix Shows All in Keeping with the Halloween Holiday
Netflix has plenty of spooky, even scary, options to binge over the Halloween season. Two new shows, in particular, are great options with different vibes. The Fall of the House of Usher is a modern adaption and recontextualizing of Edgar Allen Poe with some inventive horror and genuine scares. Castlevania:…
Houston Concert Watch 10/25: John Mayer, Parker McCollum and More
The Curse of Cruz? It seems to be the title of a real-life horror movie. As pundits sifted through the wreckage following the Astros’ ignominious exit from postseason play, some attention was given to the fact that Houston sports teams don’t fare well when the junior senator from Texas is…
Who Will the Available NFL Veteran QBs Be in 2024?
One of the biggest changes in the National Football League over the last five years or so is that the offseason, more and more, has started to resemble the NBA’s offseason, where big time star players changing teams has become more normal. In the NBA, star players are the few…
Tim Qualls Is At His Best on New Album, Feel
Tim Qualls has been one of Houston’s best-kept secrets for 15 years as a musician. His new album, Feel, should propel him out of the city if the gods of pop music are just. Since 2021, Qualls has been working full time as a musician thanks to a work furlough…
Join that Jolly, Scheming Fellow Falstaff at the Houston Grand Opera
For the first time in 10 years, baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. will sing in Falstaff, taking on the title role in the last opera ever composed by Giuseppe Verdi , and only his second comic opera ever. “What’s really amazing about my doing Falstaff for Houston Grand Opera, is for…
Down Ballot Races and Propositions Capture Houston Voters’ Attention
As early voting began Monday, the Houston mayor’s race is gathering less attention than down ballot races and propositions in early voting, according to one local political expert. Whether that’s because voters think there is already a winner or there are negative feelings about frontrunners State Senator John Whitmire and Congresswoman…
Rockets 2023-24 Season Preview: Key Veterans
As the Rockets enter what they consider “phase two” (aka “wins are important”), it only makes sense that part of the plan include the addition of and subsequent focus on more than just youth. Certainly, some of those younger players, as we explored in another post, are to beginning to…
Houston Texans Power Ranking of Injured Players Set to Return
Perhaps more than any other sport, in the National Football League, a team’s roster is a very fluid “organism.” Due to the sheer number of players, along with the high rate of injuries, there are several moving parts every week when it comes to a team’s roster composition. Through the…
Gordy Marshall is Just a Singer (and Drummer) in a Rock and Roll Band, Playing the Moody Blues with the Houston Symphony
Some folks make too much of the perceived division between classical music and rock and roll. Gordy Marshall is here to set them straight. Still, it must be noted that the marriage between rock and roll and classical music has been, at times, a fraught union. Sometimes more of a…
Bruce Hornsby Is Back On The Spirit Trail
Bruce Hornsby has long been an adventurous artist exploring almost every genre under the sun in his long, 16 album spanning career. After breaking into the charts in 1985 with his biggest hit “The Way It Is,” later sampled by Tupac Shakur, Hornsby continued expanding and shape shifting as an…
You Can Bet Everything Kathleen Madigan Jokes About On Stage Really Happened
Look. Everyone is doing their own things and there are all kinds of hilarious comedians out there. But it is clear: Kathleen Madigan has the lifestyle of a comedian down to an art. She lives a little off the grid in the real world, only goes on the road when…
The Legend of the NASA Gargoyle
There was allegedly a living gargoyle that haunted the Johnson Space Center in the 1980s. I was hanging out at the annual Zine Fest last year, chatting with local artist Jessi Jordan about her book of cryptid doodles. As we talked, a woman named Alexandra Constantinou joined us and asked…
ALCS Game 7: Astros Blown Out By Rangers 11-4, Head to the Offseason: Four Thoughts
The Rangers will be going back to the World Series for the first time since 2011 after beating the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS 11-4. The Rangers will have an opportunity to win their first championship in franchise history while the Astros will have to figure out why…
Rockets 2023-24 Season Preview: The Young Core
For three straight seasons, the Houston Rockets have been really, really bad. After jettisoning James Harden and Russell Westrbrook in 2021, the team entered complete rebuild mode. And rebuild they did. With multiple picks in the first round over the last three years, GM Rafael Stone has loaded the team…
Marchers Protest HISD Changes, Vowing to Continue to Fight Superintendent’s New Agenda
If the Houston Federation of Teachers has anything to say about it, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles is well on his way to becoming the most reviled education chief in the United States. In last Friday’s late afternoon march that became as much about the politics of the upcoming elections,…
How to Be Better for Disabled Trick-or-Treaters
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means that small armies of even smaller humans will dress up and come to the door begging for candy. The holiday is one of the few great American community celebrations, a time where neighbors see each other and interact in a way…
Willie Nelson Goes Behind (and Under, and Around…) the Music
For a guy who’s made his living in music, Willie Nelson sure has been a prolific book author. Autobiographies, biographies, essays, collections of letters and musings, remembrances of family and friends. Even a Christmas novella! But fans know that his best writing is in his lyrics, in by his estimate…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Slurp a Mountain of Fiery Noodles at Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Saint Arnold Oktoberfest Beer Dinner at State Fare Kitchen & Bar In celebration of fall and Oktoberfest, State Fare Kitchen & Bar is teaming up with Saint Arnold Brewing Company to host a three course craft beer dinner,…
Houston Texans Post Bye Week Position Battles
The Houston Texans return from the bye week in new territory compared to the last three seasons — relevant, contending, and rapidly improving. I would also add young and exciting as adjectives to describe this team. There is a good chance that we have important football games being played at…
ALCS Game 6 – Astros Blown Out by Rangers 9-2: Four Thoughts
The Rangers came into the comfortable confines of Minute Maid Park and destroyed the Astros 9-2, a game that was close until Adolis Garcia ripped a grand slam on the way to a nine-game ninth inning. So, the two teams will play a final game seven Monday night in Houston,…
Peter Gabriel Ends His i/o Tour At The Toyota Center
Peter Gabriel Toyota Center October 21, 2023 Most people’s recollections of Peter Gabriel, if I had to bet, come from either John Cusack playing “In Your Eyes” on a boombox in the not at all retrospectively creepy Say Anything, or the video for “Sledgehammer,” which aired on MTV approximately 800…
El Pequeño Gigante: Jose Altuve’s Soaring Aria Turns My Game Five Tragedy Into Triumph
As the curtain was about to be raised on Houston Grand Opera’s world premiere opera Intelligence, I was not in the best mood. The Astros, as I could only surmise from the bits of information gleaned from my phone, were poised to lose game five of the ALCS after Adolis…
The Birds at Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. Tense and Insightful
Today we’re talking about the Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. production of Conor McPherson’s The Birds, and hopefully, no one needs to be told not to expect Tippi Hedren fighting for her life in a California coastal town. Though McPherson’s The Birds, like Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film, drew inspiration from Daphne…
Intelligence at HGO Buoyed By Wonderous Voices
There are some operas that knock your socks off: Verdi’s Otello, Strauss’ Salome, Puccini’s Tosca, Wagner’s Die Walküre, Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, Berg’s Bluebeard’s Castle, Adams’ Nixon in China. Most others are enjoyable in their music, performance, or visual flair. But sometimes, more often than not, especially in modern…
HISD Board Considers an Ambitious Vision and (Gasp) Actually Disagrees A Bit at Workshop
In five years, the Houston ISD will increase the percentage of students who meet or exceed the state standards in STAAR testing by 15 points — if the HISD Board of Managers adopts some really ambitions numbers in its goals settings. This would be something that no other urban district…
Sweeney Todd at TUTS Shines With Inspired Direction and Choreography
Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979) – yes, at only 44 years old, it can be certified a classic – is one of the great ones, like Show Boat, Porgy and Bess, South Pacific, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, and perhaps…
Larry McMurtry: The Texas Literary Titan Did Time in Houston
When writer Larry McMurtry died on March 25, 2021, it seemed a cosmic coincidence that it was also the date of the final screening—for now at least—at Houston’s historic River Oaks Theatre (which was showing the Frances McDormand-starring road film Nomadland). For the wry thinkers, that means the date marked—literally—The…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Title: Killers of the Flower Moon Describe This Movie In One Animal House Quote: ERIC “OTTER” STRATTON: Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we’re not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America! Gentlemen! Brief Plot Synopsis: Everything is terrible and always…
Openings and Closings: Street to Kitchen Sets Date, For the Culture Grand Opening
Street to Kitchen, 3401 Harrisburg, opens November 11. What began as a take-out only Thai concept in a gas station in 2020 has now blossomed into an acclaimed nationally-recognized restaurant that has earned its chef, Benchawan Painter, a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas 2023. Chef Benchawan co-owns Street…
Gardening in Houston: Fall is Here
It finally happened. The temperatures dropped and most of the Houston area got enough rain to counteract some of the damage done by one of the hottest and driest summers on record. Like many Bayou City dwellers, I was in a funk this summer. Dogs went un-walked. exercise clothes were…
NFL Week 7: Houston Texans Bye Week Watch Guide
There is no Houston Texans football game this weekend. The team is on a well earned bye week, after starting the season at 3-3. The three wins in six weeks matches their season win total from last season. As you all know, times have been tough. However, it’s a new…
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Axelrad And Wonky Power Put Houston’s Jazz Into The Spotlight And Onto Vinyl [UPDATED]
Houston is often overlooked as a music town in general but especially for our city’s contributions to jazz. We have long been home to great artists like Arnett Cobb, Harry Sheppard, Jason Moran and legendary vocalist Jewel Brown, who is still alive and kicking in her representation of our city’s…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: It’s Raining Tacos at Buffalo Bayou Park
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Aperol Garden Party at Marmo Friday, 3 to 5 p.m. 888 Westheimer Marmo is throwing an Aperol Garden Party from 3 to 5 p.m. inviting guests to enjoy the autumn weather and explore a build-your-own spritz bar showcasing the…
ALCS Game 4 – Astros Even the Series 2-2 with a 10-3 Win Against the Rangers: Four Thoughts
The Astros blew out the Rangers 10-3 in Game 4 to even the series 2-2, making this now a best of three ahead of Game 5 on Friday in Arlington. That’s 18 runs in two games this series in Dallas for the Astros and 78 in their last eight games…
The Eric Andre Explosion Takes Over Bayou City Music Center
There are not many shows where the audience can watch two women competitively chug ranch dressing, a knock off puppet of the Crypt Keeper called the “fridge keeper” blast out of a freezer, or a man drink a shake composed of random items of the McDonald’s menu but at the…
ALCS Game 3 – Astros Beat Rangers 8-5 in Arlington: Four Thoughts
The Astros bounced back in the ALCS with an 8-5 win over the Rangers in Arlington in Game 3. Once again, the Astros are a better team on the road than at home, particularly in Dallas where they have scored a boatload of runs in their last four games there…
Still Struggling to Get Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine? You’re Not Alone.
Despite COVID-19 numbers peaking nationally two weeks ago, Dr. Peter Hotez said transmission of the virus is still occurring and could increase in the coming months amid low uptake of the updated COVID-19 vaccination. Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and dean of the National School…
Best Bets: Rise Up, ARToberFEST and The Birds
We say, why not plan to make a new friend on this, National New Friends Day, at one of this week’s upcoming best bets. This week, we’ve got larger than life art with a purpose, a world premiere opera, and much more. Keep reading for our full list of best…
Trick or Eat: Houston Restaurants and Bars Celebrate Spooky Season with Halloween Boo-ze and Bites
From one-eyed cocktails and bloody brain cakes to doggie costume contests and Halloween bashes, these Houston restaurants and bars are getting into the spirit this spooky season. 8th Wonder Brewery, Distillery, and Dispensary, 2202 Dallas, 2201 Dallas 8th Wonder is offering 20 percent off to-go items on Halloween for customers…
5 Best Covers of Rocky Horror’s “Time Warp”
In the cult that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Halloween is a high holiday. When I was a part of the cast at the River Oaks Theatre, you could always count on the Saturday before Halloween selling out. Often it took us an hour to clean the auditorium from…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Beer Fueled Oktoberfest Dinner and Pop-Up Halloween Bar
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Ninja Ramen, 4219 Washington, is getting bewitched for Halloween, transforming its space into pop-up cocktail (and mocktail) bar The Cursed Cauldron now through Halloween night. Musaafer, 5115 Westheimer, is hosting the third edition of ‘4 Hands…
Five Most Intriguing Quotes from Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio’s Tuesday Press Conference
In sports, winning is the deodorant that makes everything smell better. Nobody knows that better than Nick Caserio, the Houston Texans general manager. Caserio spent two decades in New England collecting Super Bowl rings, six in all, as a front office employee and, for a season or two, as a…
Down Home and Through the Lens: The Story of Chris Strachwitz and Arhoolie Records
When Chris Strachwitz died earlier this year at the age of 91, his name was probably not familiar except to a specific school of record liner note readers and aficionados of certain types of musical genres. He called it “down home music.” But it’s mostly known today as “roots music,”…
Rockets Trade Kevin Porter, Jr. As Season Approaches
On Tuesday, the Rockets finalized a deal to send Kevin Porter, Jr. and a pair of second round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for guard (and former Rocket) Victor Oladipo and forward/center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. The deal creates a $4.5 million trade exception for the Rockets. Oladipo,…
Ben Folds Goes Broadway at Bayou Music Center
Ben Folds Bayou Music Center October 17, 2023 We don’t yet know if Ben Folds’s latest album, What Matters Most, is going to nab a Grammy, but the tour supporting the record released in June had us thinking about Tony Awards. From the one-time theater kid who opened the show…
Houston Astros Trail Rangers 2-0 in ALCS, New Territory for This Dynasty
On Sunday morning this past weekend, we woke up with a chance for that day to be one of the best sports days in the history of the city. At noon, the Texans were kicking off against our neighbors from the east, the New Orleans Saints, and at 7 p.m.,…
Houston Concert Watch 10/18: Peter Gabriel, Kansas and More
The Rolling Stones PR machine is working overtime to hype the band’s forthcoming album Hackney Diamonds (out on Friday), but in the process, a bit of Stones folklore may have been debunked. Well, sort of. In 1984, according to Keith Richards’ autobiography Life, Mick Jagger made an early morning call…
Intelligence: A Civil War Spy Story That Becomes an Opera at Houston Grand Opera
Intelligence, about to make its debut at Houston Grand Opera, bases its libretto on the true-life story of a Civil War female spy for the Union and one of her undercover informants. The opera will be depicted with music, words and dance featuring the Urban Bush Women and marks the…
Casper Allen Explores Human Connections With His Timeless Voice
Some voices carry within them the weight of a thousand lifetimes filled with haunting pain, love and a wholehearted sincerity which cannot be doubted. Texas born and Colorado based Casper Allen has one of these timeless and powerful voices and a real life story behind his profound songs. “I always…
Tom Werman’s Producing Days with Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Poison, Twisted Sister and Mötley Crüe
It’s an easily fathomable idea for many artists and creative types in this day that if you’re looking for self-affirmation or positivity about your work, do not go looking for it on the internet. That’s where trolls, hacks, naysayers, and keyboard warriors hang out to gleefully rip you—and in some…
Houston Texans Prediction: They Will Be Favored in Every Home Game the Rest of the Season
You know that when it comes to analyzing sports, the lens through which I tend to view anything predictive is the all powerful “degenerate gambler” lens. For the last two seasons, as a Texans fan, that’s been a very smudgy, depressing lens through which to view things. For some context…
Lighthouses, Grey Horses and Hypnotic Forces in Vitacca Ballet’s Season Opener
If you’re looking for a dance company dedicated to being approachable and building art within our fair city, look no further than Vitacca Ballet. “Up until this point, all the works have been developed within Houston city limits, which is extremely inspiring and motivating for us,” says Kelly Ann Vitacca,…
ALCS Game 2 – Astros Fall Behind 2-0 to Rangers in 5-4 Loss: Four Thoughts
The Astros fell yet again to the Rangers in Game 2 of the ALCS, 5-4. Unlike Game 1, the Astros were able to score runs — well, Yordan Alvarez did, anyway — but it was their starting pitching that failed them. Framber Valdez only made it two-and-two-thirds innings giving up…
Sting Plays The Hits At The Woodlands
Sting Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion October 15, 2023 When last we left the former Gordon Sumner (at least, the last time I left him), it was 2011 and he was playing a cozy gig at Verizon Wireless Center (as it was known at the time), favoring us with some deeper cuts…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
Title: Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Describe This Movie In One Fellowship of the Ring Quote: GALADRIEL: All shall love me and despair! Brief Plot Synopsis: Taylor Swift extends her global dominance. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 Jason Voorheeses out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “Move over Thanos, inevitability has…
ALCS Game One – Rangers Beat Astros 2-0: Four Thoughts
The Astros lost 2-0 to the Rangers on Sunday night in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series. The Rangers have now gone 6-0 in the postseason thus far and the Astros give up home field advantage in the series. The Rangers were disciplined, got big plays from the…
Harmonicist Jason Ricci Peers Behind the Veil on New Album
Appearances, as they say, can be deceiving. A first look at Jason Ricci – with his blond braids, sometimes multicolored hair and do-rag – might give the impression that he’s a Grateful Dead refugee or maybe a member of some white-boy reggae band. But no, Ricci is, in fact, one…
Walk With Little Amal To Offer Support For the Plight of Refugees
This Thursday, starting right outside the Alley Theatre, there will be a rolling street closure right downtown — and no, it’s not for one of our sports teams. It’s a celebrity of a different sort. Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl will start at the Alley…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Old Fashioned Week and an Aperol Garden Party
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Old Fashioned Week Southern Smoke Foundation and Elijah Craig are teaming up for Old Fashioned Week in a nationwide effort to raise funds for those in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis by bringing old…
The MFAH Gets Hammered with Rare Masterworks
No, he’s not the guy from the company that boxes and sells baking soda (that’s Arm & Hammer). And he’s not the guy who played The Lone Ranger and has been in celebrity news for, um, offbeat sexual proclivities (that would be Armie Hammer). But Armand Hammer (1898-1990) was one…
Afternoon Delight: Yacht Rock at Southern Smoke Festival
The music theme of Southern Smoke Festival 2023 was yacht rock and that seemed altogether fitting. The event, which benefits Southern Smoke Foundation’s emergency relief and mental health initiatives for food and beverage workers, is such a large vessel now it’s able to dock in the plush confines of Discovery…
NFL Week 6: Texans 20, Saints 13 — Four Winners, Four Losers
After defeating the New Orleans Saints by a score fo 20-13 in a defensive slugfest on Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium, the Houston Texans sit at 3-3 on the season, a record that I would wager practically every Houston Texans fan would have signed up for in the preseason, heading…
SZA’s “S.O.S. Tour” Drops Anchor In Houston
SZA Toyota Center October 14, 2023 Getting older doesn’t have to guarantee the calcification of your tastes in music and such, but it often does. I can’t peg it to a specific generation, but you see the evidence all around: from the grandparents who don’t listen to anything post-Sergeant Pepper’s to…
Private School Voucher Proposal On Its Way to The Texas House
Initial plans for a private school voucher-like program and allocation of additional funds toward public schools are on their way for consideration in the House after the Senate passed two proposals on Thursday. Both measures, Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 2 by Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) were approved on majority…
HISD Board Approves New Pay Scale For Principals, Fields Complaints at Thursday’s Meeting
It was a quieter but still contentious school board meeting Thursday night complete with a litany of complaints about staffing, special ed and principal evaluations aimed at the board and Superintendent Mike Miles delivered by public speakers. There were cries of “Don’t Fire the Teachers” and “You are doing harm”…
Switzerland at Stages: Where All the Twists and Turns May Leave You Hanging
For Joanna Murray-Smith’s Switzerland, directed by Stages outgoing Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin, the stage has been minimally transformed into the eclectic Swiss home of a self-exiled American writer. In 1994, the reclusive Patricia Highsmith (Sally Edmundson) receives a visit from Edward (Ian James), an ambitious publishing assistant determined to convince…
Three Chefs Discuss Southern Smoke Festival’s “The Throwdown”
If you think about it, it makes sense that the industry which feeds our bodies would also be the one serving a heaping helping of nourishment for the mind and soul. Since its formation, the mission of Southern Smoke Foundation has been the well-being of food service/hospitality industry workers and…
Openings and Closings: Annabelle Brasserie Opens Soon, Lightnin’s Good Times Now
Annabelle Brasserie, 811 Buffalo Park, opens October 18 at Autry Park and is the first restaurant to debut at the mixed-use development along the western edge of Buffalo Bayou Park. It will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The 5,929 square-foot space will draw in Houstonians with its Parisian…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Southern Smoke is Here
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Southern Smoke Festival Friday; 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3 to 8 p.m. It’s officially Southern Smoke weekend, with the big charitable bash returning this Friday and Saturday. Top chefs from around the country and our home turf have…
NFL Week 6: Saints vs Texans — Four Things to Watch For
The vibes are very positive, and the times are good right now in the sports landscape here in Houston. The Houston Astros made sure of that by going up to Minneapolis and reminding the Minnesota Twins who’s boss, taking home the ALDS by a 3-1 count. The ALCS starts on…
Author Mike James Makes Houston Horrifying
Houston can be terrifying, but you’d never know it from horror movies. The city lacks a defining monster like Chicago’s Candyman or the endless screen vampires of New Orleans. The best Houston has managed is the jinn from the 1987 cult classic The Outing (sometimes called The Lamp), but author…
Johnny Rawls Diagnoses a Houston Heart Attack
It’s around lunchtime when we reach the veteran “Soul Blues” man Johnny Rawls at his home. So maybe that’s why he’s especially interested in food analogies when discussing his new record, Walking Heart Attack (Catfood Records). “It’s like this, buddy, making an album is like making a soup!” he says…
Alley Theatre’s Collection of Chekhov’s Comedies Hampered by Their Presentation in the Round
Little Comedies, playing at the Neuhaus stage of the Alley, brings together a renowned and talented group of theater artists for a show hampered by its choice to present it in the round. Recognized worldwide for their English translations of classical Russian literature, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky, in collaboration with…
Dogs and Cats Looking For New Homes Gather Next Weekend For a Mega Adoption Event
Alongside BARC and the City of Sugar Land’s animal shelter, 18 other facilities are coming together for a “mega adoption” event next Saturday and Sunday at George R. Brown to find homes for the animals they currently house. Cory Stottlemyer, deputy shelter director at BARC, said the event comes at…
Best Bets: Switzerland, “Goosebumps” and the John Waters Trash-a-Thon
Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, but don’t for a second think that means you’re going to be unlucky in terms of things to do this weekend. We’ve got a nostalgic art show, a Sondheim musical, and an appearance by “The Pope of Trash” himself. Keep reading for these and even…
Upcoming : A Special Evening with Sof Hospitality and Old Fashioned Week Returns
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Southern Smoke Foundation and Elijah Craig are teaming up for Old Fashioned Week in a nationwide effort to raise funds for those in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis by bringing old fashioned…
Houston Texans Fab Five: Who are the Five Best Houston Texans Through Five Weeks?
In the midst of the upward trending rebuild of the Houston Texans, there have been several small touch points of optimism along the way. They’ve managed to crack the top 20 of several different power rankings (yeah, out of 32, but that’s progress!). They’re being mentioned as a buyer at…
ALDS Game 4 – Astros Clinch Seventh Straight ALCS Trip with 3-2 Win in Minnesota: Four Thoughts
The first nail biter of the American League Divisional Series came, as it turns out, in the Astros win to clinch their seventh straight appearance in the American League Championship Series. Behind some incredible pitching and yet home runs from two of the most senior roster members, the Astros gritted…
Music History Says the Astros May Be in Trouble
As of this writing, the Houston Astros have not yet advanced to the American League Championship Series, but c’mon. I know written prognostication of any kind is done at the risk of snarky (and trite!) retorts of “this aged poorly.” But since those snappy comebacks aren’t sticks, stones or baseball…
What It’s Like to Play Sweeney Todd, in the Stephen Sondheim Masterpiece, at TUTS
Actor Danny Rothman doesn’t believe Sweeney Todd in Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical is psychotic or a sociopath in this Victorian Age tale of revenge. “I would describe Sweeney Todd as a man with an enormous heart who was wronged by people who were in positions of power and authority who…
Janelle Monáe Presents a Warm Reggae/Dancehall Vibe at Bayou Music Center
Janelle Monáe Bayou Music Center October 10, 2023 Most people probably first became aware of Janelle Monáe from her “Joy of Dance” Pepsi commercial in Super Bowl 50, which went a long way towards propelling her into popular consciousness (while ignoring that she also made a Coca-Cola commercial seven years prior)…
ALDS Game 3 – Astros Beat Twins 9-1: Four Thoughts
The Astros did what they’ve done on the road all year long, they won and looked good doing it. Cristian Javier gave the team five solid innings, Jose Abreu had two home runs and the Twins got wrecked at home by a resurgent Astros that looked lost in Game 2…
Foo Fighters Go Big in a Small Venue at 713 Music Hall
“This is a cool place for a rock show.” Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl was doing what he normally does at shows: being a showman. But, he recognized 713 Music Hall was new and he seemed to enjoy it. “We can relax and get loose up here.” With the theater-like…
Houston Concert Watch 10/11: Los Lobos, Sting and More
In her song “You’re So Vain,” Carly Simon sang about going to Nova Scotia “to see a total eclipse of the sun.” On Saturday, Houstonians can head for Seguin (and the surrounding area) to catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse, which will begin around 10 a.m. and conclude at…
Ejecting the Tramp: Charlie Chaplin’s Collision Course with the U.S.
He was—as many a film historians would note—The Original Independent Filmmaker. Writing, producing, directing, financing, acting in, and sometimes even scoring his own movies, many of which remain popular a century later. As one of the four founders of United Artists, he also co-owned the damn studio. His “The Tramp”…
Fiesta (Sinfónica) with Houston Symphony and Pianist Gabriela Martinez
People often ask pianist Gabriela Martinez what her favorite piece is, and her answer is pretty simple. “It’s always whatever I’m playing that week,” says Martinez with a laugh. Still, she says it really is George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” which she will play with the Houston Symphony during their…
The C.J. Stroud Effect for the Houston Texans in Future Seasons
The Houston Texans are 2-3 on the young season, which in the future, is hopefully something that we would be greatly disturbed by. Right now, it’s actually a sign of progress, especially when you consider that the two teams the Texans have beaten are leading their divisions, and the Texans…
The First Day of The Legislature’s Reattempt To Pass Private School Vouchers
The Texas Senate adjourned the first day of the third special session on Monday with two new proposals outlining how Governor Greg Abbott’s call for a private school voucher program plan could be enacted. According to Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who authored Senate Bill 1 and Senate Bill 2, the…
Some Return To Normal Water Use and Burning Practices, While Others Remain Restricted
Local cities and counties are lifting burn bans and mandatory water restrictions put in place during the summer due to a break in the dry weather from recent wet and less hot days. “Last week’s rainfall was great. It helped out over a large chunk of the area. That doesn’t…
When Mark Farner Funked Up the Woodstock Nation
There have been three “official” iterations of the Woodstock Festival. The 1969 original that gave its name to an entire generation and spawned almost as many myths as truths; the 1994 edition that attempted to bridge the musical eras, and the 1999 version infamous for its destruction, chaos and bonfires…
The Eccentric King of Cult John Waters Plays Devil’s Advocate in New Solo Show
The entertainment industry takes its knocks, but at its very best it helps produce true originals. Few have flown their freak flag longer and stronger that freewheeling director, artist and personality John Waters. From his days making uproarious movies that broke boundaries of both representation and good taste, to his…
Four Reasons Why the Houston Astros Streak of ALCS Appearances Feels Like It’s Ending
If you’re an Astros fan, and you go back through social media to look at what Astros Twitter (or Astros X, or whatever we are calling it this week) was saying about the team throughout the summer, and perhaps even look at your own social media accounts, you might come…
Alley Theatre Honors Standout Artists For Their Lifetime Achievements
Jennifer Tipton went to college as an physics major, “wanting to be the first person on the moon.” Both her parents were scientists. “My father was a zoologist and my mother was a physicist.” Instead, she fell in love with dance, something she’d been pursuing since she was 15 and switched her…
ALDS Game 2 – Twins Beat Astros 6-2: Four Thoughts
The Twins tied up the American League Division Series with the Astros 1-1 after beating them in Houston Sunday night 6-2. Framber Valdez lasted only four-and-one-third innings while Minnesota starter Pablo Lopez mowed down the Houston lineup. The Astros managed two runs in the eighth off the Minnesota bullpen on an…
Southern Smoke Festival 2023 is Coming This Weekend
Southern Smoke Festival 2023 will be held October 13 through October 14 this year. Unfortunately, the Respect the Rose evening October 13 is sold out but there is still time to buy tickets for the SSF Throwdown October 14. It is being held at Discovery Green this year, a new…
5 Fan Films for Friday the 13th
It’s been 14 years since we had an official new entry in the Friday the 13th franchise. Jason Voorhees is one of the most recognized modern movie monsters, but legal wrangles have tied up his series for more than a decade. Despite a major lawsuit on the subject being settled…
Popa Chubby Gets Heavy on New Live Album
Guitarist Popa Chubby (aka “The Beast from the East”) is, as they say, size large, both in terms of personality and somatotype. New York though and through, Chubby is the kind of guy who has been known to use a guitar strap emblazoned with an upraised middle finger as he…
This Week in Houston Food Events: The Southern Smoke Festival and a Taylor Swift Themed Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Hai Shares at Ucki, Uchiko and Loro Hai Hospitality has introduced its Hai Shares program, with Uchi, Uchiko and Loro offering several iconic dishes from the other restaurants during service from Monday, October 9 to Monday, October 16…
NFL Week 5: Falcons 21, Texans 19 — Four Winners, Four Losers
During the first four games of the Houston Texans’ 2023 season, they’ve won at home, they’ve lost at home. They’ve lost on the road, they’ve won on the road. The one thing they had not done, as of Sunday morning, though, was play in a close game. Their two losses…
Conservative Christian Politics As Judgment-Free Thrilling Theater
Rec Room Arts is known to produce some of the riskiest plays in Houston. Zombie Apocalypse, an adopted boy who believes he’s a wolf, Dionysus reimagined as a butch lesbian permaculture gardener. Not exactly characters and plotlines meant for the masses. But with Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Sophia Watt…
ALDS Game 1 – Astros Beat Twins 6-4: Four Thoughts
The Astros beat the Twins at Minute Maid Park Saturday in Game 1of the American League Division Series 6-4 behind home runs from Yordan Alvarez, good defense and solid starting pitching from Justin Verlander in the best-of-five series. The Astros held the Twins down in every inning except the seventh…
Little Comedies at the Alley Offers a Way to Laugh With Chekhov
With some very important theater luminaries lending a hand, Alley Resident Acting Company members are taking on five short Anton Chekhov plays and short stories and bringing them to life in the intimate setting of the Neuhaus Theatre. On an program titled Little Comedies, Actor Dylan Godwin is in The…
HISD Workshop Meeting: Special Ed, Teacher Work Weeks, and a $50 Million Wish List
When Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles arrived, he brought with him what many saw as a very attractive plan especially for teachers in his new system. They would be relieved of grading papers at home each night, they could come to school just minutes before classes started and leave moments…
In American Mariachi at Alley Theatre, Traditions Are Embraced in a New Way
Thankfully, Covid-19 only delayed the opening of José Cruz González’s comedy-drama American Mariachi at the Alley Theatre. Before the first line is uttered, it’s clear from the set that the play takes place in several locations. A hotel, a bar, a garage, a salon, a church. Signage like “El Infierno” and…
Openings and Closings: Rumi’s Kitchen Debuts Soon, Dumpling Haus Closes
Rumi’s Kitchen, 1801 Post Oak Boulevard, will open October 16 in Uptown Houston. The Atlanta-based Persian restaurant, which currently operates three locations in the Georgia capital, most recently debuted in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., in August 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Rumi’s will join Hai Hospitality’s acclaimed…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Totally Killer
Title: Totally Killer Describe This Movie In One Terminator Quote: SARAH CONNOR: Are you saying it’s from the *future*? KYLE REESE: One possible future. From your point of view. I don’t know tech stuff. SARAH CONNOR: Then you’re from the future, too. Is that right? KYLE REESE: Right. SARAH CONNOR:…
Cheer on The Astros with Postseason Food and Drink Specials
The 2023 MLB postseason continues, and the entire city is abuzz as the Houston Astros are a huge part of the action. That includes Houston bars and restaurants, which are showing the games and offering grand slam food and drink deals for fans. After earning a bye into the American…
Governor Abbott Gears Up For Another Attempt At Vouchers
Governor Greg Abbott announced a special session on Thursday, calling Texas lawmakers back to the Capitol next week. The third special session of the year will center on passing private school vouchers – a measure that failed to become law during the regular legislative session. However, Abbott’s call notably excluded…
Buenos Diaz Takes The Long Way Home
Sometimes taking the long way home can be a great way to find appreciation for otherwise overlooked details along the way. For Houston born and Austin based musician Nick Diaz, otherwise known as Buenos Diaz, the lengthy journey toward his new album Fox Street Blues saw him returning to where…
NFL Week 5: Texans at Falcons — Four Things to Watch For
Two huge wins for the Houston Texans in the last two weeks, a 20 point thumping of Jacksonville and a 24 point thrashing of the Steelers, have completely changed the trajectory of the 2023 season. Whereas expectations even two weeks INTO this season were some form of “same ol’ Texans,”…
A.B. Raps Tells His Story in Three Songs
If you want to become a fast fan of a rap artist, look for one who can tell you where they’re from, where they’re at and where they’re headed in the span of a few of their songs. If they’re masterful at their craft, particularly the lyrical aspect of it,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Have a Shuckin’ Good Time at Julep
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: The Original Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 3511 Yoakum The Original Greek Festival is back for its 57th year, featuring traditional Greek food and drinks,…
Depeche Mode Plays A Career’s Worth Of Music For The Toyota Center Masses
Depeche Mode Toyota Center October 4, 2023 And then there were two. Last night’s Depeche Mode show, their Houston stop on the Memento Mori World Tour, featured only half of the group’s original four members (five if you count Vince Clarke, who left after Speak & Spell). Alan Wilder departed the…
Securities Fraud Hearing For Texas AG Ken Paxton Rescheduled
On Wednesday, the hearing in the securities fraud case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton which was to take place this Friday was moved to late October. Paxton’s defense lawyers and prosecutors will return to court on Monday, October 30. This comes after they initially agreed to head back to…
Best Bets: Korean Festival, Little Comedies and “Star Dust”
It’s National Do Something Nice Day and, on your way home from doing your act of kindness, may we recommend some of our best bets for the coming week. This week we’ve got lots of live music, a couple of festivals, and a month-long film retrospective. Keep reading for more…
C.J. Stroud vs Deshaun Watson: Whose First Four Career Starts Were More Impressive?
If the first four starts of C.J. Stroud’s Houston Texans career feel familiar, it should. The last time a rookie quarterback captured the hearts, minds, and wallets of ticket buying, web surfing Houstonians the way Stroud has this past month happened fairly recently. It was in 2017, when Deshaun Watson…
Houston Chamber Choir Christens 29th Season With Joyful Mysteries
The Houston Chamber Choir will kick off its 29th season with the world premiere of “The Joyful Mysteries” by composer Daniel Knaggs, which will include guest artists the Monarch Chamber Players and Kinetic Ensemble. The work explores the five mysteries of joy, which come to be known even in the context of fear, sorrow and…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Conquer the “Big Tex” Burger and Brunch with Fellow Swi
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar has relaunched its fan-favorite ramen special in time for fall, available at all LORO locations every Tuesday and Wednesday (dine-in and take-out) starting at 4 p.m. The brand new Miso-Chili Tonkotsu…
HISD Pulls Planned 8th Grade Reading Lesson Involving a Sexual Encounter
An excerpt from a Mayou Angelou book involving a sexual encounter between the author and a man named Curly somehow planned as part of an eighth grade reading lesson prompted a statement from Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles Wednesday readily conceding that a mistake had been made. The passage was…
Senior Pets Left at Area Shelters Are Looking For New Homes
Local shelters, already fighting to keep their doors open amid the constantly growing animal populations, are facing another challenge – finding new homes for senior owner surrendered pets. “The shelter is not ideal for these older animals. It’s loud and busy,” Angelina Saucedo, marketing manager at the Houston Humane Society,…
Who Do Astro Fans Want to Face in the ALDS — Carlos Correa or George Springer?
FanGraphs is a baseball website that, among other things, keeps track of fluid percentages throughout the season for things like odds of making the playoffs, odds of winning a division, and odds of winning a World Series. It’s a staple for any baseball nerd that like to follow the daily…
Embattled Golden Globes Awards Attempts New Appeal with “Stand Up Comedy” Category
It has been a rough few years for the Golden Globe Awards, who have faced multiple scandals that have left the usually boozy celebrity hang embattled in bouts of public criticism and even took them off NBC’s airwaves in 2022. Perhaps in an effort to broaden their appeal from simply…
Houston Concert Watch: Foo Fighters, Depeche Mode and More
So how do you say, “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite!” en Français? The question is, unfortunately, quite relevant in Paris these days, with the tiny blood-sucking insects reported to be all over the damn place in the City of Light. We’re talking hotels, apartment houses, cinemas,…
Wanted: A Fitness Instructor With Mechanical Abilities on the Side for HISD Spin Bikes
While Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ plan to introduce offerings such as photography, gardening and fitness classes in the New Education System and NES-Aligned schools has struck a chord with many kids excited about new experiences, in at least one school it’s not been all smooth sailing. As one parent…
Estimated Water Bills Catch Up With Houston Residents Months Later
Bedina Houston, a resident of Woodlands Trial North, wakes up with the sunrise every day to water the container gardens she has in her backyard. Despite having nearly an acre of property, Bedina said she usually “gives up” keeping her grass green and other plants alive when temperatures rise. So,…
Scriptwriters/Houston Brings Theater to the National Museum of Funeral History
This weekend, Scriptwriters/Houston continues their mission of giving a platform to local Houston playwrights, directors and actors when they stage the 2023 edition of Museum Plays, a collection of five world premiere ten-minute plays performed in and inspired by a museum. The museum, this year, is the macabre-sounding National Museum…
XFL and USFL to Merge. What Does That Mean for Houston?
Through the last few decades, the attempts to start up professional spring football leagues has ranged anywhere from very dicey to unmitigated disaster (what’s up, AAF?). Americans love football, but history tells us that they really only TRULY love elite American football, i.e. the National Football League. The two latest…
Castlevania is more impressive than The Last of Us
We are living in a golden age of video game adaptations, especially for those of us old enough to remember when Mortal Kombat: Annihilation hit theaters like a thrown wet turd. Two of the best have been Netflix’s Castlevania and HBO’s The Last of Us. While the latter is extremely…
Chefs for Farmers: A Weekend of Food and Fun
Chefs for Farmers returned to Houston this past weekend after making its Space City debut last year. The culinary event began as a small farm to table dinner in Dallas in 2010 with a mission to showcase the local products of farmers and ranchers by pairing them with talented chefs…
A Half Century of KISStory is Celebrated—Loudly—in New Book
If you’ve got a KISS fan on your Christmas list and don’t know what to possibly get for he or she (though it’s probably a he…), fear no more! Your shopping stress just got a little easier with the arrival of the fine and fantastic new glossy tome KISS at…
Astros, Rockets Announce Launch of New Sports Network
On Friday, the Astros and Rockets announced they had acquired AT&T SportsNet Southwest, the struggling regional sports network (RSN) carrying their broadcasts. The new network called Space City Home Network (SCHN) will debut on October 10 with the first Rockets preseason broadcast. In joint statements, both teams expressed excitement over…
Astros Win AL West on Final Day of the Season: Four Thoughts
Wow, it was quite a Sunday. Over at NRG Stadium, the Texans were honoring J.J. Watt while stomping the Pittsburgh Steelers behind rookie coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud; the Astros were completing their sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks in Arizona; and the Rangers were choking away the…
Some of the Best Shows Returning This Fall And It’s About Time
There are some great new series premiering this fall, but there are also some significant series that are returning that can round out a very up-and-down year of TV. Several big shows have been pushed to early next year due to the writers’ strike resolved on September 26 and the…
Always Trucking: The Deslondes Return To Houston
New Orleans has long been a hotbed for musical acts. Something about the city’s bustling music scene has seemed to inspire joy, camaraderie and a desire to explore various sounds and influences for centuries. Though New Orleans based band The Deslondes are not home as often as when they started…
Chicken & Biscuits at Ensemble Settles Its Family Problems With Laughter
If you think they don’t write black family television sit-coms any more, you obviously haven’t been to the Ensemble Theatre where Douglas Lyons’ Chicken & Biscuits plays through October 15. With minimal updates we could be in front of our dusty TV set watching a more adult version of The…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Eat Tacos and Get Deals This National Taco Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, October 3 MARCH x Jon Bonné New French Wine Dinner MARCH and the team at Goodnight Hospitality are hosting a one-night-only dinner with award-winning author and James Beard honoree Jon Bonné, in celebration of his latest book, “The New French…
NFL Week 4: Texans 30, Steelers 6 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Six hundred forty four days. Coming into Sunday, that’s how long it had been since Houston Texan fans had been able to experience any semblance of joy leaving NRG Stadium, because that was the last time that the Houston Texans won a home football game. Like so much surrounding and…
Waiting for Godot at Catastrophic: Life…On the Road to No-where
No one ever goes gentle into the night of Samuel Beckett. No one jumps in excitement at the chance to see one of his plays. Calling his works “plays” is an oxymoron. They are bleak and dark, existential examples of depression at its best, pitch black in theme, and filled…
Texas Supreme Court Rules To Return Whistleblowers Lawsuit To Travis County District Court
On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that a whistleblower lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could return to trial in Travis County District Court. This comes days after four former top deputies of the attorney general’s office, Blake Brickman, Ryan Vassar, Mark Penley and David Maxwell, filed a…
Openings and Closings: Barcelona Wine Bar Opens, Mandito’s Heading to Katy Next Year
Barcelona Wine Bar, 1731 Westheimer, is now open. It’s the 20th location for the tapas and wine bar brand and the first for Houston. It offers an array of Old World varietals but it also boasts one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the country along with a number…
A Government Shutdown May Hurt Houstonians’ Ability To Get Food On Their Plates
After Agustina Soza’s husband was deported to Mexico, she found herself in a position she never thought she would be as a single mother supporting her seven young children. If not for her local church, which provides resources through Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Soza, a U.S. citizen, is unsure…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Creator
Title: The Creator Describe This Movie In One Styx Lyric: MR. ROBOTO: I’m not a robot without emotions, I’m not what you see I’ve come to help you with your problems, so we can be free Brief Plot Synopsis: Do androids dream of electric guns? Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The…
NFL Week 4: Steelers vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
It’s amazing how quickly things can ebb and flow in the National Football League. Less than two weeks ago, the Houston Texans, who came into the season generating as much excitement as they have since the early Deshaun Watson Era, had one again sucked the life out of their fan…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Hot New Brunch and the Inaugural Chopd & Stewd
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Saint Arnold Oktoberfest at Saint Arnold Beer Garden Friday–Saturday, 4 to 9 p.m. 2000 Lyons Saint Arnold Oktoberfest returns with a weekend of festivities in the Beer Garden. Admission is free on both Friday and Saturday, featuring live music…
P!nk’s Summer Carnival Brings The Heat To Minute Maid Park
P!nk Minute Maid Park September 27, 2023 It’s been four years since P!nk last graced the stages (and skies) of Houston. You could say a lot has happened since then … and you’d be right. It really wasn’t that long ago, but looking at it through the lens of a…
Two Photographers, Two Journeys and One Year Unite in MFAH’s Robert Frank/Todd Webb Exhibit
In 1955, Robert Frank and Todd Webb were not only two of the most famous photographers in New York, but the entire country. And it was in that year both Frank and Webb got the good news that they would be each receiving a grant from the Guggenheim Foundation to…
Electric Six Will Rock And Roll Into Houston
Building a fanbase while touring can take time, something Electric Six co-founder Dick Valentine knows a thing or two about after two decades on the road. “Each year I think Houston is a better and better place to be. Some of the earlier shows that we had were kind of…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Earn a Free Pizza When You Shop for Cheese and Wine
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Thursday, September 28 at 7 p.m., Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is hosting a unique listening bar experience at its new Montrose location, 4500 Montrose, in partnership with Beam Suntory. Guests can enjoy a curated, all vinyl, custom…
Four Thoughts on J.J. Watt’s Texans Ring of Honor Induction This Weekend
Since arriving in 2011 as the eleventh pick overall in that spring’s NFL Draft, I think it’s safe to say that the city of Houston has seen no bigger sports in the football realm than J.J. Watt. honestly, it’s really not even close, and I would say the only athlete…
Best Bets: Seismic, Mid-Autumn Festival, and La Vida Es Cortos
We’re coming up on a new month, so in just a couple of days we’ll have to officially stop complaining that it’s too early for those Halloween decorations. Though we expect a little spookiness later this month, right now our best bets are anything but. From short plays and films…
HISD Denies it is Closing Cage and Chrysalis, Says Those Saying So Are Spreading Lies
Are Cage Elementary and Chrysalis Middle on the chopping block in HISD? Talking to some parents and teachers, absolutely. But HISD categorically denies that. By Tuesday night, alarms went off among some of the employees at the school after Superintendent Mike Miles made an early morning to the shared campus…
![Opinion — Hogan vs. Andre: The Greatest Lie Wrestling Ever Told [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hulkhogan.png.png?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Opinion — Hogan vs. Andre: The Greatest Lie Wrestling Ever Told [UPDATED]
For my money, the best album of 2023 is Everyone is Dead Except Us by Wolfie’s Just Fine. No one mixes pop culture nostalgia and nihilistic pathos like Jon Lajoie, especially on the second single, “Hulk Hogan.” The song and the video (directed by Lajoie and Justin Slade McClain) explore…
Houston Concert Watch 9/27: Pink, Guns N’ Roses and More
Bob Dylan has a well-deserved reputation for defying expectations. This past weekend at the Farm Aid concert in Indiana, the Nobel Prize winner really went nuts, performing an unannounced three-song set that included “Maggie’s Farm,” “Positively 4th Street” and “Ballad of a Thin Man.” But here’s the wild part: Dylan’s…
ROCO Rides Big Waves With 2023-24 Season
ROCO launches its 19th season with the 2023-24 “Making Waves” season, a celebration of innovation, exploration and the impact of artistic creativity and integrity in the community.
C.J. Stroud is the Better Quarterback in Majority of Remaining Texans Games
During the drudgery of the last three seasons of Houston Texans football, the one thing you could always count on them to do was defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of a home loss late in the season in 2022, the Texans have defeated the Jaguars every time the two teams…
Whistleblowers Ask the Texas Supreme Court To Return Their Case To Trial Court
Four whistleblowers, former top deputies of the Texas Attorney General’s Office who reported Attorney General Ken Paxton to federal authorities, continued their legal fight on Monday despite Paxton prevailing in the impeachment proceedings against him. In a Monday filing to the Texas Supreme Court, Blake Brickman, Ryan Vassar, Mark Penley…
Andre Johnson Among Six Former Houston Texans on 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot
It’s become an annual ritual that does bring some level of excitement, yet it’s one that I hope we don’t have to perform anymore come next fall. Of course, I am talking about the Third Annual “What are Andre Johnson’s Chances of Making the Pro Football Hall of Fame?” discussion…
Support of Breast Cancer Awareness and Eat and Drink Pink in Houston This October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many Houston restaurants and bars are joining the important cause, offering pink-themed food and drink specials and menus in benefit of breast cancer charities. Here’s where to eat, drink and raise money for the honorable cause this month. Amrina, 3 Waterway Square The…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Two Top Spots Collab and First Responders Appreciation
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, September 25 National Lobster Day special at Lotus Seafood Cult favorite Lotus Seafood is celebrating National Lobster Day with a $15 deal on its fried lobster tails all-day long (dine-in and carryout) at all five Houston area locations. Breaded and…
Amid the Writers’ Strike, What New Shows Are Ahead This Fall
There are a ton of shows releasing this fall despite Hollywood’s turbulent time with the ongoing actors and writers strike. There are several new shows that will provide some good and engaging television in a year that has been very hit or miss. There are a lot of thrillers and…
American Mariachi at Alley Theatre: Who Decides Who Gets to Play the Music
In American Mariachi, a group of young women decide they want to be mariachis, something that just wasn’t done in the 1970s. In the play packed with music about to open at Alley Theatre, five members of the large cast had to learn to play instruments they’d never played before…
Home is Where the Dis-Astros Are – Four Things That Have Gone Wrong
The Houston Astros completed one of the worst stretches of baseball in a good six or seven seasons over the weekend, getting swept by the bottom-dwelling Kansas City Royals. They are 2-10 in their last 12 games with seven of those losses coming against the two worst team in the…
NFL Week 3: Texans 37, Jaguars 17 — Four Winners, Four Losers
This is how you know the Houston Texans got their head coaching hire right. Last week, in their 31-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, there was a lot left to be desired in every phase for the Houston Texans. The rushing offense, everything on defense, and yes, coaching. The Colts’…
Houston, We Have Beyoncé
Let’s make something clear — NRG Stadium was a different dimension last night. Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour touched down for a nearly three-hour homecoming performance nothing short of breathtaking, inspiring and transcendental. She served, she slayed and she absolutely dominated the hell out of every single Houstonian in the room…
Unhappiness Abounds In The Pavilion at 4th Wall
Beware the marketing of a play. Or perhaps beware that your emotional reaction to a play may be miles apart from the experience advertised. The Pavilion (By Craig Wright, now onstage at 4th Wall Theatre Company) takes us to small town Minnesota for a 20th-anniversary high-school reunion. More specifically, the…
Houston Ballet Delivers a Powerful World Premiere in Delmira
George Ballanchine’s Stars and Stripes sent the Houston Ballet crowd off in fine, fun style; Artistic Director Stanton Welsh’s Tu Tu showed off the company’s athleticism; but it was the world premiere of the powerful Delmira that most impressed us in Thursday night’s mixed rep program with its dark story,…
Christian Nodal Provides a Soundtrack of Love and Heartbreak at Toyota Center
Christian Nodal Foraji2 Tour Toyota Center September 21, 2023 Its hard to believe that Christian Nodal is only 24 years old, but then I remember that his debut single “Adios Amor” was released in 2016 when he was still a teenager. Nodal hit the charts with a smooth voice full…
Alexandra del Moral Mealer Drops Lawsuit Challenging November 2022 Election Results
Late Thursday night, Republican challenger Alexandra del Moral Mealer dropped a pending lawsuit challenging the November 2022 election results of her race against Democrat incumbent Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. Mealer took to X, formerly Twitter, and alleged that the county had “stonewalled” her efforts and restricted access to information…
FTC Takes Aim at Predatory In-Game Purchases
One of the most insidious practices of the modern video game industry, in-game and in-app purchases, is finally getting some significant pushback from the federal government. The Federal Trade Commission has announced a settlement with Epic Games Inc., creator of Fortnite, to that allows parents to request a refund for…
Openings and Closings: Norigami Opens, Kim Son Stafford to Close
Norigami and Hidden Bar, 2715 Bissonet, opened September 21. The concepts come from the Hidden Group, owned by couple Thy and Tuan Tran. The pair also own Hidden Omakase and Sushi by Hidden. Norigami began as a hand roll pop-up in 2021. The kitchen at the brick and mortar version…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
It Lives Inside
Title: It Lives Inside Describe This Movie In One Big Trouble In Little China Quote: JACK BURTON: When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if you’ve paid…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Get Queen Bee Lattes and More for Beyoncé’s Hometown Tour
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Galveston Island Shrimp Festival at the Historic Strand District Friday-Saturday The Galveston Island Shrimp Festival returns to the Historic Strand District, kicking off with a Kick-Off Party and fried shrimp dinner ($75 tickets, 21+ only) on Friday, September 22…
NFL Week 3: Texans vs Jaguars — Four Things to Watch For
It’s not all that long ago, April of 2022 to be exact, that the Houston Texans’ opponent this coming Sunday, their AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars, were picking first overall in the NFL Draft. Now, here we are, 17 months later, and the Jaguars are the prohibitive favorite to win…
Beaumont’s Ole Lonesome Checks Into the “Tejas Motel”
Blues Rock bands—like those of any genre—can take their names from the most telling of sources. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker settled on “Cream” because each was the “cream of the crop” in terms of stature playing their respective instruments. ZZ Top’s moniker paid tribute to both bluesman…
An Older and Wiser Cast Performs Waiting For Godot at Catastrophic Theatre
When Waiting For Godot opens at Catastrophic Theatre next week, it will be the fourth time actor Charlie Scott has stood by a country road with another down-on-his-luck man to has perform in Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy, three of them with Catastrophic. He’ll be joined by Greg Dean who’s been his…
Building a Case For an HISD Culture With No Excuses
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles told a group of central office directors and executive directors Wednesday afternoon that missions are to be achieved without excuses and these administrators should prod the HISD employees reporting to them to move away from an attitude of “learned helplessness.” Examples he used included a situation…
Looking for a COVID-19 or RSV Vaccine? A Flu Shot? Time to Shop Around.
Local residents who have reported problems finding the just-approved new COVID-19 vaccines, now have two options. Houston-area CVS and Walgreens pharmacies have the vaccines for COVID and RSV in supply as well as flu shots, but patients may have to wait on appointment availability at certain locations. As of Wednesday,…
Boat People SOS Host the Banh Mi Cookoff 2023
Houston has no shortage of Vietnamese restaurants selling the ever popular banh mi, a sandwich that has become as common in this city as a barbecue plate or a chicken fried steak. With a large Vietnamese community, Houston has been on the forefront of introducing Americans to dishes such as…
Astros Barely Holding on to Division Lead After Walk Off Win Against Orioles
It has been a wretched couple of weeks for the home town baseball team. After absolutely dismantling the Rangers in Arlington and taking two against the Padres at Minute Maid, something has gone monumentally wrong. In the nine games since, they are 3-6 and barely holding onto first place in…
Houston Texans Fab Five: The Five Best Texans So Far This Season
The Houston Texans are 0-2 to start the season, and unfortunately, with two losses by a double digit margin, the team looks, in many ways, like the last two versions of the Texans, in 2021 and 2022. The big difference, of course, is their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, is getting…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Get Mole, Noodles and More with Chef Collabs at Leaf & Grain
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Homegrown favorite Leaf & Grain is rolling out three new dishes for the fall season, including one crafted by James Beard Award semifinalist Victoria Elizondo (Cochinita) to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Chef Elizondo’s Chicken Mole Plate…
Best Bets: Tutu, KyLin’s Garden and When Houston Had the Blues
It’s World Gratitude Day, so we encourage you to do a simple, random act of kindness today. Our act of kindness is that we’ve taken the work out of planning what to do this week by gifting you today’s list of best bets. Keep reading for a play making its…
Houston, Rejoice — Deshaun Watson is a Broken Football Player
Right now, despite the Houston Texans’ 0-2 record, the city generally feels pretty good about rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. In his first two NFL starts, he’s been able to move the football competently, and he looked improved from one start to the next. Additionally, off the field, he gets glowing…
Houston Concert Watch 9/20: Beyoncé, Chicago and More
What we have here is a teachable moment. I am referring, of course, to Lauren Boebert, member of Congress and Broadway musical devotee, being kicked out of a performance of Beetlejuice a few days ago in Denver. What have we learned here? 1. Don’t vape during a performance if smoking…
Houston Ballet: A Mixed Rep Program With Patriotism and Pizzazz
In a collection featuring a world premiere, the 20th anniversary of Artistic Director Stanton Welch’s Tu Tu and the Houston premiere of a George Balanchine creation, Houston Ballet has built a mixed rep program designed to show off its dancers’ versatility. First soloist Monica Gomez will be dancing in all…
Chicken & Biscuits: Family Dysfunction and A Secret Revealed at a Funeral Make For Comedy at Ensemble Theatre
When the Jenkins come together for their patriarch’s funeral, complete with a pair of battling sisters who don’t get along, the family’s dysfunction is revved up a notch as all assemble at the church altar and a — organ music please — family secret is revealed. What sounds like classic…
Celebrate Beyoncé’s Two-Night Concert with Bey-Themed Food and Drink
Queen Bey comes back to her hometown for a two-night performance of her sellout Renaissance world tour this weekend (the shows are going down Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 at NRG Stadium), and the entire city is abuzz. Including local bars and restaurants, which are offering Beyoncé-themed specials…
Seriously Fun: Los Straitjackets Return To Houston
The delivery of a good joke takes commitment. For Los Straitjackets, what started out as a sort of gag, four suited up and masked guys based out of Nashville playing rock and roll instrumentals, has turned into an almost 30 year stint. “The funny thing about this band is when…
There are Fewer Marvel Releases Now Than Before MCU Phase 4
A common complaint for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that there is simply too much of it to keep up with now. The weird thing about this claim is that, by the numbers, Marvel has actually slowed down in terms of releases since 2020. It’s easy to forget…
NFL Week 2: Colts 31, Texans 20 — How to Lose a Game in Ten Plays
Let’s make one thing very clear at the outset fo this post. Of all the various weekly or annual gimmicks that I use to draw your eyeballs to my content, the one I enjoy doing the least is “How to Lose a Game in The Plays,” because it’s mere presence…
BBQ Cookoff at Hotel ZaZa Yields Tasty Sliders
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2024 may still be a few months off but participants in the culinary extravaganzas that accompany the ginormous Western-themed festival are already preparing for the cookoffs and feasts ahead of time. Last week, the Hotel ZaZa Memorial hosted several chefs and pit masters to…
Protesters at Cage and Chysalis Monday Morning Reject the Changes at Their Schools and Teacher Dismissals
The fact that a Houston ISD district superintendent told teachers at two schools on Friday that they were going to have to embrace the New Education Schools and NES-Aligned Schools program or get out of the way inspired predictably enough, an outcry from parents at Cage Elementary and Chrysalis Middle School…
Drake Returns to Houston With the It’s All A Blur Tour
Drake’s next album, For All The Dogs, has been eagerly anticipated by fans over the past year. With rumored guest appearancies from Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, and SZA and production from Bnyx, BeautifulMvn, Lil Yachty, and more, the album has had fans scouring the internet looking for clues for when…
Houston Symphony’s Introduces Assistant Conductor Gonzalo Farias
Chilean conductor Gonzalo Farias has assumed the role of Houston Symphony’s assistant conductor, as a complement to artistic director Juraj Vacuha, to lead the organization into its ever expanding work in Houston, the symphonic world and beyond.
This Week in Houston Food Events: $5 Burgers and Another Anti Burger Club Collab
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, September 18 National Cheeseburger Day at Loro All locations of Loro will offer a $5 National Cheeseburger Day deal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The eatery’s awesome Loro Burger comes with red onion-brisket jam, muenster cheese, lettuce and yuzu…
NFL Week 2, Colts 31, Texans 20: Four Winners, Four Losers
If you’re wondering how long it takes for a honeymoon period between a fan base and a franchise icon hired to rebuild their football team lasts, in Houston in 2023, the answer is 229 days. DeMeco Ryans, beloved former player and still beloved (but struggling) head coach, was hired to…
Monday Protest at Cage/Chrysalis Planned as Teachers Who Asked Questions Are Sent Home
Teachers called to a last-minute after school meeting at Chrysalis Middle School Friday afternoon were told to get with the New Education System program instituted by Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles or get gone. And that they had until 6 p.m. Sunday to let the district know whether they’d be…
Right or Left, What the Constitution Means to Me at Main Street Speaks to You
No matter on what side of the political aisle you choose to sit, Heidi Schreck’s buoyant, autobiographical What the Constitution Means to Me will speak to you. Those leaning left will like its anarchic themes, its powerful feminist message, its willingness to unearth past wrongs and set them right. Those…
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Paxton Acquitted on all Counts in Impeachment Trial [UPDATED]
At about 11:15 Saturday morning, senators sitting in the impeachment trial of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton begin their votes, with Paxton acquitted on the first three articles of impeachment, each time by a 14-16 vote. Twenty-one votes are needed to find Paxton guilty on any count. The vote…
Jurors Begin Deliberations in Ken Paxton’s Impeachment Trial
Just before noon Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gave his final set of instructions to the 30 senators who will decide whether suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton should be convicted of any or all the 16 Articles of Impeachment lodged against him by the Texas House. If found guilty of…
It’s Deja Vu All Over Again With The Mission At White Oak Music Hall
The Mission, Chameleons, Theatre of Hate White Oak Music Hall September 14, 2023 My ticket for last night’s “Deja Vu” tour didn’t even mention the acts involved (they’re in the topline of this post), just the date and venue. Maybe it’s because the idea of having experienced something before is…
HISD Lowers Tax Rate, Goes Ahead With its District of Innovation Plans and Tosses a Teacher From its Board Meeting
Some speakers were overcome by tears, one woman was thrown out, and the divide between what Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles sees when he looks at how HISD is working and how parents, students and teachers describe it at board meetings continues to widen as evidenced once again Thursday night…
Witness Insists Firing the Whistleblowers Had Nothing to Do With Them Reporting the AG to the FBI
With hours of time still available to them to make their case, attorneys for Ken Paxton rested Thursday after calling only four witnesses who insisted they saw no wrongdoing by the suspended Texas Attorney General now on trial for 16 articles of impeachment. Final arguments were scheduled to start Friday…
Openings and Closings: Chapman & Kirby 2.0, Levi Goode’s Big Plans
Chapman & Kirby, 2118 Lamar, debuted its transformation to the public September 14 with music from The Spazmatics and a local DJ. The popular Houston hotspot is calling the rebranding Chapman 2.0, promising to offer Houstonians a unique experience for celebration and memories. C&K has become an elevated event space…
Austin’s Jane Leo Create A Perfect Blend
Sometimes a collaboration between two people can be like elements working together in nature, complementing each other in a perfectly symbiotic way pushing one another to become stronger. Such is the case for Austin based duo Jane Leo, made up of Jane Ellen Bryant and Daniel Leopold. Jane Leo will…
NFL Week 2: Colts vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
As a fan of the Houston Texans, I have a confession to make. Given the head coaches the Texans employed in 2021 and 2022, David Culley and Lovie Smith, respectively, I never allowed myself to dream anything big for this team. It was probably a defense mechanism as much as…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
A Haunting In Venice
Title: A Haunting in Venice Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: BART: And the question mark leaves the door open for a sequel. Brief Plot Synopsis: Former Flemish flatfoot faces fearsome (fraudulent?) phantoms. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 serial killer dwarves out of 5. Tagline: “Death is just…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at The Houston Farmers Market
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Still Austin Single Barrel Release Party at Reserve 101 Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. 1201 Caroline Whiskey soaked hotspot Reserve 101 is celebrating the release of its newest exclusive barrel, Still Austin Cask Strength, with a private tasting party…
Paxton’s Alleged Mistress Not Called to Testify After All and Rusty Hardin May Have Rested Too Early
On Wednesday, the much-anticipated testimony of Ken Paxton’s alleged mistress Laura Olson didn’t happen after all, attorney Rusty Hardin “rested” the House’s case when he meant to “pass the witness” and House attorneys made a motion to bar the suspended Attorney General from all future public office if he’s convicted…
Tenacious D Rocks the Lawn at White Oak Music Hall
Tenacious D, the dynamic duo of comedic actors/musicians Jack Black and Kyle Gass, are indeed funny. They have the theatricality that comes with the Hollywood chops they both clearly posses. They know how to entertain a crowd. But, they also do something that not a lot of other bands do…
Popperz Captures Its Live Set Energy on a Killer Debut Album
Popperz has swiftly made a name for itself in Houston’s punk rock scene. The trio has mainly made its presence known by playing shows, lots of them wherever they can get booked. But recently, the band took all the big riffs, all the catchy hooks, all the thoughtful lyrics and…
Best Bets: Duke Ellington, JLF and Viet Cultural Fest
Today is “Are You Okay Day” in Australia, and our suggestion is for Houstonians to take it a step further and not only check on your loved ones but also invite them out to spend some time together. If you do, keep reading for our list of the best things…
Former Texans DC Among NFL Head Coaches Most Likely To Be Fired First
We are just one week into the NFL season, but this we know — it is never too early to bet on the employment of others. More accurately, it is never too early to bet on the termination of the employment of other. To that end, the good folks at…
How Band Leadership May Have Prepared Seamuis Strain for Parkinson’s
Looking back, there were subtle signs that something wasn’t quite right, Seamuis Strain recalled. His penmanship had gotten a little sloppy. His trembling hand would awake him in the dead of night. Most notably, he was having trouble holding his pick when he played guitar. Strain, 50, is a veteran…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Negroni Week is Back and Julep Celebrates its Love of Bourbon
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Bars and restaurants around the globe will join together to celebrate the iconic Negroni cocktail and give back during Negroni Week, running September 18-24 in support of Slow Food’s mission to foster a more equitable and…
TEA Delays A-F School Ratings By About a Month
Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath announced Tuesday that the agency will delay its announcement of public school ratings by about a month to look more closely at the data in determining those A-F marks. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles had previously warned that he expected several HISD schools to…
Paxton Attorney Testifies He Was in Constant Contact With AG During His Investigation
Former special prosecutor Brandon Cammack testified Tuesday that he stayed in constant contact with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during what was supposed to be an independent investigation into the allegations real estate investor Nate Paul had made that he was unfairly treated by state and federal law enforcement. Cammack,…
Struggle for Consistency: Who Are the Real Houston Astros?
The Astros are one of baseball’s conundrums. From the outside, the stats look good. They are near the top of the sport in the big numbers like runs scored, batting average, OPS and ERA. But, they remain a team that is just barely over .500 at home and has struggled,…
The Pavilion at 4th Wall Takes a Look at Whether You Can Really Go Back in Time
How many books, movies and plays have made a 20-year reunion central to their plot? It’s the epitome of what-might-have-been as one character looks across the room and sees the object of their high school desire. In the case of 4th Wall Theatre Co.’s staging of Pavilion by Craig Wright,…
Houston Concert Watch 9/13: Drake, Tenacious D and More
There was plenty of excitement at the just-concluded U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York. There was 19-year-old Coco Gauff’s victory (USA! USA!), along with an Instagram beef between comedian Amy Schumer and actress Nicole Kidman over something bitchy that the former said about a photo of the latter taken…
Three Reasons Aaron Rodgers’ Season Ending Injury Matters to the Houston Texans
Without question, the biggest story of the NFL offseason was Aaron Rodgers, after 18 seasons in Green Bay, taking his talents to New York City to try to do the seemingly impossible — turn the New York Jets into a Super Bowl contender. The theater was so compelling that HBO…
Winning Time is Packed With Story Lines But Can Be Powerful
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is a lot. Chronicling the rise of the most famous team and brand in basketball, it dramatizes the behind-the-scenes stories of the 1980s Lakers. It’s a sports movie, it’s a family drama, it’s a workplace comedy and drama. It has to mythologize…
Westbury Square Was Supposed to be a Quaint Touch of Europe in Houston. Now It’s an Eyesore.
Westbury Square, the once quaint, European-themed shopping center built in the early ’60s, has stood abandoned for over 30 years. Originally built to serve as the heartbeat of southwest Houston, the square now lies in ruin. While the customers and businesses have long since gone, many of the buildings still…
College Football AP Top 25: Biggest Surprises, Early Season Surprises
The old guard among college football bigwigs and administrators have spent the better part of the last two years, wringing their hands, telling us how the game is committing business suicide. With the explosive growth in NIL money (stands for “Name, Image, Likeness,” in other words, endorsement money) for players,…
Former Chief of Staff Testifies About What Paxton’s Alleged Affair Did to His Office
Former Chief of Staff of the attorney general’s office Katherine “Missy” Cary testified on Monday that Ken Paxton admitted to having an affair with Laura Olson at a staff meeting – after Paxton initially told Cary that Olson was his real estate agent. Despite being brought up in the articles of…
Rockets Kevin Porter, Jr. Arrested for Domestic Assault
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter, Jr. was arrested early Monday morning in New York City on charges of second degree assault and strangulation (both felonies) of his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. According to reports, Porter was arrested at the Millennium Hilton New York Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early Monday morning…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Catch the Hatch Chile While You Can
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, September 12 Grand Opening at Tumble 22 Austin-based chicken joint Tumble 22 will celebrate the Grand Opening of its newest location at 1017 Houston. Serving up Texas hot chicken in the form of sandwiches, bone-in pieces and tenders, plus stiff…
Opinion: The Toxicity of “You Don’t Mess With My Friends”
Recently, the Kid With One F came home from school quite upset. When I asked them what was wrong, they told a long, involved story of a friend of theirs that was being bullied and how they wanted to fight the instigator. During this conversation, they dropped a line we’ve…
NFL Week 1: Ravens 25, Texans 9 — Four Winners, Four Losers
In the box score, there were certain key aspects of the Week 1 matchup between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens that would indicate a fairly even game, or perhaps even a Texans win. The two teams were almost dead even in total yards (268 for the Texans, 265 for…
In Forever Plaid at A.D. Players the Boy Bands of the ’50s are Celebrated
Why is it that Stuart Ross’ slight musical Forever Plaid (Off-Broadway, 1989) is such a pleasure? The show radiates easy charm throughout the George Theatre at A.D. Players without even trying. There’s nary a book. An unsuccessful ’60s boy band is mysteriously resurrected after being killed by a bus bearing…
Gorgeous Midsummer Night’s Dream Stuns at Houston Ballet
“Are you sure that we are awake?” It’s a question asked in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and it’s exactly the question that audiences will ask themselves after viewing John Neumeier’s take on the Shakespearean classic, which opens the Houston Ballet’s latest season at the Wortham Theater Center. Are…
Former Texas Ranger Says He Told AG Paxton That Paul Was a “Criminal”
Former Texas Ranger David Maxwell testified Friday that he warned Attorney General Ken Paxton of the dangers regarding his involvement with real estate investor Nate Paul. It was the fourth day of testimony in the impeachment trial before Texas senators of the now suspended attorney general. Maxwell, one of the eight…
Laughs Take The Urgency But Maybe Not The Agency Out of Medea
It should have worked better. Classical Theatre’s season opener, Medea, has all the talent, tools and twists to make Euripides’ classical play something remarkable. There’s the crisp 95-minute runtime, a feminist lens, dilution of the overwrought, modern flourishes, comic relief and one of Houston’s best actresses in the titular role…
POTUS at Stages Shows The Women Behind the Great One Can Be Just As Raunchy as Men
Trust me, two martinis are not enough to get through POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, the political farce now playing at Stages. You’ve got to be blotto, better yet strung out. Oh, the colors. Selina Fillinger’s comedy – I use that…
Openings and Closings: Lyric Market’s Big Plans, Dolce Niente’s Debut
Lyric Market, 411 Smith, announced that Samurai Noodle opened its second Houston location September 6 at its downtown food hall. Founded in the Heights in 2006, the ramen shop is known for making its own noodles for the Japanese dish. Samurai Noodle owner Thomas Tang said about the new location,…
HISD Board Decides to Go For District of Innovation Status But Thursday Night’s Audience Remains Wary
According to Superintendent Mike Miles and some of the Houston ISD Board of Managers, it’s been all blue skies for students and teachers after more than a week of school. Somehow, though, none of those very happy teachers, students and parents made it to Thursday night’s board agenda meeting. One…
Buzbee and Paxton Sit Out the Third Day of Impeachment Testimony From Whistleblowers
Tensions heightened between the prosecution and defense during Thursday’s impeachment proceedings against Ken Paxton as Ryan Bangert, the former first deputy assistant of attorney general and the second whistleblower to testify, retook the stand. As the hearing started, neither Tony Buzbee nor Paxton were on the Senate floor. In Buzbee’s…
The Italian Cultural & Community Center Goes for Baroque
It might seem odd to envision that if James Taylor were around 400 years ago he’d be sitting under a forest tree in his finest breeches singing and playing “Fire and Rain” on a lute. Or Joni Mitchell clad in a mantua in some royal court sweetly warbling “Both Sides…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Sitting In Bars With Cake
Title: Sitting in Bars with Cake Describe This Movie In One Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill Quote: GRIM REAPER: You! Cake or death? PERSON: Uh, death please … no, cake! Cake! Sorry. GRIM REAPER: You said death first! Ha! Death first! PERSON: Well, I meant cake! GRIM REAPER: Oh, all right…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Groove and Grub at Loch Bar’s Live Music Sunday Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Market Square Park Farmers Market Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 301 Milam The Downtown Houston Management District is launching its Market Square Park Farmers Market this fall, beginning this Saturday. In collaboration with Central City Co-Op, the open-air…
NFL Week 1: Texans at Ravens — Four Things to Watch For
The time for talking is over. After roughly six weeks of preparation, including three preseason games, the NFL regular season is here, and the true beginning of the DeMeco Ryans Era is here. The former Texans standout linebacker has proven himself to be one of the best position coaches in…
Whistleblowers Testify About AG Paxton’s Relationship to Investor Nate Paul
Despite the delayed start to Wednesday’s impeachment proceedings, senators picked up where they left off on the first day, hearing testimony from Jeff Mateer – the former first assistant attorney general and one of the eight high-ranking officials who reported Ken Paxton to federal authorities. Mateer returned to the witness…
Houston Ballet’s Music Director Plans Final Bow
After 32 years as music director for the Houston Ballet, maestro Ermanno Florio will step down from his position as music director when the 2023-24 season concludes.
Aaron Neville’s life of Funk, Faith & Fiyo on the Bayou
Of course Aaron Neville’s autobiography is titled Tell It Like It Is. It’s too perfect. After all, it was his breakthrough song, a bona fide classic, and a monster smash in 1966, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 2 on the Hot 100. Written by George…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: March Journeys Through Sicily and an Iron Bartender Is Crowned
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: High-end tasting menu restaurant March, 1624 Westheimer, has turned its razor sharp focus to Sicily for its latest menu which launched mid August 16 and will run through December 2023. Its first Italian exploration, the menu…
Best Bets: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Medea and Cloud Tectonics
It’s National Feel the Love Day and, just in case you want to spread some affection around to our city’s lovely arts organizations, we have put together a list of the best bets this coming week. Keep reading for a play that made its Broadway debut last year, a much…
Can the Houston Texans Go From Worst to First in AFC SOUTH?
In professional sports, year to year, no league lends itself to drastic swings in team performance more than the NFL. In the NBA, the only thing that swings things drastically for an NBA team in one year is trading for or signing a big star. In Major League Baseball, teams…
Astros Take Over AL West Lead as Offense Surges
At one point earlier this season, the Texas Rangers held a 6.5 game lead in the division. After last night’s shellacking in Arlington, the Astros not only took over the AL West lead for the first time this season, but pushed the Rangers out of the playoffs if they started…
Texas Senators Vote to Continue Paxton’s Impeachment Trial
Given repeated chances to dismiss the articles of impeachment against Ken Paxton Tuesday, a majority of senators, including ones from both parties, rejected motions to do so, ensuring the trial of the suspended attorney general will go forward. The senators acting as jurors first took up 16 of the 24…
What The Constitution Means to Me — and American Women in General — at Main Street Theater
Probably the first surprise in the one act play What the Constitution Means to Me is that a high school student could earn a fairly significant amount of money by traveling from one American Legion post to another and making a presentation extolling the virtues of that document. After that,…
Houston Concert Watch 9/6: Sam Smith, Pentatonix and More
For the past several weeks, CNN has been relentlessly promoting its documentary Little Richard: I Am Everything, which made its broadcast debut this past weekend. While there is a bit of overlap with a recent edition of “American Masters” on PBS which focused on Richard, Lisa Cortes’ new film offers…
Green Book: A Guidebook to Jim Crow at the Holocaust Museum
The famous Negro Motorist Green Book is one of the best shorthand examples of America’s continued institutional white supremacy even into the Civil Rights era. The Holocaust Museum is hosting an incredible exhibit dedicated to both the book’s history and Black American travel from the Great Depression to the Swingin’…
Four Best Bets on NFL Season Win Totals (Plus Houston Texans Prediction!)
This is my annual post where I give you, the loyal reader, a handful of (hopefully) successful season win total bets for the National Football League, which means this is where I give you the annual macro advice on why, if you’ve decided to dip your toe into the gambling…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Requires A Balance of Grace and Trust
“I won’t lie; I almost hit the ground face first many times.” Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Beckanne Sisk who takes on the role of Hippolyta and her dream self Titania, Queen of the Fairies, had spotters the whole first week of rehearsal just in case she fell while performing one…
New Book Finally Gives the “Girls” of ’60s Girl Groups Their Own Say
They were responsible for performing some of the most era-defining pop hits of the early and mid 1960s. Time capsule songs of romantic longing, tough talk, and teen angst on tracks like “He’s a Rebel,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Leader of the Pack,” “Be My…
What Should Expectations Be for C.J. Stroud This Season?
There is no position in team sports more influential to the outcome of a franchise’s season and overall long term success than the quarterback on an NFL team. The quarterback is the face, heart, mind, soul, and conscience of his team. So when a team selects a quarterback with a…
The Chef’s Table: A Delicious Social Hour
There aren’t many things that can lure us out of our air-conditioned sanctuaries these days but cabin fever can begin to get the best of us. Last week my husband, Classic Rock Bob, and I found ourselves looking for a happy hour near our home to get away from our…
Opinion: If You Enjoyed Doing It, You Can’t Be a “Failed Artist”
The American Dream is, more accurately, a pathological pre-occupation with dominance. We have such a broken idea of success that it turns all kinds of worthwhile pursuits into “failures” simply because we didn’t reach the top one percent in the field. It’s a terrible way to look at hobbies or…
The KKK Grand Wizard’s Name is Gone From the Vicksburg Subdivision in Missouri City
Why more than 30 years ago, a developer thought it was a good idea to name a new subdivision in Missouri City “Vicksburg” and assign names related to the Confederacy to many of its streets is one of those puzzlers lost in the sands of time. What is perfectly clear,…
Top Three Storylines for Each Houston Texans AFC South Rival
If you’ve been reading this space on a fairly frequent basis over the last four weeks or so, or been listening daily to my show on SportsRadio 610 (which i also highly encourage you to do!), then you are up to speed on the main storylines for the Houston Texans…
The Candied Bug Machine at HMNS Was Not Removed Because of an Anti-Semitic Flat Earth Conspiracy Theory
Down in the basement of the Cockrell Butterfly Center in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, there used to be a very unique vending machine. It sold only edible bug treats like lollipops with real scorpions embedded in them. It was a neat way to learn about humanity’s long history…
Coco Montoya Definitely Sees the Writing on the Wall
Though you’d likely find his discography filed in the “Blues” section at your fine local record store, singer/guitarist Coco Montoya has since his 1995 debut record Gotta Mind to Travel shown an influence from several other genres, including a more rock sound. That predilection is on full display with his…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Bourbon Dinner and Labor Day Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, September 4 Labor Day Food and Drink Houston bars and restaurants are celebrating Labor Day with Monday brunches, all-day happy hours and fun. Check out our Houston Labor Day 2023 Dining Guide to find where to eat, drink and celebrate…
“Death Star Bill” Goes Into Effect After State Appeals Lower Court Ruling
Despite a lower court’s ruling, House Bill 2127 – formerly known as the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act or the “Death Star” – bill went into effect on Friday following an appeal by the Texas Attorney General’s Office. The state’s move overturned a Travis County district judge’s ruling earlier this week who…
Lionel Richie, Earth, Wind & Fire Remain Timeless at Toyota Center
Lionel Richie, Earth Wind & Fire Sing a Song All Night Long Tour Toyota Center September 2, 2023 When I was in high school at Jesse H. Jones Senior High in the south side of Houston, I played alto saxophone in the marching band. One of the main songs in…
On the Verge Theatre Brings Us Far East: WASPS Without a Nest
If there’s a late twentieth-century playwright who knew about the birds and bees it would have to be A.R. Gurney (The Dining Room, The Cocktail Hour, Love Letters, Sylvia, The Wayside Motor Inn – all produced in Houston theaters over various past seasons). Well, maybe not birds…maybe not even bees,…
Goodbye Volcano High: A Game of Queer Dinosaurs, Rock Star Dreams, and the Apocalypse
No video game has captured the existential dread of the last three years as well as Goodbye Volcano High, especially for queer and non-cis people. The visual novel/rhythm game is a triumph of interactive storytelling right when it is most relevant. The game follows Fang, a non-binary pterosaur who has…
Openings and Closings: Best Regards Debuts, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse Montrose Today
Best Regards, 222 W. 11th, opened this week, bringing an elevated cocktail experience to the Heights. Located near the intersection of Yale and West 11th, the new club is the brainchild of native Houstonian Morgan Hansen who says she is thrilled to welcome guests to the beautiful and lush lounge,…
Houston Comedy Legend Bill Hicks Immortalized in Action Figure Form Alongside Greats Joan Rivers and Lenny Bruce
Stand-up comedy’s G.O.A.T Bill Hicks may have left this reality almost 30 years ago, but this fall, a little bit of him is coming back. The hilarious Houston icon is getting immortalized thanks to Brian Volk-Weiss and the Nacelle Company in their new Legends of Laughter line of action figures…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Good Mother
Title: The Good Mother Describe This Movie In One Cannonball Run Quote: VICTOR: And those priests, they weren’t fathers. J.J. MCCLURE: They were … VICTOR: Mothers! Brief Plot Synopsis: Wire hangers are the least of this mommy’s problems. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 1 Underwood Five out of 5…
Which College Football Program is “QB U”? Answer: There Isn’t One
Throughout the NFL Draft process, as all roads were leading to the Houston Texans’ selecting Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, some of Stroud’s skeptics would continuously (and lazily) bring up the fact that Ohio State has not really cranked out any franchise quarterbacks over the last few decades as a reason…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Last Chance for Houston Restaurant Weeks
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens Friday–Sunday 1 Hope The Galveston Island Wine Festival is back with a new location at Moody Gardens, featuring a weekend full of wine-fueled events and fun. Highlights include a Seven on Seven…
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ Teacher Evaluation System Blocked During Ongoing Litigation
On Thursday, a Harris County District Judge issued a temporary restraining order on the new teacher evaluation system developed by Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and the district’s state-appointed Board of Managers. This comes after the Houston Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Miles and the board members on…
Far East at On the Verge Explores the Damaging Prejudices of Post WWII Americans Overseas
In Far East, 1950s couples are beset by cultural demons common to the time. With echoes of Madame Butterfly and Miss Saigon , it’s the story of an American sailor going to a foreign country and entering into a romantic liaison with a (gasp) foreigner. Before you stifle a yawn…
Travis County Judge Declares “Death Star” Bill Unconstitutional
On Wednesday, a Travis County Judge ruled that a law extensively limiting the local authority of city and county operations challenged by Houston and other Texas cities was unconstitutional. House Bill 2127, also known as the “Death Star bill,” would have gone into effect on Friday and require local regulation…
Trans and Nonbinary Performers Take the Stage at Pink Carpet Resistance
In the face of the current pushback against the greater LGBTQ community, and especially the transgender community, Pink Carpet Resistance was born. To Ian Townsley, the director of Pink Carpet Resistance, it is a way for those within the community and its allies to stand up and show visibility and…
Best Bets: Far East, The Flow and Mozart By Moonlight
Hurray for a three-day weekend! As we enter the month of September, greeted by the welcome sight of the Labor Day holiday, the city’s arts organizations are becoming more and more active. That means we’ve got a lot for you in this week’s best bets. Keep reading for compelling documentaries,…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Celebrate the Jewish Holidays with Matzo Balls
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Pizaro’s, 11177 Katy Freeway, 1000 West Gray, is offering its Cracker Thin Pizza now through September 14. The Midwest style 14″ pizzas are super thin and crispy, offered with “Build your Own” options at both locations…
NFL Cutdown Day Sweeps Up Several Former Houston Texans
Between Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon this week, well over 1,000 NFL football players became unemployed, many of them temporarily, but nonetheless, it was a stressful day for so many in the NFL player fraternity. If it feels like there are more than 1,000 former Houston Texans that could have…
Everclear’s Art Alexakis Adds a Little Whisky to His Drink Menu
Though he’s closely associated with the cities of Los Angeles, California (where he grew up) and Portland, Oregon (where he founded his band), Everclear singer/rhythm guitarist Art Alexakis does have some roots right here in Houston, Texas. It’s where as a teen in the ‘70s he lived with his father…
HFT Files SuitAgainst HISD Superintendent and the Board of Managers
On Wednesday, the Houston Federation of Teachers said they plan to file a lawsuit against Houston ISD Superintendent Miles Miles and the district’s state-appointed Board of Managers, claiming that Miles’s new teacher evaluations violate the Texas Education Code. The union is requesting a temporary restraining order to prevent district officials…
Karol G Radiates Positive Energy at NRG Stadium
Karol G Mañana Sera Bonito Tour NRG Stadium August 29, 2023 If you were allowed the opportunity to choose a celebrity to narrate your life, who would you choose… and why would that choice be Morgan Freeman? That’s exactly what Colombian Pop-Reggaeton superstar Karol G did as she presented her…
Superintendent Miles Assesses Day 2 of HISD Classes
So far this week, at least in his public assessment, the start of a new school year is going swimmingly according to Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles. There might be tensions elsewhere among teachers, students and parents whether they’re in the New Education System schools, NES adjacent or waiting to…
Jagged Little Pill: The Musical Shows A More Serious Side
Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity? I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner It was a slap in the face How quickly I was replaced And are you thinking of me when you fuck her? There’s no mistaking the intentions of these lyrics, from Alanis Morissette’s…
Harris County Commissioners Divvy Up the Duties of the Abolished Election Administrator’s Office
Harris County Commissioners dissolved the election administrator’s office to abide by a new law days away from going into effect that places election operations here back in the hands of county officials. To reorganize, commissioners voted unanimously to transfer 131 positions to Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s Office and another…
Celebrate Latinx Dance and Identity at the Texas Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival
Celebrate Latinx choreographers, both established and emerging, and identity during The Pilot Dance Project’s 3rd Annual Texas Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival this weekend at The MATCH. In anticipation of the festival, we spoke to three of the choreographers participating in the one-night showcase to learn more about them and the…
Houston Concert Watch 8/30: Lionel Richie, Earth Wind & Fire and More
Tonight marks the first appearance of a blue moon since 2020. What constitutes a blue moon? It is the second full moon in one month, something that happens periodically, due to the fact that a lunar cycle has a duration of just over 29 days. Depending on the calendar, sometimes…
Houston Texans Finalize 53 Man Roster (For Now)
For the Houston Texans players, the preseason is over, and after a couple practices this week, the players who make the team will get a few days off before the hardcore preparation for the Baltimore Ravens as Week 1 commences. However, for the last few days, the work has continued…
HISD 2023 First Day of School: On Time (Mostly) Buses, Timed Students and Teachers and Data Points Galore
Maybe it was inertia, perhaps everyone didn’t get the word, in the best of all suppositions it could be that more people adopted a wait-and-see attitude and decided it was too soon to walk away, but the first day of school for Houston ISD came and went Monday without disaster…
Apple TV+ Gathers Momentum This Summer Beyond Just Ted Lasso
There are too many options in the streaming television era we are in. Half a dozen major streaming apps flanked by a dozen smaller apps make deciding what to watch a stressful endeavor, especially if you are looking for something to hold your attention for a few hours and seem like it was…
Apollo Chamber Players’ Upcoming Season Tackles Censorship
Apollo Chamber Players is delving into its 16th season, themed “Silenced Voices” with perhaps its most thought provoking and poignant programming yet meant to explore the historical and ongoing efforts to ban, censor and marginalize. The four-concert season is will feature world premieres and commissions, a free satellite series and Library Voyage concerts, a new…
Four Most Significant Developments From Houston Texans Training Camp
As the ongoing roster cuts with the Houston Texans continue to rain down up until 4 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the dust has settled from training camp, the first camp of the DeMeco Ryans Era. Like training camp in any season, there were some very positive developments for the Texans, but…
A Long and Winding Journey Down Abbey Road
The Beatles and Abbey Road are inexorably linked. Not just because Abbey Road is the name of the last album the band recorded together, but also because the Fab Four recorded most of their catalog at the venerable London Studio during a period of eight years. As a result, the…
Power Outages Left Areas of a Spring ISD Campus Without Electricity For Most of The Day
Westfield High School in Spring ISD reported intermittent power outages on Monday morning through the early afternoon; however, they were resolved and the school day returned to normal operations.
Houston ISD Students Head Back to District for 2023 School Year (UPDATED)
Houston ISD students return to classes on Monday after the district spent much of the summer implementing reforms made by new Superintendent Mike Miles amid the ongoing state takeover. Those attending Miles’ 85 New Education System and NES-aligned schools will likely see the most reform. As modifications were made to…
![Announcing the 2023 Houston Theater Awards [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-houston-theater-awards-h800.png.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Announcing the 2023 Houston Theater Awards [UPDATED]
Houston theater contains multitudes. Full of marvels and contradictions, our theater can be inspiring or stultifying, magical or mundane, controversial or plain vanilla, fanciful or dull. The 2022-23 season contained all of these. Some big-ticket shows landed with a thud you could hear outside in the street, while little shows…
The High Times and Low Lights of Counterculture Icon Thomas King Forcade
Tom Forçade wore a lot of hats in his lifetime—and not just the broad, flat-brimmed one he was usually sporting or photographed in. While he is best known as the founder of the pro-marijuana/counterculture magazine High Times, he was also, beginning in the late ‘60s, variously an editor, journalist, radical…
![This Week in Houston Food Events: An Island Wine Festival and Kolache-Fueled Back-to-School Special [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/multiple-savory-kolaches-by-becca-wright-11.22-7-.webp.webp?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
This Week in Houston Food Events: An Island Wine Festival and Kolache-Fueled Back-to-School Special [UPDATED]
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Houston Restaurant Weeks Houston Restaurant Weeks will run now through Monday, September 4, celebrating its 20th anniversary and achievement of raising a whopping 18.8 million dollars for the Houston Food Bank in its two-decade run (with hopes to…
Harmonica Man Lee Oskar is in a Mahalo Mood
In 2021, harmonica virtuoso Lee Oskar released the album Never Forget. Its concept was rooted in recalling the horrors of the Holocaust, a tribute to the survivors (including his Jewish mother and aunt, who as teens escaped from a Nazi concentration camp in Poland) and hopes for a future in…
Houston Texans 53 Man Roster Prediction, FINAL Version
The 2023 preseason, perhaps the most highly anticipated Texans preseason since the Gary Kubiak Era, is on the books. Three preseason games, a couple dozen practices, a couple canceled joint practices with the Saints, and now here we are. Over the next day or so, right up until 4 p.m…
Carin León Turns Up The Heat at Toyota Center
Carin León Colmillo de Leche Tour Toyota Center August 26, 2023 To the person who broke Carin León’s heart… Thank you! Because of you, this singer-songwriter from the Mexican state of Sonora has been transformed into one of the most entertaining, emotional, and energetic performers in all of musica regional…
LL Cool J Headlines F.O.R.C.E Live and Brings Fifty Years of Hip Hop to the Toyota Center
A few weeks ago, LL Cool J made the newly released list for The Insider’s “Rappers who have sold the most albums of all time.” He later appeared on Sway’s Universe and said rappers thinking about retiring are just dealing with insecurity. Friday night he showed Houston that his statements…
![State Efforts To Ban Gender-Affirming Care Blocked By Travis County District Court [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/translead.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
State Efforts To Ban Gender-Affirming Care Blocked By Travis County District Court [UPDATED]
A Travis County District judge issued a temporary injunction Friday on Senate Bill 14 scheduled to go into effect on September 1 that would prohibit transgender children and adolescents in Texas from receiving gender-affirming care and penalize healthcare professionals providing it. In her decision, Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel wrote that Senate…
Houston Will Host The 2028 Republican National Convention
Republican National Committee officials announced on Friday that Houston will be home to the 2028 Republican National Convention – making it the first time in 30 years the event will return to the city. The announcement comes five years ahead of when the convention will occur. Although the dates have…
Grupo Frontera Celebrates Tejano Music at Smart Financial Centre
Grupo Frontera El Comienzo Tour Smart Financial Centre Sugar Land, Texas August 24th, 2023 In an interview published on Youtube earlier this year, the members of Grupo Frontera recall how they began their rise to fame nearly one year ago as a small groupo from Edinburg, Texas and have now…
50 Cent’s The Final Lap Comes to the Toyota Center
The applause in the Toyota Center grew to a roar as the house lights fell again. Four large cubes on stage were sitting in a sea of fog and rolling white clouds as the sound of lone piano keys rang through the stadium. As the roar died down, the fog…
Houston Outdoor Venues: Just Standing There Can Get You in This Heat
Last week, 35 concertgoers attending the Snoop Dogg, Whiz Khalifa, Too $hort and More tour at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion sought medical attention on site due to the heat, and another 16 were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Turns out, you don’t have to run a 10K…
Jagged Little Pill: The Musical, Unravels a Family’s Secrets to Music by Alanis Morissette
Families with secrets have been a mainstay of theater scripts for years upon years. In Jagged Little Pill: The Musical now on its way to the Hobby Center courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars, it’s the Healy family that’s trying to navigate its way through modern life. And like classic…
Openings and Closings: Big Chicken Richmond Opens Soon, Los Cucos Tomball Catches Fire
Big Chicken, 3415 FM 762, will open August 30 in Richmond across from Brazos Town Center. For the grand opening, the first 34 guests in line will receive Big Chicken sandwiches for a year, with a limit of one a week. The chicken restaurant has the famous face of NBA…
Rethinking The Breakfast Club’s Controversial Makeover Scene
My kid turned 14 last week, so the Wife With One F and I thought it was a good time to show them the 1985 classic teen drama The Breakfast Club. The kid immediately recognized how much of their Gen X parents’ personalities came from this film. I was a…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Help Raise Funds for the Maui Food Bank
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Maui Food Bank Benefit at FM Kitchen & Bar Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight 1112 Shepherd FM Kitchen & Bar invites guests to “Get Lei’d for a Cause,” benefitting the Maui Food Bank in response to the tragic wildfires…
NFL Preseason Week 3: Texans vs Saints — Four Things to Watch For
As we discussed in this space earlier this week, the Houston Texans and the New Orleans Saints were slated to conduct two joint practices on Thursday and Friday of this week. Ultimately, the two head coaches, DeMeco Ryans of the Texans and Dennis Allen of the Saints, decided that it…
RodeoHouston Takes Home Academy of Country Music Award for Rodeo of The Year
For the second year in a row, the Academy of Country Music has recognized the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as their Rodeo of the Year. This recognition for 2022 was awarded to the RodeoHouston as part of the 16th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors and is given to…
ERCOT Issues Energy Conservation Request Amid Chance Grid Activates Emergency Status
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued a conservation request for residents to cut back on their energy consumption on Thursday as projections indicate the grid is likely to enter into emergency operating conditions. According to the grid operator, demand is forecasted to exceed supply early Thursday evening from 7…
Houston To Tighten Conservation Efforts By Restricting Residents’ Water Usage
As temperatures continue to soar above 100 degrees and a lack of rain leaves lawns dry, Houston will activate Stage 2 of its drought contingency plan at the end of the week. Houston to Activate Stage 2 of Its Drought Contingency Plan This comes after Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that…
Twitter X is a Mess You Guys: Four of the More Recent Issues
New systems come with glitches. That is the nature of technology. Millions of lines of code aren’t perfect even when AI does it, and it can cause all kinds of problems. But, unlike X, those wounds are generally not self inflicted. Since the takeover of what was Twitter by Tesla…
Best Bets: Tattoos, Peter & Wendy and Jagged Little Pill
From a classic 1995 alt rock album setting the stage for a musical to an enigmatic film with a traveling circus and stuffed whale, we can certainly promise a wide range of activities this coming week. Keep reading for the complete list of our best bets. Experience 10 different 10-minute…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Grand Opening Freebies and a Bacon Fueled Week of Giving
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Homegrown fast-casual Moroccan concept ZOA Moroccan Kitchen has opened its third Houston-area location at 3303 Richmond (formerly home to Velvet Melvin Pub), and it’s celebrating with a Grand Opening on Thursday, August 24 with giveaways throughout the…
Four Houston Texans Roster Spots Up For Grabs in Final Preseason Game
For players on the fringe of either making the Houston Texans’ 53 man roster or getting sent home (or perhaps to the practice squad, once they pass through waivers), the cancellation of the two joint practices with the New Orleans Saints this week was a body blow to their career…
Beck, Bogert & Appice—Classic Rock’s “Lost” Power Trio—Thunder on Live Box Set
Though it’s been nearly eight months since the sudden and unexpected death of guitarist Jeff Beck from bacterial meningitis, his former bandmate, drummer Carmine Appice, is still stunned. Especially since the two had been working closely together on a new box set project featuring archival live recordings from their short-lived…
Hot, Dry Weather Remains Despite Increased Activity Emerging in the Atlantic
Despite the ongoing tropical activity in the Atlantic, the chances for slightly cooler temperatures and wet weather for the Greater Houston area are likely out of reach as rain chances remain low amid the continued dry conditions and heat. Matt Lanza, a meteorologist with Space City Weather, said Tropical Storm…
5 Things I Wish I’d Known About Owning a Pool
By the time I had bought my house, I had spent 20 years swimming in apartment complex pools. I thought that gave me a rough idea what dealing with them entailed, and I was so very wrong. Here are some nasty surprises I got as a first-time pool owner. 5…
Will We Ever See NFL Running Backs Make the Hall of Fame Anymore?
Through the last several years, as offenses in the National Football League have become more diverse and pass happy, the running back position has become marginalized, if not commoditized. Teams are happy to get their elite running back caliber of play from good rookies on cheap deals, and are averse…
Celebrate Labor Day 2023 With Monday Brunches, Weekend Long Happy Hours and More
Labor Day is coming up on Monday, September 4, with many Houston bars and restaurants celebrating with Monday dining deals and weekend fun. Here’s where to eat, drink and celebrate Labor Day 2023 in Houston. 8th Wonder Brewery, Distillery, & Cannabis, 2201 Dallas Labor Day weekend deals include 18 percent…
PS Plus Premium Did Wonders for My Anxiety and Wallet
Three months ago, I finally broke down and bought a PlayStation Plus Premium membership. I did it after two weeks of frantically looking through the PlayStation store for something new to play, but never feeling confident enough to actually click buy. The membership is what finally killed my executive dysfunction…
Houston Concert Watch: 50 Cent, Son Volt and More
While there has been nothing resembling an official statement as yet, Rolling Stones fans may want to be sure that they have plenty of room on their credit card balances. A coy announcement online this week seems to hint that the long-promised new Stones album will be released this fall,…
![On Sept. 1, the Harris County’s Election Administrator’s Office Won’t Be in Charge of Elections Anymore [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/electionlead.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
On Sept. 1, the Harris County’s Election Administrator’s Office Won’t Be in Charge of Elections Anymore [UPDATED]
The Texas Supreme Court has ruled against Harris County’s request for an emergency order to block a law that would remove election operations from the Harris County Election Administrator’s Office and effectively abolish Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum ‘s job. A Travis County District court decision to grant an…
HISD Superintendent Miles Tells Autism Support Teachers to Find a New Job
Houston ISD special education instructors who teach students with autism will return to their classes next week without the support of teachers there to assist them during routine check-ins or reported emergencies. This comes after the district cut 10 “itinerant teacher” positions, effectively ending an autism services team that primarily…
Astros Week: Team Reaches Inflection Point as Altuve Gets to 2,000 Hits
As has been the case with much of the season, the Astros have spent the last few weeks climbing their way back to challenge the Rangers in the AL West only to end it with a sickening thud. The roller coaster season continues. The good news is the Rangers haven’t…
Stroud, Anderson Among Top of the Board for 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds
With two preseason games in the books, and one more to go, along with a handful of practices remaining in the preseason, Houston Texan fans are generally pretty excited about the team’s 2023 rookie class. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson are the crown jewels of the class,…
This Time in Houston, the Australian Pink Floyd Show Gets Dark
It was almost exactly one year ago that The Houston Press spoke with Chris Barnes, lead vocalist for The Australian Pink Floyd Show. He was on the road in the middle of a U.S. tour, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of his and his wife’s fifth child. Barnes would…
The Lymbar: Houston Restaurant Weeks Lunch
Houston Restaurant Weeks, which launched August 1, is heading into its third week so we figured we needed to brave the heat and head for a new establishment before the annual fundraising event ends September 4. Having already tried Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood on our side of town, my companion…
Marilyn Monroe, Meet Cutes and More at Scriptwriters/Houston’s 10×10 Play Festival
Game-fixing gone wrong, a radio that just may predict the future, and a meet-cute at a colonoscopy clinic. You can find a story about each, and much more, within the 10 plays selected for the 31st Annual Scriptwriters/Houston 10×10 Ten Minute Play Festival, to be held this weekend at Theatre…
![Tony Buzbee Files For Houston City Council District G Seat [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/buzbeelead.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Tony Buzbee Files For Houston City Council District G Seat [UPDATED]
Amid speculation that Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee would reattempt his failed bid to run for mayor in 2019, he is now expected to file for Houston City Council’s District G seat Monday afternoon. Buzbee took to Instagram, suggesting that he’ll be making a run. According to several media reports, he plans…
Ramifications of Houston Texans Canceling Joint Practices in New Orleans
After two days of spirited, sometimes chippy practices against the Miami Dolphins last week, and a 28-3 loss to the Dolphins in an actual preseason game on Saturday evening at NRG Stadium, the Houston Texans were set to make plans for the upcoming week. The third week of the preseason…
Opinion: Trump’s Indictments Aren’t Karma
Donald Trump was indicted for the fourth time last week, this time for allegedly interfering in Georgia elections. It is the first state indictment for the former president. Naturally, I saw a lot of people on the left celebrating this online, and one word kept coming up over and over…
Houston Humane Society Hosts “Clear The Shelters” Campaign
Like many other Houston area animal shelters and adoption centers, Houston Humane Society is over capacity and looking for those interested in adopting or fostering to relieve its overcrowding. The organization is hosting the “Clear the Shelters” campaign until August 31 to reduce its animal population. Adoption fees are discounted…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Friday Night Burgers and a Bayside Back-to-School Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long National Sandwich Month at Twisted Grilled Cheese Twisted Grilled Cheese, 5555 Washington, 24811 Katy Freeway, is featuring a month-long celebration in honor of National Sandwich Month, with a new special each week. Now through Sunday, enjoy the Halal…
Firefall Focuses on Famous Friends & Family
The country-tinged Classic Rockers in Firefall first ignited their musical ember in 1974. That means they’ve had nearly five decades worth of touring with other bands, while various members have also played with big-name artists or been in noted groups. The band is best known for a trio of big…
NFL Preseason Week 2: Dolphins 28, Texans 3 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Throughout the Houston Texans’ 2023 offseason and preseason, there have been various themes, many of them captured perfectly on liberty white, battle red, and deep steel blue merchandise — SWARM, “iron sharpens iron,” and “FAMILIA,” to name a few. In plain English, though, the theme throughout the last several months…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Beer Block Party and Houston Restaurant Weeks Continues
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Backyard Jamboree at Truck Yard Saturday, all day 2118 Lamar Folks are invited to let loose at Truck yard’s all-day Backyard Jamboree (ages welcome from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 21+ after). Featured drinks include beer buckets with “flabongos,”…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Blue Beetle
Title: Blue Beetle Describe This Movie In One Young Guns Quote: DIRTY STEVE: We’re in the spirit world, asshole! They can’t see us! Brief Plot Synopsis: Jewelry of unknown origin Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Gad Hassans out of 5. Tagline: “He’s a superhero, whether he likes it or…
NFL Preseason Week 2: Dolphins at Texans — Four Things To Watch For
The good news with preseason football is that it means regular season football is right around the corner. The bad news with preseason football is that it can get to be quite the grind, as the dog days of August roll on. Fortunately, for the first time since 2019, we…
Openings and Closings: New Bread Zeppelin Opens, Trill Burgers NRG Plans
Bread Zeppelin, 3235 Southwest Freeway, opened August 16 in Greenway Plaza. It’s the second Houston area spot for the Dallas-based sandwich and salad concept. First opened in 2013 by co-founders Troy Charhon and Andrew Schoellkopf, the sandwich shop offers customers plenty of customizable options for creating their own salads, bowls…
ERCOT Calls For Residents To Conserve Power Amid High Afternoon Demand
As demand increases amid record heat persisting, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked residents to voluntarily reduce electricity on Thursday afternoon into the evening from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. ERCOT issued this request as the council is forecasting about 85,000 megawatts of usage at the peak of demand…
Harris County Budget Proposal Seems To Kick Off Process With A Smooth Start
The Harris County Office of Management and Budget accounted for reduced resources and lost department budget increases due to the county having to adopt a no-new revenue tax rate last year when constructing this coming fiscal year’s budget proposal. County officials set the Fiscal Year 2024 proposal from the county’s…
Potential Court Ruling Could Impact Planned Parenthood’s Future
The ability for Planned Parenthood clinics to remain open across Texas and in Louisiana hangs in the balance of an Amarillo District Courthouse after U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk wrapped up hearing oral arguments in a case against the nonprofit organization earlier this week. The lawsuit brought by the state…
Woke Films Make More At The Box Office (With Some Caveats)
The phrase “go woke, go broke” has never really held up in practice. There are just too many factors involved for such a reductive phrase to be universally true. For instance, let’s look at theatrical releases in 2023. On average, woke films have made more at the box office. Here’s…
Best Bets: SUMMERJAZZ, Summer Mixtape and Sonic Histories
It’s Houston Theater Week, meaning that from now until Sunday, August 20, you can get “buy one, get one free” tickets to any of more than 200 performances from the upcoming 2023-2024 season. It also happens to be National I Love My Feet Day, and we can think of a…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Chefs for Farmers and a Jazzy Brunch
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Celebrating four years at its Fountain View location, Craft Pita will give away a free green iced sugar cookie from Michael’s Cookie Jar with every purchase at both locations on Thursday, August 17, followed by an…
Duke Robillard Knows What to Do with Six Strings of Steel
Guitarist Duke Robillard has always moved into the future by revisiting the past. In 1967, Robillard and pianist Al Copley formed Roomful of Blues, an aggregation that sought to emulate the sound of Chicago blues artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Before long, though, the band dug further back…
Where Does Davis Mills Stack Up Among NFL Backup Quarterbacks?
This time last season, as the Texans were preparing for their second preseason game, we were already a couple weeks into the “Holy cow, Davis Mills is actually being named the starting QB” era. It felt like a little much at the time, but what were the Texans to do?…
What To Expect As Height of Hurricane Season Begins
As the peak of hurricane season begins, previous forecasts had indicated the possibility of less activity in the tropics. However, now meteorologists are predicting the chance for more storms due to recently reported record-breaking water temperatures. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center now indicates a 60 percent chance for…
Houston Concert Watch 8/16: Lyle Lovett, Pantera and More
Houston has produced some tremendous musicians over the years, but none bigger than the members of ZZ Top. That Little Ol’ Band from Texas has taken the Lone Star tradition (and attendant boogie) to the world, so many of us feel a certain pride in ZZ’s accomplishments. This being the…
Dario’s: Houston Restaurant Weeks Lunch
Houston Restaurant Weeks began August 1 and social media across Houston is teeming with photos and reviews from enthusiastic diners. The citywide fundraising event from the Cleverley Stone Foundation raises funds for Houston Food Bank and brings in business for local restaurants while offering Houstonians the opportunity to take advantage…
Celebrating Quadrophenia—The Who’s “Other” Rock Opera
It’s not the Who’s most famous rock opera—that would be the one about the deaf, dumb and blind kid with great flipper action, Tommy. Nor is it the great “What If?” never-assembled rock opera—that would be Lifehouse, most of which ended up on Who’s Next, considered the band’s greatest album…
Astros Trade History Shows Young Prospects Are Crapshoots
For most Houston Astro fans, the return of Justin Verlander was an injection of energy into a pennant chase that has a much higher degree of difficulty this season than in seasons past. The American League West is just a much tougher division, and challenging times call for big moves…
Court Order Is Issued To Temporarily Block Election-Related Law From Going Into Effect
A Travis County District Court ruled in favor of issuing an order to temporarily block a law that would remove Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum just weeks before early voting for the November election begins on Tuesday afternoon. Harris County filed a lawsuit last month challenging Senate Bill 1750,…
HISD’s Office of Special Education Services Terminates Nearly Two Dozen Contracted Employees
In the latest wave of employee terminations, the Houston Independent School District has ended the contracts of almost two dozen independent licensed school psychologists and educational diagnosticians hired to work at the district this upcoming school year. HISD eliminated 21 contractor positions in the district’s Office of Special Education Services…
Mulch Fire May Not Be Extinguished For Days
If you live near the Living Earth Facility on Crawford Street – a center that manufactures compost, mulch and soil – you may notice smoke rising from heaps of smoldering mulch for the next few days. Firefighters responded to a call initially concerning a “small grass fire” and one burning…
Bob Dylan’s “Blood”-y Minnesota Musicians Finally Get Their Flowers
Among the passionate group of music aficionados known as the Dylanologists, consensus is that the Bard of Hibbing’s 1975 effort Blood on the Tracks is among his best, if not the best. And the general world tends to agree. The disc that produced such high-profile canon tracks like “Tangled Up…
Galveston Island Wine Festival Returns Labor Day Weekend
The Galveston Island Wine Festival is returning September 1 through September 3, 2023 and this year, it’s being held at Moody Gardens in Galveston. It’s a comeback of sorts for the festival which has been on COVID pandemic hiatus since its last event in 2019. The GIWF was cancelled in…
Houston Texans 2023 Rookie Report: Will Anderson Will Be a Star
If you’re a Houston Texans fan, that buzz you feel about the 2023 season is probably coming from several places, but perhaps the most prominent reason for the new wave of anticipation is the team’s current rookie class. Last season’s rookies had some hits (Jalen Pitre, Dameon Pierce) and some…
City of Katy Enters Into Stage 3 of Its Drought Contingency Plan
With little relief from dry conditions and extremely high temperatures, Katy heightened its Drought Contingency plan on Monday to Stage 3, issuing mandatory restrictions on water usage. Katy activated Stage 2 of the plan last month, asking residents to abide by an alternating lawn watering schedule and stop nonessential water…
2023 Houston Texans 53 Man Roster Prediction, Version 2.0
As we wake up on this sweltering hot Monday morning, the Houston Texans have 13 preseason practices and one preseason game under their collective belt. Certain position groups have solidified and, barring injuries, have taken shape. Other position groups still have some work to do, and one in particular is…
New book Charts Eagles’ Soaring Heights and Plummeting Crashes
As esteemed rock journo Mick Wall writes in his introduction, Don Henley hates books about his band, Eagles (there is technically no definite article in the group’s name—so you’ve been saying it wrong all these years. See also: Talking Heads). He didn’t like Marc Eliot’s 2004 bio To the Limit:…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Free Oyster Wednesdays and Hatch Chile Miso Returns
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long National Sandwich Month at Twisted Grilled Cheese Twisted Grilled Cheese, 5555 Washington, 24811 Katy Freeway, is featuring a month-long celebration in honor of National Sandwich Month, with a new special each week. Now through Sunday, enjoy the 5…
Stevie Nicks Bewitches An Adoring Toyota Center
Stevie Nicks Toyota Center August 12, 2023 “It’s just so great to be here.” There come’s a point in a musician’s career, ’round about the time they achieve “legendary” status, that they can pretty easily coast on past laurels. If you’ve succeeded in that industry for literal decades, you’d be…
The Red Bull Batalla Takes Over Metropolis
The room was dark and packed as people tried to position themselves for the best view. Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” blasted through the speakers as spectators bobbed their heads to the chart-topping MC’s ode to musicians trying to make a name for themselves through their art. As by standers mouthed the…
Last Night: Culture Club, Berlin, And Howard Jones At The Woodlands
Culture Club, Howard Jones, Berlin Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion August 11, 2023 To “let it go” can mean anything from moving past personal conflicts to abandoning old habits and looking to the future. For last night’s “Letting It Go” tour at the Woodlands, it truly meant something different for each…
HISD Board Approves Large-Scale Policy Changes, Placing Power In Superintendent Mike Miles’ Hands
Much to community members’ and former Houston Independent School District elected trustees’ dismay, new financial and decision-making policy changes placing a lot of power in the hands of Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles passed approval at Thursday night’s board of education meeting. These new measures included the authority for Miles…
Ongoing Harris County Election Contest Trial Comes To An End
Attorneys gave closing arguments on Thursday morning on the final day of a trial challenging the results of a Harris County judicial race held last November. The possibility of overturning the outcome and calling a new election is now in the hands of the court. Judge David Peeples, the presiding…
Openings and Closings: Tin Drum Asian Opens, Nonno’s Debuts
Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, 1111 Shepherd, officially opened August 7 in Washington Heights. this is the first outpost outside of its home base in Atlanta, Georgia, where it has operated for 20 years. There are currently 11 locations in the Atlanta area. Founder and CEO Steven Chan was inspired by…
The Houston-to-Dallas High-Speed Rail Line Might Still Happen
Despite all previous indications, Amtrak has just agreed to consider working with Texas Central, a move that has simultaneously reminded the world that Texas Central still exists and its controversial, long-delayed Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project could still become a reality. You’d be forgiven for assuming the project was dead in…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Title: The Last Voyage of the Demeter Describe This Movie Using One Simpsons Quote: HOMER: Oh, Lisa, you and your stories: “Bart’s a vampire.” “Beer kills brain cells.” Now, let’s go back to that…building thingy. Where our beds and TV… is. Brief Plot Synopsis: Some stowaways are worse than others. Rating Using Random Objects…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Barbie Brunch Returns and Houston Restaurant Weeks Continues
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Houston Restaurant Weeks All month long Houston Restaurant Weeks has made its triumphant return, running all August long and hrough Monday, September 4. The highly anticipated foodie fundraiser celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, raising a whopping 18.8 million…
Untold: Johnny Football Documentary Reveals Manziel’s Biggest Lie
As we all watched Johnny Manziel take over the college football world back in 2012, winning a Heisman Trophy and putting Texas A&M on the SEC map in its inaugural season in the sport’s toughest conference, we knew we were witnessing something unique, something awesome. What we saw with our…
Houston Goths at the Beach
They say vampires explode in the sun, but that’s a myth. Houston photographer Marcus Sabom has the evidence, He’s been shooting a lot of goth models on Galveston beaches this summer. “People just sometimes have set ideas in their head of what things are and what they aren’t,” says Sabom…
Last Night: Daryl Hall and Todd Rundgren at the Smart Financial Centre
When the front person of a successful group steps out on their own for a solo tour, it can actually be a relief for both the artist and his or her most diehard fans. There’s less pressure to deliver the most familiar/hit material, the venues and audience sizes are a…
First of Harris County Election Contests Lawsuits Nearing An End
After concluding a week’s worth of hearing testimony from both sides in a case attempting to overturn a county judicial race’s election result, attorneys will have one last ditch effort to support their claims while making closing arguments on Thursday morning at the Harris County Civil Courthouse. Erin Lunceford, a…
Pay the Man? Four Thoughts on a Potential Kyle Tucker Extension
It’s all over Twitt…er…X. In an interview, Astros GM Dana Brown seemed emphatic. “Lemme put it to you this way, Kyle Tucker will be a Houston Astro,” Brown said. “We feel strongly about getting it done and I feel he will be an Astro for the rest of his career. We’ll…
Best Bets: Uptown, Slashers and Sandcastles
The so-called “dog days” of summer are coming to an end tomorrow, and while it might not mean a reprieve from the unbearable heat quite yet, we can say that the coming week will give you plenty of things to do. From a sandcastle-building competition to an art show celebrating…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Month Full of Twisted Grilled Cheese
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Twisted Grilled Cheese, 5555 Washington, 24811 Katy Freeway, is featuring a month-long celebration in honor of National Sandwich Month, with a new special each week. Now through Sunday, enjoy a Cheese Classic Grilled Cheese for $7…
NFL Preseason Week 1: Texans at Patriots — Four Things To Watch For
When DeMeco Ryans was hired as the Houston Texans’ sixth full time head coach in franchise history back in late January, for the first time in years, there was a sudden sense of enthusiastic anticipation for the upcoming season. It felt like the start of preseason and actual preseason games…
Post Malone Delivers Energetic Set in The Woodlands
Post Malone If Y’all Weren’t Here I’d Be Crying Tour Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Woodlands, Texas August 8th, 2023 Eight years ago, Austin Richard Post released a track entitled “White Iverson” on his Soundcloud account. The song garnered millions of plays, and the legend of Post Malone was born…
Unincorporated Parts of Harris County Placed Under Burn Ban
Without a break in the excessively hot temperatures and dry conditions, Harris County Commissioners Court voted to place the unincorporated parts of the county under a burn ban effective immediately on Tuesday afternoon. This prohibits burning except in an enclosure that contains all sparks and flames to prevent controlled fires…
Commissioners Court Convenes Without Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Amid Her Mental Health Care
Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis called Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting to order with County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s chair noticeably vacant following Monday’s announcement she would be taking a step away from her role to receive mental health treatment. Ellis opened up the meeting by first addressing Hidalgo’s absence…
Houston Texans Release First Depth Chart, Confirm Stroud, Anderson to Start
My name is Sean Pendergast, and I am a National Football League nerd. Does this sound like the admission of a character flaw, or the revelation of something I’ve been hiding, maybe? Actually, I wear my nerd-dom as a badge of courage, and as such, I continue to take great…
Houston Concert Watch 8/9: Boy George, Stevie Nicks and More
With talk of indictments at the (former) presidential level wafting through the summer air, I am reflecting on an afternoon 49 years ago today. I was waiting in line for a tour of the FBI building in Washington, D.C. (part of a National Lampoon’s Family Vacation-style trip) when I was…
Last Night: Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra at 713 Music Hall
Jimmy Eat World Manchester Orchestra 713 Music Hall August 7, 2023 Some say that rock is dead, that it lacks interesting developments and is losing relevance in today’s musical landscape. And sure, it’s not as prevalent as it once was, but several bands continue bringing energy and innovation to the…
Astros Questions Answered: Rotation, Lineup, Singleton, Diaz and More
When one goes on vacation, it is expected things will happen in sports, but holy moly, did things ever change when this writer decided to take a trip “off the grid” last week. In addition to the trade that brought Justin Verlander back to Houston after half a season in…
Houston Texans Training Camp, Day 10: Stroud to Start at New England Thursday
It had become evident during the two most recent padded practices, both of which were in front of a packed house of Houston Texan fans, that rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud had taken the lead over 2022 starter Davis Mills in the battle for quarterback supremacy on the Texans’ roster. Stroud…
America’s Most Notorious Lovers Get a Closer Look in The Garden Theatre’s Bonnie & Clyde
From a classic 1967 Arthur Penn-directed film to an early-aughts duet by pop music royalty, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow’s Depression-era crime spree has repeatedly inspired works of art. The Garden Theatre is about to open one of those works, Bonnie & Clyde – a musical with a book by…
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Takes Leave of Absence For Mental Health Treatment
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Monday that she would be taking a temporary leave of absence from work as county judge as she is currently receiving inpatient treatment for clinical depression. According to a letter written by Hidalgo, she has been dealing with depression, which went undiagnosed until…
Texans Rookie C.J. Stroud Appears to Have Inside Track to Starting QB Job
Over the last few years, the Houston Texans have unfortunately conditioned their fan base to expect the worst. Things are getting better, but there is certainly some PTSD still left over from the 2020 through 2022 seasons. There was the perpetual fear that the eventual long term had coach would…
The Righteous Gemstones Switches Genres Effortlessly
The Righteous Gemstones has been referred to as “Southern Succession” since its debut, and it’s very easy to see why. The Danny McBride comedy features an elderly patriarch constantly telling his three children, who are next in line to take over the family business, that they are not serious people…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Go Back to School With Deals on Cold Brew and Wine
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Back to School Deal at Slowpokes Slowpokes Coffee is serving up back-to-school specials the week of August 7-13. Enjoy half off cold brew all day and half off bottles of wine from 4 p.m. to close (in addition…
Book Gets to the Bottom of Beatles Legends, Lies and Offbeat Tales
If a band’s been together for a decade, there are undoubtedly stories both true and exaggerated, offbeat legends and lies, and obscure or bizarre tales swirling around their history and music. If their popularity in the culture continues for decades after they hit their last note, those only grow. And…
Opinion: The Republican War Against Small Towns
For more than a week, my inbox has been full of fundraising emails asking me to “stand with small towns.” They come from the National Republican Congressional Committee, who are looking to capitalize on the backlash to country singer Jason Aldean’s music video for “Try That in a Small Town.”…
American Idol Makes A (Virtual) Pit Stop in Texas, Looking To Scout The Next Kelly Clarkson
Texans are getting the chance to show off their pipes! Idol Across America, the virtual audition for the producers of ABC’s American Idol is setting aside five hours to hear the best the Lone Star State has to offer in one-on-one auditions happening Wednesday, August 9. “We call it Idol…
Community Members Show Out Against Proposed HISD Library Closures
Chants rang out, and signs flew up as community members and elected officials gathered outside the Hattie Mae White building on Saturday morning to protest Superintendent Mike Miles’s recent decision to do away with libraries at his New Education System schools. Houston Independent School District students, parents and former employees…
HISD School Board Ready to Let Superintendent Miles Handle the Details
Sweeping financial and curriculum content changes that Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles has proposed that will give him the power to act quickly without going to the board for approval were the top bone of contention at Thursday night’s board of education meeting. That and the continued public disapproval of…
Jimmy Eat World At 30 Coming to 713 Music Hall
Arizona rock quartet Jimmy Eat World celebrates their 30th anniversary this year. In recognition of three decades in the music business, the Arizona rock quartet is touring with indie darlings Manchester Orchestra and alternative outfit Middle Kids, whom frontman Jim Adkins suggests everyone arrive early to see. Ahead of next week’s…
Killer Mike Brings Michael to the House of Blues
The crowd at House of Blues lifted their hands in the air as the spotlight panned across the stage. Standing in the center, draped in all white with a pendant chain hanging around his neck, was Michael Render, better known as Killer Mike. Behind him on the stage made to…
Openings and Closings: Nando’s PERI-PERI This Week, Underbelly Hospitality’s Big Plans
Nando’s PERI-PERI, 1717-C Post Oak Boulevard, will make its Texas debut here in Houston August 7. It’s the first of two upcoming Houston area restaurants with another planned for 23601 Cinco Ranch Boulevard in Katy. Nando’s is a much loved and much devoured global fast-casual eatery known for its flame-grilled…
Lawyers Get (Upside) Down in Night Court’s New Supernatural Musical The Law Files
Have you heard about the law firm where lawyers are mysteriously going missing? No, it’s not the start of a lawyer joke you haven’t heard, though it is guaranteed to be funny. It’s the premise of Night Court’s The Law Files, coming to The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Sharksploitation
Title: Sharksploitation Describe This Movie In One Raising Arizona Quote: PAYROLL CLERK: Government do take a bite, don’t she? Brief Plot Synopsis: In the beginning was the Shark, and the Bruce was with Spielberg, and the Shark was Movies. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Zigs out of 5…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Houston Restaurant Weeks and White Linen Night Return
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Houston Restaurant Weeks All month long Houston Restaurant Weeks is back through Monday, September 4. The highly anticipated foodie fundraiser celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, raising a whopping 18.8 million dollars for the Houston Food Bank in its…
DeMeco Ryans Way Down Odds Board for First NFL Head Coach Fired
If you’ve been reading my work in this space for a while now, then you are aware of how big a wagering enthusiast I am. I love betting, and I love that it is becoming increasingly legal across the country, and I hate that it’s not yet legal in Texas…
First Step Decided In Paxton’s Securities Fraud Case
After years of delays due to issues with payments to prosecutors and relocation debates, suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared in a Harris County court over criminal securities fraud charges on Thursday morning. During the short hearing, Paxton’s defense attorneys and special prosecutors on the case stood before Harris…
Out with The Old Office, In With The Potential Living Space?
Many companies with offices closed their doors during the pandemic, as the lockdown forced bosses and employees alike to work from home and tune into online video meetings or communicate via workplace messaging apps. However, most companies are now asking employees to return to in-person work, while others are choosing…
Cornish Game Hen Returns With New Album And Upcoming Live Show
Cornish Game Hen is going to perform at Black Magic Social Club.
Best Bets: Jurassic World Live, The Ramayana Project and Grease
Happy August, y’all! It’s another month, but two things you can count on are the continued heat outside and the strength of the art offerings across the city. But, in acknowledgement of the scorching temperatures, every one of this week’s best bets will keep you inside blessed air conditioning. Keep…
Four Big Differences Between Astros Trade for Justin Verlander in 2017 and in 2023
The dust settled yesterday afternoon on the latest monumental Jim Crane swing for the fences at an MLB trade deadline, as the Astros reclaimed Justin Verlander from the Mets, in a deal that sent the Mets two of the Astros top prospects, sent the Astros Verlander and a whopping $54…
Opinion: The Link Between Kenergy and Radical Misogyny
Spoilers Ahead for Barbie The Barbie movie is an absurdist masterpiece, an art film given a giant budget, and one of the greatest things I have ever seen in a theater. It’s also a terrifying depiction of how “nice guys” get radicalized into violent misogyny movements. In Barbieland, the Barbies…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Hidden Omakase Joins burger-chan’s Anti Burger Club
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Moody Garden’s Galveston Island Wine Festival is coming up next month (September 1–3), with early bird tickets to two of its events available at a discount now through August 7. Featuring 25 wineries, the Penguins &…
Fishbone’s Not Wasting Time (And Neither Should You)
If time is an ongoing, continuous marathon through the past, present and future, then Fishbone is high stepping its way through the race. The iconic band, which formed in Los Angeles in 1979 and is best known for its wild mashup of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae and soul (whew),…
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations Coming to the Hobby Center
They were (and some say, still are) the greatest group in R&B history with a signature sound from their beginnings in Detroit. David Ruffin was one of the tight-knit quintet until his drug and ego excesses threatened to tear the group apart and they fired him. The national tour of…
The Emerald Supper Club Brings Food and Debate to the Cannabis Conversation
The sun dipped below the horizon bringing the temperature down to a typical Houston night of ninety something degrees. Guests laughed as they moved into a gallery in east downtown, while Chef Keisha Griggs moved among the patrons, stopping to check a table setting while directing a waiter and filling…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans Two Practices With Pads
Houston Texans training camp is, perhaps, my favorite time of year on the sports calendar. Sure, from a purely functional standpoint, it is where we see the seeds planted for what we hope will be a successful (or, as compared to the last three season, a LESS FAILURE FILLED) season,…
Houston Concert Watch 8/2: Kenny Loggins, George Clinton and More
Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, passed away earlier this week, and with his passing, his love of rock and roll must be remembered. For instance, the “Tequila” dance in the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, not to mention the “Little Richard on Ice” segment from the television holiday special “Christmas at…
Hot Garden in the City
July Fry 2023 is over. Many experts say it was the hottest July on record. Now, it’s time for the August Angst: Will we ever get rain again? Will it ever be in the low 90s? Is this the Apocalypse? While there are still climate change deniers or folks who…
Trump Indicted Over Allegations That He Tried to Overturn 2020 Election Results
Former President Donald Trump was indicted late Tuesday afternoon on four felony counts pertaining to his alleged involvement in attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which led his supporters to storm the Capitol on January 6. The charges brought against Trump include conspiracy to defraud the…
For the Second Time, Houston Astros Trade for Justin Verlander
When the Houston Astros traded for Justin Verlander back in 2017, the deal went down with literally seconds to go before the trade deadline was to hit. The deal required a heavy sales pitch from fellow frontline starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, and Verlander would be moving to Houston with Hurricane…
Foreigner’s Kelly Hansen on the Band’s Legacy, Rock Hall Snub and Fond Farewells
You can go ahead and add Foreigner to the list of Classic Rock bands who have announced that their days of being on the road are over. But audiences around the world will have plenty of chances to see the group, as the officially-dubbed “Historic Farewell Tour” will run through…
Air Hockey Players Converge on Houston for 2023 World Championships
If there’s any doubt in your mind as to whether or not air hockey is a sport, let us reassure you. Yes, air hockey is a sport. If Marv Albert calls it – as he did in 1974 – then it’s a sport. It’s also a sport with deep roots…
Which Off Field Sports Content Generator is Best?
As sports fans have smartened up through the years, and as the internet has continued to churn out more and more content, following each sport year round, even outside of the on-field season, has increased significantly. More specifically, while the results of the games are still important, the means by…
Paxton’s Legal Team Files Motion to Dismiss Most Articles of Impeachment
Lawyers representing suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed two motions on Monday calling for nearly all of the articles of impeachment against him to be dismissed and for any evidence of Paxton’s alleged misconduct that occurred before he was last elected to be excluded from the Senate trial. His…
Mayor Turner and Superintendent Miles Clash Over School Libraries
Telling Mike Miles that “No one can take action in this city as if you are the general and we are less than your soldiers,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday accused the new Houston ISD superintendent of creating two different school systems: the haves and have-nots. Miles released his own…
Hopeful For Heat To Go Away? Think Again As Too Hot to Trot Weather Remains
With the potential for temperatures to soar beyond 100 degrees for most of this week, the city of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management reactivated its heat emergency plan Monday morning. Cooling centers will be open across the Greater Houston area for residents seeking relief from the extreme weather. Those needing…
Four Observations from First Four Houston Texans Training Camp Practices
The Houston Texans’ 2023 preseason kicked off last Wednesday, and after Sunday morning’s practice, four practices in, we know with certainty that there is a lot of energy in camp and the weather is “surface of the sun” level hot. We get our first padded practice on Monday morning, and…
This Week in Houston Food Events: 3 Dollar Burgers and a Kid-Friendly Pizza Collab
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, July 31 3 Dollar Burgers at Jax Grill Celebrating 30 years, Jax Grill will offer its mesquite-grilled “Original” Jax Burger with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles for $3 at its locations at 6510 South Rice and 1613 Shepherd, with a…
Last Night: The Steve Miller Band at The Woodlands Pavilion
He’s the man with Classic Rock’s greatest identity crisis. Some people call him the Space Cowboy and some the Gangster of Love. He’s a Joker, Smoker and a Midnight Toker. He’s even known by the seemingly benign moniker of “Maurice.” But what Steve Miller is not is A Guy Who…
Karlous Miller Brings His Solo Show, At The End Of The Day, to UH’s Cullen Center
“I knew dressing like a party promoter would get me women in Houston,” said Karlous Miller, laughing as he motioned to the green shorts and shirt he was wearing to the crowd. Addressing audience members who responded in kind, he singled out the women yelling at him: “If the two…
Delightful, Smile-Inducing Much Ado About Nothing Continues Houston Shakespeare Festival
Who doesn’t love a little belligerent sexual tension? William Shakespeare certainly did, as he basically fathered the trope with Much Ado About Nothing, now playing in repertory with Macbeth at the Houston Shakespeare Festival. Much Ado About Nothing is a tale of two couples contending with eavesdropping, double crossing, trickery…
Astros Trade Korey Lee for Kendall Graveman: Four Thoughts
With the trade deadline looming on August 1, the Astros sprung into action by acquiring right handed reliever Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for catcher Korey Lee in a one-for-one swap. The White Sox are one of the few teams in full-on sell mode as the…
Pasadena Fire Breaks Out at Veranda Village Apartments Again
The same Pasadena complex that caught on fire just shy of two years ago, had another blaze break out in its apartments Friday. According to Pasadena’s Chief Fire Marshall, they received a call at 1:36 p.m. and the fire was fully engaged when they arrived at Veranda Village Apartments. Of…
Uneven Macbeth Leads Off Houston Shakespeare Festival
Legend has it that William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is cursed. It’s a longstanding superstition that states that if someone involved in the production speaks the play’s name – Macbeth – in the theater, it will cause bad luck. Of course, there’s a way around it that involves spinning around a few…
Report Into Rapper Travis Scott’s 2021 Astroworld Tragedy Drops Same Day As New Music
The report of a nearly two-year-long investigation into Rapper Travis Scott’s 2021 Astroworld festival tragedy that left 10 people dead and many injured was released by the Houston police department on Friday morning. Police Chief Troy Finner announced at a press conference held in June after a Harris County Grand…
Tennessee Titans Make It Official, Will Wear Oilers Jerseys vs Texans in Week 15
I am not a lifelong Houstonian, but I got here as fast as I could. I moved here in 1994, in the midst of a season where the Oilers where losing enough to draft Steve McNair with the third overall pick, and, as it turns out, owner Bud Adams was…
Tinderbox Time in Houston Means Water Conservation and an Increased Risk of Fires
As conditions stay too hot and dry across the region, cities and counties are encouraging residents to practice water conservation and watch out for any outdoor activity that could set the landscape ablaze. This weather is not entirely unexpected. Cities such as Houston have had their drought-contingency plans designed to…
How Pop Culture Witches Fail Real Witch Hunt Victims
I’ve been consuming a lot of books and TV shows about witches lately, and one thing always sticks in my craw. These stories love to portray the victims of witch hunts in America and Europe as actual magical beings who were persecuted. This is insulting to the real world victims…
Openings and Closings: Gold Tooth Tony’s Coming Soon, The Rado is Open
Gold Tooth Tony’s Detroit Pizza, 1901 N. Shepherd, is planning to open in September 2023. It comes from chef Anthony Calleo, the creator of Pi Pizza which began as a food truck before Calleo partnered with Cherry Pie Hospitality to open a brick and mortar in 2016. Calleo left the…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Drink Pink at Barbie Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Barbie Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All five Union Kitchen locations will celebrate the world of Barbie with a Barbie pink brunch for all ages. In addition to the regular menu, guests can…
Opinion: Psoriatic Disease is Still Badly Misunderstood by Most People
July is Disability Pride Month, and August is when the National Psoriasis Foundation kicks off its 30 Days of Action campaign. Despite affecting 5-7 million people in the United States and getting all kinds of attention thanks to celebrities like Cyndi Lauper, psoriatic disease seems to still be deeply misunderstood…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Talk To Me
Title: Talk to Me Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: LENNY: They say he carved it himself … from a bigger spoon. Brief Plot Synopsis: Children shouldn’t play with dead things. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 “pain boxes” out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “It’s all fun…
Real Madrid Dominates Soccer Champions Tour Stop in Houston
Soccer Champions Tour Real Madrid vs Manchester United NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas July 26, 2023 It was another scorching summer day in the City of Houston, and the hottest ticket in town on Wednesday evening was Real Madrid versus Manchester United at NRG Stadium. This match is one of…
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Teems With Characters, Red Herrings and Plot Twists
Can murder be dull? Well, perhaps not the committing of the crime, but sometimes the explanation and solution of it, as witnessed in the Alley Theatre’s world premiere adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (serialized in British magazine London Evening News in 1925, and soon published as…
Lil Baby Brings his IOU Tour to the Toyota Center
The crowd screamed as spotlights at the Toyota Center began to focus on the figure sitting on top of a stage length LCD screen displaying images of clouds and water. Behind him, an even larger screen displayed a sky with an orange hue whose light flooded the floor of the…
COVID-19 On The Rise Amid Low Vaccination Rates
COVID-19 cases are again increasing in the Greater Houston area, information that likely no one wants to hear as they are soaking up the final month or so of summer by traveling to vacation destinations or gathering with family and friends. According to the Houston Health Department, the COVID-19 positivity…
Houston Texans RT Tytus Howard Signs Three Year Extension
The sun was barely rising over the eastern skyline in Houston on Wednesday morning, with the Texans’ training camp just a couple hours from beginning, when the news broke about the team taking care of one final piece of business before drills began. Just one day after the Texans announced…
Best Bets: Blue Velvet, The Honeycomb Trilogy and A New Hope
We’re officially more than halfway through the dog days of summer, and if nothing else, that means it’s really hot outside. Luckily almost all of this week’s best bets are indoors and airconditioned, with the one exception being Shakespeare at Miller Outdoor Theatre. But we believe that if The Bard…
Weekend RodeoHouston Performances Will Start an Hour Earlier
The big news from Houston Livestock and Rodeo is that the 2024 weekend rodeos will start an hour earlier, at 2:45 p.m. instead of 3:45 p.m. giving everyone added time to hit the carnival and other attractions on those days. Ticket sales start August 1 for the 2024 rodeo that…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Bourbon Dinner and “Whisky + Wagyu” Pairing
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Monday, July 31, Eight Row Flint’s East End location, 3501 Harrisburg, will host a five-course bourbon dinner with Four Roses Bourbon, combining a chef-driven menu with exclusive picks from the Four Roses selection led by…
More Changes Ahead at Stages as Managing Director is Leaving For Seattle
Stages theater must be setting some kind of record for changes at the top. First longtime Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin announced in late June he was leaving — albeit with a year to go before he exits. Then public relations specialist Lindsey Brown and husband celebrity chef Chris Shepherd announced…
Opinion: Joe Biden Has Done More to Curb Illegal Immigration Than Greg Abbott
Governor Greg Abbott has spent two years and more than $9 billion deploying the Texas National Guard to the southern border as part of Operation Lone Star. While his actions are of very dubious constitutional legality, he justifies them by claiming he has to combat an invasion of undocumented migrants…
Alumnae Head Back As Directors for the Houston Shakespeare Festival
Every summer, Houstonians descend upon the lawns of the Miller Outdoor Theatre, lawn chairs in tow and age-appropriate beverages in hand, to witness the Houston Shakespeare Festival’s tradition of producing two William Shakespeare plays each summer. Depending on their distance from the stage, some may hear the dialogue more clearly…
Buoys, Concertina Wire and Long Hours Waiting to be Processed: Security Bordering on the Inhumane?
While Dr. Sergio Lira was recently in Nuevo Laredo, a Mexican city on the banks of the Rio Grande River, he saw what he said was about 1,800 Venezuelans sprawled out across a stretch of hot concrete. He watched as they waited to be processed by border officials and closed their eyes…
Houston Restaurant Weeks 2023: 20th Anniversary
It’s that magical time of the year again in Houston when gourmands and gourmets bravely dash from air-conditioned homes to hotter-than-hell vehicles in order to venture out for a multi-course meal at one of the many restaurants participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks. Online menus are pored over and strategies are…
Houston Texans 2023 Training Camp Begins — Four Things To Watch For
In the middle of the afternoon on Monday, with less than 48 hours until the beginning of the first practice of this season’s training camp, the Houston Texans finally put the finishing touches on its 2023 rookie class and, in effect, its roster entering camp by getting rookie quarterback C.J…
Steven Soderbergh’s Two Very Different Projects: Full Circle and Command Z
Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Oceans 11, Magic Mike), one of the most prolific American directors of the past 40 years, has been making some of the most creative endeavors of his career in recent years, making several films for streamers, and has now released two very different, very interesting TV series. Soderbergh is no…
Houston Concert Watch 7/26: ZZ Top, Greta Van Fleet and More
Don’t look now (really, don’t, you might get something in your eye!), but a cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert will descend over Houston this week. So if we get some rain, does that translate into a forecast of mud? The scientific side of this situation has been covered…
It’s Not A Bird, It’s Not a Plane, It’s a Cloud of Dust
If you are a sunrise or sunset fanatic, you will likely want to glimpse the sky early Tuesday morning and into the evening as a dust plume from the Sahara Desert sweeps across the Greater Houston area. This is common for this time of year as storm activity picks up…
Theatre Southwest’s Festival of Originals Returns with Laughs and Texas Flavor
If you ask Mimi Holloway, the artistic director of Theatre Southwest, to choose between a ten-minute play and a 20-minute play, the answer is obvious. “A 20-minute play is so different from ten minutes and, to me, it’s a lot more satisfying,” says Holloway. “In 20 minutes, you can develop…
Life and Art Collide as Real Lawyers Star in Cone Man’s Witness for the Prosecution
On stage is a laboratory assistant testifying about blood types played by a personal injury lawyer. A jealous housekeeper played by a criminal defense lawyer. And a judge played by, well, a former civil judge. They’re in Cone Man Running Productions’ latest show, Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, a…
Suburban Sweet Spot Audio & Records Keeps On Spinning In Clear Lake
In August it will be 2 years since long-time customer and music enthusiast Bart Roberts purchased Sweet Spot Audio & Records in Webster.
Southern Smoke’s Dynamic Duo
When Chris Shepherd left Underbelly Hospitality last summer it came as a surprise to many in the restaurant industry but probably not to his closest friends and family. After years of opening various successful restaurants and creating a multitude of menus, the James Beard Award-winning chef decided to step away…
Tennessee Titans Announce They’ll Wear Houston Oiler Uniforms in 2023
When the late Bud Adams packed up the Houston Oilers and took them to Tennessee back in the mid-’90s, he took EVERYTHING Oiler-related with him — the then current roster, the history of the team, and indeed, he took the team logo and colors. It all belonged to him, and…
X Brings its Punk to Houston’s House of Blues on a Sunday Night
X House of Blues July 23, 2023 “Thanks for coming out on a Sunday night, Houston.” It sometimes feels like bands coming through Houston haven’t been here in forever. New Order went eight years between H-Town gigs. Sisters of Mercy? 15. Even Taylor Swift was six years gone before the…
Drag Experiences A Chill On Some Houston Stages
The email from Stages Artistic Director, Kenn McLaughlin was dispiriting, if not altogether unsurprising. It was June 20, and the company was mid-run on two shows featuring drag characters, and things weren’t going well. “As you know, we’ve been hosting a wild party at Stages for the past few weeks,…
Texans Legend Johnathan Joseph Joining Texans Coaching Staff
In the National Football League, free agency signings end up as squandered money, more often than not. Oftentimes, the best a team can reasonably hope for is that a player brought in on a expensive free agency contract is a pricy solution to a short term problem. On rare occasions,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Do Tequila Justice This National Tequila Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, July 24 National Tequila Day It’s National Tequila Day, y’all, and Houston is primed to celebrate. Offering everything from tequila flights to frozen cocktails and margs, find out where to drink up in Houston with our 2023 National Tequila Day…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Barbie
Title: Barbie Describe This Movie In One Aliens Quote: NEWT : Ripley, she doesn’t have bad dreams because she’s just a piece of plastic. Brief Plot Synopsis: Blondes have more fun, until they don’t. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Malibu Stacies (with new hat!) out of 5. Tagline: “She’s…
Things Can (Still) Only Get Better for Howard Jones
If there was a Mount Rushmore of ‘80s Synth Players (and really, why isn’t there a stone carving of that niche tribute already?) the likely visages on display would belong to Thomas Dolby, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode and Howard Jones. When this information is…
Shania Twain Rips the Roof Off The Woodlands Pavilion
Last night at The Woodlands, Shania Twain, who at this point in her career should be referred to in only superlatives — Legend, Icon, and Queen — rocked The Woodlands with a magnetic stage presence and a high voltage, celebratory career spanning set list that, coupled with the Texas heat,…
The Pirates of Penzance Shines at the Hobby Thanks to the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston
Everyone who has ever written a Broadway musical owes their fame and fortune to that dynamic British duo, W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. From fin de siécle Austro-Hungarian caprices from Franz Lehar and the Czech-infused operettas from Rudolf Friml, through the brassy Gershwin brothers, the silky elegance of Cole Porter,…
Diverse Cast Presents a 1776 Far Afield From the Straight White Men of History
In Laurents, Styne, and Sondheim’s Gypsy, the three ecdysiasts teach Louise the finer points of stripping as they bump and grind, “You gotta get a gimmick.” Lin-Manuel Miranda quickly learned how to do it in mega-watt Hamilton with its racially diverse cast. For the 2022 revival of Peter Stone and…
Running the Latest Numbers With HISD Superintendent Mike Mikes. And Will Kids Be Ubering to School?
A PE teacher who said she has her college degree just like all the other teachers at her school wanted to know why she wouldn’t be paid as much as her colleagues who are English teachers. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles provided little comfort to her Thursday night. “I’m going…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Oppenheimer
Title: Oppenheimer Describe This Movie Using One Fletch Quote: MARVIN STANWYK: “Harry S. Truman”? FLETCH: My parents were fans of the former president. MARVIN STANWYK: Isn’t that nice? He was a good man. FLETCH: He sure was. MARVIN STANWYK: He showed the Japs a thing or two. FLETCH: Dropped the big one. MARVIN…
Openings and Closings: Street to Kitchen Has Big Plans, The Spot Expands Inland
Street to Kitchen, 3401 Harrisburg, is expected to open November 2023 at The Plant in Second Ward. This will be a relocation for the Thai restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter and co-owner and husband, Graham Painter. The duo’s East End restaurant has been nationally recognized and…
Netflix Drops Trailer for Upcoming Johnny Manziel Documentary
In my sport watching lifetime, I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a player like Johnny Manziel. I’m not even talking about the exciting, often reckless, style of play that took the college football world by storm back in 2012, an incredible set of skills that won him the Heisman…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Quad HTX Debuts and Saint A Takes On Tex-Mex BBQ
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Grand Opening Weekend at Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge Friday–Sunday 4608 Almeda New Third Ward spot Quad HTX Restaurant & Sports Lounge will host its Grand Opening Weekend celebration this weekend, with a “Flirty Friday” evening starting at 7…
Houston Ballet Co-Artistic Director Julie Kent Believes in the “We”
“Better is something more personal. It’s a process. And in my opinion, Better is more interesting than best.” — Mikhail Baryshnikov Built into a dancer’s DNA is a desire to get better every day and Julie Kent, the new co-artistic director of Houston Ballet hasn’t lost that core belief. Fresh from a…
New Doc Explores Chicago Blues—in Black and White
While the respective champions of New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta can (and will) continue to tussle over a claim to the “birthplace” of the blues, there’s only one Kind of Town that can lay a fairly unchallenged status as the epicenter of the music once it went electric: Chicago…
Four Takeaways from the Rockets Summer League Performance
What, you thought this was baseball season? Who are we kidding? Training camp opens in the NFL in mere weeks, college football actual games are just around the corner and, yes, the NBA is back on the radar. After adding a new head coach, drafting a pair of first rounders…
These Houston Restaurants and Bars are Celebrating National Tequila Day with Margs and More
Houstonians love tequila, so with National Tequila Day coming up on Monday, July 24, we’re primed to celebrate. Offering everything from tequila flights to frozen cocktails and margs, here’s where to drink up in Houston this National Tequila Day. C. Baldwin Hotel/Rosalie Italian Soul, 400 Dallas The C. Baldwin presents a…
Best Bets: Pirates of Penzance, House Party and Cirque de la Symphonie
It’s National Fortune Cookie Day, and the fortune cookie we cracked open says that an exciting opportunity lies ahead. We can only assume that applies to this week’s best bets, which include a 30-year-old teen classic, a 140-year-old operetta, and the circus at the symphony. Keep reading for these and…
Alan Paul’s Allman Adventure Continues in the Family Way
Late in 1972, the Allman Brothers Band found themselves at a crossroads—one with more ominousness and uncertainty than the one Robert Johnson went down to. A year earlier, they had lost Duane Allman, the group’s founder, leader and driving force in a freak motorcycle accident. Almost exactly one year after…
Altuve, Bregman Among Leading Jersey Sellers in MLB
We know that the Houston Astros are very popular around here in the Houston area. That goes without saying. Over the last five years or so, there has been no local team whose popularity comes close to that of Jim Crane’s bunch. Being a perennial American League Championship Series participant…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Channel Your Inner Barbie and Drink Pink at Brasserie 19
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Pizzitola’s, 1703 Shepherd, is celebrating 88 years with an anniversary week kick off on Wednesday, July 26 at 1:30 p.m. Mark the milestone, members of the “Four Families,” along with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, will slice…
Dogs (And Their Human Companions) to Perform at House Party Comedy
Most weekends, comedy fans in Houston can find an entertaining stand-up show at a local venue to take in with friends. But none include man’s best friend. This weekend, House Party Comedy aims to change that when it goes to the dogs. House Party Comedy is the city’s only non-profit…
Four Changes That Will Be Game Changers for Threads
Since Meta’s new Twitter clone Threads went online nearly two weeks ago, it has mostly delivered on the promise that came with it. Threads looks and feels a lot like Twitter without the caustic rhetoric (so far). There’s a kind of congenial feel as people dip their feet into a…
Houston Concert Watch 7/19: Jackson Browne, X and More
Some hate the heat, but others revel in it. “Bring it on,” they say. “That which does not kill me only makes me stronger,” they say (only slightly misquoting Nietzsche). “At least I’m not shoveling snow,” they say. Screw that, I say. Regardless, for folks who dig the heat, here…
Houston’s Hottest Happy Hours This Summer
Houston’s summer weather is tailor-made for refreshing frozen drinks and icy cocktails. Unfortunately, we don’t have the swaying palms and crashing blue waves of a tropical island getaway. While some of us have the funds to escape the ongoing heat advisory and wander off to foreign lands and beachy resorts,…
Which Houston Texans QB Season Would Make the Best Netflix Series?
We are a week away from the first practice of Texans training camp, which means the season is on the horizon, yet we are still in a bit of a content vacuum. A dead time, if you will. It’s times like these when we welcome documentaries that get us excited…
Astros Week: Chazzy Fizz and the Trade Deadline Approacheth
The Astros got time to rest and it was needed. Only Kyle Tucker played in the All-Star game. It was only fitting then that he laid out to catch the game winning out against the Angels Sunday night. It gave the Astros a 2-1 series win and kept them three…
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd About to Open at the Alley Theatre
The main reason that the character of Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot has remained so interesting to audiences decades after Agatha Christie first wrote about him in 1920 was due to both his super powers of detection and the enigmatic quality of his person, according to David Sinaiko who will once again…
Country Singer Songwriter Brennen Leigh Coming to The Heights Theater This Week
Country music has always at its root been about telling a good story. Though some artists are better than others at painting full pictures in under three minutes, Brennen Leigh proves to be a master at the concept on her latest album, Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet. Leigh will perform…
Tumble 22: Summer Happy Hour
For the past month, we have made some forays into different parts of Houston to find happy hour specials and dining deals to help relieve the heat of summer and the pain of inflation. And it’s been a good thing. For this writer, July and August are my cabin fever…
Comic Slink Johnson Joins the Roast of Houston Hip Hop Notable Trae Tha Truth
Most know that roast comedy is a fine line between fawning tribute and nasty take-down. But sometimes the best way to show you care for someone is with the perfect hard-hitting joke. Comic Slink Johnson, best known for playing the title role on Adult Swim’s darkly comedic Black Jesus, is…
History of Houston Texan Trades Involving First Round Picks
The Houston Texans’ trade up to the third overall pick in the 2023 draft to acquire Alabama edge fisher Will Anderson has been described with many different adjectives — bold, exciting, reckless, insane, franchise-altering. Those can all be true, but frankly, the only adjective that matters is the one we…
The Luck And Talent Of Jason D. Williams
Memphis is a town dripping with soul and the richest of musical histories. It’s also the home to piano wild man Jason D. Williams who will bring his outrageous show to Houston’s Continental Club on Friday, July 21 after a long-awaited return. “I have played there a few times and…
Lt. Gov. Patrick Issues Gag Order in AG Paxton’s Impeachment Trial
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Monday issued a gag order in the upcoming impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, saying the all the accusations and counter accusations flying about threaten the beleaguered lawyer’s right to a fair trial. Apparently, this will actually stop Tony Buzbee, one of the lawyers…
Without Loan Forgiveness Will More Students Head to Community College?
When Topacio Sanchez, a long-time Alvin resident, graduated from high school, she wanted everything; a life of her own, a place of her own, and a path toward the future she envisioned. “I was thinking this was my time to be independent, be on my own, finally get a vehicle…
Dem Roots “Can’t Wait” to Share New Music and Directions with Listeners
There’s a bit of an inside joke to the newly-released video for “Can’t Wait,” the first single off the upcoming album from Galveston-based reggae band Dem Roots Music. The video follows drummer Patrick Kelly at home and around Jesse Jones Park as inspiration for a new song hits. “It’s supposed…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Burger Bodega and Neo Collab on an Epic Fish Sandwich and More
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Latin Restaurant Weeks The Latin Restaurant Weeks campaign continues through Friday, July 21, shining a spotlight on Houston’s Latin chefs, restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and cafes. This year’s participants include favorites like Andres Cafe and La Fisheria as…
More Online Guitar Instruction Than You Can Shake a Stratocaster At
In the beginning, there was Mel Bay. In 1947, Melbourne E. Bay wrote the first of what would be dozens (hundreds?) of instructional books that taught the nation (the world?) how to play the guitar. If you are “of a certain age” and took guitar lessons, you are acquainted with…
Queensbury Theatre Presents Spring Awakening
Queensbury Theatre, the beautiful facility near the intersection of I-10 and Sam Houston Parkway in CityCentre, today announces a new production of Spring Awakening, the first production from the theater’s Bridge Program. The Bridge Program, a collaboration between Tribble School for Performing Arts and Queensbury’s Main Stage, is described as…
DeAndre Hopkins Signs Two Year Deal With Tennessee Titans
It’s rare that a potential Hall of Fame player still in his prime, albeit one who’s missed nearly half the available games over the past two seasons, is available at this juncture of the offseason. However, when the Arizona Cardinals couldn’t find a suitable trade partner to whom they could…
Power Dynamics Come to Play in NobleMotion Dance’s PowerPlay
It’s been said that “nobody loves the ump,” so it’s no surprise that husband-and-wife artistic directors and choreographers Andy Noble and Dionne Sparkman Noble will utilize the oft-maligned figure – as well as artificial intelligence and gender – to explore the dynamics of power in NobleMotion Dance’s latest program, PowerPlay…
We’re in Noel Coward Land With Present Laughter at Main Street Theater
Brandy, whiskey, martini. Check. Bar cart loaded with decanters and glassware. Check. Silk dressing gown. Check. Divan for swooning upon. Check. Bitch-slap bubbly repartee. Check. Subtle, gay undertone. Check. Rock-ribbed and steel-riveted plot construction. Check. Actors giddy to be seen. Check. Where might we be? There’s only one place in…
Lah Pat’s Rodeo Helps to Move His Musical Career Forward
The goal in life for most musical artists is to receive accolades and monetary success. The icing on the cake is when the artists receive praise from a contemporary that he or she admires. For Lah Pat, the buzz coming from his first single is due to receiving high praise…
Openings and Closings: Local Table Woodlands Soon, Sugar FRK This Week
Local Table, 4223 Research Forest, will open July 24 in The Woodlands. It’s the fifth location for the local brand from the family-owned hospitality group Eat Local Concepts. Led by a mix of brothers and cousins that include Ashkan Nowamooz, Arash Noamouz, Alex Nowamooz, Shervin Sharifi and Neima Sharifi, it…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Chef-Fueled Secret Supper Club and Latin Restaurant Takeover
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Latin Restaurant Weeks All weekend long The two-week campaign Latin Restaurant Weeks continues now through July 21, shining a spotlight on the city’s Latin chefs, restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and cafes. Now in its fifth year, dozens of establishments…
Cows, Pigs and Prisms: New Doc Tells the Graphic Story of Hipgnosis
If you were a rock performer or band in the late ‘60s and ‘70s and wanted a cover for your record that was mysterious, arty, and a bit jarring all at the same time, then Hipgnosis was you go-to graphic design company. Founded by designer Storm Thorgerson and photographer Aubrey…
Ken Haggerty and Agenda Help To Move The Houston Fashion Scene Forward
Sitting in the complex on the corner of West main Street and Kirby Drive rests Agenda, a clothing store that specializes in upscale street wear. The store, known for specializing in denim, outerwear, and sneakers is frequented by celebrities like Sauce Walka, Rick Ross, Gervonta Davis and Don Toliver for…
Five Houston Texans Documentaries We’d Love to See
Little known Sean Pendergast fact — I am a sports documentary junky. If you stuck me on a desert island, assuming I could recharge my iPad somewhere and I had good internet connectivity (most bad ass desert island ever!), and all I had was ESPN’s library of “30 for 30″…
Texans Will Receive Property Tax Relief After All
The proposed $18 billion property tax relief plan is on its way to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk after the final legislation passed in the House and Senate late Thursday evening. This marks the conclusion of what seemed like a never-ending debate over property tax cuts between House Speaker Dade Phelan…
Trans Texas Families Sue The State Over Their Children’s Access to Health Care
Five Texas families with transgender children are suing the state to block legislation that would ban minors from having the ability to access puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The lawsuit filed in Travis County court on Thursday also includes three medical professionals and two nationally-recognized LGBTQ organizations, PFLAG and GLMA,…
Best Bets: Mixed Media, Harry Potter and a Gaming Expo
Today is Embrace Your Geekness Day, and if your particular brand of geekiness happens to be related to video games, the Harry Potter series or musical theater, you’re in for a treat this week. Below are this week’s best bets, which include all of the above and much more. It…
Coyotes Are Coming to the Woods or Waterways Near You. Actually, They May Already Be There.
If you are on a late evening or early morning stroll and see what looks like from a distance a larger dog missing its collar and running with its tail tucked underneath itself in the streets or a front yard — that’s no furry friend you are spotting, it’s likely…
Six Recent Former Texans I’m Embarrassed I Was Excited About
I tend to be someone who tries to view the positive in people when I first meet them. With me, you normally start out with an “A,” and have to earn an “F.” That’s probably a mindset that’s worked to my detriment at times, but life is too short to…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Take a Wine-Fueled Tour of Italy
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Annual foodie fundraiser Houston Restaurant Weeks is back this August, with menus officially dropping Saturday, July 15. Check out the official website to view the list of 200+ participants and start making your reservations now. The…
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Miles Replaces Principals at 3 HISD High Schools [UPDATED]
Although Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said there would be no reconsitution of the New Education System Affiliated schools that opted in to his new academic vision, principals at two of those schools were replaced today. The principals from Jack Yates — Tiffany Guillory — and Worthing — Everett Hare Sr…
Growing Up with Paramore
Ahead of last night’s Paramore show at Toyota Center, a lot of thought was given to these opening sentences, thought that hinged on how exactly to convey what it was like once seeing one of the world’s biggest pop bands play the hot parking lots of Warped Tour. And, following…
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals Tops the Original
The best way to describe Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is “more.” There is simply more of everything. In almost every way, it is better than its predecessor. The sequel picks up some time after the events of the first game. Our hero is Riley, an aimless young woman who returns…
Opinion: Jonah Hill and the Pet Hot Girlfriend
Superbad and 21 Jump Street actor Jonah Hill found himself hanging in Cancelvania this week after his ex-girlfriend, surfer Sarah Brady, shared abusive texts that he had sent her before they broke up. Hill accused Brady of disrespecting him by taking pictures of herself in a swimsuit, occasionally with other…
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The Latest Tweaks to Texas Property Tax: Ingenious Compromises or Bad Policy? [UPDATED]
A nearly seven-month-long battle between Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan over property tax relief is expected to end later this week as the House and Senate will likely pass their proposed property tax cut plan. Lawmakers announced this property tax deal earlier in the week which…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Title: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Describe This Movie In One Mission: Impossible Quote: KITTRIDGE: I can understand you’re very upset. Brief Plot Synopsis: Master spy defies death *and* his natural hair color. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 sticks of exploding gum out of 5. Tagline: N/A (guess…
Houston Concert Watch 7/12: Tears for Fears, Ace Frehley and More
The list of musicians who have sold all or part of their song catalogs is lengthy and varied. Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and the guys in ZZ Top are just a few of the artists who decided to cash in while the getting was good. Now it has…
Four 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Keep an Eye on for the Houston Texans
In capturing just how popular the National Football League is outon the American sports landscape, there is a funny saying — the two most popular sports in America are the NFL and the NFL Draft. In other words, the NFL rules the calendar year round, which is pretty accurate. In…
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57 Schools Sign Up For the NES Aligned Program, Superintendent Miles Announces [UPDATED]
With just a month to go before the new school year, on top of the 28 Houston ISD schools already selected by Superintendent Mike Miles for his special New Education System, another 57 have signed up to join the NES Aligned program. The schools who opted-in cover a wide range…
Noel Coward’s Present Laughter Returns to Main Street Theater
In Noel Coward’s semi-autobiographical play Present Laughter, Joel Sandel once again plays Garry Essendine, the matinee idol of the theater in the middle of a mid-life crisis who loves fame but worries that his charms are fading. Also back again is Claire Hart-Palumbo who directed the 2008 Main Street Theater…
New Doc Explores Syd Barrett and the Seeds of Pink Floyd
Though he identified primarily as a punk rocker, as a young man Roddy Bogawa did have an affinity for the music of Pink Floyd. After all, his very first concert was seeing the group on the 1977 Animals tour. Later, as a film director, he put another foot in their…
Checking Out J. Christopher’s Kingwood
Lately, we’ve been checking out new Houston happy hour places here at the Houston Press to find some drinking and dining deals for our readers. Oftentimes, my husband, Classic Rock Bob is my companion on these tough assignments. However, he was out of town this past week and my friend,…
Secret Invasion Has the Great Samuel L. Jackson, but is a Bit of a Slog
Secret Invasion is the first Marvel Disney + show in phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s also the first series to feature Samuel L. Jackson as the focus of a project after being involved since the MCU’s start, helping build the massive world of movies Marvel has presented…
Ranking the Houston Texans Home Games in 2023
Each year, I like to rate the road trips for Houston Texans that plan to travel each upcoming season. The fact of the matter is, even when the Texans are bad at football, it’s still fun to see other cities, attend other stadiums, and interact with opposing fans. The last…
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Property Tax Relief Deal Struck Between the House and Senate [UPDATED]
After ongoing debates, a proposed $18 billion property tax deal was announced in a joint statement shared by House Speaker Dade Phelan and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick early Monday morning. The new plan will provide $12 billion to reduce school property tax rates for all homeowners and businesses properties, franchise…
A Forceful Reduction in Force as HISD Central Office Employees Get Out Their Resumes
Following a time-honored tradition employed by nearly all governmental and business entities, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles delivered a tough end-of-day, end-of-week message last Friday to more than 500 central office employees: you don’t have a job anymore. There will be more pink slips to follow. Yes, some employees can…
Book Spotlights Women the Stones Rolled With—and Sometimes Over
In their music of the ’60s and ‘70s, the Rolling Stones weren’t exactly paragons for promoting gender equality and women’s issues. Songs like “Under My Thumb,” “Mother’s Little Helper,” “Stupid Girl,” “Brown Sugar,” “She’s So Cold” and “Bitch” were rife with misogyny and have not exactly aged well. Ironically, you’d…
Five Houston Texans Entering a “Make or Break” Season in 2023
The marketing of the National Football league is built around star players, foundational pieces for marquee franchises. The fact of the matter is that most of the 1,800 or so players on NFL rosters are in a constant state of “tryout,” either bouncing around the league in season, year to…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Latin Restaurant Weeks
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Latin Restaurant Weeks The two-week Latin Restaurant Weeks campaign continues through Friday, July 21, shining a spotlight on Houston’s Latin chefs, restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and cafes. This year’s participants include favorites like Andres Cafe and La Fisheria as…
Fell in Love Again at the Blink Show
Did you fall in love again at last night’s Blink-182 show? If not, maybe you’re not the romantic sort because there was plenty to stoke the fires of passion in a heart open to love of all kinds. Maybe you don’t associate the notion of romantic love with Blink, one of…
10 Tips for New Goths and Baby Bats in Houston
Being goth in Houston can be kind of a pain in the ass. Wear black? In this heat? Don’t worry. Today we’re going to walk all the new goths and baby bats through navigating H-Town with some hard-fought wisdom from being a creature of the night for three decades. 10…
Superintendent Miles To HISD Principals: So Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want
Thursday, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles packed the board room at the Hattie Mae White administration building but not with crowds yelling for him to leave town. Just an attentive group of principals teetering on the brink of saying they too want to join a new version of his New Education System…
Harris County Sues To Block Law That Would Oust Current Elections Administrator
Harris County filed suit Thursday morning challenging a law that would abolish the county election administrator’s office after ongoing standoffs between local and state officials over who will control election operations. Senate Bill 1750 removes current election administrator Clifford Tatum from his position and transfers his work to the county…
Openings and Closings: Josephine’s is Open, The Audrey Debuts Next Week
The Audrey Restaurant & Bar, 9595 Six Pines, opens July 12 in The Woodlands. Located in the Market Street development, it will share the massive second floor space with its sister concept Reel Luxury Cinemas. The dual ventures are from Houston-based Culinary Khancepts, the group behind Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette,…
Opinion: Right-Wingers Hate Dylan Mulvaney’s Joy
It’s hard to understand why anyone would hate Dylan Mulvaney, but we had better try. For those not in the know, Mulvaney is a trans actress who documented her gender transition on TikTok starting in 2022. An attractive, bubbly presence who never seemed to have a bad day, she gained…
Could Suspended AG Paxton Have to Testify Despite Not Wanting to?
Tony Buzbee, lead defense lawyer for suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, put public speculation to rest when he announced earlier this week that Paxton is not planning to testify in his upcoming impeachment trial. This decision comes despite earlier statements from the attorney general’s legal team that Paxton should have…
Four Houston Texans Assistant Coaches Under Most Pressure
Before I give all of you several hundred words in which I try to rate the amount of pressure on a bunch of NFL assistant coaches, let me acknowledge that there is a significant amount of pressure on every coach in the NFL. If you’re working for a head coach…
Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies Deserved Better
With one day left in Pride Month, Paramount Plus announced it was failing to renew Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies for a second season, and the network was also pulling it from the streaming service. It deserved better. Taking place a few years before the original film, the series…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Local Culinary Stars Collab at the Craft Pita Cookout
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Latin Restaurant Weeks All weekend long The two-week campaign Latin Restaurant Weeks returns to Houston, shining a spotlight on the city’s Latin chefs, restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and cafes. Now in its fifth year, dozens of establishments are participating…
Texas City Under Boil Water Notice After E. Coli Was Found In The Water Supply
Residents in Texas City may want to consider heading out to the grocery store or local convenience shop to stock up on water bottles as the city issued a 24-hour boil water notice Thursday after E. Coli was detected in the city’s water supply. The bacteria was found during routine…
Stomach Bugs Could Be On The Prowl At Local Pools and Water Parks
During the hot summer months, with the children out of school, many families seek refuge in water parks and public pools to fill their days with something to do away from the warmer temperatures. Although this may be a fun activity for younger kids and older adults alike, visiting these…
Feeding Kids When School is Out
Many families in the Greater Houston area rely on local public schools to be their children’s primary food source during the school year, but what happens when school is out? Once summer break rolls around the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs – which use federal funds to provide…
Best Bets: Ziggy Stardust, Queen and a Black Light Art Show
It’s National Fried Chicken Day, and if you’re so inclined, we couldn’t recommend a better meal before you head out to any of this week’s best bets. We got glow-in-the-dark art, a symphonic tribute to Queen, and a celebration of Houston’s star-lit musical theatre company. Keep reading for these and…
Portraits Of Pride: A Power Couple Shares The Love
Crystal Murley and Lydia Meadows share their love of one another and of art with those around them.
Kenny Loggins Says This Is It For Touring
When musicians start planning farewell tours, it’s time to get creative with names, which often reference song titles. Elton John proffered “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” and Ozzy Osbourne promised “No More Tours” while the O’Jays put on the brakes with “The Last Stop on the Love Train.” But it would…
Houston Texans: 2023 Defense Overview
The hope for fans with any NFL head coach is that, at the very least, his team is proficient on the side of ball where his expertise is. For example, offensive-upbringing head coach Gary Kubiak’s Texans teams were largely average, but they were also largely very good offensively. Conversely, Bill…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Indulge in World Chocolate Day
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: World Chocolate Day is Friday, July 7, and Dessert Gallery Bakery & Café, 3600 Kirby, is celebrating by giving the first 75 customers to purchase a slice of cake a free brownie pop. In celebration of…
Astros Week: Victories, Injuries and All Stars
Much like the entire season, it has been a wild week for the Astros. There were big wins, struggles, successes and a slew of injury news items. As the All-Star game approaches next week and we reach the midpoint of the season, it feels like a good time to assess…
Republicans Risking It All To Get Property Tax They Want
Political experts say the ongoing property tax debate is not at the forefront of most Texans’ minds; however, they expect this to change the further the Legislature gets into this special session without any agreement. “The longer this drags on, and the more that Republican leadership fails to pass property…
Opinion: The Hidden Danger of Work From Home
Since COVID began, there has been a revolution in remote work. There are now three times more remote jobs than there were in 2020, and the number is growing. I have dozens of friends who left the office and never went back. Most of them say it’s the best move…
Houston Texans: 2023 Offense Overview
There are a lot of reasons to get excited for the Houston Texans’ upcoming season. (Honestly, the mere fact that I can type that first sentence of this post and not feel like I’ll be laughed off the internet is actually one of said reasons) For me, the thing that…
Houston Concert Watch 7/5: Steve Earle, Blink-182 and More
It’s summertime, and that means time for vacations. If you’re headed for California, keep an eye out for a road sign that has become an internet sensation. It’s a sign alerting drivers to the upcoming exit for Donner Lake, named after the infamous Donner party, a group of 19th century…
The 10 Best Non-Disney Villain Songs
The Disney Villain Song is a dying breed. As their villains get more relatable and less, well, cartoonish, their grand declarations of evil just don’t hit as hard anymore. Songs like “Shiny” and “Mother Knows Best” are serviceable, but they don’t really hold a candle to stuff like “Poor Unfortunate…
MADDEN Video Game Cover Curse — Four Hits, Four Misses
For the better part of 40 years, video games have been part of the fabric of American recreational culture, and along the way, some of those games have transcended mere video games, and become part of the pop culture tapestry of the era. The MADDEN football video game franchise is…
Weekend Happy Hour at The Rustic
Houston is a third of the way through summer, if you don’t count September, a month which takes its sweet time to cool down. With a promised break in the heat wave that has held us in its steamy hands for nearly two weeks, we are once again heading outdoors…
Yo Cousin, What Ingredient is Missing From The Bear Season 2 Soundtrack?
Last year, The Bear, the FX Series about Chicago, families, cousins, trauma, grief, perseverance and restaurant workers, ran smack into unsuspecting TV viewers like a line chef who turns the corner but doesn’t shout “Corner!” Viewers were blindsided and bowled over by the moving, funny, harrowing writing and the award-winning…
Thunder Knocking on the Door at Stages Offers Great Blues and a Talented Cast
Grammy-winning composer, actor, singer Keb’ Mo’ (a.k.a. Kevin Moore) knows the Blues better than anyone. He encapsulates contemporary Delta and folksy Americana. His songs, while easy listening, have a quiet depth, an emotional tug that speaks to the universal. You can hear the deep Mississippi and the people living along…
5 Things Souls-Likes Need to Stop Doing
A Souls-like is a third person action video game, usually in a fantasy or science fiction setting, known for its difficulty, intricate melee combat mechanics, looping level design with unlockable shortcuts, and stat-based character growth. They’re also the Big Thing™ now. The Demon’s Soul remake and Elden Ring helped launch…
Rockets Overhaul Roster in Flurry of Deals
After not re-upping Stephen Silas in the offseason and hiring new coach Ime Udoka, it was clear that the Rockets were going to make some significant changes to a roster that had been at the bottom of the league for three straight years. It wasn’t enough to select high draft…
Valdez, Alvarez Selected for MLB All Star Game
A pair of Astros were picked to play in the 2023 MLB All Star game on July 11. Yordan Alvarez, who is currently rehabbing from an oblique strain, and Framber Valdez, who skipped Sunday’s start with a sore ankle, were both picked to be part of the midsummer classic. Alvarez…
The Do’s and Don’ts of Fourth of July 2023
For many, the Fourth of July is a fun day full of festivities to show patriotic pride for the United States. However, it can be a rather hectic day for local law enforcement and fire protection personnel, responding to illegal fireworks reports and people firing guns into the air. Shooting…
Putting the T in LGBTQ: Jazell Royale Is Living Her Best Life
Jazell Royale is the latest Houstonian to make it large on a reality television show. Her time on tv shows her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.
Music Really Can Ease Your Dog’s Storm and Fireworks Anxieties
When the fireworks start, Cabbie runs to her grandma and curls up at her feet, where she’ll stay until the din ends, often hours later. If the celebration sounds like an extended battle scene from Saving Private Ryan, she might even leap into grandma’s lap. When thunderstorms loudly roll in,…
2023 Houston Texans 53-Man Roster Prediction, Version 1.0
It’s fun being first at things, and that’s why every year, I do my best to make sure I am the first media member in Houston to put out a 53-man roster prediction for the Houston Texans. Sure, my parents wish I was first in my graduating class, or first…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Celebrate the Fourth with Beer, Fireworks and All-American Classics
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, July 4 Fourth of July Food and Drink Specials With offerings like bars with red, white and blue drinks, views of Independence Day fireworks and all-American eats from hot dogs to fried chicken, our 2023 Fourth of July Houston Bar…
Openings and Closings: Elro and Benny Chow’s Open, Counter Common Closes
Elro Pizza + Crudo, 2405 Genessee, opened June 23. The neighborhood pizza joint and crudo bar comes from chef/owner Terrence Gallivan who many Houstonians will recognize from his former dual concept restaurant The Pass and Provisions which closed in May 2019. Located in a 1928 bungalow, the new restaurant is…
No Criminal Charges Against Rapper Travis Scott After Astroworld Fatalities
After an almost two-year-long investigation, Rapper Travis Scott and organizers involved in the 2021 Astroworld Festival will not face criminal charges related to the 10 fatalities during the concert event. Investigators presented their findings earlier Thursday afternoon, according to Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, who held a press conference with…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Title: Indiana Jones and the – *sigh* – Dial of Destiny Describe This Movie In One High Fidelity Quote: BARRY: Rob, top five musical crimes perpetuated by Stevie Wonder in the ’80s and ’90s. Go. Sub-question: is it in fact unfair to criticize a formerly great artist for his latter day sins? Is…
Are NBA Fans Really Into Spurs Phenom Victor Wembanyama?
For months, we Houston Rocket fans knew our marching orders. They were given to us in the midst of a (possibly, slightly inebriated) interview on Channel 2 with Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta. The Landry’s founder was chatting with KPRC’s Frank Billingsly at Mardi Gras in Galveston, and told us all…
Putting the G in LGBTQ: Michael Urie is the Houstonian-Gone-Hollywood
Houston-born and Texas-raised actor Michael Urie has made a name for himself on Broadway, the silver screen, and now as a hot star on streaming services.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Get a Taste of Americana at State Fare
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Fourth of July Special at State Fare Kitchen & Bar Friday–Tuesday 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing Guests can enjoy a festive “Freedom Board” special all weekend long and through the 4th of July. The shareable features…
Bryan Adams And Joan Jett Take Us Back To The Future
Bryan Adams, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Smart Financial Centre June 28, 2023 There are odd hierarchies in the music world. Jimi Hendrix opened for the Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel were a support act for the Doors, and Pearl Jam was the second band on the bill in Lollapalooza ’93…
Free Agency Opens for the Rockets Friday: Four Thoughts
The Rockets enter free agency on Friday with over $60 million in cap space to spend on veterans they want and need to balance out an incredibly young roster. Coach Ime Udoka means to put his stamp on this young team and GM Rafael Stone will try to figure out…
Best Bets: Fireworks, RRR and a Phenomenal Woman
No surprise, but we’re in for a hot Fourth of July weekend. While some of our best bets are set outdoors, we have a few inside, too, for you air conditioner aficionados out there. So, whether you’re okay braving the elements or would like to keep inside, keep reading for…
Special Session 2: Texas House and Senate Remain at Odds Over Property Tax Relief
The first official day of the second special session called by Governor Greg Abbott to tackle property tax relief ended with both legislative chambers continuing to back separate proposals – signaling negotiations are still at an impasse. House Bill 1 by Representative Morgan Meyer (R-University Park), which passed unanimously in…
No Sophomore Slump For The Bear in an Outstanding Second Season
The Bear was one of last year’s breakout shows, dropping all of its episodes one summer night and instantly becoming a sensation, with viewers discovering and binging the first season in one sitting. The show had a frantic and anxiety-driven vibe as it chauffeured its audience through its culinary world…
Opinion: Stop Wishing for an Elected King
“Our ‘founding parents’ were pompous, white, middle-aged farmers, but they were also great men. Because they knew one thing that all great men should know: that they didn’t know everything. Sure, they’d make mistakes, but they made sure to leave a way to correct them. The president is not an…
Four Thoughts on the Tragic Passing of Former Texans QB Ryan Mallett
Former Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett, who was with the team in 2014 and 2015, starting six games total, died Tuesday in an apparent drowning at a Florida beach, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Mallett was 35 years old. Courtesy of ESPN.com, here were the details: The sheriff’s…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Heat & Hops Brings the Spice and Latin Restaurant Weeks Returns
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Nando’s Peri-Peri will host a Heat & Hops event at 8th Wonder Brewery, 2202 Dallas, on Thursday, July 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy an evening with live music, plus a chance to…
You’re the Reason Terri Nunn’s Not Tired of Berlin’s Biggest Hit
Terri Nunn doesn’t seem like the sort of artist who’s afraid to take chances. Nunn’s been a TV and film actress and a radio host in her career, but she’s best known as the vocalist and front person for the 1980s electro-pop outfit Berlin. The band is set to start…
Too Many Animals: Harris County Pets Suspends Intake
Harris County Pets will temporarily suspend animal surrender and stray intake services on Saturday after reporting that it is over capacity by nearly 300 animals – an issue it faced earlier this month. The county animal shelter currently houses 767 animals, up from the 758 cats and dogs it had…
The Pilot Dance Project Brings The Delicate Space to the Near Northside
Over in the Near Northside of Houston, there’s a continuum of work being created by Adam Castan͂eda, the executive and artistic director of The Pilot Dance Project. Since 2020, Castan͂eda has been setting a lot of work in the Near Northside, a neighborhood just north of University of Houston-Downtown, east…
Houston Concert Watch 6/28: Willie Nelson, Joan Jett and More
The Urban Dictionary is a handy website for those of us who are not necessarily on the cutting edge when it comes to contemporary slang. For some of us oldsters, things can get mighty confusing these days. But you know what is really confusing? Slang from 100 years ago. According…
Zapruder Analysis of Colin Cowhers’s Misguided C.J. Stroud Analysis
Defending your hometown athletes from the onslaught of national media criticism, particularly when it’s unfair or uninformed criticism, is one of the duties and joys of being a sports fan. We know this acutely here in Houston from having defended Jose Altuve the last three years from the dullards that…
Four Questions for the Astros and Dusty Baker That Deserve Answers
Former Rockets head coach Jeff Van Gundy once said you should not ignore in victory what you wouldn’t ignore in defeat. For all the truth packed into that statement, it’s easy to forget, particularly when you have been as successful as the Houston Astros. Coming off a second World Series…
Governor Greg Abbott May Be Unsuccessful in Using Vetoes To Force His Priorities
Governor Greg Abbott’s plan to push senators to support his property tax relief and school choice proposals might have backfired on him when he vetoed many bills, most of which had garnered bipartisan support. Although Abbott did not break the 83-bill record of most legislation vetoed in a session, he…
Which Houston Sports Rookie Will Win a Rookie of the Year Award?
For the second time in the last few months, a rebuilding Houston professional sports team came away form its respective draft as one of the biggest stories of the night. Of course, back in April, it was the Houston Texans drafting a future franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, and then…
The National Tour of 1776 Comes to TUTS
When the Declaration of Independence was debated, women and persons of color were the last things on nearly all of the signers’ minds. The national tour of 1776 on its way to Theatre Under the Stars seeks to rectify that. There are no males in the cast, white or otherwise…
Radney Foster Heads Back to Del Rio, Thirty Years After the Fact
Radney Foster is heading, as the folks in Firesign Theatre used to say, “forward into the past,” using his current tour as an opportunity to revisit the album Del Rio, TX 1959, which was released 30 years ago. It was that record – named for his place and year of…
Happy Hour Houston: Loro Asian Smokehouse
It’s summer in Houston which means it’s getting hot, quick. However, it’s not only the temperatures that are rising but the cost of going out to eat and drink as well. The COVID pandemic put many restaurants in jeopardy with the shutdown restrictions. Once those were lifted, restaurants were affected…
D4VD Returns to White Oak Music Hall
The sold-out crowd at White Oak Music Hall roared as the lights pulsated behind the artist on stage. Dressed in black pants and undershirt, with an open flowing white shirt covered in faux blood splatter was D4VD. The internet sensation that has gained success via TikTok and YouTube had finally…
Will Anderson Signs Rookie Contract, Stroud Still Unsigned
The Houston Texans’ first phase of their offseason program is in the books, after mandatory minicamp closed up shop ten days ago, but there were still a few administrative tasks for General Manager Nick Caserio and his crew to take care of with training camp looming at the end of…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Sip Happy Hour Margs at an 82 Year Old Tex-Mex Institution
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday–Tuesday Taco of the Month Naming Contest at Torchy’s Tacos Torchy’s Tacos is giving fans a chance to name its newest Taco of the Month, launching in September and made with green chile pork. The contest is open through Tuesday, June…
The Mamas and the Papas’ Book of Dreamin’
The Mamas and the Papas were the epitome of California-based sunshine hippie pop and folk-rock, blending their voices to create two huge anthems of the ‘60s in “California Dreamin’” and “Monday, Monday.” They also had a string of other hits with “Creeque Alley,” “Dedicated to the One I Love,” “Words…
Opinion: 5 Things I Wasn’t Prepared for When I Bought a House
Buying a house is a terrifying experience that comes with a lot of expected changes from apartment life. I knew I’d have to prepare for appliance breakdowns, lawn care, and stuff like that, but a few things still snuck up on me. Stuff like… 5. So Many More Solicitors At…
Romeo Santos Reigns Supreme at Minute Maid Park
Romeo Santos Fórmula Vol. 3 Tour Minute Maid Park June 24, 2023 Anthony Santos was born and raised in The Bronx to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother. Everything about him screams New York City — his handsome good looks, his accent, even the way he walks. As Texans,…
Shaquille O’Neal’s Houston Big Chicken Opening is So Successful the Fire Marshal Steps In
Grand openings of new restaurants are often well attended but Saturday’s opening of the first Big Chicken in Houston combined with Shaquille O’Neal’s presence and free menu offerings brought out so many people the fire marshal eventually shut everything down and had the crowd ushered outside the building. The parking lots on…
Ab-Soul Performs for a Sold-Out House of Blues
The crowd rumbled with anticipation as fans packed into the Bronze Peacock room of the House of Blues. The noise came to a halt as a voice rang out through the darkness. “Hey Herb, it’s grandma. I found a scripture and I thought about you.” The words, taken from a…
Superintendent Miles Talks Overhaul to a Less Than Receptive Audience Thursday Night
It doesn’t matter that a school has received an A or B academic rating from the state of Texas if only 15 percent of its kids are reading on grade level, Superintendent Mike Miles told the Houston ISD Board of Managers and the public Thursday night. “Not all kids are…
Rockets Land First Round Haul with Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore
The NBA Draft is always a weird experience. Rumors fly, trades abound and teams make odd and interesting choices. This year was no different beyond the first pick in the draft which of course was Victor Wembenyama, the freakish big man drafted by San Antonio. The second and third picks…
Openings and Closings: Pastore Opens Soon, El Topo’s Rebrand
Pastore, 1180 Dunlavy, will open June 30 in Regent Square. The long-awaited Italian concept from Underbelly Hospitality will have Jeff Potts at the helm as executive chef along with Underbelly culinary director Scott Muns. The duo have crafted a menu that aims to give Houston diners a coastal Italian dining…
Opinion: The Great Texas Brain Drain is Coming
The other day, my 13-year-old told me they had no plans to go to college in Texas or live here when they were done with their education. “I have fewer rights now than when I was born, and I’ll have fewer still when I’m older,” they said. I couldn’t argue…
Four Exciting Stats Compiled by Houston Astros Ace Framber Valdez
In general, the Houston Astros’ recent run of dominance has had several common threads. There are the mere results, which include numerous 100-win seasons and an annual FastPass to the American League Championship Series. There are the business aspects, which include burgeoning attendance and one of the top payrolls. There…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Tequila-Fueled Pride Party, Island Style Pub Crawl and More
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Pride Parade Party at El Big Bad Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 419 Travis As the city comes alive with the annual Pride Parade and festival, downtown tequila temple El Big Bad is gearing up for an all-day…
Hold Onto Your Frog Coins, Super Mario RPG Gets the Remake Treatment
On Wednesday, Nintendo announced that their long-rumored remake of the Super Nintendo classic Super Mario RPG would release on November 11 of this year. This is a really big deal. In the 1990s, Nintendo and Square Enix (then Squaresoft) completely dominated the roleplaying game world, Two of the best Final…
Severe Weather Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power
A string of intense storms that blew through the Greater Houston area on Wednesday evening left more than 300,000 CenterPoint Energy customers in the dark at the height of the severe weather. As of Thursday morning, about 160,000 people were still waiting for their power to be restored, according to…
Texas Senate Sets Rules for Suspended AG Paxton’s Impeachment Trial
The Texas Senate on Wednesday evening passed a resolution outlining 31 procedural rules for the impeachment trial of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after two days of closed-door deliberations and multiple recesses. Legal proceedings will begin September 5 and be opened to the public. However, senators are allowed to…
Best Bets: Pride, Fade to Black and Summer Symphony Nights
It’s time to celebrate Pride this weekend, but we’ve also got plenty for you to do before and after the party. Classical music and works of art, ten of the best new short plays from African-American playwrights, and a summer comedy-musical tradition are just a few things coming up, so…
Houston Restaurants and Bars Celebrating Fourth of July with Hot Dogs, Booze and Fireworks Views
July 4th falls on a Tuesday this year. Rocking offerings like red, white and blue drinks, views of Independence Day fireworks and all-American eats from hot dogs to fried chicken, here’s where to eat, drink and celebrate America in Houston this Fourth of July: B&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington…
I Took the “Which Tío From Primo Are You?” Quiz and Failed
A mildly troubling thought sprung to mind after a recent binge watch of Primo, the Amazon Freevee television series created by former Houston Press contributor Shea Serrano. The show debuted in May and has steadily built a solid audience by good word of mouth and praise from media outlets like…
Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Expands Its HIV-Related Services
For years, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast has offered preventative HIV treatment to patients who were sexually active or had a high-risk of exposure to the virus by other means. Now, it will also offer similar medical treatment to someone already exposed to the virus. Thanks to improved scheduling and lab…
Houston Texan Rookies Among Top Forecast to be 2023 Jersey Sellers
The lack of star power on the 2021 and 2022 Houston Texans, especially in 2021, was incredibly depressing. I think I’ve shared this story in this space before, but in 2021, at Texans home games, I would make my way to Bud Light Plaza to host the Texans pregame show…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Katy Asian Town Favorite Offers Freebies for its Five Year Anniversary
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, is hosting a Ranch-to-Table Cooking Class and Wine Dinner with Spring Oaks Ranch on Tuesday, June 27 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Led by chef Ric Rosser of Spread Oaks Ranch and assisted…
The 2023 Pride Parade Marches Onward
The 2023 Houston LGBT+ Pride Parade will strut, sashay and twirl through Downtown Houston starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 24.
Stages Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin Turns in His Notice With a Year to Go
Stages Artistic Director Kenn McLaughlin announced today that in another year he will be gone from the theater he devoted so much of his life to, saying “It’s time for someone else’s turn. “I am humbled and happy and ready to look into the future,” he said. “Stages is in…
Senate Passes New Property Tax Relief Plan Which Still Doesn’t Match the House Proposal
The Texas Senate passed a new $12.7 billion property tax relief proposal on Tuesday that would provide tax cuts to home and commercial property owners – shortly after, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called on the House to reconvene to consider the legislation. Senate Bill 26, filed by Senator Paul Bettencourt…
Thunder Knocking on the Door With Rhythm & Blues at Stages
In legendary stories, making deals with the devil rarely works out for the people negotiating with Satan in whatever form he takes. Yes they gain immediate power, money or fame, but the day of reckoning is rarely said to be a pleasant experience. Still, what’s left out of the equation…
County To Go On Offense After Abbott Signs Bills Targeting Harris County Elections
The ongoing standoff between local officials and the state over who will control Harris County election operations has reached a head after Governor Greg Abbott, as expected, signed two bills into law late last week. Senate Bill 1750 would effectively put Harris County elections administrator Clifford Tatum out of a…
Tamarie’s Totally True Revue (plus lies too!) with Catastrophic Theatre
If you’re one of the people wondering what attending Tamarie’s Totally True Revue (plus lies too!) would be like, Tamarie Cooper’s instructions to new cast members should give you a pretty good idea. “You basically just tell them to check their inhibitions at the door. That the whole process is…
Report: J.J. Watt Being Pursued by Three Networks for Broadcasting Role
Texans legend J.J. Watt has been in the Houston news consciousness more over the last ten days than he was in the previous two years when he was playing in Arizona, largely due to the announcement from the team last Monday that he would the inducted into the team’s Ring…
Houston Concert Watch 6/21: Tanya Tucker, Beetle and More
Want to buy Mick Jagger’s house? Well, OK, one of his houses? If so, you’re in luck, because the Stones singer’s crib in Florida just went on the market. $3.5 million will get you four bedrooms and 5 and ½ baths, spread out over 5,700 square feet. There is also…
State Senator Angela Paxton To Attend Her Husband’s Impeachment Trial
Texas State Senator Angela Paxton put questions to rest as she announced late Monday that she would not recuse herself from the pending impeachment trial against her husband, now-suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The senator (R-McKinney) took to Twitter, and released a statement, which said she held her “obligations…
Will There Be a Captive Audience as the HISD Board Finalizes Its Budget This Thursday?
According to the Urban Dictionary, the old philosophical exercise — “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound” — should best be understood as: “the ineffectiveness of unheard opinions or thoughts.” The new Board of Managers and Houston…
Four Most Interesting Things from Nick Caserio’s Interview on SportsRadio 610
The Houston Texans closed out the early portion of the 2023 offseason Wednesday of last week with the second of two mandatory minicamp sessions at the Methodist Training Center across the street from NRG Stadium. The team and its staff will now enter about a six week hiatus, allowing some…
First Look: Los Tios Buffalo Speedway
On a sweltering Friday afternoon, my husband, Classic Rock Bob, and I decided to check out the current Impressionist exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. After a perspiring walk back to our car, we felt that a couple of frozen margaritas were just the thing to cool us…
The Fab 5 Dig Deeper into The British Invasion Era
It’s the day after Sir Paul McCartney’s 81st birthday, and Joe Baiardi has more than a passing interest in the life and music of Macca. After all, the singer-bassist-guitarist has been “Paul McCartney” in the Beatles tribute band The Fab 5 since 2003, often seen slipping into that gray collarless…
Sly Stand-Up Sam Morril Brings Unpredictability to House of Blues
“The more you listen to yourself, the more you hate yourself.”
Crazy Statistic From DeMeco Ryans’ San Francisco Tenure that Should Excite Texans Fans
I think it’s safe to say that, after enduring an 11-38-1 record from their team over the last three seasons, each season with a different head coach (hell, one of those seasons, with TWO head coaches!), Houston Texans fans want to see something new. We realize that winning substantially more…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Champagne on the Bay and Specials for Pride
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, June 21 Teeling Irish Whiskey Dinner at Julep Julep, 1919 Washington, will host a four-course tasting dinner featuring five Teeling Irish Whisky expressions and paired with crab cake with spicy collards, duck confit with cherry glazed reduction and more. Dinner…
5 Tips About Predatory Bosses for Teen Workers
The Kid With One F turns 14 this summer and has been asking me about getting a part-time job. It seems like only yesterday I was coming up with fun geek lies to keep the Santa myth going, but time kicks us all in the tenders, eventually. This has led…
Ángela Aguilar Shines Bright at 713 Music Hall
Ángela Aguilar Piensa En Mi Tour 713 Music Hall June 17, 2023 Over the years, Mexico has produced a litany of premier singers and songwriters in the realm of musica ranchera. For one family from the Mexican state of Zacatecas, that tradition is being upheld for the new generation through…
The Who Is Jill Scott Tour Touches Down at the Smart Financial Centre
“I’m going to go back to the table,” said a determined Jill Scott as she made her way towards the back of the stage. “I’m going to get a beverage. It may be tea. It may be Crown Royal. It may be Grand Mariner.” The audience at the Smart Financial…
In Business-like Manner, HISD Shuts Most of the Public Out of Its Meeting
In the past, 400 people or more have filled the board room of the Hattie Mae White center for high interest public meetings but Thursday night that was all set aside in the interest of “order.” Most of the 33 speakers signed up for public comment were sent to the…
Married Country Duo the Waymores Travel to Greener Pastures
As the great American philosopher Thomas Earl Petty once opined, “the waiting is the hardest part.” And that can especially be the case for authors, actors and musicians who have poured their hearts and souls into creating a piece of work that is completed, printed, produced, and ready to go…
Ángela Aguilar Discusses Her Place in Mexican Music Royalty (and Her Dad’s TikTok Account)
Ángela Aguilar isn’t just a rising star, she’s a new luminous light in a music constellation that’s burned brightly for nearly a century. When we spoke with the acclaimed 19 year-old vocalist, whose “Piensa En Mi” tour stops at 713 Music Hall Saturday night, our conversation ended in a familiar…
Governor Abbott Calls for Property Tax Compromise, But Will House and Senate Agree?
Governor Greg Abbott backed up his threat to veto additional legislation in a bid to force a compromise between the House and Senate amid debate surrounding property tax relief plans, as he rejected four bills on Thursday afternoon. Prior to asking both chambers to come to an agreement, Abbott had…
Houston: This Garden’s on Fire
Even to those who have lived in Houston all their lives, the summer heat can be a brutal surprise every time it arrives. Sometimes it shows its face in May but this year, the triple digits saved themselves for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend. Hopefully, we can all keep Pops…
Openings and Closings: Frank’s Americana is Moving, Cyclone Anaya’s Will Move In
Frank’s Americana Revival, 3736 Westheimer, will close June 30 at its present location in order to make its move to its new spot at 3015 Wesleyan at the Alexan River Oaks. Construction on the new site is expected to begin this summer and details on the reopening will be announced…
Houston Chamber Choir Goes Prime Time In Season 29
Houston Chamber Choir upcoming season, “Prime Time,” will emphasize premieres, the celebration of great composers, and collaborations with other musical talents.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Treat Dad to an Epic Father’s Day Meal
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Tokyo X at NRG Center Saturday, noon to 10 p.m., Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. 1 Fannin The minds behind Tokyo Night Festival are introducing a new two-day expo concept celebrating Japanese culture in Houston, Tokyo X. The indoor…
Houston Texans Extend Maliek Collins on Two Year Deal
When the Houston Texans were in the process of bottoming out in 2021, and the new general manager was tasked with beginning the rebuild, and decided to strip the team down to the studs (including making someone completely unqualified the head coach), Caserio brought in several fringe veteran players on…
My Long-Dead Dad and I Enjoy Some Local Music for Father’s Day
When I think of my dad, who died 17 years ago, I rarely think about music. Mom was the big music fan in our family. My uncles Roy and David introduced me to a lot of music. When I think Dad, I think NFL football, cold Miller Lite, praying the…
The Servant of Two Masters at Alley Theatre is Not Quite as Funny As It Thinks It Is
You can dress up a Three Stooges comedy or a limp Saturday Night Live sketch with the best character actors in the business, you can triple the budget to DeMille proportions, you can gloss this silly comedy with a beguiling set design and stunning costumes, but what are you finally…
Lance McCullers Out All of 2023: Four Thoughts
The Astros announced on Wednesday that Lance McCullers, Jr., who has missed the entire season thus far with forearm “discomfort,” will miss all of 2023 after surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his throwing arm and remove a bone spur. Astros GM Dana Brown said in a release, “This…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Juneteenth Cocktail Competition and Saint Arnold Beer Dinner
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Houston’s first black-owned distillery — Highway Vodka — is debuting its “Libations for Liberation” cocktail competition commemorating Juneteenth on Monday, June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Historic Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin. Benefiting The…
Three Big Reasons the Rockets Should Steer Clear of Kyrie Irving
The confetti has all fallen, the champagne bottles are empty, and the Denver Nuggets are your 2023 NBA World Champions. Now, the transaction firehose that is the NBA offseason begins, with the draft coming up in a week, and free agency beginning a little over a week after that. With…
Additional Cowbell: A Meditation on Rock and Roll’s Secret Weapon
“More cowbell!” That phrase, first uttered by Christopher Walken on “Saturday Night Live” over 20 years ago, has become the millennials’ “Freebird!” But don’t get me wrong – I come to praise the cowbell, not to bury it. Ah, the humble cowbell. From its origins, i.e. hanging around bovine necks…
Lily-Rose Depp Makes The Idol Worth Watching, But Barely
The Idol isn’t unwatchable. It has massive flaws, but it isn’t some huge disaster or the shocking psycho-sexual pop thrill ride it has marketed itself to be. Created by Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, pop megastar, the series is supposed to be a bold raunchy exploration…
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Suspended AG Ken Paxton Securities Fraud Case Returns To Harris County [UPDATED]
Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will be tried on securities fraud charges in Harris County, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decided Wednesday morning. Legal proceedings on these felony cases were delayed for several years, under accusations that Paxton had obstructed justice and abused the judicial process. The timing…
Donald Trump Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Court
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 37 federal charges concerning alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstruction of justice. The case will now go to trial and was assigned to U.S District Judge Aileen Cannon – a Trump nominee – who will determine the start date and…
Astros Week: Pain With Little Gain
When you lose five of your last six games, nothing feels very good. Compound that with the loss of one of your best players to injury coming off 17 straight days of games, it’s tough. That is where the Astros found themselves on Monday after a 5-0 drubbing at the…
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Houston’s Heat Wave Leaves Even More People at Risk [UPDATED]
During warmer months, public health officials often ask for community members to keep an extra eye on fellow residents who are older than 65 and are considered one of the more vulnerable populations in extreme heat. However, this attention may need to be expanded to two groups that have similar…
Alvarez, Altuve Among Early Leaders in MLB All Star Voting
One of the more underrated parts of the Major League Baseball calendar, for me, is the period from late May through early July, when the All Star teams for the American and National Leagues are selected, particularly the fan voting portion of the selection process. It’s awesome in its imperfection,…
Houston Concert Watch 6/14: Rodney Crowell, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and More
I do not have a TikTok account, but now I am tempted to sign up. That’s because I have just read about “deinfluencers,” an increasing number of TikTok-ers who, as opposed to “influencers,” tell their viewers that they really don’t need certain overpriced items, throwing in messages regarding sustainability and…
Opinion: Yes, Gwen Can Be Trans in Across the Spider-Verse
Since the release of Across the Spider-Verse, there’s been buzz online that Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) might be trans. Fans of the theory point to the “Protect Trans Kids” flag in her room, a similar pin on her dad’s police uniform, some color cues in various scenes, and changes to…
Measles Reappear in Texas, But Pose Next-to-No Threat to the Vaccinated
Most communities can rest assured that they are protected from measles due to high vaccination uptake rates – it’s the areas with populations of unvaccinated people where this highly contagious respiratory virus could cause problems, says Dr. Jill Weatherhead, assistant professor of infectious diseases and tropical medicine at Baylor College…
Houston Texans Announce J.J. Watt Ring of Honor Induction
Since last Thursday, and throughout the weekend, Houston Texans fans have had a few days to stew on and speculate exactly what this cryptic tweet from the team’s Twitter account means: The guesses ranged from something as front burner as the unveiling of the anticipated new uniforms, to things as…
Republican Leaders Now Supporting What They Once Called “Voter Fraud”
In a move that contradicts their prior stance, Republican lawmakers – including former president Donald Trump – are calling on GOP voters to vote early in-person or cast their ballots by mail in the upcoming 2024 election cycle. This goes against requests in 2020, initiated mainly by Trump, to vote…
Sonoma Comes to Houston
It’s June in Houston and July is fast approaching. As our gardens wilt, our lawns yellow and our air conditioners run non-stop, many of us fantasize about a land far, far away from the dripping humidity and triple-digit heat. Some jet off to island getaways while others fool themselves into…
Adopting a Hospital Model, HISD Teachers in High Risk Schools Will Be Treated Like Surgeons
Imagine no lesson plans, no grading papers at night after dinner, no phone calls to parents once the day’s lessons are over, no fighting a losing battle with the copier machine. Just a day of teaching to students. “What we can do is do what hospitals do for their doctors…
Houston Texans Cryptic Tweet: What are They Revealing on Monday?
I’ve been covering the Houston Texans since 2007, and have been doing so as a host on their flagship and part of their game day broadcast for nearly a decade, so I feel like I have a decent historical perspective on the organization and the ebbs and flows through the…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Tokyo Festival and Tasty Father’s Day Celebrations
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, July 13 All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Party at Brennan’s of Houston Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, is hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Party, honoring the beloved Gulf Coast food in its New Orleans style garden from 5 to 7:30 p.m. (rain or shine). Tickets are…
Riding The Storm Out With boygenius At White Oak Music Hall
boygenius White Oak Music Hall June 8, 2023 Outdoor shows are always a dicey proposition in H-Town. There aren’t all that many open-air venues, but veterans of the Pavilion lawn or Miller Outdoor Theater know the … let’s call it “mercurial” nature of our city’s weather. Friday night at White…
Duran Duran Brings Planet Earth To The Woodlands
Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Bastille Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion June 9, 2023 The name of this band is Duran Duran. I’ve talked about the twilight of our musical heroes here before (probably too much, tbh). Those ruminations have mostly focused on artists who came to prominence during the…
Houston Ballet’s Swan Lake Ascends to Greatness
Who would have thought that a little something Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky put together to entertain his nieces and nephews would eventually become, arguably, the most popular ballet of all time? Yes, it’s Swan Lake, which is closing the Houston Ballet season right now over at the Wortham Theater Center. Swan…
First Public Meeting For HISD Board of Managers and Superintendent Doesn’t Go Particularly Smoothly
The nine members of the new Board of Managers were called sellouts, fascists and puppets, the name calling delivered in screams, chants, resolution and anguish at Thursday night’s first ever public Houston ISD Board of Managers meeting. “None of us voted for you,” said Stephan Hester who would shout out…
Michael Berry Promotes His Own Type of “Pride” Shirt
Michael Berry, conservative radio talk show host and former Houston City Council member called on his supporters to purchase his latest piece of merchandise, the “this is my pride flag” T-shirt, featuring an American flag instead of the rainbow flag – the symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. The shirt was…
Openings and Closings: Stuffed Belly Opens This Weekend, Shun Will Close
Stuffed Belly, 8133 Long Point, opens softly June 10 and June 11 with a public event from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until sell out. Guests will be able to take advantage of a 50-percent-off special on sandwiches, sides and drinks for both days. Sweets are not included in…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts
Title: Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Describe This Movie In One Clerks: The Animated Series Quote: RANDAL: What are you, some kind of robot? MR. PLUG: No, that’s just an expression. [New program: kill the human Randal.] RANDAL: Hey! MR. PLUG: That’s just an expression too. [A robot expression.] Brief Plot Synopsis: Maybe…
Legions: A Surprisingly Cozy Film About Demonic Possession
Horror films about demonic possession are rarely light affairs. The Exorcist tops many “scariest films of all time” lists for a reason. However Legions, a new Argentinian horror film screening at Alamo Drafthouse, offers something almost cozy by comparison, and it is strangely moving. Directed by Fabián Forte, it follows…
WWE Hall of Famer Iron Sheik Passes Away at 81 — Five Iconic Moments
At its cinematic best (and some would say, worst), professional wrestling strives to build its storylines about whatever issues and emotions drive emotion at a given time. This includes times of intense United States nationality. Wrestling’s hero of the day is an American hero, and said hero is fed villains…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Rosé All Day and Celebrate Houston’s Oldest Craft Brewery
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Sonoma Wine Experience at The Post Oak Hotel Friday, 7 to 10 p.m. 1600 West Loop South The Post Oak Hotel is hosting a Sonoma wine experience, featuring wine tasting, food and live music from 7 to 10 p.m…
Mark Volman of the Turtles is Happy–Forever!
He wasn’t the lead singer—that would be his lifelong partner in music and comedy, Howard Kaylan. He didn’t write any of his band’s many ‘60s hits like “Happy Together,” “It Ain’t Me Babe,” “Elenore,” “You Showed Me,” “You Baby,” “She’d Rather Be With Me,” or “She’s My Girl.” And he…
Former President Donald Trump Indicted over Investigation into Classified Documents
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted in the special counsel’s investigation regarding classified documents found at his Mar-A-Lago home. He is the first former president to face federal charges. The indictment details seven counts, at least one will be a conspiracy account according to initial reports. The special counsel’s…
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Strong Storm System Left Many Without Power [UPDATED]
A severe storm system blew through the Greater Houston area on Thursday evening leaving more than 222,000 CenterPoint Energy customers without power. This included the power at the Hattie Mae White Building where the Houston ISD Board of Managers held their first meeting since the appointing new board members. After…
![Nate Paul, Developer Who is Core to Paxton Impeachment Case, Faces Felony Charges [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/natepaul.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Nate Paul, Developer Who is Core to Paxton Impeachment Case, Faces Felony Charges [UPDATED]
Nate Paul, the Austin-based real estate developer, political donor and close friend of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was booked Thursday afternoon in the Travis County jail on a federal hold for a felony crime. It is not known at this time what charge he faces or if his…
Bun B’s Trill Burgers Opens Its Brick & Mortar Location to the Public
The traffic on the corner of Richmond and Sheppard stood at a standstill as people tried to make their way into the parking lot of the newly opened Trill Burgers. The restaurant, which has earned the Trill OG the title of Good Morning America’s Ultimate Burger Spot, finally opened its…
Texas Music Festival: Recitals ‘On Roids’ And Juiced Up Programming
The annual Immanuel & Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival will bring 80 music students to the University of Houston for three weeks of rehearsals, private lessons and master classes by day and a multitude of concerts – many of them free to the public – by night.
Bayou City Hemp Acquires 8th Wonder
Bayou City Hemp Company, the largest cannabis operator in the state of Texas, announced June 7 that it is acquiring 8th Wonder Brewery, Distillery and Cannabis. The press release called it a “vertical integration” of both companies which will combine the expertise of the longtime craft brewery with the innovative…
Where to Eat, Drink and Celebrate Dad in Houston This Father’s Day 2023
Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 18, and these Houston restaurants and bars are celebrating dads with BBQ, whiskey and good times this holiday. Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd Enjoy a three-course Dad’s Day brunch ($56 per person, $15 per child) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with…
Best Bets: Swan Lake, Jazz on Film and Summer Love
It’s National Best Friends Day, so grab your bestie and check out some of this week’s best bets. We’ve got jazz on film at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, slapstick-y commedia dell’arte at the Alley Theatre, and lots for you dance lovers out there. Keep reading to learn more…
With Change in the Wind, Three More HISD Board of Managers Members Discuss The Need to Do Better
Adam Rivon knows all too well the difficulties there can for a parent who has a child in special ed in Houston ISD “I have a student in HISD. He’s in eighth grade in special education. My son was adopted at birth. He’s been in HISD for eight years. He’s…
HISD Principals Get A Homework Assignment and That’s Just For Starters
The heavy-duty sighs that swept across Houston this week were probably from more than a few of the principals in the Houston ISD as they scrapped plans for a summer vacation in favor of a deep dive into the action plans they all must deliver to new Superintendent Mike Miles…
The Servant of Two Masters at the Alley: A World Premiere Comedy Adaptation
One thing that Artistic Director Rob Melrose has determined is that “the Alley audiences really love comedy.” Couple that with his love of one of the oldest theater forms — Commedia dell’arte — as well as his impressive abilities as a translator and voiila you have The Servant of Two Masters about…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Summer Prix Fixe and Southern Smoke Returns
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Southern Smoke tickets are now on sale, with the big charitable bash returning Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14. The highly anticipated event welcomes top chefs from around the country and our home turf, all…
DeAndre Hopkins Takes First Free Agency Visit to Titans
Thus far, since his release from the Arizona Cardinals a couple weeks ago, the market for DeAndre Hopkins’ services has been pretty tepid. There have been very few rumors of interest bubbling up, at least very few rumors of teams looking to pay what Hopkins sees as list price for…
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Attorney Tony Buzbee Will Defend AG Ken Paxton [UPDATED]
Tony Buzbee will lead Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s defense team, representing the now-suspended attorney general and is the third high-profile Houston lawyer to be a part of the impeachment trial. Buzbee initially took to Instagram on Friday evening to announce that he would be defending Paxton. However, shortly after…
Astros Week: How Long Can the Pitching Staff Hold Out?
Now a third of the way through the season, the Astros still find them looking up in the AL West standings at a Texas team that is putting up massive offensive numbers. But, at just three-and-a-half games back, there is more than enough time for the Rangers to regress and…
Lieutenant Governor Now Takes On the Governor Over Property Tax Relief
Property tax relief debates continue as Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick – who typically goes head-to-head against House Speaker Dade Phelan on the issue – is now turning his attention to Governor Greg Abbott’s support of the House’s proposal to provide property tax cuts. This comes after the Governor suggested tax…
Four Most Noteworthy Movements in Houston Astro Vegas Odds
With about 100 games to go in the Major League Baseball season, the Houston Astros are right around where they are every year — recovering from their customarily sluggish start to have one of the best records in baseball, trending toward another possible 100-plus win season. The big difference this…
Southern Smoke Festival 2023: Tickets on Sale Today!
Southern Smoke Festival is returning for another chef-studded and fun-filled food frenzy October 13 and October 14, 2023 and tickets go on sale at noon June 7. This will be the 7th annual event for the Southern Smoke Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit that supports food and beverage workers in Houston…
Houston Concert Watch 6/7: Modest Mouse, Duran Duran and More
So, if you’re like most people, you’ve got three grand and some change sitting around, and you’re wondering what to do with it. Wonder no longer, my friend, Apple has you covered. Behold the Vision Pro, introduced this week at the Worldwide Developers Conference. According to Apple, this virtual reality…
Opinion: If Mass Shooters Are Supposedly Mentally Ill, Why Are They Almost All Men?
It’s a common Republican talking point that America in general and Texas specifically does not have a gun problem; it has a mental health problem. If that’s true, then why are nearly all mass shooters men? We definitely do have a mental health problem. Texas ranks dead last in the…
Where to Drink Pink in Houston on National Rosé Day (This Saturday, June 10)
Rosé enthusiasts will be tickled pink to find out that National Rosé Day falls on a Saturday this year (June 10). Hit up these Houston bars and restaurants to sip the pink stuff while enjoying specials, happy hours and more. The Annie Café & Bar, 1800 Post Oak Guests can…
Houston’s Chef Benchawan Painter Wins Best Chef: Texas
Space city can add another star to its galaxy. Chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter was declared Best Chef: Texas at last night’s James Beard Awards ceremony for the 2023 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards. She beat out four other worthy Texas chefs for the top prize. Chef G, as she…
Two New HISD Board Members Agree: The District’s Students Deserve Better
One crucial difference of Houston ISD’s Board of Managers from the school board members who preceded them is that each of the nine new members will be responsible for the district as a whole, rather than one particular part of it. Newly named board member Cassandra Auzenne Bandy made that…
Mike Miles Releases His Cabinet Appointees: Some Old, Several New
Continuing his fast-paced entry into the job of Houston ISD Superintendent, Mike Miles on Monday announced 10 initial appointments to his cabinet, adding that more will come in ensuing weeks. The appointments take effect immediately. Both Kristen Dobson Hole, his chief academic officer, and Sandi Massey, chief of leadership and…
Vir Das on Bringing “Global” Comedy Voice to Sitcoms, Movies and The Houston Improv
“The more I experience hopefully it finds its way into my stand-up. I’m just trying to fight the bubble and the isolation that a lot of touring or shooting brings.”
Potential Returns of James Harden and DeAndre Hopkins — Four Similarities, Four Differences
For people who still get chills (the bad kind) over the Houston Athlete Mass Exodus Era of 2020 and 2021, the news that James Harden and DeAndre Hopkins both want to return has been met with mixed reviews. The reviews for Harden’s return skew largely negative with Houstonians, while a…
Trill Burgers: A Star-Studded, Smash-Burger Evening
Fans of Trill Burgers have been anticipating the opening of its brick and mortar for a couple of years now. And we’d love to tell you that the wait is over. However, we cannot say for sure when it will open to the public, though sources say it’s getting very…
Scammer Poses As BARC Staff Member To Target Lost Pet Owners
Imagine receiving a phone call that BARC Animal Shelter and Adoption Center has relocated your missing pet just to realize that the person on the other end of the line does not have your animal and only wants your money. Unfortunately, this was several pet owners’ realities as BARC announced…
In Houston Ballet’s Swan Lake, Naazir Muhammad Dances the Role of Prince Siegfried
When Naazir Muhammad was young, he and his twin brother Shaakir were enrolled in a ballet class in Brooklyn in elementary school and while his brother was a model student, Muhammad was not. The teachers were all female, class was all girls except for the brothers which Muhammad didn’t like. He…
Top Five 2023 Breakout Candidates from Texans 2022 Rookie Class
For the Houston Texans in 2023, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the early portion of the offseason program, and right fully so. They’ve got a new head coach who is well thought of around the NFL in DeMeco Ryans, and the rookie class has two of the top three…
Barry Deserves its Own Round of Farewell Applause
Spoilers alert. Two monumental HBO prestige series have ended their runs. Succession and Barry ending truly feels like an end of an era not only for HBO but TV in general. They are both bold, uncompromising shows that operate at the highest level. The tsunami that was the Succession finale…
First Woman Elected HLSR Board Chair Talks Bucket List, Mission and Going Global
Youngest of four children, Pat Mann Phillips grew up on a farm and family ranch in Johnson County surrounded by cattle, pigs and horses, several of which she showed at local livestock competitions. “Anything I could put a halter on with four legs.” “My parents were farmers and ranchers. My…
Chris Alan’s Chesty Nostalgia for Houston Radio Stations
If you went to high school in Houston during the ‘70s and ‘80s, you always knew which lucky (and bleary-eyed) classmates had been to the prior evening’s rock concert at the Summit, Astrodome or Arena Theatre since they were usually sporting the band’s T-shirt and telling tales of past-their-bedtime glory…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Ice Cream Inspired Cupcakes and Rosé All Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday-Wednesday Bo Sssam special at LORO Asian Smokehouse and Bar Starting on June 6, LORO will be offering a weekly Slow Smoked Pork Shoulder Bo Ssam (inspired by the viral Momofuku version) every Tuesday and Wednesday evening after 4 p.m. in…
Janet Jackson Brings Her Together Again Tour To Houston
A hush fell over the crowd at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion as the intro piano chords from “Again” drifted into the night sky. As the chords rose in volume Janet Jackson stood center stage but quickly took a seat and looked out over the crowd as concert attendees pulled out…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Title: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Describe This Movie In One Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Quote: RON: Why spiders? Why couldn’t it be “follow the butterflies?” Brief Plot Synopsis: Arachnid army assembles, aims are ambiguous. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 Banksies out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “He…
Openings and Closings: Los Tios Opens Monday, Azumi Debuts This Winter
Los Tios, 5192 Buffalo Speedway, will debut June 5 in a massive 6,000 square-foot space in the newly refreshed Plaza in the Park shopping center. Located within steps of the recently opened Adair Kitchen, the longtime Mexican restaurant has been in the Adair Concepts portfolio since the Adair family acquired…
HISD Has Miles To Go As It Sets Out On a New Path
“We’ve lost 28,000 kids in six years. At the same time we’ve closed no schools and our central office has grown. The number of people and the amount of expenditures in central office has grown. That doesn’t seem like a financially viable methodology. So we’re going to right-size that.” That…
COVID-19 Has Re-Shaped The Seasons of Many Respiratory Viruses
Everybody knows you usually don’t get a cold in the summer. Fall, winter and spring are much more likely seasons for respiratory viruses to thrive in. Except that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted historic cycles, meaning now you can expect respiratory viruses to flare up in the warmer summer months,…
JW-Jones Mines Powerful Blues and Personal Pain on Everything Now
It used to be in the music biz that in order to make a connection, there was a lot of hanging out backstage at shows, showing up at recording sessions, or schmoozing at parties and participating in activities of various legalities. Today, you can find that potential bond via social…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Boogeyman
Title: The Boogeyman Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: HOMER: Bart, I don’t want to alarm you, but there may be a boogeyman or boogeymen in the house! Brief Plot Synopsis: For once, a kid isn’t lying about monsters under the bed. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 Wayne Gretzkys…
Houston Astro Observations on the Newly Released MLB All Star Ballot
One of the underrated pleasures of being a sports fan is seeing our heroes recognized for outstanding performance, At its peak, that recognition is in the form of awards like Most Valuable Player, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year. However, sometimes it’s okay to settle for a berth in…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Last Chance for Money Cat’s Sando Pop-Up
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Japanese Sando Pop-up at Money Cat Friday-Sunday 2925 Richmond Now through this Sunday, executive chef Sherman Yeung will be hosting a Sando Pop-Up inspired by his travels and featuring two iconic Japanese-style sandwiches, each using fluffy house-made milk bread…
![Mike Miles is New HISD Superintendent and TEA Releases Board of Managers Appointments [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hisd-board-meeting-on-tea-takeover-3-13-23.png.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Mike Miles is New HISD Superintendent and TEA Releases Board of Managers Appointments [UPDATED]
As had been rumored, Mike Miles the former superintendent of Dallas ISD, has been named the new Houston ISD superintendent, appointed by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. He takes the helm of a district with declining enrollments with a mission to improve schools that are chronically low performers. Miles, who…
A Spooky Experience: Olivia Jean Brings Raving Ghost Tour To Houston
People can be haunted by many things; addictions, thoughts, lovers, past mistakes or missed opportunities and in some cases even paranormal pests that only leave when addressed, confronted or cleansed out of the environment. On Olivia Jean’s latest release Raving Ghost the artist directly taps into the feeling of somehow…
As Warmer Weather and Rain Increases, So Does The Need for Exterminator Services
As summer approaches, Erek Gonzalez, a local pest control service manager at Reliant Pest Management Houston said technicians at the company are expecting to handle at least 16-17 jobs a day – compared to the 10 or 11 they had during the winter months. This rise in demand for exterminator…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Live Jazz, Rosé Tastings and the Return of the Houston Chef Series
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Sunday, June 4, Brasserie 19,1962 West Gray, is debuting its Sunday supper club Le Club De Dimanche, held on the first Sunday of the month and featuring jazz trio from 8 to 10:30 pm. Guests…
Choose Crazy: The Life And Times Of Mojo Nixon
Whether in person performing on stage or hosting his radio shows, Manifold Destiny on Sirius XM NASCAR as well his slot on the Outlaw Country Channel, Mojo Nixon is a magnetic force of nature that dominates all spaces and sound waves. Though most only have enough time to process one…
5 Things I Love About Lord of the Rings: Gollum
Let me start out by saying that every negative review of Lord of the Rings: Gollum is 100 percent correct. It is a glitch-ridden, nigh-unplayable mess that is in no way worth $60 and makes a mockery of my PS5’s power. This unfinished, buggy embarrassment has the temerity to already…
Houston Texans to Hold Joint Training Camp Practice with Dolphins, Saints
Back in 2020, COVID took a lot of things away from us, and as the pandemic began to simmer, we got some of those things back. One annual tradition, though, for the Houston Texans, that was swiped by COVID in 2020, and never reprised by head coaches David Culley in…
Top Officials from the AG’s Office Take Leave of Absence to Represent Paxton in Senate Trial
In a sign of solidarity, six top officials at the Office of the Attorney General have taken a leave of absence from their duties to defend their boss Ken Paxton – who is currently suspended from office and awaiting his impeachment trial in the Senate. Those in the group include…
Astros Week: Injury Front, Hitting Coming Around, Angels This Weekend
There are signs. You never know in baseball. The season is SO long. But, there are signs. The Astros might be finally turning a corner. And it could not come soon enough with a supercharged offense in Arlington keeping the surging Rangers ahead in the standings. The offense, which has…
Houston Concert Watch 5/31: Janet Jackson, James McMurtry and More
Who doesn’t love a survey? This one was commissioned by Chinet, the paper plate folks, and it seeks to gauge attitudes about summer. Many of those surveyed feel that certain foods taste better during the summer, including watermelon (74 percent), ice cream (68 percent) and hot dogs (54 percent). And…
Sharky’s: Waterfront Dining in Kingwood
Houston in the summer means sizzling pavements, 100 percent humidity (without rain, somehow) and weather patterns that range from extreme drought to sudden, torrential downpours. While many Houstonians escape for a week or two to some less ferocious climate, there’s still the rest of the season to contend with, unless…
Looking Back at 2018 Houston Texans and the Franchise Ruination
For Houston Texan fans, this is an offseason that should be about hope, about looking forward, and about brighter things to come. However, over the last couple months, particularly in recent weeks, this offseason has provided constant reminders of a time when the Houston Texans were among the more talented…
Texas House Rejects Senate Property Tax Proposal, Passes its Own and Adjourns
Ahead of the House and Senate convening for their first meetings of the recently announced special session, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called out House Speaker Dade Phelan’s actions which he said contributed to the lack of agreement on property tax relief. Patrick doubled down on the House as a whole,…
Governor Greg Abbott Announces First Special Session, Just Hours After the Regular Session Closed
With lawmakers remaining at odds over how to distribute property tax cuts, Governor Greg Abbott announced the first special session just hours after legislators wrapped up work on this year’s regular legislative session. Abbott called for property tax relief and border security to be the two topics addressed during this…
Texas House Announces Impeachment Managers Prosecuting AG Case in Senate Trial
The Texas House appointed 12 of its members to prosecute the impeachment case against Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday during its final meeting this regular legislative session. The Republican-majority board of impeachment managers will be chaired by representative Andrew Murr (R-Junction) and vice chaired by representative Ann Johnson (D-Houston)…
D4VD Releases His New EP Petals to Thorns
There are several reasons why people get into creating their own music at an early age. Whether it is to rebel, express themselves, get out teenage angst, or the countless other reasons teenagers do what they do, the idea that a young person is going to get into music and…
Vegas Odds on Former Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins Next Team
After his release last week from the Arizona Cardinals, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins finds himself in new territory. For the first time in his NFL career, Hopkins is a free agent, free to choose where he plays football for possibly the remainder of his career (or at least until his…
Basil McJagger’s Swingin’ Organ
As the old quote goes, “writing about music is like dancing about architecture.” The astute observation about trying to explain the artistry of one medium in the terms of another has been credited to everyone from musicians Elvis Costello and Laurie Anderson to comedian Martin Mull (who tends to get…
Four Thoughts on DeAndre Hopkins’ Release From Arizona Cardinals
Back in March of 2020, just as the world was shutting itself down at the outset of the COVID pandemic, Bill O’Brien made a decision that would begin the tailspin that ultimately ended his career with the Houston Texans — he traded All Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the…
Six Suggestions for TMC’s Mobility Plan
Riding along the north side of the Texas Medical Center, I felt pretty safe. A pair of helicopters buzzed above the buildings generating a level of noise only rivaled by the line of work trucks in front of me. It was noisy and busy, but not awful. Then, I turned…
Want to Know How to Produce a Record? Just Ask Pete Anderson
What exactly does a record producer do? That’s a hell of a question, and Pete Anderson is glad you asked. So glad, in fact, that he has written a book, How to Produce a Record: A Player’s Philosophy for Marking a Great Recording (80 pp., $21.99, Jessee Lee Music). Inspired…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Memorial Day Brunch and Pride Month Sips and Eats
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long AAPI Restaurant Weeks OCA-Greater Houston has brought back the fourth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event held from May 1 through June 15 in celebration of the rich culinary heritage of AAPI communities…
A Maroon’s Guide to Time and Space is an Expertly Crafted Journey Through Past and Future
Stepping into Matchbox 1, eyes go immediately to the four concentric white circle on stage. Stare long enough and it feels like the beginning of a hypnosis trick. The outlines of the circles start to mimic spirals and the structure begins to feel like an optical illusion. Breaking you out…
Comicpalooza Returns to the George R Brown Convention Center
Throngs of fans dressed as characters from anime, manga’s, comic books, hit shows and movies lined up early Saturday morning in front of the George R Brown Convention Center. As fans dressed as different characters filed through security, Bill H. lined up alongside them. “I’ve been coming here for five…
Texas House Votes to Impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton
In an overwhelmingly majority and rather rapid vote, the Texas House approved the impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton under allegations detailing his abuses of power and illicit misconduct late Saturday afternoon. Members of the chamber adopted the 20 articles of impeachment, which outline the attorney general’s wrong-doings, in a…
Letts Start a Fire in August: Osage County at Dirt Dogs Theatre Co.
If you smell smoke near Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston near Main and Holman, don’t be alarmed. It’s only Dirt Dogs Theatre’s production of Tracy Lett’s August: Osage County, burning up the boards and blistering the paint. The combustion is phenomenal. The blaze is primarily caused by Deborah Hope’s…
Fairview With its Twists and Turns Confronts Race in Moments Both Absurd and Realistic
One of the earliest forms of American theater is the minstrel show. White performers would tar their face and biggen their lips in imitation of African-Americans to mock and deride them all for the sake of comedy and entertainment. Even Black performers would capitulate to the exaggeration. They donned the…
The Sisters Of Mercy Turn Bayou Music Center Into A Temple Of…Love?
The Sisters of Mercy Bayou Music Center May 26, 2023 My most enduring memory of the Sisters of Mercy (the late ’80s/early ’90s were kind of hazy) is listening to Floodland on cassette during a trip from Austin to Houston with my sophomore girlfriend. It was an overcast day, intermittently rainy,…
AG Ken Paxton Calls For His Supporters to Show Up at the Capitol Saturday
Attorney General Ken Paxton late Friday afternoon called the House Committee of General Investigation’s probe into his alleged illegal actions and misconduct an “act of political retribution,” as he gave his first public comments on the impending possibility of his removal from office. He also called for his supporters to…
A Collection of John Nova Lomax’s Sole of Houston Columns
Several readers have asked for another look at John Nova Lomax’s series The Sole of Houston following his death this past Monday. As many of you know, not all our earlier stories are accessible right now. They were taken offline while the Houston Press transitions to a new software system…
The Future is Here in Houston Ballet’s Latest Mixed Rep Program
Imagine entering the Wortham Theater Center for an evening with the Houston Ballet. It’s their latest mixed repertory program, Divergence, and the first thing you see is an excited ballet (and music) aficionado giddily rushing to tell a friend that he spied sandpaper and a typewriter in the orchestra pit…
Wicked Set to Soar Over Houston Again at Broadway at the Hobby
Since she was a child and first saw Wicked on a New York stage in 2005, Celia Hottenstein always wanted to be Glinda. “It’s always been a dream role,” she says. “I love comedy. I think her character is so witty and funny and extremely well written. And the costumes…
Red Hot Chili Peppers Score Hits at Minute Maid Park
Red Hot Chili Peppers Global Stadium Tour Minute Maid Park May 25, 2023 I was 12 years old when I received one of the best birthday presents ever: the iconic, bright yellow Sony Walkman “Sports” edition with Mega Bass. I carried that thing with me everywhere…. on the school bus,…
Legislators Agree on Overall Budget, Setting Proposed Amount for Property Tax Relief
On Thursday, Texas legislators were able to reach one agreement on the widely-debated topic of property tax cuts – allocating $17.6 billion in property tax relief as part of a final proposed state budget of $321.3 billion to be spent over the next two year. This initial amount – pending…
Openings and Closings: Roswell’s Saloon Launches, FRNDS Grand Opening
Roswell’s Saloon, 1417 Westheimer, has landed. Located in Montrose (or THE Montrose), the spaced-out lounge takes over the former Stone’s Throw spot. With several areas of projection mapping, the interior offers an intergalactic experience without having to fly up to the heavens in a phallic-shaped vanity vehicle. Be they Trekkies,…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Little Mermaid
Title: The Little Mermaid Describe This Movie In One Peacemaker Quote: ADEBAYO: If we have a kid, I’d like to name her Octopussy. And if it’s a boy, Sharknado. Brief Plot Synopsis: Boy meets mermaid, boy loses mermaid, mermaid gets legs, boy gets legged mermaid. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To…
Selwyn Birchwood Casts Out Demons of Tired Blues on Exorcist
Read enough articles and press materials on Selwyn Birchwood and one modifying word keeps popping up: that he’s a “contemporary” bluesman. Come to think of it, the same word shows up in pieces on artists like Gary Clark, Jr., Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Toronzo Cannon and Quinn Sullivan. For Birchwood himself,…
Geezer Butler’s Lifetime of Sabbaths—and the Days of Metal In Between
The song opens unlike anything else that had been heard in rock music to date. The sounds of a howling wind, drizzling rain, thunder, and then the slow, repetitive tolling of a bell. Just when you think it’s a Halloween sound effects record, instruments kick in—most prevalent the deep notes…
Potential Future Wide Receiver Solutions for the Houston Texans
As we’ve outlined in this space, in so many different ways, the Houston Texans should be an improved football team in 2023. Hell, it’s hard to be worse than a team that came within a Hail Mary in Week 18 from having the first overall pick in the draft. It’d…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish and Memorial Day Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Sazon Latin Food Festival in Houston at Karbach Brewery Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2032 Karbach Head to Karbach’s beer garden for the free, family-friendly Sazon Latin Food Festival, featuring Latin food vendors and eats from the Caribbean,…
The Houston Museum of Natural Science Has Sharks in the Basement
A new exhibit celebrating the apex predators of the sea opens today at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. It’s called Sharks!, with an exclamation point. Just to make sure visitors get the message, a giant inflatable shark named Marissa now adorns the outside of the building. The basement of…
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House Committee Recommends The Impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton [UPDATE]
After convening on Thursday evening, members of the Texas House Committee on General Investigating voted unanimously to recommend the impeachment and removal of Attorney General Ken Paxton from office. This vote is a culmination of an investigation into the Paxton, that found reason to believe that the attorney general breached…
![Alleged Arson Occurs Outside Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/fire.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Alleged Arson Occurs Outside Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Office [UPDATED]
Officials at the Office of the Texas Attorney General are on the lookout for any tips or information to identify a person of interest who allegedly set fire to a dumpster Wednesday evening outside of their office. In a tweet, Scott Braddock, a journalist with the Quorum Report and political…
Two Houston Press Writers Are Finalists for National Awards
The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies just released its finalists list for its national AAN awards and two writers for the Houston Press were named in the honors. Theater critic Jessica Goldman is a finalist in the Arts Criticism category for a selection of her theater reviews in 2022. Goldman, formerly…
Harris County Officials Announce Plan to Sue The State Over Election Bills
Harris County officials will be filing a lawsuit against the state and calling on federal intervention after a string of election-related bills targeting the county made their way through the House and are up for consideration in the Senate. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announced the County’s plan at a…
Take Advantage Of The Press’s 2023 Summer Movie Preview While There Are Still Movies To Watch
After an extended period of serious concern over the possibly lingering effect the COVID pandemic had on global box office, things finally started to turn around last year. Much credit was given to Top Gun: Maverick for “saving” the theater-going experience, but James Cameron, the MCU, and those little yellow lima…
Investigators Say Texas AG Ken Paxton Abused His Office
After announcing on Tuesday that they were investigating Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office over his attempt to have taxpayer money settle a $3.3 whistleblower lawsuit filed by some of his former deputies, the Texas House General Investigating Committee went into details at an early Wednesday morning meeting. In public testimony…
Best Bets: Fairview, Drag Wonderettes, and A Latinx Theater Festival
As we slowly but surely inch closer to summer, the arts organizations around town prepare to close their seasons in spectacular fashion. This week, they’re giving us multiple world premieres, thought-provoking theater, and Motown classics. Keep reading for this week’s list of our best bets. Over at Stages on Thursday,…
Five Biggest Houston Texans Upgrades This Offseason
While the prognostications for the Houston Texans, via way-too-early power rankings and 2024 mock drafts, are for largely the same results we’ve seen the last three seasons, where they’ve been among the three worst teams in football each season, there is undoubtedly a different vibe here on the ground in…
These Houston Restaurants and Bars Are Celebrating Pride Month with Tasty Specials and Donations
June is Pride Month, and Houston bars and restaurants are getting in on the celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community by offering food and drink specials with a donation to some of Houston’s LGBTQ+ nonprofits. From rainbow colored cake and bagels to sparkling drinks, pop by…
The Mechanical Philosophy of Tears of the Kingdom is Very Frustrating
How can something so beautiful and brilliant be as frustrating as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom? The reason lies in its intricate mechanical philosophy of play, something that has the perfection of form of a cat stalking its prey and the hair-pulling irritation of trying to give…
Jon Cleary Brings New Orleans To Houston
Anyone who has taken a trip into the marvelous rabbit hole that is New Orleans style piano music is bound to have passed a tune or two by the amazing Jon Cleary. Since moving to New Orleans 41 years ago from his home in England, Cleary has gone deeper into…
Astros Week: The Offensive Roller Coaster Continues
A quarter of the way into the season, the Astros are basically where they were the last two years. After 49 games in 2021, the Astros were 27-22; in 2022, they were 31-18. This year? 28-21, nestled right in between. And that’s after dropping two straight shutouts in Milwaukee. Baseball…
Debates Cloud the Status of Property Tax Relief in the Texas Legislature
The clock is ticking for House Speaker Dade Phelan and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick to come to an agreement amid continued debate over the delivery of property tax relief to home and businesses owners. Last week, the House passed an amended version of Senate Bill 3 – legislation that addresses…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Free Astros Doughnuts and Memorial Day Brunch
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Dish Society will honor Memorial Day with Monday brunch from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at all locations, in addition to its daily 20 percent discount for all military veterans, active military members, first responders, police…
Which Houston GM is Under the Most Pressure?
After three years of churn, most of it generated from the Houston Texans, it appears that the head coaching (“manager” in baseball) positions have stabilized. Most Houstonians feel pretty good about the trio of Dusty Baker, Ime Udoka, and DeMeco Ryans leading the three big teams here in town. The pressure…
Houston Concert Watch 5/24: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sisters of Mercy and More
‘Tis the season for graduations, and consequently many venues around town are booked this week for cap and gown parades. If you will be attending a graduation, here’s hoping that at least there will be a decent commencement speaker. If not, here are a few quotes from some good ones…
![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Calls For House Speaker Dade Phelan’s Resignation [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/phelan.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Calls For House Speaker Dade Phelan’s Resignation [UPDATED]
In a surprise move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is calling for House Speaker Dade Phelan’s resignation at the end of this legislative session. This request comes as Paxton claims Phelan was presiding over the Texas House in a state of “apparent debilitating intoxication.” In a statement released by the…
![Legislation Uprooting Harris County Election Systems Comes Closer to Becoming Law [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/leadforelectionbill.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Legislation Uprooting Harris County Election Systems Comes Closer to Becoming Law [UPDATED]
The possibility that Harris County officials might lose a majority of their authority over local elections to state lawmakers is becoming increasingly likely as the Texas House passed proposed legislation transferring this power on a third reading on Monday night. Legislators voted to approve election-related bills Senate Bill 1750 and…
Medical Institutions Are Targeted by AG For Gender-Affirming Care
As if targeting the access to gender-affirming care for minors and the physicians practicing it in the Texas Legislature wasn’t enough, Attorney General Ken Paxton is now going a step beyond: launching investigations into the institutions providing it. Although Senate Bill 14, proposed legislation that would bar patients under 18…
NHL to Houston? Four Complications for Landing a Team
A critical referendum in Arizona that would approve the building of a new hockey arena for the Phoenix Coyotes failed by a wide margin recently. The result is the almost inevitable move of the Coyotes to another city. It’s a common refrain, one we’ve dealt with in Houston when the…
Remembering John Nova Lomax: A Gifted Story Teller
John Nova Lomax, the incredibly gifted writer about music and Texas life, who made it his practice to talk with people no matter their backgrounds, who absorbed local history and wrote about it with authority, who had a never-ending sense of curiosity, died too soon on the morning of Monday,…
New Collection is a Fab Four Foto Fest
It was July 1, 1963 and Terry O’Neill was just one of dozens of staff and freelance photographers who worked for the ultra-competitive “Fleet Street” newspapers in London. But he was also one of—if not the—youngest shutterbugs. So when his editor at the Daily Sketch asked him to head over…
Ranking Categories of Houston Sports Gut Punches
The thing about being a sports fan is that there is always a level of persecution that you feel from the sports gods, regardless of what city you live in. Hell, I have friends that live in Boston that still obsess more over Bill Buckner’s error that cost the Red…
Kinetic Ensemble Tiptoes Outside Its Sanctuary
Kinetic Ensemble will close its season with Beyond the Sanctuary Walls, which features the world premiere of the program’s title work as well as works by Clara Schumann and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on May 26 at the MATCH.
A Maroon’s Guide to Time and Space at Catastrophic Theatre With No Limitations
In A Maroon’s Guide to Time and Space, audiences are asked to free themselves from the constraints of linear time. Actress Brittny Bush calls it “a circular story experience” with Afrofuturism and space travel that tells the story of Harriet Tubman. “It’s more about having experience and time is relative. It…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans Bringing Back Jacob Martin
The Houston Texans are entering the OTA (“organized team activities,” for those unfamiliar with the acronym) phase of the offseason, with the roster fairly solidified as they head to training camp in a couple months. There will still be additional tweaks here and there, and one of those tweaks brought…
5 Tips on Finding a Literary Agent For the Book You’ve Written
When I teach my Intro to Fiction Writing class at Closing Credits, I always start by telling students what to expect in the world of publishing. There’s not much point in writing a book if you don’t know what you’re going to do with it. Inevitably, we end up talking…
Opinion: High School Football is More Dangerous Than Gender Affirming Care
Whenever someone speaks out against gender-affirming care for trans and non-binary minors a few words and phrases will inevitably pop up: dangerous, life-altering, social pressure, irreversible. All of those phrases could and should be applied to high school football, but rarely are. Children die every year playing high school football,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Whiskey, Sandos and the Ultimate Kegger
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Japanese Sando Pop-up at Money Cat Now through Sunday, June 4, c executive chef Sherman Yeung will be hosting a Sando Pop-Up at Money Cat, 2925 Richmond, inspired by his travels and featuring two iconic Japanese-style sandwiches, each…
Florence LaRue Continues Her Journey into the Fifth Dimension
From ramshackle horse and buggy wagons to today’s sleek Uber rides, ever since taxis became a mode of transportation, passengers have been leaving things behind in them. But only once did such a forgetfulness result in a chart-topping No. 1 hit record. It was 1968 when vocal group the Fifth…
Summer Jam HTX Brings The City Girls and More To H Town
The audience roared as JT and Caresha walked across the stage chanting “where the bag at?” Dressed in matching pink shorts and tops, the hitmaking rappers begin bringing women on the Summer Jam HTX stage to dance alongside them as “Twerk”, from the duo’s debut album Girl Code blasted through…
A Tip of the Hat to The Best of Everything at Main Street Theater
When Egyptologist Howard Carter peered into King Tuts’ tomb for the first time, his patron Lord Carnarvon anxiously asked, What do you see? “Wonderful things,” was Carter’s awe-inspiring response. Whether Julie Kramer’s adaptation of Rona Jaffe’s phenomenally popular 1958 soap opera novel about the secret lives of New York City…
They Might Be Giants Are Happy To Ride The Flood At House Of Blues
They Might Be Giants House of Blues May 20, 2023 It’s some combination of longevity and productivity that earns a musical group the luxury of being referred to as “venerable.” And They Might Be Giants, the group formed and anchored by “The Johns” (Flansburgh and Linnell), most likely qualifies. Consider:…
A Justin Peck Premiere Tops Off Houston Ballet’s Mixed Rep Program Divergence
As you stand in a line, start by leaning to the right, and imagine you’re leaving a space ship to explore a new world — that’s the instructions acclaimed choreographer Justin Peck gave to the four featured dancers in his new work Under the Folding Sky about to have its world…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: AAPI Restaurant Weeks and an Asian Night Market
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Asian Night Market at Railway Heights Market Friday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. 8200 Washington Rained out last weekend, Railway Heights will host its two-day Asian Night Market this weekend instead. Hit it for food…
525,600 Reasons to See TUT’s Production of Rent at the Hobby
If Tolstoy ever attended a Broadway show he might have said: Every happy musical is alike, every unhappy musical is different in its own way. Jonathan Larson’s Rent (1996) is perhaps the most unhappy musical ever. Not the show itself, a deft grunge riff on Puccini’s war horse opera La…
Openings and Closings: Little’s Oyster Bar Opens, Th Prsrv Kemah Debuts
Little’s Oyster Bar, 3001 S. Shepherd, opened May 17 in the spot that previously housed Little Pappas Seafood House for over three decades. Still owned and operated by Pappas Restaurants, the building has received a major overhaul, created by the in-house design team and led by Design Director Evy Pappas…
Families of Trans Kids Weigh Their Options Ahead of a Probable Ban on Gender-Affirming Care
Liz hoped things wouldn’t get to this – however she knew it was a long shot with Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott signaling their support of a slate of anti-trans bills – so she began planning. As Senate Bill 14, proposed legislation that blocks access to…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Fast X
Title: Fast X Describe This Movie In One Kung Fu Panda 2 Quote: MANTIS: I didn’t have any problems with my dad. Maybe it’s ’cause Mom ate his head before I was born. Brief Plot Synopsis: Big men drive fast, go boom. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Heist-o-Trons out…
Ranking the Houston Texans’ 2023 Road Trips
We are about a week removed from the release of the NFL’s 2023 regular season schedule, and we’ve broken the actual football part of the schedule — the ins and outs of where the games will be played, what it means to the division race, and betting lines on the…
TEA Rep Tells HISD Trustees They Are Valued But As Of June 1, Access to Legal Protection and HISD Email is Over
A wary group of about-to-be former Houston ISD trustees met with Texas Education Agency’s deputy commissioner for governance Thursday about the transition to an appointed board on June 1 and learned they will lose access to their HISD email and they will no longer have legal representation once they leave…
When a Young Woman’s Dream Turns to Bullfighting in Torera
Nothing is ever going to change my mind about bullfighting. Not Rudolph Valentino’s smolder or Tyrone Power’s swagger in the silent and later sound movie versions of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez’s classic Blood and Sand, or Hemingway’s rhapsodic prose in his essay Death in the Afternoon or novel The Sun Also…
Which Player Will Have the Most Popular Houston Texans Jersey in 2023?
Over the last two very depressing seasons of Houston Texans football, one of the MOST depressing things would occur on my walk through the NRG Stadium concourse, very early on game day mornings at home games on my way to our stage for the pregame show in Bud Light Plaza…
Best Bets: La traviata, Oedipus Rex and Serial Killers
It’s International Museum Day but, if we may, let us suggest some other events that are worth your time between and around your trips to Houston’s many museums. This week we’ve got premiere plays, a self-proclaimed psychic, and an expert specializing in serial killers. Keep reading for the full list…
Opinion: They/Them Pronouns Don’t Mean Someone is a Demon — A Biblical Explainer
A new front in the gender wars is bigots equating the use of they/them pronouns with literal Biblical demons. The idea comes from the story of Jesus confronting a possessed man possessed who calls itself “Legion, for we are many.” This occurs in the Gospels of Mark, Luke, and Matthew…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Voyage through Asia at Traveler’s Table
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: As owners Thy and Matthew Mitchell are fresh from a trip to Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo, Traveler’s Table, 520 Westheimer, has taken inspiration from their voyage through Asia to create a series of new dishes. Features…
Brooklyn Twang: That Little Festival In Texas Returns
For the third year in a row “that little festival in Texas” Brooklyn Twang Festival returns to its home in Mid Main. Brooklyn Twang will take place on Saturday, May 20 with music starting at 1:30 and running all day in the cozy backyard of the Continental Club. The event…
Abortion Drug Mifepristone Case Moves Back to New Orleans Appeals Court Today
Access to the widely used abortion-inducing drug Mifepristone will be up for debate again on Wednesday in a federal appeals court in New Orleans – the latest move in a case questioning the Food and Drug Administration’s long-standing approval of the medication. The case is set to be back in…
Stages Theater Explores Two Different Perspectives of Drag in Drag Wonderettes and The Legend of Georgia McBride
On one stage, four men will be singing, dancing and walking in heels, only one of whom has worked in drag as a career before. On another stage, it’s the story of a straight guy who becomes a drag performer out of need and learns to love the art form…
ECHO Closes Season 9 With Spotlight On NextGen Talent
The Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra, aka ECHO, will close out its ninth season with Academic Festival, featuring music from some of the most brilliant classical, romantic and baroque composers. What’s more, up-and-coming orchestral talent will join for part of the performance. The show takes places at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Strake Jesuit College…
Astros Week: Stacking Wins, Getting Hits and Lights Out Pitching
If there was ever a time to make a move for the Astros, this is it. Sitting just barely over .500, they face two utterly beatable teams in the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s. By the time they get to the Brewers and Twins, they could have Jose Altuve back…
Houston Concert Watch 5/17: Dave Matthews, They Might Be Giants and More
The magazine business is a tough racket these days. Consequently, publishers are always on the lookout for a new gimmick that will boost sales. The latest? Octogenarian Martha Stewart will be the oldest model ever to grace the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. What she’s wearing is not…
The Curses on Each Houston Texans Rookie Jersey
Last week was a great week for the “football nerd” in me. Specifically, Thursday was a phenomenal DAY for the “football nerd” in me. Of course, the highlight was the release of the 2023 NFL schedule, one of my favorite days of the calendar year. This past Thursday, though, we…
I Tuned Into EuroVision for Maniacs. I Was Not Disappointed
I had exactly one wish when I tuned into EuroVision for the first time in my life this weekend: let one of these performers be out of their goddamn minds. That wish was pleasantly granted. The vast majority of performers were… fine. They were lovely, talented people with good pop…
Rockets Prayers Not Answered as They Drop to No. 4 in the Draft Lottery
Fourteen percent. That was the percentage chance the Houston Rockets had of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and a shot at seven-foot-four wunderkind Victor Wembanyama. All it would take is a bounce of the ping pong balls the way it did for Hakeem Olajuwon and…
More Houstonians Wary of Rising Housing Costs, Kinder Institute Reports
Access to affordable housing and an unstable economy were the main concerns cited by Houstonians in the latest annual Houston Area Survey released Monday by the Kinder Institute for Urban Research. One of the biggest shifts in this year’s findings was the unease surrounding the rise of housing costs –…
Torera at Alley Theatre: A Young Woman’s Dream of Being a Matador
Playwright Monet Hurst-Mendoza thinks that many people in the United States who are against bull fighting have never actually been to a match or spoken to anyone involved in it. Born and raised in Los Angeles but with relatives from the Yucatán, Hurst-Mendoza traveled to Mexico several times over the years…
Pearlman Collection Makes a Definite “Impression” at the MFAH
Today, most people take it for granted that if they want to get somewhere, they can. Be it by plane, boat, car, motorcycle or Segway (remember those?), moving from Point A to Point B is simple. But in the early 19th and late 20th centuries, travel took a bit more…
Report: James Harden Could Reunite with the Rockets – Four Questions
According to ESPN reporter and NBA scoopster Adrian Wojnarowski, James Harden and the Houston Rockets are seriously eyeballing a reunion between the former All-Star guard and the team he spent his most productive years with. On the surface, it feels like an odd pairing given the Rockets’ fierce approach to rebuilding…
Betting Lines Released on All 17 Houston Texans Games
In 2023, we want everything on our terms, when we want it, how we want it. If we want food, we can immediately push a few buttons on our phones, and in 30 minutes the food arrives in nice, neat packaging, hot and ready. If we want our TV shows…
Last Night: The Killers at Toyota Center
The Killers Toyota Center May 14, 2023 About halfway through Sunday night’s concert at the Toyota Center, Brandon Flowers offered a mea culpa to the packed venue. “Welcome to the better-late-than-never portion of the ‘Imploding The Mirage World Tour,'” The Killers frontman said with a laugh. “Third time’s a charm, am…
The Legend of Georgia McBride at Stages: Put on a Dress and Become a Man
Before the Texas legislature gets wind of Matthew López’s drag-friendly The Legend of Georgia McBride, now exuberantly swishing through Stages, I suggest you sashay, mince, or strut over to the theater, apply a bit of midnight aubergine eyeliner, wrap yourself in a boa, put on the falsies, and hot glue…
The No Drama Brother Toad Can’t Slither Its Way Into Great Drama
Who knew the back half of the 2022/23 season would see such a plethora of puppets on Houston’s stages? So far there’s been a reincarnated holy lama puppet, a struggling adopted boy puppet and a fantasy land king and queen depicted by, you guessed it, puppets. Three shows in total…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Crawfish Eating Contest and Fiery Burger Collab
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday-Friday Kids’ Meals Benefit at Hotel ZaZa’s Tipping Point Restaurant and Terrance Hotel ZaZa Houston Memorial City, 9787 Katy Freeway, has teamed up with Kids’ Meals for a special fundraiser. Every entree ordered at Tipping Point Restaurant and Terrance will directly…
Houston Texans Rookie Minicamp: Five Ways The Team is Starting to Feel Normal Again
With their fourth head coach in four seasons, the Houston Texans’ rookie class hit the field for the first time as NFL employees on Friday and Saturday at the Methodist Training Canter across the street from NRG Stadium. The new head coach, DeMeco Ryans, and the rookie class both have…
Long Island Medium Theresa Caputo Brings Houston Her “Gifts” To Connect with Your Dearly Departed
“They take us on this emotional roller coaster. One moment we may be crying, but then the next we have that levity with the laughter. It’s like they give us permission to live life again.”
Last Night: The Cure at Toyota Center
“How much more black could it be?” That line from the mock rockumentary This is Spinal Tap could just as easily been asked about the attire worn throughout the Toyota Center concourse on Friday night for The Cure. This is, after all, the greatest and without question most successful Goth…
Hypnotic Traffics in Tired Hypnosis Myths
Director Robert Rodriguez’s Hypnotic opens on Friday, May 12, and goddamn does it look silly as hell. While it’s clearly aiming to be the next Inception, it mostly just traffics in ancient and stupid myths about hypnosis. The film follows Rourke (Ben Affleck), a cop who is dealing with the…
Openings and Closings: Passerella and Lankford’s Expand, Blake’s and New York Eatery Shutter Soon
Passerella Italiano, 6011 Washington, opened May 9 in the Washington Corridor. It’s the second location of the Italian restaurant from Houston’s Gr8 Plate Hospitality. Owners Paul and Doris Miller have successfully owned and operated a number of local concepts including multiple locations of The Union Kitchen and Jax Grill. The…
A Good Conversation with Patrick Squier
“Life is a spark that starts with good conversations,” goes the line from the title track to Patrick Squier’s approaching album. The Houston guitarist and songwriter has begun releasing singles from the record and playing shows like this Friday’s Backyard Bash at Continental Club’s Pachinko Hut to support the LP,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Mom’s Day Brunch and Beer-Fueled Pub Crawl
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: AAPI Restaurant Weeks All weekend long OCA-Greater Houston has brought back the fourth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event, running now through June 15 in celebration of the rich culinary heritage of AAPI communities…
Apollo Wraps 15th Season With Punched-Up Bach, Armenian Inspirations
Apollo Chamber Players will wrap up its 15th year anniversary with We Will Sing One Song at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 at Rice University’s Stude Hall.
Houston Texans Reveal 2023 Schedule, Open Season in Baltimore
The annual NFL schedule release has become one of the more underrated dates on the sports calendar. If your NFL team is a contender (something we don’t have to worry about this season, but hopefully in future seasons we do) then you’re learning what the path to glory looks like…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Dippable Noodles Are Back at Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District, 5701 South Main, is hosting this year’s Houston Food Bank’s 23rd Annual Chefs’ Dinner on Sunday, May 11 at 7 p.m. Five Houston chefs will collaborate on a special dinner in…
Clarinet By Airmail: The Weird, Wonderful Duets of Rodgers and Barilla
If you put up a poster that said “Erin Rodgers: Live” and no other information, I would not have the first clue what that show would involve despite having professionally covered her for around a decade. So, when she announced that her latest album would be a series of duets…
Best Bets: Jewels, Georgia McBride and Five Funny French Films
This Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day, and if you’re looking for a fun way to spend some quality time with mom (or looking for something to do away from mom), we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for this week’s list of best bets, including French films, a fan-favorite musical,…
Houston Texans 2023 Schedule Has Some Sizzle After Drafting Stroud
I say it quite a bit in this space, that no sports league does a better job of turning seemingly EVERYTHING on the calendar into something important than the National Football League. In American sports, it seems like the most popular seasons across all sports, for example, are the NFL…
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Strong Storms Expected to Continue, But Some Relief May Come Toward End of Week [UPDATED]
At the height of the storms around noon Tuesday, CenterPoint Energy recorded about 35,000 outages in the Houston area. And roughly another 2,000 in Katy and additional outages in other cities including Spring – where schools in their district relied on generators to maintain power through the storms. In response…
In Fairview at 4th Wall Theatre Company, a Family is Under Surveillance
The play begins, as many family plays do, with a middle class family getting ready for a birthday party for Grandma. And just as most plays like this go, something goes awry, someone decides not to come and there are hurt feelings and anger. Then Fairview, about to be onstage…
5 Tips on Writing a Love Interest
I teach an introduction to fiction writing course for Closing Credits, and today I’d like to share some of the tips I give students when it comes to writing a love interest. It can be tricky to make a romantic partner for your protagonist believable to a reader, but it’s…
Houston Concert Watch 5/10: Ed Sheeran, The Cure and More
We have concerts from two young British popmeisters, two bona fide Texas treasures, and an antimonarchy icon on tap this week in Houston, with funk from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Morris Day and the Time just around the corner. The summer concert season is underway, so get a…
Will Anderson Trade Among Biggest Overpays in NFL Draft History
It’s been almost two weeks since the trade that rocked the top of the NFL Draft, with the Houston Texans trading multiple picks, including their 2024 first round pick, for the right to move up nine spots from 12th overall to 3rd overall and select Alabama linebacker Will Anderson. It…
Flights Delayed at Bush as Bad Weather Progresses into Afternoon
Strong gusts of wind and heavy rainfall from thunderstorms in the Greater-Houston area caused more than 100 flights to be delayed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport this morning into the early afternoon. Bush recorded the highest number of delays across the country according to FlightAware’s MiseryMap. Although the average wait…
As the Title 42 COVID-19 Order Ends, Houston Aid Groups Prepare To Help More Migrants
Houston-area legal aid officials and nonprofit groups need to gear up for the possible arrival of about 30,000 to 40,000 migrants awaiting the ability to enter the country as the pandemic era immigration policy ends. That is the opinion of Dr. Sergio Lira, the president of the Greater Houston area…
Astros Week: Injuries and Lack of Offense, but is Help On the Way?
We have reached a point in the long baseballs season when it is reasonable to begin to wonder if things that are happening are just a blip at the beginning of the season or a trend that last all year. For baseball as a whole, that means delving into concerns…
Four Most Interesting Items From My Nick Caserio Interview
Since the hire of DeMeco Ryans as Houston Texans head coach, it’s been widely noticed by many that Texans general manager Nick Caserio’s mood has been lighter and his demeanor more candid and engaging. Maybe this is what happened when you survive back to back years of David Culley and…
Home Tours: Checking Out The Highlands in Montgomery County
Ever been to Porter, Texas? Maybe not. Located just north of Houston in Montgomery County a lot of it has been undeveloped woodland nestled between The Woodlands on one side and Kingwood on the other. As it turns out, Caldwell Communities spotted it as a prime opportunity and has started…
Rock & Roll Picnic 2023: I’ll Have What She’s Having
Texas has a lot to offer. Bustling metropolitan cities. Wide open roads. Great food. What Texas does not have is affordable healthcare for millions of people. While many politicians boast about the Lone Star State’s appeal to big businesses and transplants from other states, they gloss over the high maternal…
Review: Santana and the Arc Angels at the Woodlands Pavilion
Well, the third time was indeed the charm for Houston audiences waiting to see Carlos Santana and his namesake band on stage at the Woodlands Pavilion. A planned 2020 show was axed by COVID, and last year’s makeup date was put on ice when Santana suffered a health crisis onstage…
Three Myths the Houston Texans Squashed by Drafting C.J. Stroud
The odds board for the NFL Draft was wild this past week. Everyone knew that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was going to go first overall to Carolina, and that was reflected in the steady -2000 odds for him to get snagged first. However, after that, it was chaos. The number…
Rent: Showcasing the Power of Love, Even When All Endings Aren’t Happy Ones
When Simone Gundy (Memphis) looks at her character Joanne Jefferson in Rent, she sees someone not only rebellious, but an already marginalized person who chooses to be even more so — a decision she calls a daring move especially in the 1990s. Rent (1996) , the story of young artists…
This Week in Houston Food Events: AAPI Restaurant Weeks and a Special Brunch for Mom
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday – Thursday Teacher Appreciation Week at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine Gloria’s Latin Cuisine is celebrating teachers with a 20-percent off promotion on the total bill with purchase of an entrée. To receive the discount, guests can show their valid school or…
Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats Dish Up a Side of Otis with the Country Platter
They say dress for the job that you want. And one look at Sam Turner and the Cactus Cats onstage, you know that they want to be a classic country band. They’ve got the cowboy hats, neatly embroidered Western shirts, and of course, boots. But aren’t they doing tunes by…
The Best of Everything Comes to Main Street Theater
In 1958, Rona Jaffe’s book The Best of Everything about a trio of women in a secretarial pool at a Manhattan publishing house hoping to balance careers with the pursuit of a husband, children, and other parts of the American Dream, was a best seller. In 1959, it was made…
End of Emergency Declaration Brings Uncertainty to Fate of At-Home COVID-19 Tests
When Dr. Catherine Troisi ordered several at-home COVID-19 testing kits last week, she was able to put her delivery through but received a message that her shipment would be delayed. Troisi, who is an infectious disease epidemiologist with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, said she expects many people to…
City and School Bonds Pass As More People Take Advantage of Early Voting Days
Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum had anticipated the May 6 Election Day would draw a crowd of voters larger than the early-voting period – but that didn’t seem to be the case with a slow trickle of voters on the day itself. Several poll workers said more people had…
Last Night: Tom Jones at the Smart Financial Centre
Tom Jones has always held an interesting place in the universe of contemporary music. Was he a showman of the Old School Variety? A solid interpreter of (at various times), rock, pop, R&B, and country music? A pop culture phenomenon rooted in a specific time and place? All of that?…
Weredragons, Sock Monsters and Magic Delight in Tooth & Tail
Calling the young and the young at heart: There’s a fantastical world hiding inside The DeLuxe Theater, where Elizabeth A.M. Keel’s Tooth & Tail is making its world premiere courtesy of Mildred’s Umbrella. In the shadow of the Unforgiving Mountains and bordering the South Mystic Sea is a land called…
FDA Approves First RSV Vaccine Expected to Help Curb Cases
After Houston-area hospitals saw one of the worst spikes of RSV hospitalizations this winter, medical professionals are looking forward to the anticipated relief that a string of vaccines will provide to those that are at risk of contracting this respiratory virus. The first Arexvy made by GSK, was approved by…
Opinion: No Newsmax, and Other Public Television Rules
I had some nails in a tire recently, so I took the car down to the closest tire center. By the time they checked in me, I realized that one of the mechanics on break was watching the television in the public waiting era, tuned to Newsmax. A newscaster was…
I-45 Construction to Begin Next Year, Continue for Two Decades
The Houston Chronicle published a story Thursday with an apt quote in the title: “Just kill me now.” That from a man who lives in Spring and be subjected to the largest freeway overhaul in Houston history for nearly 20 years…assuming he survives. Whatever we have seen in construction to area…
Openings and Closings: Albi Opens, Dante’s Will Replace Concura
Albi, 1947 W. Gray, opened May 4 in River Oaks. The new Mediterranean restaurant comes from siblings Nano and Jimy Fakoury and their friend and business partner, Aladdin Nimri. The Fakoury brothers also own and operate their family-owned Mary’z Mediterranean restaurants. For the opening of the upscale concept, the trio…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Title: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Describe This Movie In One Far Side Quote: WOMAN: Looks like another one of those stupid Incredible Journey things. Brief Plot Synopsis: Bunch of a-holes save the galaxy, experience personal growth, not in that order. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 “stupid guys…
Brother Toad at Ensemble Tackles the Guns and Violence Issue in a Story Too Close to Reality
Sadly enough, the play Brother Toad that Ensemble Theatre is about to present is all too immediately relevant today. It concerns guns and violence and the choices people make to employ either. Playwright Nathan Louis Jackson (Broke-ology) wrote it in 2018 but the list of events that could have inspired…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Drink Up for Derby Day and Cinco De Mayo
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Cinco de Mayo Food and Drink Celebrations Friday From tequila dinners and mariachi to queso and margarita-fueled happy hours, our Houston Cinco de Mayo Bar and Restaurant Guide has the word on where to celebrate the holiday in Houston…
John Ford Coley’s Tales of Texas, “England Dan” & the Torah
Analyzing misheard lyrics in rock have provided music nerds endless hours of fun (and even been the subject of a series of books by Gavin Edwards.). Needless to say, the actual words to some famous tunes were not “Hold me closer, Tony Danza” (Elton John, “Tiny Dancer”); “Scuse me while…
USC’s Williams Tops 2024 No. 1 Overall Pick Odds
The echoes of the draft selections had barely stopped reverberating inside the train station at Kansas City which housed the NFL Draft last weekend, when the oddsmakers did what they do every year — immediately shifted their wager-taking focus to the NEXT NFL Draft, and which player would be selected…
Best Bets: Dorothy Fields, Joyland and Japan Festival Houston
It’s Cinco de Mayo weekend, and if you’re looking for some fun before or after your celebrations, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for the upcoming week’s best bets, including a world premiere play, the return of a popular festival, and much more. If you’re a fan of The…
Fun In The Sun: La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival Returns
The combination of good music, surfing and the beach makes for what’s sure to be a wonderful weekend as Galveston’s La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival returns for an even bigger and better event. La Izquierda will take place this weekend starting Friday, May 5 with a free event and…
Ben Christo of Sisters of Mercy Talks Goth Music
The Sisters of Mercy is one of the most legendary and enigmatic Goth bands in history, and second probably only to The Cure in most anticipated Goth acts touring the states in 2023. After a trio of genre-defining albums in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the band’s leader, singer Andrew Eldritch,…
Give Blood and Food; Get Stuff This Weekend At The Edwards Marq*E
If you’re feeling the urge to part with some of your blood and our foodstuff, this weekend is a good time to do so, so long as you do it at the Regal Edwards Marq*E. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is holding a mobile drive at the Marq*E on…
Tremoloco Kicks Off Texas Tour In Houston
Cinco de Mayo is an important date for many Mexican Americans and non Mexican Americans alike. Though rooted in marking the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla, it has become a date where people find any excuse to drink a margarita, eat some tacos and listen to great music…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Mother’s Day Sweets and Treats
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Uchiko executive pastry chef Ariana Quant has curated Mother’s Day Sweet Box ($80) featuring six entremet-style desserts—including a coconut mango bar with frangipane, coconut mousse and mango compote; flourless chocolate cake with cream cheese and dark…
J.J. and Kealia Watt to Purchase Ownership Stake in Premier League Soccer Team
The second that J.J. Watt announced his retirement, speculation immediately began swirling as to what the next chapter in life would entail for the future Hall of Famer. With a newborn son, obviously there would be significant focus on his growing family, but any athlete will tell you, when they…
Astros Week: Down Go the Pitchers
It’s already been a weird year for pitching in Major League Baseball. In addition to the pitch clock and all the new rules designed to speed up the game, starting pitchers have been struggling with injuries across the league. Just look at some of the names on the injured list:…
Lil Wayne’s Welcome to Tha Carter Tour Comes to the House of Blues
A giant vertical screen nestled between two risers on the stage displayed the image of a rising sun. On the left riser a drummer began tapping out a steady beat while on the opposite riser the DJ queued up the beat for “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” by the late…
Older Harris County Residents Seek New Technological Support
Libraries and community centers across Harris County are transitioning their technology-instruction programs to meet the new needs of older residents who are asking to learn more about their smartphones and mobile devices. Prior to these requests, most of those attending these courses and events were requiring education on how to…
A Celebration of the Jewish Deli at the Holocaust Museum
Houston has the fourth largest Holocaust museum in the United States, dedicated to educating the public about the horrors of genocide while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. While a tour of the museum can be an emotional experience, there are also happy moments in Jewish history and also…
Which NFL Rookie QB Was Drafted Into the Best Situation?
The hit rate on rookie quarterbacks drafted into the NFL is very, very low. Hell, there’s only like 12 good quarterbacks walking the earth at any given time, so when there is a draft class like the one selected last week, with four quarterbacks in the top 33 picks, we…
Houston Concert Watch 5/3: Tedeschi Trucks, Carlos Santana and More
As it happens, both the coronation of King Charles III and the Kentucky Derby are scheduled for this weekend. No surprise, but the Derby is offering the best bet for a fun party. After a few mint juleps, how can you not have a good time? Across the Pond, King…
As METRO Brings Back In-House Bus Service, the Call For More Drivers Goes Out
After reaching a low of 1,357 bus operators during the height of the pandemic, the greater-Houston area transit system METRO is leaning on incentive payments and provided-training to attract new operators for their Park & Ride express bus services. Despite extending two existing contracts with AFC Transportation and First Class…
DVD Collects Three Rare Rock Docs on the ’60s San Francisco Scene
He was more than a generation older than the original hippies, had short hair, smoked a pipe, and mostly covered jazz. But San Francisco Chronicle music writer Ralph J. Gleason knew that the new rock music coming out of the city’s scene in the mid/late ‘60s was important, and something…
The Mock Drafts’ Biggest Misses of the 2023 NFL Draft
When it comes to investing thousands of man hours in order to get an endeavor right, there is no bigger folly than the NFL Draft. The league’s franchises devote dozens of scouts, several more front office folks, and millions of dollars (in GM salaries and scouting travel costs) all to…
New Book Details When Rock Bands Got the Boogie Fever
Though it was a bit past its prime in terms of recruitment, in May 1979, the KISS Army was still a very fit and formidable fighting force. But Generals Stanley and Simmons were facing some serious AWOL and desertion in the ranks when the latest single from the costumed hard…
NFL Draft 2023 Recap — Four Winners, Four Losers
The draft process in the NFL is one of my favorite things to cover, as a media member. When you consider that the seeds are planted in the college football ecosystem, grown throughout the regular season of college football, and then the whole process comes to fruition over a three-month…
Opinion: All the Straight Porn I Was Exposed to In Houston Schools
The ongoing fight over book bans in Texas public schools essentially boils down to two arguments. One, that liberal school boards want to teach children to hate America, specifically white America. Two, that inclusion of books about LGBT themes has gone so far that schools are carrying literal queer pornography…
When Mrs. Davis Earns its Jokes There’s Nothing Funnier Than a Nun Fighting Artificial Intelligence
Mrs. Davis is Preacock’s new sci-fi dramedy from David Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers, Watchmen) and Tara Hernandez (Big Bang Theory), which pits a nun against an all-knowing artificial intelligence in a zany and reference-heavy adventure. The series follows Simone, a nun who is given an epic and cliche quest to…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Sip Mint Juleps and Watch the Kentucky Derby
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, May 3 Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, The Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer event returns to Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The evening showcases top Houston chefs—including Muse’s E.J. Miller, Loro’s…
Houston Legacy: Lomax On Lomax Comes To Houston
The Lomax family is widely regarded as music history and folklorist royalty. Their work goes back four generations beginning with John Avery Lomax who recorded and pushed for the inclusion of traditional cowboy songs and in particular the contributions from African Americans to folk music. Lomax’s children John Jr, Alan…
Houston Grand Opera’s Salome Seethes With Passion and Madness
Abominable. Cacophonous. Cruelest discord. Disgusting. Madness. Although these adjectives were used to describe the premiere of Richard Strauss’ one-act opera masterpiece Salome (1905), adapted from Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play, they could equally be applied to the current Houston Grand Opera production from Palau de les Arts Reine Sofia de Valencia…
The Play That Goes Wrong Goes Terribly Right at A.D. Players
Could this silly farce written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields from the English anarchic Mischief Theatre, be the best production ever produced by the august Christian-inspired A.D. Players? Yes, hot damn, I think so. When the handsome manor set decomposes before our eyes, although it starts its…
With Upgrades Galore, Harris County Hopes to Go Error-Free For the May 6 Elections
Fresh off last November’s midterm elections, Harris County Elections Administrator Clifford Tatum has implemented operational upgrades to the county’s system and vote collection process for presiding judges working at polling locations. These changes have been in full swing as early voting for the May 6 election – which covers races…
Openings and Closings: Izakaya Will Make Way for Josephine’s
Izakaya, 318 Gray, will close April 30 or until the food and drink inventory runs out. Owners Yun Cheng and Sammy Saket have decided to relocate and the duo is currently searching for the perfect spot to reopen the Japanese gastropub which first opened in 2015 from the Azuma Group…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Title: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: TROY MCCLURE: And they never ruined their fun by giving in to their THROBBING BIOLOGICAL URGES . Brief Plot Synopsis: Everything old is new again. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4.5 Nilsson Schmilssons out of…
National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day Aims to Get Animals Out and Adopted
Director of Fort Bend County Animal Services Rene Vasquez said their facilities are so overcrowded that they currently have 35 dogs in black wire crates because there is no space in their normal shelter cages to hold these animals. The animal shelter and rescue center has about 25 cats and…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Sisu
Title: Sisu Describe This Movie In One Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Quote: INDIANA JONES: Nazis. I hate these guys. Brief Plot Synopsis: Finnish fortune hunter finishes off fascists. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 Auric Goldfingers out of 5. Tagline: “Vengeance is golden.” Better Tagline: “They did Nazi…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Whiskey Weekend and Cocktails for a Cause
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: HTX Whiskey Weekend at City Place Friday-Saturday 1250 Lake Plaza North Houston’s City Place will host the Second Annual HTX Whiskey Weekend in a two-day celebration showcasing regional distillers, a chef dinner, whiskey education sessions, food and beverage tastings,…
The Son Also Rises: Marty Haggard’s Tribute to His Dad Merle
Tomorrow, country music legend and Texas icon Willie Nelson turns 90. At this stage, he’s outlived most of his friends and contemporaries including Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck, Ray Price, Buck Owens, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard (though Kris Kristofferson and David Allan Coe are still around). That longevity is not…
Houston Texans Shock the World, Select Stroud and Anderson in NFL Draft
For weeks, heading into Thursday night’s first night of the three day NFL Draft, the biggest story was the fact that there were exactly NO stories coming out of NRG Stadium from the Houston Texans as to what they planned to do with the second overall pick in the NFL…
Kali Uchis was Worth The Wait at 713 Music Hall
Kali Uchis Red Moon in Venus Tour 713 Music Hall April 26, 2023 After two weekends of performing on the main stage at Coachella, Colombian-American RnB/Soul singer Kali Uchis kicked off her Red Moon in Venus tour in Texas, making stops in Austin and Houston this week. 713 Music Hall…
A/C Repairs: Costly for Landlords to Make, Health Hazards for Tenants if They’re Not
Humble resident Mary Hines Williams often wakes up covered in a layer of sweat, reaching for the cold water that sits next to her on her bedside table. Ever since her former landlord was replaced by a new management company last year, Williams has struggled with several issues in her…
These Houston Bars and Restaurants are Celebrating Cinco de Mayo 2023 with Margaritas, Mariachis and More
Every May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French forces at the 1862 Battle of Puebla; and while it may not be widely celebrated in Mexico, it is reason enough for Houston to enjoy a margarita or three (especially since the holiday falls on a Friday this…
Stephen Stills’ Vault Dive Yields Lost 1971 Concert
Stephen Stills is nothing if not an involved guy in the studio. During the recording for Crosby, Stills and Nash’s debut record, his bandmates dubbed him “Captain Manyhands,” as he not only oversaw the process, but played every instrument on the record, save for some Crosby and Nash acoustic guitars…
Jeffrey Toobin Connects Timothy McVeigh, Guns, Militias and January 6
Timothy McVeigh was obsessed with Waco. Obsessed. To him, the armed intervention led by the ATF and FBI on the religious compound of the Branch Davidian sect in late February 1993 (originally to serve a legitimate search warrant for guns) represented everything he hated passionately about the United States as…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Julep Goes Big for the Kentucky Derby
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: In honor of May being both Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the team at Money Cat, 2925 Richmond, is hosting an encore dessert box pop-up fundraiser. The jewel box-like…
Texans Pick 33rd Overall Friday, Here’s the History of that Pick
The last two days, we’ve gone through the recent history of the first two picks with which Texans enter this weekend’s NFL draft. The 2nd and 12th overall picks in this draft are crucial to the Texans’ rebuilding efforts, but so, too, is the 33rd overall pick, which this year,…
Chloe Brings Her In Pieces Tour to House of Blues
Cheers rang out as the lights dimmed at Houston’s House of Blues and a sheer black curtain fell across the stage Tuesday night. Standing directly behind the curtain was a barely visible Chloe Bailey. As the dancers behind her faded into the darkness backstage the singer grabbed a microphone and…
Atticus Finch Loses His Halo in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Hobby
The playbill announces “Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird,” but, truth be told, it’s really Aaron Sorkin’s Mockingbird. Academy Award and Emmy-winning writer Sorkin (films: A Few Good Men, The Social Network; TV: The West Wing; Broadway: Camelot revival that opened last month) took on the challenge to write a…
April in Houston: Get Up and Garden. The Time is Now.
The past couple of months in Houston has been a roller coaster of warm and chilly temperatures with beautiful cloudless skies mixed with thunderstorms and high winds. For the most part, though, we’ve had pleasant days that make many other regions envious. While there are global warming deniers or those…
Texans Pick 12th Overall Thursday, Here’s the History of that Pick
Yesterday, we went through the recent history of the second overall pick in the NFL Draft, what with the Houston Texans “earning” that pick for the first time in the team’s history this past season. Well, thanks to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Texans will also be picking 12th in…
ROCO Ends Season With A Parade
ROCO’a concert Future will premiere Vivian Fung’s orchestral work “Parade” Saturday at The Church of St. John the Divine in a program inspired by daring creativity and artistic innovation.
Houston Concert Watch 4/26: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Ween and More
If you were planning to whip up a batch of Coronation Chicken in honor of King Charles, you might want to hold off. The chicken salad dish (which includes a lot of mayo), which was served at the coronation of Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth in 1953, has been replaced on…
Rockets Hire Ime Udoka as New Head Coach: Four Thoughts
The Rockets said the would work quickly to replace head coach Stephen Silas after his contract expired and they weren’t kidding. Two weeks to the day Silas and the Rockets parted ways, the team has found their new head man in former Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka. Udoka, 45, is…
Salome at Houston Grand Opera: The Corruption of Human Desire
A scandalous opera based on a scandalous play by Oscar Wilde — Salome — complete with the Dance of the Seven Veils is about to receive a new production courtesy of Houston Grand Opera and according to the opera folks, even in our modern age it’s still not suitable for…
A Celebration Fit For A Tyrant: Mike Barfield’s 70th Birthday Bash
Mike Barfield has a lot to celebrate. The Texas Tyrant of Funk just turned 70 years young and will be marking the occasion with a homecoming back to The Continental Club for a backyard bash on Saturday, April 29. “I’m almost proud of it, it’s a survivor thing,” says Barfield…
Texans Pick 2nd Overall Thursday, Here’s the History of that Pick
The Houston Texans have only been in existence for 21 total NFL seasons, so naturally, there are some things that the team has never done. Unfortunately, winning a Super Bowl and participating in a conference title game are two of this unfulfilled items. The bottom line is the team has…
Where to Brunch in Houston This Mother’s Day 2023
Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14, and these Houston restaurants and bars are helping locals celebrate the special moms in their lives with fancy bubbly-fueled brunches, easy-going family-friendly meals and more. The Annie Café & Bar, 1800 Post Oak The Annie will be open from 10 a.m…
Sarah Natochenny Continues to Build a Legacy After Pokémon
Pokémon started out as a video game concept in the mid-’90s and has branched out into an expansive media company with a product line that spans movies, television, board games, trading cards, toys, video games, musicals, and even a theme park. At the center of this world is Ash Ketchum,…
Science As Set Up in Photograph 51
Scientific research is a difficult thing to dramatize. Groups of scientists alone in labs, working on complex matters most of us couldn’t begin to understand -not exactly thrilling theater. But when that research leads to the DNA double helix, the key to life, well, that’s certainly a story worth trying…
SpaceX’s Rocket Launches: Laudable Progress or an Environmental Hazard ?
In assuring the public that Thursday’s brief launch was a win, SpaceX officials have underscored that they were well aware Starship might explode in the air or even right on the launchpad, without ever referring to the fact that the rocket shrapnel would likely be landing in a complicated, delicate…
More Women Want the Support of a Doula When Giving Birth
Laura Cofino hasn’t always considered the hospital to be her safe place. She has an autoimmune disease that requires her to spend too much time inside sterile, white linoleum walls. So, when she thought about having a child; she knew immediately that if her birth was in one, she would…
Forecasting Houston Texan Fan Reaction to Five NFL Draft Night Scenarios
The NFL Draft is just a few days away, and with Bryce Young a virtual lock to head to the Carolina Panthers with the first overall pick, the only thing that people can say with certainty about the Houston Texans at the second overall spot in the draft is that…
This Week in Houston Food Events: $5 Loro Burgers and a Whiskey Fueled Weekend
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, April 25 $5 Burger and Rice Bowls at LORO Houston LORO Houston, 1001 West 11th, is hosting a special chef competition next Tuesday, and it will be offering $5 burgers and rice bowls from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The…
Volcanic and Unique, Tosca at HGO Dazzles With Masterful Singing and a Driving Plot
No matter how many times you’ve seen Puccini’s warhorse opera Tosca, there are always some things new and exciting that reveal themselves to keep this masterpiece fresh, exciting, and relevant. Maybe it’s a musical phrase you hadn’t heard played quite that way before; perhaps a bit of actor’s business that…
Taylor Swift Works Hard For the Money in the First of Three Nights in Houston
Taylor Swift NRG Stadium April 21, 2023 “I’ll be your host this evening. My name is Taylor.” I’ve been going to concerts for 40 years. My first was in G. Rollie White Coliseum in College Station. I was 14, and the band was a largely forgotten MTV-era combo with a…
U.S. Supreme Court Rules to Keep Abortion Pill Available For Now
The U.S. Supreme Court Friday put on hold a lower court ruling that would have essentially revoked access to the abortion pill Mifepristone. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented in the 7-2 vote. The case will now go back to the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals – which…
SpaceX and Elon Musk Take Starship’s Explosion (Mostly) in Stride
Based on everyone’s reactions, you’d almost think Starship’s flight ending in flames only minutes after it began Wednesday was part of SpaceX’s plan. And maybe it was, in a way. After all, SpaceX is no stranger to exploding rockets and clunky rocket failures, so why wouldn’t they be bracing for…
Openings and Closings: Postino Woodlands, Verde Garden Open Next Week
Postino, 2025 Hughes Landing Boulevard, opens April 24 in The Woodlands. The restaurant and wine bar was founded in 2001 by Lauren Bailey and Craig DeMarco. It quickly became a popular place to hang out and enjoy charcuterie and wine in Phoenix, Arizona. It has since expanded with locations in…
An Adventure Tale: Tooth and Tail With Princesses, Dragons and Pirates at Mildred’s Umbrella
It’s like a Shakespearean forest play complete with princesses, dragons and pirates. Tooth and Tail by Elizabeth Keel is making its world premiere at Mildred’s Umbrella with a focus on women in a grand adventure. “I think there is a real beauty and delicacy to female friendships that is not…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Evil Dead Rise
Title: Evil Dead Rise Describe This Movie In One The Crow Quote: ERIC DRAVEN: Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of all children. Brief Plot Synopsis: Mankind will apparently never learn not to mess with creepy old books. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4.5…
History of NFL QB’s Drafted Second Overall Scary for Texans
The wound licking has already begun for Houston Texan fans who were so excited about the possibility of the team drafting Bryce Young. As we’ve discussed in this space multiple times now, it appears that Young will be going to Carolina with the first overall pick in next week’s draft…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Feast on Oysters and Seafood on the Bayou
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Oyster & SeaFest at The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 105 Sabine The Galveston Bay Foundation’s second annual Oyster & SeaFest will feature oyster and seafood dishes from several of Houston’s hottest…
![Northwest Harris County Residents Placed Under Boil Water Notice [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/boilwaternoticeleadphoto.webp.webp?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
Northwest Harris County Residents Placed Under Boil Water Notice [UPDATED]
A precautionary boil water notice has been issued to residents of Northwest Harris County by water infrastructure utility company, Inframark, after the company detected a water outage caused by a main line break Thursday evening. All areas served by Harris County Utility District 16 water system are placed under this…
![The Game’s Afoot in the Alley’s Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The Jersey Lily [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/alley-theatre-sherlock-holmes-and-the-case-of-the-jersey-l.webp-scaled.webp?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
The Game’s Afoot in the Alley’s Sherlock Holmes and The Case of The Jersey Lily [UPDATED]
Productions featuring Sherlock Holmes are kind of like “if you build it, they will come.” It’s an undeniable draw, and though you can certainly do it wrong, if you think the Alley Theatre is capable of making that kind of mistake with their current production of Sherlock Holmes and The…
UHD Thursday Night Concerts Return
Discovery Green has hosted their UHD Thursday Night Concerts since they opened 15 years ago providing Houstonians with amazing opportunities to see free live music in the open air. This year, Discovery Green partnered with local concert curators Wonky Power to put a fresh take on the weekly event. “There’s…
SpaceX’s Starship Blows up After a Brief Flight
Well, this was a good start. On Thursday morning after a brief hold to clear two final issues SpaceX’s Starship—at 394 feet tall, the largest rocket ever constructed—went into its final countdown. Then at least 31 of the 33 engines on the Super Heavy booster fired up and amid plumes…
Best Bets: Photograph 51, Latin Fest and The Play That Goes Wrong
Let’s say, hypothetically, you’re not a Swiftie and have no intention of being at NRG Stadium this weekend – or major you just couldn’t get tickets. If either are the case, then you may be looking for some other ways to fill your time. Lucky for you, the Houston arts…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Piroshky Piroshky Comes to Town and a Holi Celebration
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Cowboys & Indians, 519 Shepherd, is hosting an outdoor Holi celebration on Sunday, April 23 from noon to 5 p.m. Dress in white to enjoy free organic Holi colors to throw in the air and at…
The Derailers Pull into the Station at Dan Electro’s
Unless you worked for a manufacturer of face masks, hand sanitizers, or sweat pants, chances are the pandemic was not particularly good for your industry. That especially goes for most working, non-superstar bands, the majority of whom make their money on touring and merch. Fortunately for the Derailers, a business…
Which NFL QB Is Next to Get the Deshaun Watson Deal?
Over the last five years, it’s become standard procedure for at least one quarterback, three seasons into his rookie deal, to get a market setting (or near market setting) contract extension. In the summer of 2019, 2016 rookies Jared Goff and Carson Wentz got paid. Ditto Deshaun Watson and Patrick…
Three New Streaming Shows With a Lot of Star Power
A ton of shows are steadily coming out, too many to keep up with for even the most ardent television enjoyer. Parsing what’s coming in the next few weeks for shows that look interesting, there are three clear choices set to premiere. All are different genres and led by female…
Supreme Court’s Justice Alito Extends Previous Hold on Abortion Drug Ruling
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito on Wednesday extended his earlier hold on a lower court ruling that would have imposed significant restrictions on access to the abortion pill Mifepristone. Alito’s move gives the Supreme Court more time to consider the case whether the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling that,…
Andiron: The Wait is Over
For fans of meat cooked over live fire, the much-anticipated Andiron, from Sambrooks Management Company, has finally arrived. Today, in fact. Beginning at 4 p.m., the restaurant will open for cocktails, with dinner service starting at 5 p.m. Owner and founder Michael Sambrooks, the force behind such Houston favorites as…
Last Comic Standing Winner Felipe Esparza Now Counts Eddie Murphy Among His Fans
People didn’t pay to see you practice! You want to practice? Go to an open mike where no one knows you!
Broadway at the Hobby: To Kill a Mockingbird As Relevant Today as When Harper Lee Wrote It
For the last year, Melanie Moore (Broadway: Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland) has been on the road playing the part of Scout in Aaron Sorkin’s play adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird with her next stop at Broadway at the Hobby. For anyone who…
Houston Concert Watch 4/19: Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift and More
There has been talk over the past few months about an upcoming album from the Rolling Stones, which would be their first collection of new material since A Bigger Bang in 2005. Consequently, the faithful were hoping for a tour to support the record, maybe this fall. While the album’s…
New Bryce Young Odds Indicate He Won’t Be a Houston Texan
It didn’t have to be this way. If the Houston Texans just could have done in Week 18 what they’d done for a vast majority of the rest of the 2022 NFL season, play LOSING football, and gone out and lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the final week of…
Southwest Airlines Interrupts Passengers’ Travel Days Yet Again
Southwest Airlines caused delays and disruptions to travel itineraries to roughly a thousand customers on Tuesday, after the Federal Aviation Association issued a grounding order following reports from the airline that they were experiencing technical issues once again. In a press release, Southwest said the order was put in place…
Houston Horni Tonk Society Hosts Crawdaddy Jamboree
As its one year anniversary approaches, The Houston Hornitonk Society has been steadily growing its community, creating a space for local artists and serving as a welcome wagon for out of town musicians. “The goal is to create a community and it feels like we’ve done that so we wanted…
Astros Week: Let’s Play Sustainable or Unsustainable
For the third straight year, the Astros have had a mediocre April. At just 8-9, they need to go 3-2 to equal the 11-11 starts of the last two seasons. For a team as consistently good as the Astros, it is an odd anomaly. For fans, it’s nerve-wracking to see…
ChatGPT: AI That Gives You a Break From the Routine or Takes Your Job Away ?
Many days of the week, John Smith in his job as an administrative assistant to a college faculty member, will look up the professor’s availability to set up daily appointments. This is one of the more tedious small tasks he does that keeps Smith away from handling more important or…
Texans GM Nick Caserio Responds to Rumors: “I’m Not Leaving”
As if the Houston Texans don’t have enough on their collective plate in trying to onboard a new coaching staff, and working to put together an outstanding draft class so they can start wining more than four games a season again, this past week they had to deal with rumors…
Reassessing Police Officer Judy From Zootopia as Zootopia 2 is Announced
Zootopia 2 was recently announced, which gave me an excuse to go back and rewatch the first film. I never realized how insanely corrupt officer Judy Hopps is in the movie. She’s actively worse than characters in movies specifically about corrupt cops. We first get a look at Judy’s, let’s…
Four Keys to a Huge Rockets Offseason
It feels like the past few years, every offseason has been critically important for the Rockets. That can happen when your record at the bottom of the league and you are flush with draft picks. This year is a little different because they have added the search for a head…
Halfway to Halloween, So Let’s Watch Some Horror Shorts
It’s halfway to Halloween, and to celebrate I have been hiding from the sun in my blanket fort watching horror shorts. Today, we look at five brief bits of terror well worth checking out as we tick off the days until October. All shorts available for free on YouTube. The…
Los Vertigos Unleash a Coronavirus Cover
The worldwide pandemic has certainly inspired (if only via forced artist seclusion) a lot of musical projects since The World Shut Down in March 2020. According to the most recent estimate from the Centers for Disease Control, a total of nearly 1.3 million deaths in the U.S. alone can attributed…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Tax Day Pizza and New Grub at a Downtown Food Hall
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, April 17 National Crawfish Day Celebration at Lotus Seafood All locations (Pearland, Kirkwood, Stafford, Bissonnet At 59, and Veterans Memorial Drive) of Lotus Seafood will celebrate National Crawfish Day by offering a $5 per pound crawfish special with a four…
NFL Announces 17 Prospects Invited to NFL Draft
On paper, the NFL Draft serves a functional purpose to the 32 NFL franchises, as the preferred mechanism to import talent and build a championship roster. However, the NFL has evolved into more than just a sports league. It’s an entertainment vessel, made for television, so now in 2023, at…
HGO Returns to the Betrayals, Passion and Incredible Music of Puccini’s Tosca With Tamara Wilson
For years, Tamara Wilson was pretty much no one’s first choice to sing any of Puccini’s work — which had absolutely nothing to do with her significant abilities as a soprano. “Look at me,” she says laughing, pointing out her red hair. But after Wilson sang in Turandot, artistic directors…
Rauw Alejandro Provides an Interstellar Experience at Toyota Center
Rauw Alejandro Saturno World Tour Toyota Center – Houston April 14, 2023 Have you ever given thought as to who the human race should name as ambassadors if and when the aliens ever come to Earth? I think Rauw Alejandro is as good a candidate as any. He’s handsome, charismatic,…
Supreme Court’s Alito Places Hold On Abortion Pill Restrictions Case, Allowing Access For Now
Giving the U.S. Supreme Court more time to consider the issue, Justice Samuel Alito Friday placed a hold on a federal judge’s ruling last week that would have essentially revoked approval of the abortion pill Mifepristone. As of Wednesday at midnight, however, Alito’s hold is lifted. Following the ruling by…
HISD Trustees OK the Handoff to State Control With a Little Fuss But No Fireworks
Late in the night, by the time the Texas Education Agency representative got up to explain the state takeover of Houston ISD there were just a handful of audience members left at Thursday school board meeting. Not that there had been that many in attendance to begin with. Despite pleas…
Status of Widely-Used Abortion Pill in The Hands of The Courts
A Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that removed a federal judge’s hold placed on the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the medical abortion pill Mifepristone has done little to calm the fears of abortion supporters in Texas and elsewhere. That’s because the higher court added in a few…
Mrs. Maisel’s Fifth Season Finds Midge More Melancholy Than Marvelous
For the past four seasons of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we’ve watched stand-up comedian Midge Maisel (Rachel Brosnahan) struggle to find success in the man, man, man’s world of late ’50s/early ’60s comedy. Even possessed with unflappable energy, rapier wit, and a fabulous wardrobe, Midge still finds herself self-sabotaging at…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Renfield
Title: Renfield Describe This Movie In One Love At First Bite Quote: COUNT DRACULA: Children of the night, shut up! Brief Plot Synopsis: Disgruntled worker has the original boss from hell. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Specials albums out of 5. Tagline: “Sucks to be him.” Better Tagline: “Bring me the…
The Woggles Get a Texas Tune-Up in the Garage
The last time The Mighty Manfred was in town, it was at the start of a mini-Texas tour co-fronting the ‘60s-inspired rock and soul ensemble revue the Magnificent. It would find him gigging at both the Houston and Austin Continental Clubs, as well as the club C-Boys and the Lone…
Openings and Closings: Big Chicken Opens, Picnik Debuts Soon
Big Chicken, 9660 Westheimer, opened April 11 with a grand opening celebration. This is the first Houston location and is a franchise operation from Fazil Malik, Frank Malik and Noordin Jhaver. One of the stars behind the business is Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA player and Hall-of-Famer whose roster of…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry Returns
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Restaurant Week Houston Friday-Sunday Black Restaurant Week Houston runs now through Sunday, April 16, with more than 70 local businesses joining to celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Among this year’s participants are Fainmous…
Ranking the Shock Factor of Recent Houston Coach Firings
As chaotic as the Houston coaching landscape has been over the last few years, we forget that for about four to five years, we existed in a period of relative peace on the coaching termination front. A period of time where all three major sports teams in town were experiencing…
Trumpet Legend Chris Botti Returns To Houston Symphony
POPS audience favorite Chris Botti will return to the Jones Hall stage to join Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke and the Houston Symphony for three performances April 14 – 16.
SpaceX’s Set to (Maybe) Launch Starship, the Most Powerful Rocket On Earth Next Week
It looks like Elon Musk could very possibly get one step closer to his goal of colonizing Mars now that the gargantuan Starship launch vehicle is ready for launch sometime in the coming days and only “awaiting regulatory approval,” as Musk has relayed via Twitter. …
Houston Working Hard to Persuade Residents and Newcomers They Don’t Need to Move to the Burbs
Is there a place in Houston itself for all the people moving to the Greater Houston area or will the city continue to lose residents and newcomers to the suburbs where there’s more undeveloped and lower cost land? One way the city of Houston is combating an already high housing…
Steely Dan’s Rogues Gallery Holds a (Dysfunctional) Family Reunion
Take the body of work of any Classic Rock band—or that of any other genre—and you’d be hard pressed to name a group with more characters of note than in the lyrics of Steely Dan. Dr. Wu. Mr. La Page, Hoops McCann. Deacon Blues. Buzz. Chino & Daddy Gee. Michael…
The Timeless Sound Of The Cactus Blossoms
There are elements in art and music that are timeless, evoking consistent feelings from the listener no matter who they may be. With their delicate and sweet harmonies, the Minnesota based band The Cactus Blossoms create a sound with no chronological constraints. “As far as the harmony, we’re kind of…
Best Bets: Falling Out of Time, Sherlock Holmes, and 3 Idiots
Once you’ve concluded your annual game of Scrabble, check out this week’s list of best bets for some ideas on what to do over the next few days. Keep reading and you’ll find classical masterworks, classic Bollywood, the world’s greatest detective not named Batman, and much more. On Friday, April…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Whiskey and Wagyu Wednesdays and Drinks for a Cause
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton, is honoring World Autism Month with a month-long fundraiser benefiting The Monarch School & Institute, capped off by its Autism Awareness Fest” on Saturday, April 29. All month long, pop in to…
Could Nick Caserio Be Out as Houston Texans GM After the Draft?
One of these days, I promise, the Houston Texans will have a normal offseason, with a returning head coach and a returning general manager, working hand in hand in trying to bring a Lombardi Trophy to our fair city. It was never going to be this offseason, in 2023, as…
Urban Bird Hot Chicken Flies High
There’s no shortage of hot chicken restaurants in Houston. As a local food writer covering new eateries, I continue to be amazed, and sometimes baffled, by the number of fried chicken sandwich, tender and wing businesses that not only continue to open, but thrive in our city. “What the cluck?”…
Astros Week: The Bats Show Up and Pitching Normalizes
When you look back at the past two seasons, you might be surprised to know that the Astros, as good as they were, did not have particularly good starts to either the 2021 or 2022 season. In fact, in both years, they were 11-11 to open those seasons. Welcome to…
Overloaded Animal Shelters Contend With Rising Diseases Amid Not Enough Spots for Strays
Houston area animal shelters, already overloaded with unwanted cats and dogs during and after the height of the pandemic, are now dealing with an increasing number of illnesses that in some cases has forced the temporary shutdown of facilities. Making matters worse, some of these crowded facilities, even if they’ve…
Houston Concert Watch 4/12: Keshi, Joanna Connor and More
Taylor Swift will play three nights at NRG Stadium next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 21, 22 and 23. All shows are sold out (remember that minor kerfuffle a few months ago?), but the thriving secondary ticket markets are giving an opportunity to those who missed out during the general…
Four Huge Fantasy Trades for NFL Draft Night
As we’ve discussed many times in this space, trades have become much more commonplace in the NFL transactional landscape over the last few years. Last year, on draft night, we even saw a huge trade completed mid-draft, as Tennessee sent Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Eagles for…
Photograph 51 Ensures the Life of DNA Pioneer Rosalind Franklin is Not Forgotten
She was only 37 when she died in 1958, but before that, British chemist Rosalind Franklin performed crucial work advancing our knowledge of DNA and its molecular structure. Largely forgotten by history and never nominated for a Nobel Prize, she left a legacy of scientific curiosity and rigor that was…
Power Ranking the NFL Franchise QB Soap Operas of the 2020s
From a marketing and storyline standpoint, the National Football League has historically been the one major sports league that has done almost everything well. For years, the only thing they did poorly was create an environment where marquee players — okay, QUARTERBACKS — became available in free agency or via…
JonoJono Doubles Up To Create a Genre-Blending Sound
JonoJono grew up loving all kinds of music, but two specific types truly vied for his attention over the years. When the Houston artist decided to turn his fascination with music into a career pursuit, instead of choosing one sound over the other he merged his tastes to create something…
Performing Arts Houston’s 2023-24 Season Mixes Familiar Friends With New Faces
Performing Arts Houston’s 2023-24 season combines something old with something new. Audiences will see art from familiar groups like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Manual Cinema and David Sedaris along with groups making their debut with the organization like Howie Mandel, Step Afrika! and Time for Three.
Texas Senators Continue to Insist They Know More About Trans Kids Than Their Parents Do
Liz waited 14 hours along with more than 400 other people at the Texas Capitol to testify against a bill that would restrict access to transgender gender-affirming care to minors – only to get turned away when the clock struck midnight. Her reason for waiting: her daughter, Cal. A nine-year…
Rockets to Part Ways with Coach Stephen Silas: Four Thoughts
The Rockets finished up the final game of the season on Sunday, beating the Wizards in Washington. It left them with a 22-60 record, their third straight finish at or near the bottom of the league. It’s a team that is long on expectations and talent, but short on wins…
Three Offensive Positions the Houston Texans Haven’t Fixed in a Decade
Even after a pretty fruitful free agency period, the 2023 Houston Texans still have a fair amount of holes to fill on their roster. You don’t just turn around a 3-13-1 outfit (11-28-1 over the last three seasons) in one free agency period. When you go to list the Texans’…
“Hurricane Madeline ” Edwards Heads Home to Houston
The morning we spoke with rising country music star Madeline Edwards, she’d woken up under a Texas sky. It was a little cloudy maybe, but nothing too worrisome for Edwards, who weathered literal and figurative storms growing up in Houston, moments which prepared her for the current whirlwind of her…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Crawfish Season and the Return of Taste of the Nation
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Black Restaurant Week Black Restaurant Week Houston runs now through Sunday, April 16, with more than 70 local businesses joining to celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Among this year’s participants are Fainmous BBQ,…
Wolf Play at Rec Room: The Story of an Adopted Child Abandoned and Looking For His Pack
Rarely do discussions of adoption go beyond its presumed benevolence. It is assumed that those who adopt do so with a caring heart and a sincere desire to raise a child as part of their family. However, what happens when the adopting parent no longer wants to raise the adoptee?…
What White on White on White Reveals in Art at Company OnStage
Friends made dinner reservations at a very expensive restaurant without checking my schedule, so I had to dash out in the middle of several courses of tiny appetizers. But do you know what? Yasmina Reza’s Tony-and-Olivier best play award winner, Art, presented by Company OnStage, put haute cuisine completely out…
Todd Waite is Sherlock Holmes Once Again in Another Rapid-Paced Adventure at the Alley
Sherlock Holmes, an iconic figure in detective fiction, has for Houston audiences an equally iconic figure in Resident Acting Company Member Todd Waite who has played the master sleuth five times at five year intervals. “They’re all different. I’d say what’s interesting about this one is it’s written by a woman…
Openings and Closings: Hongdae 33 is Open, Mandito’s Next Week
Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ, 9889 Bellaire Boulevard, opened this week in Chinatown’s Dun Huang Plaza. The all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue hotspot is the newest venture from restaurateurs Grace and Leo Xia, the couple behind Duck N Bao, which has two locations; one in Memorial and another in Cypress. The pair are…
Weekend Takeover With Southern Culture On The Skids
From their band name to their songs and stage presence, humor is the cornerstone of the existence and longevity for rockers Southern Culture On The Skids. “You can’t take yourself too seriously in life, in the van or wherever you are,” says the band’s founder Rick Miller. Southern Culture On…
Four Early Season Concerns for the Houston Astros
The first week of the Houston Astros’ defense of their 2022 world championship is in the books, and while the week finished on an upbeat note, an 8-2 defeat of the Detroit Tigers, the overall record of 3-4 was disappointing. There is nothing to get too worked up about, though…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Air
Title: Air Describe This Movie In One Space Jam Quote: BUGS BUNNY: Remember those mugs and T-shirts and lunchboxes with our pictures on ’em? DAFFY DUCK: Yeah. BUGS BUNNY: You ever see any money from all that stuff? DAFFY DUCK: Ha! Not a cent! Brief Plot Synopsis: Rating Using Random…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Crawfish Boils and Easter Sunday Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Restaurant Week All weekend long (running daily through April 15) Black Restaurant Week Houston runs now through Sunday, April 15, with more than 70 local businesses joining to celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine…
Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins Leaves Mayoral Race to Run for City Controller
Fresh off U.S Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee joining the Houston mayor’s race just a week ago, former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins has called off his mayoral bid to instead run for the city’s controller position. Political science professor Bob Stein had anticipated Hollins dropping out after Jack Lee decided…
Last Night: The O’Jays and The Spinners at the Smart Financial Centre
The train has always been a mythical and symbolic aspect of music in country, blues, rock, and folk. You can take the Midnight Train to Georgia, the Last Train to Clarksville, the Midnight Special, a Long Train’ Runnin’, or climb onto the Runaway Train, Mystery Train, Peace Train or (for…
Astros Week: Slow Start at Home While Waiting for Injuries to Heal
Over the past two seasons, the Astros were 11-11 in their first 22 games. Remind us if we are wrong, but they did pretty well in both of those seasons. This year, the Astros have begun 3-4 after splitting a four-game series with the White Sox and losing two of…
Art Car Parade Revs Up For 36th Year
Houston’s most eye-catching event, the Art Car Parade, is rolling into town with more than 250 masterpieces and never-before-seen creations. Presented by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the lineup includes a host of events starting April 6 and culminating with the parade on Saturday, April 15 and an awards ceremony on Sunday, April…
Water Cremation: Environmentally Friendly and Probably Cheaper
Eric Neuhaus feels for the families who call his funeral home requesting information about a new form of death care — alkaline hydrolysis aka water cremation – only to find out that it is illegal in Texas, forcing many to choose other options they may not want for their deceased…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Craft Pita and Truth BBQ Collab on an Easter Smoked Lamb
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Craft Pita’s Raffi Nasr and Truth BBQ pitmaster Leonard Botello are collaborating for their annual Easter Smoked Lamb. Craft Pita will serve smoked lamb shawarma sandwiches and smoked lamb rice bowls, available only at the Fountainview…
“Just Sing the Damn Song”: What Seal Learned About Art From “Kiss From a Rose”
Over the phone, Seal exudes every bit of cool one might attach to the lauded pop and soul singer. First off, he’s thoughtful. He listens to the questions we ask about his upcoming tour to celebrate Seal and Seal II, the albums released some 30 years ago, filled with songs…
Where’s The Beef? Inside All Of Us, As It Turns Out
“Jesus did tons of nice things, look what they did to him.” The persistent theme of Beef, Netflix’s 10-episode series starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, is one of futility; aimed at both the mistakes we often seem fated to make and the seeming impossibility of reversing the course of…
Houston Texans Reportedly Down to Two Quarterbacks in NFL Draft
From the time the 2022 college football season started, the race for everything quarterback-related in college football seemed to be a two-man race between 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and 2021 Heisman finalist, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud. While neither won the Heisman in 2022 (take a bow, Caleb…
Fulfillment as Fun In Legally Blonde – The Musical
Omigod you guys, Legally Blonde – The Musical doesn’t suck. I know that doesn’t sound like much of a compliment, but when you consider that this is yet another cog in the nostalgic money-grab wheel of ’90s and ’00s movies reborn as musicals, it’s high praise indeed. Because let’s be…
Jersey Village Peppered With Anti-Semitic Flyers Ahead of Passover and Easter
Residents of Jersey Village in Northwest Houston woke up Monday morning to anti-Semitic flyers on their doorsteps accusing Jewish people of being in league with Satan. Eric Turnquist, 50, a trade compliance attorney, didn’t have one on his welcome mat, but spotted a flyer on a neighbor’s lawn during his…
Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud Visiting Texans on Wednesday
In the completely unscientific polling world of Twitter, talk radio, and barstools all over Houston, it seems as though a majority of Houston Texans fans are hoping that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young falls to their team with the second overall pick in the draft. Up until now, it appears as…
Houston Concert Watch 4/5: Blue October, The Residents and More
Ah, Easter, that most inscrutable and confusing of holidays. The good news is that you didn’t miss it, as Easter falls on Sunday, April 9, this year. So why is it on a different day each year? Bypassing a complicated explanation, here is a simple answer: A. the Bible and…
![Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Counts in Manhattan Criminal Court [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/trumpincourtwithtacapino.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Trump Pleads Not Guilty to 34 Counts in Manhattan Criminal Court [UPDATED]
For many people who have witnessed the ways that former President Donald Trump has been caught in the political and legal crosshairs before, Tuesday’s arraignment was a much-awaited moment, said University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus. “When it’s Donald Trump, people are expecting this to happen. For his…
The HBCU All Star Game Touches Down at Texas Southern University
Fans rose to their feet as Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul and Prairie View’s Marching Storm began, playfully taunting each other. The crowd, enthralled with the music, immediately directed their attention back to the court and the stadium fell silent for a brief second before erupting in cheers at the…
Observations from Final Four Weekend As UConn Wins National Championship
Final Four weekend came to a close on Monday as the UConn Huskies beat the San Diego State Aztecs, 76-59 to win the national championship, their fifth in program history. Four of those five have come in the state of Texas including two in Houston this year and 2011. In…
NASA Announces First Lunar Crew in More Than 50 Years
More than half a century after the Apollo 17 crew left the lunar surface, NASA has announced the four astronauts who’ve been tapped to be the next crew headed to the moon, and the federal space agency did it with an eye toward ensuring that this momentous event—the next crucial…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
John Wick: Chapter 4
Title: John Wick: Chapter 4 Describe This Movie In One Life of Brian Quote: ARTHUR: He’s making it up as he goes along! Brief Plot Synopsis: “And on that farm he … shot some guys.” Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 Ned Kellys out of 5. Tagline: “Baba Yaga.” Better…
Five Houston Texans Draft Day Trade Scenarios
For the first time in the team’s history, in 2022, the Houston Texans held their draft party at Miller Outdoor Theater, over in the city’s Museum District. It was an appropriate move by the team, what with their having multiple first round picks, and honestly, any first round picks AT…
Houston Grand Opera in 2023-2024: A Line-up Both Popular and Enterprising
Living up to its name, Houston Grand Opera rolls the dice big time when it opens its coming season with a world premiere — covering that bet considering that the new work is by acclaimed composer Jake Heggie (Dead Man Walking). In a recent ceremony announcing its 2023-24 Season, HGO General Director…
Opinion: Charging Extra for Plant Milks is a Tax on the Disabled
Both my wife and kid are allergic to milk, and every time I have to order a plant-based milk somewhere for an extra charge, I am reminded of how disabilities get taxed extra in this country. Charging extra for allergy substitutions is so common we forget how discriminatory it really is…
![Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Drops Defunding Law Enforcement Claims Against Harris County [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/texascomptroller.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Drops Defunding Law Enforcement Claims Against Harris County [UPDATED]
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar Monday rescinded his claims made in February that Harris County officials had defunded local law enforcement. This claim blocked county commissioners from being able to adopt their newly proposed tax rate for the following fiscal year. Initially, Hegar claimed that the county was defunding Harris County…
Tibetan Buddhism and a Mother’s Love at Odds in Main Street’s The Oldest Boy
Not too long ago, there was an opinion piece in The New York Times about deliberate parenting. Dr. Emily Oster, an author and professor of economics at Brown University, built her essay off the idea that the decision-making required of parents of older children feels “weightier than early parenting choices,…
Bobby Brown Brings A New Flavor To Houston
Houston is a food center in the south and, arguably, becoming one of the nation’s culinary destinations. A person can find almost any type of food in the city if they know where to look. In 2022 Wallethub placed the city on its list of Best Foodie Cities in America…
Jeff Guinn Writes of Waco’s Loss and Legacy 30 Years On
Anniversaries of big news events often bring about a flood of related media. This month’s 30th anniversary of the tragic end of the government raid on the Branch Davidian compound near Waco is no exception. There’s a six-hour Netflix documentary, Showtime’s rebroadcast of a 2018 miniseries with a new sequel…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Ramadan Specials, Easter Eats and Brunch Goes BBQ
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Black Restaurant Week Black Restaurant Week Houston runs now through Sunday, April 15, with more than 70 local businesses joining to celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Among this year’s participants are Fainmous BBQ, LA…
The Third Time’s Still Charming for CMCH’s Philly Soul Tribute Show
In the realm of movies, the third installment in a series usually doesn’t live up to the previous entries. Think Godfather III, Superman III, and, um, Jaws 3-D. But sometimes, that third go-round can introduce something new to shake things up. Think Mr. T’s Clubber Lang in Rocky III (good!)…
NCAA Final Four Title Game — Four Things To Watch For
When the last four teams standing in the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament wound up being a four seed, two five seeds and a nine seed, and only one of those four teams could qualify as a “blue blood” program, there was a concern that the Final Four here in Houston…
Final Four Houston Day 3: You Mean They Play Games?
In all the hullaballoo of activities surrounding the final games of March Madness, you can get lost in things that aren’t actually happening on the basketball court. The music. The fans. The media buffet (tortellini on Day 2 for the win!). But, of course all of this is simply in…
Kid Capri Comes To 5015 for Final Four
This year Hip Hop celebrates its 50-year anniversary with celebrations commemorating and honoring the art form that started in the parks of New York City and has grown to touch every corner of the globe. While its origin city is important it is also important to highlight the other cities…
Art Factory’s Production of Metamorphoses is a Splendid and Watery Wonder
There are only two more performances of Art Factory’s splendidly theatrical production of Mary Zimmerman’s 1998 adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and you had better get thee hence before it disappears. It is beautiful and heart-grabbing, tremendously funny, and full of emotions bubbling beneath the surface. The surface is a pool…
Final Four Houston: Kids, Celebrities, Sponge Bob and Haircuts
It was Day Two of the Final Four 2023 in Houston and things really got in full swing thanks to the addition of actual fans. Oh, sure, just hanging around a bunch of grumpy media people and college athletes is fun and all, but when you add the chaos and…
Is Trump Down For the Count? Maybe Not.
For any other Presidential candidate, criminal charges might be “the kiss of death,” but Donald Trump may be able to use them to his advantage, says Rice political science professor Bob Stein. “His base may be getting a little smaller, but it’ll get stronger, because people who remain with him…
Maná Celebrates Mexico and Latin America at Toyota Center
Maná Mexico Lindo y Querido Tour Toyota Center Houston March 30, 2023 Do you remember those Columbia House mail-order promos, the ones that would sell you 12 CDs for a dollar plus shipping. Yes, I am that old. One of the very first albums that I ordered through that service…
Four Thoughts on the Astros Opening Day 2023 Loss to the White Sox
There was pomp. There was circumstance. There was Megan Thee Stallion throwing out the first pitch and Mark Wahlberg wishing Alex Bregman (“the Yankee killer”) a happy birthday before yelling “play ball.” There were pyrotechnics rivaling a ’70s Kiss concert as the Astros starters were announced. Only one thing was…
Final Four Houston: Four Notes on Day One
Thursday marked the official return of the Final Four to Houston as teams got in their first practices and media members got their first peek inside the bowels of NRG Stadium. It was a day of settling in both for players and for everyone involved in making this massive event…
Openings and Closings: Berg’s New Concept, Orioli Group’s Coastal Restaurants
Dune Road, 845 Texas, is shooting to open in fall 2023 from Berg Hospitality Group in the Texas Tower. The upscale dining spot is inspired by the seafood restaurants of New England with menu items such as seafood chowder, fried clams and an overstuffed lobster roll. New England-style clam and…
Stuff’d Wings Honors Big Moe With A Special Menu
The parking lot on Richmond sitting between Travis and the Southwest Freeway is packed on a Sunday afternoon as groups of patrons, some coming from church and some headed for a Sunday fun day, bustle in and out of the lot building’s front doors. A line of cars trails around…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Title: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: BART: Listen to yourself, man. You’re hangin’ with nerds. HOMER: You take that back! MARGE: Homer, please. These boys sound very nice, but they’re clearly nerds. HOMER: Really? But nerds are my mortal enemy! Brief Plot…
Four Reasons the Houston Texans are a Better QB Landing Spot Than the Carolina Panthers
Last week was a big week for NFL Draft speculation and the never ending exercise of reading into every minute detail of the quarterback evaluation process, for last week included the Pro Days for three of the top four prospects — Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and Kentucky’s…
Holly Lyn Walrath Takes Erasure Poetry to a Massive Scale
There’s an old riddle that goes: what gets bigger the more you take away? The answer is a hole, but it could also be Holly Lyn Walrath’s (she/they) brand of erasure poetry, which is getting a massive showcase at Sabine Street Studios. Erasure poetry was pioneered by Doris Cross in…
Local Unions Call for Safe Jobs in Offshore Wind Energy Industry
For 14 years, Zachary Zahn worked in the offshore oil and gas industry on the Gulf Coast, but he grew tired of what he said were unsafe working conditions and spending long stints of time away from his home. “Look at Deepwater Horizon, I was not on the job when…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Taste the Smoke at the 2023 Houston Barbecue Festival
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Crawfish Boil Concert at Goode Co. Armadillo Palace Friday, 3 to 8 p.m. 5015 Kirby Goode Co. Armadillo Palace is partnering with the Houston chapter of Young Professionals in Energy for its 15th annual charity crawfish boil event, held…
John Conlee Sees Tomball Through Rose Colored Glasses
It’s the morning after yet another horrific school shooting in America—this time in Nashville that took the lives of three children and three faculty members. Longtime resident of the area John Conlee is not obsessively watching the TV on purpose, but he is viewing things through the lens of his…
Astros Season Preview: Predictions for Record, Best Players and More
Welcome to Opening Day, one of the best days in sports. The defending world champion Houston Astros begin the defense of their title at home against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday with a first pitch from Megan Thee Stallion and a “Play ball” call from Mark Wahlberg. It will…
A Houston Insider’s Guide for Final Four Visitors: 8 Things to See, Do and Eat
Listen, we don’t want to overwhelm you. There is a LOT to do in the fourth largest city in America, but you will only be here a few days, so we’re going to take it easy on you. So, we have restricted our list to only things you can access…
Best Bets: NIGHT LIGHT, Divas, and Songs America Loves to Sing
Once you’re done folding your laundry today, you’ll probably be in the mood for something a little more fun – at least as a reward for a chore well done. Lucky you, we’ve got a few suggestions, from the locally weird and wacky to an entire program celebrating divas. Keep…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Black Restaurant Week Kicks Off This Sunday
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Black Restaurant Week Houston kicks off on Sunday, April 2 and runs through Sunday, April 15, with more than 70 local businesses joining to celebrate the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Among this year’s…
Swarm on Amazon Prime is Not For the Faint of Heart
“Stan culture” is as strong as ever., The celebrity/artist worship that we see folks partake in on social media, coming to the defense of their “favs” at any hint of disrespect or ridicule (or sometimes genuine critiques), is as fascinating as it is annoying. “What if a Beyonce-Stan was a…
Four Biggest Astro Questions Heading Into the 2023 MLB Season
Heading into the 2023 MLB season, the one thing that experts around the game seem to be able to agree on is that, as of right now, despite what’s been a semi-tumultuous trying spring, the Houston Astros reside at the top of any subjective power ranking of the 30 Major…
Ha*Ash Adds a Dash of Houston to Its Delectable Musical Stew
Hanna and Ashley Pérez Mosa, jointly known as Ha*Ash, are one of Latin America’s most treasured female pop duos. The sisters have roots in Mexico, Louisiana and Houston, so it’ll feel like an international, regional and local show when the platinum-selling, Billboard Award-nominated artists bring their Mi Salida Contigo tour…
Alley Theatre Cancels All Performances of The Odyssey
Alley Theatre has just released a statement that it is canceling its production of The Odyssey which began in previews a few days ag. Its Wednesday opening was first moved to this Friday, but now Alley is saying that it won’t go on at all. The statement: The Tony Award®-winning…
Houston’s Upcoming Mayoral Race is Anything But A Straight Shot
U. S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee’s late-stage entry into the Houston mayor’s race certainly has upended the plans of her fellow Democratic candidates, but whether she automatically vaults into first place over Texas Sen. John Whitmire is open to debate. This November’s mayoral election includes five other Democrats: Robert Gallegos,…
Astros Finalize Roster With a Couple Surprises
The Astros released their final roster moves before Opening Day on Tuesday and they included a couple surprises, but nothing shocking. Basically, the guys who have been doing well in Spring Training made the team (mostly) and the others went to the minors. The team optioned Korey Lee, JJ Matijevic,…
Opinion: New Bike Paths Are Great for the Heights, but Not for Arguing Neighbors
“This is Houston, not Amsterdam.” Those were the words of a commenter in a thread on Next Door about the concrete abutments on 11th Street near Yale that were causing a bit of a stir among residents who choose to argue online. Admittedly, a cursory check of that particular intersection…
The Oldest Boy at Main Street: When a 2-Year-Old is Called to Be a Lama
A Tibetan lama and a monk come to your house in the United States and say your 2-year-old toddler is the reincarnation of a Buddhist high lama and they want to take him away to receive spiritual training in India. Door slam. But in The Oldest Boy: A Play in…
Houston Concert Watch 3/29: Maná, Megan Thee Stallion and More
It promises to be a wild week ahead in Houston, what with the Final Four and all. And did we mention the Astros’ opening day on Thursday? And April Fools’ Day thrown in there to boot? And, oh yeah, city officials are warning of gridlock downtown over the weekend. Brace…
Should the Houston Texans Make a Run at Lamar Jackson?
Earlier this week, the Houston Texans created a new fan council , for which they plan to select 50 fans of diverse backgrounds in an effort to give the team focused feedback on elements of the game day experience, merchandise, and other commercial and experiential parts of being a Texans…
![The Classical Epic The Odyssey Now With a Caribbean Flair at Alley Theatre [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-odyssey-c-800.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
The Classical Epic The Odyssey Now With a Caribbean Flair at Alley Theatre [UPDATED]
Most of us who’ve made it through high school English have read The Odyssey, the epic poem about Odysseus who didn’t get home for 10 years as he bounced from adventure to adventure while his patient wife Penelope remained in Ithaca rejecting one suitor after another. The Odyssey unfolding at…
Sweet Heat: Reverend Horton Heat Comes To Houston
Everyone carries within their personalities a balance of influences and a dichotomy that makes them exactly who they are. For Jim Heath, leader of the Reverend Horton Heat, his equilibrium is created by his rough, hard rocking on stage and his sweet off stage personality and impeccable style. “My family…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Celebrating Astros Opening Day (and Season) with Food and Drink Specials
Springtime means MLB Opening Day is right around the corner, and this year, it falls on Thursday, March 30 as our World Series Champion Houston Astros face off against the Chicago White Sox at home at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is at 6:08 pm, with plenty of fun to…
Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Goes to the First Nonbinary Winner
The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, known for discovering the work of female playwrights (and now trans and nonbinary), has announced it has awarded this year’s prize to Sarah Mantell, a non-binary U.S. playwright. The first out, nonbinary author to receive this award, Mantell won for their play In the Amazon…
Four Best Houston Astros Statistical Prop Bets for 2023 Season
The signs are here that baseball season is upon us. The weather is getting warmer, the college basketball tournament is winding down, and the betting outlets have put out there list of statistical pro bets for the upcoming season. Courtesy of BetOnline.ag, here is the list of available wagers for the…
Azy Chyr Draws Inspiration From Singapore and the S.W.A.T.
Scrolling through Azy Chyr’s social media, or falling down the rabbit hole of her recent video, it’s clear how deeply this genre-bending, medium-blending artist has immersed herself in the arts. “Get High,” her 2022 single, is a good example. Her soulful vocals are matched to music intoning the chopped and…
Story Time with The Book of Mary Offers Lessons in Authenticity
Early in Mary Hooper’s The Book of Mary (It Costs a Lot to Be Real), now in its premiere run courtesy of Ted Swindley Theatre Workshop in association with Dirt Dogs UNLEASHED, Hooper muses that she became an “actor in self-defense” and a writer as a result of the pandemic…
Four Thoughts on Houston’s Final Four at NRG Stadium
The last time the city of Houston hosted a Final Four in 2016, it was, from a college sports perspective, pretty spectacular. It pitted a pair of one seeds and a pair of two seeds with the championship game between Villanova and North Carolina featuring a buzzer-beating thriller. Compare that…
What Team Is the Favorite to Trade For DeAndre Hopkins?
A couple weeks ago, we passed the three year anniversary of the DeAndre Hopkins trade from the Houston Texans to the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a day that will forever live in infamy in the history of the Texans’ franchise, and a point in time that many fans and media cite…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Uchiko Takes on Land and Sea
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, March 27 Land & Sea Dinner at Uchiko Houston Uchiko Houston, 1801 Post Oak, will host a Land & Sea Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. on its mezzanine. The event will boast a 10-course tasting menu with highlights including…
Alternate Comedy Icon David Cross Resists The “Easy” Laughs of Going “Anti-Woke”
“There’s a gross aspect of it where you’re just constantly, I’ve got more followers, look how many followers!”
The Spinners’ Smooth Sound Sweetens Sugar Land
This year’s nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are nothing if not an eclectic bunch. The list (which extends far beyond the traditional definition of “rock”) includes artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Iron Maiden, the White Stripes, Willie Nelson, a Tribe Called Quest, Kate Bush, George Michael…
Rigoletto at Opera in the Heights: When Verdi Became Verdi
Every character in Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto goes way overboard for love. Hunchbacked jester Rigoletto loves daughter Gilda so much he locks her inside the house, except for Sunday church services. Gilda, fragile and virginal, knows not the ways of the world, and suffers, tragically, love at first sight. The wanton…
4th Wall’s Sanctuary City an Unflinching Must-See
If you follow the news (and I don’t necessarily recommend it), you’re well aware that stories about immigration, from every conceivable angle, often make the headlines – particularly in a state like Texas. Though fictional, Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok’s Sanctuary City, now playing at 4th Wall Theatre Company, offers…
Ensemble Theatre’s Clyde’s: Where Dynamic Performers Shine in a Hysterical Script
Someone must not have told Clyde, played with a relentless and overwhelming authority by Michelle Elaine, that she’s running a diner not a makeshift prison. Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s has made its way to Houston’s Ensemble Theatre after its 2021 world premiere on Broadway and its subsequent productions across the United…
The Observant Storyteller: Joshua Ray Walker Returns To Houston
When telling a story, writers can either come clean about who they are through their work or find clever ways to disguise themselves behind the veil of their characters. For Dallas-based Joshua Ray Walker, it’s a combo. “Over the years of traveling and because I am interested in getting to…
Who Will Lead the Houston Texans in Receiving This Season?
Since Andre Johnson’s rookie year in 2003, the Houston Texans’ second year in existence, the one thing on which the team and its fans have always been able to go into each season with some clarity has been who the leading receiver for the team would be. From 2003 through…
Black Adam, Quantumania, And The Perils Of Franchise Fatigue
There was some consternation down Hollywood way when Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, the much-anticipated first movie in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, dropped 71 percent at the box office in only its second week of release. The good news? It was a new MCU record, plummeting more than…
Openings and Closings: Muse Now Open, Chi’lantro Debuts Soon
Muse, 3210 Dallas, opened for dinner service March 23. With a culinary team led by executive chef and partner E.J. Miller (SaltAir Seafood, Riel, International Smoke), the kitchen also has sous chef Dung Nguyen (The Dunlavy) and sous chef Andrew Aguilera (The Classic) creating a from-scratch menu using locally sourced…
The Sidemen Cometh in the Repeat Offenders
In the parlance of law enforcement circles, a repeat offender keeps doing the same thing over and over again—albeit often not reaching the ending they’d hoped for. But for what they may lack in skills to avoid detection, they’ve got in abundance when it comes to commitment, drive and experience…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Crawfish Cook-Off and Le Brunch de Funk
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Tomball German Heritage Festival Friday–Sunday 201 South Elm Held in Old Town Tomball around the Historical Train Depot Plaza, the annual Tomball German Festival features German food and drink from biers to brats, festival fare, four music stages, street…
Alley Theatre Announces a 2023-24 Season Both New and Classic
Alley Theatre’s Rob Melrose, like other artistic directors throughout the Houston area, knows he’s in a rebuilding year — hoping to return theater audiences to the pre-pandemic levels. Keeping that in mind, the 2023-24 Alley Theatre programming he devised is a blend of audience pleasers as well as edgier (riskier)…
DeMeco Ryans Among Early Favorites for 2023 NFL Coach of the Year
It’s been a while since the betting community has had positive prognostication data about a Houston Texans head coach. In fact, the last time a Texans head coach was relevant for anything in the betting community was when people cashed their tickets at 10 to 1 for Bill O’Brien as…
Veterinary Telehealth Reimagines Basic Veterinary Care for Owners and Providers
Veterinary visits aren’t always easy for all parties involved – the animal, human or doctor. Pets can act up; they’re anxious, away from home and may remember getting shots or having other painful experiences that they associate with the vet’s office. Pet parents may be weighing the costs of X-rays…
Paper Bags It Killed Me to Throw Away
I moved recently, and my kid is finally at the age where they are more help than a hindrance in that regard. My 13-year-old and I spent about ten days making small trips from our old apartment to our new house, slowly transferring our lives in boxes and duffle bags…
Best Bets: Genji, Rigoletto and Clyde’s
It’s National Puppy Day, so be sure to pet the nearest, friendliest pup before heading out to check out this week’s best bets. This week you’ll find a familiar festival in a new location, a world premiere chamber ballet, and an almost 50-year-old ensemble making their first trip to Texas…
Neil Young Revisits Harvest, Generating Plenty of Wheat and Little Chaff
Many years ago, I read a review of a Neil Young album that began with the writer saying something like, “If Neil Young were to take a crap in a paper bag and sell it, I would be first in line at the store.” Such was the devotion that many…
The Texas Tornado Spins Again for Record Store Day
It wasn’t quite subterfuge, and it wasn’t exactly a scam. But during the mid-‘60s any band that smacked of the British Invasion was hot and sure to get attention. So, a number of, um, decidedly American groups tried to adapt a Union Jack in their quest for attention and chart…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Houston Barbecue Festival is Back for Year 10
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: ROMA, 2347 University, invites guests to an Evening in Tuscany wine dinner featuring a handful of our favorite Tuscan wines and a four-course meal on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Highlights include beef carpaccio paired…
Classical Theatre Postpones The Circle Because of December Fire at Winter Street Studios
Waiting and hoping as long as they could, Winter Street Studios Artistic Director John Johnston finally announced today that the company will not be able to perform The Circle in May because of the December fire at Winter Street Studios. The company had hoped renovations would be completed earlier but…
Rigoletto at Opera in the Heights Examines the Poison Hurt People Can Generate
Hurt people hurt people. Director Alyssa Weathersby has been reminding the cast of the Opera in the Heights production of Verdi’s classic Rigoletto of that as they rehearse for their production opening this week. The opera begins with the hunchbacked jester Rigoletto hurling insults at the fathers and husbands in…
A Raucous HISD Info Meeting Demonstrates Intense Unhappiness With TEA
Texas Education Agency plans for a neat and tidy transfer of information about how to apply for a board of managers position in the TEA takeover of Houston ISD were hijacked Tuesday night by a crowd of very unhappy people and U. S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee. Deputy Commissioner of…
What’s to be the Fate of 1,000 Lab Monkeys: Back to Cambodia, A New Home in South Texas, or Death?
The fate of 1,000 endangered monkeys federal prosecutors say were illegally captured in Cambodia and imported to Houston laboratory testing hangs in the balance, as authorities, Charles River Laboratories, and PETA wrestle over whether the animals will be destroyed, returned to their smugglers, or rehomed in a South Texas monkey…
With Meta Verified, Everyone Gets a Blue Checkmark…for a Price
When Twitter first began providing verified accounts way back near the beginning of the startup, they made sense. Celebrities, public figures, journalists, these were all people who reasonably needed some level of protection for their identity, not just because of internet trolls though that is always a problem, but to…
Houston Texans Sign Two More Solid Free Agents on Offense
For the last two offseasons, when it’s come to free agency, the Houston Texans have been shopping in the dregs of the bargain bin, due in part to a lack of salary cap space left behind by Bill O’Brien and due in part to the dilapidated roster, also left behind…
Houston Concert Watch 3/22: Peter Gabriel, The Killers and More
Regular visitors to this space may recall that, a few months ago, we mentioned rapper Rick Ross’s fondness for buffalo. As pets, not burgers. Within the past couple of weeks, some of Ross’s bison have escaped from his 235-acre Promise Land estate and are roaming about suburban Atlanta. Though buffalo…
Succession’s 4th and Final Season is About to Begin
Succession season is approaching. The HBO drama’s fourth will be its final season, capping what will feel like a real end-of-an-era for the Home Box office (HBO’s Barry has also announced its upcoming fifth season will be its last). The Roy family’s struggle for power and wealth is almost over,…
Demand for Metal Sends Hell’s Heroes Outdoors
“I’ve been trying to get Possessed for a while so I’m super happy it finally happened,” said Christian Larson, and it takes a moment of brain recalibration to realize he’s not speaking of the devilish spiritual condition but of a band, the top billed act at this year’s Hell’s Heroes…
The Riot Comedy Festival Starts Thursday at the Newly Renovated Rudyard’s
“I said, you know what, I’m gonna walk down there, try my five minute set and that will just be a thing I do for fun. It obviously turned into something bigger than that.”
Beasts of 42nd Street: Vintage Horror That Feels Timely
In Preston Fassel’s new horror novel Beasts of 42nd Street, the setting may be 1977 New York, but its exploration of the corrosive nature of extremist content on the human soul resonates deeply here in the modern world of streaming. The novel follows Andy Lew, a heroin addict and film…
Ranking the NFL’s Four “Hard Knocks” Candidates
In my 16 years of covering the Houston Texans, I’ve had four training camps that were significantly remarkable in their own way. The training camps of 2017 and 2018, held at the Greenbriar in West Virginia were unique and a very pleasant hiatus from the sweltering heat of Houston. Training…
Brothers in Blues Explores the Familial and Musical Bonds of the Vaughans
It’s a well-worn cliché in music history that Brothers Will Battle. From the Dorsey, Everly and Davies boys to the Fogerty, Robinson and Gallagher lads, sonic siblings often don’t get along. But maybe that’s because they’re in the same band. Or—just possibly—They’re not from Texas. After all, two of the…
Four Thoughts on Jose Altuve’s Broken Thumb
On Sunday, Team USA advanced in the World Baseball Classic getting contributions from Astros Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. They also, inadvertently, affected the Astros season when relief pitcher Daniel Bard hit second baseman Jose Altuve, who was playing for Team Venezuela, in the hand and broke his thumb. According…
Luke Bryan Closes Out RodeoHouston With the Biggest Show of the Season
Luke Bryan NRG Stadium March 19, 2K23 There’s something quaint about the fact there are still a handful of country purists out there that think Luke Bryan is the devil. Yeah, we’ve been over this before, about how he has songs with some of the dumbest lyrics around, and how…
Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s Where Ex-Cons Seek Redemption in a Truck Stop Sandwich Shop
Clyde is the boss and she’s (yes, she) a tyrant. She’s hired ex-cons, ostensibly giving then a second chance, but makes their work lives a living hell — or at least a purgatory —on Earth, constantly belittling and berating them. So why would accomplished actress Michelle Elaine who is in…
Families Scramble for Childcare Amid Staff Shortages, Declining Funding and 4-Day School Weeks
Used to be, the concern and debate was over whether families could find quality childcare. Now, it seems the focus is on finding any childcare at all. Facilities are short-staffed making an already low-paying job even less desirable. With the approaching end of the Child Care Relief Fund instituted during…
The Many Loves of Prince Genji Take Center Stage at Asia Society Texas
There are many good reasons to know The Tale of Prince Genji. The Japanese epic is widely considered to be the world’s first novel. It was written in the 11th century by a woman, lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu, during the Heian period, a time that saw the establishment of the most…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Wild Oats and 44 Farms Team Up for One Epic Dinner
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long March Madness Food and Drink Specials The NCAA March Madness tournament is back, and Houston bars and restaurants are getting in on the action. Sports fans can check out our 2023 March Madness Food, Drink and Watch Party…
Four Thoughts on Crazy Texans Sunday — Cooks Traded, Tunsil Extended
On Saturday night, as I was watching the second half of the University of Houston’s dismantling of Auburn in the second round of the NCAA tournament, I turned to my wife Amy and said “I’m really surprised how quiet the NFL news cycle has been today,” as I noticed that…
RodeoHouston’s Current Constant Brad Paisley Mostly Gets the Job Done
Brad Paisley NRG Stadium March 18, 2K23 It’s a simple question with a complex answer: how does one become a RodeoHouston regular? Getting a shot at the Rodeo isn’t something that seems particularly difficult if you’re a mainstream recording artist; you just need to get one decently popular song and…
The Bride at Stages Works Best When Denise Fennell Talks About Her Family
“Here comes the bride.” “Where is the bride?” “How’s the bride’s makeup?” For some reason, on the day of a bride’s wedding, the woman no longer has a name and must live in the liminal space between girlfriend and wife that days before would have simply been considered the fiancée…
New Order Have No Regrets At 713 Music Hall
New Order 713 Music Hall May 16, 2023 When Ian Curtis committed suicide in 1980, few could have predicted that two things would be true 40-odd years later. One: that Joy Division would end up kickstarting the post-punk wave and influence the direction of alternative music for decades. And two:…
Three Important Case Keenum Questions for Houston Texan Fans
On Wednesday night, at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as the minutes ticked away on the way to a solid Kenny Chesney performance, the workers down on the dirt surface at NRG Stadium prepared for the nightly calf scramble, where dozens of teenagers chase baby cows around the arena…
Openings and Closings: Eau Tour and Oheya Coming, Heights Social Opens
Eau Tour, 5117 Kelvin, opens March 21 in Rice Village. The new concept from Benjy Levit takes over the former Thai Spice space, above Levit’s Local Foods. The stylistic French bistro has Kent Domas as executive chef with Chef Maria Gonzales of Lees Den helping to create the menu. Lees…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: St. Patty’s Day, Fish Fridays and Sunday Tacos
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: St. Paddy’s Day Party at Penny Whistle Pub Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Beloved St. Patty Day’s staple Griff’s Irish Pub may be closed due to major fire damage, but that’s not stopping it from throwing down the holiday…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Shazam! Fury Of The Gods
Title: Shazam! Fury of the Gods Describe This Movie In One Ghostbusters Quote: WINSTON: Ray, when someone asks if you are a god, you say “yes!” Brief Plot Synopsis: Super-powered sibs skirmish, superannuated scoundrels struggle. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Gomer Pyles out of 5. Tagline: “Oh. My…
Rockets Rookie Finally Finds His Footing
When you are drafted No. 3 and considered by some to be the best prospect in the draft, it stands to reason you might feel a bit of pressure. Add in the fact that you have just become one of the young faces of a rebuilding franchise and that’s a…
NASA Debuts Stylin’ New Spacesuits from Houston-based Axiom
When NASA astronauts finally start exploring the lunar South Pole for the Artemis III mission, they’ll be doing so clad in the stylish spacesuits designed by Axiom, the Houston-based company behind plans to build a space hotel and plans to build a commercial space station, as we’ve noted before. Although…
Astros and Rockets Looking to Take Ownership of AT&T SportsNet
One of the biggest local sports stories a decade ago was the collapse of Houston’s Comcast Sports Network, a network that was partially owned by the Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets. At that time, the main issue was high carriage fees, leaving cable providers covering about half of Houston…
Local Bareback Rider Anthony Thomas Calls on His Upbringing When Competing
Most rodeo contestants have multiple generations in their family to show them the ropes of the sport, but for 35 year-old world champion bareback rider Anthony Thomas he had to learn all on his own. When Thomas ran away from his home in Perth, Australia at 12 years old, he…
Where to Brunch in Houston This Easter Sunday 2023
Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, April 9 this year, so now is a good time to make your holiday brunch plans. From family-friendly brunch buffets to prix fixe affairs, these Houston restaurants are ready to make your Easter special with classic plates and morning cocktails, egg hunts, live jazz and…
Astros Week: Astros in the RSN Market, Injury Updates and Jose Abreu
The Astros have reached that point in Spring Training when everyone is checking their watches to see what day it is. The World Baseball Classic is already into their quarterfinals and Opening Day is two weeks away. Soon, it will be time to break camp and find out who is…
Marcia Ball Lets The Good Times Roll
Marcia Ball has had a career as lengthy as often cited legs. Long Tall Marcia Ball will perform at The Heights Theater on Friday, March 17 with her newly formed four piece band. “Everything changed and I was lucky again to be able to put something back together that’s really…
Opinion: Republican Laws Are Badly Worded on Purpose
Author G. K. Chesterton once said, “evil always takes advantage of ambiguity.” He was writing in opposition of Britain’s eugenics laws in 1922, which were worded in such vague, undefined terms that pretty much anyone could be incarcerated for being (apologies) “feeble-minded.” You could be epileptic, developmentally delayed, habitually angry,…
Best Bets: No Bears, Our Planet and Oddities & Curiosities
Put on something green and make some time this St. Patrick’s Day weekend to check out some of our best bets. This week you’ll find a nature documentary in concert, the return of the Jewish Film Festival, a traveling expo like no other and more, so keep reading for the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: An Oyster Dinner You Won’t Want to Miss
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: State Fare Kitchen & Bar is partnering with local Eureka Heights Brew Co. on a three-course craft beer dinner available now through Saturday, March 18. Guests at all three locations can choose the option of the…
Texas Rent Relief Stops Accepting Applications Two Days After Re-Opening
On Tuesday of this week and after a two year hiatus, Texas residents were promised the opportunity to apply for rental assistance for two weeks through the Texas Rent Relief program. Wednesday it was announced because of the deluge of applications, the program now will shut down on Thursday at…
![No Last Minute Reprieve, TEA is Taking Over HISD [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/millard-house-031022.png.png?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
No Last Minute Reprieve, TEA is Taking Over HISD [UPDATED]
Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath today announced to the Houston ISD trustees and Superintendent Millard House II that he will be appointing a board of managers and a superintendent to run the district starting in June. In the end, all the last-minute appeals from parents and teachers didn’t change…
MGK Is IDK? At NRG
Machine Gun Kelly NRG Stadium March 14, 2023 Were you aware that Colson Baker, better known by his nom de guerre Machine Gun Kelly, was born right here in Houston? Neither did I, and I probably still wouldn’t if not for checking his HLSR page before heading down to NRG…
Harris County Commissioners Court Approves Reproductive Health Access Fund
In a bid to protect residents’ already restricted access to reproductive health care, Harris County officials voted to approve a proposed fund to go toward Harris County Public Health and smaller community organizations at Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting. The reproductive health care access fund passed on a 4 to 1…
Rocking Specials and Watch Parties for the March Madness and NCAA Final Four
March Madness is back, with the first round of the tournament kicking off Thursday, March 16 and with this year’s men’s NCAA Final Four taking place right here in Houston–the Final Four games are on Saturday, April 1 and the Championship game will go down Monday, April 3. With so…
Houston Concert Watch 3/15/23: Willie Nelson, Marcia Ball, Rodeo and More
Is it true that St. Patrick was the patron saint of public intoxication, or is that just one of those urban myths? While the level of bacchanalia in Houston doesn’t rise to what is seen in New York and Chicago, there are a number of local options for those who…
The Fears of Stateless Teens in Sanctuary City at 4th Wall Theatre Company
In Sanctuary City, the two main characters “B” and “G” are each undocumented teenage immigrants living in a small town near Newark, New Jersey. They are united by that status and their “friendship of necessity,” according to Raven Justine Troup who plays G. A dividing event is when G (girl) becomes…
Grading the Houston Texans’ Four Biggest Moves in Free Agency
The big spending came and went on Monday, the first day that NFL teams could legally “tamper” with free agents from other teams and agree verbally to deals. (NOTE: Those deals can be officially signed on Wednesday afternoon.) The Houston Texans didn’t spend much time shopping in the Dior aisle…
RodeoHouston Asks Discount Carnival Card Holders To Upload to a Phone App Before They Arrive
Carnival goers are showing up to NRG’S grounds, expecting to use their pre-purchased carnival packs, but forgetting an essential step – uploading the cards on RodeoHouston’s app. HSLR employees are asking for those who purchased these packs to remember to upload them online, as the pack cannot be processed without…
Houston Texans To Sign QB Case Keenum in Free Agency
As we outlined in our NFL calendar post last week, the legal tampering period in NFL free agency has begun, and thus we kick off the frenzy of activity that will reshape rosters and gobble up salary cap space around the NFL. For the first time in his tenure as…
Texas Rent Relief Re-Opens Applications After Two-Year Hiatus
Starting at 8 a.m. today, Texas residents will have the first chance in two years to apply for rent assistance through a state program and perhaps avoid evictions. This is especially important in Harris County with more than 300 cases of eviction filed in the county each day this year;…
Melissa Carper Rambles Into Houston
Finding a place, person or sound that feels like home can be a mysterious process. Sometimes a brand new experience can somehow recreate the feelings of the past and bring a certain kind of peace and comfort that is usually reserved for familiarity. Melissa Carper captures this sentiment perfectly with…
La Fiera De Ojinaga Runs Wild for Go Tejano Day at RodeoHouston 2023
The headliner for Go Tejano Day at RodeoHouston has been fairly strong the last few years with performances by legends such as Los Tigres Del Norte, Ramon Ayala, and Los Tucanes De Tijuana. Which is why I was surprised when La Fiera De Ojinaga were announced as this year’s lead…
Denise Fennell’s The Bride, Or: Does This Dress Make Me Look Married? at Stages
About a year ago, Stages theater got in touch with actor/playwright Denise Fennell (Sister in the Late Nite Catechism series) to see what she had ready for the coming season. As it turns out, Late Nite Catechism will be returning next year with a brand new version entitled Sister’s Irish…
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2023 with Green Beer, Irish Whiskey and Pub Grub
It seems we all got a little Luck of the Irish, because Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year; and those looking to join the shenanigans can find food, drink and merriment across the city. Check out these Houston bars and restaurants celebrating ol’ St. Paddy this Friday,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Spring Break Sips and a Surfside Burger Battle
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Spring Break at Dish Society Dish Society is treating teachers to a refreshing Spring Break deal through March 19. Just flash your school ID to receive half-priced alcoholic beverages and zero-proof Elixirs. Wednesday, March 15 Casa del Sol…
Four Thoughts on Carolina’s Blockbuster Trade to Jump the Texans in 2023 NFL Draft
Ever since the Houston Texans went out and secured an improbable win over the Indianapolis Colts in the final week of the 2022 season, a win that knocked the Texans down from the top spot in the 2023 NFL Draft to the second spot, speculation has run rampant about what…
Three Tips on Writing a Properly Flawed Main Character
Lately, I’ve been sharing some tips from my introduction to fiction writing classes with Closing Credits. One of the hardest parts of writing a compelling work is crafting a main character to stumble through it. Today, we’re going to look at some basic tools to round them out and make…
Derek Trucks Talkin’ “Layla,” TV commercials & the Houston Texans
Married couple and parents Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks—also the leaders of the 12-member Tedeschi Trucks Band—are rabidly partisan fans of their hometown NFL team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ve even individually or together performed the “Star Spangled Banner” several times at home games over the years. That said, the Jags…
Turnpike Troubadours Leave ‘Em Wanting More at RodeoHouston
Turnpike Troubadours NRG Stadium March 11, 2023 They entered with little fanfare, but Oklahoma’s Turnpike Troubadours showed a near-capacity RodeoHouston crowd (74,657) what all the fuss is about. The Troubadours returned to the scene last year, following a hiatus so the band could deal with lead singer/songwriter Evan Felker’s well-documented…
Education Commissioner Applauds HISD For Withdrawing Its TEA Lawsuit
Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath has issued a statement in response to this week’s decision by the Houston ISD trustees to drop their lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency. “The decision made by the Houston ISD Board of Trustees helps put the focus back on what matters: the students, staff,…
Bach and Tennessee Williams Shine in Houston Ballet’s Summer & Smoke
I can’t help but think of Houston Ballet’s latest mixed repertory program, Summer & Smoke, as Bach two ways with a side of Tennessee Williams. It’s a simplistic way to look at what proved to be an exceptionally rendered program – featuring George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, Stanton Welch’s Clear and…
Stages Theater Offers Students and Educators Free Tickets to cullud wattah
During a recent management team meeting at Stages theater where all sorts of concerns and ideas are discussed, one member brought up recent legislation in Texas that has targeted diversity and inclusion in state institutions and schools as well as the march to limit the books in school libraries. As…
Ashley McBryde Proves She’s Past The Little Dive Bars At RodeoHouston
Last night wasn’t Ashley McBryde’s first rodeo. It literally wasn’t. She made her inaugural appearance last year, opening for George Strait. A seemingly daunting task the Arkansas-born singer-songwriter handled with aplomb. But this was McBryde’s first go as a headliner, and she made the most of the opportunity, laying down…
The I-45 Expansion Is Happening, So Get Out of the Way
The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration announced this week that they have struck a deal regarding the federal civil rights complaint that has had the $9 billion I-45 project idling for the past two years. And just like that, the controversial I-45 Houston expansion project is…
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Feral Hogs Find New Homes in the Greater Houston Area [UPDATED]
A long-time nuisance to rural Texas communities, feral hogs are continuing to multiply at an increased rate; however, now their new backyards are encroaching closer into city limits. “There are many more areas developing now, which cause habitats to be removed; commercial and housing properties are pushing wildlife out,” said…
Going In the Gap with World Champion Bullfighter Dusty Tuckness
Dusty Tuckness is a bullfighter, but not the matador version that comes to mind – the one waving a red cape to goad the bull into charging at him before going in for the kill. Yes, this bullfighter faces 2,000-pound animals all the time. But his job is to give…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Luther: The Fallen Sun
Title: Luther: The Fallen Sun Describe This Movie In One L.A. Confidential Quote: CAPTAIN SMITH: I admire you as a policeman, particularly your adherence to violence as a necessary adjunct to the job. Brief Plot Synopsis: Cor blimey, guv’nor. This bloke’s got himself in a right spot of trouble. Rating Using Random…
Openings and Closings: Rockhouse Opens Soon, Kraftsmen is Baking New Changes
ROCKHOUSE Southern Kitchen, 6025 Richmond, is opening March 20. The Southern inspired restaurant and live music venue is setting up shop in the former home of Billy Blues, the popular blues venue that closed in 2001. The building’s most recent occupant was Diablo Loco Sports Bar but the space has now…
Crystal Gayle Talks Country Classics, “Brown Eyes” and Rivalry with…Miss Piggy??
It’s Rodeo Time in Houston, and a lot of people’s thoughts and memories over the years have not to do with mutton busting or bull riding, but the musical performers they saw at the Astrodome or (now) NRG Stadium. Crystal Gayle graced the dirt-surrounded center stage eight times over the…
Ancestors’ Dream Takes Shape With Houston Chamber Choir
Houston Chamber Choir will perform Ancestors’ Dream this weekend featuring seldom-heard works by Nathaniel Dett, Harry Burleigh, Undine Smith Moore and others who believe that Black composers should embrace the spiritual but never be limited by it. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at South Main Baptist Church.
Impact of Key Dates on 2023 NFL Calendar on Houston Texans
When you’re embarking on an important, multi-step endeavor, it’s always good to have organization, have a schedule, if you will. The Houston Texans are embarking on the most important offseason in the history of their franchise, as they try to win back their fan base, and set new head coach…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Holi Celebrations and the Return of Malaysian Curry Crawfish
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Holi at Pondicheri Friday – Sunday 2800 Kirby Chef Anita Jaisinghani has created Holi specials available now through Sunday, March 12. Each day will feature a different special, from Holi Pizza (lamb keema, gruyere) to Holi Shrimp Biryani (Gulf…
Announcing the 2023-24 Theatre Under the Stars Season
It’s a season comforting (Cinderella), edgy (Jagged Little Pill) and in its own modern classic way, unsettling (Sweeney Todd). There’s triumphs (Newsies), a musical that screams get out of your seat (On Your Feet!) and one filled with modern hits and Bob Mackie dresses (Cher). There’s even a new holiday…
Jon Pardi Rides Again at RodeoHouston 2023
Jon Pardi made his RodeoHouston debut last year with a fun and lively show. Last night at NRG Stadium, he took the stage in a smart blue blazer, jeans, and a toffee colored cowboy hat like a true Western gentleman. He looked a bit stiff and somewhat tired during the…
Cowboy Bob at Alley Theatre Could Use a Lot More Cowboy Bob
If the Alley Theatre and its myriad producers think that their world premiere musical Cowboy Bob will ever see the lights of Broadway, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to sell them. Bob’s been in production hell for seven years, riding the range between New York’s Ars Nova…
Truffle Masters 2023: Black Gold in Houston
The aroma of black truffles filled the humid Houston air earlier this week as Truffle Masters 2023 took over the elegant space at The Revaire on Old Katy Road. Some of Houston’s finest chefs created spectacular creations from one of the world’s finest, and priciest, ingredients. With the diversity of…
Ready For The 2023 Oscars? Too Bad, Because Here Are Your Picks
Mankind has now completed Year 1 A.T.S. (After The Slap), marking an entire spin around the sun following what was possibly/probably the most interesting thing to happen at the Academy Awards since that guy streaked David Niven. (And while this is ostensibly an award prediction post, but the safe bet…
NFL Quarterback Inventory Check: Which Teams Still Need a QB1?
The deadline for NFL teams to apply the franchise tag on their marquee free agents came and went on Tuesday afternoon earlier this week, and as it does every year, the tag deadline spurned action, particularly at the quarterback position. The New York Giants avoided the need to place the…
Best Bets: Bach, Carajita and a Tennessee Williams Ballet
On this week’s list of best bets, you’ll find world premiere dance works with some interesting inspirations, a five-day-long film festival, and a not-oft-heard work of art. Keep reading for more about these and our other top picks over the next seven days. Homelessness is the subject of Houston Grand…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Cheeseburger Pita Collab and “Treat Yourself” Wine Dinner
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Rodeo Goat, 2105 Dallas, has launched its latest burger battle—an ode to action packed surf film “Point Break”—available now through April 10 and featuring The Bodhi burger (beef and chorizo patty, blackened shrimp, muenster cheese, sautéed…
Markell Gibson Keeps Hiking Toward the Mountaintop
Markell Gibson is nearing 10 years of performing music but like any other visionary he’s looking ahead, not back. He’s got a clear idea for where his career should be a decade from today. “Ten years from now I just want to be in Shaolin monk clothes on top of…
New Kids on the Block Prove They Still Got It at RodeoHouston
I’m on a first name basis with the New Kids on the Block. I didn’t realize it until I sat in front of my laptop to write this review and found that I could not, for the life of me, bring myself to set the appropriate amount of journalistic distance…
Houston Botanic Garden’s Intertwined Balances Art, Nature
Steve Tobin’s Intertwined is on displace at Houston Botanic Gardens. The pieces spiral, dance and provoke thought through Aug. 13 as they dramatically capture the unseen power of the natural world while celebrating the important systems that give life to the Garden’s tropical, sub-tropical, and arid collections.
Planned Parenthood Texas Hopes To Regain Access to State and Federal Funding
Abortion aside, groups like Planned Parenthood are hoping that new legislation filed in both the Texas House and Senate will restore their access to federal and state funding that was removed from them by a series of acts by the Texas Legislature. “Abortion has been decimated in Texas and that…
Tennessee Titans Plan to Wear Houston Oiler Uniforms in 2023
Since moving to Tennessee in 1996, the Houston Oilers franchise, known as the Tennessee Titans since 1999, have had access to and ownership of any morsel of Oilers history, despite the words Houston” and “Oilers” no longer appearing anywhere close to the franchise. The company is still owned by Bud…
The Mandalorian Season 3 Picks Up With a Tale of Redemption
The Mandalorian is back. The series was the main reason to subscribe to Disney+ after its premiere in 2019, ushering in new possibilities on TV and streaming for a franchise that is one of, if not the most, important movie franchises ever. The first season was an adventure of the…
Houston Concert Watch 3/8: Iris DeMent, Willie Colón, Rodeo and More
The website dictionary.com has just announced a plethora of new words (313, to be precise) that have been added to the lexicon this year. Among them: nearlywed (a person who lives with a life partner having set no wedding date), petfluencer (a person who gains a following on social media…
Where Wolf? Here Wolf, in Houston
Rob Saucedo’s Where Wolf might be the greatest Houston indie comic success story since Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise. After a smash debut in Fangoria, Saucedo is putting out a physical version and promoting it alongside screenings of the werewolf classic Silver Bullet all across the country. He’ll be at…
Lil Nas X, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban To Headline March Madness Music Fest
Less than two weeks after the final show of the 2023 RodeoHouston season, the Bayou City will play host to another group of traveling musicians for The NCAA March Madness Music Festival. Lil Nas X, Tim McGraw and Keith Urban are scheduled to headline back-to-back concerts on April 1 and…
Group Acorde Tells Two Stories of Adaptation Through Dance and Music
The idea of change – specifically changing to suit new or different conditions – lends itself to adaptar: stories of adaptation, the latest full-evening production from Group Acorde. Founded in 2016, the Houston-based company began when choreographer-dancers Roberta Paixão Cortes and Lindsey McGill reached out to musician-composers Thomas Helton and…
How Derek Carr Signing With New Orleans Impacts the Houston Texans
The National Football League’s offseason is ready to kick into high gear next week, with free agency set to go full tilt on Monday with the legal tampering period, and the start of the league year on March 15 signaling the start of players able to put pen to paper…
I Milked a Goat and Brought Home a Trophy
I walked in wearing overalls. I had watched goat milking videos for days and had another run-through that morning. The daughter of a former veterinarian I was as ready as I could be to represent the Houston Press. As I walked into the NRG Center’s Hall A this weekend, I…
Zac Brown Band Celebrates America at RodeoHouston 2023
My best friend Derek has always been a major influence on my musical tastes. Ever since we met in middle school, he would always share with me his favorite rap tracks, rock anthems, and Tejano hits. Some of the best nights of my life were spent cruising around Houston in…
Cowboy Bob: How to Break Out of Life in a Rut
Peggy Jo Tallas decided she wanted to rob banks. She dressed as a man and hit financial institutions around the Dallas suburbs, evading capture to many years. This part is real life. In the musical Cowboy Bob, Peggy Jo (Jackie Burns) takes on mythic status to Rena (Ashley Pérez Flanagan)…
The Spacey Life and Tunes of Leon Russell
Sometimes we tend to forget that even musical heroes have musical heroes. When Elton John came to these shores to play his first highly-anticipated run of shows at L.A.’s Troubadour Club in 1970, he was ecstatic to meet one of his: Leon Russell. Cut to nearly four decades later and…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans Releasing Center Justin Britt
Back in September, the Houston Texans placed center Justin Britt on the Reserve/Non Football Illness list for “personal reasons.” Texans head coach Lovie Smith, appropriately, would not disclose why Britt left the team, when he made the announcement back on September 21 of last year: After this, Britt essentially disappeared…
This Week in Houston Food Events: All Things Truffle and a Mezze Style Lounge Experience
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, March 6 Orin Swift Cellars Dinner at Brasserie 19 Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, is hosting its first wine dinner of the year with Orin Swift Cellars beginning at 6:30 p.m. Highlights include rock dish crudo, hot smoked arctic char,…
Opinion: The Importance of Letting People Help You
One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn as a middle-aged adult is that offers of help are how other people say “I love you.” In fact, it’s one of the primary mechanisms of maintaining friendships. American cultural programming is a hell of a drug. Between the pathological individualism…
Skip Seeing Walker Hayes Live and Just Go to Applebee’s
Walker Hayes NRG Stadium March 4, 2K23 There’s a bit that hack comedians do when they want to make fun of country music. You know the drill; “All country songs are about my wife leaving, my dog dying and my truck breaking.” This sort of bit doesn’t really work anymore…
Bun B Returns to RodeoHouston With the Southern Takeover
Bun B stood before a sold-out NRG stadium side by side with Juvenile. Bun, dressed in a black leather jacket and matching cowboy hat paused to catch his breath as the legendary Hot Boy adjusted his shirt and wiped his face with a white towel. “This might be my show,”…
Dialing Back Ramps Up The Effect In Misery
What a thrill the stage adaptation of Misery (written by William Goldman in 2015) could have been if it had something to say about toxic fandom and the psychological perils of celebrity worship. Issues meaningful to us even if they’re hidden in a good old-fashioned thriller. Instead, the play based…
Gold Buckle Foodie Awards: Fried Foodapalooza
It’s Rodeo time again, kids, and you know what that means: Salads and kale shots for everyone! Oh, who are we kidding? It’s showtime for some of the most fattening and interesting concoctions ever to be assembled in one place. The annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is here again…
Muse, Evanescence Bring Big Goth Energy to Toyota Center
All the earmarks were there: the pyrotechnics, the soaring vocals, the guitar solos, the Coheed and Cambria t-shirts, the guy-liner. If you didn’t know any better, you might think you were at some kind of goth, prog metal show. Look at the crowd full of music nerds and forty somethings,…
Texas Borrowers Brace as Student Loan Forgiveness May Not Happen
Prior to completing his undergraduate degree in political science and economics, 28-year-old Solomon Grimm had already accrued $25,000 in student loans. “I moved around a lot; I started out at Baylor but it was too expensive,” Grimm said. “Then I got to Sam Houston and transferred to Lamar University, in…
Openings and Closings: The Blind Goat Softly Opens, Philippe Schmit’s PS21 Soon
The Blind Goat, 8145 Long Point, opened softly February 23. The modern Vietnamese restaurant comes from Chef Christine Ha and husband/business partner John Suh. The new Spring Branch location is an expansion of her first restaurant, The Blind Goat, which she opened at Bravery Chef Hall in 2019. It has…
Four Observations From Houston Astros Spring Training
More than any spring training in recent memory, this spring’s six week lead up to the MLB regular season is under some intense scrutiny, largely due to a massive overhaul of the game’s rulebook, a sea change intended to speed up the game and create more action, with the ultimate…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Creed III
Title: Creed III Describe This Movie In One Rambo: First Blood Part II Quote: JOHN RAMBO: Nothing is over! Nothing! Brief Plot Synopsis: Boxer comes out of retirement to fight demons, and also this other dude. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 Mai Tais out of 5. Tagline: “You can’t…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Chef Collab and Fish Fridays
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: 45th Anniversary Promo at Treebeards Friday 9655 Katy Freeway, 1100 Louisiana (Tunnel Level), 711 Louisiana (Tunnel Level), 1117 Texas Local institution Treebeards is celebrating its 45th anniversary on Friday, March 3 and Friday, March 10, offering its classic Red…
Jason Roberts Keeps the Music of Bob Wills Swinging
Merle Haggard called him “The Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World” on a tribute album. Waylon Jennings opined that it didn’t matter who roamed the halls of state governmental power in Austin, because he was “Still the King.” And his influence is evident on acolytes ranging from Asleep at…
Neil deGrasse Tyson Takes On Space Exploration Delusions
Everyone’s favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, is returning to Houston courtesy of Performing Arts Houston to deliver a talk titled “Delusions of Space Enthusiasts” Monday evening at Jones Hall.
Opinion: As HISD Prepares for a TEA Takeover, T.H. Rogers Special Ed Parents Ask Now What?
Amid the furor, trepidation and angst about what looks like the incoming invasion of the Houston ISD by the Texas Education Agency – thanks to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s heads-up at City Council – one further complication arises. Do any deals or agreements made with the HISD administration or board last…
Brooks & Dunn Boot Scoot Through 21st RodeoHouston Performance
Brooks & Dunn NRG Stadium March 1, 2022 Growing up, I couldn’t stand country music. My family loved it, and that was enough reason for me not to. Despite my protests, country music served as the soundtrack to most of my childhood. For the life of me, I just couldn’t understand why…
Mama Mia! That’s A Spicy Spring Movie Preview!
We’re two months into 2023, which means it’s no longer possible to return it for as refund. It also means football season (except for the XFL) is over, baseball season has yet to start, and March Madness is still a couple weeks away. What better time to think about upcoming…
Astros Week: Michael Brantley, AT&T Sports Southwest’s Money Problem and Pitch Clock Chaos
The Astros are in the throes of Spring Training at their facilities in West Palm Beach, Florida. A handful of games in, we don’t know much other than Lance McCullers has already been ruled out for the season opener and the pitch clock moves…really fast. It’s so early and pitchers…
Best Bets: Ada Limón, Cowboy Bob and New Beginnings
It’s now March and though arguably the hottest ticket of the upcoming week is sold out, don’t let that make you think that there aren’t so many more great events more than worth your time. This week there’s world premiere music, a uniquely Texan musical and a U.S. Poet Laureate…
Los Compadres: First Look at a Hidden Gem
When the weather is beautiful and warm in Houston on a February day, it’s tempting to play hooky from work and responsibilities. If you can find a partner to join you, that’s even better. Such was the case recently when I convinced my spouse, Classic Rock Bob, to step away…
Apes of the State Is Here to Defend Folk Punk
April Hartman suggests folk punk, the oft-maligned music genre which combines acoustic instruments with punk’s ethos, is misunderstood. Her band, Apes of the State, is one of the genre’s foremost acts. The Pennsylvania-based band expects a sold-out show March 3 at Bohemeo’s when they return to Houston. Hartman found her…
Top Draft Prospect Jalen Carter Charged With Reckless Driving and Racing on Day of NFL Combine
As the Houston Texans prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft, with the combine for top prospects in Indianapolis this week, Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter sits as one of the most pivotal prospects in determining what this draft will look like for Houston. Carter is arguably the top player in…
HGO Explores The Homeless in Another City, A World Premiere
In 2016, Houston Grand Opera issued a call for ideas for new operas and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann urged composer Jeremy Howard Beck to apply. He thought about it and submitted two proposals: one about famed artist James Turrell and the way he works with light, the other an opera about…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Wine Dinners, Tequila Pairings and Exclusive Cellar Cuts
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Let’s Talk Womxn, a volunteer-based collaborative movement of women-owned food and beverage entrepreneurs, is throwing a “Let’s Talk & Celebrate” Gold Glamour Gourmet Bash held at Caracol, 2200 Post Oak, from 6 pm to 8 p.m…
Parker McCollum Hits A Home Run on Opening Night at RodeoHouston 2023
Parker McCollum was born in Conroe, Texas, which sits about 50 miles north of NRG Stadium. To many that might not seem very far. But the journey from being a kid in Conroe to headlining the big stage on Opening Night at RodeoHouston has certainly been long and hard-fought. McCollum…
TX Rep. Slaton Wants To End Taxes for People With Ten or More Children
State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R-Greenville) has filed House Bill 2889, which would roll back all property taxes for Texans with ten children. With more than $30 billion in surplus tax revenue being bartered about in this session of the Texas Legislature, top Republicans have made it clear that some form…
Harris County Attorney Denies Texas Comptroller’s Resolution Claims
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee Tuesday denied Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s announcement that county officials are attempting to resolve the defunding claims Hegar made earlier this month. “Comptroller Hegar’s statement is false. The county’s position on his determination that the county defunded the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office has not changed…
BARC Halts Dog Intake Services in Response to Case of Distemper
BARC, Houston’s animal shelter and adoption center, has paused all public dog intake and put infectious disease protocol in place after detecting a positive case of distemper in their shelter. The dog that tested positive was brought in as a stray from the field, said Cory Stottlemyer, Public Information Officer…
Diggin’ It: Spring Gardening in Houston
It’s springtime in Houston. Other cities may be covered in snow or battling below-freezing temperatures but the Bayou City has been blessed recently with warm days, though not always sunny ones. With mornings in the 50s and 60s and afternoons in the 70s and 80s, it’s time for we Houston…
Opinion: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Looks Like a Story About Being Queer With Abusive Parents
I can’t get the latest trailer for Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 3 out of my head because, when you subtract the talking trees and space lasers, it looks like the story of a queer or trans person who has to confront the abusive parent who tried to destroy them…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Offering Cowboy Worthy Sips and Bites This Rodeo Season
The 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is taking over the city now through March 19, and many Houston bars and restaurants are getting in on the action with cowboy-worthy food and drink specials. From themed cocktails and smoked turkey legs the size of Texas to tasty BBQ burgers and free…
Houston Concert Watch 3/1: Muse, Buddy Guy, the Rodeo and More
Now that we have enjoyed Go-Texan Day, the BBQ cookoff and the trail ride, it’s time for the actual rodeo itself. I advise you to get there hungry, though, as several new items are on the menu this year. Among the delicacies: a hot Cheeto chicken sandwich on a stick,…
Oddsmakers See Texans Making a Big Trade Before Draft Day
Entering Week 18, all the Houston Texans had to do to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was go up to Indianapolis and lose a game to the Colts. Granted, the Colts were equally poor at football as the Texans were in 2022 — I…
Well, Looks Like the Toxic Water From Ohio is Back on Track to Harris County
Taking to Twitter once again, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced Tuesday that the East Palestine, Ohio contaminated water is once again on its way to a Harris County facility. The Environmental Protection Agency informed her that the water and soil involved in cleanup efforts after the February 3 train…
Kinetic Celebrates Women’s History Month with a World Premiere
It’s no secret that throughout history, many stories about women were written by men. But this Women’s History Month, Kinetic Ensemble will present a musical program showcasing works by a lineup of all-female composers, including “Home,” a music and dance piece developed by Kinetic’s current composer-in-residence Nicky Sohn, Kinetic violinist…
Five Tips on Writing a Villain
I teach an online creative writing course at Closing Credits, and recently I’ve started adding a module on how to construct a good villain. Modern audiences expect more out of a bad guy these days, which is why 30 percent of YouTube is “[Villain] was Right” takes. In their defense,…
Four Potential “I Told Ya So” Scenarios for the Astros in 2023
The Houston Astros are the closest thing we have in Major League Baseball to a living, breathing dynasty in the 21st century, and in current sports, only the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL and Golden State Warriors in the NBA (although appear to be on the downside of their…
The Zombies Resurrection Continues with New Album, Tour and Documentary
When we last spoke with Rod Argent way back in 2004 prior to a Houston tour stop, the keyboardist and his vocalist bandmate Colin Blunstone were only a few years past resurrecting the Zombies. The highly influential (but short-lived) 1960s British Invasion band hit U.S. charts and radio with “Time…
Locals Only Presents The Corner Store Legend Showcasing Houston Hip Hop
“If y’all not jamming let me know because I can always go back home to my kids,” laughed Rob Gullatte as he walked across the stage at Local Seat, a lounge tucked away on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Old Spanish Trail. Donning a white robe, the…
The Hideout Lineup: RodeoHouston’s Favorite Honky Tonk Returns
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can be an overwhelming affair. Just getting to the venue takes a toll on the average Houstonian in miles driven, steps taken and funnel cakes consumed. After it’s all over, you might want a drink. Fortunately, The Hideout (presented by Jim Beam) offers just…
A Longstanding Vet and Vet Tech Shortage Collides With Increased Pet Adoptions
After losing one of their own veterinarians to suicide, Robert Fisher, the hospital director at Garden Oak Veterinary Clinic had to turn to several relief veterinarians – veterinarians from outside clinics – to step in and provide coverage. “There’s a lot of rewards that come with this industry, but at…
The Quebe Sisters Keep Western Swing’s Wheels Rolling
When it comes to western swing, The Quebe Sisters aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. But, the Dallas-based trio knows that adding some fresh tread to the tires can’t hurt. The band’s ongoing evolution, more than 20 years into an acclaimed career, is helping to drive the traditional music form…
What Your Favorite Mainline Final Fantasy Game Says About You
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the debut of Final Fantasy as a series. I’ve been obsessed with it since I first read about it in Nintendo Power and have played every mainline title at least once. So today, let’s look at what your favorite game says about you…
This Week in Houston Food Events: BOGO Kolache and Shake Shack Goes Fine Dining
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, February 27 Tlayuda Pop-Up at Tatemó In celebration of its one year anniversary at 4740 Dacoma, Tatemó (a James Beard Award nominee for Best New Restaurant) will host a Tlayuda Pop-Up from 7 to 10 p.m. The counter-service event is…
Houston Texans Announce 2023 Coaching Staff
DeMeco Ryans was hired by the Houston Texans all the way back on January 31, and introduced at a press conference as such back on February 2. Assembling a coaching staff has been the front burner item for Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio since then, and it finally all…
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EPA Resumes Transportation of Solid and Water Waste to Ohio Sites from Ohio Train Derailment [UPDATED]
The Environmental Protection Agency has hit pause on all further transportation of the contaminated water used to fight the fire at the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred on February 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. “The EPA will ensure that all waste is disposed of in a safe and lawful…
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Broadway at the Hobby: Earworms and Bustiers Galore and, of Course, L’Amour!
When I saw Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway after Covid-19 restrictions had been lifted and theaters had tentatively re-opened, the only seat available for the 2021 Tony-winning Best Musical (still packing them in at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre) was in the front row. Below the “catwalk” that curved around…
Lyrical and Romantic Romeo and Juliet at Houston Ballet
Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene… This isn’t really necessary, is it? William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is by far one of the most well-known stories in the world, so it’s likely you already know all you need to know – feuding…
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Gallons of Contaminated Water from Ohio Train Derailment Already in Deer Park [UPDATED]
Around 500,000 gallons of water from firefighting efforts at a derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio arrived at Texas Molecular as early as last week – unbeknownst to Harris County officials who were told that the hazardous waste company would receive the water but did not know when. Despite…
Jeremy Jordan Brings Broadway’s Best To Houston Symphony
The Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway star Jeremy Jordan teams up with the Houston Symphony for a concert full of musical theatre’s best hits Friday through Sunday at Jones Hall.
Openings and Closings: Hello Eight Row Flint No.2, Goodbye 1751 Sea & Bar
Eight Row Flint, 3501 Harrisburg, opened February 20 in Houston’s Second Ward. It’s the second location of the popular bar and hangout from Agricole Hospitality. The modern ice house first opened in 2015 in the Heights at 1039 Yale. Agricole owners Ryan Pera, Vincent Huynh and Morgan Weber have worked…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Cocaine Bear
Title: Cocaine Bear Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: ANGRY MOB: We’re here! We’re queer! We don’t want any more bears! LENNY: Hey Homer, that’s a pretty catchy chant. Where’d you learn it? HOMER: Oh, I heard it at the mustache parade they have every year. Brief Plot Synopsis: …seriously? Rating…
NFL Draft Combine Begins Next Week — Four Things For Texans Fans To Watch For
Since announcing the hiring of DeMeco Ryans on January 31, and then unveiling him at an introductory press conferences two days later, the Houston Texans have largely been working behind the scenes, assembling their couching staff and preparing for the 2023 NFL Draft. The only evidence and results, thus far,…
Opinion: How the Hogwarts Legacy Boycott Did and Didn’t Fail
It’s safe to say that the backlash against the latest Wizarding World video game, Hogwarts Legacy, didn’t impact the sales enough to matter. The game continues to sell extremely well, a fact that every horrible person on Facebook feels the need to scream about in the comment sections of gaming…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Fish Fridays and Go Texan Day Eats
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Go Texan Day Friday Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, 5109 Kirby, is celebrating Go Texan Day with live music, outdoor cooking and drinks, boot shining, corn hole, and a vantage point of the Trail Ride. Attendance is free and all…
Rockets Week: Even in a Week Off, Not Much Good to Report
The Rockets, mercifully, had a week off for All-Star break meaning they weren’t able to lose any more games. But, the fun resumes Thursday night as they drag their worst record in the NBA (13-45) into the Bay Area to face the Warriors. It’s been a miserable season for this…
TSA Officials Are Finding Pets in Bags at Security Checkpoints
When viewing X-ray scans of travelers’ bags, Transportation Security Administration workers see the usual items – clothing, bags of toiletries, electronics, and toys for children traveling – but lately several have detected furry passengers in the mix. “It’s something we are starting to see, travelers get stressed out at security…
Best Bets: Shakespeare, Broadway, and Mandabi
February is drawing to a close (and March is approaching quickly), but you can still these last few days of the month to enjoy the Houston arts and culture scene. This week a ballet makes its return to Houston after almost exactly eight years, there are two film festivals, and…
NFL Fan’s Guide to Offseason Quarterback Drama
For years, the only thing the NFL didn’t really do as well as their other American major sports counterparts was the offseason, particularly the movement of high level players from team to team. In short, there never was any, especially at quarterback. If a team found a quarterback that was…
New/Now Gives Four Emerging Artists A Time To Shine
Performing Arts Houston will give four local artists a chance to shine in New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project this weekend at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater.
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Your Chance at Free Ramen for a Year
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Ramen Tatsu-Ya, 1722 California, just celebrated its sixth year anniversary, and to celebrate, the cult favorite has brought back its annual cat-naming contest. Now through March 5, fans can enter as many names as they please…
Hope the Neighbors Like Hope the Neighbors Like Jumprope
Iconic album titles sometimes have interesting back stories. Queen is said to gone with A Night at the Opera because the classic Marx Brothers film of the same name played during recording of the 1975 LP which spawned “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Radiohead’s OK Computer reportedly came from a super fan inexplicably…
Only 3 Days Left to Get Half Price Carnival Tickets For Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
This Saturday on February 25 will be the last day you can order half price tickets for carnival food, rides and games at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. $50 Half-Price Carnival Pack – 150 tickets for rides/game $10 Half-Price Carnival Pack – 22 tickets for rides/games $50 Carnival Food…
Jury Awards $28.5 Million to 5 ExxonMobil Workers Injured in the Baytown Plant Explosion
A jury has awarded five plant workers injured in the July 31, 2019 explosion at the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant a total of $28.5 million. During the explosion a fire broke out and toxic emissions were released. The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner represented the…
Astros Week: We’re Back! Early Notes as Spring Training Opens for the Champs
Well, that was quick. A little over three months ago, Houston was throwing a World Series victory parade on the streets of downtown and just like that Spring Training has opened and the champs are back. Pitchers and catchers reported last week along with a handful of position players. The…
Summer & Smoke Mixed Rep Continues the Season at Houston Ballet
A many-layered and lesser known Tennessee Williams play written in 1948 and set in Mississippi from the turn of the century through 1916 makes for a good ballet? That’s what Houston Ballet believes as it presents the world premiere of Summer and Smoke by choreographer Cathy Marston in a co-production…
The Five Houston Astros Most Impacted by MLB Rules Changes
By the time you read this post, the Houston Astros should have their full squad assembled at their West Palm Beach spring training complex, ready to go in an attempt to become the first team since the 1999 and 2000 New York Yankees to repeat as World Series champions. Most…
Houston Concert Watch 2/22: John Mellencamp, Carolyn Wonderland and More
To paraphrase the poet Robert Frost, “Some say the world will end in fire, some say in pigs.” That’s right, reports in Canada are alerting our neighbors to the north of forthcoming porcine peril. A type of “super pig” — a cross between a wild boar and a domestic pig…
Comic and Young Turks Host Aida Rodriguez: “Go Read a Book!”
“It’s smart to have a comedian on board when talking through issues that polarize us because through laughter, it disarms us as we process information.”
Fish Fridays: These Houston Eateries Are Offering Seafood, Vegetarian and Meat-Free Eats This Lenten Season
In preparation for Easter, the “Great 40 Days” of Lent — this year, running from Wednesday, February 22 through Thursday, April 6 — is a time of fasting for many, with a number of folks giving up meat on Fridays as a way to show their sacrifice. Whether you’re participating…
Where Will Yordan Alvarez Land in MLB Top 100 Players?
I’m not sure that I can think of a team in sports who has done a more remarkable job of extending a championship window, amidst a slew of free agency departures and the normal churn of trying to maintain greatness, than the Houston Astros of the last eight years or…
Mike Stinson And Johnny Irion Went Back In Time On Working My Way Down
It’s easy to imagine that some of the best songs are never heard by anyone other than those who created them. With their latest project, Working My Way Down due out on March 24, Mike Stinson and Johnny Irion took on the task of making sure that their departed friend…
Pop Goes the Rodeo Uncorked & Best Bites 2023 Competition
It’s time to pull out the Justins, Stetsons and turquoise jewelry. Rodeo Houston has begun its season of events, kicking off with Rodeo Uncorked Roundup & Best Bites Competition 2023 which took place at NRG Center February 19. Thousands of folks in Western finery filled the massive space, eager to…
ABBA Tribute Concert Mania Hits Our Gulf Coast Shores at Stafford Centre
“We just want it to be as realistic as possible so that people can feel like that we are re-enacting an actual live ABBA concert. Yeah, the real deal.”
Tilman Fertitta Makes Rockets Future Plans Clear in Mardi Gras Interview
The Houston Rockets have been a major disappointment for some time now. We understood that was going to be the case once they moved on from James Harden, and I think most fans even accepted it for a season or two. This was going to be a rebuild, involving lots…
Stages Theater Announces its 2023-24 Season
Stages theater has announced its 2023-24 season, one that Artistic Director Kenn McLauglin says offers “shows that use surprise as a key theatrical element.” Always … Patsy Cline returns as well as a new play in the Stages Panto tradition: Panto Alicia in Wonderland, which is also making its world premiere…
Eddie Van Halen Chased Tones; Music Journalist Chased Eddie
In the media biz, you sometimes get to interview famous folks. You (ideally) have a pleasant conversation, shake hands, and say, “See you around campus,” or something to that effect. But you don’t hang out with them later. They don’t call you to say, “Hey, what’s going on?” They don’t…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Fat Tuesday and Go Texan Day Fun
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, February 20 Lundi Gras Crawfish Boil at Lagniappe Kitchen & Bar Lagniappe Kitchen & Bar, 550 Heights, invites folks to a “Lundi Gras Crawfish Boil” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy crawfish by the pound (until sold…
My’Key Iso Brings 3 Feet From Gold to the House of Blues
The crowd at the Foundation Room at the House of Blues pressed forward toward the stage and began to shout as everyone took out their phones and began to record. Standing on stage was My’Key Iso who smiled as he looked at the woman dancing to his left. Cheers of…
Broadway at the Hobby Announces its 2023-24 Season
With a heavy emphasis on musicians and music, Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby today announced its 2023-24 season — featuring four Houston premieres and some returning favorites. The season begins with a story about Michael Jackson, followed by one about Tina Turner. Later on in the season there’s Hairspray…
JID & Smino Take Center Stage at Bayou Music Center
“I’m going to need some help with this one,” exclaimed an almost breathless JID as he walked away from the edge of the stage at Bayou Music Center and took a seat on the stairs in the middle of the stage. Behind him hung two LCD screens in the shape…
Dirty Water and Dirty Secrets Flow In Cullud Wattah
Nine hundred and thirty-six days. That’s how long Big Ma, her two children and two grandchildren have gone without clean water. Water that won’t harm them. Water they can use to wash dishes, bathe, cook with and drink. These appalling conditions aren’t in some third-world country or post-war refugee camp…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania
Title: Don’t make me type that out again. Describe This Movie In One Revenge of the Nerds Quote: ETA-BETA #1: What did the Pink Panther say when he stepped on an ant? ETA-BETA #2: What *did* the Pink Panther say when he stepped on an ant? ETA-BETA #1: Dead ant, dead…
Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical Headed For Broadway at the Hobby
Libby Lloyd had just finished up as an understudy and swing in the original Broadway cast of Diana. She went to an audition for an understudy and swing role in Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway, not really sure she wanted another fill-in-as-needed job. But then her agent called her…
Openings and Closings: Rakkan Ramen Rocks Tomball, PrimoHoagies Debuts in Houston
RAKKAN Ramen, 12645 Tomball Parkway, opens February 24. This is the second Greater Houston area location for the ramen brand which opened its first Houston restaurant at M-K-T Heights in May 2021. Though the restaurant offers both vegan and meat options, its broth is 100 percent plant-based, giving it a…
Governor Greg Abbott Announces Legislative Priorities in The State of State Speech
The State of the State speech Gov. Greg Abbott delivered Thursday night held few surprises as he announced his plan to focus on property tax cuts, “education freedom” (which most take to mean school vouchers), school safety, the fentanyl crisis, border security and terminating “revolving door” bail and all of…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Mardi Gras Brunch and Mardi “Cras” Crawfish Boil
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Mard Gras Brunch at B&B Butchers & Restaurant Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1814 Washington Guests can “laissez les bons temps rouler” at B&B’s Mardi Gras Brunch, featuring dueling pianos, a New Orleans-inspired brunch menu with dishes from…
ROCO Ditches The Conductor In Friends
ROCO’s In Concert series continues on February 18 with a celebration titled Friends at Rice University’s Lucian and Nancy Morrison Theatre at Rice University’s Brockman Hall for Opera. This concert showcases the orchestra, as the ensemble performs conductorless, with Artistic Partner and Concertmaster Scott St. John leading from the chair.
Houston Astros Dominate Early AL MVP and Cy Young Odds Board
Well, that offseason went by awfully quick, didn’t it? The Houston Astros’ pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training, and the rest of the roster will report early next week. The Houston Astros will try to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the New…
Harris County Officials to File Lawsuit Against Comptroller Glenn Hegar
To curb repeated attempts to block Harris County from adopting a new tax rate, county officials voted to file a lawsuit on Thursday against Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Hegar is claiming the county is defunding law enforcement by cutting funding by $2.4 million in its 2023-24 budget. He says without…
Women’s Breakaway Roping Expands to a Full Event at the 2023 RodeoHouston
The guitar that Jackie “JJ” Hampton won at last year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Super Series 1 sits displayed in her real estate office. “It is one of the coolest things I have ever won, I mean we get buckles and things like that all the time, but how…
What’s Holding Up the Ike Dike?
Even though we’ve been talking about the Ike Dike for more than a decade at this point, a recent report on the latest pitch from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for how to create the gate system designed to block storm surges certainly doesn’t indicate that this project is…
Best Bets: Bach, Mekong: SOUL, and My Year of Dicks
It’s “Do a Grouch a Favor” Day, so do your part and send this list of best bets to the grumpiest person you know and encourage them to get out and see something that just might put a smile on their crabby face. This week, we’ve got world premiere music…
NFL Head Coach Report Card: Houston Texans Win!
On Tuesday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals announced they would be hiring Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as their next head coach. Gannon himself announced it on the team’s social media outlets with the gusto and verve that only a nondescript defensive coordinator could: Yay Cardinals. And with that, the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Taking Greece by Land and Sea
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Standout fine dining restaurant March, 1624 Westheimer, has reopened for spring, exploring Greece and its culinary roots from land and sea alongside thoughtful selections of some of Greece’s most iconic wines and producers. Led by chef-partner…
Apollo Chamber Players Journeys To Southeast Asia
Apollo Chamber Players will present a multi-disciplinary performance Mekong: SOUL by Emmy Award-winning musician Van-Anh Vanessa Vo and composer Jonathan Berger to tell three powerful and multi-sensory stories about life on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. The performances are scheduled at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday at Asia Society Texas.
Al Stewart: Of Zodiac Cats, Succulent Grapes and the Genius of Chuck Berry
It’s an enviable position for any musician to find him or herself in: You have enough disposable income to need something to spend it on. But instead of drugs, flashy cars or shady offshore investment situations, in the early 1970s Scottish singer/songwriter Al Stewart decided he’d literally put his money…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Offering Mardi Gras Gluttony on Fat Tuesday 2023
Closing out Carnival season before Lent officially begins, there’s a day of utter gluttony and revelry known as “Fat Tuesday” (Mardi Gras). This year, it falls on Tuesday, February 21, and in celebration of this glorious holiday, these Houston bars and restaurants are ready to let the good times (and…
Bruce Springsteen As Memento Mori At The Toyota Center
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Toyota Center February 14, 2023 “Remember, thou art mortal.” That ancient Roman warning wouldn’t seem to apply to Bruce Springsteen, whose Herculean shows with the E Street Band belie his age. And even though the man has moved past the need to talk about his…
Houston Texans at Bottom of Super Bowl LVIII Odds Board
The theme of this offseason for the Houston Texans has been hope. The hiring of franchise icon DeMeco Ryans as the next head coach is a move that generates a ton of hope. The firing of Jack Easterby back in October, and subsequent restorable of seeming normalcy is a huge…
Houston Concert Watch 2/15: Lyle Lovett, Los Lonely Boys and More
It’s no secret that catalytic converters are being stolen at an all too brisk pace due to their high resale value. And the thefts don’t require any real expertise, just a battery-powered saw and a willingness to commit larceny. You probably know someone who has been victimized, or maybe you…
“Mattress Mack” Files Lawsuit Over Unreleased Records from November 2022 Election
Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale followed in the footsteps of several Harris County Republican candidates Tuesday, filing a lawsuit against the Harris County Elections Administrator’s Office over what he said was their failure to provide public records requested by McIngvale’s legal team concerning the 2022 November election. The furniture mogul was…
In Katy, Not Everyone Heard They Were Supposed to Shelter in Place After Chemical Leak
Despite the active shelter in place order issued on Sunday morning, Natalie Northcutt woke up to yard people working on her lawn. At the time, Northcutt, a resident of Katy’s West Memorial Neighborhood, was unaware of the order and found out a couple hours later before it was lifted at…
5 Games That Should NOT Get TV Shows
The success of HBO’s The Last of Us is likely to send producers scrambling to replicate the process with another hot ticket Triple A gaming franchise. While I’m always excited to see gaming get its due in other media, interactive entertainment doesn’t always translate well onto the screen. Here are…
The Beatles, James Bond and Britain Share Top Billing in New Book
There was a British gentleman in an online music group that I belong to who signed his posts, “Nothing is Beatleproof.” That is to say, whatever it is, you can always connect it to the Beatles, kind of like the Kevin Bacon parlor game. This is the (partial) premise of…
Astros Early Contract Extension Strategy: How’s It Working?
Late last week, the Houston Astros were able to execute a huge item on their offseason to do list, signing starting pitcher and World Series hero Cristian Javier to a five year, $64 million contract extension. In doing so, they avoided going to arbitration with one of their most valuable…
Houston Texans at NFL Honors Ceremony, Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
The Houston Texans are still at least a couple years away from being involved in discussions about deep runs into the postseason, and thus, perhaps even further away from being involved in game previews on Super Bowl weekend. For the last three Januarys, we’ve at least had a head caching…
Opinion: With So Many School Shootings, Taking a Kid’s Phone Away in Class is Wrong
If there’s one thing that seems to unite the olds across the political divide, it’s a fervent belief that Kids These Days™ spend too much time on their phones. It’s one of the reasons everyone agrees strict anti-phone policies in schools are a good thing, but in a seemingly endless…
Houston Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet Returns to the Wortham Stage After 8 Years
When Stanton Welch once again presents his choreography for Romeo and Juliet starting on February 23, it will be eight years, almost to the day since that this production opened on the Wortham Theater stage. In the interim, the company has taken the ballet around the world to Australia where…
Astros Week: Brown Coming in Hot, Javier Signs Extension
Hard to believe, but Spring Training has arrived. In just a few days, Astros players will hit the field in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pitchers and catchers report February 16 and position players on February 21. If it seems like it was a short offseason, that’s because it definitely was…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Valentine’s Day is Here and It’s Tasty As Ever
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, February 14 Valentine’s Day Dining Whether you’re looking for an easy-going date night or an uber romantic, bubbly-fueled meal for two, Houston restaurants have got you covered this Valentine’s Day. Check out our 2023 Houston Valentine’s Day Dining Guide to…
Natasha Lyonne Stars in Poker Face
Poker Face is a case-of-the-week style murder mystery that follows Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), a casino worker with the ability to tell when someone is lying. When things go very wrong, Charlie hits the road where she stumbles upon different mysteries wherever she goes in a “howcatchem” format, popularized by…
Permanent Collection: Art, Culture and Egos on a Collision Course
In 2002, the Barnes Foundation, a Pennsylvania-based organization, became the talk of the art world when its new direction clashed starkly with the wishes of its deceased founder, Albert Barnes. Barnes left clear instructions as to how his art was to be presented — instructions that could not weather the…
Eddie Goes to Poetry City: The Old Avant-garde
Richard Foreman writes weird plays. Catastrophic Theatre thrives on weird plays. Eddie Goes to Poetry City is a perfect match. The match may be perfect; the play not so much. Lauded, feted, hailed as a titan of theater’s avant-garde, Foreman has been deconstructing the art of the play since the…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Outwaters
Title: The Outwaters Describe This Movie In One Alice in Chains Lyric: AiC: Down in a hole, losin’ my soul Brief Plot Synopsis: Hipster doofuses are no match for cosmic mind f*ckery. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 King Missiles out of 5. Tagline: “We all die in the dark.”…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Huesera: The Bone Woman
Title: Huesera: The Bone Woman Describe This Movie In One The Crow Quote: ERIC DRAVEN: Mother is the name for God on the lips and hearts of all children. Brief Plot Synopsis: What to dissect when you’re expecting. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4.5 Jacob Singers out of 5 Tagline: “Motherhood is…
Trash Collects at Illegal Dumping Sites Across Houston
One of senior sheriff’s deputy Tommy Berry’s more disturbing illegal dumping reports involved a deceased horse. “This has happened at least three times while responding to these reports,” Berry said. Berry, who works for Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s Precinct 2, regularly monitors the phones and computer systems to pick up when…
Super Bowl LVII: Eagles-Chiefs — Four Things To Watch For
When Super Bowl time comes around, unless your hometown team is playing in the game, then there are really two things the average fan is hoping to see — two dominant teams, and two evenly matched teams. That is exactly what we are getting this Sunday in Super Bowl LVII…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Treat Your Sweet This Valentine’s Weekend
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Valentine’s Weekend Dining All weekend long With Valentine’s Day coming up next week (Tuesday), several Houston restaurants are starting the love affair with Valentine’s dinner specials this weekend. Check out our Houston Valentine’s Day 2023 Dining Guide to find…
Openings and Closings: Jun Debuts in the Heights, Bosscat Opens in The Woodlands
JUN, 420 E. 20th, opened February 7. The new restaurant comes from two talented chefs, Houstonian Evelyn Garcia and native New Yorker Henry Lu. The duo each bring unique experiences to the concept, the first brick and mortar restaurant for both young chefs. For now, the restaurant is open for…
Amy Ray Explores Her Roots In It All Goes South
Though roots can provide a securing anchor for a tree, they can also grow to become tangled messes becoming problematic not only for the tree itself, but structures around it. This concept runs deep in Indigo Girl Amy Ray’s tenth solo album If It All Goes South. Amy Ray and…
Rockets Deal Gordon, Mathews, Fernando in Separate Trade Deadline Deals: Four Thoughts
Eric Gordon is finally no longer a Rocket. The veteran guard has been on the trade block for what seemed like three seasons now as the team goes through a massive multi-year rebuild. Just before the trade deadline on Thursday, the Rockets dealt Gordon to the LA Clippers for former…
Love Is In The Air At Almost Maine
We’re never more vulnerable than when we love, for to love someone means exposing ourselves fully. To allow ourselves to be seen. And if we’re lucky, our offering is met with reciprocal feelings through which trust, respect and tender-heartedness flourish. It’s a lot to ask of us imperfect beings. But…
Residents Affected by Water Main Break Call for Better Communication from Houston Public Works
After receiving next to no information from Houston Public Works about a water main break that occurred right outside of Ron Delaney’s neighborhood at the intersection of Tidwell and Antoine, Delaney decided to take matters into his own hands. The break, which was identified by inspectors on Monday evening, caused…
Best Bets: Bernstein, Love You to Death, and the Greatest Film of All Time
The upcoming week will see you deciding how to spend your Super Bowl Sunday as well as your Valentine’s Day, but that still leaves plenty of time to explore some of our choices for the best of the best Houston has to offer over the next seven days. Keep reading…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Eat for a Good Cause During Eat Drink HTX
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Houston Restaurant Weeks is bringing back its more casual sister event, Eat Drink HTX, running Wednesday, February 15 through Tuesday, February 28. Raising funds for nonprofits the Houston Food Bank and Children at Risk, the two-week…
After Retirement From NFL, What’s Next for J.J. Watt?
While he may not make Houston his actual home anymore, most Houstonians still care deeply about J.J. Watt. He will always be one of our own, even if he is making his home these days in the city of the team he played just two seasons for in Arizona. Watt…
JD Souther Brings His Many Hits (and Memories) to Tomball
In 1979, JD Souther released the lush, plaintive ballad “You’re Only Lonely,” which hit #7 on the Billboard Top 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts. But it wasn’t on these shores that he first realized he had a giant hit on his hands. “It had already peaked in…
Houston Ballet Announces its 2023-24 Season and Celebrates 20 Years With Stanton Welch
As the Houston Ballet announces its 2023-24 season with six world premieres and three Houston Ballet premieres in both story ballets and mixed rep, it also recognizes Artistic Director Stanton Welch who is celebrating his 20th year in that position. There will be a special 20th anniversary celebration of Welch for…
Nothing Up Their Sleeves at Champions of Magic
There’s not an “Abracadabra” to be heard inside Hobby Center’s Zilkha Hall during the dazzling display of magic on hand – many hands, many deft hands – from the Champions of Magic, wowing everyone until February 17 on its American tour. Neither is there an “Open Sesame” from The Thief…
Texas Refineries Dump Millions of Gallons of Wastewater, Legally
As surreal as it may seem, from 2019 to 2021 six Houston-area refineries were pumping 55 million gallons of chemical-laden wastewater directly into the Houston Ship Channel and other public waterways, and most of them weren’t breaking any rules, according to a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project. The…
Houston Concert Watch 2/8: Springsteen, Anthrax and More
OK, let me get this straight. Cracker Barrel, the restaurant chain that is to southern cuisine what the Olive Garden is to Italian fare, has come up with a promotion for Valentine’s Day in which couples who propose at a Cracker Barrel location have a shot at winning free food…
If Andre Johnson Doesn’t Make the Hall of Fame in 2023, How Long Does He Wait?
The Super Bowl is coming up this weekend, and that is, without a doubt, the main event in football this time of year. However, another fun element to the early February calendar each year is the unveiling of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s list of…
cullud wattah: Surviving When Life-giving Water is Toxic
According to the experts, a human can go without food for as much as three weeks, but will usually die after only three or at most six days without water. But what if those essential lifegiving properties are delivered along with a toxic level of lead, courtesy of inadequate water…
Frozen or On the Rocks: National Margarita Day 2023
Every year there seems to be a new National Day for some food or beverage. National Pizza Day is February 9. National Clam Chowder Day is February 15. National Red Wine Day is August 28. And the list goes on all year. Many of us have become jaded by the…
Houston Airports Provide Layover Entertainment Through their Artist-In-Residence Program
In the Terminal A Connector Gallery at George Bush Intercontinental Airport amid the throngs of passengers rushing to their gates is an elevated platform where artist Thedra Cullar-Ledford has set-up shop for the next three months. Sitting among her collection of mis-matched dolls that are regularly featured in her paintings,…
Four Misconceptions DeMeco Ryans Should Put to Bed
Nothing off the field has galvanized a Houston fan base in recent years more than the hiring of DeMeco Ryans as head coach of the Houston Texans. A week after the team announced that Ryans was coming home to be the team’s head coach, the city is still buzzing. Because…
The Time I Was So Tired I Accidentally Got a Job at Penzey’s
In October 2020, I was contracted by two different news outlets to cover the first day of early voting in Houston. Both companies wanted me there the second the polls opened so I could stand in front of people in line and ask them how excited they were. My enthusiasm…
Permanent Collection at Main Street Asks Should A Founder’s Wishes Be Followed Forever?
Should the vision of the founder of an art collector be honored for all time, even years after his or her death? And what about the expanding world vision that brings into question race and the representation of artists whose work previously wasn’t highlighted? Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons, about…
Living at the Epicenter of A Fight For Clean — Or Any — Water in Magnolia
Mill Creek resident and local realtor Audrey Amirian moved her family to Magnolia, an up-and-coming area, figuring property values there could only increase. She also saw an opportunity to raise her daughter in a community with a small-town charm — an atmosphere that was reminiscent of her own upbringing. What…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Eat King Cake for a Cause
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, February 8 True Anomaly and Indianola Beer Dinner Indianola and True Anomaly Brewing Company are joining forces for a One Small Step progressive dinner, starting at the Brewery, 2012 Dallas, at 5:30 p.m. and finishing at Indianola, 1201 Saint Emanuel…
Dreams of Escape at Eddie Goes to Poetry City on Stage at Catastrophic Theatre
There’s something about avant-garde playwright Richard Foreman’s work that actor/director/designer Greg Dean finds deeply moving and funny. So he thought it was time for Catastrophic Theatre (previously Infernal Bridegroom) to once again present Eddie Goes to Poetry City and let him run with it (” I’m the only one who keeps…
The Houston Texans Hiring of DeMeco Ryans — Four Winners, Four Losers
DeMeco Ryans is the new head coach of the Houston Texans. If you want to just keep repeating that for the next couple months, either because you can’t believe it or because it just feels good, I get it. You do you! If it feels good, do it! Just know…
A Number at Rec Room Arts: What if You Discovered You Were a Clone?
Remember in the 2004 presidential election debates when John Kerry and George W. Bush argued passionately about the ethics of human cloning. The dilemma of human cloning was on the mind of the average person so much that even the United Nations gathered to discuss whether there should be an…
The Legendz of the Streetz Tour Hits The Toyota Center
“We’ve been doing this for over 20 years! That’s over 20 years of us doing this trap music! Twenty years of us doing this rap music!” yelled an energetic T.I. as he walked to the edge of the stage to get closer to the crowd. Dressed simply in all black,…
Red Speedo Swimmingly Brings Immersive Theater Back To Houston
“OK, Ms. Goldman, I’m going to need you to sign this waiver before you go into the show”. So said the lovely young woman who greeted me as I arrived to see Red Speedo, presented by On The Verge Theatre. Not an entirely unusual request for a critic. Once in…
Last Night: Incubus at 713 Music Hall
Incubus 713 Music Hall February 3, 2023 Incubus was founded in Calabasas, California, more than 30 years ago. Back then, Brandon Boyd was only 15 years old, and his band was performing a fusion of funk and metal. By the turn of the century, Incubus would become a darling child…
Openings and Closings: Hello Crack Shack, Goodbye Hubcap Grill Heights
The Crack Shack, 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, opens February 10 at Katy’s La Centerra Shopping Center. This is the Texas debut for the fried chicken concept and its grand opening will do the Lone Star State justice with big prizes and big festivities. There will be live music and raffles…
The Last of Us Shows Why Easy Modes Are Important
If you’ve been on the internet over the last week, it’s impossible to miss the buzz around HBO’s The Last of Us. The adaptation of the hit survival horror game is wowing fans and critics, particularly with the episode “Long, Long Time.” It’s also a perfect example of why games…
Opinion: The Significance of Houston’s Squad of Black Coaches (and One GM)
In the end, wins and losses are the only things that matter when it comes to coaching and managing a sports franchise. It is the singular gauge of success and failure. Sports is, after all, the ultimate meritocracy with an unforgiving finality that is judged by simply looking at a…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Knock At The Cabin
Title: Knock at the Cabin Describe This Movie In One Thor: Ragnarok Quote: THOR: He’s a friend from work! Brief Plot Synopsis: Cabins in the woods continue to be a bad idea. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Kwai Chang Caines out of 5 Tagline: “Make the choice.” Better Tagline: “Eenie, Meenie,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Ice Cream for Breakfast and a Yellowstone Burger Battle
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Yellowstone Burger Battle at Rodeo Goat All weekend long (and through February 13) 2105 Dallas Burger enthusiasts and Yellowstone fans can giddy on up to Rodeo Goat as it debuts its latest burger battle — putting the Beth Dutton…
Houston Chamber Choir Puts Spotlight On The Endangered
Houston Chamber Choir will present Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church on February 4.
The Five Most Popular Non-DeMeco Moves In Houston Texans History
The Houston Texans have had very few good days over the last few years. It’s been rough. For the first time in years, though, Texan fans could go to sleep feeling great about the future, when their heads hit their pillows on Tuesday night. DeMeco Ryans is the head coach…
Reconsider Him? Warren Zevon Finally Nominated To Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, like most … fame halls, is — depending on your perspective — either a treasured reliquary of greatness or an utter farce. Major League Baseball’s HOF, arguably the most exclusive, is itself still the source of contentious debate, caused by everything from the…
Best Bets: Every Brilliant Thing, ReelAbilities, and a Stevie Wonder Ballet
It’s Groundhog Day and whether we’re in for six more weeks of winter or not, don’t let it stop you from venturing out into the city to partake in its many arts offerings. This week, we’ve got the future of opera on display, a weekend of films relating the experiences…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Beer-Fueled Progressive Dinner and Truffle Masters Pre-Game
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: DR Delicacy is slated to host its highly anticipated Truffle Masters event once again this year (March 6); but first, the luxury foods purveyor is partnering with Central Market, 3815 Westheimer, to host a truffle tasting…
Blast Off With Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country
Since forming in 2018 Garrett T. Capps & NASA Country have been steadily growing their fanbase by continuing to create sounds that push them further into outer space. “There is no lineup stuff that changes,” says Capps. “Everyone’s personality is really strong and there’s no replacing anyone in that band.”…
Slinky, Shiny Chicago Comes to TUTS
With Chicago in town on its 25th anniversary tour, courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars, you can expect to be teased. As you walk to your seat in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll see a single chair sitting on stage, illuminated by a single spotlight, with a…
University of Houston to Host TCU in First Big XII Game on September 16
For the last decade and change, the University of Houston has lived its conference life in the American Athletic Conference, a virtual hodge podge of orphaned former big conference schools and intriguing mid major types scattered across various collegiate outposts on either side of the Mississippi River, above and below…
Come One, Come All To The 16th Annual Houston Film Critics Society Awards
The 16th Annual Houston Film Critics Society Awards are just around the corner, and you can help them celebrate being old enough to drive by joining the HFCS at MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theatre Center-Houston), located at 3400 Main, on Saturday, February 18. If you recall, the event features nominations…
Houston Concert Watch 2/1: Margo Price, Incubus and More
It has been said (by Oscar Wilde, according to many sources) that a cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. In terms of putting a price on things, a recent survey conducted by Assurance IQ asked Americans how much money they would pay to avoid a…
DeMeco Ryans is the New Houston Texans Head Coach
Over the last three years, Houston Texan fans have had to endure an era in which Bill O’Brien and Jack Easterby decimated the roster as a two headed GM, trading away DeAndre Hopkins for a song as their WWE finisher. They’ve had to endure their quarterback quitting on the city…
GloRilla Performs for a Sold-Out Warehouse Live Crowd
The packed house at Warehouse live began to rumble as the stage lights rose to illuminate GloRilla center stage. Backed by two large screens which flashed her name across them, the rapper laughed as she walked and motioned toward the crowd. Her distinctive voice and stage presence filled the room…
Four Way Too Early Super Bowl LVII Storylines
After 17 games worth of regular season football, and three weeks worth of a fairly moribund postseason (at least compared to last year’s slew of thrillers), we now have our matchup for Super Bowl LVII (NOTE to NFL: Enough with the roman numerals, please!), and it should be a good…
BARC To Host Free Microchipping Events As Houston’s New Requirement Takes Effect
BARC, Houston’s animal shelter and adoption center, will host three free microchipping events for Houston residents as the city will begin enforcing its new mandatory microchipping requirement this Wednesday, February 1. This requirement was approved by the City Council in January of last year, however there was a year-long grace…
Opinion: This One Weird Trick That Lets You Buy a House
As a millennial (well, xennial) I thought I would never be able to buy a house. This past week, we finally had an offer accepted on a dream home, and it was all thanks to one neat trick that you’ll never pick up from the rich commentators on the subject…
Exclusive: Christian Kidd Shares Music from The Hates’ New Album
Christian Kidd has the quintessential Houston story. That makes Kidd — the heart of The Hates — the quintessential Houston musician. When he began his career in 1978, choosing the relatively upstart punk genre to express his notions on the world and the city he’s now so identified with, he…
Where to Dine Out in Houston This Valentine’s Day 2023
From sumptuous weekend long affairs to bubbly and chocolate fueled menus on the day of, these Houston restaurants are bringing the romance this Valentine’s Day. Backstreet Cafe, 1103 South Shepherd Featuring al fresco patios and a romantic vibe, Backstreet will offer its Valentine’s menu addition to its regular menu on…
Houston is in “Stupid Love” with Top-Tier K-Pop Group ONEUS
If you thought a miserable forecast would keep the fans away from ONEUS when they visited 713 Music Hall on Sunday night, you’d be sorely mistaken. A little rain proved to be no match for the kind of love Houston has for the group. But first, the basics, which go…
Margo Price Is Spreading Her Wings Into Houston
It seems Margo Price always knew where she wanted to go in life, but figuring out how to get there was a whole other deal. “That’s the hard thing is making the map,” says Price over the phone as she gets ready to embark on her five-week tour. Price’s Till…
The Last of Us on HBO is That Rarity: A Successful Adaptation of a Video Game
The Last of Us is HBO’s new series based on the popular video games made by Naughty Dog. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States after a fungal infection envelops the world resulting in people becoming zombie-like spore creatures whose only mission is to spread the fungus to other living…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Brisket Tsukemen Returns to Ramen Tatsu-Ya for One Day Only
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Galveston Restaurant Week Galveston Restaurant Week will close out its run on Sunday, February 5. Participating restaurants are offering prix fixe menus for lunch, dinner and brunch, helping to raise funds for local charities including Galveston ISD Educational…
Opinion: Why Our Friends Choose Celebrities Over Us
Over the last six years, I’ve lost a fair number of friends because the hill they died on was attacking me while they defended a rich and famous person, who doesn’t know they exist. Last week, it was two people I had known for years who rode in to defend…
DeMeco Ryans On the Cusp of Being Hired as Next Texans Head Coach
It’s been a while since the Houston Texans have had the opportunity to celebrate a significant victory, on the field or anywhere surrounding the organization. However, if the reports from Friday afternoon are accurate, it looks like the Texans could be on the verge of making what may end up…
Magnificent Singers Polish the Musical Gem Werther at Houston Grand Opera
There is great merit in an opera that exists for sheer pleasure. An opera whose music washes over you, bathes you in sweet melody while it amplifies the emotional quotient. An opera without much of a plot that manages with supple ease to carry you away; yes, to make you…
Roe at Stages Tells the Story of Sarah and Norma and the Fragility of Historical Accounts
“It’s your choice” Sarah Weddington (Kelley Peters) says this to Norma McCorvey (Teresa Zimmermann) at a pizza place in Dallas. Weddington needs McCorvey’s consent to represent her and bring her case before a state court — a case that could possibly go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Over beer and…
Paradise Blue Rivets at The Ensemble Theatre
Back in the 1930s and 1940s, a prosperous, predominantly Black community thrived just east of downtown Detroit. By the 1960s, that neighborhood, known as Black Bottom, and its commercial district known as Paradise Valley, had been razed to the ground in the name of urban renewal. In Dominique Morisseau’s Paradise…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Infinity Pool
Title: Infinity Pool Describe This Movie In One Office Space Quote: MILTON: Sir? I’ll take my traveler’s checks to a competing resort. I could write a letter to your board of tourism and I could have this place condemned. I could put… I could put… strychnine in the guacamole. Brief Plot Synopsis: Fear…
Openings and Closings: Graffiti Raw Debuts, Local Table’s Flagship Reopens
Graffiti Raw, 1001 California, opened this week at Montrose Collective. It’s the fourth concept from The Big Vibe Group, a hospitality brand owned and operated by veteran restaurateur Grant Cooper, wife Jacy Cooper and their business partner Joseph Prats. The group also operates Coppa Osteria, Gratify and FLORA, sister concepts…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
You People
Title: You People Describe This Movie Using One Lethal Weapon 2 Quote: CONSULATE ENVOY: I don’t think you want to go to South Africa. ROGER MURTAUGH: Why not? CONSULATE ENVOY: Because you’re black! LEO GETZ: You are. He is. Brief Plot Synopsis: Guess who’s coming to seder? Rating Using Random Objects Relevant…
James Beard Award Semifinalists: Houston’s Nominees
The James Beard Awards 2023 semifinalists were announced this week and the list includes ten Houston chefs and restaurateurs. With such a diverse restaurant scene across our country, we don’t envy the James Beard folks the task of choosing from the stunning pool of culinary talent our own city has…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Get a Chopped Cheese, the “Ocky Way”
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Lunar New Year Festival at Asia Society Texas Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1370 Southmore Asia Society Texas will ring in the year of the Rabbit with its free, all-ages Lunar New Year Festival this Saturday. Guests can…
Possessed by Paul James is Moved by the Spirits of Music and Family
Konrad Wert is a family man, so much so that there’s a nod to his father and grandfather in the name of his act, Possessed by Paul James. Onstage, the Kerrville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is a one-man wonder. But his family helped shape his style of folk and bluegrass music…
Jonathan Gannon Remains Betting Favorite to Land Houston Texans Head Coach Job
The NFL coaching carousel continues to spin late in the week, but the end results of this round of job filling is starting to come into focus. The message from Texan fans to the team is very clear — we want DeMeco Ryans as the next Texans head coach. However,…
Hear The Future Brings Youth Choirs To The Forefront
This weekend will be filled with the voices of Houston’s youth choirs during Houston Chamber Choir’s 23rd annual Hear the Future invitational choral festival Sunday at South Main Baptist Church.
Astros Hire Dana Brown as Team’s Next General Manager
Astros owner Jim Crane promised a thorough vetting process when hiring the team’s next general manager. He lamented that the hiring of former GM James Click happened too quickly after the sign-stealing scandal and subsequent firing of Jeff Lunhow. Crane did as promised by waiting through much of free agency…
Cambodian Rock Band Let Us Boogie Through the Barbarous
It’s not often you see a play about genocide and find yourself seat-dancing to a kick-ass groovy rock band. In fact, it’s probably never. But then, Cambodian Rock Band, Lauren Yee’s play depicting one man’s daunting survival from the notorious Khmer Rouge rule in isn’t your average tale of horror…
Best Bets: Lunar New Year, Macbeth Muet, and Hot Buttered Rumba
We officially started a new year again – this time based on the lunar calendar – so we encourage you to kick it off right with some of the best in the Houston arts scene this week, including a clever (and silent) retelling of the Scottish play, contemporary Latin American…
Chicago Celebrates 25 Years and Theatre Under the Stars Hosts the National Tour Stop
The story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly — two gals in the 1920s who only wanted fame, fortune and a way to commit murder without getting prison sentences for it — comes to the Hobby Center next week, courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars. An added draw is that…
Houston METRO to Decide on Partnership with Houston Bike Share
Next week, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s board will vote on a partnership with Houston Bike Share that they say will increase the city’s connectivity, and help with the company’s bike share program, BCycle. BCycle started in 2012 with three stations, and now has 155 stations across the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Ice Cream for Breakfast and A Night in Piedmont
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Creative collaboration and pop-up market #HaveANiceDayHTX will be celebrating the Lunar New Year at a special pop-up at The Ion, 4201 Main, on Sunday January 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. The market celebrates BIPOC makers,…
Cirque Du Soleil’s Kooza Offers Edge-Of-The-Seat Thrills
Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza has returned to showcase new and improved death-defying acts and comedic entertainment for which the group is so well known. It is running now through March 5 at Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy W.
Twitter Approval Ratings For All Seven Texan Head Coach Candidates
Things are happening in the Houston Texans’ search for their next head coach. Interest is swirling around several of the candidates that they’ve interviewed, and with two of the candidates, they’ve been able to conduct second interviews this week. Those two are Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Broncos defensive…
Billy Wagner Misses Hall for the Eighth Time
On Tuesday, Major League Baseball made its Hall of Fame announcements. One of the handful of former players on the short list for induction included Astros closer Billy Wagner, who was on the ballot for the eighth time. Players need to reach the 75 percent or better mark in Hall…
Werther: a Story of Unrequited Love at Houston Grand Opera
He loves her; she’s already betrothed to someone else and holding to her promise to her mother to marry that man. Over four acts our title character’s depression deepens while his frustration grows. She “might” love him but nothing can be done about it. It’s tragic opera about unrequited love…
Will The New Dungeons & Dragons Movie Be A Critical Hit, Or A Fumble?
Paramount Pictures dropped the latest trailer for the upcoming Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, and … it’s definitely a trailer. How successful it’ll be up against other CGI blockbusters and certain external factors (which we’ll get into) remains to be seen. Disclaimer: I have not played in a regular…
The FDA Considers New Plan of Administering COVID-19 Vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration is considering a shift to a new way of administering the COVID-19 vaccine that is akin to receiving the flu shot. The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee will meet Thursday to discuss this proposed change, as well as other updates concerning the status of current and…
Rockets Week: Jalen Green Heats Up, the Losing Streak is Dead
Ding, dong, the losing streak is dead. The Rockets managed to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night killing their 13-game losing streak. Make no mistake, this team is not good. They have the worst record in the entire league. But, at least for the last couple weeks, some of…
Should You Subscribe to Your Friend’s OnlyFans?
It’s becoming more socially acceptable for people to offer adult services through webcam hubs, particularly OnlyFans. Since 2015, OnlyFans has grown to 1.5 million content creators. While most creators have fewer than 30 subscribers, some people make a decent living at it. As any content creator in any medium will…
Bill O’Brien Back in the NFL as New Patriots Offensive Coordinator
When we last saw Bill O’Brien employed in some capacity in the National Football League, he was busy murdering the Houston Texans’ roster with a slew of awful trades and bloated contracts handed out to subpar free agents, while subsequently starting the 2020 season with an 0-4 record. O’Brien was…
Houston Concert Watch 1/25: Del Castillo, Al Di Meola and More
Joining such advertising icons as Joe Camel and the Frito Bandito, the anthropomorphic waking, talking M&M mascots are now officially out to pasture. Reports indicate that the chocolate-filled spokescandies are victims of the “culture wars.” But don’t get outraged just yet. Some believe that this is a faux controversy, leading…
Brad Taylor Coming to Murder By The Book With The Devil’s Ransom
When his publisher asked him if he was going to write about Afghanistan in his next novel, best-selling thriller author Brad Taylor said he responded “No way in hell.” But that’s exactly where he went — among other places — in The Devil’s Ransom: A Pike Logan Novel (417 pp,…
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Provides Free Admission to Attendees on Community Day
For the first time ever, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be providing free admission on Community Day, where country western fanatics will be able to enjoy all that the NRG center has to offer. This event announced Monday, will take place on Wednesday, March 8 and will allow…
The Pros and Cons of the Houston Texans Hiring Sean Payton
The Houston Texans have completed first interviews with eight candidates for their head coaching job. Right now, the number that remain in the mix, at least publicly (since we have no idea if any have been eliminated behind the scenes), is seven, with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson having taken…
Hector Ward And The Big Time Smile Into Life
For frontman Hector Ward, Smile Into Life isn’t just the title of his 2019 album; it’s a way of life. “I like to give out good vibes because life is short and it’s better to smile into life like the record says. It’s the choice of life, to either be…
Houston Restaurants and Bars Rocking Watch Parties and Catering Options for Super Bowl LVII
Super Bowl LVII is going down on Sunday, February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona; and while we don’t quite know which teams will be facing off just yet, we do know that a bunch of us will be watching…and eating and drinking all of Super Bowl Sunday’s many…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Cambodian Supper Club and Crawfish Season Ignites
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Specials at Three Brothers Bakery On Monday, January 23, all Three Brothers Bakery locations will offer pie slices for $3.99 each (normally $5.99) in honor of National Pie Day. Flavors include four varieties of pecan pie (traditional, fudge…
Drink as Friends with the Drunk Shakespeare Society
If there’s one thing missing from the Houston arts and culture scene, it’s an interactive Shakespeare comedy hybrid. At least, that’s what director Lisa Klages and the Drunk Shakespeare Society are counting on as they prepare to open Drunk Shakespeare right here in the Bayou City. “We felt like something like…
DeMeco Ryans Becomes Oddsmakers’ Favorite for Next Texans Head Coach
Business most definitely picked up this week in the Houston Texans’ search for their next head football coach. Monday through Wednesday were dotted with Sean Payton news items, from his seeming approval of the quality of the Texans’ opening to rumors that the team’s Zoom interview with him may have…
After Illness and Loss, Blues Guitarist Ana Popović Emerges with Power
You know that line about life giving you lemons? Well, Ana Popović has received truckloads of lemons over the past few years. The Serbian-born blues guitarist was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2000, three years after her mother died from the same disease. After a brief period…
The Sound Inside Speaks Volumes at 4th Wall Theatre Company
It’s not every day that a play goes out of its way to name check various great works of literature, from Fyodor Dostoyevsky and J.D. Salinger to James Salter and David Foster Wallace. But that’s exactly what you get, for good reason, in Adam Rapp’s The Sound Inside, now playing…
Cambodian Rock Band is a Mystery/Thriller Set to Dengue Fever Music at the Alley
A man who survived the murderous Khmer Rouge returns to Cambodia after 30 years away, surprising his American-born daughter, who has already traveled there to prosecute a case against one of its most noted war criminals. In Cambodian Rock Band, a mystery/thriller is propelled along by Cambodian music featuring songs…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Pale Blue Eye
Title: The Pale Blue Eye Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: NARRATOR: Quoth the Raven … eat my shorts. Brief Plot Synopsis: One’s a world-weary alcoholic, the other’s a twitchy West Point cadet with literary aspirations. Together, they fight crime. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Cameron Poes…
Nurse Practitioner Sues CVS after Refusing to Provide Reproductive Healthcare
After working six and a half years with CVS MinuteClinic in Keller, Texas, nurse practitioner Robyn Strader is suing the retail pharmaceutical company, after she was fired for refusing to prescribe hormonal contraceptives. According to the complaint filed last week, Berry and Pratt are citing violations of Title VII, Texas’s…
Openings and Closings: Kriti Kitchen Open, Spanish Village Closes Soon
Kriti Kitchen, 4010 Bissonnet, opened January 17 in West University. The new Greek eatery comes from chef/owner Mary Cuclis and Steve Gilliland. Cuclis, who runs her own catering business, also has experience working in far flung places such as Michelin-starred Bo Innovation in Hong Kong as well as local restaurants…
How Likely Are You To Attend These Houston Athlete Hall of Fame Inductions?
Sports, in general, have been hit or miss in Houston over the last few years. On the one hand, we have the best team in baseball and a college basketball team that appears destined for a Final Four. On the other hand, our NBA team has drafted a handful of…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Grilled Cheese and Hops and Hot Sauce
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: National Cheese Lover’s Day Celebration at Twisted Grilled Cheese Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 5555 Washington, 24811 Katy Freeway The cheese gurus at Twisted Grill Cheese will be celebrating National Cheese Lover’s Day by offering half-off the melty,…
Houston Chamber Choir Names New Executive Director
Brian Miller recently joined Houston Chamber Choir as executive director, and he oversees day-to-day operations including administration, marketing communications, development and finance.
Rockets Week: John Wall’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure, Sengun Blowing Up
Going into Wednesday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Rockets had lost 11 straight and were 5-20 in their last 25. They added another game to the loss column with a 122-117 defeat. Let’s just say it’s been a rough start to 2023…and end to 2022…for the very young…
Best Bets: Descendant, Films from Iran, and Blues in My Coffee
It’s a new year, so why not check out some new things? This week’s list of best bets is offering a lot of newness – first looks at new music and dance works, the Houston premiere of an acclaimed theater show, and even a screening of a film that was…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Enjoy Gastronomy, Art and Spectacle at MAD
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe, is now offering Oui Flights, an extensive menu of flights with boozy sips from around the world – from Japanese whiskey to Texas bourbon, Canadian rye to Irish whiskey. Each comes…
Could the Houston Texans Trade the Number Two Overall Pick?
Last spring, with the Houston Texans holding the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, I asked Texans general manager Nick Caserio, in my very first question of an interview, if he was “open for business” at the third overall pick, meaning would he be actively (and happily) entertaining…
Roe at Stages: When Norma McCorvey and Sarah Weddington Changed America, at Least For a While
Norma McCorvey had given birth to two daughters and when she found herself pregnant again, she decided to try for an abortion. But it was Texas in 1969 and there was little leeway to do so other than if the fetus threatened the mother’s health. Dallas attorneys Sarah Weddington and…
Sacred and Profane: Jesus Christ Superstar at Broadway at the Hobby
The inevitable question one asks after seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1971) is: how in hell will the singers survive the grueling national tour? Celebrating the musical’s 50th anniversary – now 52nd , this iconic show continues throughout America until June 25. Will…
The Second Annual HBCU All-Star Game Will Touch Down at Texas Southern University in April
The second annual HBCU All Star Basketball game — featuring the best players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities — is touching down in Houston this April at Texas Southern University. The event is the brainchild of Travis L. Williams, the former head coach of Tennessee State University and Fort…
Houston Humane Society to Provide Free Neuter Services at Annual Fix Felix Event
The Houston Humane Society is attempting to double the number of surgical neuters they did prior to the pandemic, as they bring back their Fix Felix event. The event, which will be held on February 15, is aimed at curbing the increasing number of stray cat populations by providing those…
Houston Concert Watch 1/18: Dave Alvin, C.J. Chenier and More
It’s official. Madonna will mount a U.S. tour later this year, with a stop in Houston scheduled for September 13 at Toyota Center. Though Madge inexplicably hasn’t had many hits as of late – “Gang Bang,” “Illuminati” and “Unapologetic Bitch” have all failed to chart during the past decade –…
That ‘90s Show Gets It Mostly Right
Netflix has made a name for itself doing nostalgia television sequels like Fuller House and One Day at a Time, and That ‘90s Show is yet another example of them mostly recapturing lightning in a slightly modernized bottle. It’s 1995 in Point Place, Wisconsin, and Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty…
Houston Astros Sign Framber Valdez, Five Others
The Houston Astros are about four weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to West Palm Beach for spring training. Despite the departure of American League Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, the squad is primed to defend its 2022 World Series title, and enter the season as the betting favorites…
Pediatric COVID-19 Cases on the Rise Again in Houston
Doctors and nurses in Houston hospitals are facing increases in pediatric COVID-19 cases that could lead to a rise in hospitalizations akin to the amount brought in by one of the worst spikes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus last November and December. Hospitalizations of RSV overwhelmed pediatric wards then, and have…
Opinion: What’s “Highly Disturbing” Is Texas GOP Hatred of Trans Kids
Monday, State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R-Greenville) issued a statement begging Attorney General Ken Paxton to please make life a nightmare for trans kids in the state. “Today I was joined by Representatives Brian Harrison, Tony Tinderholt, and Mark Dorazio in requesting AG Ken Paxton to review the highly disturbing ‘transgender…
Texas Democrats File Sweep Of Trans Protection Bills
The Republican war on trans people in Texas is likely to heat up this year, but Democrats have filed a raft of bills in the 88th Legislative Session that aim to protect trans people. State Rep. Diego Bernal (D-San Antonio) filed House Bill 256 in November. The bill would include…
Possible Future Houston Texan QB C.J. Stroud Goes Pro
We know that a large portion of the Houston Texans’ fan base, what remains of it, was very upset over the Texans defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18, and thus losing out on the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. There was a second portion of the fan…
It Was (Mostly) Smooth Sailing on Fish and Dayton’s Maiden Voyage
The world of popular culture has brought us many memorable duos. Batman and Robin. Tracy and Hepburn. Thelma and Louise. Lucy and Ricky. So has the world of music. Sam and Dave. The Righteous Brothers. The Everly Brothers. The White Stripes. Add to that list Fish and Dayton. The pairing…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Crawfish Season Returns and a Burger Worth a Ride to the Bay
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, January 16 Lunar New Year specials begin at Sprinkles To honor the 2023 Year of the Rabbit, Sprinkles bakery and the non-profit collective of Asian and Pacific Islander leaders of Gold House have teamed up to release a Gold Bunny…
Houston Texans Interview Multiple Head Coaching Candidates
This past weekend was an interesting one in the AFC South. For a while on Saturday night, it looked like the division’s sole playoff representative, the Jacksonville Jaguars, were going to go whimpering into the night, trailing the Los Angeles chargers 27-0 in the second quarter of their super wild…
The School for Scandal at Classical is a Sublime Comedy of Manners
Lady Sneerwell (Lindsay Ehrhardt) and her low-rent henchman Mr. Snake (Ronnie Blaine) plot their machinations right at the beginning of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s School for Scandal by walking through the DeLuxe Theatre’s auditorium and into the aisles. Patrons swing their legs out of the way, some stand up to let…
Marriage, Mozart Style in The Marriage of Figaro at Houston Grand Opera
It isn’t the spiffy red and yellow Italian sports car (an Alfa Romeo, maybe) that arrives during the effervescent overture to Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (1786), carrying the Count and Countess Almaviva (bass-baritone Adam Plachetka and soprano Nicole Heaston) to their Moorish villa, that perks up this incandescent opera,…
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Texas Supreme Rules Against HISD, Removes Temporary Injunction to Block State Takeover [UPDATED]
Houston ISD trustees and administrators who’d hoped to avoid a Texas Education Agency takeover of the district got some sad Friday afternoon news today. While far from a final determination, when the Texas Supreme Court voted to lift the temporary injunction that kept the TEA Commissioner from pursuing his plan…
A Night in Houston’s Magical Music Circle
“I just wanna be the famous people on TV.” – Max Diaz At 7:30 on a January night, it’s dark out front of Houston’s Contemporary Arts Museum. The little bit of light assigned to the corner of Montrose and Bissonnet isn’t aided much by the headlights of the many cars…
Openings and Closings: Fat Boy’s Pizza Opens, Maize Has Closed
Fat Boy’s Pizza, 10445 W. Grand Parkway, opens January 17, 2023 in Richmond. It’s the first location in Texas for the pizza restaurant that bills itself as the “WORLD’S BIGGEST SLICE”. Founded in Metairie, Louisiana, the brand first announced its expansion to Texas in May 2022 with Houston being its first…
A New Omicron Variant Poses a Threat With Already Growing COVID-19 Cases in Houston
A new dominant variant of COVID-19 in the Northeast leaves Houston bracing for impact and the possibility of a third brutal winter wave reminiscent of those in 2021 and 2022. The latest variant of the omicron family, XBB1.5, started to rapidly accelerate in both New York and New England in…
Where Does the Houston Texans’ Head Coach Opening Stack Up Against the Others?
The Houston Texans’ search for the sixth full time head coach in franchise history is underway. Candidates have been added to the list every day this week, ranging from huge names (Sean Payton) to obscure assistant coaches (Thomas Brown of the Rams). Unlike the last two coaching searches the Texans…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Eat for Charity During Galveston Restaurant Week
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Raclette Party on the Patio at Montrose Cheese & Wine Saturday, 1 p.m. 1618 Westheimer Montrose Cheese & Wine is going après-ski style for its Raclette Party on the Patio. Guests can the cheese scraped onto plates of potatoes…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Plane
Title: uh… Describe This Movie In One Airplane! Quote: STEVE MCCROSKEY: Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue. Brief Plot Synopsis: Airplane crash lands in Philippines, but Manny Pacquiao isn’t around to save them. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Sullys out of 5. Tagline: “Survive together…
How Long Will HISD’s “Pause” on T. H. Rogers Special Ed Students Last?
Houston ISD Millard House II has just released a statement that the district is not going to remove the special education students from T.H. Rogers as it had planned. At least not now. In November, parents of the special ed students in the PSI (Preparing Students for Independence) program had…
NCT 127 Competes to be Biggest Hit on the Stage. Everybody Wins.
“It’s one of those K-pop boy band things, right?” So asked my Uber driver as he surveyed the headband-wearing, light stick-waving, banner-holding fans streaming into the Toyota Center Wednesday night. Quite proud, he went on to say he knows K-pop – not know knows it, but knows it. If you…
Houston-area Airports Face Another Round of Delays after the FAA Grounds all Domestic Flights
Grace, a grandmother from Florida, was planning on arriving at the Tampa International Airport to catch her flight awaiting her visit to her two-month-old granddaughter, when she received a text message from Southwest Airlines that her flight was delayed. “I got a message that the flight was going to be…
Quick Bites: Tacos El Patron and Home Slice
While some Houstonians began their January dry or by joining a gym, my household was still in vacation mode. With kids on college break and post-holiday funk, my husband Classic Rock Bob and I weren’t quite ready to start our New Year’s resolutions. Recent outings that included errand-running and concert-going…
Rockets Week: Is It Time for Silas to Go?
No one expected the Rockets to be a good team this year. When you start this many young players and your primary focus is making them better, wins and losses are not top of mind, even if the over-under of 23.5 seems incredible considering they won just 20 last season…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with Chinese Carrot Cake and More
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Starting Thursday, January 12, crawfish season has officially begun at Monkey’s Tail, 5802 Fulton. The current price is $10 per pound featuring regular or jalapeño flavoring (prices are expected to drop later in the season). Add…
Four Thoughts on Carlos Correa’s Free Agency Saga
It’s hard to feel sorry for someone whose last two MLB offseasons have resulted in what amounted to a one-year, $35 million contract with the Twins, and then a subsequent six-year, $200 million contract with those same Twins, but I do feel a bit for Carlos Correa and the patience…
Best Bets: Mozart, Pokémon and Double the Scandal
It is Friday the 13th eve, but you don’t have to worry about being unlucky when it comes to the arts scene in Houston. On this week’s list of best bets, you’ll find one of the most beloved operas of all time, one of the most popular video game franchises…
The Marriage of Figaro at Houston Grand Opera
As far as opera director Ian Rutherford is concerned, The Marriage of Figaro has “possibly the greatest Act II of opera and musical theater that was ever created and the greatest libretto ever written.” And he’s bringing that conviction to life on stage when Houston Grand Opera once again presents…
Everything Is Coming Up Banshees As The Houston Film Critics Society Announces Its 2022 Nominees
Martin McDonagh’s black friendship comedy The Banshees of Inisherin and Daniels’ multiverse marvel Everything Everywhere All At Once lead all nominees for the 15th annual awards from the Houston Film Critics Society. Both films secured a total of nine noms, including Best Picture of 2022. Last month, the HFCS also announced its nominees…
Texas Legislators Begin the 2023 Session With a Wealth of Money on Their Minds
On Day One of the 2023 Texas Legislative Session, there were good-hearted swearings-in amid a continued split between Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Gov, Dan Patrick about what to do with the state’s estimated $32.7 billion bonus surplus and how to tackle property tax relief. Abbott addressed the Senate, applauding…
Five Completely Texans Moments From the Final Week of a Dumpster Fire Season
Well, it’s over. Another miserable, soul sucking season from your Houston Texans was flushed down the drain on Sunday with a win that, in fact, was actually a loss. While the Texans managed to beat the Indianapolis Colts 32-31 with a crazy, two-minute drive and two-point conversion, it was not…
Houston Texans 2023 Home Opponents Include DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson
At the end of the NFL regular season, there are very divergent agendas, depending on how good your team is. Fourteen of the teams in the NFL finish up on Sunday of Week 18 and begin preparations for the playoffs. The other 18 teams start hardcore looking at mock drafts…
Houston Concert Watch 1/11: Patrice Pike, Keeshea Pratt, and More
Call it what you will — paraskavedekatriaphobia, friggatriskaidekaphobia, or just plain old triskaidekaphobia — a fear of Friday the 13th affects over 6 percent of the U.S. population, according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, N.C. The organization also reports that at least $800 million is…
Houston’s Hyde Park Goods Clothing Brand Continues to Expand Worldwide
On an overcast evening last fall, people begin lining up at The Assembly Htx, a boho chic event space nestled on the corner of Berry and St Emanuel in the Third Ward. What started out as a few people milling around the Hungry Heroz food truck idling near the building’s…
Four Thoughts on the Texans Losing the Number One Overall Draft Pick
If you’re trying to summarize the race for the top pick in the NFL Draft, particulately in the aftermath of Sunday’s 32-31 Texans victory over the Colts, I believe it is best encapsulated by Rosie Perez in the movie “White Men Can’t Jump” — “Sometimes when you win, you really…
Chainsaw Man: Our Pick For Anime of the Year
Denji is a teenager in Japan whose biggest dream is to one day afford some jam to put on his daily slice of bread. He’s usedby everyone he encounters, having inherited a large debt to the Yakuza after the death of his father. Denji is forced to hunt and kill…
Houston Texans Fire Head Coach Lovie Smith
After Sunday’s 32-31 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Texans head coach Lovie Smith was asked if he expects to be back for the 2023 season, coaching the team he’d just finished leading to a 3-13-1 record in 2022. After a little hemming and hawing about hypotheticals and such, Smith said…
NFL Week 18: Texans 32, Colts 31 — Four Winners, Four Losers
In the minds of most Houston Texans fans, the optimal thing for the Texans to do in Indianapolis on Sunday afternoon was the one thing that they’ve become very proficient at over the last three seasons — losing football games. A loss to the Colts would sew up the No…
Jesus Christ Superstar Comes to the Hobby, This Time With Dancing
After graduating from college with a degree in vocal performance that focused on classical pieces and opera, Isaac Ryckeghem needed a job and after some work in opera, found that musical theater offered the most opportunity. Not that his operatic training in projection and stamina has gone to waste, especially…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Island Eats and Perks for Houston Marathon Runners
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, January 9 Galveston Restaurant Week Kicks Off Galveston Restaurant Week returns to the island, beginning Monday, January 9 and running through February 5. Participating restaurants — with hotspots like BLVD Seafood, Hearsay on the Strand and Willie G’s — will…
Plumbers Submerged in Service Calls After Christmas Weekend’s Freeze
In the last week, David Robbins completed three entire-home re-pipings after the older galvanized pipes at these residences were damaged beyond repair. “We’ve been having some homes where we have had to entirely repipe them because of galvanized pipes that cracked so badly we couldn’t really repair them,” said Robbins,…
Mealer Files to Contest County Judge Race’s Results
Thursday night, former Republican candidate for Harris County Judge, Alexandra del Moral Mealer announced her decision to formally challenge the results of her 2022 loss to incumbent Lina Hidalgo – citing what she alleged were continued questions about possible voter suppression. Mealer is the latest Harris County Republican defeated in…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
M3GAN
Title: M3GAN Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: EVIL KRUSTY: I’m Krusty the Clown and I don’t like you very much. HOMER: Heh heh. EVIL KRUSTY: I’m Krusty the Clown and I’m going to kill you. HOMER: Didn’t even pull the string that time. Brief Plot Synopsis: (Attachment theory) +…
NFL Week 18: Texans-Colts — Four Things To Watch For
When the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts finished in a 20-20 tie at NRG Stadium back in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season, the general impression so early in the season was that the Texans were an overachieving team that blew a big lead (Texans led 20-3 after…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Women Talking
Title: Women Talking Describe This Movie In One Once Were Warriors Quote: BETH HEKE: If my spirit can survive living with you for eighteen years, then I can survive anything. Brief Plot Synopsis: The women of an isolated religious community grapple with the revelation of years of sexual abuse. Rating Using…
Openings and Closings: Money Cat is Open, Gatsby’s Grill Sneaks In
Money Cat, 2925 Richmond, opened softly this year and will have its grand opening January 7. The new restaurant from the team at Tobiuo Sushi & Bar will celebrate with Lion Dancers, sake tastings and more. The much anticipated venture has chef-owner Sherman Yeung and his leadership team creating a…
Andre Johnson Named 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalist
In his first go round with Hall of Fame eligibility, former Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson came as close as one can get to induction without getting in, making it to the final ten candidates in 2022 and falling just short. To nobody’s surprise, he will get another good look…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Food Truck Rally and Grand Opening Celebration
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Eat, Drink and Be Merry at Southern Yankee Crafthouse Friday-Sunday 1312 West Alabama It’s the final few days of Southern Yankee’s Eat, Drink and Be Merry menu, meaning if you’re going to dig into specials like wood-fired oven-baked brie…
Busted Babes is a New Look at Barbie
Barbie, the world-famous doll and cultural icon, is looking to have a pretty good 2023 thanks to a massive film starring Margot Robbie as the titular character. However, there’s always been a slightly broken side to the doll thanks to its history as a consumable item meant for children. What…
RodeoHouston Announces Its Star Entertainers for 2023
The 2023 RodeoHouston Entertainer Lineup is released and in addition to the ever-popular country music, it features EDM, Hip-Hop, Norteño, Pop, Rock, and Christian. Individual RODEOHOUSTON tickets will go on sale to the public Thursday, January 12. For the first time, they will be sold in two waves, 10 a.m. and…
DOJ Tells U.S. Postal Service Abortion-By-Mail Pills Are OK to Deliver
The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel has announced that the abortion pills, Mifepristone and Misoprostol can be mailed to people in all states – including those like Texas that have restricted abortion access. In the opinion, written by Assistant Attorney General Christopher Schroeder, Schroeder writes that mailing these…
Best Bets: Fade to Black, The Eternal Daughter, and Ishida Dance Company
Music from two greats, a rom-com musical, and more make this week’s list of best bets.
J.J. Watt’s Top Six Viral Off-The-Field Moments
Professional football is the most popular sport in America, but in Houston, the sport is currently either (a) the bane of many Houstonians existence, or (b) a forgotten relic. Most Houstonians are either angry about or apathetic toward professional football, and that might be the most miraculous thing the Houston…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Sober Sips for Dry January
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Coltivare, 3320 White Oak, is ready to celebrate Dry January with its month-long, zero-proof cocktail menu. This year, the beverage team has curated an all-new menu in collaboration with Sipple, with drinks including The Perfect Storm…
2022 Favorites Talk 2022 Albums and 2023 Plans
Weasked Houston music folks we featured in 2022 for their best album of 2022 choices. It’s a list that might turn you onto some music you missed last year and one that serves as a recall to the stories we did on these artists. Best of all, it details plans…
Terrific Cast Members Add More Than Nostalgia To Pretty Woman: The Musical
Let’s be honest, no one goes to see the musical version of a beloved movie for the songs. No one really wants to hear Dorothy/Tootsie sing about wearing a dress, or Veronica croon about those nasty Heathers, or the mean girls trill odes to their leader Regina George. They want…
New Year’s Resolutions for the Houston Texans’ Four Most Prominent Rookies
At their core, New Year’s resolutions are a good thing, as they are at least a tacit acknowledgement of the need for self improvement. Granted, they are attached to an arbitrary date, that really has no sensible tie-in to whatever the area of self improvement may be, but hey, whatever…
Houston Symphony Rocks Billy Joel, Elton John This Weekend
Two of the most beloved singer-songwriters will be celebrated this weekend at the Houston Symphony with The Music of Elton John and Billy Joel, à la the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall. The beloved song repertoire will span from “Rocket Man” to “Piano Man” all thanks to the musical genius of guest performer Michael Cavanaugh.
NFL Draft Picture Coming Into Focus for Houston Texans
This past Sunday was the final home game of the season for the Houston Texans. As is the case with every final home game of a given season, it was Fan Appreciation Day. If you had a chance to take a look at the stands on Sunday, you saw that…
Opinion: New Year’s Dieting is Not Automatically Wellness
It’s a new year, and that means that millions will flock to the gym as part of a resolution to lose weight and “get healthy.” Here’s another idea: don’t bloody do that. There are decades of scientific proof that diets do not work, and the only consistent weight lost is…
Mexican Pizza Showdown: Taco Cabana Vs. Taco Bell
During the height of the COVID pandemic, many of us dealt with supply chain issues and not always getting what we wanted. Restaurants and food businesses had to adapt and customers were understanding, for the most part. However, when Taco Bell announced in September 2020 that it was removing the…
Houston Concert Watch 1/4: Alejandro Escovedo, Future, and More
Who doesn’t love lists? Especially those that spark lively debate. Rolling Stone just released its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, creating a bit of controversy due to the exclusion of Celine Dion. I’m OK with that, and with Aretha Franklin in the No. 1 spot, but…
Opinion: Root Root for a Texans Loss This Weekend
If there were ever a time for Lovie Smith to rouse his players with a thunderous speech, this is it. With just one game left in the regular season — and the season, period, for the Texans — this is no time to hold back. This team needs to lay…
The Sound Inside at 4th Wall: A Mystery That Challenges the Theatrical Form
The well-documented loneliness of a writer’s life is brought into even sharper focus with Adam Rapp’s The Sound Inside, about to make its Houston premiere at 4th Wall Theatre Company. Recipient of six Tony award nominations, the 90-minute one-act tells the story of Bella Baird, a writing professor and novelist…
Bryce Young Goes Pro, Let the Texans Speculation Begin!
One thing we learned in Nick Caserio’s first FULL Draft as Houston Texans general manager, a draft in which he was flush with multiple picks in the each of the first two rounds — he likes to draft players from the University of Alabama. In the second round, Caserio selected…
Opinion: 10 Things We Can Learn From the Downfall of Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate is a former kickboxer turned raging misogynistic podcaster who built a name for himself as an alpha male guru. His blatant bigotry got him booted from most social media platforms, but he was let back onto Twitter following Elon Musk’s purchase of the company. Last week, Tate decided…
NFL Week 17: Jaguars 31, Texans 3 — Four Winners, Four Losers
First and foremost, Happy New Year to all of you, especially those of you who regularly read this space, and regularly support the sponsors of my radio show on SportsRadio 610. I hope all of you had a happy and safe holiday season, and I hope that brighter days are…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Belong Kitchen and Brennan’s Team Up on Jambalaya To-Go
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Eat Drink and Be Merry Menu at Southern Yankee Crafthouse Montrose neighborhood favorite Southern Yankee Crafthouse, 1312 West Alabama, has crafted a special Eat Drink and Be Merry Menu, and for each item purchased from it, the crafthouse…
Best Albums From Houston Artists in 2022
As we begin the new year, we take a look back at the Houstonians that put out some of the top albums of the year. Last year we released a series of lists highlighting up and coming artists, women, singers, and producers, but this year we are focused on just…
