A Healthy New Year: Flower Child, Salad and Go
It’s January and most of us have made New Year’s resolutions with the goal of eating healthier high on the list. We Houstonians are fortunate to have some of the best and most diverse culinary experiences from which to choose but they’re not always good on the waistline. Add in…
Cheers to Dry January: Where to Find Houston’s Best Zero-Proof Cocktails
Houston’s zero-proof cocktail scene is flourishing, with local bars and restaurants offering inventive, booze-free beverages that are just as sophisticated as their spirited counterparts. From vibrant fruity infusions to bold herbal elixirs, these mocktails will help you get a refreshing start to the new year. 1891 American Eatery & Bar,…
Six Houston Texans Who Should NOT See the Field Against the Titans on Sunday
For all the ups and downs this season, and for all the justified hand wringing over the offense (which will likely bleed into the upcoming offseason), the Houston Texans actually find themselves this week in a somewhat enviable spot. Their final regular season game of the year, a road tilt…
Four Thoughts on the Rockets Heading Into 2025
The Houston Rockets have made the leap. From three straight awful losing seasons to one .500 year to now, one of the best teams in the Western Conference, their fortunes have changed as their players have aged and their coaching staff improved. This is a young, talented, dynamic group that…
Houston New Year’s Grocery Store Hours For 2025
The year 2025 is upon us whether we like it or not. Some of us may need some liquid courage to face it, others may want to ring in the new year with some indulgences before the inevitable resolutions are made. While we’re polishing off the last of the holiday…
Four Thoughts on the Astros Headed Into 2025
We are just scraping the new year and it’s been a hell of an offseason for the Houston Astros. After an ultimately disappointing season wrecked by inconsistent play and all kinds of injuries, the Stros head into 2025 a changed ballclub and no one is certain if it is for…
Pro Football Hall of Fame Names 15 Finalists for 2025 Class
We are entering January later this week, the part of the National Football League calendar where postseason games take center stage. We will get at least one of those games here in Houston in a couple weeks, with the Texans embedded as the 4-seed in the AFC, meaning there will…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Champagne Toasts and Hangover Tacos
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Dining Guide Looking for New Year’s Eve dinner options, midnight toasts and good times at Houston restaurants? We’ve got you covered in this year’s New Year’s Eve Dining Guide. Speakeasy New Year at Sidebar Restaurateur…
An Embarrassing Mistake From Abbott Sends Condolences to Rosalynn Carter
As condolences poured in Sunday following the death of the 100-year-old former President Jimmy Carter, the official release from Texas Governor Greg Abbott had the kind of misstatement in it that would make a reader – and presumably Carter’s family — cringe. At the end of the release, the governor…
Openings and Closings: Burger Bodega Katy, Paris Baguette Woodlands
Burger Bodega, 21904 Franz, is shooting to open in summer 2025. It will be the second location for the smashburger brand which first appeared on the scene as a pop-up in September 2021. In November 2022, owner Abbas Dhanani opened its first brick and mortar at 4520 Washington. It quickly…
Houston Texans Playoff Seed Is Set, So What’s Left This Regular Season?
When the Houston Texans’ schedule was released back in May, we knew that the middle of December through the Christmas holiday was going to be a rough stretch — three games in 11 days against three playoff teams from 2023, including the two finalists in the AFC, one being the…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Paella, Hanukkah Treats and a Bourbon Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Holiday Pop-Up Bars All weekend long The holiday season is winding down, but there’s still a chance to partake in a little holiday magic at one of this season’s festive holiday pop-up bars. Check out our guide to Houston’s…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Sparkling Brunch and Caviar Kits To-Go
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Etoile Cuisine et Bar, 1101-11 Uptown Park, has your celebrations covered, offering an at-home Holiday Caviar Kit that is available to pick up at the restaurant. Chef Philippe’s Holiday Caviar Kit includes a tin of D’Artagnan…
Doctor Who: Joy, Sorrow and Repetition
It’s Christmas time, and in good years that means another Doctor Who special. This year, The Doctor is flying companionless in “Joy to the World,” but still manages to make some meaningful connections. The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) lands in a London of the far future where the Time Hotel allows…
ECHO Goes Italian For New Year’s Celebration
Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra is prepping for the new year Italian style. On Friday, the organization will present ‘A Night In Italy,’ featuring great Italian arias and food at the Hyatt Regency Houston West.
NFL Week 17: Ravens 31, Texans 2 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Lamar Jackson owns the Houston Texans. Oh sure, on paper and officially, ownership of the team was transferred from Janice McNair, wife of the late Bob McNair, to their son Cal earlier this year, and he has carried the title of owner since then. But on the field, the team…
NFL Week 17: Ravens at Texans — Four Things To Watch For
You knew when the Houston Texans’ schedule was released back in May, that this stretch we are in right now, three football games in 11 days, was going to feel exhausting. The players, first and foremost, feel like they are running on fumes, with key guys dropping like flies in…
Reviews For the Easily Distracted:
Nosferatu
Title: Nosferatu Describe This Movie In One Rick and Morty Quote: MASTER: “Coach Feratu.” That was his real name, like his actual vampire name? VAMPIRE : No, no no no. His vampire name was Balik Alistane. MASTER: Why the f*ck would he name himself after a famous vampire movie? Was he doing…
Houston Concert Watch 12/25: Rebirth Brass Band, Road Kings and More
Happy holidays to one and all – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or however you roll. If you have already opened the presents, lamented how long it took you to wrap all of that stuff, and settled back in your easy chair, you might be wondering what the most popular gifts were…
Comedian Mike Cannon Is Hitting H-Town After X-Mas (For Work, But Also To Escape His New Baby Boy)
The holidays go so fast, but funnyman Mike Cannon has reason to smile: He’s leaving his chilly home for Texas ahead of his two nights with The Riot on December 27-28. “I think I haven’t been on the road right after Christmas this soon,” he concedes. “But I’m actually excited…
Toast to 2025 at Houston’s Best Brunch Spots This New Year’s Day
Whether you’re recovering from New Year’s Eve festivities or craving a leisurely meal with family and friends, we’ve rounded up the best Houston restaurants serving up New Year’s Day 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…
The Road Kings Return (for a Couple of Nights) to Their Old Stomping Ground
It has been said, most famously by author Ella Winter (who gave Thomas Wolfe the title for his classic novel) that “You can’t go home again.” Be that as it may, the Road Kings are eschewing Winter’s advice and returning to Houston and the Continental Club for two reunion shows…
Power Ranking the Houston Texans Eight AFC South Champion Teams
In this day and age where it seems like every opinion is polarizing and nitpicked to death, I think we can all agree on this — winning is fun. Whether it’s at work, or involving your favorite sports team, or even a board game with a relative, we all love…
Christmas Eve and Day Grocery Hours 2024
The holidays are upon us, whether we’re ready for them or not. While we’re busy decking the halls and jingle-jangling, we may forget a few items that we need for our holiday meals or parties. Just like the protagonist in Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses, we might be singing, “Oh damn!…
Three Thoughts on Opening Round of 2024 College Football Playoff
If you’re a college football fan, and things just felt different over the past few days, that’s for good reason. For the first time in the history of the sport, at the FBS level, instead of the week before Christmas being a nest solely for irrelevant, uninteresting bowl games (yes,…
Author T.J. English Brings Back the Cocaine-Fueled Miami Party of the ’80s in The Last Kilo
If LSD best represents the mind-expanding mantra of the 1960s, and marijuana the mellow stony vibe of the 1970s, then surely cocaine is the mascot narcotic for the go-go-go Me Decade of the 1980s. From a sociological perspective, whether you called it coke, snow, blow, gak, sugar, Charlie, or nose…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Santa at Saint Arnold and Festive Christmas Feasts
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, December 23 12 Days of Trillmas at Trill Burgers Trill Burgers teamed up with the CJ Stroud Foundation to host a holiday toy drive in benefit of Lily’s Toy Box, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing new toys, books and…
Lil’ Weezyana Presents Hot Boys Holiday at Toyota Center
Lil Wayne feat. the Hot Boys BG, Juvenile, Turk, & the Big Tymers Birdman & Mannie Fresh Houston, Texas December 21, 2024 Houston and New Orleans have long enjoyed a deep connection: both are founded around canals and bayous, divided in half by Interstate I-10, both enjoying lively music, art,…
NFL Week 16: Chiefs 27, Texans 19 — Four Winners, Four Losers
When it comes to Saturday’s game in Kansas City against the Chiefs, there was no losing result on the scoreboard that would seriously damage the Houston Texans’ 2024 season. The fact of the matter is (and was) that the Texans are likely destined to be the 4-seed in the AFC…
Christmas Movie Die Hard Gets the Rom-Com Treatment in Yippee Ki Yay
Whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not is a debate certain to erupt at office holiday parties and spirited family gatherings this time of year. Watching Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of Die Hard thrillingly unfold before us at Wortham Center’s Cullen Theater, we wondered if the…
Five Thoughts on the Astros Signing Christian Walker
On Friday, the Astros reportedly agreed to terms with Christian Walker, a free agent first baseman from the Diamondbacks, for three years, $60 million. The deal helps plug a glaring hole and first base and helps staunch the bleeding from the loss of Kyle Tucker and the likely imminent departure…
Openings and Closings: Bar Doko Debuts, Mexican Sugar is Open
Bar Doko, 3737 Cogdell, opened December 13 at Autry Park. The new cocktail bar from Duckstache Hospitality takes its cue from omotenashi, the Japanese concept of hospitality. The duo behind the venture are chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham, who both honed their skills in the kitchen at Uchi. Duckstache…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Count Of Monte Cristo
Title: The Count of Monte Christo Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: BART: Great story, Grandpa. Could’ve used a vampire, though. Brief Plot Synopsis: Revenge is a dish best served en croûte, or something. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Heywoods out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “Tale as old…
NFL Week 16: Texans at Chiefs — Four Things to Watch For
The Houston Texans play in Kansas City this coming Saturday afternoon, and in my gut, this game is proof that sports PTSD is real. It’s been nearly five years and four head coaches ago, and yet any mention of the Texans’ going to Kansas City to play at Arrowhead Stadium…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: BBQ with Santa and an Oyster-Fueled Sunday Funday
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Brunch with Santa at Tavola Saturday, 11:30 to 2 p.m. 1800 Post Oak Tavola’s Santa Brunch will showcase its full brunch menu and a kids menu alongside exciting activities for the kiddos, including $38 gingerbread house kits, a Santa…
Make the Holidays Merry-achi and Bright
Houston Symphony will present José Hernández and his world-renowned Mariachi Sol de México for José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas on December 23 at Jones Hall.
Our Guide to Taking the Sportsbooks’ Money by Betting on Beyoncé This Christmas Day
When you think of Christmas Day, maybe your mind drifts to unwrapped presents and warm wassail (whatever that is) being enjoyed by friends and family over near the mistletoe. Quaint, traditional stuff. But this year, thanks to the NFL and Netflix, the holiday could also mean smashmouth Houston Texans football,…
Return of Boeing Starliner Astronauts Delayed Again
We knew that the astronaut duo who made history by going into space aboard Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight last June wouldn’t be home for Christmas. Now, NASA officials have announced that the SpaceX Crew-10 launch, once slated for February, has been delayed until March. As a result, astronauts…
A Brick of a Book Continues Macca’s Post-Beatles Story
For nearly 50 years, biographer Robert Caro has been working on his massive, sprawling, set of books on the life of former U.S. President Lyndon Johnson. Now 89 years old, Caro is reportedly wrapping up the fifth and final volume for publication. Authors Allan Kozinn and Adrian Sinclair are younger…
Best Bets: Handel’s Messiah, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and NOSFERATU x RADIOHEAD
The end of the year is fast approaching, but we’ve still got you covered for all your things-to-do needs. This week, we’ve picked a handful of events, including classic films (two seen in entirely new ways), carols with a mariachi twist, and more, so keep reading before making your plans…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Delight in Brisket, Latkes and More This Hanukkah
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Hip restaurant and vinyl bar 93′ Til,1601 West Main, is celebrating its 4-Year Anniversary and Holiday Party on Thursday, December 19 from 8 p.m. until close. In honor of the milestone, 93′ Til is featuring its new…
Texans CB Derek Stingley, Jr. Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
The rise of Derek Stingley, Jr. began midway through last season, after he was able to put a hamstring injury behind him, and burst onto the scene with four interceptions in a three game span, culminating with an AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for that third game, a…
Robert Glasper Has Homecoming at the House of Blues
As the band dropped the tempo and brought their volume down to a whisper, Robert Glasper began to play a familiar riff on the keyboard. The crowd erupted in cheers as they recognized the melody, their voices blending into an excited hum that filled the House of Blues. Glasper smiled—his…
Houston Concert Watch 12/18: Robert Earl Keen, Jack Ingram and More
Fed up with the incessant caterwauling of Mariah Carey and Christmas music in general? As a public service, here is a holiday playlist absolutely free of treacle and cheap sentiment. If a Grinch resides within you, this is your jam. Links are provided for the curious and the foolhardy. Truly,…
Where Does Kyle Tucker Rank In Pantheon of Golden Era Houston Astros?
The last few days have felt a little different for fans of the Houston Astros, particularly fans who have latched on full force since the first World Series title season in 2017. In seasons past, the Astros have allowed big name free agents to play out their final season as…
Island Favorite Fish Company Taco Reopens in Galveston, Perfect for Families this Holiday Break
Thinking about taking a trip to Galveston this winter holiday? Add Fish Company Taco to your island hit list. You’ll find its sea green brick walls and coral pink door just a short walk from the Seawall off 23rd Street…and there’s a cute family photo op in front of a “Greetings…
The Next Five Questions for the Astros in Free Agency and Beyond
With the trade of Kyle Tucker to the Cubs last week, the Astros will next turn their eyes to a number of possibilities when it comes to completing their roster. They still have a hole at first base along with some question marks in the outfield and the pitching rotation…
Where to Dine Out and Ring in 2025 in Houston This New Year’s Eve
As we bid adieu to 2024, Houston restaurants are ready to ring in the New Year in style. From upscale restaurants serving gourmet New Year’s Eve menus to casual eateries with festive vibes, this guide will help you navigate Houston’s best dining spots to make your 2025 New Year’s Eve…
Six Plays That Clinched the AFC South Title for the Houston Texans
With 24 hours to sift back through the Houston Texans’ division clinching 20-12 win over the Miami Dolphins, you’re able to really dial in on the most important plays that changed the trajectory of the game, or, in the case of Derek Stingley’s game clinching interception, prevented disaster from happening…
Classic Rock Bob Captains Us Through Yacht Rock: A DOCKUmentary‘s Gentle Waters
Watching the new HBO Max documentary Music Box: Yacht Rock: a DOCKumentary, one person sprung to mind. Listening to the tender, vulnerable, romantic vibes of 1970s and ‘80s acts like Christopher Cross and Toto had me in the mood to reach out to one specific person. No, the songs didn’t…
Houston Area Legislators’ Pre-Filed Bills Concentrate on Storm Response, Voting and Education
Besides Governor Greg Abbott’s determination to get his school voucher program passed in the legislative session that begins January 14, political experts say Houston residents can expect to see bipartisan support for bills that will improve storm response and infrastructure maintenance. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has said his priorities include…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Donate Toys and Earn Free Burgers During the 12 Days of Trillmas
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long 12 Days of Trillmas at Trill Burgers Now through December 23, Trill Burgers is teaming up with the CJ Stroud Foundation to host a holiday toy drive, benefiting Lily’s Toy Box, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing new…
Is Die Hard The Ultimate Christmas Film? Poet Richard Marsh Settles The Score In Parody Show
Houston has a present under its tree this year, as the writer/performer/comedian Richard Marsh is spending his last days before Christmas performing his one-man reproduction of Die Hard through Performing Arts Houston as Yippee Ki Yay: The Parody Celebration of Die Hard from December 20-22. But wait, you annoyingly protest…
NFL Week 15: Texans 20, Dolphins 12 — Four Winners, Four Losers
This has not been an easy season for Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. Unlike last season, where the whole thing was really a 17 game honeymoon with some bonus gravy in the form of an unexpected trip to the playoffs, expectations amped up the pressure on the Texans their…
Kyle Tucker Traded to Cubs for Three Players: Four Thoughts
Inevitable. Whatever you may think of the deal that sent Astros star right fielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for three players including Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski, the writing was on the wall earlier this week when GM Dana Brown said everything was on the table, including…
A Safety Program and the Possibility of a Pedestrian Bridge in the Wake of a Milby High Student’s Death
Monday morning, 15-year-old sophomore Sergio Rodriguez thought it was safe to run across the tracks that were between him and Milby High School. Whether he tripped, as some onlookers have reportedly said, or underestimated the speed of the oncoming Union Pacific train, the end result was a lethal collision and…
Houston Holiday Theater, Part IV: Frozen at TUTS
Bravos to Theatre Under the Stars! First, because TUTS has produced its own most lively and animated production of Disney’s mega-hit Frozen. Second, that TUTS convinced the Disney conglomerate to do it in the first place. Disney does not allow competing versions of its Broadway shows. If you want Lion…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
September 5
Title: September 5 Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: MR. BURNS: Oooh, the Germans are mad at me. I’m so scared! Oooh, the Germans! Brief Plot Synopsis: American TV network can no longer “stick to sports.” Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 test patterns out of 5. Tagline: “The day…
Openings and Closings: Sante Saunters In, Pok Pok Po is Frying
Sante Lounge, 2309 Richmond, opened December 10 in the Upper Kirby area. The elegant cocktail bar offers guests a European-inspired experience with hand-crafted cocktails and a food menu that includes caviar, oysters and handmade flatbreads. Owner Sina Kahef has taken inspiration from his own global travels including a visit to…
Houston Symphony packs the holidays with traditional favorites
The Houston Symphony has conveniently scheduled a series of festive holiday programs that will offer something for everyone, from age one to 92, all taking place at Jones Hall.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Melty Raclette and Michelin Bib Gourmand Egyptian BBQ
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Tomball German Festival Christmas Market Friday–Sunday 201 South Elm Held in Old Town Tomball near the Historical Train Depot Plaza, this annual Christkindlmarkt features live music and festive performances, Christmas-themed street vendors, German and festival food, floweng beer and…
NFL Week 15: Dolphins at Texans — Four Things To Watch For
After 13 straight weeks playing an NFL game, the Houston Texans’ bye week finally arrived last weekend, and as much as everyone, fans and media included, needed a bit of a break, my energy level is completely rejuvenated for the Texans’ stretch run of four more games. This means the…
Best Bets: Your Brain on Beethoven, Who’s Holiday! and Crossing Borders
The holiday season is in full swing, and you can certainly see it in our best bets. Below, you will find a few events we think are worth a little time away from vacation prep, family get-togethers, and holiday shopping, so keep reading for our picks of the best things…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Tacos with Santa and a Bejeweled Brunch for Swifties
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate Taylor Swift with a bejeweled brunch on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, coinciding with the popstar’s 35th birthday. Swifties will be able to dig…
Latest Vegas Odds on Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander Landing Spots in Free Agency
The winter meetings for Major League Baseball continue up in Dallas this week, and as a ripple effect from the record setting Juan Soto contract (15 years, $765 million from the Mets), the Houston Astros suddenly find themselves at the center of two of the biggest offseason storylines — could…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2024 You Probably Missed Part 5: 10 – 1
Here we are at the best underground music videos of the year. To make the top ten a video has to be original and exceptional, truly furthering the medium. We end with a few strange love stories, a video from political dissidents who channel their rage into lycanthropy, and the…
Houston Co-Pilots a Very Entertaining Ben Folds Concert
Ben Folds Jones Hall December 10, 2024 Houston’s home to NASA, so plenty of musicians have mentioned aeronautics when bringing their tours through the city. Few have commented on the subject the way Ben Folds did in concert last night, though. Folds observed that the city isn’t just filled with…
Tardy Policies Did Not Cause Milby Student to Risk Crossing the Railroad Tracks, HISD Says
Houston ISD’s tardy policies had nothing to do with the death of the 15-year-old Milby High School sophomore who was hit by a train near the campus, Alex Elizondo, Chief of Public Affairs and Communication said Tuesday, “The attendance policy at the school is that students are encouraged to be at school…
Column: Tone Deaf HISD Board Wants to Stop Zoom Calls, End Public Discussion of Non-Agenda Items
It’s hard to imagine how much more of a misstep the Houston ISD Board of Managers is prepared to make than its proposal floated Tuesday night that would severely curtail what members of the public could address the board about at meetings and would end Zoom calls into the monthly…
The Biggest Problem With Taylor Sheridan’s TV Shows Is Taylor Sheridan
[Spoilers for the latest season of Yellowstone below] If you aren’t familiar with the name “Taylor Sheridan,” you’re either one of those charming types who brags about not owning a TV or you actually have a fulfilling personal life. To sum up: Sheridan is the lead writer/showrunner for the following…
Six Bowl Games Worth Watching During Bowl Season
I didn’t think I would be this big a fan of the 12-team College Football Playoff, but the more I read breakdowns of all the games, and the more debate I read (and generate myself) over the format needing some tweaking, the more amped I am to get this thing…
Four Thoughts on Juan Soto’s Ridiculous Deal with the Mets
On Monday, it was announced that Yankee left fielder Juan Soto had signed with the crosstown rival Mets for a reported 15 years, $765 million. It eclipses the mostly deferred deal Shohei Ohtani signed before last season with the Dodgers and makes the young, very talented outfielder the highest paid…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2024 You Probably Missed Part 4: 20 – 11
Welcome to the top half of our massive exploration of the best music videos of 2024 that swam outside the mainstream. I looked for the truly exceptional, and I found it in spades. Get ready for a heartwarming health journey, a brilliant take on toxic masculinity, and one of the…
Houston Concert Watch 12/11: Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets, The Wood Brothers and More
With record sales a fraction of what they were in the glory days, merchandising has become a key revenue stream for many bands, particularly those of the classic rock variety. We’re talking T-shirts, caps, hoodies, sweatshirts and bandanas, but also more exotic items, like cannabis grinders, at least in the…
Neurodivergence is Magic in the World Premiere of Sci-Fi Fantasy Play Synapse
It’s not every day you get to see a brand-new, science-fiction fantasy world on stage, but that is exactly what will happen this month when Creative Movement Practices and The Octarine Accord open the world premiere of Synapse. The play, the first of a planned trilogy by actress-turned-playwright Shanae’a Moore,…
Mel’s Country Cafe: Still Cookin’
If you talk to some of the male members of my family, Mel’s Country Cafe is the height of great dining. While quality is a factor in their personal fondness for the food, a lot of their praise goes to its portion sizes. The men in my family tend toward…
Why the County is On the Hook for NRG Stadium Upgrades
In a recent story from the Houston Chronicle, it was revealed Harris County has approved $35 million in upgrades to NRG including a new roof, and audio and video improvements. But that is just a small percentage of what is needed to bring the stadium up to the standards the…
Party With Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
Nick Lowe is the coolest. He would probably disagree with that statement with a sort of self deprecating, light hearted joke only proving further the point at hand. Since the late ‘70s Lowe has been writing songs that have become sort of anthems of rock and roll like “So It…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2024 You Probably Missed Part 3: 30 – 21
We’re back like a vertebrae. From here on out the videos get stranger. Today’s roundup includes vampires (both literal and figurative), a jail break, and so much murder. Put on your old jeans because we’re about to get dirty. 30. “Biblical Love,” Flower Face I’ve been obsessively wallowing in Christian fundamentalist…
The Ultimate Guide to 2024 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining in Houston
This Christmas, Houston restaurants are offering a sleigh of dining options to make your celebrations memorable, so you can relax and savor the festivities without lifting a finger. From cozy Christmas Eve dinners and Feasts of the Seven Fishes to festive Christmas Day brunches and suppers, check out our holiday dining guide…
Four Thoughts on the First Ever 12 Team College Football Playoff Bracket
There are so many things that have happened in the world of college football over the last three years that have made it an entirely different sport than what we’ve been watching for the last century. The ability to pay players for their name, image, and likeness (NIL money, yo),…
Video Games: Best of the Backlogs 2024
Every year, I take a look at games that came out in previous years, but that I never got a chance to review when they were new. Here are five games from the backlogs I played in 2024 that were worth trying out. Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Actraiser on…
DaCamera presents “New Worlds” featuring homegrown talent
Celebrate the holidays with soprano Lauren Snouffer and a program of holiday music from DaCamera’s virtuoso quartet during New Worlds. The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on December 10 at The Menil Collection.
2024 Houston Holiday Theater, Part III
The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince was adapted as an opera by composer Rachel Portman and librettist Nicholas Wright and given a world premiere at Houston Grand Opera in 2003. The book, of course, is internationally famed and beloved as a children’s classic ever since its publication…
Authentically Alpert
In the history of modern music most roads lead to living legend Herb Alpert. He is one of the most identifiable instrumentalists and music producers in the world with his trumpet playing made famous by his hit “The Lonely Bull” in which he and his Tijuana Brass Band took the…
Five Reasons the Houston Texans 2025 Schedule Will Be Much Easier Than This Season
Coming into the 2024 regular season, most of the sports betting outlets set the Houston Texans 2024 season win total bet at 9.5 wins. What that means — if you thought the Texans would win nine or fewer games, you took the under. If you thought the Texans would win…
Our 2024 Games of the Year
As the year winds down, we look at the best video games to come out in 2024. Here are our picks for Game of the Year. Honorable Mention: Castlevania Dominus Collection One of the most unexpected treats this year was watching Konami acting more like a video game company than…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2024 You Probably Missed Part 2: 49 – 31
Welcome back to our presentation of the best underrecognized music videos of the year. Today’s lineup comes with some trigger warnings for sex and violence, so be advised. We have stop-motion madness, our annual check in with metal’s weirdest woman, and one wild weather report. Enjoy! 40. “Happy Halloween,” Forget Me…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Mingle and Jingle at a Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, December 11 Santa Claus at Buttermilk Baby Buttermilk Baby, 600 North Shepherd, invites folks to a special visit from Santa Claus, whose sleigh is guided by the sparkle of a disco ball and pulled by unicorns, from 5 to 8…
Santa Claus Is Coming to Brunch in Houston This Holiday Season
A jolly good time awaits Houston families this holiday season, as local restaurants invite Old St. Nick to make a special appearance at breakfast and brunch. Whether you’re snapping a photo, sharing your wish list, or soaking in the holiday spirit while your pancakes soak up the syrup, here’s where…
Openings and Closings: Relish Town & Country, Osha Thai Kitchen
Relish Restaurant & Bar, 12850 Memorial, debuted its second location December 2 in Town & Country Village. Owners Addie and Dustin Teague opened the first location in 2016 after the couple outgrew their shop, Relish Fine Foods. With executive chef Dustin leading the culinary program, the restaurant earned a reputation…
Apollo Chamber Players wins big recognition with ‘Ensemble of the Year’
Apollo Chamber Players was honored as Chamber Music America’s Ensemble of the Year based on its artistry, musicality and groundbreaking impact.
Houston Texans Safety Jalen Pitre Nominated for 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
In the galaxy of accolades and honors that can be bestowed upon a player in the National Football League, one stands above all others — the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which recognizes players who excel on the field and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to creating a positive…
The 50 Best Music Videos of 2024 You Probably Missed Part 1: 50 – 41
Every year, I scour the internet for the best indie, underground, and otherwise missable music videos. Over the last 12 months I’ve watched close to a thousand, and I’ve picked 50 for your to enjoy. From rocking cats to retro-futurism to the triumphant return of one of the internet’s best…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Order
Title: The Order Describe This Movie In One The Jerk Quote: NAVIN R. JOHNSON: The Lord loves a working man. Don’t trust whitey. Brief Plot Synopsis: Very fine people on both sides disagree about America’s approach to race issues. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 David Dukes celebrating…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Whiskey, Brunch with Santa and At-Cost Caviar
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Caviar at Cost at a’Bouzy Friday, opens at 11 a.m. 2300 Westheimer Treat yourself to luxurious caviar and get the best prices in town as a’Bouzy serves the delicacy at-cost. Imperia Smoke Trout Roe, DR Delicacy Russian Sturgeon and…
Justin Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour Won’t Be Forgotten Any Time Soon
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Justin Timberlake’s World Tour finally made its stop at Houston’s Toyota Center. The Forget Tomorrow World Tour has been making its way through the United States, Europe and Canada since April in almost entirely sold-out venues, and will continue long into 2025. Though the tour…
Best Bets: Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular, Rent-a-Cat, and Angel Chimes
Today is National Blues Jeans Day, and we have plenty of events on this week’s list of best bets that don’t require you to don your finest – though you’re certainly welcome to. A film festival, a citywide party, and more all make our list, so keep reading for our…
Blues Songstress Shemekia Copeland Has Something to Say
Shemekia Copeland, as my dad used to say, comes by it honestly. As the daughter of revered blues guitarist and singer Johnny Clyde Copeland, she began performing onstage with her father when she was just eight years old, first appearing at New York’s Cotton Club. These days, Copeland is regarded…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Local Chefs Unite to Support Lebanese Relief Efforts
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Rallied by Craft Pita, Houston-area Lebanese-owned restaurants have united to support relief efforts for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, raising funds to benefit the Lebanese Red Cross and provide essential aid to displaced individuals, including…
First 12 Team College Football Playoff Taking Shape in Final Regular Season Rankings
No sports season goes by faster than the college football regular season. We wait for roughly eight months every year for it to get here, September arrives and it feels amazing, and then it’s gone in what feels like a few days. The reality is that it’s a 14 week…
The Night Shift Before Christmas Offers Laughs, Ghosts and a Chance at Redemption
Margot is working the night shift at a fast food restaurant on Christmas Eve. She chooses to work it every year. She’s there all by herself, which is handy, because in short order, she’s visited by four spirits, the first — her friend Jackie — warning that there will be…
18th Annual Texas Classic a Sumo Wrestling Showcase
Nicholas Ton of Shōgeki Sumo Dojo knows what people think when someone brings up sumo wrestling. Chances are, it might just be a certain ex-Dr. Evil henchman. “A lot of people cite Austin Powers, the scene with Fat Bastard, or something along those lines,” says Ton. But this weekend, you…
Six Unique Gifts for Astros Fans This Christmas (Not Including Alex Bregman)
Sports fans are often pretty easy to shop for at the holidays. Jerseys, hats, tickets…those will all probably make us pretty happy. But, that’s pretty boring (still cool though, to be honest), so why not step outside the (batter’s) box this year for some interesting gifts for the Astros fan…
Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Suspended for Three Games
By Tuesday of an NFL team’s bye week, things are supposed to have quieted down to near silence, with players being out of the building, and coaches and front office people getting to breathe for a bit. The Texans bye week began following their 23-20 win over Jacksonville on Sunday,…
Houston Concert Watch 12/4: Justin Timberlake, Radney Foster and More
If you were thinking about buying someone (maybe yourself?) a Gibson guitar for Christmas, make sure that it’s legit. Over the past weekend, over 3,000 counterfeit instruments were seized at the Los Angeles – Long Beach seaport. Everything from bogus Les Pauls to SG’s to double-necks like Jimmy Page used…
2024 Houston Holiday Theater, Part II: The Nutcracker and A Texas Carol, Part Deux
A Texas Carol, Part Deux Let’s see, the last time we saw the Dinkle family at A.D. Players in A Texas Carol, beloved matriarch Mee-Maw has died at her East Texas farm on Christmas Day. To preserve peace and calm, granddaughter Gretta and her brother Erik keep this fact from…
Rockets at the Quarter Mark: Four Winners, Four Losers
It’s been a good week for the Rockets. Winners of three straight and and five of their last six including wins over the Pacers, 76ers, Timberwolves and, most impressively, the Thunder, they find themselves just a half game out of first place in the Western Conference at 15-6, the fourth…
Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Issues Statement on Trevor Lawrence Hit
The biggest story coming out of the Houston Texans’ 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday was not the Texans’ actually scoring points in the second half. It wasn’t Joe Mixon’s record setting performance (first player in over 50 years with six straight 100 yard games and a TD…
Disney’s Frozen Brings a Welcome Breath of Cool Air to Houston in a TUTS Production
For the first couple weeks of rehearsal, actors in the Theatre Under the Stars production of Disney’s Frozen were referring to the musical as Humid the musical That’s because the area’s soaring temperatures were a far cry from the icy world depicted in the much-loved story of Elsa and her…
Houston, We Have A Record Plant
Houston, we have a record plant. For the first time since Houston Records closed more than 30 years ago, artists can have their own albums pressed on vinyl right here in town. In June of this year, Houstonian Joel Hoyle opened 610 Record Manufacturing and already he’s been a busy…
Four Things That Could Get More Expensive for Houstonians With Trump’s Tariffs
Much is being made of President-elect Trump’s plans to levy steep tariffs against Canada, Mexico and China (for starters). His proposed import tax on goods ranges from 25 to 100 percent based on what he has said publicly. Certainly, Texas’ close ties to Mexico could cause some of us to…
Houston Pride Band Gives Santa a Soundtrack in Kringle Kapers
Did you know the Houston Pride Band has performed holiday concerts since the 1970s? In fact, the first fully staged concert by the Montrose Marching Band, an early incarnation of the group, was The Joys of Christmas, performed at Bering Memorial Methodist Church on December 14, 1979. “We’ve done one…
Patterson Hood’s Solo (Sorta) Truck to The Woodlands
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and Patterson Hood appears via Zoom from his Portland, Oregon kitchen in the midst of brewing coffee. He asks how my holiday went, to which I reply that the Ruggiero Household hosted 31 humans. “Oh, Jesus Christ!” he laughs. “We only had seven of us…
The Ugly Xmas Sweater Musical Returns to TUTS
She’s always in black. Every time she enters there’s a thunder clap. She plays a high level German executive come to town to take over a struggling American company that makes uniforms. If you need any more clues then you’re just not keeping up. As Brooke Wilson concisely puts it:…
The Wood Brothers Find Strength in Musical Diversity
We currently live in an age of audio wonders. Recording technology, software, and computer programs like Pro Tools mean that artists both world-famous and utterly unknown can make high-quality recordings in their comfort of their own bedrooms and never get out of their PJs. And in professional studios, producers and…
Lights, Camera, Greece: Houston Greek Film Festival Returns
If there’s one thing Kosta Papasideris wants you to know, it’s that there’s more to Greek culture than Socrates, gyros, and wine – and that the film world already knows it. “Greece is becoming a hub for film, for development, for sourcing talent, and for production,” says the co-founder and…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Holiday Happenings and Brunch with Santa Make the Season Bright
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, December 2 Holiday Kick Off Event at Brennan’s Make your reservations for lunch, when Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, will kick off the festive season with its annual jingle bell tradition and caroling alongside Center for Pursuit, a local organization dedicated to…
NFL Week 13: Texans 23, Jaguars 20 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The Houston Texans checked the two most important boxes on their mythical pregame “to do” list for their Week 13 game Sunday in Jacksonville against the Jaguars — they won the game (23-20, final score, CHECK) and they showed signs of life on offense in the second half (17 points,…
Evil Comes Calling In Winter Solstice
If awards were given for riffs and effects, Roland Schimmelpfennig’s Winter Solstice might just sweep the prizes. A family of means gathers on Christmas Eve and bickers. The family has secrets soon to be revealed. An uninvited guest shows up. He isn’t who he seems. Narration/stage direction happens on stage…
NFL Week 13: Texans at Jaguars — Four things To Watch For
On paper and in the computer simulations of the remainder of the 2024 NFL season, things are just fine for the Houston Texans. Sure, they’re not contending for the No. 1 seed in the AFC or anything, but they are comfortably in the lead in the AFC South, and should…
Openings and Closings: Andiron Pivots, Beans & Brews Debuts
Andiron Grille & Patio, 3201 Allen Parkway, opened November 23 as a reimagined, more casual eatery than its previous iteration, Andiron. Originally opened in 2023 by Sambrooks Hospitality, Andiron was a live-fire upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant. Owner Michael Sambrooks and his team, however, took some of the feedback from…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Game Day Eats and Break-Even Bottles
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Friday Brunch at State Fare Kitchen & Bar Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, 1900 Hughes Landing State Fare is offering a special brunch experience starting at 10 a.m. on Friday and continuing throughout…
Usher Serenades Houston with his Past, Present, & Future Hits at Toyota Center
Usher Past, Present, and Future Tour Houston, Texas November 27, 2024 I remember being 17 years old when the album My Way by Usher was released in 1997. Those first few drum beats and the sultry acoustic guitar from the intro of lead single “You Make Me Wanna” are iconic, especially…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Comforting Winter Fare and a Gingerbread Tea
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: 93’ Til, 1601 West Main, has launched its new seasonal Fall/Winter menu, crafted by Chef Lung Ly to show off the rich, comforting flavors of the season. Available Tuesday through Sunday for dinner service only, the…
Latest CFB Playoff Rankings Set Up Massive Texas vs Texas A&M Showdown
The 2024 college football season is winding down, and so far, the new playoff format has added more emotional juice than I had anticipated before the season. The new format has created some incredibly important matchups this weekend, and made the conference title games in the first weekend of December…
Best Bets: Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Nutcracker and Rachel Kushner
Thanksgiving is here, and while you’re making your weekend plans between football games and tryptophan naps, let us suggest some things for you to do. This week, we’ve got a downtown parade, holiday music, a visit from a critically acclaimed author, and more. Keep reading for these and more. Four-time…
How Many NFL Head Coach Openings Will There Be for 2025?
One market that Houston Texans fans have not had to follow very closely, at least from the stand point of a participant, is the NFL head coaching vacancy market. The Texans hired DeMeco Ryans in January of 2023 with the idea that he would be the team’s head coach for…
Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice: The Best Holiday Sweets to Gift in Houston
The holidays are the time to indulge in sweet traditions and share a little cheer with loved ones. From decadent artisan chocolates and nostalgic fruitcakes to decorated cookies, buttery pralines, and locally crafted confections, Houston is brimming with delightful treats to gift—or enjoy yourself. Here’s your guide to spreading joy…
Kikuchi Leaves Astros for Division Rival
Yusei goodbye, the Angels say hello. The Astros big acquisition at the trade deadline this year was left handed starter Yusei Kikuchi. They sent three prospects, including well liked rookie Joey Loperfido, to the Blue Jays in return for a starter who did not disappoint. Kikuchi was 5-1 in his…
Houston Concert Watch 11/27: Usher, Ha*Ash and More
For many years, going back to my high school days, I have utilized a Thanksgiving playlist to mentally prepare for time with the family. That and chugging a couple of beers on the way to my grandparents’ house. This playlist contains three components. First, it’s side 1 from ZZ Top’s…
The Little Prince at Opera in the Heights With its Life and Death Lessons
The adult singers rehearse in the afternoon. The children rehearse after school. “And then in the evening rehearsal we plug them in,” says Opera in the Heights Artistic Director Eiki Isomura explaining how they are getting ready for their production of The Little Prince. Based on the iconic novella Le…
BigXthePlug Brings his Take Care Tour to Houston
“Ya’ll know I’m from Dallas but I also represent Texas!” yelled BigXthaPlug as he blew a puff of smoke into the air. As the crowd screamed and camera phones flashed, sparkling off of the diamond chain hanging from his neck, the rapper repeated himself before turning back to his DJ…
Could the Houston Texans Squander an AFC South Division Title?
When the Texans walked off the field in Week 8, following a 23-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts, running their record to 6-2 on the season, their odds of winning the AFC South skyrockets into the mid-90 percentage range. They held a two-game lead in the standings, with the head…
Stray Cats Herded and Corralled in New Biography
When the Stray Cats burst upon the scene, some quickly judged them to be a poor man’s Sha-Na-Na at worst, poseurs at best. The East Village Eye declared that the band was “about as much rockabilly as the Doobie Brothers.” The band’s rise and fall (along with periodic re-risings) is…
Celebrate Black Creativity at Dance Afrikana’s 3rd Annual Kuumba Festival
Kuumba is a Kiswahili word that means creativity, and it is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, a week‑long holiday celebrating African American and pan-African culture. To celebrate Kwanzaa and in the spirit of Kuumba, the goal of which, says Dr. Lindsay Gary, is “to leave a place more…
Thanksgiving Grocery Store Hours: 2024
Thanksgiving falls a little later this year than usual but that doesn’t mean we are prepared for it. Even those of us who make a list and check it twice can forget a necessary ingredient or worse, the turkey. And there are the procrastinators who seem to love the down-to-the-wire…
Leon Thomas Transforms Heartbreak into Art on the Mutt Tour
Leon Thomas is no stranger to the industry. The New York City native got his start singing on Broadway and quickly began making a name for himself on the Nickelodeon network on shows like The Backyardigans and Victorious. That was back in 2013. Since then, he has worked on pivotal…
Ha*Ash Says HAASHVILLE is an Album, Tour and State of Mind
Hanna Nicole and Ashley Grace Pérez Mosa, jointly known as Ha*Ash, are not professional tennis players. They answered a higher calling in life, creating moving music for themselves and their legion of fans, millions of global listeners who’ve fallen in love with their blend of country and pop songs performed…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Thanksgiving Giveaways and Black Friday Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, November 26 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway at The Savoy The Savoy, 4402 Emancipation, is teaming up with Third Ward businesses to give back to the community and provide 500 free hot Thanksgiving meals at its 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway from…
NFL Week 12 Disaster: Titans 32, Texans 27 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Perhaps the most ominous sign that the Houston Texans may not be a very good football team is that it seems like they are not only losing games, but finding ways to do it that are mindnumbingly dumb and statistically improbable. On Sunday, for example, the Texans managed to lose…
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: A Great Comedy Well Performed by 4th Wall Theatre Co.
In years to come, I predict Christopher Durang’s rueful yet screamingly funny Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, in a splendidly forceful production from 4th Wall Theatre Company, will be viewed as a masterpiece. I’m borrowing from housekeeper Casandra here, without her clairvoyant voodoo powers. It has charm and…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Wicked
Title: Wicked Describe This Movie Using One Quote: Brief Plot Synopsis: Oooh, ooh, witchy women. See how high they fly…eventually. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 electro-shock Dorothy’s out of 5. Tagline: “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” Better Tagline: “Something wicked this way comes…eventually.” Not So Brief Plot Synopsis: You already know…
Openings and Closings: Local Foods Market Opens, Kim Son EaDo Will Close
Local Foods Market, 6100 Main, opened November 20 at Rice University’s Brochstein Pavilion. Open to the public, the new location is the second for Local Food Group’s market and restaurant concept. The first opened in Rice Village in 2021. This newest location offers some of the same sandwiches and salads…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Smashburgers and Champagne, Plus Tapas For Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: CDMX Brunch Event at Late August Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4201 Main Inspired by the restaurant’s recent collaboration with Hola Houston and InStyle Magazine in Mexico City, Late August is kicking off its brand-new Saturday brunch series…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Gladiator II
Title: Gladiator II Describe This Movie Using One Airplane! Quote: JIVE LADY: Oh, stewardess! I speak jive. Ha ha, bet you weren’t expecting that. Brief Plot Synopsis: Swords. Sandals. …Sharks? Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 Chris De Burghs out of 5. Tagline: N/A Better Tagline: “What we do in life, echoes in…
NFL Week 12: Titans at Texans — Four Things To Watch For
After three consecutive weeks of prime time televised games, the Houston Texans normalize a little bit here over the next few weeks. Instead of having the national stage to themselves, they’ll be buried fairly far down the list of CBS Sunday noon telecasts this week, at home versus the Titans,…
Are the Rockets Really This Good? Let’s Look at the Numbers
“You are what your record says you are” is a popular sports axiom attributed to former NFL coach Bill Parcells. If that is the case, the Rockets are pretty damn good heading despite a 101-100 loss at Milwaukee Monday night. Their record at 10-5 has them ranked fourth in the…
Deck the Bars: Houston’s Most Magical Holiday Cocktail Pop-Ups
Grab those ugly Santa sweaters (or T-shirts, depending on the weather). The holiday season is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than by sipping on festive cocktails in a cozy, decked-out bar? Houston is buzzing with holiday pop-up bars this year, rocking over-the-top nostalgic decor, spirited drinks, and…
Calling All Honky Tonk Angels: Come On Down To Be Part Of Live At The Continental Club
Live albums are a great way to create a sort of time capsule where listeners at home can be transported back to a show and given the ability to relive the night over and over again. Many notable live album recordings have come from Houston including Townes Van Zandt, The…
Best Bets: All About My Mother, The Strangers’ Case, and Winter Solstice
It may be World Television Day, but we encourage you to get off the couch and check out some of this week’s best bets. We’ve got film screenings, classical masterworks, and a timely stage play. Keep reading for these and more. After multiple attempts to mount a film adaptation of…
Eleven Games In, Houston Texans Are 7-4 — What Does History Tell Us?
The Houston Texans’ win over the Dallas Cowboys has put the team in a very good spot as we start to creep into the holiday season. As we outlined earlier this week, the team is a virtual lock to make the postseason come January, and in the short term, they’ve…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Friendsgiving and a Wickedly Good Brunch
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Union Kitchen will celebrate the release of the brand-new film Wicked with a spellbinding Wicked-themed brunch on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, available at all five Houston area locations from 10 a.m. to…
Corny Puns and One-Liners Abound in Countrified Musical Shucked
Rural comedy or, if you will, hillbilly humor is deeply ingrained in U.S. tradition, its roots tracing back to Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain all the way through to TV shows like The Beverly Hillbillies and, of course, Hee Haw. And it’s that Kornfield Kounty-set show from which you can…
Mariah Carey Brings Christmas Time to the Toyota Center
The lights at the Toyota Center dimmed as the spotlight lit up the center stage. Bathed in the white light and donning a white, sequined dress stood Mariah Carey. As the noise from the crowd lowered, she laughed, “This used to be a completely Christmas Show but then my agent…
Could the Solution to the Literacy Crisis in America Be in the Hands of 3-Year-Olds?
The 3- and 4-year-olds sit on the floor, eyes and ears on teacher Kaya Savannah as she reads aloud the book The Clothes I Wear which shortly incorporates a session on rhyming. No static exercise this; they emphasize words with arm movements in response to Ms. Savannah’s prompts. “Fall and…
Houston Texans Are a Virtual Lock to Make NFL Postseason
If you’re a sports fan that’s into the probabilities for various scenarios for your favorite team, we live in a beautiful era. Whereas in the pre-internet days, we were left to just guess using gut feel on certain outcomes, now the web is flush with sites that can tell you…
Houston Concert Watch 11/20: Kacey Musgraves, John Hiatt and More
From the “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” Dept: Rosanna Pansino, host of the food-focused “Nerdy Nummies” YouTube channel and the podcast “Rodiculous,” has shared online that she has been growing a marijuana plant out of soil mixed with her late father’s ashes. Wonder what that particular…
NFL Week 11: Texans 34, Cowboys 10 — Four Winners, Four Losers
In a season where the Houston Texans now sit at a somewhat perplexing 7-4, they did get to check off one huge “never been done before in franchise history” on Monday night. A month after beating the Patriots in Foxboro for the first time ever on the road, the Texans…
2024 Houston Holiday Theater, Part I
A Christmas Carol The Alley Theatre is abuzz. I haven’t seen such a crowd in months, maybe more. Selfies were snapped by the dozens in front of the various decorated trees on display all over the theater, super-charged kids were hopping about, moms were lined up at the bar, carolers…
From the Juice Box to the Ice Box: Astros Land New Naming Rights Partner in Daikin
Since 2002, after separating themselves from the disastrous bankruptcy of Enron, the Astros home has been Minute Maid Park. On Monday, they announced that would change as the largest air conditioning manufacturer in Japan, Daikin (with U.S. headquarters in Waller), will enter a 15-year agreement for naming rights on the…
NFL Week 11: Texans at Cowboys — Four Things to Watch For
The Houston Texans season has evolved into quite the conundrum over these last four weeks, as on the one hand, they’ve lost three out of four games and begun to see fan confidence in DeMeco Ryans and the team, at the very least, flutter a bit. On the other hand,…
Shucked at Broadway at the Hobby: a Cornucopia of Corn and Puns
The good people of Cob County love their corn. They stay fairly isolated from the rest of the world, content with their crop. But there is a corn crisis; the corn is dying. And no one can figure out why. Among the inhabitants is a young woman, Maizy, who’s engaged to…
Short People, Rednecks, and Toy Stories: Book Tackles the Life and Music of Randy Newman
It seems that there’s a Randy Newman for all sorts of music listeners. Like acerbic/satirical/edgy/intelligent pop songs? He’s the guy who wrote tunes from the POV of a slave ship captain pitching an all-expenses paid American journey to skeptical African natives (“Sail Away”). And about American militarism (“Political Science”), fervent…
This Week in Houston Food Events: “Danksgiving” and An Oyster-Fueled Charity Bash
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, November 19 Nugsgiving at Cheba Hut Cheba Hut locations nationwide are rollin’ out free Nugs, four-inch subs, to all folks who stop in from 4:20 to 10:00 p.m. The offer is only valid while supplies last, so get there early…
Love Bomb an Emotional Blast at The Catastrophic Theatre
“Now you better watch this and try to understand what’s going on…” If that’s not a perfect dictate – coming from a 56-year-old movie – for the world premiere of Love Bomb, the fifth and latest collaboration between Brian Jucha and The Catastrophic Theatre, then I don’t know what is…
HISD Board Meeting Speakers Blame Superintendent Miles, Not Themselves, For Bond Issue Defeat
Superintendent Mike Miles’ statement following the defeat of the $4.4 billion board issue that parents had let their kids down by voting against the measure, was roundly rejected by one speaker after another at Thursday night’s school board meeting Instead, the more than 130 speakers including state Rep. Jolanda Jones…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Red One
Title: Red One Describe This Movie In One Violent Night Quote: SCROOGE: Christmas dies tonight. Brief Plot Synopsis: A Lethal Weapon teams up with Bad Boy to rescue the Last Boy Scout in less than 48 Hours. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 “Christmas in Heavens” out of 5…
Openings and Closings: The Kennedy Opens, Kaiten Sushi Debuts
The Kennedy, 3210 W. Dallas, opened this week in the former home of Emmeline and more recently, Muse. The glitzy restaurant and piano bar comes from Ninety3 Hospitality Group, owned by Native Houstonian and entrepreneur Andres Q Castro. With hand-crafted cocktails and an elegant ambiance, it is sure to appeal…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Pancakes, Brunch Spritz and Shawarma Spiced Duck
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Smoke and Sip at Lyric Market Friday, 6 to 8 p.m. 411 Smith Cigar and cocktail fans are invited to gather on Lyric’s scenic terrace and enjoy a carefully curated selection of premium cigars from A1 Cigar Bar &…
Dream A Little Dream with Houston Symphony’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Houston Symphony will bring spooky thrills and winter chills all at once with Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert, live at Jones Hall on November 16 and 17. Tim Burton’s beloved film takes to the big screen as the orchestra, led by conductor Anthony Parnther, performs Danny Elfman’s darkly enchanting score…
No Texans Game Till Monday, So Here’s Your Weekend Sports Watching Guide
I don’t get many weekends like this one during football season, weekends where I have nowhere to be once I am off the air at 10 a.m. on Friday. Normally, I have some sort of sponsored watch party at a bar somewhere on Saturday and/or a Houston Texans game to…
Tamale Season is Here: Where to Find Holiday Tamales by the Dozen in Houston
‘Tis the season for tamales—a beloved Houston tradition that signals the start of the holidays. Many local restaurants offer signature and festive specials for folks to bring to their own celebrations. From savory pork and mushroom-filled to sweet corn tamales by the dozen and half-dozen, here’s where to find the…
Three Texas Schools Show Up in Latest CFB Playoff Rankings
There is no doubt that this coming December will be the greatest December in college football history. For years, December actually peaked early with conference championship games in the first weekend, and then a slew of mid-to lower-tier bowl games until business picked back up in January for the big…
Best Bets: gOD-Talk, The Nightmare Before Christmas and This Sky
If you can’t tell by the weather, you can certainly tell by this week’s picks for the best bets that the holiday season is here. Yes, we’ve got some Christmas classics, but also an incisive documentary, a world premiere musical, and much more – keep reading to see them all…
Saving the Astrodome Still Faces Huge Hurdles
We are fans of the Astrodome. Many of us grew up visiting it for all kinds of events. We have advocated in this space several times for keeping it around and doing something, anything with the legendary structure. But failed referendums and a culture of not protecting historic landmarks in…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Top Chefs Join Guard and Grace for its Fifth Anniversary Bash
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Sunday, November 17, Chris Shepherd continues his live conversation series Table to Stage with renowned chef and television personality, Tom Colicchio. The audience can dive into the world of culinary arts as Colicchio shares insights…
Guitarist Tinsley Ellis Strips It Down on The Naked Truth
We’ve all heard the line, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Be that as it may, guitarist Tinsley Ellis is making something of an about face. Though he has built a reputation as a fiery electric blues guitarist since releasing his debut solo album in 1988, this year Ellis…
Spitting Nails and Telling Tales with Playwrights Crystal Rae and Angela Y. Rice
Angela Y. Rice sees herself and fellow playwright Crystal Rae as keepers of stories in the tradition of the griot, West African storytellers who preserve and pass down wisdom from generation to generation. “We are essentially the old lady in the community who knows everybody’s business and everybody’s story,” says…
The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Day Dining in Houston, 2024
This Thanksgiving, skip the stress of cooking and let Houston’s top restaurants treat you to a festive feast. From family-friendly holiday meals featuring classic roast turkey and all the proper fixin’s to multi-course affairs rocking bubbles and lobster, here is where to celebrate the season of gratitude with a tasty…
The Cultural Folktale at the Heart of Tazeen Zahida’s Remounted Musical And The Clay Pot Speaketh
Tazeen Zahida estimates she has been writing plays since she was just 14 years old. “I didn’t even know I was writing a play and I was writing a play,” she says. “I just instinctively think in dialogue and scenes. Even as a kid when I was about to get…
Houston Concert Watch 11/13: Cyndi Lauper, Jelly Roll and More
You would think that, after all this time, we would realize that it pays to be careful and get that URL exactly right. A case in point occurred just recently, when Mattel released an action figure connected with the mega-hyped movie version of Broadway’s Wicked. It seems that, if an…
Five Favorites to Land Alex Bregman Should He Decide to Leave Houston
The wheels of Alex Bregman’s first foray into MLB free agency continue to grind slowly. Publicly at least, there haven’t been any big rumblings. The Astros’ window of exclusivity ended a few days after the World Series was over, so Bregman is free to continue his career with whichever team…
The Stars at Night: Michelin Guide Texas Ceremony 2024
In case you haven’t heard, the Michelin Guide has come to Texas and boy howdy, is the Lone Star State excited. And no city in this massive state is more elated than Houston. After last night’s MICHELIN Guide Texas 2024 ceremony at 713 Music Hall, many of Houston’s finest and…
No Astros on Short Lists for Major MLB Awards
Major League Baseball announced its finalists for Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, MVP and Manager of the Year this week. Unsurprisingly, the list did not contain a single representative of the Astros organization. While the Astros had solid pitching from their starting rotation, no one reached the rarified air…
Rockets, Udoka Figuring Out the Lineup on the Fly: Four Early Surprises
The Houston Rockets are a very solid 6-4 ten games into the young season. They have quality wins against New York and Dallas, as well as some disappointing losses to the Spurs and Hornets. They appear to be a little ahead of schedule for the season but still right about…
2024 Houston Texans Have Exact Same Record as 2023, So Why Does This Feel Different?
The Houston Texans are in Year 2 of the DeMeco Ryans Era, and while they are going through a stormy patch right now, having lost three out of their last four games, I think that Ryans is still, by and large, one of the most popular sports figures in Houston…
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Goes on Stage at 4th Wall Theatre Co.
When playwright Christopher Durang got the idea for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike he wanted to act in it and wrote a role for himself, says Philip Lehl, co-founder of 4th Wall Theatre Co. What Durang was exploring was what his life would have been like if he…
HISD’s Cutbacks in Custodians and Maintenance Workers Strain the System
Dirty hallways and classrooms, fields left unmowed for so long that they become a danger to students in gym class practicing on them, custodians required to carry a punishing workload who are written up if they can’t match the required pace. All these reports and more have been straggling in…
Jesse Ed Davis: Classic Rock’s Super Sideman
Unless you’re a Classic Rock music nerd/liner note reader, the name Jesse Ed Davis is probably unfamiliar to your eyes. But you’ve definitely heard his guitar stylings. That’s him ripping the searing electric solo on Jackson Browne’s “Doctor My Eyes.” That’s him strumming the lush, syncopated guitar intro on Rod…
NFL Week 10: Lions 26, Texans 23 — Four Winners, Four Losers
As Houston Texans fans, on Sunday night at NRG Stadium, we learned a lesson in perception. On paper, you may look art the Texans losing to the Detroit Lions, arguably the best team in football, on a last second field goal as a positive, a sign they stood in toe…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Top Chefs Collab on a One-Night Only Shawarma Spiced Duck Dinner
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, November 11 Recipe for Success Foundation’s Delicious Alchemy Banquet at Hope Farms Recipe for Success Foundation’s 19th annual Delicious Alchemy Banquet will celebrate Houston’s culinary diversity with an all-female chef brigade presenting ten courses against the beautiful backdrop of Hope…
Chief Keef Brings “A Lil Tour” to 713 Music Hall
South Side Chicago-born rapper Chief Keef has been a hip-hop staple since his Billboard Hot 100 hit song “I Don’t Like” surged onto the scene and propelled Chicago drill-rap into the mainstream. Months following his first massive hit, the Chicago rapper nicknamed “Sosa” dropped another classic that would become a…
Lionwoman Productions Debuts in Houston With Playhouse Creatures About Life on the Stage in Restoration London
When the English Roundheads under Cromwell lost power in 1660, the monarchy of Britain was restored with a vengeance. Cromwell, Lord Protector, had subsequently died but was exhumed and had his head, coated with tar, displayed outside the Tower of London for the next 30 years. All others who had…
A Christmas Carol — The Original Ghost Story of Christmas — Returns to Alley Theatre
In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Bob Cratchit works for Ebenezer Scrooge, an unhappy, miserly man who takes out his dissatisfactions on others and primarily on the clerk who shares a cold office with him every day. So why doesn’t Cratchit reach a breaking point, rear back and tell Scrooge…
Houston Restaurants Honor Heroes with Free Meals, Weekend Specials This Veterans Day
With Veterans Day just around the corner on Monday, November 11, Houston’s vibrant restaurant scene is coming together to show gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country and protect our communities. From free meals and special treats to discounts in celebration of service and…
Openings and Closings: The Trill is On, Post Oak Grill is Gone
Trill Burgers, 6810 Louetta, is expected to open in Spring in 2025 and it’s not the only new location of the cult-burger joint to open next year. There is also a location in Missouri City at Fort Bend Town Center on the horizon. The two new restaurants will join the…
Houston Symphony Goes Swingin’ With Byron Stripling
Jones Hall might be located in the heart of downtown Houston, but this weekend, it will feel just like Harlem circa the 1920s and 30s with It Don’t Mean a Thing: Swingin’ Uptown Classics with Byron Stripling, playing November 8-10.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Burger Bodega Drops Anniversary-Edition Old S’Mac Burger
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Garnish Design Restaurant Warehouse Sale and Boo’s Burgers Pop Up Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This weekend, hospitality interior design firm Garnish Design will open its private warehouse for a two-day sale of goods collected over the past…
NFL Week 10: Lions at Texans — Four Things to Watch For
The NFL is a strange place, where expectations tend to be the compass for emotion among fans. Take the Houston Texans, for example. A year ago, the Texans were 6-4 through 10 games, after a three game winning streak that included a scintillating comeback over the Buccaneers, a road win…
Best Bets: Islamic Arts Festival, Playhouse Creatures and Myths and Leyendas
One time change later, and it’s another week, another list of best bets. This week, we’ve got an immersive theater experience, a musical trip back to the Harlem Renaissance, and a celebration of Islamic arts. Keep reading for these and more events that got our pick for the best things…
These Houston Restaurants Are Serving Up Thanksgiving Feasts and a la Carte Classics To-Go
Whether you’re hosting an epic gathering or looking to spice up your traditional Thanksgiving spread, Houston restaurants have you covered with holiday takeout options without the fuss. Get classic turkey feasts and roasts for a crowd, a la carte items like stuffing and potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce, tamales, jalapeño cornbread…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Enjoy an Evening of Al Fresco Puffs and Pours
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: This weekend on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, hospitality interior design firm Garnish Design will open its private warehouse for a two-day sale of goods collected over the past 20 years, including furniture, artwork,…
Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” Finally Gets Her Own Bio
It’s always something of a jolt for fans of a band when its first original or classic member dies. A reminder that even “ageless” rock stars face mortality—and that the listener’s own march toward death is keeping up at the same pace. Still, it was something of a shock in…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans’ Quiet NFL Trade Deadline
It’s been a while since the NFL Trade Deadline was something for Houston Texans fans to pay close attention to, at least as a potential buyer. Even last season, when the team was in the mix for a postseason berth, and buying may have made sense, fans weren’t thirsty for…
Former President Trump Will Be Returning to the White House
Former President Donald Trump has once again been elected president of the United States. He now holds the dubious distinction of being the first convicted felon elected to the office. Early Wednesday morning the Associated Press called the election for Trump when it was clear that he had won 277…
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz Keeps His Seat
After a close race that saw incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred neck and neck in the weeks before the election, on Tuesday Texas voters once again opted for Cruz. The junior senator won by 54 percent to Allred’s 44 percent. In typical Cruz fashion, he…
Sylvester Turner is Going to Congress and Incumbents in Other Races Win
Sylvester Turner spent more than 20 years in the Texas State Legislature, had two terms as mayor, and now he’s bound for Washington D.C. as the congressman representing U.S. House District 18. In a race that was already won before the first ballot was cast, according to most political prognosticators,…
Two Stats That Bode Well for the Rockets and One That Doesn’t
It’s very early in the NBA season and “on-pace” guy is already out in full force. We try to not do too much wild analysis based on only a handful of games, but then again, why not? A trend is a trend even if it is just seven games into…
Houston Concert Watch 11/6: Bonnie Raitt, Andy Summers and More
Many folks are concerned about the notion of sustainability these days, and that’s a fine thing. However, I recently read about a push for python meat as a sustainable alternative to beef. The online Exotic Meat Market suggests that python meat is good for what ails you – asthma, lumbago…
Texans RB Joe Mixon is Part of a Running Back Renaissance
Constructing an NFL roster, while managing the league’s salary cap, is ultimately about markets, about supply and demand, and about asset allocation. You have a certain number of dollars you can spend on a roster, so finding inefficiencies in the marketplace (code for “cheap, but productive players”) is a huge…
HISD’s $4.4 Billion Bond Issue Defeated
Houston ISD’s $4.4 billion school bond issue was not approved Tuesday despite most voters’ acknowledgment that something needs to be done about the deplorable conditions in some of the HISD schools.
Judge DaSean Jones Fights the Narrative as he Runs for a Texas Supreme Court Seat
This election season had Harris County seeing more than 1.2 million residents participate in early voting and securing the second highest early voting turnout in the city’s history. One of the candidates on the ballot this year is Democrat DaSean Jones who is running against Republican Jimmy Blacklock for Texas…
Alex Bregman’s Gold Glove and His Contract Math
On Sunday, Alex Bregman became a Gold Glove third baseman for the first time in his career. It came on the heels of a season that, as per Bregman’s usual, began slow, but ramped up significantly as the season went along. He also displayed his trademark outstanding defense. Perhaps most…
Politics Come to the Ballpark in Immersive Play Safe at Home
Is there a better place to stage a play about a Major League Baseball player who may be planning to make a political protest during Game 7 of the World Series than an actual baseball stadium? For director and self-professed baseball fan Jack Reuler, the answer was no when it…
Four Burning Questions on Stefon Diggs Season Ending Knee Injury
The Houston Texans have enough on their front burner — offensive line issues and the Lions coming to town at the top of the list — to where the season ending injury to Stefon Diggs has not really been a topic since DeMeco Ryans informed us all that Diggs was…
One Day to Go Till Election Day 2024
In a presidential battle that despite all their polling, most political experts says is too close to call, voters will have a last chance on Tuesday, November 5, to cast their ballots. How long it will take for voters to know the results is anyone’s guess. At issue, besides the…
Four Burning Houston Texans Questions Heading into Week 10
With his offensive line continually putting C.J. Stroud in mortal danger every week, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans is facing the first real crisis of his head coaching tenure. If the offensive line were one of several problems on a bad team, somewhat ironically, this would be way less…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Champagne Soirée and Duck à l’Orange Kolache
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Free coffee with taco purchase at Tacodeli Tacodeli, 1902 Washington, 1715 Post Oak, recently announced a partnership with Cuvée Coffee, offering ethically sourced, custom-roasted coffee to pair with its assortment of tacos. To celebrate, the taqueria is offering…
The Plays May Be Classical, But The Audience Is Fresh
If you’ve been to a theater lately and observed the audience, you’ve likely seen a sea of gray hair. It’s never been a surprise that live theatrical performances attract predominantly an older audience. Ticket prices and access to disposable income certainly play a factor. But often programming takes the hit…
NFL Week 9: Jets 21, Texans 13 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The vibes around an NFL franchise rebuild can be fascinating. Last season, the first season of the DeMeco Ryans Era in Houston, in Week 9, the Texans pulled off a last second comeback over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home, to even their record at 4-4. C.J. Stroud threw for…
Openings and Closings: Mexican Sugar Regent Square, Katz’s Deli Memorial
Mexican Sugar, 3505 Dallas, is opening this December at Regent Square. Part of the FB Society portfolio, it already has Texas locations in Plano, Las Colinas and Uptown Dallas. The upcoming Houston location will be a two-story restaurant as is FB Society’s most recent Houston foray, Haywire. It will span…
H-E-B Pumpkin Ice Cream is Legit
It’s the most loved/hated time of the year when pumpkin spice seemingly takes over North America even when some of us are still sweltering and praying for a cold front. It’s everywhere and not just at Starbuck’s. We saw our first glimpses in late August: shelves or orange-colored, pumpkin-spiced everything…
Will Anderson Named AFC Defensive Player fo the Month for October
With every passing week of the 2024 NFL season, it becomes more and more clear — the future cornerstones for the Houston Texans over the next decade are C.J. Stroud on offense and Will Anderson on defense. This is precisely the way the Texans drew it up on draft night…
Alex Bregman is a Free Agent, Will He Return to Houston
Perhaps the most important signing (or non-signing) watch of the offseason began Thursday. With the Dodgers beating the Yankees in a yawner of a World Series, baseball is officially over until 2025, which means teams will begin the mad scramble that is hot stove season. For the Astros, all eyes…
The World Premiere of Love Bomb at Catastrophic: An Interdisciplinary Musical With Taxi Dancers
It starts with taxi dancers, those paid dance partners, in this case reminiscent of the 1930s — although it should be considered timeless says Brian Jucha who is getting ready to world premiere his fifth work with Catastrophic Theatre this month. Creator Jucha (he says calling him a playwright is…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Top Chefs Craft a Lebanese and Cajun Inspired Sunday Supper
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Day of the Dead Dinner at Xochi Friday, 6 p.m. 1777 Walker Guests are invited to celebrate Día de los Muertos at Xochi with a vibrant Day of the Dead Dinner featuring 400 Conejos Mezcal. The evening begins with…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Slurp Oysters and “Shuck Cancer”
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Tacodeli, 1902 Washington, 1715 Post Oak, recently accounced a partnership with Cuvée Coffee, offering ethically sourced, custom-roasted coffee to pair with its assortment of tacos. To celebrate, the taqueria is offering guests a free coffee with…
NFL Week 9: Texans at Jets — Four Things To Watch For
For the second straight season, the Houston Texans head up to the greater New York City area, New Jersey to be exact, to face off against the New York Jets on that horrible slab of pseudo concrete they call the “turf at MetLife Stadium.” Last season, C.J. Stroud’s head got…
A New Box Set Celebrating The 50th Anniversary Of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Comes In An Actual (Not Really) Chainsaw
This year marks 50 years since the release of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which is not only the great-granddad of all slasher movies, but also the only entry in the nine film series to split up the word “chainsaw.” The franchise, created by director Tobe Hooper and co-writer Kim…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Brunch
Best Brunch: Flora Mexican Kitchen As if the gorgeous, chandelier-bedecked dining room and picturesque patio overlooking the lush Buffalo Bayou weren’t cool enough, this Mexican eatery from The Big Vibe Group also rocks awesome things like oyster shooters, carajillos (boozy espresso drinks) and live music during weekend brunch. Dig into…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Pizza
Best Pizza: The Gypsy Poet Impossibly crisp, feather-light crust made from slow-fermented dough to bring a desirable chew. Bright housemade marinara that pops, and bubbling, milky fior di latte for creaminess. Anchovies. Italian Sausage. Truffle oil. Portobello ‘shrooms. Hot honey. You can find it all at cultured, artsy pizzeria The…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Bar
Best Bar: Eight Row Flint Choosing one single best bar in a city blessed with diverse options filled with fascinating people is such a daunting task. It was almost too much for us, friends, and meant Uber-ing all over Houston, night after night, month after month, to find that one…
Best Bets: Korean Film Nights, Night Market and Día de Muertos Festival
This weekend, we’re celebrating Halloween and Día de Muertos and transitioning to November. Of course, that doesn’t change our best bets, which once again offer you our top picks for things to do. Keep reading for a quilter’s dream festival, a weekend of Korean films, a musical fairy tale, and…
Four Signs the Rockets Are On the Right Track Early in the Season
The Rockets are unlikely to be a “great” team this season. This is still a fairly young and inexperienced group of guys. But going .500 last year and coming in with a very deep squad should make fans feel better about their chances of being at least a good team…
Gunna Takes the Stage at 713 Music Hall Again
Gunna has been the embodiment of doing and getting what you want out of life as of recent. With the dust from the infamous YSL RICO case having been mostly settled for Gunna, he seems to have been able to move on and get back to living life on his own terms and how he…
Houston Concert Watch 10/30: Morrissey, Marc Anthony and More
Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir said on Instagram last week, “Phil [Lesh] wasn’t particularly averse to ruffling a few feathers.” To hear some in the Dead world tell it, that is an understatement. When the Dead were making their second album (Anthem of the Sun) for Warner Brothers, company president…
Happy Hour: Mia Bella’s Vintage Park
Lately, we’ve been in search of great happy hour deals and dining bargains that can stretch the worth of a dollar a little further. While Houston teems with luxury eateries that cater to corporate types wielding platinum company credit cards, we simple folk sometimes need options that offer less costly…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Brewery
Best Brewery: Saint Arnold Brewing Company Houston is a beer city, right up there with the Denvers and Milwaukees of the world, and it’s evident in the craft beer explosion of the last several years. Like any scene – music, food, etc.- there’s been some attrition in H-town’s craft beer…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Mexican
Best Mexican: Xochi For a while now, Houston’s march toward authentic Mexican food has been stuck in the admittedly tasty mix of refried beans and enchilada sauce. As the Tex-Mex crazed have begun to venture in search of cuisine from Mexico’s 31 states and especially the D.F., they’re thankfully finding…
Houston Texans Co-Founder Janice McNair to Receive 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
When the late Bob McNair began chasing a National Football League franchise for Houston in the late ’90s, in the wake of the Adams’ family moving up to Nashville, his mission was not only to provide a tremendous sports experience for Houstonians, but also create an organization that could help…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Fried Chicken
Best Fried Chicken: Bludorn Every last Tuesday of the month, in-the-know locals snag a table at chef Aaron Bludorn’s eponymous dining spot for a taste of a high-low comfort classic. That’s when chef de cuisine Chase Voelz puts out impossibly crisp, impeccably flavored, and downright tasty fried chicken, served family…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Crawfish
Best Crawfish: Josephine’s Gulf Coast Tradition When mudbug season comes around, you’ll find restaurants and bars across the city putting on boils, but only the elite know how to get ‘em right. Mississippi-born chef Lucas McKinney is one of the chosen, taking fresh crawdaddies from Louisiana and giving them the…
Vote and Earn Election Day Freebies and Specials at Houston Bars and Restaurants
With Election Day just around the corner on Tuesday, November 5, Houston’s bars and restaurants are eager to celebrate the power of the vote. Check out the local spots rolling out specials and complimentary treats for Houstonians who cast their ballots, from free coffee and pizza to happy hour deals…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Breakfast
Best Breakfast: Vibrant If you want to ease into the day mindfully, check out the new location of this wellness-focused cafe favorite to enjoy a serene and energizing breakfast. The concept keeps its light-filled, natural aesthetic, this time nestled in nature near the Running Complex at Memorial Park. Grab a…
Boeing May Ditch the Space Race — And Starliner
After enduring the months of embarrassment that constituted Boeing Starliner’s first crewed flight test – which ended, for Starliner, at least, with an uncrewed landing back in September – Boeing officials reportedly aren’t feeling as rosy about their entry for a NASA-approved commercial spacecraft. In fact, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg…
Best Of Houston® 2024 – Bar: Downtown
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Warren’s Inn as the best downtown bar.
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Burger
Best Burger: burger-chan Willet Feng is one of the most talented, dedicated chefs in the industry. Running this burger kiosk turned brick-and-mortar along with his wife Diana, he’s constantly putting out something special for his customer base, whether that’s dreaming up collaborations with his local restaurant comrades or slinging his…
The Houston Texans 2024 Schedule is About To Get Wild
Because it’s an odd number of games, in a 17-game NFL season, there really is no halfway point to evaluate and opine on things (unless you do it at half-time of the ninth game, I suppose, but that would be weird). So if you are itching to give some sort…
Clarence Holmes Jr. Puts Civil Rights on Center Stage in Bridge in the Distance
For Clarence Holmes Jr., writing is his “second life.” The New Orleans-born playwright, a former professor of English who spent almost 30 years teaching at historically Black colleges and universities in Louisiana, first tried his hand at writing when he was in his 20s. He penned a children’s book and…
Investigators Say a Teacher Certification Cheating Ring Was Headed Up By an HISD Coach
A veteran head boys basketball coach and two assistant principals — all in the Houston ISD — were among five people charged with running a teacher certification cheating ring, it was announced Monday by Harris County DA Kim Ogg’s office and Houston ISD. What this means is that an unknown…
Rossini’s Cinderella at HGO: A Showstopping Cast Complete With Scene Stealing Rats
In the world of opera (as in any art), each composer has a distinctive style. Teutonic titan Richard Wagner has power; Italian master Giuseppe Verdi has grand passion; sublime Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has wit; Bavarian prodigy Richard Strauss has chromatic lushness; bon vivant Giacomo Puccini has endless, ravishing melodies; and…
Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n Sweet Tour Touches Down in H-Town
There’s a trifecta of women doing great things in pop music right now: Charli XCX, with that Brat Summer of hers you may have heard of or experienced; Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise beyond any music festival’s capacity; and Sabrina Carpenter, achieving ubiquity six albums deep into her career. Sunday night,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Berg Hospitality Thanks First Responders with a Meal on the House
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Halloween specials Houston restaurants and bars are celebrating spooky season with wicked good treats, boo-zy bashes and costume parties, creepy cocktail pop-ups and more. Take a look at this year’s Halloween Food and Drink Guide to join the…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Seafood
Best Seafood: Little’s Oyster Bar With year one under its belt, Pappas Restaurant group’s first chef-driven concept has built a major following among seafood fans. Evenings find the dining room and patio full of diners happily slurping down freshly shucked oysters on the half shell, lobster on ice and gorgeous…
Best of Houston® 2024: Best LGBTQ Bar
In this year’s Best of Houston®, Houston Press selected JR’s Bar and Grill as the Best LGBTQ Bar.
Casual Gamer Reviews: Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Rating: 5 out of 5. Now THIS is a Life is Strange game. When the original Life is Strange released in 2015, it revolutionized the adventure game genre. The game offered players a compelling mystery to solve with iconic, well-rounded characters, and navigating the game world with Max Caufield’s time…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Barbecue
Best Barbecue: Truth BBQ Perhaps you’d quibble with our take that Truth BBQ is Houston’s best all-around craft barbecue joint. Maybe you’d be offput by the lines that can sometimes wind around the place, a sure sign that someone in the building (in this case pitmaster Leonard Botello IV and…
NFL Week 8: Texans 23, Colts 20 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The Houston Texans’ sixth win of the season on Sunday afternoon, a 23-20 nail biter over the Indianapolis Colts, was a whole lot like at least four of their other wins this season. Really, it was the same as every win but the 41-21 win over the Patriots in Week…
Don Toliver and The Psycho Tour Hit the Toyota Center
The bass pulsed through the room as Don Toliver stood on a catwalk above the stage. Dressed in all black and wearing a large black leather jacket, the singer could only be seen as a silhouette, but with every bass pulse, waves of fire would illuminate him for the crowd…
Theatre Under the Stars Delivers a Killer Little Shop of Horrors
Man-eating plants just in time for Halloween? Yes, please. But not just any man-eating plant, we’re talking about the infamous Audrey II of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Little Shop of Horrors, now taking root at Theatre Under the Stars in a brand-new production of the oft-beloved musical. The show…
Tinashe Turns Up Bayou Music Center
“Houston y’all know what time it is!” Tinashe yelled out as her first Billboard Top 100 hit song, “Nasty”, played and had hundreds of Bayou Music Center attendees screaming and singing “Is somebody gonna match my freak?” with her Thursday night. New fans have come to know Tinashe through “Nasty”,…
Openings and Closings: Traveler’s Cart Arrives, Coffee Fellows EC Opens
Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose, opened October 23. It’s the second restaurant for Thy and Matthew Mitchell, a married couple who also own and operate Traveler’s Table, which first opened on Westheimer in 2019. The globetrotting couple have drawn inspiration from their world travels to create both food and cocktail menus…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Celebrate Diwali at a Bollywood Burnout
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Bollywood Burnout – Diwali Edition at Musaafer Friday, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 5115 Westheimer Night owls can hit the dance floor at Musaafer as it celebrates Diwali with its late-night immersive cultural experience, “Bollywood Burnout.” Guests can indulge…
Portillo’s Rocks Richmond on Opening Night
The Judas Priest concert I was assigned to cover for the Houston Press on Tuesday, October 22, was cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances.” I was ready to rock but, as the band has famously sung over 40 years, I “had another thing coming.” Turns out that other thing was a…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Steakhouse
Best Steakhouse: Prime 131 Steakhouses can be rustic and hearty, or they can be lavish and over-the-top. Berg Hospitality Group’s latest steakhouse concept, Prime 131, is unapologetically the latter. The showstopping live-fire steakhouse evokes the high-energy vibes of the late ‘90s dining scene of NYC’s Meatpacking District, with an open…
Do The Time Warp With Houston Symphony This Weekend
Houston Symphony is doing the time warp again this weekend as it presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday. This interactive screening of Tim Curry’s campy cult classic includes a shadow cast, costume contest and a party afterward.
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Restaurant Patio
Best Restaurant Patio: Flora Mexican Kitchen Rising above the banks of the Buffalo Bayou nestled amongst towering Live Oaks, Flora Mexican Kitchen is one of the most stunning restaurants in Houston. Score a seat out on the lush and airy patio and you’ll be immersed in nature as you indulge…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Live Music Venue (Large)
Best Live Music Venue (Large): Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Houston’s got small venues that make you feel like you’re in the grit of the city, places that are dimly lit with restrooms straight out of the 1970s Bowery and explosive acts on stage that recall that exciting time in music…
Give Blood, Get Terrified
Have you ever had that “too much blood” feeling? As if you wished you could part with some of your hemoglobin in exchange for movie swag? Good news! You no longer have to hang out cemeteries waiting for a passing vampire, you can just go to the Regal Edwards Marq*E…
NFL Week 8: Colts at Texans — Four Things to Watch For
Since becoming an NFL franchise in 2002, the Houston Texans have faced the Indianapolis Colts twice per season, every season, so this coming Sunday will be 46th time that the two teams have met. The Colts hold a resounding edge in the lifetime series between the two teams, largely based…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Dig into Wagyu, Egg Salad and More at a Two-Day Sando Pop-up
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Tavola, 1800 Post Oak, invites guests to a luxurious White Truffle Wine Dinner on Tuesday, October 29 ($285 per person). Crafted by chef de cuisine Michael Lara in celebration of the prized white truffle, highlights include…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Enchiladas
Best Enchiladas: Polanquito Enfrijoladas Our top enchilada comes from the quaint, authentic Mexican café Polanquito. The Shepherd Drive restaurant is intimate – just about a dozen tables and some bar seating surrounded by pastel-colored walls adorned with potted plants, paintings of Frida Kahlo and La Catrina figurines. All those colorful…
The Lennons’ Many Faceted Man Reflects on Life with the Superstar Couple
Because literally thousands of books have been written about the Beatles—both as a group and individuals, the subcategories can get pretty minute. There is actually—no joke—one called A Cheese Sandwich for John Lennon in which a young Liverpudlian girl recalls, well, making said snack for a hungry pre-fame Beatle. But…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Bar – Montrose
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Boheme as the best bar in Montrose.
Best Bets: Scream on the Green, The Shining, and David Sedaris
The tricks and the treats are in full swing as we near Halloween, and the spooky season is certainly reflected in this week’s best bets. Yes, we’ve murderous plants and classic horror films, but we’ve also got a beloved opera and a visit from a well-known Broadway performer. Keep reading…
Houston Texans Sign Free Agent Linebacker Devin White
Since the Houston Texans returned to the land of relevance last season, one thing that GM Nick Caserio has shown he will do is dip into any pool of discarded players necessary in order to improve his football team’s roster. Last season, the waiver wire yielded the Texans players like…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Family-Friendly Spot
Best Family-Friendly Spot: Stomping Grounds Close your eyes and imagine a giant open greenspace for the kids to run around in while you linger over crispy tuna rolls yellowtail sashimi, crushable wine flights and local craft beers, fresh guac and barbacoa tacos, and build-your-own bowls of pho. Now stop dreaming,…
Post Malone Delivers a High-Octane Performance in The Woodlands
Post Malone F-1 Trillion Tour The Woodlands, Texas October 22, 2024 Since the beginning of his career, Post Malone has been a mystery. The skinny white kid who started rapping on Soundcloud with “White Iverson” is now an almost 30-year-old father releasing country albums. He lives somewhere in between the…
The Difficulty in Making Changes on the Texans’ Beleaguered Offensive Line
Seven games in, the Houston Texans sit at 5-2, which is a really good place to be, considering it’s their best record to start a season since 2012. Despite the solid overall record, there are still areas for Texans fans to worry about, if indeed this team aspires to compete…
The Case for An Astros One-Season Reset
The Astros are in a curious offseason position. They have one huge name free agent and, at minimum, a pair of stalwart pitchers unlikely to return. They are also counting on the return from injury for several players who could play a significant role well beyond 2025. But, in reality,…
Eight Questions Answered Ahead of the Rockets 2024-25 Season
Continuity is something the Rockets have not enjoyed for quite some time. Since the 2020-21 season when the Rockets went into full rebuild mode after dealing James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, this has been a team gathering talent and trying to get those players as much growth and experience as…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Dim Sum
Best Dim Sum: Duck N Bao With a trio of locations across Houston, this budding local superstar specializes in Peking duck and dim sum. Here, husband-and-wife duo Grace and Leo Xia put out nostalgic takes on their childhood favorites from Bejing and Sichuan, China. Slurp up scratchmade shrimp and pork…
Cinderella at Houston Grand Opera: Love Among the Ashes
In the opera Cinderella, the Prince is named Don Ramiro while the Cinderella character is called Angelina. There is no Fairy Godmother, rather a tutor and mentor named Alidor. The wicked stepmother is replaced by a wicked stepfather named Don Magnifico. The prince’s parents are not part of the story…
Best of Houston® 2024: Best Chamber Orchestra
In this year’s Best of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Apollo Chamber Players as the Best Chamber Orchestra.
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Thin Crust Pizza
Best Thin Crust Pizza: Nonno’s Cracker-thin, Chicago-style tavern pies are what you’ll find at this retro pizza place, from the culinary savants behind popular spots Nobie’s and The Toasted Coconut. Build your own thin crust 14-incher with classic ingredients from Italian sausage and mortadella to hot giardiniera and wild mushrooms;…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Sports Fans
Best Sports Fans: Houston Astros Let’s be fair, the Astros have been easy to root for thanks to nearly a decade of excellence, but the fanbase grew restless when the team began the season 7-19 including an 0-4 start, getting swept by the Yankees. Decision making was called into question…
Houston Concert Watch 10/23: Rick Wakeman, Dashboard Confessional and More
It seems that airport officials in Wellington, New Zealand have a problem. Security concerns? Birds flying into jet engines? A glaring lack of Pappas restaurants? No, it’s more serious than that. Due to overly fond farewells on the part of passengers, the airport has posted signs setting a three-minute limit…
X Marks Their Final (?) Houston Spot At White Oak Music Hall
X White Oak Music Hall October 21, 2024 What more can you say about X? As venerable an institution as exists in punk rock music — or hell, punk rock … or hell, *music*. The celebrated Los Angeles punk outfit returned to Houston with their original lineup — John Doe,…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Italian
Best Italian: Coltivare Houston seems to be having a renaissance when it comes to Italian restaurants; with a growing number of classic red sauce joints, fancy Italian steakhouses and friendly trattorias with scratchmade pastas and pies entering the dining scene over the last few years. With so many new faces…
Growing Up Greenspoint: Memories from a Forgotten Mall
On a recent Uber ride, a New Orleans transplant revealed he lived in the Greenspoint area. I told him that’s where I grew up. “Gunspoint?” was his response. It’s a common question when I tell people my formative memories as a kid were in a tiny blue collar neighborhood just…
Best Tasting Menu: Tatemó
Diners look to tasting menu restaurants for a unique experience, and this James Beard Award-nominated Mexican restaurant delivers just that. Its name a nod to the Mexican technique “tatemar“ (meaning to roast, toast or grill), here, chef-owner Emmanuel Chavez (a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in Texas, himself)…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Bar Patio
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Social Beer Garden as the best bar patio.
Deshaun Watson Ruptures Achilles Tendon, This Might Be The End of the Story
When it comes to the “care” factor over past events in the NFL, football fans generally come in two categories — first, there are those who choose to just look forward, and let the past be the past, which is probably healthy. Then there is the second category, of which…
Ms. Holmes & Ms Watson – Apt 2B: A Kate Hamill Farce at Stages Theater
Ms. Watson is an American divorcee who’s coming to London for the first time. According to Hannah Meade who is directing Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt 2B: “She’s kind of lost. She’s seeking out some new beginnings. “Ms. Watson finds Ms. Holmes’ apartment is open for a roommate…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Smash Burger
Best Smash Burger: Burger Bodega Smash burgers seem to be the new ‘’it’’ burger, and you’ll see a lot of worthy renditions popping up in kitchens around town. Burger Bodega is the king of them. The pop-up turned Washington Avenue brick-and-mortar from foodie wunderkind Abbas Dhanani—aka HoustonEatz, the stylin’ eatery…
Cheyenne Jackson Brings Signs of Life to Houston’s Hobby Center
Saying he wanted to branch out beyond concerts and cabaret work, performer Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story, Glee) explained how he came to write “a riskier” act that not only showcases his singing talents but allows his audiences to know so much more about him. “I felt much more exposed,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Halloween Bashes and a Bollywood Burnout
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Halloween Specials Houston restaurants and bars are celebrating spooky season with wicked good treats, boo-zy bashes and costume parties, creepy cocktail pop-ups and more. Take a look at this year’s Halloween Food and Drink Guide to join the fun…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Bar – Rice Village
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Marquis II as the best bar in Rice Village.
Early Voting for the November General Election Starts Today
Today is the start of early, in-person voting in Texas, a chance to get your ideas registered early and to avoid long lines on Election Day. Particularly something to think about in a presidential election as contentious as this one. Former President Donald Trump faces Vice President Kamala Harris. Then…
When the Wild West Was “Comic”-al
Of all the genres of historical and popular fiction, the one that probably has the most ingrained archetypes is the Western. You’ve got the strong, good, white hatted (and usually white skinned) hero. The dastardly black hatted or mustachioed villain. The damsel in distress. The old coot/drunk. Settings of stagecoaches,…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Waterfront Restaurant
Best Waterfront Restaurant: Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House Impressive views of the tranquil waters of Galveston Bay are on full display at this San Leon dining destination, which features local seafood plucked straight from the sea, including Gulf oysters, shrimp, crab and seasonal bycatch. The tide-to-table concept comes from…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Liquor Store
Best Liquor Store: Spec’s Downtown Best Liquor Store? Silly rabbit, it’s Spec’s! The Houston-based liquor empire has been doling out the good stuff more than 60 years to Houstonians and fellow Texans and, if you ask us, the epicenter of all that goodness is the downtown Houston location. The place…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Brunch in Midtown
Best Brunch in Midtown: Thirteen James Harden’s Midtown restaurant always had hype, but after a sophisticated revamp earlier this year, that hype has turned into total fire. Texas native chef Siddartha Cadena leans into his impressive international experience — think Joel Robuchon in Paris and Gaggan Anand in Bangkok —…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Speakeasy
Best Speakeasy: Bandista Houston’s speakeasy scene is no secret, which is sorta ironic when you think about it. After all, these places are designed to be hush-hush, down low spots for only the most dedicated IYKYK drinkers. Since the offerings are increasingly abundant in Houston, it takes something especially exclusive…
Best of Houston® 2024: Best Choir
In this year’s Best of Houston®, Houston Press selected Palmer Memrorial Episcopal Church’s choir as Best Choir.
NFL Week 7: Packers 24, Texans 22 — Four Winners, Four Losers
In four of the Houston Texans’ five wins this season, the team won the game (or held off their opponent, in a couple cases) late in the fourth quarter. Those four wins had largely been been games where Texans mistakes allowed teams to hang around, but in the end, head…
Sixpence None the Richer Brings “We Are Love” to Warehouse Live Midtown
Sixpence None the Richer with Andrew James “We Are Love” Tour Warehouse Live Midtown October 19, 2024 I’m not saying the best thing about 1999 teen rom-com She’s All That is its use of Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me.” Of course not. Between the evergreen high school-set, “ugly” duckling-turned-swan…
Mesmerizing and Powerful: Vogel Stuns in Didion’s Emotional Odyssey of Magical Thinking
Adapted by Joan Didion herself, The Year of Magical Thinking is a compelling elegy. While the original book won the National Book Award for Nonfiction and was a finalist for both the Pulitzer and National Book Critics Circle awards, the stage adaptation was no stranger to positive reception and award…
HGO Offers a Striking New Production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore
As the curtain rises, we see a grey wall with graffiti on it. An ominous drum beat sounds and if we needed any more foreshadowing that this story will not be a happy one, we get it shortly as Leonora, proclaiming her love for the mysterious troubadour sings “If I…
Direction and Actors Save Mamet’s Race from its Own Shortcomings
All David Mamet plays are a symphony of quippy dialogue and playful profanity. Plays like American Buffalo (1975) and Glengarry Glen Ross (1984) established Mamet’s style: how a writer acutely aware of how language — spoken or unspoken — can reveal the true intentions and underlying beliefs of his characters…
NASA Clears Boeing’s Starliner From 2025 Schedule
In a move that should surprise no one, the folks at NASA officially pulled Boeing’s Starliner off of the federal space agency’s 2025 lineup this week. That’s right, In a release that was billed simply as an update on the commercial space program, NASA tucked in that the next two…
Modern Loss Cleverly Meets Ancient Myth in Alley Theatre’s The Janeiad
In September 2001, New Jersey-born and Harvard-educated Jane Friedlander-Winters is a married woman and a mother of two living in Brooklyn. On the morning of the September 11 terrorist attacks, she sees off her husband of almost a decade, Gabe, for the last time. He never comes home, nor is…
Openings and Closings: Maven Debuts, Leo’s Next Week
MAVEN at Sawyer Yards, 1501 Silver, opens October 18 in Sawyer Yards. It’s an extension of MAVEN Coffee + Cocktails from owners/founders of Rex Hospitality Group, Juan Carlos de Aldecoa, Jimmy Doan and Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. The original concept opened as a mobile beverage cart at Minute…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Smile 2
Title: Smile 2 Describe This Movie Using One The Song Remains The Same Quote: ROBERT PLANT: Does anybody remember laughter? Brief Plot Synopsis: Skye Riley has a Million Reasons for her comeback, and is on the Edge of Glory as she anticipates the coming Applause. Unfortunately, the Paparazzi are no longer her biggest…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: The McDonald and The McKamala Face Off in a “Battle of the Burgers”
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Battle of the Burgers, Election Edition at Rodeo Goat All weekend long 2105 Dallas Rodeo Goat’s latest “Battle of the Burgers” takes on a presidential election theme, as The McDonald and The McKamala go head-to-head now through Tuesday, October…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Galveston Restaurant
Best Galveston Restaurant: The Fancy French technique and local ingredients are the inspiration behind the menu at this American fine-ish dining” spot, an island favorite that opened up at the reimagined Hotel Lucine. Dunk plump chilled shrimp into zesty white cocktail sauce, sop up saffron-kissed mussels bouillabaisse with toasty sourdough,…
No Nostalgia Necessary: X Brings It In On Smoke & Fiction
It can be hard to stay still long enough to pick up on the signs and accept when the end is near in a range of situations; businesses, relationships, physical structures and oftentimes, bands. For X, formed 47 years ago in Los Angeles, all four original members knew it was…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Mocktail List
Best Mocktail List: MaKiin Any of the over-the-top cocktails at this sultry modern Thai eatery can be transformed into zero-proof wonders. With its gorgeous cocktails refreshed seasonally, past hits include the Hua Hin Mango with non-alcoholic tequila, mango puree, lime and a Thai chili rim; and the Pattaya Po Tak,…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Sports Bar
Best Sports Bar: Houston Texans Tailgate With apologies to the brick and mortars that do the Lord’s work on the regular to bring you the best in MLB, NFL, NBA and MMA action (sheesh, so many abbreviations), we submit the best sports bar in Houston is the Houston Texans tailgate…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Brunch in the Heights
Best Best Brunch in the Heights: Heights & Co. When the weather is right, brunch is best experienced on the tree-lined, shaded patio of this neighborhood cocktail bar and kitchen, where the vibes are strong and the cocktails always hit. Offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, go for pancake stacks with fresh…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Live Music Venue (Medium)
Best Live Music Venue (Medium): Smart Financial Centre Latin music is the fastest growing music genre in the United States. As it continues to overtake streaming sites and the Billboard charts, it’s also finding bigger and better concert halls for its growing audiences. One venue that’s recognized that trend here…
Best of Houston® 2024: Free Museum
In this year’s Best of Houston®, Houston Press selected the Moody Center for the Arts as the Best Free Museum.
NFL Week 7: Texans at Packers — Four Things to Watch For
The Houston Texans have already endured a 34-7 loss to an undefeated Minnesota Vikings squad three weeks ago. Also, two weeks ago, they faced one of the MVP front runners and perennially very good squads in the Buffalo Bills, winning on a last second field goal. I acknowledge both of…
TEA Clears Third Future Schools and HISD Superintendent Mike Miles of Any Wrongdoing
Third Future Schools and by association HISD Superintendent Mike Miles have been cleared of any wrongdoing involving the charter network’s financial doings, according to investigators for the Texas Education Agency. Spectrum News reported earlier this year that TFS-Texas had been siphoning off money from its charter schools in Texas and…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Tex-Mex
Best Tex-Mex: Candente Find yourself in Houston long enough and you’ll establish a favorite Tex-Mex spot, but if you’re willing to look beyond the endless chips and salsa, this Montrose standout is worth a visit. From the team behind the Pit Room, the BBQ-inspired haunt puts the “Tex” in Tex-Mex, with offerings…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Zero-Proof Dinner and Free Meal for First Responders
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Thursday, October 24, Navy Blue, 2445 Times, will join OpenTable and nonprofit Ben’s Friends to host the second installment of the OpenTable x Ben’s Friends dinner series, which aims to raise awareness and funds, and…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Late Night
Best Late Night: Cantina Barba The quarter-pound Cantina Cheeseburgers at this late-night hangout are a cult favorite, perfectly nom-able and available in single or double patty…and in sacks of five if you’re really having a night. Night owls can also fill up on the killer al pastor tacos with low-and-slow…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Brunch in Montrose
Best Brunch Montrose: Auden In the gorgeous new mixed-use development Autry Park, husband-and-wife team Kirthan and Kripa Shenoy bring flavor to the forefront at their stunning eatery, Auden. With a focus on global tastes, locally sourced vegetables and refined, but unstuffy service, brunch brings delight in the form of Gulf…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Detroit Style Pizza
Best Detroit Style Pizza: Gold Tooth Tony’s Chef Anthony Calleo is fully back in the pizza game, this time bringing fat-bottomed Detroit pies to the scene. Fans of Pi Pizza, Calleo’s now-closed truck-turned-brick-and-mortar pie shop, can get a taste of nostalgia via the chef’s signature move of combining traditional Detroit-style…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Cocktail Bar
Best Cocktail Bar: Clarkwood Buzz. If we’re doing word association for Clarkwood, our top cocktail bar this go-round, that’s the noun/verb combo we’re choosing to describe the upscale Montrose wine and cocktail bar. For one, it’s got the same sort of buzz that past Best of Houston honorees like Anvil…
Help Me Create My Marathon Training Playlist, Please and Thanks
Recently, over cocktails with friends, I mentioned I was training to run the Chevron Houston Marathon. “The whole thing?” asked a dear friend. Yes, I assured her, all 26.2 miles. At least that’s the plan. Her reaction didn’t exactly reflect my wife’s when I unveiled this latest pursuit. She wasn’t…
Best Bets: Butterfly Effect, Sound & Light, and Race
We finally got a taste of fall weather-wise, and though it’s not sticking around, we hope it will be back soon. In the meantime, we have plenty to do that will keep you indoors and just a couple of things that we think are worth braving the elements. Keep reading…
Houston Texans DE Will Anderson Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week
When the Houston Texans made the decision to select C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and then followed that up 10 minutes later with the trade up from the 12th overall pick to the 3rd overall pick to take Will Anderson, the very obvious…
Opinion: The Cruz-Allred Senate Debate Laid Out the Choice
Going into Tuesday night’s debate between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and his opponent Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, you’d be pardoned if you were anticipating a complete rout for Allred. After all, Houston’s own Cruz, who has served as the Texas junior senator since his 2012 election, has long been…
Sugar Land Wants to Take to the Air With Overhead Gondolas to Relieve Traffic Congestion
Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a gondola?. Or it will be if the city of Sugar Land can get a federal grant to study bringing in an elevated rail and cable system and then the additional funds to actually build it. City…
First Look: Parry’s Kingwood Happy Hour
It seems like happy hour deals these days are far less happy and far less common. Whereas the norm in the 1990s and early 2000s seemed to be weekday specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., current happy hours tend to run earlier and for fewer hours. Unless you take…
NFL Message Is Now Clear: Do NOT Trade Draft Picks for a Franchise QB!
For decades now, the conventional wisdom in the National Football League, when it comes to determining correlation between personnel and winning, has been pretty simple — if you want to compete for a Super Bowl, year in and year out, you MUST have a franchise quarterback. With rare exceptions, that’s…
Houston Concert Watch 10/16: Post Malone, ELO and More
A recent news report that caught my eye dealt with a 911 call to a Washington State sheriff’s office from a woman who said she was being threatened by a pack of “aggressive” raccoons. She estimated that there were between 50 and 100 varmints in the swarm and reported that…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Gulf Coast Restaurant
Best Gulf Coast Restaurant: Late August The storied, soulful flavors of the Third Coast come to life at this buzzy newcomer over in the Ion, dreamed up by Lucille’s Hospitality Group creator, chef Chris Williams. Here, the thoughtfully crafted menu marries local ingredients from the Gulf with global influences from…
Best Ice Cream: Underground Creamery
Best Ice Cream: Underground Creamery You won’t find scoops at this offbeat shop from ice cream wunderkind Josh Deleon, but you will find a cult-like following. That’s because in addition to collabing with restaurants around town, Deleon spins out Wonka-worthy flavors by the pint, which he meticulously crafts in small…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Grocery Store
Best Grocery Store: H-E-B The late, great John Nova Lomax once wrote an impossibly entertaining piece about Houston-area grocery stores and predicted H-E-B would soon run its competitors out of town. That hasn’t happened but the San Antonio-based grocer is clearly the city’s favorite. Don’t take our word for it…
Little Shop of Horrors at TUTS: Horror, Comedy and Reality in One Enduring Package
When Simone Gundy takes the stage as Crystal, one of the DoWop singers in Little Shop of Horrors with Theatre Under the Stars at the Hobby Center it will be a full circle moment for her, she says. “I was actually cast in the show in high school as a senior and…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Bar – River Oaks
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected The Railyard as the best bar in River Oaks.
Employing Magical Thinking to Get Past the Crushing Loss of Loved Ones at Main Street Theater
It’s a play about grief that’s unsentimental and easy to absorb and so personal. That’s how Pamela Vogel describes The Year of Magical Thinking about to open at Main Street Theater. Based on the National Book Award winning book of the same title by renowned author Joan Didion (Slouching Towards…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Takeout Window
Best Takeout Window: Home Slice Pizza By way of Austin, this New York-style pizza joint is a much-welcomed addition to our dining scene; especially because it rocks an uncommon-in-Houston dining experience — a walkup takeout window. Hit it to grab a foldable slice dripping with sauce and hot cheese; order…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Most Instagrammable Restaurant
Most Instagrammable Restaurant: Annabelle Brasserie In a social media-run world, aesthetics are an increasingly significant part of the dining experience (whether you like it or not). But even if you aren’t interested in growing your platform with foodie pics and video content, dining in a beautiful setting is just plain…
Secrets and a Romani Curse: Houston Grand Opera’s Production of Verdi’s Il Trovatore
“She’s the crux of where bel canto beautiful singing meets drama,” is how mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis describes her role as Azucena, the Romani woman whose tragic life has only been made worse by her relentless drive for revenge in Il Trovatore (The Troubadour). In this newly commissioned staging for the…
Judas Priest’s Rob Halford Carries Heavy Metal’s Invincible Shield to Smart Financial Centre
It’s understandable why the general public’s perception of what music writers do is based on Cameron Crowe’s semi-autobiographical 2000 film Almost Famous. Hanging out with the band for a week! Backstage and hotel parties! Drugs! Groupies! But the reality of profession in 2024 is that for features to advance a…
Six Weeks In, Reassessing Houston Texans 2024 Schedule Difficulty
Before the season started, I predicted the Houston Texans would finish the season with an 11-6 record, a one game improvement over their surprising finish in 2023. It was actually among the more optimistic projections for the Texans, as their schedule in 2024 was thought to represent a major step…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Drag Performer
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Drag Performer
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Dive Bar
Best Dive Bar: Trash Panda Drinking Club Anyone venturing to a Houston dive bar would benefit from a few particular social traits, like being highly intelligent, exceedingly curious and extremely adaptable. Those also happen to be the best-known characteristics of the raccoon, the spirit animal of Trash Panda Drinking Club…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Comfort Food
Best Comfort Food: Menudo, Rita’s Mexican Restaurant (Rosenberg) and Laredo Taqueria Sure, Mom’s meatloaf is comfort food and so is your favorite aunt’s crispy fried chicken, but comfort food is also a big bowl of flavorful, protein-packed, steaming hot menudo. If you grew up around it, the unmistakable aroma of…
Jeezy Brings The Playlist Concert Series to Houston
“We’re in H-town so we have to do something special!” yelled Jeezy as he stood center stage at the House of Blues Sunday night. Dressed simply in black shorts, a black T-shirt with his signature snowman logo, a black hat turned to the back, and a gold chain, the Atlanta…
Deciding Your Fate Is Deadly In The Endings With Strange Bird Immersive
The lead-up to Halloween often means theater companies program thematically spooky shows to attract folks eager to get into the ghost and goblin spirit. This year we have a moody/action-filled adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula thanks to Classical Theatre’s straight-ahead, bum-in-seat dramatic horror story show. The kind of traditional quality…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Bánh Mì
Best Bánh Mì: Khang Vietnamese Sandwich & Cafe We don’t take any sandwich lightly around here, particularly the Vietnamese bánh mì, which is nearly as culturally significant to Houston as barbecue or Tex Mex, thanks to a large and thriving Vietnamese population. So, when we say this might be the best bánh mìs…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Cafe
Best Cafe: EMA Yes, you’re probably going to encounter a line at this buzzy Heights bakery and cafe. And yes, you want to get in said line, because pop-up turned brick-and-mortar’s bounty of pan dulce and Mexican and Latin cafe fare is worth every damn second of your time. Show…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Bar – Midtown
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected 13 Celsius as the best bar in midtown.
The Janeiad at Alley Theatre: Dealing With A Return That May Never Happen
When audience members come to see the world premiere of The Janeiad at Alley Theatre this week, they’ll be seeing a commissioned work sparked by a woman whose husband died in 9/11. Playwright Anna Ziegler who was awarded that commission has intertwined the tale of a widow 20 years after…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Wine Bar
Best Wine Bar: The Library In case you missed it, the near northwest side of town has become a rapidly expanding destination for new restaurants and bars. Places like Oak Forest and Spring Branch, with their large neighborhoods of young adults, have become a hotbed for new gathering places. Case…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Slurp Fiery Ramen and Take an Sip and Stroll
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Pink Parties at Little Woodrow’s Little Woodrow’s locations will be hosting Pink Party events, benefiting local breast cancer charities, on select dates through October 26. Guests are encouraged to wear pink, and festivities include Mean Girls-inspired Turtle Racing,…
The Raw, Raucous, and Short-Lived Life of the MC5
“Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!” The exhortation is one of the best-known in rock and roll history, even if it appeared at the beginning of the debut album by a group which never rose about cult status in their lifetime. But as the authors of a new book on that…
Cone Man Running Unearths Tales From the Cryptic Vault
Houston playwright Bryan Maynard loves all things horror, but he especially loves horror anthologies. “I’m a big fan of Tales from the Crypt, Twilight Zone, and the things that inspired them like EC Comics…anything where you have some kind of macabre narrator putting out corny puns,” says Maynard. Several years…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Sporting Goods Store
Best Sporting Goods Store: Fleet Feet Houston If you’re reading this and you’re a runner, there’s some chance you’re prepping now for the 2025 version of the Houston Marathon. January’s race will be the 53rd installment and for nearly as long as it’s been around so has Fleet Feet Houston…
NFL Week 6: Texans-Patriots — Four Winners, Four Losers
In the franchise’s twenty-plus season history, prior to Sunday, the Houston Texans had visited Gillette Stadium in New England sevens times, and seven times the home-standing New England Patriots defeated the Houston Texans, oftentimes soundly and rudely. In fact, the average margin of loss for the Texans in those seven…
Classical Theatre Company Sinks Its Teeth Into a Thrilling Dracula
“There are far worse things awaiting man than death…” Well, unless you’re Dracula. The world’s most famous vampire is more alive dead (or undead) and has been for more than a hundred years. He’s taking yet another bow, this time over at Classical Theatre Company, where they’re offering up Chris…
Los Temerarios Say Farewell at Toyota Center
Los Temerarios “Hasta Siempre” Farewell Tour Toyota Center October 10, 2024 Mexican music is normally categorized as lively, jovial, and loud, with brass horns and drums that practically force you to dance. But beyond the cumbias and rancheras that we adore, there will always be ballads that bring us down…
The Beautiful Sounds of Rachmaninoff and the Tsar at Stages Theater
To the haunting, wordless, and ethereal sound of solo soprano accompanied by a caressing orchestra, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise ushers us into a lush garden of birch trees bordered by flowers, two simple benches on the grass, and a perfectly proportioned house in the background. Into this dreamscape wanders the iconic…
Remi Wolf Blows the Doors Off White Oak Music Hall
A peek at videos on social media of the Austin City Limits Festival last weekend can quickly demonstrate the power of this new generation of female pop singers. Chappell Roan played to a massive sea of people who all seemed to know the words to her songs. Remi Wolf may…
Harvard Elementary Parents Come out in Force to Tell HISD to Leave Their IB Program Alone
They want their principal back. They want their IB program and the students in it left alone. And they don’t want to be told that the New Education System techniques aren’t being used at Harvard Elementary when their children and the school’s teachers say it is. More than 160 people…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Steak Night
Best Steak Night: EZ’s Liquor Lounge You can beef up your Monday night at this retro dive bar. That’s when the kitchen fires up the grill for a classic American steak night on the patio, with a beautifully charred, aggressively seasoned chef’s cut of beef, seasonal side, and salad for…
Southern Smoke Festival’s Chefs and Foodies Share Music from Their Cooking Playlists
Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi said she cranks up the reggae music. That way, when she’s baking the delectable treats she’s known for, the warm kitchen feels more like a tropical paradise than a workplace. Tosi, the renowned New York-based cookbook author, chef and one time MasterChef judge, was one of…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Restaurant in The Woodlands
Best Restaurant in The Woodlands: Amrina The Woodlands is now home to this luxurious, new age Indian restaurant, dazzling the senses and setting the mood for an outrageous experience with sultry lighting and rich-toned dining spaces, showstopping cocktails, and enticing aromas wafting throughout. Hit the tapas room to linger over…
Openings and Closings: Talespin Pizza Debuts, Saigon Hustle Opens Number two
Talespin Pizza, 11300 Katy Freeway, debuted September 27 in the Sherwood Oaks shopping center. The pizza concept is the brainchild of two chefs and brothers, Devan and Eddie Gernert. Chef Devan was previously a corporate chef for restaurateur and Food Network star, Guy Fieri, while Chef Evan is a former…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Lobster Roll
Best Lobster Roll: MF Lobster & Ceviche You can get your lobster roll as you like it at this buzzy new restaurant in Autry Park, a seafood-fueled stunner from the talented folks behind the popular MF Sushi. Fan of an uber buttery rendition? It’ll come stacked with succulent meat absolutely…
NFL Week 6: Houston Texans at New England Patriots — Four Things to Watch For
The Houston Texans take their 4-1 record, as jagged and strange as it may feel, given some of the penalty and turnover issues they’ve had, up to New England this weekend to face the 1-4 New England Patriots. As we outlined in our Wednesday article earlier this week, this game…
Sara Van Buskirk Brings New Sound To Neon Boots
Sometimes people benefit from stepping back a little and taking some time to gain a new perspective and strength before tackling a new endeavor. For Houston artist Sara Van Buskirk, taking that time for their new project has been essential. “I think I’ve been pretty hermity in my working style…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Live Music Venue (Small)
Best Live Music Venue (Small): The Heights Theater Music industry veterans with a proven track record assumed command of an abandoned 1920s-era movie theater and transformed it into the gem of W. 19th Street. Those professionals built The Heights Theater, which kept some of the art deco flair of its…
The Conservative Crusade To Take Over Public Library Book Reviews In Montgomery County
A Montgomery County commissioner’s request this week to consider revising the public library system’s book review policy fell on the deaf ears of his fellow commissioners, who appear resistant to such changes. Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack suggested the County Attorney’s office work with the library and Montgomery County Judge…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Hot, Melty Raclette and a Patio Bash Await
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Lagoon at Nickel City Friday–Sunday 2910 McKinney Nickel City has transformed into an over-the-top gothy Halloween pop-up bar, Black Lagoon, open this Friday through Halloween night. Guests can expect a spine-chilling, immersive experience with creepy and creative libations. 15th…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Immersive Art Exhibit
In this year’s Best Of Houston® 2024, Houston Press selected Artechouse as the best immersive art exhibit.
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Restaurant in Memorial
Best Restaurant in Memorial: Bar Bludorn Just west of downtown, the old neighborhood of Memorial is rapidly gaining momentum as a dining destination. Case in point, Aaron Bludorn, one of Houston’s buzziest chefs and restaurateurs, made the super hood home to his latest concept, a sophisticated tavern with mod takes…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Old Fashioned Week and a Diwali Feast
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Le Jardinier, 5500 Main, is partnering with the organic wine grower Famille Perrin Winery for a special dinner on Tuesday, October 15. Guests can taste the richness of Southern Rhône Valley wines ( ($140 per guest)…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Deli
Best Deli: Tony’s Italian Delicatessen The deli is a special place for sandwich lovers, which is why they are often sought out all over the city’s 600 square miles. For one of the area’s best, you’ll need to take a little drive north to Spring (or Montgomery if you are…
Best Bets: Assassins, Bayou City Art Festival and Hillary Clinton
Still looking for something exciting to do this weekend? You know we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for a musical that steps back in history, a classic horror tale, or a deep dive into K-culture, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Keep reading for these and…
With Happy Hour, Mitch Woods Mixes a Cocktail of Boogie and Blues
To quote Firesign Theatre, Mitch Woods is going forward into the past. And the latest step in his journey is Happy Hour, a new album filled with Woods’ original material, which is steeped in the musical styles of days gone by. For several decades now, the keyboard player has waged…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Mexican Bakery
Best Mexican Bakery: Tepatitlan Bakery Tepatitlan Bakery, the excellent Pasadena panadería, has massive, wrought iron-clad doors and a façade reminiscent of a 16-century fortress from Tepatitlán, its Jaliscan namesake. While the latter would have protected precious Mexican artifacts, the former does its very best to send its version of Mexican…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Record Store
Best Record Store: Cactus Music If you have lots of concerts on your calendar, you probably also have lots of visits to Cactus Music on your calendar, too. That’s because the venerable Houston record store, which is a multiple Best Of honoree in its category, brings lots of local and…
Houston Grand Opera Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers Stepping Down in 2026
Continuing a week of changes in Houston’s performing arts world, Patrick Summers has announced that he will be stepping down as Houston Grand Opera’s Artistic and Music Director at the end of the 2025-26 season. His announcement follows Tuesday’s announcement by Dean Gladden, the longtime Managing Director of Alley Theatre,…
Houston Texans Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
The Houston Texans are 4-1 to start the season, and along the way they’ve gotten significant contributions from key players on both sides of the football. C.J. Stroud has picked up, for the most part, where he left off during last year’s dynamite rookie season. Nico Collins (now injured), Stefon…
Orville Peck’s Stampede Tour Barrels Through House Of Blues
Orville Peck House of Blues October 8, 2024 What do Orville Peck and Beyoncé have in common? One: they’re both fabulous. Two, and perhaps more notably, neither has ever been nominated for a Country Music Association award. Beyoncé was famously overlooked by the CMAs following the release of Cowboy Carter,…
Kehlani Lives Out Their Rock Star Dreams at 713 Music Hall
Kehlani with FLO and Anycia Crash World Tour 713 Music Hall October 8, 2024 “The gays love Kehlani…the colored ones,” explained one fan as he anxiously waited to get into 713 Music Hall to see the singer-songwriter, whose Crash World Tour brought them and their R&B-infused pop to the Bayou…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Margarita
Best Margarita: Ambriza’s Pineapple-Serrano Margarita In Houston, it’s not uncommon to order a meal which fuses heat with sweet. In our city’s Asian and Latin kitchens, entrees which feature these dance partners are popular. Finding a drink which mirrors what’s happily happening inches away on the plate provides a welcomed continuity…
K-Culture Returns to Discovery Green for Two-Day Korean Festival
Every fall Korean Festival Houston welcomes around 35,000 visitors to Discovery Green for a one-day celebration of all things Korean. And there’s one question that Kimmy Gaskins-Nunley, the vice president of marketing for the Korean-American Society of Houston, the non-profit organization behind the Korean Festival, says they hear every year:…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Restaurant in Spring
Best Restaurant in Spring: Belly of the Beast Diners mourned when Belly of the Beast shut its doors in 2021 after a buzzy first year on the scene in Old Town Spring; but thankfully, chef-owner Thomas Billie wasn’t done with the hood yet. At the turn of 2023, the Mexican-American…
Massive Gauguin Retrospective Makes Exclusive U.S. Stop in Houston
Many of the painters associated with Impressionism and Post-Impressionism were by nature, seekers. Creators who saw things visually just a bit differently from many of their predecessors. And while these last-name-only-needed visualizers like Van Gogh, Pissarro, Cézanne, Monet, and Manet and were seekers, one of their group perhaps went out…
Houston Concert Watch 10/9: Norah Jones, Avett Brothers and More
While contemplating this weekend’s concert by the Avett Brothers (please see below), I got to thinking about the use of the kazoo in contemporary music. The list isn’t long, but here are the top five songs in this rather specialized niche, in ascending order. 5. “Alligator” – Grateful Dead 4…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Old Fashioned
Best Old Fashioned: One Armed Scissor Call us (here it comes) old fashioned, but we believe a good cocktail bar should be judged by the love and care given to a staple item. We’re here for all the exuberant cocktail flora and the focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and…
Four Early Storylines for Texans vs Patriots this Weekend
After a first five games of the season that has consisted of four “close shave” wins and one blowout loss, the Houston Texans have an opportunity this weekend, up in New England, to beat up on a downtrodden franchise and get a win where the Texans’ starters can relax and…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Date Night Restaurant
Best Date Night Restaurant: Baso Set the mood with a meal at this sultry stunner, a buzzy Heights newcomer that combines Basque tradition with Houston’s local landscape. Here, acclaimed chefs Max Lappe and Jacques Varon play with live-fire, kissing dishes with flame and smoke from the wood-burning hearth – think…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Museum Outside City Limits
Best Museum Outside City Limits: Galveston Railroad Museum Galveston is such a great tourist attraction that you might overlook one of its hidden gems, the Galveston Railroad Museum. The museum, opened in the ’80s, sits on the site of the original Galveston railroad depot, dating back to the 1800s. While…
Tiny But Mighty: Rosie Flores Keeps Rockin’
Rosie Flores has been punk rock since before punk rock was even a thing. Born in San Antonio and raised in California, Flores has been making music since she was just a little girl with her daddy recording her on the kitchen table. Flores, who started playing as a teenager in 1966,…
Alley Theatre Managing Director Dean Gladden Announces Retirement
When Hurricane Harvey struck and much of the lower levels of Alley Theatre were under water and out of power including the elevators, Dean Gladden walked up 16 flights of stairs in the dark carrying the server, to IT and finance so payroll could get out on time. The flooding,…
Southern Smoke Festival 2024: An Epic Party
Houstonians have a lot of things to be thankful for, though heat, hurricanes and humidity can make us feel a bit sorry for ourselves at times. However, we always pick ourselves up by our bootstraps, or flip flops, and have a drink, eat some barbecue and help each other to…
Five Rockets Players Bidding for Star Status
The Rockets are back in camp and preseason is underway, but what makes this season different from the last few years is there are very few new faces. In years past, you might see seven, eight, even ten new names on the 15-man roster. If there are more than three…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Tapas
Best Tapas: El Meson The classics are sometimes the best. Take El Meson, a Rice Village staple for nearly half a century. It’s old school in all the best ways. Certainly they are known for classic Spanish dishes like paella, which is always an excellent sharable option. But, for the…
Fort Bend County Judge KP George Pushes Back On Indictment Related To Fake Social Media Posts
Fort Bend County Judge KP George is attempting to clear his name after being indicted for allegedly creating fake social media accounts that appeared to be racist attacks on himself and his former chief of staff. According to Chad Dick, senior attorney with Rusty Hardin & Associates, LLP, the motion…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best All Day Cafe
Best All Day Cafe: Humble City Cafe What you want from an all-day cafe is diner-style comfort food, great breakfast, and wait staff that will absolutely call you sweetie or darling or some other genteel southern greeting. When it comes to Humble City Cafe, check, check and double check. Just…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Vibe Dining
Best Vibe Dining: Toca Madera Houston has seen an onslaught of “vibe dining” experiences in the past few years, as restaurants began combining upscale fare with an element of nightlife. Nobody is doing it better than Noble 33’s Mexican steakhouse, Toca Madera, which opened its colossal doors on the ground…
Texas Back on Top of AP Top 25 After Insane College Football Weekend
In college football, more than any other sport, when you least expect it, the sport gets turned on its head. On paper, this was a fairly benign weekend, starting at the very top of last week’s AP poll, where top ranked Alabama was going to Nashville as a four touchdown…
Stand-Up Scientist Ben Miller’s New Comedy Hour About Volcanoes
Pardon the interruption for a comedy eruption. Scientist turned stand-up Ben Miller is bringing something to Houston rarely seen – a night of laughter and learning all about the powerful geological phenomena: the mighty volcano. Stand-Up Science Presents: Volcano will be presented for one night only at the Houston Museum…
Carin León Celebrates Mexican Music y Más at Toyota Center
Carin León Boca Chueca Tour Toyota Center October 6, 2024 In Spanish, the word sorono is an adjective that means “imposingly deep and loud.” Carin León is from the Northern Mexican state of Sonora, which is absolutely perfect because that man is loudness personified. From his big, imposing body structure…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
‘Salem’s Lot
Title: ‘Salem’s Lot Describe This Movie Using One 9 to 5 Quote: VIOLET: He says we have a short in the trunk. Brief Plot Synopsis: Bring out your undead. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 vampire Bart Simpsons out of 5 Tagline: “Be careful what you invite inside.” Better Tagline: “Be […]…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Food Hall
Best Food Hall: Lyric Market Food halls aren’t just about the food. They are about the atmosphere. It’s why sometimes halls with great selections of meal options aren’t always the perfect spot for an after-work hang or a nice dinner. Enter Lyric Market inside the Lyric Centre building just across…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Fancy Burger
Best Fancy Burger: Andiron Burger enthusiasts will want to get their hands on the juice-dripping house burger from buzzy wood-burning steakhouse, Andiron. Rocking a Wagyu and brisket blend, the beef-forward burger gets an extra shot of richness from slow-roasted bone barrow onions and melty aged cheddar. Served on a housemade…
For Ronnie Baker Brooks, the Blues is Definitely in His DNA
While it may be less common today that a child follows one of their parents into the exact same line of work, inevitable comparisons do follow. And if that profession happens to be related to the performing arts—and especially music—that microscope can be even more peering. Just ask Julian Lennon,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Wine Dinners, Smash Tacos and Butcher’s Ball
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, October 8 Trill Smash Tacos at Trill Burgers Smash Tacos are back by popular demand for Trill Burgers’ new Taco Tuesday promotion, available at the Montrose brick-and-mortar, 3607 South Shepherd. The Trill Smash Tacos feature a crispy beef smashburger patty…
NFL Week 5: Texans 23, Bills 20 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Throughout C.J. Stroud’s young career as the leader and quarterback of the Houston Texans, one thing that has become a constant is the Texans’ protecting their home field with Stroud under center. Even with a marquee team like the Buffalo Bills in town on Sunday, one thing that I felt…
Openings and Closings: Mi Luna is Coming, Benny Chow’s Has Closed
Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar, 888 Westheimer, opens October 7 at the Montrose Collective. It’s sort of a comeback for the Spanish dining concept which operated in Rice Village from 1998 to 2018. It was on the forefront of tapas-style dining in Houston when it first opened, introducing locals…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Greek Eats and Southern Smoke
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: The Original Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 3511 Yoakum Souvlaki. Spankopita. Pastitsio. Baklava. It’s all up for the grabs at this 58th annual Greek festival, a family-friendly celebration of Greek culture…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Outrun
Title: The Outrun Describe This Movie In One “Here Comes A Regular” Quote: THE REPLACEMENTS: Well a person can work up a mean, mean thirst After a hard day of nothin’ much at all Brief Plot Synopsis: Recovering alcoholic returns to her remote home to reconcile her past and present. Rating Using Random…
NFL Week 5: Bills at Texans — Four Things To Watch For
Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, uncovering the Houston Texans and their 3-1 record, it feels like we’ve been conducting a beauty contest as much as we’ve been conducting a football season. In the Texans three wins, they’ve won by a combined total of 12 points…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Bakery
Best Bakery: Magnol French Baking Sharpening his pastry cutter at influential spots like Michelin-starred MIX in Las Vegas and “The Most Luxurious Hotel in the World,” Burj Al Arab in Dubai, San Salvador-born chef Otto Sanchez returned to his second home, Houston, opening this lauded Post Oak bakery (with a…
Chefs for Farmers 2024: A Recap
With a hot September behind us and a sure-to-be warm October ahead, it’s not only the temperatures that are heating up but the festival season as well. And many of Houston’s outdoor festivities center around food. Some festivals combine music and food, some art and food, some charity and food…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Cheese Shop
Best Cheese Shop: Montrose Cheese & Wine If you haven’t been to one of this buzzy wine and cheese shop’s après-ski style Raclette parties, you aren’t doing winter right. Regardless, you have all year to enjoy its many cherry-picked cheeses, whether that be via a wine-paired charcuterie and cheese board…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Bike Shop
Best Bike Shop: Bike Lane If you’ve ever seen a Go See Ken bumper sticker on a car in Houston and wondered who the hell Ken was and what the sticker was advertising, look no further than Bike Lane, one of the city’s go-to places for all things cycling. Apparently,…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Beer Garden
Best Beer Garden: Axelrad Beer Garden Axelrad’s famous neon tree is a symbolic mascot for the place. The building itself is old school, rooted in early 20th-century Houston, but it also shines with vibrant, colorful light thanks to the establishment’s offerings and the beautiful people who gather for Axelrad’s routine…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Place to People Watch
Best Place to People Watch: Houston Museum District People of Houston, you’re a work of art and we mean that in the non-disparaging way. You’re chiseled from stone to withstand the toughest of times but, like a fine painting, you’re also refined, arresting and deeply-layered. It stands to reason you…
Walgreens To Provide Free Flu Shots To Uninsured Every Friday Until The End of November
With flu season underway, Walgreens retail pharmacies in Texas will provide free flu vaccines every Friday for uninsured patients through the end of November. Patients can access this no-cost vaccine through vouchers available in-store. Walgreens offers 200,000 of these vouchers annually, and officials with the retail pharmacy chain report that…
Next Gen Metal Band Vended Demolishes Expectations at Warehouse Live Midtown
Vended with Wristmeetrazor and LIE Warehouse Live Midtown October 2, 2024 If you lived through the ascension of nu metal in the late ‘90s as I did, you might remember how nu metal became a catch-all term used to encompass almost every heavy metal act of the era. Turns out…
Noises Off at Alley Theatre: Where Timing is Everything and All the Actors Hit Their Marks
By the end of Michael Frayn’s out-of-control carousel of a farce, Noises Off (1982), you, too, like the hapless characters enmeshed in this peerless comedy, will feel as if you’ve been pricked in the ass by a cactus, had your pants pulled down, fallen down the stairs, been embroiled in…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Pizza with a Purpose and Kolaches Go Italian
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Astrodome Conservancy is partnering with bars across Houston to raise awareness and funds toward ensuring the iconic structure’s future at the heart of NRG Park. Locals are encouraged to Drink Out for the Dome by sipping…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best French Restaurant
Best French Restaurant: Le Jardinier With the Michelin Guide making its way to Texas, this refined French eatery is on the radar to earn Houston a star (its sister locations in New York and Miami both rock one). At its Museum of Fine Arts Houston dining room, culinary director Alain…
Garrett T. Capps And NASA Country Keep Pushing Against The Stratosphere
People are quick to want to place Garrett T. Capps and his NASA Country band in a box labeled “Texas Cowboys” but the truth is, their collective sound cannot be confined as it is a blend of hippie, dreamy, intergalactic rock and roll, with a little country in it. A…
River Oaks Theatre: A Grand Dame Returns
The term ‘much-anticipated’ is bandied about often but if there’s a time that the expression is truly warranted, it’s the reopening of of Houston’s much-loved River Oaks Theatre. The owners and directors have opted for an advance screening of the new film Joker: Folie a Deux to introduce the new…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Restaurant in Katy
Best Restaurant in Katy: Phat Eatery Over in Katy Asian Town, Malaysian powerhouse is one of the pillars of the Katy food scene. Fans could sense the love that late chef and owner Alex Au-Yeung had for the community, and his legacy is carried on through his loyal staff and…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Sandwich
Best Sandwich: Italian Assorted at Home Slice Pizza Ubiquitous to the East Coast, truly great Italian hoagies weren’t always easy to find in Houston until now — thanks to Austin pizza place import Home Slice Pizza. We first tried one of the Italian Assorted sandwiches at an Austin location years…
Houston Texans 2024 First Quarter Report Card
With a 17 game NFL season, the math is no longer clean when it comes to doing evaluations and power rankings at the various quarter poles of the season, but for purposes of evaluating the Texans, these first four games feel like an appropriate spot to stop and take a…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Music Festival
Best Music Festival: Big As Texas Festival The year’s best music festival is Big As Texas Festival in Montgomery County. It’s best because of an ambitious, courageous inaugural effort, as if its independent producers saw the dearth in Houston-area music festival options and decided to take all that’s been recently…
Best Bets: Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Stefanie Eskander and The Herricanes
Welcome to October! As arts organizations continue to open their seasons, there is no shortage of things to do. This week, we’ve got festivals, musical masterworks, world premiere dance pieces, and some peeks back into history. Keep reading for these and more on our list of best bets. It’s that…
Astros Bounced from the Postseason by A.J. Hinch’s Tigers: Four Winners, Four Losers
Baseball is so tough because the season is so long and it can end so abruptly leaving those who love it with a hollow pit in their stomachs. That’s essentially what happened on Wednesday as the Astros were swept in the Wild Card series against the upstart Detroit Tigers and…
Opinion: The Vance-Walz Debate Was a Civilized Affair That May Have Changed No One’s Mind
Tuesday night’s debate between Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was a restrained affair with few fireworks as each vice presidential candidate discussed matters of policy rather than attack each other. Was there a winner? That might depend on what camp the voters were in to begin with…
The Highlight of This Peter Pan at Broadway at the Hobby Turns Out to Be Tinkerbell
When the overture to your musical is more brassy, fast, and loud than the show that follows, something has gone terribly flat. When Peter Pan, a Broadway oldie and goodie from 1954 – probably more beloved for its NBC TV presentation a year later, starring its original Tony-winning stars, Mary…
Houston Restaurants and Bars Cheer on the Astros Watch Parties and Playoff Specials
The entire city is abuzz as our beloved Houston Astros head into the postseason after officially clinching the AL West division title, starting with a three-game faceoff against the Detroit Tigers to determine the AL Wild Card. As always, Houston bars and restaurants are ready to cheer on the ‘Stros…
Phat Friends for Life: A Tribute to Alex Au-Yeung
When Houstonians learned of Chef Alex Au-Yeung’s death from cancer this past March at the age of 52, it came as quite a shock since many people, even those in the restaurant industry, were unaware he was battling the disease. Determined to fulfill his dream of opening his second Phat…
Game 1 AL Wild Card: 4 Winners, 4 Losers
The Astros lost in Game 1 of the best-of-three AL Wild Card series to the Tigers 3-1 on Tuesday. Likely Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal absolutely shut down the Astros bats allowing just four hits and one walk in six innings. Meanwhile, Astros ace Framber Valdez struggled through a tough…
Classical Theatre Presents A New “Terrifying” Adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Whether Bram Stoke conjured up Dracula from a nightmare, the historical account of Vlad the Impaler from modern day Romania, or Irish myth, he created a creature both terrible and legendary that has never passed from the human imagination. And although there have been several iterations of the vampire over…
Group Acorde Dances to the Rhythm of the Heart in Beat
Roberta Paixao Cortes, a choreographer and co-founder of Group Acorde, remembers recently seeing a post online about a hurricane churning in the Gulf, her body reacting before she even knew where it was headed. “I just stopped,” says Cortes. “I think I held my breath.” Cortes says we can all…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Dessert Service
Best Dessert Service: The Marigold Club Goodnight Hospitality’s posh, Mayfair London-inspired supper club mashes high dining with cheeky fun. In addition to delights like the Kaluga caviar sandwich, Duck Wellington and sophisticated riff on fish and chips, Marigold’s playful opulence extends to dessert service in the form of its fancy-pants…
Opponents of the HISD $4.4 Billion Bond Issue Visit the Greater Houston Partnership
Weaving their way through streets loaded with Astros fans headed for Minute Maid Stadium, a group of about 20 parents, teachers and children arrived at the offices of the Greater Houston Partnership Tuesday bearing boxes of letters asking the GHP to back away from its endorsement of the Houston ISD…
Houston Astros Place Seven Players on All-MLB Final Ballot
As the Houston Astros continue to play through their championship window, year after year, it’s worth noting that, while the Astros are still a fixture in October baseball, they’re not quite the juggernaut they were back in, say, 2019, when they won 107 games. Last season, they won 90 games,…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Wings
Best Wings: Southern Yankee Crafthouse This neighborhood brewhouse and kitchen gives its addicting wing the wood-fired cast iron treatment, resulting in meltingly tender, scorched in all the right places wings before being smothered in the sauce of your choosing — hot buffalo, sweet or spicy bbq, garlicky-parm, sweet chili, garlic-honey-soy,…
Houston Concert Watch 10/2: Marcus King, Dash Rip Rock and More
How can you not feel sympathy for Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, the two astronauts who have been stuck on the International Space Station and will not return to earth for another six months. It’s kind of like going to a party and then discovering your ride has left without…
Harlan Ellison’s Final Scream Resonates in The Last Dangerous Visions
Harlan Ellison’s The Last Dangerous Visions has been one of the world’s greatest unreleased pieces of art for half a century. Against all odds, it is finally finished thanks to his close friend and literary executor, J. Michael Straczynski. It as good as hoped for, and it also serves as…
Tigers-Astros Game 1: Three Things to Watch
The Astros and Tigers begin a best of three game series to decide the AL Wild Card on Tuesday. While the Astros have the better record and home field advantage, the Tigers have been on a roll with the best record in the American League since the All-Star break. Astros…
Voters Are Told To Double-Check Their Voter Registration Ahead of Early Voting
Houston area voters are only three weeks away from early voting as Harris County election officials gear up for the usual uptick in voter participation that comes with presidential election years. Amid the recent voter roll cleanup — which is standard practice — residents are encouraged to check their voter…
Get Spirited: A Guide to Houston’s Spooky Booze, Bites and Bashes this Halloween Season
As the days grow shorter and the air turns (kind of) crisp, Houston transforms into a ghoulish playground of spine-chilling sips and wicked good treats, boo-zy bashes and costume parties, and experiences that will both haunt and delight. Embrace spooky season with these Halloween-themed food and drink offerings at Houston restaurants…
Toughness, Familiarity Are Keys to Rockets Ultimate Goal This Season: The Playoffs
In a rare showing at Houston Rockets annual media day on Monday, all 14 players who are expected to be on the roster this season made a pass through the press room. While not evident of anything really, it felt significant simply because the words out of the mouths of…
Texans 24, Jaguars 20: Anatomy of the Game Winning Drive
Sunday afternoon’s Houston Texans 24-20 win over Jacksonville had many of the same earmarks as the previous three games of the season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. There were stretches where the Texans’ offense looked unstoppable, piling up 17 points and 261 yards in the first half…
Tim “Ripper” Owens Ups His Horns with KK’s Priest
Like a lot of teenage headbangers in the early/mid 1980s, Tim Owens had posters of his heavy metal heroes on the walls of his bedroom in Akron, Ohio. There, as he played records and cassettes over and over again and pored through magazine articles (no internet yet, kids) they stared…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Fast Casual Restaurant
Best Fast Casual Restaurant: Little Rey Restaurateur Ford Fry (La Lucha, Superica, State of Grace) expands his well-established local footprint with the opening of this Northern Mexico-inspired concept, which takes the attention to detail of a full-service restaurant and mashes it up with a more casual, counter-service feel. There is…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Dog Park
Best Dog Park: Waldemer Dog Park Not all great dog parks are massive expanses with man-made lakes and dog-made mud holes. Some are quaint, established spaces inside otherwise normal city parks. Such is Waldemer Park’s Nela Thomas Brown Dog Park (simply referred to as Waldemer Dog Park by most). Just…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Museum
Best Museum: Holocaust Museum Houston In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, perhaps no museum best exemplifies the need for safe spaces as the Holocaust Museum Houston. The beautiful structure on Caroline in the museum district is a monument to Jewish culture and a reminder of our world’s…
Best Of Houston® 2024: Best Dance Club
Best Dance Club: Barbarella When you walk into Barbarella, the first thing you might notice is how the entryway and its oversized bar are bathed in red light. We’re not saying it’s glowing red to remind visitors of a specific place, you know – like hell. But, we’re also not…
Best of Houston ® 2024: Best Japanese
Best Japanese: Katami Culinary virtuoso and four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Manabu Horiuchi (aka “Chef Hori”) does it again, this time at his mindbogglingly exquisite, sushi-, wagyu- and sake-focused restaurant in the new Harlow District. Translating to “momento” or “keepsake” in Japanese, Katami highlights fish flown in almost daily from…
Shorts Celebrate Latinx Voices in TEATRX’s La Vida Es Cortos Festival
Studies continue to show that Latinx audiences in the U.S. go to the movies, per capita, more than their non-Latinx neighbors. It’s a fact that left some, like the founders of Houston-based Latinx theater company TEATRX, with questions. “We know they seek entertainment in many ways, and they seek entertainment…
It’s Time For Best Of Houston® 2024
Starting on Tuesday, October 1 and continuing through the month, the Houston Press will once again present its Best of Houston® 2024 selections for this year. We do this for two reasons: to highlight businesses, organizations and people who are doing a great job. And to let you, the readers know…
The Devil Made Him Do It: Book Resurrects the Wild Tale of Church of Satan Founder Anton LaVey
Consider the Devil. Though he (and it’s usually presumed that it’s a he) goes by different names in different religions and cultures. There’s one thing for sure, though: he’s the No. 1 The Big Bad. The embodiment of pure evil who brings pestilence and plague to the world, inserts murderous…
Rock And Roll Retirement Plan: Laid Back Country Picker Returns To Houston
In the small town of Louisa in eastern Kentucky, there are a pair of highschool sweethearts who will soon celebrate not only their 41st wedding anniversary, but also their long earned retirement from teaching. It would be a safe assumption that the loving pair would find a hobby or a…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Half-Off Tacos and the Return of Foodie Fundraiser Southern Smoke
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, October 1 National Taco Day at Fish Company Taco Down in Galveston, the newly reopened Fish Company Taco, 1914 23rd, will offer half-priced tacos and drinks from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this National Taco Day. Score $3.50 a pop…
NFL Week 4: Texans 24, Jaguars 20 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The last time that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence played a good, winning game of American football was in Week 12 of last season. That day, he engineered a 24-21 win over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, a win that drove the Jaguars record to a rock solid 8-3…
Weezer, Flaming Lips, Dinosaur Jr. Blasted Houston Back To The ’90s Last Night
Weezer, Flaming Lips, And Dinosaur Jr. performances in Houston last night reminded us all how great ’90s alternative rock was.
Cuco Brings His Fantasy Getaway to life at White Oak Music Hall
Cuco White Oak Music Hall – Lawn September 27, 2024 The first time I heard a song by Cuco was around 2018. The track was “Amor de Siempre – Mariachi Version” which popped up on one of those recommended playlists that Spotify releases. The song begins super slow and chill,…
The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote a Sharp Satire at Stages
The terminology used to describe people like me has, let’s say, evolved over the years. Specifically, for me, from Chicano/a and Mexican-American to Hispanic to Latino/a, and then Latinx to Latine. They’re terms both given to you and a matter of personal preference. My own mother, who first heard the…
Openings and Closings: ChopnBlock Soon, Milton’s Tonight
ChopnBlock Montrose, 507 Westheimer, will open October 1, which also happens to be Nigerian Independence Day, a fitting brick and mortar debut for the concept which celebrates the cuisine and ingredients of the African Diaspora. It began as a pop up from founder and chef Ope Amosu who then, in…
Review For The Easily Distracted:
Wolfs
Title: Wolfs Describe This Movie In One Pulp Fiction Quote: THE WOLF: If I’m curt with you it’s because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please, with sugar on top…
NFL Week 4: Jaguars at Texans — Four Things to Watch For
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, over his last eight starts in NFL games, dating back to last season, has been one of the worst quarterbacks in all of football. That’s not an opinion, that’s not a hot take, that’s a statistical fact. Lawrence has a record of 0-8 in those…
Motown makes its return to H-Town this weekend
The Houston Symphony is bringing Motown to H-Town, with some of entertainment’s biggest acts this weekend during Ain’t No Mountain High Enough: The Music of Motown. Special guest singers Ryan Shaw and Capathia Jenkins, along with background vocalists and the orchestra, will vocally and sonically shimmy and shake Jones Hall with the songs that defined…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Bourbon Grand Tasting and Paella Sunday
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Galveston Island Shrimp Festival Friday, 7:30 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2302 Strand Hit the island for its famous Gumbo Stroll and Shrimp Festival, kicking off with Friday’s pre-party and followed by the main event,…
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Fort Bend County Judge KP George Indicted On Charge Related To Fake Social Media Posts [UPDATED]
On Thursday, Fort Bend County Judge KP George was indicted on a misdemeanor charge related to his alleged involvement in creating fake social media accounts to spread racist messages. According to court records, George was charged with misrepresenting his identity with the intent to influence an election. He is accused…
André 3000 Elevates His “New Blue Sun” at The Hobby Center
André 3000 New Blue Sun – Live In Concert Tour The Hobby Center September 25, 2024 In the opening line of OutKast’s 1998 title track Aquemini, André 3000 raps the following: “Even the Sun goes down, heroes eventually die / Nothing is for sure, nothing is for certain, nothing lasts forever…”…
Several Houston Texans Near Top of Early Awards Odds Boards
We are still licking our wounds for the Houston Texans’ 34-7 blowout loss in Minneapolis to the Minnesota Vikings from last weekend. However, the team was back at practice yesterday, the head coach and quarterback had press conferences, and we are back to a level of normalcy as the team…
An Updated Peter Pan Still Flies and Sings But Drops Some Harmful Stereotypes
When Shafali Deshpande was 13 years old, she was part of the ensemble in a community theater production of Peter Pan. It was her first time onstage in a musical and she loved it. In the years that followed she became a recording artist and actress on stage and in film…
Best Bets: Twyla Tharp Dance, The Music of Motown and Runaway Radio
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and today is Better Breakfast Day, so we encourage you to get a better start on a day that will hopefully end with you checking out one of our best bets. Keep reading because this week, we’ve got season-opening programs, a…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: The Beefy “Big Tex” is Back at Rodeo Goat
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Rodeo Goat, 2105 Dallas, is tipping its cowboy hat to the State Fair of Texas, bringing back its over-the-top “Big Tex” burger, available September 27 through October 20 and featuring a 44 Farms all-beef patty, chicken…
To Hell And Back: India Ramey Was Baptized By The Blaze
Sometimes you have to go through hell and back to make it on the other side. Nashville based artist India Ramey knows this journey well and wrote the road map for it on her latest album, Baptized By The Blaze. India Ramey will perform in Houston on Tuesday, October 1…
Tilman Fertitta Wants the NHL and WNBA, But It Won’t Be Easy
At the unveiling of the new Rockets practice facility on Tuesday, Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta reiterated his interest in both the NHL and WNBA, but with caveats. On the NHL, Houston has long sought a pro franchise. The Aeros were successful for a minor league team with an exceedingly loyal…
Rockets, Fertitta Show Off Brand New Practice Facility
Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said former owner Leslie Alexander bought the team for $77 million in 1993. “This facility cost $75 million,” he said as he unveiled the Memorial Hermann Houston Rockets Training Center to media on Tuesday. Sitting on a corner lot on Old Katy Road — the Landry’s…
Experts Advise Residents Affected By the La Porte Pipeline Fire To Watch For Health Aftereffects
Even though the natural gas pipeline fire that erupted in La Porte is out, Houston area pollution experts are encouraging nearby residents to take additional precautions such as if they experience symptoms including coughing or difficulty breathing. If that occurs, they should seek medical attention, experts say. Dr. Inyang Uwak,…
After Blowout Loss to Vikings, National Media Still High on Houston Texans
After an early season thrashing like the one the Houston Texans sustained at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, the 34-7 drubbing that has every battle-red blooded Texans fan irate at left tackle Laremy Tunsil (and his five penalties — YES, FIVE! — in that game), the question…
Noises Off at Alley Theatre Provides the Role of a Lifetime for Elizabeth Bunch
Seven years ago on opening night of The 39 Steps at the Alley Theatre, the two lead characters played by Elizabeth Bunch and Todd Waite are handcuffed together by one of the bad guys. Waite played the reluctant hero; Bunch played three mystery women he’s encountered. What is supposed to…
Houston Concert Watch 9/25: Weezer, Sum 41 and More
Most music writers (and music fans, for that matter) have bitched mightily about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why isn’t Warren Zevon in? Or Gram Parsons? And don’t get me started on Little Feat. But, much to my amazement, there is a hall of fame that has missed…
Astros Clinch AL West with Win Over Mariners
There weren’t a ton of hits for the Astros, but the ones they got mattered as three of their six hits were home runs in a tense 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. More importantly, the win coupled with the Mariners loss clinches the fourth straight AL West title for…
Houston Ballet’s Executive Director James Nelson Announces He’s Retiring
The longtime executive director of the Houston Ballet announced Monday that he is retiring in 2026, giving the elite company plenty of time to research his successor. James Nelson who began his career as a dancer and went on to to serve in a succession of roles with Houston Ballet:…
A Night With Tom Jones at Smart Financial Centre
Sir Tom Jones has still got it. The singer continued his Ages & Stages tour with a triumphant return to the Smart Financial Centre playing last night to over 2,000 fans. Though his set list hasn’t changed much in years, the bravado and enthusiasm the legend brings to each track…
ROCO Turns 20 With New Faces, Spaces
ROCO turns 20 this year and will continue in its tradition of offering the most fun with chamber music for the 2024-25 season. Themed “ROCO 20,” the season is marked by new faces and exciting milestones.
Katy ISD’s Gender Fluidity Policy Forces Some Students Back In The Closet
Over a year into enacting a policy requiring instructors to tell parents if their children request to go by a different name or pronouns, Katy ISD officials report that there have been 36 instances where officials have made such notifications. This number is an increase compared to the 19 notifications…
Lost Manuscript Chronicles Early Friendship of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter
Robert Hunter was never actually a member of the Grateful Dead. But as the primary writing partner for their singer/guitarist/guru Jerry Garcia (Hunter with the words, Garcia the music), he had a heavy hand in constructing both the lore and the repertoire of this most Cultish of Cult Bands. “Dark…
NFL Announces 167 Names for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Ballot
This past year was an incredibly joyful time for Houston football fans to be following the voting process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ultimately, the process that culminated in February 2024 saw wide receiver Andre Johnson gain induction into the hallowed shrine in Canton, OH. Thousands fo Texans…
Opinion: Helluva Boss is Better Than Hazbin Hotel
Vivienne Medrano has created two animated hits, Hazbin Hotel on Amazon Prime Video and Helluva Boss on YouTube, both set in the same version of Hell. Of the two, Helluva Boss is the better show. To be clear, they’re both great. Hazbin Hotel is a touching story of an oppressed class…
Swing State With Four Capital Performances at 4th Wall
Before Rebecca Gilman’s Swing State begins, the lights are on at 4th Wall Theatre. We can observe Ryan McGettigan’s detailed and comfy farmhouse set. Look around and you spy the ubiquitous coffee maker, a jumbled desk off to the side, the milk glass light fixtures, a dining table with grandma…
The Great Collaborator M. Ward Returns To Houston
The songwriting process can be a very isolating and mysterious one with listeners sometimes just guessing at the actual meaning behind lyrics and finding meanings and references unique to their own lives. Songwriter M. Ward welcomes this experience for his fans and despite his almost whole lifetime dedicated to songwriting,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Bourbon, Challah and Omakase
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Oktoberfest Oktoberfest is back and a slew of Houston’s favorite watering holes and restaurants are getting in on the action, with German biers and brats, live music and markets, and fun from Dachshund racing to stein hoisting competitions…
David Cross Won’t Forget His Gas Money On His New Tour Pit Stop in Houston
While the new David Cross comedy tour may be called The Beginning of the End of the Beginning, this tour seems to be more about the journey for the stand-up great. With only a handful of sessions working this new hour under his belt, Cross describes a different vibe for…
NFL Week 3: Vikings 34, Texans 7 — Four Winners, Four Losers
While the Houston Texans are the newest team in the National Football League, underway in their 23rd NFL season, they’re building up a sample size of enough seasons, and enough trees with each opponent to set your watch to a few things. Crazy enough, the one trend with the Texans…
Neil Young Heads Back Into the Vault with Archives, Vol. III
Damn you, Neil Young. To paraphrase Silvio Dante quoting Michael Corleone, “Just when I thought I was out, he pulls me back in.” Neil has just released the third volume of his Archives project, which was launched in 2009. This new set covers the period of 1976 – 1987. I…
The Tempest Gets Telemarketing Treatment in Spirits to Enforce
When it was suggested that cuts to arts funding could financially support Britain’s World War II effort, it’s alleged that Winston Churchill rebuffed, “Then what would we be fighting for?” A great, if utterly unsubstantiated story, that warms the hearts of artists everywhere. After all, what is the world without…
Going Mad With Beautiful Singing: Lucia di Lammermoor at Opera in the Heights
By the time Gaetano Donizetti had written his masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor (1835) now blazing at Opera in the Heights, he had already composed 35 operas. Most were clunkers, not ever heard again after their Italians premieres. Up till then, three were certifiable successes: Anna Bolena (1830), The Elixir of…
Velocity is An Emotional and Thrilling Triple Bill at Houston Ballet
Mixed repertory programs are always something special, especially when they come from a company like Houston Ballet, known for firmly placing its proverbial finger on the pulse of now. It’s something Houston Ballet does well and does again during their latest triple bill, mixed rep Velocity. If it were a…
RodeoHouston Provides Opportunity For Cowboys and Cowgirls To Earn Even More
Bareback rider Bradlee Miller, who made his RodeoHouston debut last year, said the paychecks from the total payout increase to $2.5 million during the upcoming season would change a competitor’s year. RodeoHouston announced Thursday its four first place finishers will now receive $65,000, up from the $50,000 they received last…
HISD Security: Possible Ban on Cell Phones During a Lockdown and Metal Detectors?
In the aftermath of a stabbing as Sterling High School and an increasing number of posts appearing on social media suggesting area schools are being targeted with bomb threats and other violence, Houston ISD is considering additional security measures including banning students’ use of cell phones during a lockdown and…
Oktoberfest is Here, and These Houston Spots Are Saying “Prost!” with Biers, Brats, Games and More
Prost, y’all! The bier-soaked season of Oktoberfest is upon us, officially running from Saturday, September 21 through Sunday, October 6. As Houston never says no to a good time, a slew of our favorite watering holes and restaurants are getting in on the action, with German biers and brats, live…
Celebrity Instruments to Help Restart Houston Chapter of Guitars4Vets
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. And while the topic has definitely produced far more conversation, awareness and treatment options than even just a generation ago, it seems to affect one group more than the average population: military veterans. According to multiple studies, and estimated 20 veterans per day die…
Cigarettes After Sex Bask In the Afterglow At Toyota Center
Cigarettes After Sex Toyota Center September 18, 2024 Do you smoke after sex? I don’t know, I’ve never looked. Cigarettes After Sex founder Greg Gonzalez reportedly came up with the band’s name while dating a woman who smoked, and they definitely sound like something you could imagine playing while relaxing…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
My Old Ass
Title: My Old Ass Describe This Movie In One Flying Saucer Tour, Vol. 3 Quote: BILL HICKS: I’m glad mushrooms are against the law, because I took them one time, and you know what happened to me? I laid in a field of green grass for four hours going, “My God! I…
A Resolution Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month Prompts One Conroe Trustee’s Push Back
The passage of a resolution to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Month turned into a heated, nearly 24-minute-long back-and-forth between several Conroe ISD trustees. “I am a bit disappointed that [with] such an important topic, we spent time talking about very unserious matters,” Trustee Stacey Chase said during this…
Openings and Closings: New Dandelion Cafe Opens, Killen’s STQ is Closing
Dandelion Cafe, 611 W. 22nd, opened September 17 in the Heights Clock Tower. This makes location number three for the family-owned daytime cafe and also the largest. Its original spot opened in Bellaire in 2016 followed by a grab-and-go location at Rice University’s Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering Science…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Houston Style ‘Que Shines at the Houston BBQ Throwdown
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: First Anniversary at Gaspachos Mexican Bites Friday, 6 p.m. 3709 Eastside Gaspachos Mexican Bites is celebrating the first anniversary of its kiosk location in Levy Park with a lively, family-friendly celebration. Houstonians can enjoy Mexican bites from street tacos…
NFL Week 3: Texans vs Vikings — Four Things to Watch For
Sunday afternoon’s game is a somewhat improbable battle of undefeated teams early in this NFL season, with the 2-0 Houston Texans visiting the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings. Ironically, if you had to pick one of these two teams to be 2-0 heading into this game, it would be the Texans currently…
The KingDom Reigns For One Night at Warehouse Live Midtown
The KingDom 2024 The KingDom World Tour UNVEIL in USA Warehouse Live Midtown September 18, 2024 K-pop visited Warehouse Live Midtown last night in the form of The KingDom. The KingDom, a seven-member boy group under GF Entertainment, debuted as simply Kingdom on February 18, 2021, with the song “Excalibur.”…
Best Bets: Being There, Bayou City Dances and Stew
Though it may not feel quite like it, fall officially begins on Sunday. The seasons may change (literally, if not in terms of temperature), one constant is that the arts organizations always have plenty to offer. This week, we’ve got a classic opera, a celebration of local dance companies, and…
Houston Texans Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Early on this season, amidst a 2-0 start where the Houston Texans have done some things very well and some things inconsistently well, there have been some remarkable individual performances. Perhaps nobody on the team has been mroe critical to the final outcome on the scoreboard this season than veteran…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Chef-Fueled Food and Wine Festival Celebrates Farms Across Texas
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Immersive dining experience Toca Madera, 1755 Allen Parkway, has launched Toca Tuesdays, featuring fire dancers, DJs, and special promotions on food and beverages every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. The Toca Tuesday menu includes $13…
Analysis: Mayor Whitmire’s State of the City Address Draws A Lot From The Past But Little For The Future
In his first State of the City address since taking office, Houston Mayor John didn’t spend much time highlighting his economic plans amid a looming budget shortfall and increased expenses stemming from the firefighters’ settlement and recent natural disasters. Instead, a good chunk of Tuesday’s conversation between moderator William F…
Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor at OITH: True Love Thwarted and a Deadly Mad Scene
Known for its famous mad scene, Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor about to go on stage in an Opera in the Heights production, should be especially powerful given the intimate confines of Lambert Hall and the fact that the roles of the star-crossed lovers are portrayed by brand new newlyweds in…
Super Heroes and Shakespeare in Spirits to Enforce at Catastrophic Theatre
What if you had a cold call from a superhero? And what if that superhero was trying to raise funds for an upcoming production of The Tempest by Shakespeare? Would you immediately hang up the phone, being careful NOT to “press 1,” or utter the word “yes”? Or would you…
Ranking the Houston Texans Among Nine Teams Off to 2-0 Start This Season
The NFL season is a long grind, 17 games in 18 weeks, with many potholes and landmines. As a Texans fan, knowing that there are two treacherous three-game stretches — three straight prime time games in Weeks 9 through 11, and three games in 11 days at Christmastime — it’s…
Houston Concert Watch 9/18: Los Lobos, Cigarettes After Sex and More
Well, it was nice while it lasted. If you saw Jane’s Addiction last month at the 713 Music Hall, consider yourself fortunate, because the band has announced the cancellation of all future shows following fisticuffs onstage in Boston. It seems that vocalist Perry Farrell became annoyed by the onstage volume…
Flamenco and Classical Mashup in Song and Dance at MATCH
In pop culture, “musical mashups” continue to show how surprisingly well songs of two seemingly disparate artists can blend together. Any quick online search can find fan-made blended tracks from, say, Slipknot vs. Justin Bieber, Nirvana vs. Rick Astley, and Metallica vs. the Backstreet Boys. The genres of flamenco and…
Local Couples Claim Dead or Damaged Embryos Were Knowingly Implanted During IVF Treatments
Nicole and Agustin Alarcon said they don’t know what the next steps of their fertility journey will be after receiving news from their physician that their embryos were affected in a laboratory failure. The husband-and-wife duo started looking into fertility treatments at the end of last year with Aspire Houston…
Emergency Responders Wait For La Porte Blaze To Burn Itself Out
Nearly 24 hours after the fire first broke out, flames continued to roar in La Porte Tuesday morning after an SUV reportedly struck a pipeline valve station. According to Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mouton Jr., there is no expected timeline for when the fire will burn itself out. Energy Transfer,…
Rickey Smiley Gets Candid About Losing His Son In New Book, Credits Therapy and “Relationship with God”
Even in despair, comedian and long time radio personality Rickey Smiley does not appear to lose hope. With the September 17 publication of his memoir Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith, Smiley is pulling back the curtain on his own personal tragedy and revealing how he processed…
Three Thoughts on Deshaun Watson’s Latest Legal Troubles
If you are some kind of “sports fan masochist,” and care to relive any of the horror of having Deshaun Watson on the Houston Texans back in the spring of 2021, after he demanded a trade and then proceeded to become the defendant on two dozen sexual assault lawsuits, making…
‘From startup to standout’: Houston Chamber Choir launches 30th season
The Houston Chamber Choir is launching its 30th anniversary season, themed “From Startup to Standout,” complete with eight performances and incorporating guest musicians for a diverse assortment of music that will contain something for everyone.
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La Porte Pipeline Fire Rages On As Shelter-In-Place And Evacuation Orders Are Underway [UPDATED]
Residents in La Porte were forced to evacuate after a pipeline fire broke on Monday morning. According to city of La Porte spokeswoman Lee Woodward, the La Porte Fire Department responded to reports of the fire around 10 a.m. As of press time the fire has been burning for more…
NFL Week 2: Texans 19, Bears 13 — Four Winners, Four Losers
Through the first two games, the Houston Texans have been somewhat inconsistent in the key areas in which we were looking for improvement in the offseason. In Week 1, they ran the football incredibly well, with Joe Mixon getting 159 yards against the Colts. However, the defense gave up three…
Swing State at 4th Wall: Drawing Battle Lines and Disconnections Made Worse by the Pandemic
In the 19th century they called it “prairie fever.” Precipitated by loneliness and isolation, it led some of the pioneer women to depression and even suicide. Holding down a homestead while their menfolk were off making money in town, turned out to be an often debilitating task. Much of the…
Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie March Freaks on Parade Tour to The Woodlands
Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie Freaks on Parade Tour 2024 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion September 15, 2024 Could you think of two better rockers to grand marshal a Freaks on Parade tour than Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie? On Sunday, the two, along with Filter and Ministry, carried their freak…
This Week in Houston Food Events: $1 Tacos and a “High Society” Dinner
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Negroni Week Negroni Week is back, running September 16–22 and celebrating one of the world’s great cocktails while raising money for charitable causes across the globe via its community partner, Slow Food. Houston hotspots will be spotlighting specialty…
GOT’s Kristian Nairn Has More to Say Than Just “Hodor” in New Memoir
If you think about it, perhaps no actor in the history of acting has gotten as much of a career and lasting pop culture legacy from one line of dialogue—actually just a single word—as Kristian Nairn. For five seasons on HBO’s massively successful series Game of Thrones, Nairn played Hodor…
HISD Keeps Classroom Doors Open, Remains Mum on a 14-year-old’s Death and Builds the Teacher Force it Says it Wants
If half of the 2,600 teachers who left Houston ISD in June and July were rated in the bottom two proficiency categories by the district is this a sign that they were bad teachers or that they just couldn’t get with Superintendent Mike Miles’ programs? Should parents breathe a sigh…
TUTS Debuts a Powerful Dear Evan Hansen at the Start of a National Tour
After the superlative production of Spring Awakening at Rec Room Arts, if you still need to sniff teen spirit then turn to the touring reprise of another Tony-winning Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, presented by Theatre Under the Stars. This second national tour, starting here in Houston, is an exact…
Openings and Closings: Loro Kirby Opens Soon, Wild Oats Bows Out
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, 5333 Kirby, opens September 28 near Rice Village. It’s the fifth location for the Austin-based restaurant and the second for Houston. The first Houston location opened in the Heights in 2022. The concept is under the umbrella of Hai Hospitality which operates a number of…
The Weight of New Motherhood Examined In Cry It Out at Mildred’s Umbrella
Mothers. We may not be one, but we’ve all come from one. That alone is reason enough to see a play about women trying to make the best decisions for their newborns while simultaneously navigating the circumstances they find themselves in. We’ve all been there on one side of that…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Viet Culture Fest and Top Chef Inspired Arayes
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Viet Cultural Fest 2024 at NRG Center Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Viet Cultural Fest invites the Houston community to tap into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese heritage for a day of cultural entertainment, traditional games, exciting competitions…
NFL Week 2: Bears vs Texans — Four Things To Watch For
Week 13 of the 2019 season — that’s the last time the Texans have played a marquee home game in prime time. No, I’m not counting the mandatory Thursday night games from the 2021 and 2022 season, in which the Texans were summarily blown out by the Carolina Panthers and…
Cake Wasn’t Left Out in the Rain and Houston Fans Rejoiced
The lawn at White Oak Music Hall is no MacArthur Park, so none of us there for last night’s show were very concerned about our Cake being left out in the rain. Sure, there was a half-hour light shower just before the concert and all evening clouds hung over the…
Is Voucher Passage Inevitable This Legislative Session?
Just because Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick didn’t include vouchers on his list of charges that he wants the Legislature to tackle before the coming session, doesn’t mean he has given up on the idea. What it means, Troy Reynolds, founder of Texans for Public Education says, is that Patrick doesn’t…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: ‘Tis the Season for Pumpkin Spice
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Fall flavors are back at Common Bond, with cozy beverages and pastries available beginning Friday, September 13. Guests can indulge in seasonal treats like Pistachio Lattes and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, available in hot, iced or frozen,…
Houston Texans RB Joe Mixon Wins AFC Offensive Player of the Week
Throughout the Houston Texans training camp this past summer, the attention from the fans and media on the Texans’ offensive side of the football was squarely on the space age passing game that GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans appeared to be putting together, by adding Stefon Diggs…
Houston’s Influences Apparent on the Latest Blues Release From The Mighty Orq
Houston has long been home of the blues. Maybe it’s the result of the sprawling, muggy, cement city filled with hard working people from all walks of life just trying to make a living. Maybe it’s a vibe that just moves along the Gulf Coast creating the many sounds unique…
Best Bets: Cry It Out, Viet Cultural Fest and Dover Quartet
Tomorrow may be Friday the 13th, but you won’t find anything unlucky if you check out any of this week’s best bets. From theater and music to a cultural festival at NRG Center, we’ve got a great variety for you this week, so keep reading for more. Three new mothers…
Rusty Hardin Issues Denial of New Allegations Brought Against Deshaun Watson
In case you have decided that now, since Deshaun Watson is no longer a Houston Texan, you choose not to follow where his career (and honestly, his life, at this point) area headed, then good for you. I admire your attempt to stay in a positive headspace. So consider this…
Analysis: Tuesday Night’s Debate Goes Just About As Expected, Houston Political Experts Say
Nancy Sims, a University of Houston political science lecturer, said she gave Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris the edge in Tuesday night’s presidential debate as Harris was successful in “gracefully baiting” her opponent, former president Donald Trump. According to Sims, the Republican presidential nominee couldn’t avoid getting rattled…
Houston Concert Watch 9/11: Rob Zombie, Creed and More
Boy, the authorities in Ohio are no fun at all. At the very least, they are monumental sticklers, assessing new dispensaries fines amounting to over $200,000, even before legal cannabis sales began in the state last month. Some of the penalties had to do with signs that were larger than…
First Look: Le Emperor Cypress
Over the past sixteen years that my family and I have lived in our present neighborhood on the east end of Cypress with a Houston address, we’ve seen a number of restaurants come and go, from our favorite pizza joint owned by a fellow from New Jersey to a space…
Belew, Vai, Levin and Carey: They’ve Got the BEAT
If you have seen The Blues Brothers (and if you haven’t, why not?), you know the line: “We’re putting the band back together!” The prospect is exciting, but, sorry Elwood and Jake, easier said than done. Such is the case with King Crimson. When the idea of reuniting the Crimson…
Nico’s Revenge: Texans WR Collins is the New “T.Y. Hilton”
I am apologizing in advance to longtime Houston Texan fans. I am about to invoke a name whose mere mention probably plunges you into a Pavlovian depression, and I promise this article will have a pleasant ending for you, but here goes — T.Y. Hilton. No opposing player took the…
“Something Wonderful,” Indeed: Paul Hope Cabarets at Ovations
I can’t say for certain that Something Wonderful is the best of all Paul Hope Cabarets, but I know it is one of the best sung. What music they make! It’s not too difficult when your performers know how to put across a song, how to dive deeply into the…
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris Go Head-To-Head
All eyes will be on TV screens nationwide as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump take center stage at a much-anticipated debate Tuesday night. This election cycle’s second presidential debate, and the first following President Joe Biden’s departure from the top of the Democratic ticket, will be…
The Blueprint is in Place for an Alex Bregman Contract Extension
For the eighth straight season, the Houston Astros are battling down the stretch for an AL West title, and eventually another trip to, at the very least, the ALCS in the postseason. We are used to this here. Another thing we are used to is future contract drama lurking as…
Wake Up And See The Mavericks
If laughter is the best medicine, then The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo has all the medicine he needs. “It’s funny, people keep telling me, ‘Man, you look great! You look the best you’ve ever looked!’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah I know. It’s the fucking cancer, can you believe that shit?’…
Houston Residents May Dodge A Bullet With Tropical Storm Francine, For Now
Local meteorologists are monitoring the Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Francine develops. It is forecasted to move toward Texas’s neighbor to the east, Louisiana. Francine began as a tropical wave, entering the Gulf of Mexico on Friday as a cluster of undeveloped storms before organizing into the sixth named tropical…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Rock & Roll Picnic and Fiestas Patrias
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Specials at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Pizza and cocktail dive Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is celebrating the release of the highly anticipated film, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, with special sips and events, from themed parties and fun runs, through September 15. Cocktails…
NFL Week 1: Texans 29, Colts 27 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The season opener between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon featured two teams who had one big thing in common — recent failure in the opening week of the season. Over the last decade the Colts had gone 0-9-1 in season openers, having last won one in…
![Tormented Teutonic Teens in Spring Awakening at Rec Room Arts [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/spring_awakening-59.webp-scaled.webp?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Tormented Teutonic Teens in Spring Awakening at Rec Room Arts [UPDATED]
Not since the glorified days of Flo Ziegfeld has the staircase been used so proficiently as it is by director Matt Hume in Rec Room Arts’ stupendously affecting production of Spring Awakening. Actors strut down Stefän Azizi’s wooden scaffolding or backtrack up into the dark infinite space; the young students…
Red Bull Packs Out The Weekend With Two Events
Houstonians packed out Avenida Plaza running in front the George R Brown Convention Center. The streets surrounding the downtown greenspace were blocked off with fencing and orange barricades. The city was full of sports enthusiasts either wearing Red Bull racing shirts or Astros gear. Customized race cars zoomed around a…
Ethereal Little Mermaid Opens Houston Ballet Season with a Splash
The Little Mermaid dates back to 1837, the year that author Hans Christian Andersen published it – well before the 1989 animated film ushered in a Disney Renaissance. Since 1837, the story has inspired countless adaptations around the world, including John Neumeier’s The Little Mermaid, which premiered in 2005. Lucky…
Mining the Bible gets playful for Crystal Rae in Lions
The Bible really does contain all the stories. There’s love and death, jealousy, sacrifice, envy, betrayal, heroism, mercy and all matters of triumph and failure. It’s why artists have been drawing from and riffing on these stories for generations. The Bible is the superstore of the human thematic condition. Houston…
Boeing Starliner Set to Begin Its Journey Home, Empty
It’s going to be an ignominious thud of an ending. Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight is slated to enter its final stages on Friday when the spacecraft undocks from the International Space Station to embark on its return trip to Earth — without its two-person astronaut crew aboard. Boeing’s…
Left, But No Right or Center: Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg at Hobby Center
The life of late Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is plainly an act of reverence for playwright Rupert Holmes (master mystery writer, composer, and Tony-winning author of The Mystery of Edwin Drood). In All Things Equal: the Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the “notorious RBG” is…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Master the Art of Bourbon at Julep
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: First Saturday “Back to School” Market at Hope Farms Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10401 Scott Hope Farms invites families to its “Back to School” Market, featuring family-friendly activities, local goods from small-batch makers, community engagement, spring gardening…
Quieter Than Forecasted Hurricane Season So Far Leaves Meteorologists Searching For Reasons
Native Houstonians and recent Bayou City transplants are accustomed to waiting for the ball to drop when it comes to hurricanes. After all, many are still recovering two months after Beryl. Matt Lanza, meteorologist with Space City Weather, advised residents not to get ahead of themselves as the Atlantic hurricane…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Title: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Describe This Movie In One Blazing Saddles Quote: CHARLIE: They said you was hung! BART: And they was right! Brief Plot Synopsis: Deranged demon develops devious design, disorganizes deadlands. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Pahusacheta Nahasapeemapetilons out of 5. Tagline: “The ghost with the most is back.”…
Texas Central Gets $64 Million in Federal Funding
It’s moving at a creeping pace, but the long-delayed highspeed rail line between Houston and Dallas has just been given another revivifying jolt via a nearly $64 million federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. In other words, just over a year after Amtrak first made its interest in what…
Openings and Closings: Buttermilk Baby Bounces In, Gold Tooth Tony’s Bellaire
Buttermilk Baby, 600 N. Shepherd, opened September 4 at M-K-T Heights. Berg Hospitality Group seems to be opening a new concept every other month in Houston and this newest venture is unique to its portfolio. It’s a family-friendly, retro-inspired restaurant that offers a modern interpretation of a vintage soda fountain…
Emotional Roller Coaster Dear Evan Hansen to Stop at Theatre Under the Stars
Jeff Brooks jokes that because his mother was a piano player and his high school’s music director, he had “no chance” – his eventual career in musical theater was practically inevitable. But despite his parentage and his more than 20-year career in musical theater, he’s got one confession to make…
NFL Week 1: Texans at Colts — Four Things to Watch For
The Houston Texans open the season this Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, facing the hated Colts. If you’re getting a weird feeling that something important is about to happen, that’s because, for the last two seasons, the results of the Texans’ trip to Indianapolis have had significant ramifications. In 2022, the…
Gesenia Channels Linda Ronstadt—Across All Her Genres—in Revue Concert
Gesenia Gerena had certainly at least heard Linda Ronstadt’s voice before. She remembers watching a segment of The Muppet Show on which Ronstadt sang her hit cover of Roy Orbison’s “Blue Bayou.” She was on a swamp set and in front of a chorus of non-Kermit frogs croaking along (and…
Transgender Texans Parse Through Another Policy That Prohibits Gender Changes On Birth Certificates
LGBTQ advocacy and civil rights organizations are evaluating what procedures were bypassed by the Department of State Health Services after the agency quietly rolled out a policy change that blocks the ability for transgender Texans to change their gender on birth certificates. “We’re trying to create solutions,” Andrea Segovia, policy…
Four Thoughts on Texans QB Davis Mills’ One Year Contract Extension
Showing that a contract extension can come out of the woodwork at any given time, Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio got some work done yesterday, as the Texans and backup quarterback Davis Mills agreed to a one year contract extension that will keep Mills in Houston, barring a trade, through…
Best Bets: Endea Owens, Japan Festival Houston and Spring Awakening
Okay, it’s National Be Late for Something Day, but you will not want to be late for any of this week’s best bets. We’ve got short-run theater productions, a dark and dance-y fairytale, and the return of one of our favorite annual festivals. Keep reading for these and more. Spend…
Author David Browne Investigates the Village People
As a native of New Jersey, David Browne had been to the Greenwich Village section of New York and was aware of its storied reputation as a mecca for music—especially folk, jazz, and blues—in the ‘50s and ‘60s. As well as a magnet for the counterculture’s misfits, beatniks, outsiders, and…
Doctors Advise Houston Residents To Protect Themselves Against COVID-19 And Other Viruses
Local healthcare professionals recommend that residents get the updated COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible, as the virus continues to stick around at rather high levels of infection. “I think the difference in this summer surge is it’s lasting a little longer than I would have expected,” Dr. Peter Hotez,…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Scallops, Steak and Fine French Wines
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Diners are invited to enjoy a Santo Tomás Wine Dinner at Hugo’s, 1600 Westheimer, on Wednesday, September 11. Highlights of the wine-paired menu include scallop ceviche paired with Santo Tomás Blanco Mexico Viognier, quail and duck…
From Road Dog to King of the Court: How Jo Koy Keeps Getting the Most From His Comedy Grind
Not long ago, when comedy dynamo Jo Koy would pop by Houston, he’d be staying a lot longer. “Houston market was crazy, I would always play the Improv there and it was always two weeks in a row doing like 12 shows,” he says. “I thought that was a lot,…
The Story of Esther is Told With an Added Emphasis on Dance at A.D. Players
In Esther, making its debut at A.D. Players now after being delayed by COVID for several years, the theater is making full use of the talents of Sharna Burgess, winner of Season 27 of Dancing With the Stars. Burgess says it’s a dream role for her in that she gets…
Charley Crockett’s $10 Cowboy Tour Lights Up 713 Music Hall
Charley Crockett $10 Cowboy Tour 713 Music Hall September 3, 2024 Have you ever met a stranger and been completely amazed by their entire demeanor? The kids these days would call it “swag” or “vibes,” which is something magical and intangible about the person’s attitude. That’s exactly how I feel…
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State GOP Officials Attempt To Limit Voter Registration Outreach [UPDATED]
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to forge ahead on what voter and civil rights advocates describe as his “voter suppression” campaign after warning Harris and Bexar county officials to pause their respective efforts to increase voter registration. In a press release on Monday, Paxton rebuked the proposed plans to…
Houston Texans Place Six Players in ESPN’s “NFL Rank” Top 100
As Week 1 of the NFL season approaches, there has been plenty of conversation about the Texans’ continued upgrade to their overall talent level, which really started in 2022, augmented in 2023, and then really taken to a surreal level this past offseason with the signing of Danielle Hunter and…
Michael Goldberg’s Magical, Musical Lens
As a music journalist for more than 50 years, Michael Goldberg has put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, depending on the era) to write his musings about music and band interviews for an underground newspaper (The Berkeley Barb), daily newspaper (San Francisco Chronicle), national magazine (Rolling Stone), and…
From Bruise to Break: The Astros Secrecy Surrounding Injuries Has Gotten Ridiculous
On Saturday, it was not broken. On Monday, it was. Three months after Kyle Tucker fouled a ball off his shin in consecutive games and was declared injured with a shin contusion, GM Dana Brown waffled on what the injury actually was in the first place first saying his right…
Fall Food Festivals for Fun and Funds
While September may not seem like autumn for Houstonians, it is the month that leads into many of our fall festivities. While there are numerous ways to enjoy different cuisines around the city, the next couple of months offer opportunities to not only eat, drink and be merry but also…
Houston Concert Watch 9/4: 21 Pilots, Bush and More
While hanging out on Labor Day this past Monday, Netflix viewers could feast (sorry) on the spectacle of perennial champion Joey Chestnut devouring 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes, handily winning the competition and setting a new world record in the process. Disgusting, really. For a complete account of the…
Mattress Mack Back Home After Brief Stay In Hospital
In true “Mattress Mack” fashion, Jim McIngvale announced he would return to work on Tuesday morning after spending Labor Day weekend in the hospital. The Gallery Furniture founder and Houston-area philanthropist arrived home after a three-day stay at St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a severe case of…
Caloncho Creates a Cozy Place for Good Vibes on Tofu
It’s probably not great form to be interviewing one artist and thinking about another. And, it may be even poorer form to actually suggest to the artist being interviewed – in this case, the Mexican singer and songwriter Caloncho – that their music and their vibe reminds you of another…
Joey Chestnut Shatters Hot Dog Eating Record in Netflix Special
However you feel about competitive eating, and whether or not it should be considered a sport, probably dictates exactly how you feel about Joey Chestnut’s dominance over his competitive eating rivals. If you feel competitive eating is some carnival sideshow, then you probably scoff at, if not recall in disgust…
Massive Bio Unpacks Ronald Reagan’s Ride
His name is held up as a paragon of virtue in many Republican circles—and mentioned in admiration from seemingly any conservative looking to run for or maintain political office. But despite a public life that was public for the bulk of it be it in show business or politics, Ronald…
NRG Stadium Roof Set for Repair by End of September
Drive around any neighborhood in Houston, and you can see for yourself that there is still plenty of leftover cleanup from Hurricane Beryl. Fences are still down, tarps still adorn rooftops, and I’m sure many Houstonians are getting (or awaiting) copious amounts of correspondence from their insurance providers. One of…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Close Out Summer with Seafood by the Bay
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: The Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens Friday–Sunday The Galveston Island Wine Festival returns to Moody Gardens this holiday weekend, bringing with it signature events like the Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza, Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting at…
Law Enforcement Agencies Gear Up For Labor Day Weekend Festivities
Labor Day weekend is a time to celebrate the extra day off by enjoying a staycation, venturing on a road trip or going on a side quest. Those thinking of spending the surplus of time off at a party in or out of town will want to ensure they do…
Birthed In Houston: Shinyribs Returns To Heights Theater
Ribs have a long history of symbolizing the genesis of creation serving as an symbol for two people completing one another. For Kevin Russell, his band Shinyribs has been the jumping off point for many new avenues of creation for an artist who has never shied away from changing things…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Frosé, Hand Rolls and a Taste of Fall
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, September 2 Labor Day Dining Deals From Monday brunches to all-day happy hour specials, plus oysters, Korean bbq, margaritas and more, check out our 2024 Houston Labor Day Dining Guide to find the best dining deals in Houston this Labor…
College Football 2024: Aggies Among Five Best Season Win Total Bets
It’s strange that it’s still going to be August this Saturday, with a full slate of college football ready to go, and when I scream “College football is back!”, that’s actually been a factual statement for nearly a week already. With Week 0 in the books (yes, that’s what we…
Openings and Closings Okto Arrives, Karbach Pizza and Pints Tonight
Okto, 888 Westheimer, opens August 31 at the Montrose Collective. The new Mediterranean concept from Sof Hospitality is the fourth for the company, owned and operated by James Beard Award-nominated restaurateurs Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy. The duo’s other Houston ventures include the upscale steakhouse Doris Metropolitan, Badolina Bakery…
Ars Lyrica Goes for Baroque (Naturally) in 2024-25 Season
If the pandemic taught arts organizations around the world one thing, it was the necessity to (let’s all say it together, now…) “pivot” from what was the norm before. With gatherings both large and small in performance spaces verboten, many—especially musical groups and performers—started offering content online. Houston’s Ars Lyrica…
Looking Inward: Fantastic Negrito’s Constant Inspiration
Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, known as Fantastic Negrito, has a personal story so fascinating that it serves as a well of inspiration. He doesn’t have to use fiction to find a story, but only needs to turn to himself. “I happen to be very interesting. When you’ve got an interesting story,…
Wet Weather Is Precursor For What Will Be A Soggy Labor Day Weekend
If you’re looking for a dry, sun-filled Labor Day weekend, you may want to consider a road trip outside of Houston. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to remain throughout the next couple of days. Showers started Thursday morning and early afternoon across the region, particularly along and south of…
Tems Brings Her Born In The Wild Tour to 713 Music Hall
“The energy is crazy right now,” laughed Tems as she starred at the audience in awe. “I just love Houston. My family is from Houston. My family is out there right now.” The singer stood basking in the applause took a step back as the spotlights focused on her. The…
Transgender Texans Are Left In Limbo As The Texas DPS Enforces New Policy
LGBTQ advocacy and civil rights organizations have found that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was behind the Texas Department of Public Safety’s recent policy change that blocks transgender Texans from altering their gender markers on state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses. The change, which effectively halts the department from accepting court…
Houston Restaurant Weeks Has Been Extended
For Houstonians who have been bemoaning the upcoming end of Houston Restaurant Weeks, boy do we have some good news for Bayou City foodies. The fine folks at The Cleverley Stone Foundation and HRW have listened to local restaurants and Houston diners and have decided to extend Houston Restaurant Weeks…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: “It’s Showtime!” at Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: In honor of Bourbon Heritage month, Garrison Brothers Distillery is bringing back its Hye Fashioned Takeover this September, raising funds for Boot Campaign to support veterans and military families while showcasing Garrison’s award-winning bourbon in Old…
Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson Goes Reggae (Well, for One Album at Least)
There is an episode of “The Office” in which the character of Michael Scott takes a trip to Jamaica and returns with three (count ‘em, red, yellow and green) beads braided into his Supercuts coif. This image popped into my mind when I saw an email advising me that Ray…
Houston Texans Assemble Practice Squad for 2024 Season
For the 53 men who are part of the Texans’ main roster, they got their good news yesterday. For the time being, they are all Houston Texans. However, for several more players, the path to the NFL is a little more jagged, oftentimes having to include a stint with a…
Houston Concert Watch 8/28: Charley Crockett, Squeeze and More
Ah, the bliss of youthful ignorance, a totally misplaced sense of confidence and an unswerving conviction that “it will be fine.” This thought crossed my mind when I read about an amusement park ride at Six Flags Mexico that ceased operation for ten minutes during a storm this past weekend,…
Katy ISD Trustees Vote In Favor Of Stripping “Gender Fluidity” Out Of Library Shelves
On Monday, Katy ISD trustees passed a revision to the district’s library book policy to ban titles featuring “gender fluidity” at the elementary and junior high school levels. Board members Rebecca Fox and Dawn Champagne, who opposed the policy change during last week’s workshop meeting, abstained from voting. The measure…
Francisco Ramos Jokes That He Got Married For The New Stand-Up Material
The number word on Francisco Ramos lips is ‘evolving.’ The comic just recorded an hour Venezuelan ‘Merican at Brad Garrett’s Las Vegas comedy theater in 2023 – and since then, has not looked back. “I had a great time recording it and Brad Garrett was an amazing guy,” Ramos says…
Houston Texans Reveal 53 Man Roster for 2024
Okay, the speculation is over, the decisions have been made, and the Houston Texans have their 53 man roster determined. Here you go, with several thoughts to follow: QB (2): C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills RB (4): Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce, Cam Akers, Dare Ogunbowale FB (1): British Brooks WR (7):…
Houston Restaurant Weeks: Maison Pucha Lunch
Houston Restaurant Weeks is almost over. The yearly month-long food and charity event began August 1 and runs through September 2. The city-wide (and further out) restaurant celebration allows local eateries to lure in customers during August’s typically slow time while raising funds for Houston Food Bank in collaboration with…
Fort Bend ISD Trustees Approve Strictest Library Book Policy Yet
Students, parents and librarians gathered outside Fort Bend ISD’s Administration Building on Monday evening to protest what they described as the “most restrictive” library book policy in Texas. The “Right to Read” rally, organized by the Friends of Fort Bend ISD Libraries, a coalition advocating for the district’s libraries, occurred…
After 50 Years, Chris Difford Finds That the Juice is Still Worth the Squeeze
For the past several years, the concert market has been inundated with anniversary tours, jaunts that commemorate the anniversary of everything from a band’s founding to the anniversary of a classic album to the anniversary of a band’s first trip to rehab. Squeeze is in the midst of a 50th…
What Would an MVP Season From C.J. Stroud Look Like?
The Houston Texans have a starting quarterback in the MVP conversation, and while it might feel like it’s been forever since that’s been the case, it actually hasn’t been all that long. The barren wasteland that was 2021 and 2022, along with how things ended for Deshaun Watson here, amidst…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Celebrate Labor Day with Monday Brunch, Weekend-Long Happy Hour and More
From three-day weekend brunches to all-day happy hour specials, plus oysters, Korean bbq, margaritas and more, here’s where to get the best dining deals in Houston this Labor Day. The Audrey, 9595 Six Pines The Audrey will host a sophisticated Labor Day brunch featuring Soufflé Pancakes, Honey Butter French Toast,…
The Little Mermaid at Houston Ballet: A Tale With a Different Tail
We all know the story of The Little Mermaid or at least the Disney version of it. The mermaid spots a handsome prince on land, she does everything possible to become human, trading in her mermaid’s tail and power for two very unsteady human legs. Eventually she and the prince…
Seth Lee Jones is Forever Living on Tulsa Time
The city of Tulsa, Oklahoma has a rich musical history: Bob Wills, Leon Russell and his Church Studio & Shelter Records label, J.J. Cale, Dwight Tilley, David Gates from Bread, and even the GAP Band. Seth Lee Jones was born and raised in the city. And—after moving away for a…
NFL Preseason Week 3: Texans 17, Rams 15 — Four Winners, Four Losers
It’s been long preseason and training camp for the Houston Texans, and anybody covering the Houston Texans. I’m not just talking about the near 100 degree heat every day at practice, but I’m talking in literal terms. The Texans started camp a week earlier than everyone else in the NFL…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Filet O’ Fish Gets the Caviar Treatment
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, August 27 Pork Chop Day at Perry’s Steakhouse Perry’s Steakhouse is celebrating Pork Chop Day with a special four-course menu for $44, featuring a starter, soup or salad, entree (including Perry’s famous seven-finger-high pork chop, lunch cut) and a dessert…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: All-You-Can-Eat Waffles and a Hot New Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: 5th Anniversary Celebration at Craft Pita Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1920 Fountain View Craft Pita’s Fountainview location celebrates its fifth anniversary by offering five different $5 menu items from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The discounted menu…
Announcing the 2024 Houston Theater Awards With Bright Stars All Round
With an appreciative nod to Charles Dickens, the 2023-24 Houston theater season was neither the best of times nor the worst of times. It was, in a manner, an intermediate time. Perusing the 70-plus playbills from the diverse season, one finds obvious standouts, numerous near-hits, but few clunkers. The ravages…
Chicago & Earth, Wind and Fire Get Horny in the Woodlands
Chicago & Earth, Wind and Fire The Heart & Soul Tour 2024 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion August 24, 2024 Chicago was not the first major rock band to play with a prominent horn section—that would be Blood, Sweat and Tears. And Earth, Wind and Fire was hardly the first R&B/funk/rock…
![NASA Officials To Decide The Method of Return For Astronauts On Board Boeing’s Starliner This Weekend [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/astronautsonboeing.webp.webp?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
NASA Officials To Decide The Method of Return For Astronauts On Board Boeing’s Starliner This Weekend [UPDATED]
NASA has announced that it will decide over this weekend whether Boeing’s Starliner is safe enough to return astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore to Earth. The alternative is for them to remain on the International Space Station without a clear way to get home. There’s a possibility of them…
Openings and Closings: Doves Debuts, Coffee Fellows Expands, Dozier’s Reopens
Doves Restaurant, 3103 Main, is having its grand opening August 23 beginning at 4 p.m.. Located in Houston’s Midtown, the upscale restaurant will offer a modern approach to Southern cuisine with Asian influences, creating contemporary dishes that still offer the nostalgia of comfort fare. Guests will find dishes such as…
NFL Preseason, Week 3: Rams vs Texans — Four Things to Watch For
Well, if you didn’t get a chance to catch any of the front line team members for the Houston Texans play some brand of physical football this preseason, you’ve probably missed your chance. Buckle up for Week 1 against the Colts, because when you tune into the game on Saturday…
The FDA Approves Two New COVID-19 Vaccines As Cases Remain On The Rise
On Thursday, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced two new updated COVID-19 vaccines as cases tied to the largest spike in infections within the last two years remain high across the country. The vaccines, manufactured by Pfizer-BioTech and Moderna, target the KP.2 variant — one of the FLiRT variants…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Final Camp Practice vs Rams
The Houston Texans closed out the portion of their 2024 Training Camp that is open to the media and open to the public on Thursday afternoon, welcoming the Los Angeles Rams to town for a spirited session of joint practice activities, and ultimately a game on Saturday at noon at…
Lucky Daye Brings Algorithm to the Bayou Music Center
The cheers of the crowd filled the room as Lucky Daye made his way back to the edge of the stage. Bathed in a purple spotlight and carrying a black guitar, the singer paused as the crowd screamed at the chord progression of “Roll Some Mo”. Small clouds of smoke,…
Op-ed: About those HISD School Ratings
Earlier this week, Houston ISD Superintendent F. Mike Miles released his version of school accountability ratings for all the HISD campuses. These aren’t the official Texas Education Agency ratings, because those have been tied up in litigation for 2 years after the TEA Commissioner Mike Morath changed the ratings formula,…
Best Bets: Stalactites, Mariachi Festival and Mekong: SOUL
It’s Be an Angel Day, and what better way to be an angel than to spend some time with your friends and loved ones at some of our picks for best bets. (At your expense, of course.) This week, we’ve got world premiere dance, a showcase of short plays, and…
Four NFL Training Camp Storylines That Impact the Houston Texans 2024 Schedule
Here in Houston, we have been understandably caught up in all of the storylines surrounding the Houston Texans and their training camp this summer. The integration of Stefon Diggs into the offense, the addition of Danielle Hunter to the defense, and the continued ascension of C.J. Stroud into the stratosphere…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Bubbly and Oysters at an End of Summer White Party
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Tuesday, August 27, Perry’s Steakhouse is celebrating Pork Chop Day with a special four-course menu for $44, featuring a starter, soup or salad, entree (including Perry’s famous seven-finger-high pork chop, lunch cut) and a dessert…
Young Miko Brings Girlie Summer to Smart Financial Centre
Young Miko The XOXO Tour 2024 Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land August 20, 2024 According to the crowd – and co-signed by Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, who took the stage last night at the Smart Financial Centre for her XOXO Tour – we are in the midst of…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No.20
For the first time in over a week, the Houston Texans welcomed fans back out to the Methodist Training Center for the 20th practice of the 2024 training camp. The Los Angeles Rams get into town Wednesday night, and will conduct a combined practice with the Texans on Thursday morning,…
Halliburton Hacked: Oilfield Services Giant Not Immune to Cyber Attacks
On Wednesday, it was reported that Houston-based Halliburton was the victim of a cyber attack that impacted systems at its campus in North Houston. The breach was serious enough that the company asked some employees not to connect to internal networks. While the company did not reveal the nature of…
Conroe ISD Trustees Consider Helping Parents Access Upper-Level Removed Books
Nearly two months after Conroe ISD board members declined to reverse the removal of 19 titles from classroom library shelves, trustees reevaluated the district’s instructional and library materials policies and procedures on Tuesday night. Trustee Theresa Wagaman initially proposed revisiting these guidelines at June’s board meeting following a public hearing…
Funny Girl at the Hobby Center Works Because of Splendid Songs and a Star Turn Performance
It took 60 years until the Jule Stein/Bob Merrill/Isobel Lennart musical Funny Girl (1964) was revived on Broadway. The consensus among theater mavens declared that no one could ever replace iconic Barbra Streisand, who wowed Broadway with her incandescent star wattage and that emotive ethereal voice. Not since Merman and…
Four Possible Trade Destinations for Beleaguered Texans RB Dameon Pierce
If you’ve clicked on this link, it means you’re probably a Houston Texans fan, and if you’re a Houston Texans fan, you love Dameon Pierce. This is not a guess nor an opinion, this is a fact. It is impossible NOT to love Dameon Pierce. His enthusiasm is infectious, his…
Houston Concert Watch 8/21: Chris Stapleton, Sammy Hagar and More
In the largest award of its kind, a New York woman will receive $750,000 in damages after management at a Manhattan apartment building attempted to evict her due to alleged squawks produced by Layla, Ginger and Curtis, her three emotional support parrots. Please understand. I do not intend to mock…
Jane’s Addiction Welcomes Us To The Family At 713 Music Hall
Jane’s Addiction, Love and Rockets 713 Music Hall August 19, 2024 In 1990, my roommate Alan and I drove from Austin to Dallas, entering a venue called the Bronco Bowl and joining a host of weirdly dressed young people. Cultural dissonance ensued as we made our way to the concert…
Gender Fluidity Back On The Docket For Katy ISD Trustees, But This Time It’s All About The Books
On Tuesday, Katy ISD trustees discussed a revision to the district’s library book policy that would ban titles that feature “gender fluidity” at the elementary and junior high school levels. Under the proposed changes, high school parents would have the choice to decide whether or not they want their children…
George & Tammy: The Country Couple Together in Love, Song & Legacy
He typically covers a much wider swath of musical history on his freewheelin’ and wildly popular podcast Cocaine and Rhinestones: The History of Country Music. But host/writer/producer Tyler Mahan Coe has borrowed the umbrella title for an equally freewheeling account of the ups and downs (and ups and down) of…
Speed Date Ten Local Playwrights During ScriptWriters/Houston’s 10×10 Play Festival
What can you do in 10 minutes? According to Leslie A. Barrera, the vice president of ScriptWriters/Houston, if you’re particularly skilled, you can write a play that encompasses the full arc of humanity – which is exactly what each of the ten plays selected for the 32nd Annual ScriptWriters/Houston 10×10…
Credence and Sidebar: A Sneak Peek
Levi Goode is a well-known James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur in Houston primarily due to his success owning and operating the Goode Company group of restaurants which includes Goode Co. BBQ, Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina, Goode Co. Fish Camp, and Armadillo Palace. While all of these operate under the Goode…
ESPN’s Dan Orlovksy’s NFL QB Rankings Have Texans QB C.J. Stroud as an Elite Passer
There are a scant few national opinions on the quarterback position that I take super seriously. Former Houston Texans (and several other NFL teams) quarterback Dan Orlovsky, one of the top analysts on ESPN, is one of them. As a backup quarterback across over a decade in the league, Orlovsky…
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Aaron Lee Tasjan Leans Into His Superpower [UPDATED]
It has been said many times and in many ways that the only constant is change. People can either sink their feet in the sand and fight the current, or roll with the waves and see where life takes them. During his solo career, Nashville based artist Aaron Lee Tasjan…
Counting Working AEDs in the Wake of a Marshall Middle Schooler’s Death
Some of the questions raised after 14-year-old Landon Payton suffered a medical emergency at Marshall Middle School last week and later died, were whether the school has an AED, whether it was working, and whether the personnel on hand knew how to use it. The district reported Monday that an…
HISD Releases Its Own Individual School Accountability Ratings
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles was as bright and bubbly as the colorful balloon archway he stood in front of at Hilliard Elementary Monday as he unveiled preliminary accountability results for individual schools in the district. “The district has not always, especially in the last several years, provided the best…
Few Details Emerge in Case of 14-Year-Old HISD Student Who Died Last Week
Houston ISD has released a few more details, including the child’s name. of the 14-year-old Marshall Middle School student who became ill during gym class last week and died. Landon Payton was in P.E. when he became ill in front of his physical education teacher and special ed assistant teacher…
The Way it Was: Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
One of music’s greatest albums, from one of its most enigmatic artists, lives on some 25-plus years after its release.
This Week in Houston Food Events: Back-to-School BBQ and an “Adios” Summer Fiesta
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, August 21 Back to School Bash at Feges BBQ The Spring Branch location of Feges BBQ, 8217 Long Point, will host its annual Back to School Bash on Wednesday, August 21 from 5 to 9 p.m., inviting kids and families…
NFL Preseason Week 2: Texans 28, Giants 10 — Four Winners, Four Losers
As the preseason continues to dwindle from four games down to three (and possibly two, once the league inevitably goes to an 18 game schedule), and the entire NFL uses various sizes of kid gloves in handling frontline players and even using them at all in games, I try not…
A One-Woman Play on the Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Comes to the Hobby Center
Michelle Azar calls playing the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a one-woman show “an incredibly thorough, exciting, dynamic, ever-evolving miracle that has come into my life.” During the almost two years that Azar has been traveling from on theater to another in All Things Equal: The Life…
Eden Muñoz Leads a Showcase of Mexican Music at 713 Music Hall
Eden Muñoz Como En Los Viejos Tiempos Tour 713 Music Hall August 17, 2024 I wasn’t expecting to cry at a concert, but last night my emotions got the best of me and the tears rolled down my face. On stage was Eden Muñoz, formally of the Norteño-Banda group Calibre…
Last Night: Santana and Counting Crows at Toyota Center
Santana and Counting Crows played at Toyota Center last night in Houston.
Juvenile & DJ Mannie Fresh Take Over White Oak Music Hall
Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band feat. DJ Mannie Fresh Back That Azz Up 25th Anniversary Tour White Oak Music Hall August 16th, 2024 I was a freshman in college in 1999, riding around in a brand new Chevy Cavalier with two Rockford Fosgate 12″ subs in the truck, using…
An R&B Queen Reigns in Miss Rhythm: The Legend of Ruth Brown at Stages
They’re talking about the house that Ruth built over at Stages. No, not Yankee Stadium. Not Babe Ruth. The house, in this case, is Atlantic Records, and Stages is talking about Ruth Brown, whose musical talents and string of No. 1 hits propped up Atlantic when it was just a…
HISD Board Hears Another Round of Complaints About A/C, Buses, Landscaping, Libraries and the Bond Issue
After Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles asked for a moment of silence to recognize the Marshall Middle School student who died this week after a medical emergency, public speakers at Thursday night’s school board meeting lined up with their latest round of complaints most of which had to do with…
In Memoriam: Houston Blues Rocker Mark May
The Houston music community was left reeling this week at the sudden and tragic death of longtime local music staple Mark May. The blues rock singer/guitarist died on August 12 after being involved in a car accident, later succumbing to his injuries at a local hospital.
Five Reasons For the Astros’ Remarkable Turnaround
The Astros have won eight straight heading into their series against the worst team in baseball, the White Sox. Their lead in the AL West is now three full games, once a ten-game deficit. From the outhouse to the penthouse, this is a team now firmly in control of their…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Alien: Romulus
Title: Alien: Romulus Describe This Movie In One Aliens Quote: GORMAN: What’s the question? HUDSON: Is this gonna be a standup fight, sir, or another bug hunt? GORMAN: All we know is that there’s still no contact with the colony and that a xenomorph may be involved. FROST: Excuse me,…
Openings and Closings: Hungry’s Woodway, Lady M’s Sweet Boutique
Hungry’s, 5750 Woodway, opens August 19. It’s the third location for the longtime family-owned restaurant which first opened in Rice Village nearly 50 years ago. Its second location in Memorial opened 43 years ago, so this expansion into the Tanglewood area has been a long time coming since it was…
NFL Preseason Week 2: Rams-Texans — Four Things To Watch For
After 17 practices and two preseason played up in the northern reaches of the Eastern time zone, the Houston Texans will finally have a chance to show off their new look — uniforms and roster — in front of their home fans at NRG Stadium this Saturday afternoon, as the…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Flying Saucer Celebrates 24 Years of Beers
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Rare Rioja Dinner at Guard and Grace Friday, 7 to 10 p.m. 500 Dallas Guests can enjoy a five-course wine dinner paired with a rare library of RIoja selections from the renowned producer Bodegas Manzanos. Featured vintages include the…
East and West Entwine in Meiji Dances at the MFAH
Japan spent more than two centuries in near isolation before opening its ports to the West in 1853, and the effects of the collision between Eastern and Western influences were just as profound as you might think. “Still, to this day, we go through the crosscurrents of this integration,” says…
Elizabeth Cook And Her Busy Bingo Card
Elizabeth Cook has proven many times over that she can only be herself, and thank heavens for that. Throughout her career rich stories and songs have oozed out of her with a kind of magical ease that makes her instantly a magnet for listeners. “Part of it is how I…
Court Rules That Paxton Fraud Case Prosecutors Won’t Get Any More Money
A Houston appeals court has ruled that a previous payment cap set for prosecutors who worked for years on the securities fraud case against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will stand. What this means is that the prosecutors will not be paid any more than $2,000 in total for their…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 17
The Houston Texans wrapped up what had been their hottest week of practice outside, with the tamest of their 17 training camp sessions so far — an indoor walk through, prior to an off day which leads into Saturday’s first home game of the 2024 preseason, a noon kickoff against…
Def Leppard, Journey and Steve Miller Band Rock Minute Maid Park
Def Leppard and Journey with Steve Miller Band The Summer Stadium Tour 2024 Minute Maid Park August 14, 2024 “Time keeps on slippin’ slippin’ slippin’ into the future…” Doesn’t it, though? I couldn’t help but think these lyrics could have been relevant (in a negative way) to The Summer Stadium…
City Council Sends Whitmire’s Anti-Picketing Ordinance to Committee For Further Study
Advocates opposing an anti-picketing ordinance proposed by Houston Mayor John Whitmire celebrated when Houston City Council members voted on Wednesday to send the measure to a committee for further review. “The mayor cannot move without the support of his community and his constituency, and until now, that is how he…
Best Bets: Hundreds of Beavers, Miller Summer Mixtape and Danez Smith
School may be back in session for many, but summer is still far from over – and the heat will certainly linger on even longer. But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty to suggest this week if you’re looking for something to do, especially if you’re looking for things of the…
Earth, Wind and Fire’s Philip Bailey Dissects the Elements of Music and Message
When Maurice White was formulating his vision for Earth, Wind and Fire—the band name taken from elements associated with his astrological sign of Sagittarius—the singer/songwriter wanted to create an ensemble the likes of which had never been seen or heard before. Musically, they would combine R&B, funk, jazz, rock and…
Houston Texans 53 Man Roster Projection, Version 2.0
We are down to five more training camp practices and two more games for the dozens of aspiring Houston Texans players in camp to make an impression and secure a spot on the 53-man roster. At last a dozen or so who don’t make it will be invited back for…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Hatch Chiles Bring the Heat to Ramen Tatsu-Ya
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: After months of research and recipe testing, MARCH, 1624 Westheimer, has unveiled its latest Mediterranean menu, “La Superba: The Republic of Genova,” offering a glimpse into the culinary history of Genovese cuisine as shaped by spices,…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 16
The Houston Texans took to the field on Wednesday, late morning into early afternoon, once again this week, as head coach DeMeco Ryans continued his attempt to test the mettle of his team and, as best he can, simulate a regular season game week, when practices are typically in the…
HISD: Second Day and Counting Temps and Bus Routes
Eighty two degrees. When Houston ISD classrooms hit that mark, that’s when the kids inside are moved to another area of a school, Superintendent Mike Miles said Tuesday. Given the heat outside, that’s the district standard for now, he said. “We look at 82 degrees to be too hot. Too…
Harris County Democratic Precinct Chairs Tap Sylvester Turner To Be Democratic Nominee
Supporters of former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner launched “Sylvester Turner For Congress” signs in the air as the final votes from Democratic precinct chairs were tallied by a district-wide chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, Linda Bell-Robinson, on Tuesday night. Turner secured the Democratic nomination in a nail-biter of…
A Rare Chance to See A Full Production of the Revival of Funny Girl Comes to the Hobby Center
There have been two elephants in the room when it comes to putting Funny Girl on stage, says Stephen Mark Lukas, who’s about to play the Nick Arstein role when Broadway at the Hobby brings the 2022 revival production to Houston. First, there’s Barbra Streisand — her singing and portrayal of Fanny…
DA Kim Ogg Announces Criminal Charges in County’s 2022 Paper Ballot Shortage
Former Harris County employee Darryl Blackburn has been charged with theft and tampering with government documents in connection with his role in the county’s November 2022 election in which several polling places ran out of paper ballots. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. However, both Ogg and…
“Coach Prime” Deion Sanders Is Coming Apart at the Seams
Having strong opinions is a tough business sometimes, especially when you have several different platforms on which to express them. I know this first hand. I have a daily four-hour radio show, a podcast that runs three times a week, and this here space with the Houston Press. One of…
Late Summer Gardening in Houston
Though it may be hard to believe, this summer has not been nearly as hot as last year’s months of drought and triple digit temperatures. So far this summer, the Houston area has only experienced a couple of 100 degree days and there’s been above average rainfall. While those facts…
Houston Concert Watch 8/14: Def Leppard, Deep Purple and More
Since the dawn of American politics, candidates have used music as a part of their campaigns. In the early 19th century, popular songs like “Yankee Doodle” were given new lyrics to reflect a candidate and his policies. Later, chants were used to fire up the faithful. The best example of…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 15
The Houston Texans returned to the practice field on Tuesday, after an off day on Monday, to sweltering heat, recording “feels like” temperatures, and an unyielding sun with no cloud cover. Unlike all the weekday practices prior to Tuesday, which all started at 9 a.m., DeMeco Ryans chose to start…
Cy-Fair Trustees Approve Revisions To Library Policy
Control was back on the agenda during the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District’s board meeting Monday night, as trustees approved changes that opponents argued would make it more difficult for any library books to be placed on shelves. Of these revisions, Lesley Guilmart, president of Cypress Families for Public Schools —…
Four Remarkable Things Texans Owner Cal McNair Has Done to Skyrocket in Popularity
There was a time, not all that long ago, when being a Houston Texans fan made you a target of ridicule, a source for the pleasure of those who dabble in schadenfreude. Put simply, it really sucked being a Texans fan from 2020 through 2022, when not only did they…
Minus the Bus Route Glitches and Some AC Falters, Miles Calls the First Day of School a Success.
About 700 Houston ISD kids didn’t have their bus routes by this morning’s first day of school. A new software system gave out two sets of routes to other kids, one right, the other wrong. Air conditioning wasn’t 100 percent in all buildings so kids were moved from hot to…
First Day of School For HISD and Let’s See How That Bus Route Consolidation Works
In a last weekend push, Houston ISD got most of its students assigned to bus routes – 700 kids still didn’t know how they were getting to class – but Monday morning’s effort was much improved from the week before when one mother was told by a district employee that…
NFL Preseason Week 1: Texans 20, Steelers 12 — Four Winners, Four Losers
If you’re a football fan, you know the moment. Every year, even when your team isn’t considered a contender, there is a moment in the summertime, during the preseason, where it hits you right between the eyes. That moment where you’re like “YES! Football is back!” Friday night, I had…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Beer-Fueled Anniversary and Bayside Back-To-School Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long National Sandwich Month at Mendocino Farms In honor of National Sandwich Month, Mendocino Farms is offering a selection of $8 sandwiches throughout August. This week, guests can enjoy the Chicken Parm Dip, featuring shaved, roasted chicken breast, Mendo’s…
Could A Possible Plateau In The Number Of COVID-19 Cases Be On The Horizon?
As kids start heading back to school and the summer season draws to a close, Houston area doctors hope the surge of COVID-19 cases nationwide and locally will plateau. “The hope would be we’ll start to see a decline now in the amount of wastewater virus recovery, and therefore transmission,”…
Grupo Frontera Makes Tejano Great Again at Toyota Center
Grupo Frontera Jugando A Que No Pasa Nada Tour Toyota Center August 10, 2024 Over last few years, the music streaming app Spotify has been my primary source for listening to music. At the end of each year, they release a personalized playlist entitled “Wrapped,” which is specific to each…
Luke Combs Shotguns a Beer With Texans Owner Cal McNair in Final Houston Show
There are two things to always expect in a Luke Combs concert: Him strutting and singing with a Solo cup in hand that is kept filled through the night and that he will make his way to the edge of the stage and shotgun a beer for everyone to see…
Candidates at Saturday’s Congressional Forum Criticize HISD, CenterPoint, METRO and Each Other
Attendees and candidates participating in the Texas Congressional District 18 forum on Saturday were in for a surprise if they were expecting an hours-long droning session about positions and policies. Sporadic audience outbursts and additional antics by candidates on stage punctuated the first opportunity for seven of the individuals vying…
HISD Board Approves Sending Record $4.4 Billion Bond Proposal to Voters
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the Houston ISD Board of Managers Thursday night unanimously approved putting a $4.4 billion bond issue on the November 5 ballot, leaving it up to voters to decide which they dislike more: the sad shape of many of the district’s schools or Superintendent Mike Miles…
NFL Preseason, Game 2: Texans at Steelers — Four Things to Watch For
For the last week or so, it’s felt like the Houston Texans have been more of a concept than an actual football team, as they have been hunkered down in the state of Ohio. First, they were in Canton for the Hall of Fame festivities, which included a rain shortened…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
It Ends With Us
Title: It Ends With Us Describe This Movie In One Lethal Weapon Quote: RIGGS: I think I saw this place on Lifetimes of the Rich and Shameless. Brief Plot Synopsis: Never trust a guy with six-pack abs. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Ayn Rands out of 5. Tagline: “We break…
Openings and Closings: Levi Goode’s New Concepts, Mi Luna Returns
Credence and Sidebar, 9757 Katy Freeway, will open August 20 in The McKinley at Memorial City. The highly anticipated dual concepts from Levi Goode are stand-alone ventures for the chef and restaurateur who heads the family business, Goode Company Restaurants. A fifth generation Texan and a two-time James Beard Award…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Instigators
Title: The Instigators Describe This Movie In One Good Will Hunting Quote: BILLY: You’re legally allowed to drink now, so we figured the best thing for you was a car. Brief Plot Synopsis: A dimwit and a drunk walk into an election night party… Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The…
Over 1,000 Animals Looking For a Home At The Petco Love Mega Adoption Event
If you’ve been thinking of adding a furry friend to your family’s roster, you’ll want to head down to the George R. Brown Convention Center next weekend for the Petco Love Mega Adoption Event. Petco Love will host the event in partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA and Montgomery County Animal…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Croissant Smash Burgers and a Free Teachers Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Teachers and Educators Appreciation Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12538 Memorial, 3452 Ella, 9955 Barker Cypress, 9920 Gaston, 23918 US-59 All five TUK locations invites teachers and educators for a free brunch, with…
Boeing Starliner Astronauts May Not Return Until 2025
NASA folks now think – and publicly admit – that it could be a long, long time until astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore actually come home from the International Space Station. Specifically, the astronauts, who piloted the Boeing Starliner to the ISS more than two months ago, could now…
Best Bets: Grease, Treasure Island and the Houston Horror Film Fest
It’s International Cat Day, and in the spirit of dogs being man’s best friend and cats being man’s apathetic roommate, get out of your cat’s fur for a little bit this week and check out our best bets. This week, we’ve got a classic movie musical from 1978, Houston’s largest…
New Look at Kent State Tragedy Goes Well Beyond Just “Four Dead in O-HI-O”
When pro-Palestinian student protests about the war in Israel erupted on college campuses across the United States this past spring, news reports were often accentuated with archival footage of anti-Vietnam war gatherings from their grandparents’ generation. Fortunately, none of those recent uprisings and resultant clashes between students and law enforcement…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Prepare for the “Battle of the Burger”
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Craft Pita and Kolache Shoppe have joined forces for Kolache Shoppe’s newest monthly collab creation, the Lebanese Sausage and Cheese Kolache. The Halal-friendly kolache features a hot soujouk beef link sausage with Mediterranean spices and Ackawi…
First 2024 College Football Coaches Top 25 Poll Includes Longhorns and Aggies
In an era, over the last couple decades, that has ushered in more change than any other time in the history of collegiate athletics, 2024 may be the season in which fans’ adapting and adjusting their viewing habits and tolerance for chaos gets tested to the maximum. The dissipation of…
Unstoppable? HISD Students, Teachers and Superintendent Mike Miles?
Color coordinated T-shirts, songs, more songs, choreography, marching bands and cheerleaders: Wednesday morning was a pull-out-all-the-stops event at Houston ISD’s Delmar Fieldhouse – a concept as big and huge, some would say, as HISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ vision for the district. The invitation-only event to HISD educators (mostly drawn from…
Cleaning Up Other People’s Mess: The Saga of the Texans and Astros GMs
There are a select few positions within a sports organization whose importance dwarfs the significance of most other jobs inside the company. In football, it’s the quarterback. In basketball, it’s the franchise, All Star player. In baseball, it can be a Cy Young level pitcher, or a game changing player…
Houston Concert Watch 8/7: Luke Combs, Limp Bizkit and More
The history of rock and roll is rife with conflict between bandmates. Sure, there have been a series of battling siblings (the Everly Brothers, the Kinks, Heart, the Black Crowes) over the years, but there have also been bands in which certain members could barely stand to be on stage…
VP Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Make Their Campaign Debut
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz hopped on stage next to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris to the tune of a chorus of cheers from supporters gathered on Tuesday evening. The politicians’ first joint public appearance at a Philadelphia rally occurred hours after Harris announced that Walz would join her on the campaign…
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Vice President Kamala Harris Taps Minnesota Governor Tim Walz To Be Her Running Mate [UPDATED]
After days of speculation and debunked premature social media reports, Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. As of Tuesday morning Harris had not formally announced her decision, but sources close to her campaign said the vice president planned to share the news…
Limp Bizkit – The New Kings of Dad Rock
Once the most polarizing band in America, Limp Bizkit has found something previously thought impossible – general acceptance.
Four Thoughts on the Astros Rough Homestand
We all know this has been a weird year for your Houston Astros. From injuries and slumps to trades and turnarounds, it is difficult to know exactly what is coming next. Such is the case for the Astros as they begin their August schedule. After posting a whopping .680 win…
Which WWE Wrestler Should Appear at the DNC?
Hulkamania was running wild at the Republican National Convention last month. WWE Hall of Famer, n-word appreciator, and union saboteur Hulk Hogan appeared live on stage to endorse former president and current convicted felon Donald Trump. Trump is also a WWE Hall of Famer, albeit in the celebrity wing and…
Heat Stops Chance of Latest Tropical Activity From Heading To Houston, For Now
Houstonians may want to reconsider any complaints they have about the persistent heat. Houston area meteorologists say residents have it to thank for warding off possible tropical activity from entering the Texas Gulf Coast. Matt Lanza, a meteorologist with Space City Weather, said he recently joked with fellow meteorologist Eric…
Houston Texans Place Four in Players’ NFL Top 100
One of the real downsides of the Houston Texans being such a poor football team from 2020 through 2022 was their complete lack of relevance during the silly months of June and July, where subjective power rankings rule the day. When your team has nothing good about it, then there…
Andre Johnson Delivers HOF Induction Speech: “I’m Happy as Hell”
Throughout the six month car wash that Andre Johnson has traveled through since being named a Pro Football Hall of Famer back in February, one thing he has repeatedly said is that he never thought about becoming a Hall of Famer at any point in his upbringing, nor any point…
The Fabulous Thunderbirds Have Been “Struck Down by the Blues”
Any musician who has labored in the trenches for 50 plus years could be excused for being burned out, jaded or just plain tired. Kim Wilson is none of these. On the contrary, Wilson is completely psyched about the release of the album Struck Down, which celebrates the 50th anniversary…
This Week in Houston Food Events: OkraFest Brings Fresh Oysters and More to Galveston
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, August 7 Houston Chef Series at King Ranch Texas Kitchen With this year’s theme taking inspiration from “Presidential State Dinners,” Landry’s continues its Houston Chef Series. This week, chef Erick Bocanegra will present “King Ranch State Dinner: A Presidential Retreat”…
Fall in Love with Romeo & Juliet at Houston Shakespeare Festival
The tale of two star-crossed lovers fated for a tragic end may not sound like a great night out on its face, but I think we all know when it’s by William Shakespeare and it’s Romeo & Juliet, it holds great promise. This is why, like many others, I once…
Forbidden Love: Thunderclap’s Melville & Hawthorne at the MATCH
They met at a picnic in New York’s Berkshire mountains in August 1850 – the grand American literary lion, Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter, Twice-Told Tales) and the young impulsive whaler, adventurer, mutineer, Herman Melville. For Melville (Tyler Galindo), known at the time as the author of the scandalous but…
Governor Abbott Calls Special Election To Fill Sheila Jackson Lee’s Term
On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott announced a special election to determine who will take over the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to a press release, the special election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, to determine who will serve out the…
Mayor Whitmire Goes Outside for New Police Chief, Says J. Noe Diaz Ticks All the Boxes
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Friday all conversations about potential hires with local law enforcement agencies, legislators and leaders led back to new Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz. “They kept saying Noe Diaz is the real deal—a crime fighter,” Whitmire noted at the press conference he called. “That is…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Brings the Magic Despite Late Night at Houston Shakespeare Festival
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” In this case, I can’t help but think that the fools are those (myself included) who trek over to Miller Outdoor Theatre each summer for the Houston Shakespeare Festival, braving the heat and the mosquitoes again this year for the opening night performance of…
NFL Preseason, Hall of Fame Game: Bears 21, Texans 17 — Four Winners, Four Losers
After each Houston Texans game, I do an article listing the winners and losers of the game, as you are about to read. But the ultimate winner on Thursday night at the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, was Mother Nature, as the game was called late in the…
Openings and Closings: Plume Debuts, Seaside Poke Spring Branch
Plume, 100 W. 23rd, opened July 26 in the recently-opened Urban Office-West Heights development from Braun Enterprises. It’s the first project from Golden Ratio Hospitality Group, a newly-formed company from Braun Enterprise partners Dan Braun and James Fitch, and Ted Baker, a food and beverage industry veteran for nearly three…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Trap
Title: Trap Describe This Movie In One Return of the Jedi Quote: ADMIRAL ACKBAR: It’s a … nah, you know what? I can’t do it. Brief Plot Synopsis: Serial killers can be good girl dads too. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Reubens out of 5. Tagline: “30,000 fans. 300 cops…
Texas Highspeed Rail Company Is Behind on Taxes, Again
Texas Central, the company behind the ongoing quest to construct a 240-mile-long highspeed rail line between Houston and Dallas, is once again behind on its taxes, according to Texans Against High Speed Rail, a nonprofit group that was formed some years back to oppose the planned Shinkansen line. Texas Central…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Houston Restaurant Weeks Makes its Debut
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Houston Restaurant Weeks All weekend long Houston Restaurant Weeks is officially back, raising funds for the Houston Food Bank while championing restaurants around the city through Labor Day. Over 250 restaurants are offering multi-course, prix fixe menus for brunch…
The Late, Great Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Is Honored In A Larger-Than-Life Ceremony
Droves of funeralgoers flocked into Fallbrook Church Thursday morning to pay their final respects to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Before the start of the service, attendees waited in line to view her open casket placed in front of the pulpit. Midway through the service, the casket, adorned with a…
Thunderclap Productions Explores Melville & Hawthorne Between the Lines
Playwright Adi Teodoru hopes that seeing her play, Melville & Hawthorne, just might make you want to dig up a copy of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. If you do, one of the first things you might notice is that Melville dedicated his book to Nathaniel Hawthorne. Melville met the author…
NFL Preseason, Hall of Fame Game — Four Things to Watch For
Normally, when the calendar flips to the month of August, it’s a sign that actual football games are on the horizon. Sure, they are preseason games, and at least half the guys playing will be working at Walmart in a month, but still! It’s freaking football! Well, this August is…
Best Bets: Las Fenix, Songblazers and Houston Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the month of August! Yes, it’s another month, but one thing you can always count on is Houston’s arts organizations having your back. This week, we got new and new-to-Houston stage productions, Cirque du Soleil going country, and the return of the Houston Shakespeare Festival – among other…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: White Linen Night and a Tiki Takover
Messina Hof, 4545 Old Reliance, will host its 47th annual Harvest Festival in Bryan during weekends this August, bringing daytime and moonlit harvests, grape picking and stomping, and special event including a Cellar Tour & Dinner on Saturday, August 3, Papa Paulo Port Party on Saturday, August 17, Grand Finale…
Report Into HPD’s Shelved Cases Released by Houston Police Department
Acting Houston Police Chief Larry Satterwhite did not mince his words as he warned Houston City Council on Wednesday that without more staff, the Houston Police Department will remain unable to investigate all the cases brought to the agency. “That’s something I don’t want to tell you — and certainly…
DJ Mr. Rogers and DJ Hed Turn It Up With Red Bull
Red Bull is already bringing out a formula one race car to Discovery Green on September 7 but that is not enough for the energy drink company known to give people wings. During the race there will be an intermission showcase where the south will face off against the west…
Some Perspective on the Astros Post Trade Deadline
On Monday night, Astros fans were in a frenzy. GM Dana Brown did what he said he wanted to do by trading for lefty starter Yusei Kikuchi to add to a rotation dismantled by injury. The problem was he had to give up two minor league standouts and popular rookie…
Another United Airlines Flight Requires Deep Clean After “Medical Issue”
For the second time in two months, a United Airlines flight diverted to an emergency landing after a customer experienced a medical issue in the air. “It sounds like it’s quite bad back there. It’s still really bad,” an unidentified pilot can be heard calling into a control tower on…
Houston Concert Watch 7/31: Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Blues Traveler and More
Last week, Billy Joel ended his monthly Madison Square Garden residency after 150 shows. By way of commemoration, The New York Times ran a piece on all of the merch that fans were able to pick up at the final gig. According to the Old Gray Lady, everything from T-shirts to…
NFL Quarterback Contracts Are Going Haywire, What Does it mean for the Houston Texans?
When it comes to being a fan for your NFL team, and factoring in the long term prospects for your squad, there are really two ways to do it. The first way is the more fun way, which is to live in the moment, and worry about re-signing your players…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 10
The Houston Texans had their final tuneup on Tuesday morning before heading to Canton, Ohio on Wednesday for Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game, against the Chicago Bears. The weather was once again typical Houston weather in late July. After a week of a benevolent Mother Nature, she’s been bringing…
Astros Deal Three Prospects to Blue Jays for Starter
As the Astros were losing 5-2 to the Pirates on Monday night, a rage was circulating on social media among Astros fans. It wasn’t the blown hold by Ryan Pressly in the eighth or the just plain blown inning by Josh Hader in the ninth that did it, though it…
The Way it Was: Sublime (self-titled)
One of the most revered albums of the 90s remains in rotation to this day.
Blues Dynamo Samantha Fish Burns the Candle at Both Ends
Guitarist Samantha Fish is an artist on the ascent. Though she has certainly made a name for herself as a blues dynamo with relentless touring over the past several years, things have been going really well as of late. How well? Consider the following: Last fall, Fish performed in Los…
CenterPoint CEO Talks Utility Company’s Shortcomings During Senate Hearing
The powers that be appeared to be playing tricks in a Monday Senate special committee hearing on hurricane and tropical storm preparedness, recovery and electricity, as the live stream cut out before CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells was set to testify. The committee convened by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick took…
Houston Texans DE Denico Autry Suspended for Six Games for PED Violation
The Houston Texans have lived a very charmed life this offseason. They’ve hit multiple home runs in free agency, trades, and several solid doubles and singles in the draft. C.J. Stroud is second on the preseason odds for league MVP, and they have zero contract drama going on right now…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 9
It feels weird to type this, on July 29, but the Houston Texans embarked on a game week on Monday! Sure, it’s a preseason game that is about as “exhibition” as “exhibition” gets, the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, where I’d be shocked if any of the Texans’…
Boeing Starliner’s Astronauts’ ISS Stay Extended, Indefinitely
Let’s hope Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are having an excellent time aboard the International Space Station—because there’s still no set plan for when the pair of astronauts, who embarked on the first crewed test flight of Boeing Starliner more than a month ago, will be coming back home. “We…
The Sankofa Collective and Garden Theatre Give The Color Purple a Fresh Vision with Local Talent
Alric Davis, the founding artistic director of The Sankofa Collective, and Alice Walker’s 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple go way back. Possibly, too far back. “I read it when I was too young to be reading it,” says Davis with a laugh. It’s his grandmother, an avid reader,…
Houston Texans Best Bets on 2024 Individual Defensive Stats
It’s been a lively first eight practices for the Houston Texans at their 2024 training camp. There are a lot fo dudes on this team that treat practices with the same ferocity that they would presumably treat the Super Bowl. It’s fun to watch, particularly because both sides of the…
Opie Hendrix Delivers a Feel-Good, Summer Song for Surfside at the Right Moment
When we chatted with “y’allternative” rocking honky-tonker Opie Hendrix about his latest single “Surfside,” and its accompanying video, we pondered its “song of the summer” possibilities. After all, an ode to a cozy beach town where one can escape the rigors of big city life sounds pleasant as a toes-in-the-sand,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: All-You-Can-Eat Gnocchi and the Return of Houston Restaurant Weeks
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long 35th-Anniversary Specials at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is celebrating its 35th anniversary through August 4, offering $5 churros, plus an iconic past dish, Chicken Alcaparrada made with mushrooms and a lemon caper sauce. Monday, July 29…
Houston Broadway Theatre Delivers a Stunning Production of Next to Normal at the Hobby Center
The Houston Press wasn’t going to review Houston Broadway Theatre’s production of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal because its run lasted only one weekend for four performances. A showcase that is so evanescent won’t hit hard, as they say. But after seeing the Saturday evening show,…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 8
There’s always a point in every NFL training camp where the team has practiced several times, it’s been lively, but you can sense that everyone — players, coaches, media — are getting antsy for some work against another team. More specifically, we’re all ready for the Texans to take part…
Peso Pluma Delivers a Knockout Performance at Toyota Center
Peso Pluma Éxodo Tour Toyota Center July 26, 2024 According to Billboard Magazine, the fastest growing music genre in the U.S. is Latin music. And although much of that can be attributed to reggaeton artists such as Bad Bunny and Karol G, the driving forces behind this growth are Regional…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 7
An entire NFL training camp consists of 21 total practices, so the Houston Texans hit the one third marker of the preseason amidst serious downpours of rain on Friday morning at the Methodist Training Center across the street from NRG Stadium. Thus, sloppiness and mistakes were, unfortunately, kind of a…
Six Days in at Houston Texans Training Camp — Four Things That Stand Out
When the Houston Texans were last seen on a practice field, they were mere moments removed from the first legitimate skirmish of this training camp, and if memory serves, it was the first dustup of this type at any DeMeco Ryans-;ed training camp practice, this year or last year. In…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Deadpool & Wolverine
Title: Deadpool & Wolverine Describe This Movie In One Reality Bites Quote: VICKIE: Would the two of you just do it and get it over with? Brief Plot Synopsis: Merc with a mouth meets the best at what he does. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Rob Liefeld Captain Americas…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Pig Roast, Paella and Backyard BBQ
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: 8th Annual Summer Beer Olympics at SpindleTap Brewery Saturday, 10 a.m. arrivals and registrations 10622 Hirsch Blending camaraderie and spirit with craft beer and competition, Spindletap’s 8th Annual Summer Beer Olympics kicks off the party games at 10:30 a.m…
Vice President Kamala Harris Rocks the American Federation of Teachers
From the moment Vice President Kamala Harris swept onto stage in a cavernous hall at the George R. Brown Convention Center on Thursday morning, the audience was hers. Comprised of hundreds of members of the American Federation of Teachers, the crowd was on its feet, presenting the presumptive Democratic presidential…
The Marías Go Deep in Concert
The Marías 713 Music Hall July 24, 2024 Memo to Houston area employers: if some of your staff is late to work today or perhaps not coming at all, please excuse them. The Marías were in town last night. For nearly two hours, the Los Angeles indie pop band shared…
And Then There Were None at the Alley Leaves You Guessing Till the Very End
You might need to bring a sweater – a jumper, the British would say – to watch the Alley’s quite bracing production of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. You will jump, for sure, and there are chills all through the night. Dame Agatha outdoes herself in murder mayhem…
Hotez Hopes For New COVID Vaccine Soon, Says to Resume Masking in Crowded Situations
Amid another surge in COVID-19 in the Houston area and Texas in general, health experts tell us that the latest version of it called FLiRT is extremely tranmissible and that a new vaccine is on the way to if not save the day, at least make the symptoms not as…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Summer Sushi Experience and American Cocktail Storytime
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Now through August 31, Roka Akor, 2929 Weslayan, will offer its Summer Sushi Experience for $49 per person, featuring a 12-piece sushi and sashimi chef selection with a variety of maki, nigiri and sashimi. Expect treats…
Want a Gauge for Texans Talent Infusion? Follow the Microphone!
We are six practices into training camp for the 2024 Houston Texans, and you don’t need to be a football savant to ascertain that this is a very, very talented football team. GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans have done a phenomenal job collaborating on the construction of…
Best Bets: Jurassic Quest, Next to Normal and Batman ’89
Today is Houston Day – not a celebration of the city, mind you, but the name. We will, however, take the opportunity to appreciate the city, especially the ever-active arts scene. Keep reading for this week’s picks for your best bets, which include dinosaurs for the kiddies, an incredibly quotable…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 6
The sixth practice for the Houston Texans’ 2024 training camp took place on Wednesday morning, and it looked and felt a whole lot like the practice the day before. Like Tuesday, the Texans were in full pads, and the fans filled all the bleacher seats. Like Tuesday, there was some…
Houston Concert Watch 7/24: Zach Bryan, Koe Wetzel and More
It’s not something that classic rock fans like to dwell on, but the members of our favorite bands are getting older and having to deal with scenarios where the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain is a case in point. After suffering partial…
Houston Restaurant Weeks: Menus Part Two
Last week, we took a sneak peek at some of the menus for Houston Restaurant weeks as the list of participating restaurants went live. This week, we have even more delicious menus to share for the event which runs August 1 though September 2. Founded by the late Cleverley Stone…
Sit Back and Put Your Brain to Work With Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None at Alley Theatre
Decades before television began its Survivor reality competition, there was British author Agatha Christie, the prolific writer of detective novels and murder mystery plays whose works often featured isolated settings and ever increasing dead body counts. Alley Theatre has once more tapped into the almost endless wealth of material Christie…
Houston Texans Sell Out Season Tickets for First Time Since 2019
All 32 teams in the National Football League took the long trudge into the darkness of COVID back in the spring of 2020, not knowing what the near future held, but most of those teams knew that, once the pandemic was behind us, it would be business as usual. The…
More on Those Money-Saving New Bus Routes From HISD
At a hastily called Zoom meeting Tuesday afternoon, Houston ISD Chief of Public Affairs and Communications Alexandra “Alex” Elizondo answered 15 minutes of questions from the media during which she assured those online that changing bus routes right before the start of school was normal. She expanded upon the late…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 5
With fans waiting outside the gates as early as 3 a.m. Tuesday, and underneath another day of overcast skies and cool (for July) temperatures, the Houston Texans conducted their first padded practice of their 2024 training camp. As you can see from the video below, the enthusiasm level out at…
Koe Wetzel is Playing the Long Game
Koe Wetzel worked hard to build his career; he’s not going to burn out now.
Where to Drink and Celebrate National Tequila Day in Houston
National Tequila Day is bringing the fun on Wednesday, July 24, and several Houston restaurants are ready to celebrate. From all-day happy hours to margarita-soaked parties, here’s where to get your drink on in Houston this National Tequila Day. Alicia’s Mexican Grille, 26326 Northwest Freeway In honor of National Tequila…
Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli Month Menu
As Houstonians prepare to welcome Houston Restaurant Weeks this August, another food-centric event is taking place August 1 through August 31 across not only the city but the whole U.S.A. and even Toronto, Canada. The 9th Annual Delicatessen Month, founded in 2016 by Houston’s own Deli Man, David ‘Ziggy’ Gruber,…
Theatre Southwest’s FOO-tastic Festival of Originals Returns
Theatre Southwest’s Festival of Originals – a showcase of five one-act, 20-minute plays – typically receives hundreds and hundreds of submissions from all around the world. And yet, for the first time, four of the five plays featured this year are from playwrights in Houston. Well, more accurately, the Greater…
Houston Texans Roster Improvement Evident in ESPN Top 10 Positional Rankings
A someone who has watched every snap of the Houston Texans this training camp, and watched whatever the team will allow us to watch during the OTAs and minicamps in May and June, it is very easy to see that this is an extremely talented football team, far more talented…
New “Streamlined” Student Bus Service Designed to Save HISD Millions of Dollars Debuts in Fall
Talk about timing. With just three weeks to go before the August 12 start of the HISD 2024-25 school year, Houston ISD has announced significant changes to its bus transportation policies, telling the parents of school choice students that they’ll be picked up and dropped off within three miles of…
Houston: Have a Look at F1 Racing Coming to Discovery Green Thanks to Red Bull
On Saturday, September 7 in a free event, Red Bull is hosting an event that will give Houston area residents a chance to see an award winning racing team driving their RB7 car do donuts and burnouts in a track at Discovery Green. The racing will take place on a…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Reoort, Practice No. 4
After the first day off of this summer’s training camp on Sunday, the Houston Texans took to the practice field on Monday morning, again amidst hot but not unbearable temperatures, and with no pads. Reportedly, the team’s first practice in front of fans, slated for Tuesday morning, will be the…
Theater Magic: The Wizard of Oz at Queensbury Theatre
The last time the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of MGM’s iconic movie The Wizard of Oz (1939) blew into town was 15 years ago, presented by Broadway Across America and NETworks Presentations. At best it was overblown, overwritten, yet blessed by its use of most of the original screenplay by…
Mayor, Angry at Councilman Pollard, Says City Employees Were Prepared for Beryl
Responding to Councilman Edward Pollard’s criticism of the city’s preparation for Hurricane Beryl, Houston Mayor John Whitmire called a Sunday afternoon press conference to counter what he called “misinformation” that he said was devastating to Houston’s first responders as well as to the family of police officer Russell Richardson who…
Were the Houston Texans Pursuing 49ers WR Brandon AIyuk This Offseason?
As of Monday morning, the Houston Texans are three practices into their 2024 training camp. If you’re getting your intel on camp from articles like this, podcasts like mine, or radio shows on SportsRadio 610, then you likely can tell — it’s a pretty harmonious, drama-free zone. The culture established…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Tequila Tasting and A Pop-Up Diaspora Dinner
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long 35th Anniversary at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant is celebrating its 35th anniversary through August 4, offering a different special each week in addition to the return an iconic past dish, Chicken Alcaparrada made with mushrooms and…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 3
The Houston Texans conducted their third practice of their 2024 training camp on Saturday at the Methodist Training Center. Aesthetically and meteorologically, it looked and felt almost identical to the first two practices. The team worked out in shorts and helmets with no pads, and the weather was unseasonably cool…
Missy Elliot Brings Her First Headlining Tour to the Toyota Center
“I just have to say that I love and appreciate each and every one of you,” exclaimed Missy Elliot as the roar of applause from the audience at the Toyota Center began to quiet down. “I want to say thank y’all for being here because y’all have been going through…
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore, What a Musical!
The Broadway musical did not originate on Broadway. It started at London’s Savoy Theatre with the sparkling work of W.S. Gilbert & Arthur Sullivan. These theater titans created a special sort of “operetta,” one filled with charm and wicked wit, melodically rich, with surreal comedy that pricked current norms, all…
Sheila Jackson Lee Has Died of Pancreatic Cancer
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who revealed in June that she was being treated for pancreatic cancer, died Friday. She was 74 years old. Her family released a statement that announced her death. A fierce fighter for the rights of minorities and women, Jackson Lee was also known for her propensity…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No. 2
For the second straight day, the weather gods smiled on the Houston Texans and the assembled media at Texans Training Camp, with overcast skies and temperatures in the mid 80’s. I can only imagine what veteran Texan players are telling rookies about how abnormal this spate of cooler weather is…
Openings and Closings: Case Chocolates’ Sweet Debut, Volcano Ramen Explodes Soon
Kazzan Ramen & Bar, 191 Heights Boulevard, debuts in the Heights July 19. It’s the first Texas location (yay us!) for the ‘volcano’ ramen a foodie trend which originated in Osaka, Japan. The thick-noodles and vegetables are served in a 350-degree Celsius (you read that right) hot stone bowl, topped…
Houston Astros Release 2025 Schedule, Open at Home vs Mets
Someday, Major League Baseball will figure out what the National Football League has already figured out — if your fans are engaged, you can turn almost anything into a really big deal. The NFL has practically turned the schedule release into a national holiday. MLB? Not so much. To wit,…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Twisters
Title: Twisters Describe This Movie In One Twister Quote: BILL: He’s in it for the money, not the science. Brief Plot Synopsis: There’s a storm a’ comin’. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Dorothy Gales out of 5. Tagline: “Chase. Ride. Survive.” Better Tagline: “No flying cows in this one, sorry.”…
Houston Texans 2024 Training Camp Report, Practice No.1
After months of anticipation and adulation, the Houston Texans finally took to the practice field for the first training camp session of Year 2 of the DeMeco Ryans/C.J. Stroud Era. If the weather at practice on Thursday is any type of omen for the upcoming season, book your trip to…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: ’70s Summer Camp and the Feast of Saint Arnold
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Colombian Fest Internacional at Sam Houston Park Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. 901 Bagby Colombian culture will be on full display at the 2024 Colombian Fest, with traditional Colombian food and drink, baked goods, a vendor market, kids…
Position Priorities for the Astros at the Trade Deadline
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is less than two weeks away and the Astros have gone rather quickly from possible seller to almost certain buyer on the trade market. Just one game back in the division and facing the team ahead of them in the standings out of the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Pop Up Pastries and Caviar Bumps
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Thursday, July 18, Brasserie 19, 1962 West Gray, is celebrating National Caviar Day with Caviar Bumps, Caviar & Chips and Champagne and Vodka Shots to pair alongside. Fans can enjoy Kaluga Caviar Bumps for $20,…
Your Guide to Houston Texans Training Camp, Which Starts Today!
It’s been a wild couple of weeks around here, and around the country. Hurricanes, an assassination attempt, an inordinate number of celebrity deaths, national and local. It’s been a lot, man. Normally, we would have to wait another ten days or so for Texans training camp to get here to…
Best Bets: Frida Fest, Ruddigore and Moon Party
Interestingly, tomorrow (July 19) is National Daiquiri Day, and we wouldn’t blame anyone for needing a drink after the last couple of weeks. But below, we’ve got yet another list of our picks of the best bets around town – all perfect distractions that we think might be able to…
Is Now the Right Time For a $4.4 Billion HISD Bond Proposal? Can HISD Afford to Wait?
Does Houston ISD really need to spend $425 million to establish three new career and technology centers and bring the Barbara Jordan center up to par? Can taxpayers trust HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and his administration to do the right thing once they have a $4.4 billion in bond funds…
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket Explosion Hamstrings NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
Ever since it finally launched back in June, critics have been devouring every detail of Boeing Starliner’s malfunction-plagued crewed test flight. All the while, NASA has remained intent on getting Boeing’s commercial crew vehicle human-rated to provide a backup option to get astronauts to and from the International Space Station…
Chris Brown’s 11:11 Tour Fills the Toyota Center
The Toyota center was the latest stop on R&B superstar Chris Brown’s 11:11 tour and featured over 40 songs across his entire discography with a performance spanning just over two hours long. The tour kicked off in June and had come to Houston seven months after the release of his…
Oddities Artist Sees Materials Turn to “Rotting Meat Soup” In Power Outage
Be glad that photos don’t capture a smell. Elliot Gustafson owns and operates the Cleveland, Texas-based Aphelion Necrology, one of the most innovative parts of the Houston area’s growing oddities art scene. Unlike many of his peers that specialize in preserved insects and other comparatively dry subjects, Gustafson specializes in…
Houston Concert Watch 7/17: Sue Foley, Missy Elliot and More
In advance of Missy Elliot’s appearance at Toyota Center on Saturday (see below), NASA has beamed her song “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” all the way to Venus. Why? I suppose the answer here would be “Why not?” or maybe “Because they can.” It seems that NASA utilized its Deep…
Three Best Bets for 2024 Houston Texans Skill Player Totals
One thing that practically every NFL pundit, fan, and expert analysis can agree upon going into the 2024 NFL season — the Houston Texans should sport one of the most exciting offenses in the entire National Football League. it was already as such last season, but the acquisitions of RB…
The Michelin Guide Announces Texas as a New Destination
Houstonians already know that our city has a world class restaurant scene. We have James Beard Award winning chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists. We have one of, if not the most, diverse culinary landscapes to be found in the United States. From pho and jollof rice to barbecue and birria, we…
A Disaster Preparedness Guide for CenterPoint
Every year around the first week of June when hurricane season officially opens, we are all reminded repeatedly to begin our hurricane preparations. The laundry list of purchases and things we must do, particularly homeowners, is ubiquitous in local media. And, frankly, many of us go through the annual tradition…
Aaron Lewis Pivoted to Country Before it was Cool
The Staind frontman began showcasing his country roots several years ago. More than a decade on, Aaron Lewis is still doing his thing.
Four Thoughts on the Tragic Death of Former Houston Texan WR Jacoby Jones
One of the most colorful characters and prolific special teams players in the history of the Houston Texans passed away over the weekend. Jacoby Jones reportedly died in his sleep at his New Orleans home at the age of 40, way too young for a soul who conducted his life…
Houston Restaurant Weeks 2024 Goes Live
Houston Restaurant Weeks 2024 is just around the corner and it’s a welcome event in a time when Houston restaurants and businesses are suffering devastating losses from the May derecho storm and last week’s Hurricane Beryl. While many residents of Southeast Texas are finally getting their power restored, there are…
Five Key Decisions Ahead for the Astros
The Astros closed out the symbolic first half of the season with a pair of losses to the Texas Rangers in Minute Maid Park. Fortunately, the Mariners also stumbled into the All-Star break leaving the Astros just one game back in the division with a head-to-head series in Seattle next…
This Week in Houston Food Events: $2 Hot Dogs and Medieval Style Feast
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday through Friday Latin Restaurant Weeks Through July 19, Latin Restaurant Weeks celebrates and supports Latin chefs and culinary businesses across Greater Houston. Diners can explore 70+ local restaurants and food businesses offering special menu items, limited-time deals and pre-fixe menus…
Four Most Intriguing Houston Texans Training Camp Storylines
Whether it’s a promising season like the upcoming one, or a dismal one like 2021 or 2022, Houston Texans training camp is my favorite time of year on the sports calendar, largely because I am busy virtually every minute of the day. Between my early morning radio show, Texans practices…
House of the Dragon Settles in, Tells a Better Story
House of The Dragon is finally telling the story it wanted to all along. After a season of time jumps, actor changes, and hefty amounts of setup, HBO’s dragon show is spreading its wings. House of the Dragon’s first season suffered from its structure, which led to several problems that…
Bluesman Chris Cain’s Got Good Intentions
Pity poor Chris Cain. The blues singer/guitarist is just trying to make his woman happy. But he always keeps screwing things up. Sure, she told him to be home by 11 p.m. and he didn’t show up for another hour and a half. He figured he’d smooth things over by…
HISD Summer School Students Return to Classes Monday
All Houston ISD summer school students will return to class starting Monday, although they may not be in their usual class. HISD spokesman Joseph Sam released this statement on Sunday: “All HISD summer school students are returning to class tomorrow. Students who normally attend a campus that does not yet…
Fuerza Regida Fires Up The Crowd at Toyota Center
Fuerza Regida Pero No Te Enamores Tour Toyota Center July 13, 2024 Like every good Houstonian, cruising around the city to a killer soundtrack is one of my favorite activities. Back in 2018, my homie Julian Estrada was behind the wheel, and between listening to Young Dolph and Future, the…
Mysterious and Foreboding, The Woman in Black Comes to Eerie Life at Main Street Theater
Main Street Theater gives us plenty of chills for these sweaty summer nights via its superlative rendition of Stephen Malatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s Victorian gothic ghost story, The Woman in Black. Imaginatively shepherded by director Philip Hays, and abetted by a phalanx of pro designers in set (Jodi Bobrovsky),…
Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant Deliver Show Of the Summer at Woodlands Pavilion
A devastating week for Houston, and surrounding areas, in Hurricane Beryl’s wake, left some Cage the Elephant fans uncertain about the status of the Neon Pill Tour’s stop in The Woodlands. But Friday approached without cancelation. No postponement flyer graced the instagram stories of the featured bands or venue, and…
HISD Reports Significant Damage to its Schools, Some Still Without Power
This morning, Houston ISD has reported that campuses across the district have undergone significant damage from Hurricane Beryl’s path across Houston. Their just-released statement: HISD was dramatically impacted by Hurricane Beryl. At the beginning of the week the overwhelming majority of our campuses were without power – many are still…
Boeing’s Starliner Astronauts Stranded Until August, At Least
Let’s hope that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are comfortable up there on the International Space Station, because now NASA officials are saying they won’t be coming home until August. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, tried to underplay this most recent delay. “Some of the data suggests…
The Lion King in Glorious Color But With Sound Problems
There is no more wondrous beginning of any musical in history than the opening scene of Disney’s The Lion King. Gathered together by the ceremonial conjurings of mandrill Rafiki (the blazing Mukelisiwe Goba), the animals of the veld meet at Pride Rock to honor the birth of Simba, lion heir…
Guitarist Albert Castiglia Assembles Some Righteous Souls on New Album
What do you do when you’re in a jam and running out of time? Call your friends, of course. That’s exactly what guitarist Albert Castiglia did when Mike Zito, president of Castiglia’s record label Gulf Coast Records (and a badass guitarist in his own right) advised him that new product…
The Five Most Important Houston Texan Non Starters
Three years ago, the Houston Texans had maybe half dozen decent NFL players on their team. Depth wasn’t even a consideration, because there weren’t even good players at the top of the depth chart, let alone the backup levels. Things didn’t get much better in 2022, but last year, the…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Celebrate 713 Day with Live Music and Fresh Taps
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: 713 Day at 8th Wonder Brewery Saturday, noon to midnight 2202 Dallas 8th Wonder is throwing a 713 Day Bash complete with live music from Donny Houston, Matt Mejia, and Shame On Me from 2 to 8 p.m., a…
Post Beryl: Mayor and Police Chief Detail the Perils of Houston’s Unlighted Streets
The need for more power, more electricity, more light was brought home in a sometimes somber press conference Thursday as Mayor John Whitmire and Acting Police Chief Larry Satterwhite talked about the tragic death the night before of Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda. According to Satterwhite and an account posted online…
Best Bets: Bastille Day, Shōgun and The Wizard of Oz
It’s been quite the week, huh? Post-Beryl, we hope everyone is safe and well, and we wish you all working electricity and Wi-Fi, air conditioning and refrigeration, and (hopefully) a well-deserved break from recovery efforts. If you were lucky enough to come through unscathed, or just need a place to…
If HISD Can Slow Down, Then Community Members Might Have a Chance For Input About Principal Hires
Maybe it was the three days off from summer school that gave them extra time to work on it, but Houston ISD on Wednesday published its new plan for how it’s going to select principals, with and without community input. If a District Superintendent decides that a “direct appointment” is…
Where Are We Now With Beryl and Where is CenterPoint
Houston area residents without power hoping electricity would come back into their lives had to be disappointed to receive a Wednesday message from CenterPoint Energy telling them that efforts to restore service to them would have to wait until after debris clearance. And then CenterPoint thanked them for their patience. Others…
Upcoming: An “Only in Htown” Cookout and Ways to Support Fellow Houstonians in the Aftermath of Beryl
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Houstonians have a way of coming together in times of need, and if you’re looking for a way to help, the Houston Food Bank needs volunteers to sort and pack food for distribution in the wake…
How Many Houston Texans Will Land in NFL Top 100?
Little known fact — I am a complete mark for the annual NFL Top 100 Players poll, which is usually revealed in bite-sized chunks on the NFL Network beginning later this month. Supposedly, this poll is voted on by the players, although I’ve never met one player who claims to have…
Jesse Dayton On The Hard Way Blues
Jesse Dayton’s Houston roots are strong, so firm indeed that the busy rock and roller started his recent The Hard Way Blues tour last month with a spectacular in-store performance at Cactus Music where he treated fans to the stories behind his new songs, hand shakes, hugs and autographs all with…
A Question of Power at Mayor Whitmire’s Day After Press Conference
On Tuesday, Mayor John Whitmire took a helicopter ride to survey the damage in the city and then called a press conference to talk about the biggest danger ahead, which most people would agree is the lack of power. Not only are local hospitals getting backed up with patients they…
Opinion: What We Learned from Beryl: Houston is Not Ready
You know it’s bad when the only way to see if power has returned to your part of town is to use the Whataburger app. But, apparently after Hurricane Beryl, that is what you have to do because CenterPoint’s outage tracker hasn’t worked since the derecho back in May. This…
Houston Concert Watch 7/10: Cage the Elephant, Totally Tubular Festival and More
Guess what? I was just jamming with Bob Weir and the rest of the Grateful Dead. No, I’m not tripping balls. What I am doing is having a bunch of fun with an online app (I guess that’s the correct term) that has been introduced to coincide with the release…
Ranking the Houston Texans Road Trips for 2024
Houston Texans fans have always enjoyed traveling to road games. Some seasons it’s been more enjoyable to do so than others. For example, if you traveled to follow the Texans in 2021 and 2022, you deserve some sort of valor medal. Last season, I would imagine, was a whole lot…
Frustrated with CenterPoint, Houston Turns to Whataburger
With CenterPoint Energy still not providing an outage map for areas affected by Hurricane Beryl, frustrated Houstonians are turning to the Whataburger app to look for places with power to re-supply. “I’ve noticed using the Whataburger app at least gives me an idea of where there might be power,” says…
Astros Roll On Despite Beryl
The Astros announced on Tuesday they would resume play at Minute Maid Park as usual beginning Tuesday evening with the series opener against the Marlins. The team had a fortuitous day off on Monday following a 6-3 road trip, but it appears all systems are go for their series this…
Air Supply Proves Romantic Love is Never Out of Style
Air Supply Smart Financial Centre July 7, 2024 A scan of the audience at Sunday’s Air Supply show proved something most of us already know, which is that romantic love never goes out of style. The crowd had its share of gray hairs but was remarkably diverse and decidedly young…
Four Texas-centric U.S. Supreme Court Takeaways
With a pugnacious Republican state attorney general, and a conservative judiciary that always seems to be spoiling for a fight, Texas routinely plays what some might describe as a large (maybe even oversized) role in when it comes to the United States Supreme Court. This term has been no exception…
Who Will Be the Non-C.J. Stroud MVP of the Houston Texans?
The Houston Texans are like most other NFL football teams, in that, despite how much deeper and how much mroe talented the roster is now than in years past, the teams will go as far their quarterback will take them. C.J. Stroud is the alpha and the omega when it…
Mayor Whitmire: “Stay Home. Stay Off the Roads”
“Most of the city is experiencing the dirty side of a very serious hurricane,” Mayor John Whitmire said as he began this morning’s 11 o’clock press conference. He and other departmental officials repeatedly urged residents to stay off the roads. “Our traffic lights are damaged. It’s going to take hours…
Hurricane Beryl Makes Land, Becomes a Tropical Storm as it Marches Across the Houston Area
Beryl regained its hurricane form before making landfall near Matagorda early this morning with 80 mph winds and knocking out power for more than 205,000 people in Houston as it doused the Houston area with high winds and torrential rain. As it traveled over land it became a tropical storm…
The Woman in Black at Main Street Theater: A Classic Ghost Story
What better way to sidestep Houston’s summer heat, at least for a few hours, by immersing yourself in a the cold and sobering chill that a classic ghost story can deliver. The Woman in Black, about to open at Main Street Theater is based on a novel by Susan Hill…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Girl Dinner and 713 Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Latin Restaurant Weeks Running daily through July 19, Latin Restaurant Weeks returns for its sixth year to celebrate and support Latin chefs and culinary businesses across Greater Houston. Diners can explore 70+ local restaurants and food businesses offering…
For Deep Purple’s Roger Glover, Everything Equals 1
In the pursuance of music journalism, it’s not often that the subject of a scheduled interview tells you right off the bat to bugger off. But that’s what happens when Roger Glover, bassist for Classic Rock royalty Deep Purple, appears on computer screen via Zoom. “I haven’t got time to…
Houston Texans Boast Best Offensive Skill Groups in AFC South
It’s hard to believe that just two seasons ago, the Houston Texans went into the 2022 NFL season with their offensive skill group looking like this (R stands for “rookie”): RB: Rex Burkhead, Dameon Pierce (R) WR: Brandin Cooks, Chris Moore, Nico Collins (not the 2023 version), Phillip Dorsett TE:…
With Beryl on its Way, Mayor Whitmire Urges Residents to Hunker Down
As Beryl continued its path toward Texas landfill, Mayor John Whitmire and other Houston area officials urged local residents to stay home as of 10 p.m. Sunday to stay safe and not add extra demands on first responders poised to go into action as the storm’s effects are felt here…
As Beryl Approaches, Houston Area Prepares for What Could Be its First Hurricane of the Season
Beryl, the tropical storm/hurricane we didn’t have to worry about until we did appears to be heading toward Matagorda which means most of the Houston area will be hit with rain, high winds and probable flooding. Expected to reach Category 1 status by the time it makes landfall, Beryl is…
Art Factory: Sunday in the Park With… Hey, Where’s George?
There’s no question about it. Colton Berry, artistic director and founder of Art Factory, is a major theater talent. His powerhouse voice wails like a rock star’s or croons with smooth Broadway belt, his acting is exceptionally clear and true, he directs with finesse, his scenic design choices are right,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: The Return of Latin Restaurant Weeks
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Latin Restaurant Weeks All weekend long Kicking off this Friday and running through July 19, Latin Restaurant Weeks returns for its sixth year to celebrate and support Latin chefs and culinary businesses across Greater Houston. Diners can explore 70+…
What Should Houston Texan Fans Be Rooting for in These NFL QB Contract Standoffs?
The Houston Texans have lived a pretty charmed life the last couple off-seasons. In 2023, the draft brought us C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson as the future saviors of the organization, and possibly the city itself. In 2024, the Texans went ultra aggressive in free agency and in trades, and…
Openings and Closings: Turner’s Cut Swans In, Azumi Debuts
Turner’s Cut, 811 Buffalo Park, opened June 28 at Autry Park, almost hand in hand with another Berg Hospitality Group concept, The Sylvie, which also opened June 28 at Texas Tower. Sophistication and luxury have become a hallmark for a number of Berg restaurants and Turner’s Cut will join the…
Best Bets: Star-Spangled Salute, To Be or RPG LIVE! and Body Double
It’s the weekend to let freedom ring, and we’ve got plenty of Independence Day activities for you to check out, not to mention a little more Americana, including the music of country legends and a classic kids’ baseball film. Once you get your fill of July 4th festivities, we’ve also…
Ring in the July 4 Holiday with These Texas Tracks
Don’t let the heat get you down. It’s July 4 weekend, which means barbecues, pool time and Astros baseball. Why not add to the mood with some Texas tracks sure to improve the vibes?
Four Most Patriotic Moments in NFL History
First, let me wish a very Happy Independence Day to all of you! I am two days into a ten day trip across this fair country of ours, the fourth straight year my wife and I have done this. We just get in the truck, pick a direction (with somewhat…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Bastille Day Crêpes and 713 Day Booze
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Saturday, July 13, Diversion Cocktails, 7202 Long Point, is offering a 713 Day special that toasts to H-town’s arts, culture and entertainment. Space City residents are invited to sip on the $18 Candy Paint cocktail…
Guide to College Football’s Nonsensical 2024 Power Five Realignment
Living here in the great state of Texas, we know as well as anybody about the craziness and chaos that have unfolded in collegiate sports realignment. The phenomenon is largely driven by football, because that sport is what paves the money trail for everybody else. There had been some small…
Boeing Starliner’s Return Delayed, Indefinitely
Boeing’s Starliner space capsule has already been docked at the International Space Station for three weeks while engineers have worked to analyze its ongoing helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. Now the commercial crew vehicle’s return date — and that of the two veteran astronauts slated to come back with it…
Houston Concert Watch 7/3: Sarah McLachlan, AJR and More
As regular visitors to this space may know, Richard “Kinky” “Big Dick” Friedman shuffled off this mortal coil last week. He was, as he would say in Kinky-ese, “bugled to Jesus.” Or he “stepped on a rainbow.” Take your pick. In an online essay, musician and former Texas Jewboy Michael…
Death by Natural Causes Returns, But for How Long?
The Houston Museum of Natural Science has brought back one of its most popular exhibits ever: Death by Natural Causes. Visitors should go see it as soon as possible because no one knows how long it will be on display before heading back out on tour to other museums. First…
Four Ways to Fix the Broken NBA Draft
It’s not often I jump into the NBA fray in this space, not because I’m not an NBA or Houston Rockets fan, but largely because my good friend Jeff Balke already does such a phenomenal job covering our squad. So you may not know that I’ve spent a large part…
A Letter to the Editor From Herod Elementary Parents on Principal Selection
Dear Editor, We, the undersigned, are not career politicians. We are real parents of students in HISD. We are moms and dads. We are small business owners, administrators, physicians, nurses, lawyers, scientists, consultants, engineers, educators, project managers, architects, and hard working employees of many of Houston’s well-known companies. We are…
Astros Schedule Ahead of the All-Star Game Provides Chances to Improve Further
If you were one of the .0001 percent of people who never lost faith in the Astros when they were mired in one of their worst starts in nearly a decade, we admit it, you were right. For the rest of this, the resurgence of an Astros team to above…
Trump Gets Criminal Immunity For “Official” Acts as President, But Not for “Unofficial”
Former President Donald Trump and all other former presidents have criminal immunity from prosecution for any official acts while they are in the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday, overturning the district and circuit courts that had said a president has no immunity for any criminal acts committed…
The Best Moments of Pullman Porter Blues at Ensemble Are When They Sing the Blues
There are advisories posted at the Ensemble Theatre during its run of Cheryl L. West’s play-with-music, Pullman Porter Blues (2012). Trigger warnings for smoking, simulated sexual assault, coarse language, that sort of thing. What they don’t warn you about is the lethargy and clunkiness of the play itself and how…
Review: The Doobie Brothers and the Robert Cray Band at the Woodlands Pavilion
The Doobie Brothers last played Houston in 2021, also at the Woodlands Pavilion. And they brought Brother Michael McDonald (vocals/keyboards) back in the fold to help celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary on tour. Which itself was delayed due to COVID. Things have gone so swimmingly that founding members Tom Johnston…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Latin Restaurant Weeks and a Battle of the Bruschetta
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Thursday, July 4 Fourth of July Food and Drink Houston bars and restaurants are ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with American summer favorites, from beer, barbecue and burgers to top-notch fireworks views and all things red, white and blue…
The Lion King Roars Again at Broadway at the Hobby
When Peter Hargrave signed up for the national tour to play Scar in Disney’s The Lion King, it was the first time in his acting career that he got to play an animal. But it was far from the first time he got to play a villain. In, fact, beginning…
Three Houston Astros Among Finalists for MLB All Star Game Fan Balloting
Since their dismal 12-24 start to the season, the Houston Astros seem to have figured a few things out. They’ve worked themselves back into the playoff conversation, and looked far more like the team that’s earned seven consecutive ALCS berths. So that makes the individual player accolades a little more…
Opinion: Why the Ticketmaster Data Breach Is Such Bad News All Round
It’s a pairing to one in the music business outside of shareholders and executives at music behemoth Live Nation thinks is a good idea. In January of 2023, Congress held hearings after too many kids of congressional leaders (probably) weren’t able to get the Taylor Swift tickets Live Nation and…
A.D. Players’ Fiddler on the Roof Is Classic Broadway
When radical student Perchik (Patrick Fretwell) makes his entrance in the third scene of Fiddler on the Roof (1964), the multiple Tony Award-winning Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), Joseph Stein (book) and Jerome Robbins (director/choreographer) musical about Jewish life in imperial Russia’s Pale of Settlement, deftly on stage via…
HISD Board Starts Dissecting a $4.4 Billion Bond Election Proposal
“This is going to be a hardball situation,” former Texas Rep. Garnet Coleman told Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and the HISD Board of Managers Thursday night. He was referring, of course, to passage of a proposed $4.4 billion bond issue when there is a lack of trust among many…
Biden and Trump Debate: Personal Attacks and a Shaky Performance By Biden
For President Joe Biden, this debate was a bid to get two things across to voters: that he’s sharp, not too old and is fit for the job – and that Trump is unfit for another term in the White House. Meanwhile, former-President Donald Trump was intent on proving that…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
A Quiet Place: Day One
Title: A Quiet Place: Day One Describe This Movie In One Ghostbusters Quote: PETER VENKMAN: Listen. You smell something? Brief Go-Gos Plot Synopsis: Have you seen them? They’re eating us / Ripping thighs, well that’s no surprise Review Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Elmer Fudds out of 5. Tagline:…
Openings and Closings: Phat Eatery Woodlands Opens, ISHTIA is Official
Phat Eatery Woodlands, 2290 Buckthorne Place, opened June 26 in The Woodlands. The debut of the much-anticipated second location of Alex Au-Yeung’s popular Malaysian restaurant is a poignant one because Au-Yeung is not here to see the completion of his vision and dream restaurant. In March 2024, Au-Yeung tragically lost…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Celebrate a Midtown Favorite at its Farewell Bash
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Bludorn by the Sea at Hotel Lucine Friday–Saturday 1002 Seawall Galveston’s Hotel Lucine has teamed up with Bludorn, Navy Blue and Bar Bludorn to host Bludorn by the Sea, a multi-night dinner series featuring distinctive collaborative dinners in Hotel…
Putting the B in LGBTQ: Molly Cook has the recipe for success
Houston Press met with members of the LGBTQ community to learn more about their experiences belonging to this group. These are their stories. Meet Molly Cook, the newest openly LGBTQ+ member of the Texas legislature.
Five Houston Astros Midseason Superlatives
It’s been a really long time since Houston Astros fans have had to endure a season like the team has been having in 2024. A 7-19 start begat a 12-24 start, and just a week or so ago, after a 2-0 shutout loss to the woeful Chicago White Sox, the…
You’re Not In A Time Machine, Biden and Trump Are Going Head-To-Head Again
Those tuning into Thursday night’s presidential debate may feel a sense of deja vu as President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump take the stage in similar positions they did four years ago. The event, hosted by CNN—not the Commission on Presidential Debates—will not occur in front of a…
Rockets Deal Second Round Pick for AJ Griffin
The Rockets got younger without even using their second round draft pick today by trading the 44th pick to Atlanta for two-year wing player A.J. Griffin. The highly touted draftee in 2022 has struggled with injuries, but he does some unique athletic gifts including solid defensive skills and a good…
U.S. Supreme Court Releases Final Decision On Idaho Emergency Abortion Case
Thursday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed health care providers in Idaho could continue to perform emergency abortions for the time being. The formal decision comes a day after an opinion on the case was inadvertently posted on the court’s website. The 6-3 opinion did not include a determination of…
Rockets Make Wild Pre-Draft Trade, Select Reed Sheppard and Number Three
In what NBA beat writer Brian Windhorst described as “nothing like he had ever seen” in his two decades covering basketball, the Rockets made a wild trade Tuesday night swapping draft picks and the rights to future pick swaps with the Brooklyn Nets. They followed that up by selecting the…
Houston, We Have a Heat Wave. Here Are Some Survival Skills
With the heat index in the Houston area climbing into the triple digits, local healthcare professionals are warning residents adventuring outdoors to stay aware of their physical limitations. “We have seen an increase in the number of deaths because of the extreme heat lately, which usually happens a lot in…
The Five Most Important Players Fueling the Astros Resurgence
After their sweep of the Rockies on Wednesday, the Astros found themselves with a .500 record for the first time this season and fewer than five games out of first place in the AL West. They have won seven straight including an impressive sweep of the Baltimore Orioles. This all…
Best Bets: Pride, The Stones at the Symphony and a Silver Celebration
It’s the last weekend of June and we’re going out to have a good time. This week, we’ve got Pride Month celebrations, the music of a pretty good rock band, and an early bit of patriotism. Keep reading for these and more of our picks for the best bets of…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Top Chefs Collab on a Tel Aviv and New Orleans Inspired Summer Cookout
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: James Beard Award semifinalist and Top Chef contestant chef Dawn Burrell returns to the Houston food scene with an immersive dining experience dubbed “Sound and Color.” Burrell will collaborate with local chefs of varying cultures, as…
NEW NFL OffSeason Hard Knocks — Four Things to Watch For
We are into our third decade now of Hard Knocks, HBO and the NFL’s collaboration on a voyeuristic, immersive journey through NFL training camp, being a thing. It’s an award winning presentation, whose exclusivity to the area behind the curtain has been somewhat marginalized by all of the content behind…
Putting the L in LGBTQ: Tammi Wallace Means Business
As head of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Tammi Wallace is a fierce advocate for the growing group of LGBTQ-owned business and allies of the queer community in H-town.
Supreme Court Accidentally Leaks Its Opinion Apparently Overturning Idaho Emergency Abortion Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday accidentally leaked its opinion in a case involving Idaho’s emergency abortion ban and it appears that the justices will be ruling against the state. In the drafted opinion on Moyle V. United States which appeared briefly on the high court’s website and was subsequently removed, the…
Summer Nights & Fourth Of July Bring Fireworks To The Dark Skies
With Independence Day right around the corner and many late-night cookouts and lake days, Houston area residents have lots to celebrate during the summertime. For many, this fanfare includes blasts of multicolored fireworks, lighting up the night skies. Many may consider the Fourth of July, in particular, incomplete without pyrotechnics…
These Houston Spots are Celebrating Fourth of July With Beers, Barbecue, Fireworks and More
America’s holiday is right around the corner, and these Houston bars and restaurants are ready to celebrate with all of the Fourth of July classics—summer favorites from barbecue to burgers, top-notch fireworks views, and all things red, white and blue. Here’s where to celebrate Independence Day with food, drink and…
Houston Concert Watch 6/26: Doobie Brothers, BoDeans and More
Oh, Dave Grohl. Dave, Dave, Dave. I thought you were a pretty smart guy. So why did you have to pick a fight with Taylor Swift? By accusing her of using backing tracks? Many acts, including Madonna, Kiss, Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe, have been attacked for their use of musical “supplements” to…
First Bite: Curry Pizza Company Cypress
Houstonians love to eat and our multi-cultural population means there is a plethora of dining options from the ubiquitous Tex-Mex and barbecue joints to the just as numerous pho and Viet-Cajun eateries. While the city has had pockets of ethnic restaurants and markets such as Houston’s Chinatown in Bellaire and…
NFL QB Contracts Serve a Familiar Cautionary Tale to Houston Texans
IN the National Football League, the owners have done a pretty good job of maintaining some level of cost control over labor. The league has a hard salary cap, and the owners have the franchise tag available to them to use on one high level player per offseason for a…
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Says She Is, In Fact, A Nerd
Top of the list of the Harris County Commissioners Court agenda Tuesday: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo publicly declared that she, too, like her husband-to-be, is a nerd — two peas in a pod. Hidalgo’s announcement came in response to Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s Facebook comment that Hidalgo’s fiancé looked…
The Woodlands Pride Will Open A Community Library Featuring LGBTQ & Other Narratives
What does one organization do when pro-censorship advocates and special interest groups spearheading widespread book removals in local-area school districts permeate into public libraries? It opens its own library. The Woodlands Pride, a nonprofit pride organization based in The Woodlands, will host its grand opening of The Woodlands Pride Community…
Boeing Starliner’s Return Delayed, Yet Again
The hits just keep on coming for Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight. That’s right, despite having confidently announced plans for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to return from their sojourn aboard the International Space Station this Wednesday, now they won’t be touching down in White Sands, New Mexico…
Ranking the Current Houston Astros as Possible Trade Deadline Assets
The Houston Astros just completed their most impressive series of the 2024 season, outscoring the Baltimore Orioles 27-13 in a three-game sweep. That series brings the Astros record back close to .500, at 38-40, and elevates them to within six games of the Seattle Mariners in the AL West Standings…
Are You Ready to Rock with Ultimate Fakebook and Schatzi Again? (It’s Not a Question, Baby)
Chris Nine, Bill McShane and a bunch of their friends are successful business professionals these days. Company owners, architects, ad agency and real estate professionals. Some of them have kids. But there was a time when they all seemed destined for rock and roll superstardom as members of their respective…
Prime Season For Mosquito Bites: Houston Residents Have More to Worry About Than Just West Nile
Mosquitoes, the tiny pests that Houston residents are more than accustomed to buzzing around and being micro-sized nuisances, are packing a heavier punch this summer season. According to Harris County Public Health, West Nile — a virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes — is rising. There have been 74 confirmed cases…
Three Underrated Concerns About the Houston Texans 2024 Schedule
Since the final day of the 2023 NFL regular season, when it became official that the Houston Texans would be facing division winners Baltimore, Dallas and Kansas City in 2024, to go along with the other 14 opponents we already knew of, the increased level of difficulty of the 17…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Stuffed Belly Celebrates One Year with Half-Off Favorites
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, June 26 Houston Chef Series at Vic & Anthony’s Landry’s Inc. has bring back its Houston Chef Series, offered on select evenings through Wednesday, August 7 and with this year’s theme taking inspiration from “Presidential State Dinners.” This week, chef…
The Way It Was: Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill
Not only one of the best albums of the 90s, but among the most influential, Alanis Morissette’s 1995 multi-platinum smash turned mainstream music on its head.
Doctor Who: Full of Feelings and Very Confused
As we close the door on the first full series of the Disney Who era with “The Legend of Ruby Sunday/Empire of Death,” it feels like the first major stumble from showrunner Russell T Davies. Spoilers Ahead: Here’s your usual bit of trivia to read so you don’t feel you’ve…
Review: Styx, Foreigner, and John Waite at The Woodlands Pavilion
Ah, summer. It’s the Classic Rock enthusiast’s favorite time of the year. Because it means it’s time for the Annual Shed Season, with multiple acts embarking on package tours hitting the larger outdoor venues and proffering setlists that stick mostly to the Big Hits and Crowd Pleasers. Venerable road warriors…
Café Tacvba and Caifanes Invited Us to The Dance
“La vida es un gran baile y el mundo es un salón, y hay muchas parejas bailando a nuestro alrededor/Y ahora que estamos en la pista tú y yo, no quiero que dejemos de bailar así.” Those are lines from the Café Tacvba hit, “El Baile y El Salón,” the…
Putting the G in LGBTQ: Meet The ‘Mayor Of Montrose’
Houston Press met with members of the LGBTQ community to learn more about their experiences belonging to this group. These are their stories. Meet Dennis Beedon, the “Mayor of Montrose.”
Openings and Closings: Marigold Club Soon, Granger’s Now
The Marigold Club, 2531 Kuester, opens June 25 in Montrose, taking over the space that once housed Goodnight Charlie’s. Inspired by London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood and French classic cuisine, the concept comes from Goodnight Hospitality, a group of veteran hospitality professionals who also operate acclaimed Houston restaurants MARCH and Rosie…
Conroe ISD Trustees Swat Titles Off Classroom Shelves Again Amid Charges of A “Racist” Policy
It may sound like the beginning of a joke: The former Montgomery County poet laureate, a Montgomery County Memorial Library System collection development coordinator and a district parent walk into a school board meeting. But Tuesday night’s punchline was nothing but disappointing for those who wanted to see certain Nobel…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Bikeriders
Title: The Bikeriders Describe This Movie In One Jurassic Park Quote: DR. IAN MALCOLM: Ah, now eventually you do plan to have dinosaurs on your … on your dinosaur tour, right? Hello? Brief Plot Synopsis: That’s when I fell for/The leader of the pack. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Evel…
Houston Texans Land Six Players in CBS Sports’ NFL Top 100 Players
With training camp officially under a month away, and the entire football operations side of the building over at NRG Stadium on vacation, this is the time of year when we delve into power rankings of all shapes and sizes. As I’ve mentioned before, doing this is a more relevant…
Animated Short From Houston Filmmaker Premieres at MATCH
Everything you need to know about director Murad Aliyev can be summed up in this factoid: He’s been working on The Man from Oghuz since 2008, and he scheduled the premiere before the final touches were finished. The film was ready 72 hours before he shows it to his first…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Juneteenth Cocktails and an Island Style Pub Crawl
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Juneteenth Celebration at The Savoy Friday, 4 .m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 4402 Emancipation Legendary Third Ward bar The Savoy is capping off its Juneteenth celebrations with a weekend of fun; featuring special deals…
George Ducas Has Roots in Houston, But His Head is in Bakersfield
Lest anyone doubt that George Ducas is something of a traditionalist, consider that, on the cover of his new album, Long Way from Home, he is pictured in a phone booth with a rotary dial telephone. George Ducas says of his new record, “I wanted the songs I wrote for…
Review: The Drive-By Truckers at the House of Blues
In their repertoire, southern rockers the Drive-By Truckers have songs about all sorts of natural disasters: floods, tornadoes, sinkholes, thunderstorms, bachelor parties. Co-founding singer/guitarist Patterson Hood has also covered heat lightning in the distance with his solo work. Mostly, they portend danger and/or death to the people living inside those…
Three Houston Astros Lead Their Positions in MLB All Star Voting
By the lofty standards established by the Houston Astros since 2017, this has been an absolutely abysmal season. There have been a slew of injuries to pitchers, the new manager might be in over his head, and then there’s Jose Abreu, who is mercifully gone. There’s been very little to…
Best Bets: Fade to Black, Varsity Blues and Jurassic Park in Concert
The summer solstice is now upon us, and here’s our promise to you: We’re going to keep you inside with our best bets as much as possible. Unless we think it’s worth braving the summer elements, in which case, consider it. Keep reading for this week’s picks, including the return…
Ten Thoughts on the 30th Anniversary of the Rockets’ First Title
The 30th anniversary of the Rockets winning their first (and the city’s first) championship is June 22. Thirty years is a long time, but so much of that time was memorable for Houston sports fans and, let’s be honest, Houstonians in general. It was a very different time for the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Sip NOLA Inspired Classics and Enjoy Bludorn by the Sea
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Led by sushi vets Chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, Aiko, 902 Washington, has launched a new Gentleman’s Omakase, offered from 5 p.m. to close. The 14-course omakase (priced at $150) features three Wagyu dishes and…
Celebrating—and Studying—Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. Album 40 Years On
The music industry has become increasingly obsessed with anniversaries of record release dates—no matter how tenuous its math (“It’s the 23 1/2th anniversary of Is This It by the Strokes! Let’s celebrate!”). Forty years ago this month in 1984 saw the release of Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. The…
Alberto Is Officially A Tropical Storm, And He Is Bringing Wet Weather To The Houston Area
Tropical Storm Alberto officially formed in the western Gulf of Mexico late Wednesday morning. Rainfall, coastal flooding and wind picked up closer to the coast, and light showers trickled in areas further inland. The National Hurricane Center took to X to alert residents that Alberto is a large system and…
Happy Hour Review: Under the Volcano
It’s been a while since my husband, Classic Rock Bob, and I met up with friends for happy hour. May is one of the busiest calendar months of the year with graduations, weddings, holidays and birthdays that spill over into the month of June. When some friends suggested Under the…
It’s Summer So it’s Time For Tamarie Cooper’s Latest Musical at Catastrophic
It’s summer in Houston which means Alley Theatre will be once again putting on a Summer Chill whodunit and Tamarie Cooper will once again present her oh-so-special musical take on life and this time focus on Houston and Texas, aided by a cadre of local actors and musicians. In Tamarie’s…
Houston Texans Announce 2024 Training Camp Dates — What You Need to Know
Amidst the sweltering heat, relentless humidity, and the borderline tropical storm du jour, as June winds down, you can smell it in the air. The most anticipated training camp in the history of the Houston Texans is almost here. Tuesday morning, the Texans laid out the dates for camp, exactly…
Houston Concert Watch 6/19: Drive By Truckers, Steve Earle and More
With Styx and Foreigner gracing the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion stage this week, it seems like a good time to reflect on what Perry Mason might call The Case of the Disappearing Musicians. In the case of Styx, only two “classic lineup” musicians remain, guitarists James Young and Tommy Shaw…
Less Heavy Rainfall Expected for Houston From Gulf Storm
The tropical system meteorologists are tracking off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico could bring less rainfall than initially expected after it organized over Monday night into Tuesday. According to Eric Berger, meteorologist with Space City Weather, showers are still expected. However, heavier rainfall is forecasted to settle south…
Cy-Fair ISD Trustees Uphold Widely-Criticized Move To Gut Science Chapters
On Monday night, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD trustees backed their prior decision to remove over a dozen chapters of five science and health textbooks, declining to reverse course and reinstate these sections. The chapters will remain in the textbooks but will not be discussed during the courses. Before the 6-1 vote was…
Liz Miele Argues In Favor of Live Comedy Shows Over “No Context” Online Clips
Jersey girl Liz Miele says she was very young when she first pursued stand-up comedy. “I started when I was 16 years old,” the performer says. “I have been writing and performing for 22 years now. I would just take the train [into New York] on the weekends when I…
Texas Oyster Season Hasn’t Weathered Our Storms Very Well
Texas oysters really can’t catch a break. Oysters are delicate creatures. The reefs act as enormous filters, clearing all manners of things from the waters, but they have to live in brackish water. If the waters are too salty, the oysters become vulnerable to parasites that will kill them. If…
Potential For First Named Storm Of Hurricane Season To Hit Houston Tuesday
With much of Houston still reeling from the Derecho’s effects, residents are gearing up for a possible tropical storm entering the southern Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for parts of coastal Texas on Monday afternoon and indicated it would begin forecasting for the…
Adam Bricks Manages Change on Trials
The songwriters we’re interested in are the ones who manage change the way they’d write a song. At first, they may not understand where it comes from or even embrace it, but they acknowledge it exists, consider its possibilities and tinker with it, scribbling down this verse and scratching out…
If the Glory Run Is Over, Four Reasons to Watch the Houston Astros the Rest of 2024
For the Houston Astros, after an abysmal 7-19 start to the Joe Espada Era this season, things have been better, but not enough to make a significant dent in the AL West standings. In fact, as the Astros woke up on Tuesday morning, they were facing their largest deficit in…
Alanis Morissette Gives the Middle Finger to the Patriarchy on Father’s Day
Alanis Morissette, with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion June 16, 2024 Weirdly, it was probably the patriarchy that had many folks arriving late to the Alanis Morissette show last night at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Folks who weren’t delayed by Father’s Day festivities…
Republican-Backed Candidates Take The Two Remaining Seats On Appraisal District Board
Two Republican-backed candidates were victorious in Saturday’s runoff election. They will take over two of the three newly elected positions on the Harris County Central Appraisal District’s board of directors. According to unofficial results, Kyle Scott — a business owner and previous candidate for Harris County Treasurer — won against…
After Springing Some Leaks, Boeing’s Starliner Will Spend Some Extra Days in Space
Well, Boeing Starliner’s triumphant ascent to the heavens for its first crewed test flight may not have signaled the end of the spacecraft’s problems. When Starliner finally launched with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard on June 5, the plan was for the pair to spend about nine days…
Houston Symphony Bring Bugs Bunny To The Big Screen
The world’s most famous rabbit will be making an appearance on the projector screen at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Tuesday alongside the Houston Symphony for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. Rewatch all the favorite gems like “Long-Haired Hare,” “The Rabbit of Seville” and “What’s Opera, Doc?” while the orchestra plays the live score under…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Savor Tastes from Top Chefs at a Juneteenth Jubilee
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, June 19 Junteenth Jubilee The Juneteenth, ten of Houston’s top and emerging black chefs will unite for a one-night-only the “Junteenth Jubilee,” founded by James Beard Award semifinalist and Bravo Top Chef alumna chef Dawn Burrell in 2021 as a…
Ten Former Houston Texans I need to Hear From About the Dark Times of 2020-2021
As we outlined in a post here late last week, for whatever reason, perhaps coincidence, it seems like former Houston Texans employees have had a chance to dish on the very, very dark times of the 2020 COVID season (the last in the Bill O’Brien Era) and the subsequent 2021…
“Uh Haw Haw”: New ZZ Top Biography Separates Myth from Reality
PBS aired a television series in 1988 called Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth which illuminated the influence of myth in society and culture. Many viewers considered the concepts presented on the show a revelation. But Billy Gibbons understood the power of myth long before that. In the new…
Rec Room Arts Puts Harold Pinter’s Betrayal on Stage
Ask any theater professional in the know and they will tell you that acting Pinter is dream job. Not for nothing is British playwright Harold Pinter (1930-2008) known as an actors’ playwright. His plots are enigmas, his characters hem and haw while spouting the most mundane conversations, and over all,…
George Strait Breaks Concert Attendance Record at Kyle Field
George Strait The King at Kyle Field College Station, Texas June 15, 2024 Kyle Field in College Station s known as a mecca of college football, regularly hosting nearly 100,000 fans per game during football season. It is not known as a concert venue, having only hosted two since it…
Megan Thee Stallion Brings Hot Girl Summer to the Toyota Center
“I’m in a mother fucking arena!” screamed Megan Thee Stallion as her breakout single Big Ole Freak played behind her. Just a little under five years ago she was performing the same song for a sold-out crowd at Warehouse Live, a venue that held around 1300 people in the ballroom…
Astros Release Jose Abreu: Four Thoughts
The Astros announced Friday that they would be releasing first baseman Jose Abreu with still another year-and-a-half remaining on his three-year $58 million contract. It was a move that fans had wanted for some time, but the Astros had resisted hoping Abreu could, after a trip to the minors, resuscitate…
Don Toliver at Warehouse Live: Better Late Than Never
Houston rap fans were given an exclusive listen and performance of Houston’s own, Don Toliver’s, fourth studio album prior to its release, though Thursday night’s schedule at Warehouse Live didn’t go quite as expected. With doors opening at 7 p.m., I got there around 6:30 in plenty of time to…
HISD Passes its $2.1 Billion Budget, But in a Much Closer Than Expected Manner
The $2.1 billion budget Superintendent Mike Miles proposed for the 2024-25 school year passed Thursday night, in a 5-4 squeaker that was both rare and revealing that apparently not everyone was on board with a fast paced, expensive expansion of the New Education System. At least not at a time…
Openings and Closings: Toca Madera and Thai Tail This Week, Xin Chao Has Closed
Toca Madera, 1755 Allen Parkway, opens June 18 at The Pavillion at The Allen. The modern Mexican steakhouse is located on the ground floor and spans nearly 14,000 square feet encompassing two full-service bars, a lounge, a private members club, a private dining room and a lush outdoor patio overlooking…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Treat Rad Dads to Whiskey, Burgers, Beers and More
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Houston Pink Boots Society Beer Fest at Bad Astronaut Brewing Co. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. 1519 Fulton Held at Bad Astronaut, the first annual Houston Pink Boots Beer Fest features Pink Boots Collaboration beer releases while enjoying live…
When Rock Goes Classical, Greatness Ensues
Certain things just go together. Peanut butter and jelly. Fried foods of all kinds at the Rodeo. Houston and humidity. Certain things, on the surface at least, very much do NOT go together, but after further analysis, do work well in tandem. Salt and chocolate. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito…
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Calling All Dancing Queens: Houston Symphony Presents The Music Of ABBA [UPDATED]
Take a chance on the Houston Symphony this weekend as it presents The Music of ABBA. Audiences will be able to dance, jive and have the time of their life as the orchestra plays all the favorites of the pop supergroup along with guest performers Rajaton. The concert takes place Saturday at the Hobby Center.
Bill O’Brien Admits He Never Should Have Taken Texans GM Job
I’m not sure exactly why this is occurring, probably a coincidence as much as anything, but in the course of the last week or so, there have been three different podcasts in which the guest has been a Texans player or coach from the horrific 2020 season, and all three…
U.S Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Abortion Pill, Allows it to Stay on the Market
On Thursday, the U.S Supreme Court rejected a challenge to restricting access to the abortion drug, Mifepristone, effectively shutting down a plea by a group of physicians with anti-abortion views to block circulation of the widely-used pill. The court ruled unanimously that medical professionals from the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine…
Former NFL QB Chris Simms Rates C.J. Stroud 7th Best QB in the NFL
Well, we are into that part of the sports content calendar year, NFL in particular, kids, where it’s sort of “no man’s land” until the start of training camp in a month or so. It’s the part of the NFL calendar where it’s a sea of power rankings, lists, and…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Celebration of Rosé and Boozy Dock Party
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Juneteenth, ten of Houston’s top and emerging black chefs will unite for a one-night-only the “Junteenth Jubilee,” founded by James Beard Award semifinalist and Bravo Top Chef alumna chef Dawn Burrell in 2021 as a culinary…
Harris County Voters Are Set To Select Who Serves On Appraisal District Board
For the second time within the past two months, Harris County voters are casting their ballots to determine who will serve in newly elected positions on the Harris County Central Appraisal District’s board of directors. By approving Proposition 4 — a constitutional amendment that accompanied the Texas Legislature’s property tax-cut…
Best Bets: Juneteenth, Tokyo X Festival and ABBA
It’s Father’s Day weekend, not to mention National Dog Dad Day, so if you have a meaningful paternal figure in your life, give them a thanks on your way to one of our best bets. This week, we’ve got classic music, a (modern) classic comedy, and a Juneteenth celebration. Keep…
Is the Marshall Tucker Band’s Doug Gray the Last Southern Rocker Standing?
If you think metaphorically about Southern Rock, its barstool has three legs serving as its base: the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Marshall Tucker Band. The Allmans quietly dissolved in 2014, and now drummer Jaimoe is the only surviving member of the original lineup. Skynyrd continues on their…
HISD Celebrates its 3rd-8th Grade STAAR Scores
With only two exceptions, a higher percentage of Houston ISD students in the 3rd through 8th grades met or exceeded grade level on the state of Texas standardized test known as the STAAR, in preliminary data released by Superintendent Mike Miles Tuesday. In addition, Black and Hispanic students narrowed the…
Mayor Whitmire In Hot Water Over Comments About Gulfton Residents
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has been on the receiving end of criticism from Hispanic and Latino residents, elected officials and local organizations for comments he made in early May about people living in the Gulfton community. After a groundbreaking event for Houston METRO’s Westheimer improvement project, Whitmire said in an interview…
Astros Owner Jim Crane Has Paid Nearly $100 Million to Rehabbing Pitchers
Being a business owner comes with risk, and with that risk comes upside (profit) and downside (losses). Overall, I am guessing Houston Astros owner Jim Crane has been perfectly fine with the way his risk in buying the team back in 2011 for over $600 million has played out. The…
Houston Concert Watch 6/12: Megan Thee Stallion, Alanis Morissette and More
Back when, Pete Townshend was the member of The Who that spewed controversial sound bites for the press. Now that mantle seems to have been taken up by Roger Daltrey, who, in an interview with Billboard, went on a rant about how the internet has “ruined live shows” for him…
FEMA Crews Go Door-to-Door Monday With Not Always Well-Received Offers of Help
As members of a FEMA crew spread out across two streets in Houston’s Hidden Valley neighborhood Monday that had been hard hit by April flooding and the May’s derecho storm, most residents were welcoming enough, but not all. One woman who had a leak in her roof caused by the…
Where to Dine in Houston This Father’s Day 2024
Restaurants and bars across Houston are celebrating dads with steaks, bbq, whiskey and more in honor of Father’s Day (which falls on Sunday, June 16). Here’s where to sip, dine and enjoy family time in Houston this year: 1891 American Eatery & Bar, 702 East 11th The Cowboy Plate—just what Dad…
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE Goes Cosmic Without Leaving Earth
Space Explorers: THE INFINITE is Houston’s full-immersion virtual reality exhibit showcasing the International Space stations, complete with audio and visuals, that was first introduced to Houstonians in winter 2021. This summer, it is new and improved and back for a second run at Silver Street Studios.
Houston Texans CB Steven Nelson Announces Retirement
Like many NFL teams, the Houston Texans still have a few veteran players from last season, who are currently free agents, that are still figuring out what they’re going to do in 2024. This time of year, that’s fairly normal, since the big money in free agency has already been…
Gotdamn Jack Jones Emerges from His Own Shadow
Some weeks, ago, the Houston Press got an invite to an exclusive show at Brava, a posh downtown high rise, featuring Gotdamn Jack Jones. A press release was attached to the invite but the face in the photos wasn’t familiar. There was a link to some of Jones’s music and…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Two Iconic Local Spots Collaborate on a Chopped Cheese Kolache
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, June 11 Hidden Omakase X Sweet Bribery Ice Cream Dinner at Norigami and Hidden Bar Hidden Omakase is hosting an exclusive ice cream pairing dinner in collaboration with Sweet Bribery at its sister restaurant Norigami and Hidden Bar, 2715 Bissonnet…
Four Houston Texans Who Will Reset NFL Salary Levels
A couple weeks ago, the Houston Texans and their general manager Nick Caserio were able to get wide receiver Nico Collins’ services secured through the 2027 season, tacking a three-year, $72 million extension onto the one remaining season of his rookie deal he signed in 2021. This was a hefty…
10 Random Thoughts on Doctor Who: Rogue
This week’s Doctor Who, the last before the season finale two-parter, was an absolute carnival of drama, Easter Eggs, romance, and comedy. So, I’m trying something a little different from the normal and laying out a charcuterie of thoughts on “Rogue,” the Bridgerton-inspired episode. Spoilers Ahead. Your weekly bit of…
Salome: The Old Gal’s Still Got It at Houston Symphony
For its mini-Richard Strauss festival, Houston Symphony has bracketed the three-program presentation with his first great operatic masterpiece, Salome, performed in concert staging. Branded as cacophonous, noxious, brutal, and unfit for delicate sensibilities, the opera caused a scandal at its 1905 premiere, was later canceled at the august Metropolitan Opera…
Houston Ballet Shines Across Four Seasons in Mixed Rep Program
Seasons change, but you know what doesn’t? The Houston Ballet. The immensely talented folks over there opened Four Seasons, their latest mixed repertory program (and final show of the season) last night with a murder’s row of choreographing geniuses, starting with George Balanchine. The origin of Balanchine’s 1960 Tschaikovsky Pas…
Vampire Weekend Are Somewhat Bloodless At 713 Music Hall
Surrounded by screaming fans, two things were pretty clear to me last night. Many people love Vampire Weekend. I just don’t happen to be one of them.
SpaceX’s Starship Launch from the South Texas Coast Doesn’t Explode
SpaceX completed its fourth test flight of Starship, the most powerful launch vehicle ever constructed, from Boca Chica Beach on the South Texas Coast on Thursday morning, and it was one hell of a show. Right on cue, at 7:50 a.m. (CST) the 397-foot-tall rocket, comprised of the Super Heavy…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Watchers
Title: The Watchers Describe This Movie In One Predator Quote: MAC: I see you. Brief Plot Synopsis: There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the creeps. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 mermen out of 5 Tagline: “You can’t see them, but they see everything.” Better Tagline: “Who…
Openings and Closings: Haywire Debuts, Low Tide Departs
Haywire, 947 Gessner, opened June 3 in Memorial City. It’s the first Houston location for the Texas-themed concept which was founded in 2017 in Plano. That location was followed by a second spot in Dallas. It comes from FB Society which also operates successful brands such as Whiskey Cake and…
Broadway Actor Robert Neary Channels Neil Diamond In “Immersive” Tribute Concert So Good
Looks like this year’s Hot August Night is coming early for Neil Diamond fans. On Thursday, June 13 at House of Blues, Broadway actor Robert Neary will be starring in the ultimate tribute show to the best selling singer-songwriter in So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience. Veteran stage and screen…
College Football Playoff Committee Announces Schedule for New 12 Team Playoff
The world of college football, and really college sports in general, has been turned on its head in the last couple years, what with the advent of players being able to make money off of their name, image, and likeness (affectionately referred to as NIL) and transfer between schools without…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Freshly Shucked Oysters and Rosé All Day
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: One-Year Anniversary at Trill Burgers Friday, doors open at 11 a.m. 3607 South Shepherd Bun B’s Trill Burgers is giving away 607 free burgers to commemorate one year (it opened on 6/07) at its showstopping black and yellow brick-and-mortar…
FBISD Trustees Discuss Putting Superintendent in Charge Of Book Reviews
Fort Bend ISD trustees convened Wednesday night to weigh potential alterations to the district’s book review policy after voting to delay action on proposed revisions and tabling conversations on the measure during an April board meeting. During Wednesday’s workshop meeting, Darcey Pett, an Austin Parkway Elementary 2023-2024 teacher of the…
HISD High School STAAR Results Show Gains And a Long Way to Go
Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles gained more than a little breathing room Wednesday with the return of HISD state testing scores that showed gains – some impressive – among high school students in the district who took the STAAR. Even more so, the gains on his New Education System schools…
Dial M for Murder at Alley Theatre: Built on Good Bones But Less Than Airtight
Jeffrey Hatcher’s 2022 adaptation of Frederick Knott’s 1952 thriller, Dial M for Murder, playing at the Alley as a foretaste of its Summer Chills, is a tasty treat for murder mystery aficionados. Taut and clever, with many twists and turns to keep us guessing what will happen next, the most…
Boeing’s Starliner Finally (Finally) Launches Crewed Test Flight, Smoothly
Nothing went wrong this time. After years of delays, malfunctions, and two previous scrubbed attempts in the past month, on Wednesday morning Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner finally launched its crewed test flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. In the hours before liftoff, there was an almost casual feel…
Houston Texans 53-Man Roster Prediction, 2024 Version 1.0
The Houston Texans wrap up the offseason portion of the 2024 calendar year this week, and soon training camp will be here. Actually, training camp will be here earlier than normal, as the Texans participation in the Hall of Fame Game on August 1 allows the coaches to start camp…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Free Anniversary Burgers and a One-Week-Only Strawberry Marg
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings On Friday, June 7, Bun B’s Trill Burgers, 3607 South Shepherd, is celebrating one year in business at its black and yellow brick-and-mortar by giving away 607 free burgers. Opening at 11 a.m., the first 607…
Best Bets: Barricade Boys, mutability and Apollo 10 ½
We’re officially into June, and the month of June – if you didn’t know – is National Outdoors Month. There’s been very little reason to want to be outdoors so far this month, so rest assured that most of this week’s best bets will keep you in a nice, air-conditioned,…
Javier, Urquidy Done for the Season, Now What? Four Options
In 2023, the Astros used exactly eight starting pitchers the entire season. That is truly a remarkable number. Wanna hear another one? In 2024, they have already had seven starters on the injured list. That includes a pair of pitchers who will miss the remainder of the season (and most…
Houston Ballet Celebrates the Passage of Time in its Mixed Rep Four Seasons
When former Principal dancer Amy Fote was approached by Houston Ballet’s Artistic Director Stanton Welch to get out on stage again and dance the part of the Widow in “Winter” she says she had to think about it for a while. “I knew how much it takes to do what…
Could A Mystery Illness On Board A Houston-Bound Flight Be a Stomach Bug?
It is not uncommon for vacationers embarking on cruises to have stomach issues when on board a ship. Although most may blame their gastrointestinal issues on the rocky waves and turbulent waters, healthcare professionals point to norovirus. Norovirus, also known as the stomach bug or the stomach flu, is a…
Houston Concert Watch: Todd Rundgren, Vampire Weekend and More
Another summer tour has been scrubbed this week. Jennifer Lopez has announced that all dates for her “This is Me…Now” tour have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. (J. Lo was set to perform at Toyota Center on Saturday, August 31.) Why the ixnay on the ourtay? As was…
June Garden Checklist: The Good, the Bad and the Bugly
To quote the late Elvis Presley, “Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature rising.” Unfortunately, I am not a hunk of burning love but a sweaty Houston gardener. The heat is on in Texas and so is the crazy weather. After some near catastrophic storms that caused flooding, widespread power outages,…
Four Observations From Houston Texans Mandatory Minicamp
The end is in sight for the Houston Texans’ off-season program with three mandatory minicamp sessions taking place across the street from NRG Stadium this week. As Texans head coach DeMdco Ryans indicated following practice, the goal for these sessions is for players to ou themselves in a position to…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Pop-Up Pastries and a Top Chef Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long The 20th Annual Wine & Food Week in The Woodlands The 20th Annual Wine & Food Week returns, with fan-favorite events including Wine Around the World Wednesday; Get Frosted at Rose’ Way at The Peach Orchard Venue; Ladies…
Recovery Efforts Underway In Downtown Houston After Weeks Of Inclement Weather
Roughly two weeks after a derecho hit the Houston area, Downtown is still reeling from the storm’s effects. Crews continue to work on building repairs that could take weeks or months to complete, and 11 road closures remain in place as these restoration efforts are underway. Many Downtown building windows…
The Case for the Houston Texans as the Popular Choice for New NFL Fans
Over the past few years, soccer has become a more popular sport here in the United States, and a big part of the surge in popularity stems from the early weekend morning telecasts of English Premier League soccer, arguably the highest level of the sport played anywhere worldwide. Now, when…
Rosé Brunches, Happy Hours and More: Where to Drink Pink in Houston For 2024 National Rosé Day
Toast to National Rosé Day — which falls on Saturday, June 8 this year — with pink drinks, rosé-fueled brunches and more at Houston restaurants and bars. Amrina, 3 Waterway Square The Woodlands hotspot will offer its featured rosé, Château Peyrassol at $16 per glass, with perfect pairings including Tuna…
Op-Ed: Texas Has a Trove of Money But Districts Like CFISD Are Left to Struggle
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has consistently earned top marks for achievement and financial integrity for more than two decades. In spite of this stability of success, the district’s budget faces a staggering $138 million deficit. The situation in CFISD is not unique, as school districts across Texas grapple with funding shortfalls threatening…
Matt Hubbard Celebrates Release of Grandpa’s Piano
An instrument, old or new, can carry with it a distinct sound and spirit singular to itself and it’s up to the person playing it to bring out the soul of the object to create music. Austin based musician Matt Hubbard seems to be able to do anything musically as…
You Can’t Stop the Beat: Hairspray Comes to Broadway at the Hobby
More than 20 years after it first premiered on Broadway, the new North American tour of Hairspray arrives at Broadway at the Hobby Center this week and Deidre Lang plays the entertaining character Motormouth Maybelle. For those who haven’t seen the movie or other iterations of the Tony Award-winning musical,…
Four Big Questions for Houston Texans Mandatory Minicamp This Week
The final phase of the most eventful, most exciting offseason for the Houston Texans in franchise history takes place over at the Texans’ practice fields across from NRG Stadium this week, with three mandatory minicamp sessions. Barring an unforeseen player looking to rack up unnecessary fines choosing to stay away…
No Real Time Updates as CenterPoint’s Live Outage Tracker Remains Offline
Many Houston area residents have not only been physically left in the dark on and off over the past two weeks but figuratively, too, as CenterPoint Energy took its live outage tracker offline due to operational issues caused by the influx of customers using the real-time tool. “It’s useful, especially…
New Podcast Tells a Disturbing Story Behind the Story of Texas Ren Fest
The Texas Renaissance Festival is in the spotlight this summer thanks to an HBO docuseries (our own Jeff Balke covered it here) and a new season of Crime Waves dubbed “Renaissance, TX.” The latter is a grim look inside the fantasyland whose critics say it has become a place where…
Doctor Who: “Dot and Bubble” Breaks His Hearts
“Dot and Bubble,” the fifth episode of this season of Doctor Who, could have been a trite, ham-fisted metaphor for how we spend too much time on our phones. Instead, it was a razor-sharp look at colonialism and racism hidden behind a standard monster-of-the-week tale. Spoilers Ahead. As always, some…
Boeing’s Starliner Crewed Launch Scrubs Minutes Before Go Time
Welp, Boeing’s Starliner got a lot closer this time. The astronauts were on board, the hatch had been sealed, and NASA, Boeing, United Launch Alliance and the astronauts themselves were just three minutes and 50 seconds away from making history on Saturday, when it happened: The ground launch sequencer on…
John Cowan Gets Chatty with Fellow Pickers and Grinners
If you’ve gone to see the Doobie Brothers in concert anytime since 2010 (and for a spell during the mid-‘90s), you couldn’t miss John Cowan. With his distinctive white hair and goatee, he’s been front and center thumping his bass and adding a strong tenor voice to many of their…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
Title: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga A Little Late On This One, Aren’t You? The preview screening was canceled due to lack of power. Truly, nobody knows the critic’s struggle. Describe This Movie In One The Waste Land Quote: T.S. ELIOT: I think we are in rats’ alley/Where the dead men lost their…
Boeing Starliner’s First Crewed Launch Is Back On
After spending most of May delaying the first crewed test flight of Boeing’s beleaguered Starliner space capsule, NASA and Boeing officials have announced the flight is slated to go up “as soon as June 1,” i.e. at 11:25 p.m. CT, Saturday. And it is looking increasingly likely that the launch…
Openings and Closings: Duck N Bao Now, Eau Tour Transforms
Duck N Bao, 5215 Kelvin, opened May 28 in Rice Village. It’s the third location for the Sichuan restaurant from husband and wife team Grace and Leo Xia who operate two other Duck N Bao spots in Cypress and Memorial. The restaurateurs also opened their all-you-can-eat Korean concept Hongdae 33…
Three Shows Not to Miss Before the Onslaught of the Summer Shows
The year has already treated us to some incredible television shows, and the summer rush is about to begin. In June, we can expect big-ticket shows like House of the Dragon, The Boys, The Bear and a new Star Wars show to dominate the scene. However, let’s not forget the smaller…
Long Nights, Possible Odds: Styx Readies to Rock on Summer Shed Tour with Foreigner
It’s not uncommon in families for little brothers to want to follow their big brothers into some endeavor or another. And that includes siblings in rock and roll. Lawrence Gowan—lead singer and keyboardist for classic rockers Styx since 1999—is about to experience some of that secessional family closeness. The band…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Pair Sake with Caviar
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: IWA Sake Dinner at Le Jardinier Friday–Saturday 5500 Main Le Jardinier teams up with IWA Sake, aka the ‘wine lovers’ sake, for a two-night event. Founder and maker of IWA Sake Richard Geoffroy will welcome guests into the private…
Brubeck Is Bru-Back In Houston Chamber Choir Season Finale
The music of legendary musician and composer Dave Brubeck will fill the halls of Rice University’s Stude Concert Hall this weekend with special guests — his children — during Brubeck! A Celebration. Lago Vista Community Concerts Foundation will present the concert and in partnership with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, the Houston Chamber Choir, the Paul…
Texans WR John Metchie III Named 2024 George Halas Award Winner
When you trade up 24 spots into the second round of the NFL Draft to select a player with the 44th overall pick, the assumption is that you have major plans for that player. That’s precisely the route the Houston Texans took in the 2022 draft in their selection of…
Yes, Convicted Felon Donald Trump Can Still Be President
On Thursday, Donald Trump became the first former American president to be convicted of a felony. A New York jury found him guilty of 34 crimes related to falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment he made to two women he had sexual relations with, a scandal…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Saint Arnold Celebrates 30 Years of Beers
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Hometown cupcake craftery CRAVE is collaborating with Houston-based MAVEN Coffee Co. to create two new cupcakes, Espresso Martini and Carajillo. For a limited-time only, the cupcakes will be available for purchase at CRAVE’s Uptown Park and…
Five Things That Have Gone Totally Awry for the Astros This Season
The Astros are 6-31 against teams over .500 this season. Take that number in for a moment. It is an astounding record considering we are talking about a team that has gone to the ALCS seven straight years including 2023. But, here we are as the end of May rolls…
T-Pain Kicks Off Mansion In Wiscansin Party Tour at 713 Music Hall
T-Pain Mansion In Wiscansin Party Tour 713 Music Hall May 29, 2024 Ten years ago, T-Pain performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk series, and the music world went nuts. We always knew he was a good performer, but to sing a set without the assistance of the digital audio processing tool…
The Rebirth Of Alejandro Escovedo
All of the mirrors and cameras on a car help to form the complete visuals needed to know not only where we are going, but what is all around us. Our brains and eyes seem to fluidly bounce from looking through the windshield, to the side mirrors to the rearview…
The Way it Was: Foo Fighters, The Colour and the Shape
What happens when you write an album that will live on forever? Just ask Dave Grohl and crew.
Best Bets: Tattoos, Samara Joy and the Extremely Shorts Film Festival
Yesterday was World Otter Day, so before checking out any of this week’s best bets, our recommendation is to do yourself a favor and Google some otter-ly adorable pups for a little serotonin boost. When you come back, keep reading for our selections of the best things to do over…
Three Most Concerning Moves from Houston Texans AFC South Foes
With the NFL schedule now fully disclosed, and with training camp well under two months away, it’s probably time for we, as Houston Texans fans, to begin paying a bit closer attention to the other three teams in the AFC South. A season ago, the Texans were looking up at…
![Texas Renaissance Festival Documentary Trailer: Four Thoughts [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/screenshot_2024-05-28_at_9.38.15_pm.png.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Texas Renaissance Festival Documentary Trailer: Four Thoughts [UPDATED]
Many of us have long wanted a peek behind the curtain of the Texas Renaissance Festival. The “Ren Fest” has always been a combination of light-hearted middle ages fun mixed with a seedy underbelly that borders on bacchanalia if you know where to look. Rumors and lawsuits have swirled around…
Book Intersects the Swinging Lives and Legacies of the Duke, the Count, and Satchmo
Recently, jazz journalist James Kaplan published 3 Shades of Blue. It’s a 3-in-1 biography of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans that covers their life and music both individually and during their collaboration on Davis’ seminal Kind of Blue album. Now, author Larry Tye takes a similar approach in…
Dial M For Murder Offers a Maze of Suspicion and Perhaps Death at Alley Theatre
Margot Wendice has cheated on her husband Tony and so he wants her dead. Movie buffs might remember the popular 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film starring Ray Milland as Tony and Grace Kelly as Margot. Tony wants her money; he just doesn’t want her anymore. Now playwright Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted…
Houston Concert Watch 5/29: T-Pain, Dave Matthews Band and More
Many people were surprised this week when the Black Keyes canceled a planned summer tour (the Houston show was scheduled for September 21 at Toyota Center). Some online pundits have speculated that the seemingly abrupt decision was due to low ticket sales, supporting their contention with screenshots showing lots of…
Four Thoughts on Texans WR Nico Collins Massive Contract Extension
Even after what has, thus far, been the most enthralling and exciting offseason in the history of the Houston Texans, amidst voluntary offseason workouts where we are being the first commingling of rookies and veterans, Houston Texan fans have been wondering one thing — what else does GM Nick Caserio…
Senator Molly Cook Takes the Lead Against State Rep. Jarvis Johnson In the Primary Runoff
With all Election Day vote centers reporting, Senator Molly Cook led against State Rep. Jarvis Johnson in the close-fought Texas Senate District 15 Democratic primary runoff, meaning she’s one more election away from securing the seat Democrats have held for the last four decades,.
![High Winds and Thunderstorms Hit Houston-Area, But No Derecho Storm Is In Sight [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/windsgusty.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
High Winds and Thunderstorms Hit Houston-Area, But No Derecho Storm Is In Sight [UPDATED]
Houstonians who are driving throughout their work day or looking out the window anxiously anticipating the hurricane-level winds of two weeks ago can rest assured that Tuesday’s line of strong storms will be unlike the derech event. According to Matt Lanza, a meteorologist with Space City Weather, afternoon conditions will…
Who’s Going To Be the Democratic Candidate For Mayor Whitmire’s Senate Seat?
On Tuesday, some voters in the Houston area living in Senate District 15 will determine whether Senator Molly Cook or State Rep. Jarvis Johnson is one step closer to permanently taking over Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s former Senate seat. Neither Cook nor Johnson collected a majority vote in the March…
Doctor Who: What Did the Old Woman Say in “73 Yards”
It’s likely that “73 Yards” will be the most divisive episode of this season of Doctor Who, thanks to its twisted plot and unanswered questions. The most pressing of which is: what was the old woman saying? Spoilers ahead. In case you’re wanting to avoid salient plot details, here’s some…
Four Candidates for Bounce Back Seasons on the Houston Texans
If there was one big item for the 2023 Houston Texans, it was improvement. The coaching was vastly improved from previous seasons, which led to great development and improvement of most of the players, and ultimately a gargantuan improvement in the team’s record, from 3-13-1 in 2022 to the 10-7…
Patrick Simmons Keeps the Ultimate Doobie Party Going While Eyeing New Material
In 2020, the Doobie Brothers were all set to launch a massive tour celebrating 50 years since their founding. And it would be marked in a special way with a lineup featuring both co-founding singer/guitarist Tom Johnston with his replacement, singer/keyboardist Michael McDonald. Add co-founding vocalist/guitarist Patrick Simmons—the only constant…
Drive-By Truckers Revisit Their Magnum Opus Southern Rock Opera with Tour and Box Set
It was, if nothing else, quite a ballsy move. Or crazy. In 2000, the Drive-By Truckers had two small label studio and one live record under their belts. But the Athens, Georgia-based Southern/country rockers were not well-known outside the immediate region. So, they decided their next effort would be something…
Corn Stars: The Hickoids Celebrate 40 Years Of Rocking
It’s been 40 years since cowpunk heroes the Hickoids played their first promoted show in band leader Jeff Smith’s hometown in San Antonio sharing the stage with none other than Black Flag and The Meat Puppets. “I was actually the promoter and I don’t remember a hell of a lot…
This Week in Houston Food Events: An East Meets West Dinner and Smash Burgers Galore
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Volunteering at the Houston Food Bank In the wake of the recent derecho storm and tornadoes that recently tore through Houston and the Gulf Coast, volunteers are as crucial than ever at the Houston Food Bank. The nonprofit…
Five Remaining Free Agents the Houston Texans Should Call
The NFL offseason rolls on, and the Houston Texans still have three more Organized Team Activity sessions this week, and then a week of mandatory minicamp in the first week of June. I’ve had a chance to lay eyes on the team, and it definitely has the look and feel…
Gunna and The Bittersweet Tour Land at 713 Music Hall
“I heard we got a sold-out show,” exclaimed Gunna as he walked across the 713 Music Hall stage. Behind him the massive, crumbling head of a statue in his likeness laying on its side was illuminated by colorful lights. “How many day one fans are out there?!” As the crowd…
Comicpalooza Celebrates Another Year of Pop Culture
It’s May of 2024 which means the return of Texas’ largest pop culture festival, Comicpalooza. The three-day event, May 24 through May 26 touched down Friday at the George R Brown convention center bringing together fans of comics, anime, wrestling, cosplay, e-sports, and more under one roof downtown. This year’s…
Feid Brings Party Vibes and Perreo Sound to the Toyota Center
Feid Toyota Center May 24, 2024 To the uninitiated, the throngs of folks decked out in green that surrounded the Toyota Center last night may have been mistaken for holdovers from St. Patrick’s Day. But if you looked closer, say at the sunglasses that many also wore, you’d see that…
Dysfunction Dulls Rather Than Disturbs in Appropriate
If you’re going to foist dysfunction on a family, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has certainly showered the Lafayette clan with the motherload in his 2014 play, Appropriate, now onstage at Dirt Dogs. Set in a junk-strewn two-story Arkansas plantation house (another handsome set by Mark Lewis), the Lafayette siblings, Toni (Malinda L…
Newsies at TUTS is an Extra! Extra! Good Musical To See
Disney’s musical Newsies (Broadway premiere, 2012), hydroplaning through the Hobby Center via Theatre Under the Stars, is the perfect antidote to the current Fourth Estate. Whatever you think of our national press and its lowest credible rating in decades, this musical, set at the turn of last century, will confirm…
Gripping Psychological Drama and Dance Collide in Mayerling at Houston Ballet
History should always look as good as it does in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling, a beautifully grim take on a scandalous chapter from 19th-century Hapsburg history now playing on the Houston Ballet stage. The scandalous chapter refers to the 1889 murder-suicide committed by Rudolf, the Crown Prince of Austria. His…
Melanie Martinez No Longer Needs The Weirding Module At Toyota Center
Melanie Martinez Toyota Center May 22, 2024 No matter how much you think you’re paying attention to musical and cultural trends, some shit is going to make it past you without you ever realizing it. Even your trusty reviewer — who attends dozens of shows a year, reads Stereogum, and…
Apollo Disables the Mute Button in Season Finale
The act of being muted and how mental health issues affect society are the central themes to Apollo Chamber Players’ final concert of its 2023-24 Artemis series. The performance will include works from voices that have been suppressed by totalitarian dogma, religion as well as mental illness. The evening will also feature a world premiere…
HISD Board Backs Up Miles and OKs Massive Principal and Teacher Firings
In the end, all the walkouts, sickouts, emails to board members, and impassioned appeals to the Houston ISD Board of Managers came to nothing. The Board of Managers voted in another lengthy session that started Thursday afternoon and went into the wee hours to fire every teacher, principal and custodian…
Four Biggest Questions for Houston Astros at 50 Game Mark of 2024 Season
As we sit here at the fifty game mark of the Major League Baseball season, as I type this during the middle of an off day for the Houston Astros, oddly enough, I find myself reminiscing about the shortened COVID season in 2020. At 22-28, the last time the Astros…
Openings and Closings: Jonathan’s Opens, Okto Coming
Jonathan’s the Rub, 2929 Navigation, opened May 23 in the East End. It joins two other JTRs located at 9090 Katy Freeway and 12505 Memorial. Owner Jonathan Levine closed the original location at 9061 Gaylord in April 2021 to focus on the planned Navigation restaurant. The family-owned trio of restaurants…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Memorial Day Weekend Brunches, Luaus and More
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Second Anniversary at The Warwick Friday–Sunday 5888 Westheimer The Warwick is celebrating its second anniversary with weekend-long fun, kicking off on Friday as the restaurant transforms into a Hawaiin luau complete with a DJ and dancers, cocktails, roasted pig…
IDLES Brings the Love to Houston
IDLES White Oak Music Hall May 22, 2024 The contemplative serenity of Houston’s Rothko Chapel might seem an unlikely subject to introduce to the frenzy of a mosh pit, but not at an IDLES concert. Lead singer and songwriter Joe Talbot tempered the furious, sweaty bang of the band’s fans’…
NFL Spreads Are Out! Houston Texans Favored in 11 of 17 Regular Season Games
Football is a beautiful thing, and the ability to gamble on football year round is even more beautiful! I say that because, after the NFL schedule release back on May 15, the various sports books, online as well as brick and mortar books, had spreads out on the 18 weeks…
Best Bets: Comicpalooza, Sin Muros and Appropriate
The end of May is quickly approaching and that means only one thing: a three-day weekend is right around the corner. If you’re looking for something to do before and after you pay your respects, we recommend consulting our list of best bets below, which include theater, ballet, and the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s Spicy Chilled Ramen Returns
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Spicy Chilled, the refreshing, brothless cold ramen dish, is back at all six Texas locations of Ramen Tatsu-Ya, including Houston’s location at 1722 California. The warm weather staple features spicy ramen with citrus soy dressing, ajitama…
Boeing Starliner’s Crewed Launch Plans Stall Out
After pushing the planned launch of Boeing Starliner’s first flight toting actual humans into orbit multiple times in this month alone, the crewed test flight has been delayed once again, according to a NASA release. Tellingly, this time officials haven’t even set a new possible launch date although they did state that this…
Officials Say Restoration Efforts After Last Thursday’s Storm Are On Track
On Tuesday, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and other local officials praised CenterPoint Energy’s power restoration efforts as roughly 126,000 residents remain in the dark. Garcia noted that this progress — despite some waiting for their lights to come back on — after having…
Houston Concert Watch 5/22: Melanie Martinez, Ruthie Foster and More
Do people indulge in illicit / mind-expanding substances at music festivals? Sure they do. But how many, and how much? Thanks to the folks at Innerbody Research, we now have answers to these questions. Their study, which surveyed 900 music festival attendees, reports that the heaviest drug use occurs at…
Tank Dell’s Return Tops Stories From Houston Texans OTA’s
We are in the portion of the NFL offseason where the first baby steps are taken, that May and June portion of the calendar where rookies and veterans begin commingling in drills for the first time. We get to see body types on certain guys who went into the offseason…
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Power Restoration and Clean-Up Complications Affect School Districts and Neighborhoods [UPDATED]
Debris and downed power lines from last Thursday’s storm continued to clutter the Houston area roadways and prevent power restoration for many residents on Monday afternoon, leaving crews with more work in the coming days. According to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, those hitting the four-day mark in the dark…
Sean Paul Gets Busy at 713 Music Hall
Sean Paul Greatest Tour 713 Music Hall May 20, 2024 Jamaican singer/rapper Sean Paul is an icon in Dancehall music. He is responsible for ushering in the rhythms of Dancehall/Reggae mixed with Hip Hop to worldwide acclaim. His debut hit single “Get Busy” was instrumental as inspiration for future hits…
Mayerling: A Dark Story With Beautiful Dancing Returns to Houston Ballet
A difficult role to dance with a dark story to tell — that’s how Houston Ballet Principal dancer Skylar Campbell sums up the role of Crown Prince Rudolf in Mayerling about to be presented on the Wortham Center stage for the first time. In 2017, Houston Ballet performed Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s…
Where to Eat, Drink and Celebrate in Houston This Memorial Day Weekend
Unofficial summer kickoff Memorial Day Weekend is around the corner (Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 27); and a whole bunch of Houston restaurants and bars are celebrating with weekend and holiday specials. From military discounts in honor of fallen heroes to Monday brunch, burgers and beer buckets, here’s where…
Houston Texans Secondary Market Ticket Prices at Highest Point Since Before COVID
There is exactly zero debate as to whether or not the Texans are a far better football team now than they’ve been the three seasons prior to 2023. including the playoffs in 2023, the team won eleven games, which equals their win total for all of 2020 through 2022 combined…
Michael McDonald Remembers Steely Dan, Doobies and Motown Soul in New Memoir
He possesses one of the most recognizable voices in Classic Rock. A voice that stretches from a rich, buttery and slightly grizzly baritone to a piercing howl of a tenor. And he’s a pretty damn good songwriter and keyboardist as well. So, whether he’s singing backup for Steely Dan, fronting…
Boeing Starliner’s Crewed Test Flight? Delayed Again
Anyone betting that Starliner would finally have its first crewed test on Tuesday bet wrong, because the Starliner launch has been bumped again, according to a NASA release. This marks the third time this month that this test flight— the crucial final hurdle Boeing must clear before it can finally start toting astronauts into space, as…
Newsies at TUTS: Fighting For Something to Believe In
Patter songs are not as common for women as men in musical theater but Cailen Fu who plays Katherine Plumber in Disney’s Newsies, gets to do a great one in “Watch What Happens.” “She has a really hard track vocally because she comes in super hot. The first time you…
Climbing Into Comedy at Main Street Theater with Alan Ayckbourn’s Taking Steps
By the time young bride Elizabeth (Callina Anderson) climbs into bed with sleeping solicitor Tristram (Christopher Szeto-Joe) in the bedroom of The Pines, a stately fixer-upper which may be haunted, the crazy quilt plot of Alan Ayckbourn’s 1979 comedy of errors, Taking Steps, has spun into delicious delirium. In the…
Doctor Who: Pulling No Punches
In the latest episode of Doctor Who, “Boom,” the show re-establishes itself as a counterculture marvel. Like a lot of fans, I was leery about the return of Steven Moffat to the writing team at Doctor Who. Yes, he is responsible for some of the greatest episodes in the history…
The Everly Brothers: Close Harmonies, Distant Relations
Onstage and in the studio, their fraternal harmonies blended with a clarity and cohesiveness in song that stands apart from any other vocal duo. Their slew of late ‘50s/early ‘60s hits ranged from jaunty early rock ‘n’ roll (“Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Bird Dog,” “(‘Til) I Kissed…
Three Remaining Questions Regarding the Houston Texans 2024 Schedule
If it feels like we’ve been covering the Houston Texans’ 2024 schedule reveal super extensively, it’s because we have. We previewed the schedule reveal with multiple articles, and continue too recap the schedule with further analysis (including some more below). The reason why we’ve discussed the schedule so much is…
Do You Peek at the Set List Before the Show?
My brother and I have tickets to see Thomas Dolby when the ‘80s pop icon hits Houston this July as part of the Totally Tubular Festival at 713 Music Hall. We’re super fans going way back to watching “She Blinded Me With Science” air 40 times an hour on MTV…
Willie Nelson’s 50 (and counting) Years of Picnics Celebrated at Brazos Bookstore
In most parts of the country, the thought of a “picnic” brings to mind a family or pair of lovers spread out on a blanket in a bucolic setting calmly enjoying a beautiful day. Dogs, flowers or frisbees may also be involved. In Texas, the term brings to mind one…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Journey Through Oregon Wines and Immersive Omakase
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, May 21 Immersive and Educational Omakase Experience at Oheya Oheya, 904 Westheimer, will host an Immersive and Educational Omakase Experience beginning at 6 p.m. Created by Uchiko Houston’s chef de cuisine, Shaun King, the event includes a 15-course omakase where…
![Closures Continue Monday Because of Storm Damage and Power Outages [UPDATE]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/splintered_trees_jef_rouner_800c.png.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Closures Continue Monday Because of Storm Damage and Power Outages [UPDATE]
Thanks to extensive storm damage, not everyone has had their power restored and not all Houston ISD schools will be able to open Monday despite crews working through the weekend to restorer and make repairs after Thursday’s hurricane force winds swept through Houston, according to the HISD. Municipal courts will…
Texas TikToker Connor Wood Brings ‘Fibs & Friends’ To Night of Stand-Up At Houston Improv
Austinite and UT grad Connor Wood is making his way home to Texas. Once best known online as @Fibula on TikTok, the now comedian and podcaster has been taking time offline to grow an in-person following, including a stop at Houston Improv on Tuesday, May 21 with Fibs and Friends. Across…
Houston ISD Notifies Community Members To Plan For Students To Return To Class on Monday
Houston ISD sent a letter to students’ families and community members, notifying them of the extent of damage to campuses and plans for the upcoming school day on Monday. The administration reported injuries to two Westside High School students related to Thursday’s severe weather. The incidents occurred while the students’…
![Severe Weather Destruction Could Keep Parts of The Region Without Power For Weeks [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/whitmirehidalgopress.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Severe Weather Destruction Could Keep Parts of The Region Without Power For Weeks [UPDATED]
Officials from Harris County and Houston said clean-up after Thursday night’s inclement weather is in its initial stages, and recovery efforts could take up to weeks to complete at a press conference Friday morning. “There’s a lot we know, and there’s a lot we don’t know,” Harris County Judge Lina…
Houston Residents Tackle Damage Caused By Thursday Night’s Severe Storms
Many Houston area residents are having a rude awakening Friday morning after a line of strong storms settled into the region Thursday evening. The storms brought heavy rainfall, destructive straight-line winds and several possible tornadoes. According to Space City Weather, these severe conditions — which began at about 6:30 p.m…
![Storm Prevents Presentation of HISD’s $2.1 Billion Budget, But Here Are Some Details [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lights_out_800.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Storm Prevents Presentation of HISD’s $2.1 Billion Budget, But Here Are Some Details [UPDATED]
A room full of Houston ISD parents, students and teachers got to shelter in place along with Superintendent Mike Miles and his administrators Thursday night when a tornado watch turned into a tornado warning and the Hattie Mae White administration building lost power, lights and the internet. Thursday night was…
Openings and Closings: Hello Fancy’s and Gloria’s Latin Cuisine Opens in The Woodlands
Fancy’s, 1947 W. Gray, opens May 17 in River Oaks. the luxurious cocktail lounge is the newest concept from The Cle Group known for its upscale restaurants and nightclubs that tend to be, well, fancy. The new River Oaks destination promises to be another glamorous and sophisticated hotspot with innovative…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Back To Black
Title: Back to Black Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: HOMER: To alcohol! The cause of – and solution to – all of life’s problems. Brief Plot Synopsis: Troubled singer enjoys great success before being enabled into an untimely death. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 Patsys…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Chef-Packed Food and Wine Festival Makes its Debut
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Houston Greek Fest at St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church Friday–Saturday 1100 Eldridge St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church invites all to get a taste of Greek culture, with its family-friendly fete featuring Greek foods and pastries, church tours, shopping,…
Mark Bowen on the Bands That Could Take on TANGK and an IDLES Movie (Coming Soon?)
Imagine you’re about to enjoy the IDLES concert experience in the climate-controlled comfort of a modern movie theater, buttered popcorn in your lap and nestled into a plush recliner with a seat warmer. You’re ready for your favorite British rock band to have their Taylor Swift concert movie moment, one…
Power Ranking the Excitement Level for the Eight Houston Texans Home Games
The dust has all settled from the NFL schedule release on Wednesday this week, and we now know that the Houston Texans are undoubtedly viewed as a marquee team in NFL circles. With four prime time games and two more national games during Christmas week, the Texans have some from…
Best Bets: Madame Butterfly, Plantasia and Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Do you want to do something good for your neighbor? Of course, you do – it’s National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day. Our suggestion is to kindly invite your neighbor to one of this week’s best bets. Below, you can find our picks, which include film festivals, an…
Filled With Whimsy, The Emporium at Alley Theatre Brings Us the Play that Thornton Wilder Never Finished
Two-and-a-half hours of unalloyed whimsy is a bit much, even for the Alley Theatre. Two-and-a-half hours of warmed-over Thornton Wilder-lite whimsy is way, way too much. We are already blessed by the best of his best with Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth, two of the most distinguished…
Guitarist Uli Jon Roth Presents a Six-String Extravaganza
Rock and roll guitarists have a certain….image. A cigarette dangling from the lips. A bottle of Jack Daniels sitting on the amp. Monosyllabic utterances that emerge when the musician occasionally rises from a state of delirium. Uli Jon Roth is not that. Not even close. Sure, he has long hair…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans 2024 Schedule
As bits and pieces of the Houston Texans’ 2024 schedule trickled out on Wednesday morning and afternoon, it may have felt a little strange for Texans fans. After all, it would stand to reason that they only ask relevant teams to carry the torch for the league on the maiden…
Boeing’s Crewed Test Flight Won’t Be Flying This Week
Despite the messy situation that is Boeing’s commercial aviation arm, the company is slated to face another test when its space capsule, the CST-100 Starliner, will launch its first crewed mission—eventually. Currently, the plan is to launch on May 21, but if you’re making watch plans keep in mind that…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Get a Corned Beef or Pastrami Sandwich for Under Ten Bucks
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Uchi, 904 Westheimer, will host a Maki Rolling Class and Dinner on Sunday, May 19, inviting guests to see who can make the best roll in a friendly competition, followed by an indulgent multi-course dinner. Tickets…
Conroe ISD Trustees Table Discussions About A Potentially Copycat Gender Identity Policy
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Conroe ISD trustees declined to consider drafting a policy that resembled a controversial gender identity measure in Katy ISD that is undergoing federal investigation. Trustee Misty Odenweller proposed that the board write its version of this policy to dictate what bathroom facilities students could use. Notably,…
Ronel Blanco Ejected for Sticky Substance Amid Astros Extra Innings Win
The most revelatory pitcher this season has been Ronel Blanco. After throwing a no hitter against Toronto, he has been the Astros best and most consistent pitcher, and one of the better starters in the American League. On Tuesday night against the Oakland A’s at Minute Maid Park, he was…
Op-ed: HISD’s Wild West of Dyad Electives
Dyad is a program introduced to Houston ISD by Superintendent Mike Miles. The Dyad program promises to bring community members, Dyad consultants, who are experts in a given field to teach students enriching lessons simulating real-world experience. Miles strongly believes in this program; he has brought it to every district…
Taking Steps at Main Street Theater: Prepare For a Suspension of Disbelief
Right from the start of Taking Steps by Alan Ayckbourn you’d might as well give your imagination full rein and enjoy the ride. The play on stage at Main Street Theater’s Rice Village location is set in what may be a haunted house — formerly a brothel — with a…
No Houston Texans Schedule Leaks Yet as Full Schedule Drops Tonight
Schedule nerds, rejoice! Your Christmas morning, OUR Christmas morning, is finally here. The NFL will release the full 2024 schedule tonight at 7 p.m. on the NFL Network. As I’ve hammered home multiple times since the Texans season ended in a frigid loss in Baltimore, the 2024 schedule will be…
Houston Concert Watch: Brooks and Dunn, Chris Isaak and More
Producer (he preferred the term “engineer”) and musician Steve Albini passed away last week at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack. Albini was the man at the recording console for Nirvana’s In Utero, the Pixies’ Surfer Rose and Page and Plant’s Walking into Clarksdale, along with dozens…
![Calls for Superintendent Miles’ Resignation Over Alleged Charter School Money Transfers [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mile_miles_5-9-24_800.png.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Calls for Superintendent Miles’ Resignation Over Alleged Charter School Money Transfers [UPDATED]
Houston’s Community Voice for Public Education is calling for a federal investigation into Houston ISD Mike Miles’ operation of his Third Future Schools charter operation, following a report from Spectrum News alleging he has spent millions of dollars in Texas taxpayer money to prop up his charter school operation in…
Houston Texans “Maximum Relevance” Mock 2024 Schedule
After rumors of an NFL schedule release last week that never came about, the date and time are now set. The NFL will release the 2024 schedule in full at 7 p.m. on Wednesday on their in-house NFL Network. Over the next 24 hours or so, though, you’ll need to…
ERNEST Might be Country Music’s Next Big Thing
ERNEST is one of the most respected names in today’s booming mainstream country music scene. He has written songs for Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt, teamed up with Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll and opened for Morgan Wallen. He’s also opening for legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn when…
The Next 16 Games Will Define the Astros Season
We are not typically ones for hyperbole. But with only 15 wins in their first 40 games, it isn’t hyperbole when it is actually true. Even with some recent series wins, the Astros are still 10 games below .500, but they have a real chance to turn that around very…
Shake It Up, Baby! Provides a Portrait of the Artists as Young Men
The best part of show biz biographies tends to be the first part, when the protagonist, often coming from humble circumstances, overcomes challenges and realizes long-held ambitions. Before, that is, succumbing to the temptations of stardom and turning into a jaded, bitter, drug-addicted mess. Author Ken McNab has already written…
Kinetic Ensemble’s Finale Blends Music, Dance
The worlds of orchestral music and dance will collide this Friday with At Play, presented by Kinetic Ensembled and with guest partner Frame Dance Productions. A fusion between melody and choreography, At Play will merge art styles for the ensemble’s season finale on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. at MATCH with a program featuring nothing…
Crockett Elementary Parents and Students Call For Principal To Stay
Roughly 70 parents and two dozen children gathered outside Crockett Elementary Monday morning to protest the administration’s decision to remove campus principal Dr. Alexis Clark Vale. Chants such as “Who do we want? Dr. Vale,” — and the Spanish translation “¿Quién queremos? Dr. Vale” — rang out from the group…
Big As Texas Delivers Big Time For Country Music and Americana Fans
Big As Texas Music and Food Festival Montgomery County Fairgrounds May 10-12, 2024 Thunderstorms slithered through and around Montgomery County all weekend like elongated, fang-baring vipers ready to strike a deathblow to the Big As Texas Music and Food Festival. For the most part, the event – stationed at the…
Tank Brings His R&B Money Tour to the Smart Financial Centre
As Sunday night descended on Houston, fans of R&B music got a chance to celebrate live music. With Mother’s Day drawing to a close and the rainy weather letting up a little, people traveled out to Sugar Land and the Smart Financial Centre to watch Tank hit the stage. Whether…
Rockets Land ANOTHER Top 5 Draft Pick
The Houston Rockets strategy of acquiring oodles of draft picks over the last three years has paid off yet again. With just a 20 percent chance of moving up from their ninth spot in the draft, the ping pong balls bounced their way landing them the number three pick in…
Protests Planned Monday Morning and Beyond About HISD Principal and Teacher Firings
The news that several popular and well respected principals in the Houston ISD have been told their services are no longer wanted, has enraged several HISD school communities, at least two of which plan protests Monday morning at the start of the school day. Usually the end of a school…
Four Thoughts on Houston Texans Rookie Minicamp
We know, thus far at least, that it’s been a miserable baseball season here in Houston. The Astros can’t find any degree of consistency, and it seems like when they welcome one guy back from the Injured List, another guy gets hurt and goes on the list. It’s been brutal…
This Week in Houston Food Events: An Empanada and Art Pop-Up and Crawfish Enchiladas To-Go
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, May 14 Meet Our Meat at B&B Butchers & Restaurant B&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington, will host two more Meet Our Meat experiences before taking a break for the summer. Held on Tuesdays, May 14 and June 4 beginning…
Doctor Who: Scared Silly
There’s an adage online these days that goes, “do not kill the part of you that is cringe; kill the part of you that cringes.” This new version of Doctor Who is the living embodiment of that idea as it careens through the most ridiculous and enjoyable adventures in a…
Spot Checks on HISD Teachers and Principals A Large Part of Non-Renewals Going on This Week
Even though Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said Thursday that end-of-the-year evaluations are still to be done, a discouraging number of HISD teachers, principals and support staff received notices this week that indicate their time with the district is up. Traditionally this is the time of year that principals tell…
Othello: The Remix Bounces Along With Infectious Energy at Stages
Shakespeare’s Othello is a five-act tragedy that is no stranger to a 180-minute performance. Thankfully, Stages theater steers us from that slog fest and gives its Houston audience an 80-minute delight. Instead of Elizabethan English, vernacular and verse combine to create a sonically infectious world filled with hip hop beats…
Nicki Minaj Brings 50 Cent, Kirko Bangz, BeatKing To Houston’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour
Nicki Minaj made headlines last month for leaving an audience waiting hours for her Pink Friday 2 World Tour show to start in Montreal. According to fans it was well past 11 p.m. when the rapper took to the stage. It wasn’t really her fault. It was a flight delay,…
Column: When Librarians Can’t Be Data Pointed Do They Have a Chance of Survival in the New HISD?
It was like reading the names of the dead, who shouldn’t be forgotten, at a memorial service. One speaker after another at Houston ISD’s board meeting Thursday came to the front of the room pronouncing name after name. Only in this case, each name came with a price tag. “Almeda…
Openings and Closings: Fish Company Taco Will Return, B.B. Lemon Downtown
Fish Company Taco. 1914 23rd, is reopening in June 2024. The Galveston restaurant shuttered in October 2023 after a five-year run led by Chef Dyatra Myers-Hurt along with her wife Laura. Committed to seasonal ingredients and fresh hauls of seafood from local fish markets, the taco shop offered chef-created items…
Duo Delves into Houston’s Shocking “Candy Man” Murders of the ’70s
The term “serial killer” hadn’t even entered the popular lexicon in 1973 when the gruesome discoveries were made. So, they were dubbed “The Houston Mass Murders”—even though they did not technically fit that term. But what was very clear was this: That between 1970 and 1973, Dean Corll tortured, raped,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Crawfish, Brews and Mother’s Day Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Experience Europe at POST Houston Friday, 7 to 9:30 p.m. (6 p.m. VIP) 401 Franklin In celebration of Europe Day, POST Houston is hosting Experience Europe, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an evening of the sights, tastes and…
Two Years Later, Four Biggest Texan Benefits From the Deshaun Watson Trade
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two years now since the Houston Texans, more specifically general manager Nick Caserio, were able to pull off what has turned out to be one of the great heists in NFL history — the trade of quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland…
Let the Bickering Begin: Author Unleashes a Manifesto on Killing Classic Rock
It will come to the surprise of no one who haunts record store aisles or lurks around any band’s social media accounts that diehard fans of Classic Rock music—just like those who obsess over sports, model trains or Star Wars—love to argue. To pontificate, to judge, to analyze, to put…
What Houston Police Chief Troy Finner’s Departure Says About Mayor Whitmire’s Reign
One Houston-area political science expert argues Houston Police Chief Troy Finner’s choice to abruptly step down amid ongoing issues surrounding hundreds of thousands of suspended cases has more to say about Houston John Whitmire’s leadership than the chief’s. “How many problems can this current mayor have? He’s incurring — what…
Report Finds NASA’s Orion Capsule Sustained Heat Shield Damage
Although NASA’s unmanned test flight of the Orion spacecraft in December 2022 was hailed as a triumph, the federal space agency found it had less to celebrate when they started examining the capsule, according to a recently released Office of the Inspector General report. The report, an audit assessing NASA’s…
Pulling Together A Festival The Size Of Texas
The old saying goes that everything is bigger in Texas and Conroe festival organizers Trey Diller, Steve Said and their entire team stand behind this philosophy for the first year of their Big As Texas Music and Food Festival. Big As Texas will take place on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds…
Best Bets: No-No Boy, Little Shop of Horrors and Othello: The Remix
Today is National Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day, but if participating is a little too daring for you, we’ve got some other ways to spend your time. For example, how about checking out a show you’ve never seen before? This week, we’ve got a world premiere play, a…
Houston Texans Fan Guide to a Possible J.J. Watt Comeback
I give J.J. Watt credit for a lot of things. Obviously, he was an incredible football during his playing days (which may or may not be resuming at a stadium near you someday soon). Three Defensive Player of the Year awards say it all. He’s an amazing philanthropist, having raised…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Grab a Limited-Time Smashburger Taco
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Bun B’s Trill Burgers is collaborating with Houston Astros star Alex Bregman’s Wild Sol salsa to introduce the limited-time Trill Smash Taco, featuring Trill’s crispy beef smashburger patty with American cheese smashed onto a white corn…
Houston Concert Watch 5/8: Nicki Minaj, Kenny Chesney and More
When the pandemic brought live music to a grinding halt, most musicians looked for ways to stay busy. Some used the forced downtime to compose songs or create music in the studio. Others worked on autobiographies, memoirs and other literary projects. And many took to the internet to maintain a…
Four Wishes for the Houston Texans 2024 Schedule
For 99 percent of their content, nobody promotes better than the NFL, but for some reason, the league is very guarded about the schedule release date. Rumor has it that it’s coming down soon. This is an event that fans of all 32 NFL teams can look forward to, even…
Provocative Comic Daniel Sloss Stands Up For The Right to Offend
Daniel Sloss is never one to hold back – especially when the topic is near to his heart. “Comedy should offend people,” the Scottish provocateur argues. “That’s what sets people apart from other art forms. It is the unique thing to cut and offend in the moment. Comedy is one…
Librarians Under Siege in Montgomery County?
The war on libraries is raging. There is no doubt about it. A growing network of increasingly conservative school board candidates running on book-banning platforms is attempting to overtake public school librarians’ judgment calls. Public libraries, run by their respective jurisdictions — whether that be a city, county or state —…
Nothing But Hill Country Love From Cedric Burnside
Cedric Burnside was raised in the juke joints. As blues royalty, he began playing with his grandfather R.L. Burnside when just a little boy and the sweaty Saturday night dance parties were part school, part church to the young player and a place where people could do their sinning the…
Mariah The Scientist Brings the To Be Eaten Alive Tour to Houston
The first day of May saw Mariah Buckles getting arrested on battery charges after an incident at an Atlanta nightclub in March when she allegedly pulled off another woman’s wig. Monday night, the singer, better known as Mariah the Scientist, packed the House of Blues for her To Be Eaten…
A Glimpse of HISD’s 2024-25 Budget Sure to Draw a Crowd on May 16
This morning a copy of what the Houston ISD has planned for its Central Office costs was posted on the Supporters of Magnet website. Poster Tracy Lisewsky concluded from this that the differences in funding for New Education System schools and those who won’t have yet joined the fold can…
Thornton Wilder’s The Emporium Takes the Stage at Alley Theatre
The famed Thornton Wilder (Our Town, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, The Skin of Our Teeth) wrestled with but never quite finished his play The Emporium before he died. Yet this week, Alley Theatre will mount a world premiere of this work — completed by playwright Kirk Lynn —…
Tour Bus Talk with Christian Nodal
Mexican music superstar Christian Nodal sat across from us, at the edge of a tour bus sectional sofa, one with plush cushions comfier than you’ll find on the furniture in some five-star hotels. Just over his left shoulder sat a platter of snacks on a counter, granola bars and trail…
DeMeco Ryans on J.J. Watt Possible Return: “I Need Him Now”
As we outlined in this space on Monday, J.J. Watt held his charity softball event on Saturday night at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. It was jovial, it was inspiring, and it raised a ton of money so that inner city schools could afford equipment for after school activities. J.J…
Country Kicks Off Houston Summer Concert Season in a Big Way
The weather is warming and concert season is picking up in Houston. Now seems as good a time as any for country music to own the weekend.
Do The Astros Try to Sell High? Six Names Worth Watching as the Season Progresses
For nearly a decade, the Astros have been an all-in franchise. After three bottom out years reviving the farm system and developing the talent that would lead to a pair of titles, owner Jim Crane entered maintain mode, doing what was necessary to keep the annual World Series hopes afloat…
New Tome Details North America’s Uncivil Times
By now, there have been more gallons of ink spilled in chronicling, analyzing and Monday Morning Quarterbacking the Civil War than blood spilled on all of its battlefields. Yet the period remains catnip to scholars and amateur historians for its deep-set meanings and motivations that still resonate today. But noted…
A Mother and a “Mama”—Cass Elliot Remembered by Her Daughter
Owen Elliot-Kugell was only seven years old when her mother died unexpectedly. And though her mom’s birth certificate read “Ellen Naomi Cohen,” fans around the world knew the woman with the powerhouse voice and buoyant stage presence by another name: Cass Elliot. Still more knew her as “Mama Cass,” derived…
![A “Times of Palestine” Yearbook Page Causes Uproar in Bellaire High [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bellaire_high_school_800.png.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
A “Times of Palestine” Yearbook Page Causes Uproar in Bellaire High [UPDATED]
Last Thursday, when the Bellaire High School yearbook was released, the Carillion contained one Arab student’s account about what has been happening in Gaza and its aftereffects without any reference to the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel. For a school with a sizable Jewish population the lack of…
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai Shred 713 Music Hall
While rock guitar hero worship may have begun its ascendancy with Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, and exploded beneath the fingers of Eddie Van Halen, it was arguably Joe Satriani’s 1987 release Surfing with the Alien that represented the pinnacle of shred guitar. Sunday night at 713 Music Hall, Satriani…
Will Federal Support and “Train Daddy” Finally Get the Texas Bullet Train Project Going?
Amtrak is “all in” on making the long-delayed Houston-to-Dallas high speed rail line a reality, according to a video posted on social media last week—and the plan has supporters even higher up the federal ladder. Once upon a time, way back in 2022, it really looked like Texas Central’s grand plan to construct…
Blackberry Smoke Ignites Some Sizzling Southern Rock
It’s been a couple of weeks since Dickey Betts died. And if there were a Mount Rushmore for Southern Rock Guitarists, the Allman Brothers Band co-founder’s lean face, narrow eyes, and droopy handlebar moustache would surely be chiseled on that stone. Betts has been on the mind of Charlie Starr…
New Film Focuses on Rolling Stones’ Muse Anita Pallenberg
It is said that, behind every great man, there is a great woman. That was certainly the case with Rolling Stone Keith Richards from the late ‘60s until the late ‘70s. The woman? Anita Pallenberg. Keith’s inamorata was a true character. In addition to being a painter and an actor,…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Ace Local Chefs Team Up as Chopped Cheese Goes Vietnamese
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks OCA-Greater Houston will host the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event celebrating the culinary heritage of AAPI communities in Houston. From May 1 to June…
J.J. Watt Still Hasn’t Closed the Door on Return to the Houston Texans
For the first time in five years, J.J. Watt brought his charity softball game back to the Houston area on Saturday night at Constellation Field in Sugar Land. The event raises millions for Watt’s foundation, whose cause is to raise money for sports equipment at the middle school level in…
Incumbent Katy ISD Trustees Win Against PAC-Backed Challengers
Katy ISD trustees Rebecca Fox and Dawn Champagne were leading in early returns Saturday night against two PAC-backed challengers in the district’s school board elections. Fox and Champagne serve in Position 6 and Position 7 on the board, respectively. Fox collected 59 percent of the early and ballot-by-mail votes tallied…
Molly Cook Wins the State Senate District 15 Race
Community organizer Molly Cook won the right to temporarily represent Senate District 15 for the next seven months, taking over Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s former seat in the Texas Senate.
Openings and Closings: Pit Room Memorial is Smoking, Maven is Brewing
The Pit Room, 10301-A Katy Freeway, opened April 29 in Memorial City. It’s the second location for the famed barbecue restaurant which joins other Sambrooks Hospitality concepts including Candente and Andiron. The family-owned restaurant opened in September 2016 and it didn’t take long for smoked meat snobs and barbecue buffs…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The Fall Guy
Title: The Fall Guy Heather Thomas or Heather Locklear? Heather Graham Brief Plot Synopsis: He’s not the kind to kiss and tell, but he’s been seen with Emily. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 praying hand emojis out of 5. Tagline: “Fall hard.” Better Tagline: “Fun, dumb, and full of stunts.”…
Five Best Prop Bets for Huge Tom Brady Roast on Netflix Sunday
When he was a player, Tom Brady was known for a few things — stacking Super Bowl wins, marrying (and divorcing) a Brazilian supermodel, being accused of cheating by deflating football, and personality wise, having a steely, serious demeanor. Nobody in the NFL was more focused and hyper competitive than…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Get Rowdy for Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Wine Fest 2024 at Brenner’s on the Bayou Saturday, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. (1:30 VIP) 1 Birdsall Brenner’s springtime WIne Fest invites guests to Derby Down the Bayou alongside live music and bites from Landry’s favorites including Brenner’s on…
Classic Metal Headbangers Saxon are Ready to Pillage Your Village
Growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s in the West Yorkshire region of northern England, a young Biff Byford had to create his own childhood entertainment, often outside. So, he turned to his country’s past as a source of inspiration. “I was always into history. When I was 10 or…
Triple A Gaming as a Digital Only Problem
Alan Wake 2 was a smash success in 2023, selling over a million copies and topping several outlets’ Best Of end-of-year lists. It also has not turned a profit according developer Remedy CEO Tero Virtala, who recently said in an interview the game has not yet recouped its advertising budget…
Wraparound Specialists and Other HISD Employees Told They Are Out of Jobs
Thursday was a tough day for many employees in Houston ISD, including those in wraparound services, as they were told they won’t have jobs after this school year. Federal ESSER funds awarded to school districts during the height of COVID have funded these positions and are due to run out…
Two Candidates Try To Take Over Mayor John Whitmire’s Senate Seat…Twice?
The race to succeed Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s seat in the Texas Senate started at the bottom of the ballot during the March primaries but has now moved to the top of most Houston-area voter’s tickets. State Representative Jarvis Johnson and emergency room nurse Molly Cook are going head-to-head in…
Fueled By Wonky Power: UHD Thursday Night Concerts Returns
For the second year in a row, UHD and Discovery Green have partnered up with Wonky Power to curate four weeks of free concerts in the park for their Thursday Night Concerts, an event that goes back to the park’s opening 16 years ago. “They apparently were really happy with…
Best Bets: Ghetto, East End Street Festival and Adam Tendler
We don’t need an excuse to have a good time, but if you do, it’s Cinco de Mayo weekend. Of course, we’ve got some suggestions to help you celebrate, but we also got some a lot more in terms of music and theater to muse on over the next few…
In Face of NFL Resistance, UH Will Add Alternate Blue Uniform for All Sports
Among the many exciting happenings for the Houston Texans this offseason was the unveiling of the new uniform design a little over a week ago. The Texans dropped four new jersey designs of four different colors — white, dark blue, red, and their “color rush” uniform, which was a different…
Rockets 2023-24 Report Card: Four Thoughts On What’s Next for This Team
The 2023-24 season for the Houston Rockets was surprising, frustrating and, ultimately, a season of progress. With a new coach and new additions to the line up, some bumps in the road were to be expected, but to finish the year at .500, a 19-game improvement, coming off three of…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Eat Good for a Good Cause During AAPI Restaurant Weeks
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: OCA-Greater Houston will host the fifth annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Restaurant Weeks, a city-wide event celebrating the culinary heritage of AAPI communities in Houston. From May 1 to June 15, each donation of $25…
Blues Boys Rick Estrin and the Nightcats Keep Taking the Hits
Even the most diehard of his fans will probably admit that the music and voice of Leonard Cohen is an acquired taste. And it left a bad one in the ears of Rick Estrin, the always sharply dressed blues singer and harmonicist. That is, until Tom Petty changed his mind…
Houston Gardening Checklist: May
As we say goodbye to April and its surprisingly lovely weather, we head into May with its warming temperatures and promises of ripe tomatoes and sunny blooms. While most of the planting and sowing is over, we are into the summer months of weeding, watering and for vegetable gardeners, harvesting…
Bad Bunny Takes Over the Toyota Center
The lights dimmed in the Toyota Center as the crowd noise began to calm. Just a moment before fans screamed as flames and fireworks ran along the side of the stadium, Bad Bunny disappeared from the stage and a mist began to float through the building. On the large screens…
The Dichotomy of Girl From The North Country
Usually, when people say someone or something defies logic, they’re describing an amazing accomplishment that thrills and amazes all who behold. But there’s another more technical way to parse the phrase. To defy logic can mean to thumb one’s nose at the law of non-contradiction which states that contradictory propositions…
Houston Concert Watch 5/1: Satriani and Vai, Interpol and More
What a couple of weeks it has been. From superstar Lyle Lovett performing to 70-odd fans at Anderson Fair for a KPFT-FM benefit to the Rolling Stones kicking off their 2024 tour at NRG Stadium, music lovers in Houston have had much to celebrate. And the hits keep on coming,…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Celebrating Cinco de Mayo 2024
It’s Cinco de Mayo time! The holiday–which is celebrated yearly on May 5 in commemoration of Mexico’s victory over the French forces at the 1862 Battle of Puebla—is widely celebrated in Mexican-American culture, especially here in Houston, where locals never miss an opportunity to sit on a patio with a…
Boney James Brings Sweet Sax Attack to Sugar Land Jazz Festival
As a troika of Houston-adjacent cities, Sugar Land, Stafford and Missouri City have certainly experienced a boom in both population and business growth during the past decade. This has trickled down to the cultural level with a proliferation of arts-related events and gatherings, often with a multicultural emphasis. Sugar Land…
Summary of NFL Draft Report Cards for Houston Texans
If there is one thing that Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio despises, it’s draft grades. It’s reports cards on how well a team assembled its next crop of rookies, before the players have even figured out where their lockers are. Caserio said as much at his pre-draft press conference…
Performing Arts Houston Announces 2024-25 Season
Performing Arts Houston announced today its 2024-25 season with highlights including a new Global Voices Music Series celebrating traditions from around the world, a limited engagement with illusionist Scott Silven, TODAY co-host Jenna Bush Hagar, Queer Eye star Tan France, singer-songwriter Ben Folds and a menagerie of singers, dancers, speakers, authors and all the other…
Best Case and Worst Case for Houston Texans Rookies in 2024
The 2024 NFL Draft is officially in the books. The Houston Texans came away with nine players, four of whom were taken in the first 123 picks, and the final five picks taken in between the 188th and 257th picks overall. With no first round pick, the Texans really don’t…
La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival Returns To Ride The Wave
For the fifth year Galveston’s surf and music festival La Izquierda Surf & Music Festival will go for a full weekend of music, surf, community and all together good vibes that wash over the city like a wave of positive energy. “I always use the metaphor of a wave for…
Rockets 2023-24 Report Card: Four Observations of Ime Udoka
The 2023-24 season for the Houston Rockets was surprising, frustrating and, ultimately, a season of progress. With a new coach and new additions to the line up, some bumps in the road were to be expected, but to finish the year at .500, a 19-game improvement, coming off three of…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Throwing Julep-Soaked Kentucky Derby Parties
Break out the big hats and bow ties. The Kentucky Derby, aka The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports, is upon us. The 150th Run for the Roses will take place Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4; and if you can’t make it to Louisville to watch Fierceness (the 3-1 favorite)…
The Rolling Stones At NRG Stadium Was One Great Party Last Night
The Rolling Stones turned NRG Stadium into a gigantic rock and roll dance party on Sunday night with a setlist that felt like a greatest hits record with a few bonus tracks of rarities and new songs thrown in.
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans 2024 NFL Draft Class
When it comes to excitement on NFL Draft weekend, there may never be another weekend like last year, when the Texans selected C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson on back to back picks near the top of the draft. That’s awfully tough for any team to replicate, especially when you consider…
The Father at 4th Wall is Its Own Long Day’s Journey Into Night
André, the titular character in Florian Zeller’s elegant exploration into one man’s descent into darkness, The Father, is losing his mind. He doesn’t understand what is happening to him and blames his three former caretakers for his missing watch, the rearranged furniture, his favorite daughter who hasn’t visited him in…
Houston Texans WR Tank Dell Wounded in Florida Mass Shooting
Over the last several weeks, it’s been nothing but good news for the Houston Texans and their fan base, as the team continues to make great moves to build a Super Bowl contender. However, the festive offseason took a scary swerve on Sunday afternoon, when we all learned that wide…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Ice Cream in the Park, Wine on the Bayou and a Buzzy New Happy Hour
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, April 29 Wine and Dine X: JBF Semi Finalist Chefs at JŪN On Monday, April 29, guests are invited to a Wine & Dine at JŪN with chefs Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast and Mark Clayton of Squable,…
The Hills Are Alive at the Wortham With HGO’s The Sound of Music
Even before the curtain went up on its stunning production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, Houston Grand Opera had a smash on its hands. General Director and CEO Kori Dastoor announced from the stage that ticket sales for Music had historically broken all previous HGO box office…
HISD Scrambles As it Admits Its EOY Assessment Data is Wrong [UPDATED]
In the midst of contract negotiations, Houston ISD sent out an email today saying that end of year performances summaries have been “incorrectly calculated.” And to hold on till they get it right. One teacher told us teachers across the district have received three emails about the appraisal scores being…
Legendary Bluesman Goes Rogue on New Album
The phrase, “If you know, you know,” certainly applies to musician Nick Gravenites. While the name may not be familiar to some casual fans, hardcore music geeks are well aware of his contributions. The son of Greek immigrants, Gravenites grew up in Chicago, where he haunted the city’s blues clubs…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Boy Kills World
Title: Boy Kills World Describe This Movie In One Megadeth Lyric: DAVE MUSTAINE: Killing is my business, and business is good. Brief Plot Synopsis: Vengeance is a dish best served [checks notes] with a … cheese grater? Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 pineapples under the sea out of…
Openings and Closings: Blue Tuba Opens Soon, Prego Will Depart
Blue Tuba, 350 W. 19th, opens May 1 in the Heights. Located upstairs in the former Harold’s in the Heights space, the concept will offer European flavors with a Texas twist. The 5,141 square-foot restaurant will accommodate 150 guests including space for 40 on the rooftop deck. There’s also a…
One OB-GYN Wades Through The Muddled Waters Of Texas’s Abortion Ban
Dr. Damla Karsan, a Houston-based obstetrics and gynecology specialist, says she experiences the everyday intimidation that comes as a result of Texas’s restrictive abortion ban when caring for patients whose health conditions are at risk due to complicated pregnancies. Karsan found herself and one of these patients, Kate Cox, at…
NFL Draft 2024: Four Names for Texans Fans to Watch on Day 2
There is no specific place in the NFL Draft where titles are necessarily won or lost. Being generally consistent throughout all levels and days of the annual selection fest is probably a common theme among successful teams. Former Texans GM Rick Smith kept his job for many years by largely…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Beer, Crawfish and Pickleball
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Money Cat Pastry Pop-Up at JŪN Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sold out) 420 East 20th JŪN will welcome Money Cat chef Jio Dingayan for a pastry pop-up, with features including Kouing Aman with leche flan,…
Houston Chamber Choir Brings California Gold To Texas
The Houston Chamber Choir is taking listeners from the Lone Star State to the Golden State with California Gold this weekend. The program includes works by Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, John Cage and the choir’s first performance of Mass by Igor Stravinsky. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at South Main Baptist Church.
Houston Grand Opera’s The Sound of Music Begins This Weekend. Yodelayheehoo!
Grammy Award-winning opera mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard has never “officially” yodeled before but she’ll be doing a bit of that on the Wortham stage starting Friday as she plays the lead role of Maria in the Houston Grand Opera production of The Sound of Music. It’s the classic tale of Sister Maria,…
Bring a Friend With You to See A.D. Players’ Heartwarming Production of Driving Miss Daisy.
With standout performances and earnest storytelling, the story of the cross cultural friendship between a retired Jewish school teacher and her black chauffeur has enough heart to soften the most cynical among us attending Driving Miss Daisy at A.D. Players’ George Theater. After Daisy (Patty Tuel Bailey) gets in a…
Former Katy ISD Trustees Band Together To Support Two Trustees Running For Re-Election
Eight former Katy ISD board of trustees penned an endorsement letter as early voting in the district school board election is underway, voicing their support of re-electing trustees Dawn Champagne and Rebecca Fox. The memo listed the two current trustees as the best candidates to serve the needs of everyone…
Best Bets: Latin Wave, California Gold and Philly Soul
It’s the last weekend of April and as we move into May, one thing’s for sure: There’s still plenty to do all around Houston. Ten acclaimed films from Latin America and a beloved musical-turned-opera are just a couple of things that have made this week’s list of best bets. Keep…
Rockets 2023-24 Report Card: The Bench Rotation
The 2023-24 season for the Houston Rockets was surprising, frustrating and, ultimately, a season of progress. With a new coach and new additions to the line up, some bumps in the road were to be expected, but to finish the year at .500, a 19-game improvement, coming off three of…
Houston Texans Set to Select 42nd Overall in NFL Draft
In the last two NFL Drafts, Houston Texans fans have not had to wait very long for their favorite team to be on the clock. Back in 2022, the team was picking third overall, and selected cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr. Last year, in an epic fifteen minutes or so, the…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Greek Easter and a Top Taco Throwdown
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Held at POST Houston, Top Taco will make its Houston debut on Thursday, April 25 from 7 to 10 p.m., featuring 30 local restaurants and food trucks competing for the title of Top Taco. Participants include…
An OG Beatles Fan Proves She Loved Them—Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
There have been Beatles books written by music journalists, scholars and historians. By employees, associates and family members. By ex-wives, ex-lovers and the Fab Four themselves. But few have been written from the perspective of just a regular fan. Apple Scruff Carol Bedford’s Waiting for the Beatles and Ron Schaumberg’s…
Swans’ Sonic Assault Levels White Oak Music Hall (Metaphorically)
Swans White Oak Music Hall April 24, 2024 If there’s a shortlist of artists who should compose the soundtrack to the apocalypse (and there really should be), Swans would be near the top. The avant garde ensemble created by Michael Gira in 1982 has, like just about any band of…
Column: Opting Out of the STAAR Test Requires a Law Degree Or Iron Will
After day after day watching her fourth grade daughter cry, Tereza and her husband finally got to the bottom of it. Daniela was afraid of taking the STAAR test this year. The prospect had become overwhelming to her. As described by her mother, Daniela is an outgoing girl who loves art,…
Texas Rep. Lacey Hull Securing the Vice Chairmanship of GOP Caucus Means What?
The significance of Texas Representative Lacey Hull’s appointment as the new vice chair of the House’s GOP Caucus may fly under the radar for some. However, one local political expert says it has important ramifications for Houston politics and the direction of the state’s Republican party. According to Brandon Rottinghaus,…
Houston Concert Watch 4/24: Rolling Stones, Bad Bunny and More
Concluding our series on Stones scandals prior to the band’s appearance on Sunday at NRG Stadium, today we consider the question, “So did Keith Richards really snort some of his father’s ashes?” The short answer? Could be. In 2007, Richards told a reporter from England’s New Musical Express, “I snorted…
Where to Brunch in Houston This Mother’s Day 2024
Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 12, and Houston restaurants are inviting folks to celebrate all the moms in their lives with a special Mom’s Day brunch. From fancy bubbly-fueled affairs to easy-going family-friendly meals, here’s where to get Mother’s Day brunch in Houston in 2024. The Annie…
Houston Texans Reveal Long Awaited New Uniforms
Through the two decades or so that the Houston Texans have been in existence, they’ve minor adjustments to their uniforms a couple of times. At one point they slightly brightened the shade of deep steel blue in the jerseys. A few years ago, they added a small logo above the…
The Wonder Women Of Country Are Coming To Save The Day
Much like their name, the Wonder Women of Country know how to do the right thing when duty calls. After sharing some bills together leading to the trio intentionally touring and doing some song swaps during their shows, Kelly Willis, Brennen Leigh and Melissa Carper were constantly being asked by…
Fallout Successfully Makes the Transition From Video Game to Streaming Show
The popular game series Fallout is now an equally popular streaming show, becoming Amazon’s most-watched TV season since The Rings of Power. This despite the belief that a Fallout show or movie was never really right or even possible. The series of video games date back to 1997, with the…
Houston Texans Uniform Leak-Gate Ends Today at 10 a.m.
If there is a theme for the current era of Houston Texans football, which began with the hiring of DeMeco Ryans back in late January of 2023, it is “new.” New head coach, new quarterback, both of whom are excellent at their respective jobs. New roster overhaul, and a new…
How Much Longer Can Classic Rock Rule the Roost?
The Rolling Stones play NRG Stadium on Sunday night. If you haven’t seen them, you should, if only because seeing arguably the greatest band in rock history is something any music fan should witness. Plus, as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and crew enter their 80s, you never know how many…
Rockets 2023-24 Report Card: The Rookies
The 2023-24 season for the Houston Rockets was surprising, frustrating and, ultimately, a season of progress. With a new coach and new additions to the line up, some bumps in the road were to be expected, but to finish the year at .500, a 19-game improvement, coming off three of…
First Look: Maximo’s Patio
April is still giving us some beautiful weather, except for the strong thunderstorm last week that toppled a tree onto our neighbor’s house. However, this past weekend brought in a slight cold front that delivered a sunny Sunday with the highs in the upper 60s. My husband, Classic Rock Bob,…
Love is in the Alley’s Charming Production of Brontë Classic Jane Eyre
“Dear Reader…” If you would, allow me but a moment to…Okay, that’s as far as that intro’s going to go. But please do allow me to tell you about Elizabeth Williamson’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre, now playing at the Alley Theatre. The novel, about the life…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A Buzzy Pickleball Bar Makes its Debut
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, April 24 Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer at Four Seasons Hotel Houston The fifth annual Celebrity Chefs Against Cancer event returns to Four Seasons Hotel Houston, 1300 Lamar, held from 6 to 9 p.m. The charitable event showcases cuisine from Houston’s…
Four Reasons the Astros Are Bad at Baseball Right Now
The Astros lost their second of three games to the lowly Washington Nationals on Sunday 6-0 dropping them to 7-16 on this still young season. There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. This is a bad baseball team doing bad baseball things right now. Sure, they could turn it around. The…
Measles On The Rise, Health Experts Say, and Houston Isn’t Immune
Cases of measles are rising across the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 121 measles cases were recorded as of the second week of April, over twice the total number of cases in 2023 which reported 58. This uptick in measles infections has not…
Texans GM Nick Caserio Will Generate NFL Draft Fireworks on Friday Night
For the fourth time in seven years, barring an unforeseen trade the next few days, the Houston Texans will enter the NFL Draft with no picks in the first round, so if any fan base should be accustomed to kicking back and watching the rest of the league do its…
Wang Chung Headline a Musical Time Trip to the ’80s…and Land on the Moon!
As far as band signature songs which are also insatiable earworms from the Decade of Decadence go, right up there in the upper echelon is new wavers Wang Chung’s “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” It went all the way up to No. 2 on the charts in 1986, and the visually…
Whose Story is It in The Father at 4th Wall Theatre Co.
In The Father, we meet André and a brief resume of his life is quickly sketched out. He lives in a Paris apartment with his daughter Anne and her husband. He is a retired dancer. Or is he a retired engineer and Anne has just come for a visit with her boyfriend?…
HGO’s Don Giovanni Offers Sex, Deceit and a Final Reckoning All Wrapped Up in Mozart’s Music
“I feel I’ve seen this set before,” one longtime Houston Grand Opera subscriber said at intermission on Opening Night of Don Giovanni. She had. HGO has retained the same whirling box of a building used in its 2019 production of Mozart’s classic anti-hero opera. Same set, same projections – some…
Low Cut Connie Keeps One Foot In The Gutter
After thirteen years, it’s hard for people to differentiate Low Cut Connie founder and frontman Adam Weiner from his stage persona. “What can I say? The lights go on, the crowd shows up and there’s a switch that gets flipped and I’m off to the races because otherwise I’m a…
Openings and Closings: Molihua Taking Reservations, Holey Moley Debuts Today
Molihua, 7118 Bertner, opens April 23 and is currently taking reservations for what promises to be a culinary hot ticket. Located on the second floor of the boutique Blossom Hotel Houston, it has not one but two Michelin-starred chefs leading the venture and curating a dining experience for guests that…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Abigail
Title: Abigail Describe This Movie In One Fright Night Quote: JERRY DANDRIDGE: Mr. Vincent. I’ve seen all of your films. And I found them…very amusing. Brief Plot Synopsis: Kidnapped scamp turns out to be vamp. Rating Using Random Object Relevant To The Film: 3.5 pissed off swans out of 5. Tagline: “Children…
The Big Off-Field Challenges Facing Astros Manager Joe Espada and GM Dana Brown
Whether in life, business, or in this case, sports, getting in on an existing, thriving thing feels good. However, everything — life, business, sports — has an arc, and getting in on the back end of a thriving arc can be a little treacherous. Eventually, doom lurks around the corner…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A 4/20 Bake Sale and Fresh-Faced Farmers Market
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Fresh Finds Market at Autry Park Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 811 Buffalo Park The gorgeous new Autry Park is debuting its Fresh Finds farmers market this Saturday. Held on the central green park space, the market will…
Houston Bookstore Crawl Celebrates Small Businesses and Literary Diversity
In literature, protagonists (and sometimes a few antagonists) often find themselves on The Hero’s Journey. Setting out on a quest, traveling to distant locations, meeting people and learning things, and then finding a reward or enlightenment at the end. Oh, and someone usually dies. Like a mentor. Usually has gray…
Social Distortion – the Coolest Rock Band Ever?
Social Distortion occupies a unique space in the annals of rock history. Despite more than 40 years in the game, there are bands with more historical catalogs; hell, one of those bands (the Rolling Stones) will play Houston at the end of the month. There are more experimental bands (Flaming…
Best Bets: Earth Day, Noche Caliente and a Spring Festival
In honor of Earth Day, which is coming up on April 22, as well as National Exercise Day, we encourage you to walk to whenever you can to reach out best bets, or at least take public transport. It will be worth it, as this week we’ve got a musical…
Dan Patrick Sets Off Alarm Bells For Public School Advocates With His Property Tax Trial Balloon
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick now says he wants to see if it’s possible to eliminate Texas property taxes, although he doesn’t know exactly how that would be done. Calling it his top priority for the 2025 legislative session, he is asking lawmakers to evaluate where the money would then come from…
Country Rock Thrives with Gene Clark and Flying Burrito Brothers for Record Store Day
As a founding member of the Byrds, Gene Clark was folk rock royalty. Onstage, he usually stood center, leaning into his microphone while occasionally shaking a tambourine. Though his well-built physicality, near-bowl haircut and cool inscrutability instantly drew the eye. Clark’s real value to the Byrds was as a songwriter…
Bruce Robison Is The Eternal Song Hunter
Bruce Robison is always on the hunt for a good song, no matter where it comes from. “That’s just the thing that has always excited me, the people that I loved and the things that really affected me before even getting into music. In the simplest terms, just the songs…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: JŪN Hosts a Pastry Pop-Up and Wine & Dine
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Enchilada Queen Sylvia Casares will celebrate 25 years of Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen with Silver Jubilee anniversary celebrations from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at the Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen located at 6401 Woodway, and…
Texans DE Will Anderson Among Favorites to Win 2024 Defensive Player of the Year
In this renaissance offseason for the Houston Texans, where the love for the team is flowing from every corner of the football universe, we took time earlier this week to power rank the most likely Houston Texans to take home award hardware for the 2024 season. The two most critically…
HISD Working to Sort Out Who Can Go to Wharton and Helms
Last week, Houston ISD began the process to have Wharton and Helms dual-language schools designated separate and unique campuses and walked back the plans to institute an English-only pre-K at those schools. Amid the general jubilation from parents, there was a wait-a-minute moment. Because what does that do to families…
The Story Stalls But The Beat Goes On in The Cher Show at TUTS
I would call myself a casual Cher fan. I’m familiar with the hits, watched The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour on Nick at Nite as a child, and have vague recollections from tabloid covers of her so-called “Bagel Boy.” So, with The Cher Show coming to the Hobby Center for…
Houston Concert Watch 4/17: Adan Ant, Bad Religion and More
As the Rolling Stones’ show at NRG Stadium on Sunday, April 28, draws closer, we continue with a survey of Stones scandals. This week, let’s explore the question of whether Keith Richards actually had his blood swapped out before heading off on tour. By all accounts (including his own), Keith…
Feeding Houston: Brighter Bites, Houston Food Bank and Cougar Cupboard
We cover a number of gourmet restaurants, booming burger joints and primo pizza parlors here in the Houston Press. And as much as we enjoy scouting out new cafes and happy hour hotspots, we also realize that a large number of Houstonians not only lack the means to dine out…
Rockets 2023-24 Report Card: The Starters
The 2023-24 season for the Houston Rockets was surprising, frustrating and, ultimately, a season of progress. With a new coach and new additions to the line up, some bumps in the road were to be expected, but to finish the year at .500, a 19-game improvement, coming off three of…
Avoid Highway 90 Like the Plague This Week
If you live near Missouri City or Stafford southwest of Houston, you are probably used to the fact that there aren’t a ton of options for getting in and out of your hood unscathed by traffic. Highway 90 is the most viable route, and we use “viable” in the loosest…
Houston Restaurants and Bars Celebrating 4/20 with Cannabis Cocktails, Munchies and More
Happy 4/20, y’all! The beloved celebration of cannabis culture falls on a Saturday this year (Saturday, April 20, in case you’re too baked to follow); and as Houston never misses out on a good time, a bunch of local bars and restaurants are partaking in the fun. From dope munchies…
Celebrity Rosters Announced for J.J. Watt Charity Softball Game
It’s been a while, five years to be exact, since J.J. Watt has conducted his charity softball game here in Houston. If you haven’t heard me gush about this event on the radio, then allow me here — it is, without a doubt, one of the most fun charity events…
Latin Grammy Winning Singer-Songwriter Andrés Cepeda Returns to Houston
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. After a long wait, world-renowned Columbian artist Andrés Cepeda will be making his return to perform in Houston for the first time in over five years. The four-time Latin Grammy winner will be presenting a night of musical brilliance at the Wortham Theater Center’s…
COVID-19 On Steep Decline, But Physicians Advise Public To Continue Vaccines
Texas is entering into the spring season in a good spot in terms of the number of cases, emergency room visits, hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19, which are all steadily declining to some of the lowest numbers reported since the start of the pandemic over four years ago…
A Modest Proposal Revisited: Making Main Street Pedestrian Only
Back in 2014, I wrote a cover story for the then print edition of the Houston Press. Trapped: The Crazy, Complicated Conundrum of Houston Traffic was a combination feature with reported elements and lists covering everything from potholes to METRORail. Tucked into the middle of this rather sizable feature was a…
After Some Time on the Shelf, Jesse Dayton’s Album The Hard Way Blues is Ready for Release
Jesse Dayton is busier than a one-legged man in an ass kicking contest. Busier than a bee on a buzzsaw. Busier than a pickpocket at a kangaroo convention. In addition to maintaining an active recording career as a solo artist for three decades, Dayton has played guitar with OG outlaws…
Which Houston Texan is Most Likely to Win an Individual Award in 2024?
With winning comes accolades, and with accolades comes fun, and if you were watching the NFL Honors show, the league’s annual awards gathering, the week of the Super Bowl, then you know that the Texans’ 2023 season was a whole lot of fun. C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson walked away…
Desperate Lives Buoyed By Dylan’s Songs in Girl From the North Country
It’s a boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota in the 1930s and the Depression is not only in full swing, but it won’t be ending any time soon (1941). The people living there, the boarders as well as the family in residence are scraping along, just trying to survive. Jennifer Blood…
Dave Wakeling Brings His English Beat to Cactus Music & Bayou Center
Let’s get this straight: Dave Wakeling is not a medical doctor. Nor is he a licensed physical therapist. But the founding singer/guitarist of The English Beat knows what works for the health and well-being of his 68-year-old body, so he’s self-prescribed steady sessions of PST: Professional Ska Therapy. “I had…
Astros Take Rangers Series As Improvements Emerge: Four Thoughts
The gloom and despair of the Astros’ 4-11 start seemed compounded by injuries and a very tough schedule. In addition to missing Justin Verlander, Jose Urquidy, Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers, Jr., a pretty good starting rotation for most teams, Chas McCormick suffered a mild hamstring injury and…
Opinion: Four Thoughts on O.J. Simpson’s Death Last Week
If indeed there is an afterlife, and ol’ Saint Peter is indeed waiting for us at the pearly gates with his book out of who gets through and who doesn’t, I’ve often said the one person I’d love to see try to talk their way into heaven would be O.J…
Opinion: How the Algorithm is Eating Content Creators
The old saying goes, “if you’re not paying for the product, the product is you.” When we think about social media and that relationship, most of us know that our demographic information is being collected for advertisers. However, the constantly hungry and mindless algorithm is also hunting for content, swallowing…
Using Flashbacks and Direct Quotes From the Classic Book, Alley Theatre Presents Jane Eyre
Company member Chris Hutchison scores two firsts in the Alley Theatre production of Jane Eyre, now on stage. It’s the first time he’s playing Edward Rochester and perhaps more impressively, the first time he’s been set on fire on stage. Jane Eyre, of course, is the book by Charlotte Brontë, published…
The Way it Was: Rage Against the Machine, Evil Empire
With its sophomore album, Rage showed it was built to last … or so we thought.
Opinion: Jack Sparrow Was Never the Main Character
Disney recently announced a sixth film in the highly successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. However, this one will be a reboot, and almost certainly will not feature Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. Good. Disney parted ways with Depp during the trials surrounding domestic abuse allegations in his marriage…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Tony’s Celebrates 59 Years of Fine Dining
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Crawmen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya For the first time since 2019, Ramen Tatsu-Ya, 1722 California, is bringing back Crawmen ($17), its signature crawfish-meets-ramen dish. Available now through April 21, the dish features spicy crawfish tonkotsu broth, andouille sausage, “bayou…
A Conroe ISD Teacher Is Taking The Fight Against Book Removals Into Their Own Hands
A Conroe ISD teacher, tired of seeing so many books taken off the shelves in the district, decided to do something about it and organized an appeal writing campaign. The teacher, who did not want to be identified so we’ll call them Alex, decided to organize a complaint writing campaign after…
In its Own Sexist Way, The Taming of the Shrew at Classical Theatre is Funny
“Why are we reading this?” The question resounds every year in English classes all across America, especially during the inevitable William Shakespeare unit. All teachers will preach of its perpetual relevance. The passion of young love in Romeo and Juliet. The corrosive effects of ambition and revenge in Hamlet. All…
Even More Disgruntled Speakers Turn Up at Thursday’s HISD Meeting
The attack of the children. That’s how it started Thursday night and it was like watching a sci-fi horror film when some cute little alien buggers suddenly bare their teeth and try to take a chomp out of the human. The object of their wrath? Houston ISD Superintendent Mile Miles…
With Diggs Trade, Houston Texans WR Corps is Now Best in the NFL
There are so many things pertaining to the Houston Texans that are prefaced with “I can’t believe it was only a year ago that ______”, and most of them feel like the time that’s lapsed is about ten years. The last year has been a whirlwind of improvement, success, and…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Sting
Title: Sting Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: JOHN: Well Homer, I won your respect. And all I had to do was save your life. Brief Plot Synopsis: Alien arachnid assails apartment animal and anthropoids. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Feyd Rauthas out of 5. Tagline: “Your biggest…
Openings and Closings: Maximo and Local Foods Open, Magnol Heights Coming
Maximo, 6119 Edloe, opened April 9 in West University Place. The new Mexican food concept comes from Benjy Levit and Dylan Murray’s team at Local Foods, Eau Tour and Lee’s Den along with Chef Tony Luhrman. It is an homage to Mexican and Texan cooking and the culinary heritage of…
Fort Bend ISD Trustees Stop Short Of Allowing Superintendent To Control Book Flow
Fort Bend ISD trustee David Hamilton is calling for the district to abolish formal review committees that assess whether a book should stay on campus shelves. Instead, he wants to give Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith the sole authority to make that decision. However, outside of fellow trustee Sonya Jones, who…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: The Houston Barbecue Festival and a Selena Birthday Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Selena Birthday Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12538 Memorial, 3452 Ella, 9955 Barker Cypress, 9920 Gaston, 23918 US-59 All five TUK locations will celebrate superstar Tejano icon Selena’s life and extraordinary career with…
The Houston Art Car Parade prepares to rock the block
It’s time for the Houston Art Car Parade – the largest gathering of the funkiest and spunkiest automobiles ever to grace this planet. The multiday event takes place later this week with the crowning event rolling through downtown Houston on April 13 at 2 p.m. at Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby.
Beatles Book Drills Down on Two Summer of Love Sensations
Many a music scribe—and plenty of regular rock folk—consider it to be the greatest 45 single ever released. And in a marketing gimmick that the band and their label had deployed before, both songs were distinguished as the “A” side. Thus, ensuring that radio disc jockeys and the public could…
Best Bets: Rebirth, Houston’s Got Bollywood and The Taming of the Shrew
Interestingly, today is National Barbershop Quartet Day. We don’t have any barbershop quartets on this week’s list of best bets, but we do have plenty of musical performances, from a Tony Award-winning musical about an American icon to Bollywood in the Bayou City, as well as films, dance, and theater…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Civil War
Title: Civil War Is This Where You Quote That Dumb Guns N’ Roses Song? Ha ha! Why, I’d never do something so hacky and predictable! [rips up Use Your Illusion II liner notes] Brief Plot Synopsis: {WAR}: f(nothing) = |nothing| Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 J&R Whiskey Liquor Lads out…
Houston Texans Host QB Spencer Rattler on Visit, Should They Draft a QB?
Prior to C.J. Stroud’s arrival a little under a year ago, Houston was a painful place to discuss quarterbacks. Starting with the end of the 2020 season, when Deshaun Watson decided he wanted out of Houston, and then a couple months later, when Houston was fine ridding itself of Deshaun…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: 4/20 Fun and a Sushi Making Class
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Saturday, April 20, 8th Wonder Cannabis and Bayou City Hemp are gearing up for a 4/20 Party celebrating all things cannabis, held at 8th Wonder Brewery, 2202 Dallas, from noon to midnight. The free party will…
Sam Morrow Makes Some Discoveries On the Ride Here
Sam Morrow’s music has been described in any number of ways, with any number of words employed to explain his wide-ranging mix of influences and inspirations. A press release refers to his “groove-driven country-fried funky-tonk sound,” and Rolling Stone said that Morrow’s records “demand to be played loud at parties.”…
Mozart’s Don Giovanni at Houston Grand Opera: The Story of a Serial Seducer on an Epic Scale
There are so many ways to play the title character in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni knows this firsthand because he’s been in 120 performances spread over 13 different productions. Now the international opera star is about to do it again as he heads up the Houston Grand Opera cast…
Diggs Trade Vaults C.J. Stroud Up the 2024 NFL MVP Odds Board
The true impact of the Houston Texans’ trade for wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be measured during the upcoming season, measured in concrete numbers like passing yards, touchdowns, and most importantly, wins. For now, we are left to measure the impact by esoteric things like human emotion and conjecture like…
Only In Houston: The 37th Annual Art Car Parade Celebrates Everyone’s Inner Artist
Houston, start the engines of your imagination and get ready for The Orange Show Center For Visionary Art 37th annual Art Car Parade and all of the exciting events surrounding the afternoon of fun for all ages which turns Houston’s streets into a whimsical experience celebrating the artist within everyone…
![Houston Concert Watch 4/10: Rickie Lee Jones, Sam Morrow and More [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rickie_lee_jones_cropped_and_resized.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Houston Concert Watch 4/10: Rickie Lee Jones, Sam Morrow and More [UPDATED]
Regular visitors to this space may recall that, last week, we endeavored to answer the question, “Could Mick Jagger really have slept with over 4,000 different women?” Our conclusion: Er, maybe. It would have taken dedication and commitment, but, after all, he is Mick Jagger. Continuing in our quest to…
Five Astros Trying to Change the Narrative Early in the Season
As difficult a start as it has been for the Astros in 2024, there are legitimate reasons to believe the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train. In addition to the fact that they have faced multiple playoff contending teams and have yet to see…
Maynard James Keenan’s SESSANTA is a Different Kind of Birthday Party
Maynard James Keenan says not to be fashionably late to his birthday celebration. “Make such that people know to show up as the show starts because there is no opener. You’re probably not getting the band you expect at the start,” he says. “Be on time.” This birthday celebration is…
Larger Than Life Times Three: The Cher Show at TUTS
Appropriately for a larger than life figure, The Cher Show runs through 35 songs and and an unknown (but trust us, it’s high) number of elaborate costumes just to tell the story of one Cherilyn Sarkisian who with laser like focus became a famous singer and movie actress. The Tony…
Thick Cloud Coverage in Hill Country Makes Way Just In Time For the Solar Eclipse
Skies darkened over Louise Hays Park and the rest of the Hill Country on Monday afternoon as totality was underway , mimicking the gloom of late nighttime. Thousands of festival goers at the Kerrville Eclipse Festival looked up through eclipse glasses as the moon covered the sun for roughly four minutes. Despite…
Four Houston Texans Whose Futures Will Become Clearer Within Two Weeks
In football, with a 53-man roster, a 16-man practice squad, and any number of other players on various lists, injured or otherwise, off the roster, no move is made in a vacuum. Every move affects multiple people, multiple facets of a team. Trades and free agency signings are done to…
Soto’s Cantina: Suburban Gem
When Houston weather obliges, we residents must take advantage of it. Biblical scripture and literature through the years says “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.” For Houstonians, we must do our outdoor merrymaking before the heat of summer. And the past month has given us some wonderfully…
Nikki Glaser’s Comedy Gushes “Authenticity” While Keeping Her Reality Well Lit
Nikki Glaser, the hardest working quipster in stand-up and reality TV, is bringing her gymnastic wit to a night of laughs at 713 Music Hall on Sunday, April 14 – a venue she liked so much, she made sure to play it again after killing there in 2022. “I always…
Framber Valdez to Miss Start with Elbow Soreness
It is possible that 2024 becomes the year of the serious pitcher injury. Let’s hope the list of players that already includes Spencer Strider (Braves), Shane Bieber (Guardians) and Jonathan Loaisiga (Yankees) does not suddenly add Astros starter Framber Valdez. On Monday ahead of Valdez’ scheduled start in Arlington against…
Dual-Language at Wharton and Helms May Not Have to Add an English-Only Pre-K
If the Houston ISD Board of Managers goes along with Superintendent Mike Miles’ recommendation, there will be no pre-K English-only class added at the district’s Helms and Wharton schools next year. Miles said Monday he is going to recommend to the board that that the Helms and Wharton schools known…
Ruthless: Love Me or Kill Me at Art Factory
Is there anyone on stage right now as glamorous and captivating as Colton Berry in drag as Sylvia St. Croix in Art Factory’s production of Ruthless? He/she has it all – hair via Tallulah Bankhead, a form-fitting emerald gown, flawless makeup that could have been applied by Paramount Pictures’ ace…
Kerrville Eclipse Viewers Are In For “A Life Changing” Experience on Monday
It’s Monday, the day that long-time eclipse junkies and newcomer viewers alike have all been waiting for. Hundreds of thousands of visitors and Kerrville residents will gather to watch as the moon appears to swallow the sun whole. Of course, this isn’t actually happening. It’s simply an optical illusion created…
Kerrville Officials On High Alert, But Feel Ready, As Crowds Come In The Day Of The Eclipse
Heidi Kucera, a Kerrville resident and general manager at C.J. Copeland’s — a women’s retail store downtown — is viewing Monday’s solar eclipse from her home, roughly seven minutes from the city’s epicenter. Kucera said those who live year-round in Kerrville were told to stock up on anything they need…
Four Thoughts on the Texans Restructuring Stefon Diggs’ Big Money Contract
The last few days, the last few weeks really, have been a whirlwind, if you’re a Houston Texans fan. Together, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans have given a facelift to a roster that was already pretty attractive to begin with. Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter, Stefon Diggs…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Solar Eclipse Dining Deals and a Riff on the Famed Houston’s Restaurant
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Black Restaurant Week Houston Black Restaurant Week Houston once again joins the nationwide tour, running now through Sunday, April 14, inviting locals to discover black-owned restaurants food trucks, sweets and more across Houston, Beaumont and surrounding area. The…
TSU Honors Edwin Lee Gibson With Award for Distinguished Achievement in Acting
Two Texas Southern University theater legends who exemplify excellence and commitment to their craft are being recognized on April 12 when the first annual Dianne Jemison Pollard Award for Distinguished Achievement in Acting is given to Edwin Lee Gibson. Best known for his work as Ebraheim, one of the cooks…
Crescent Moons Expected To Cascade Over Houston If Mother Nature Cooperates
Houstonians may not have the opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse in person on Monday like some Texas residents, but this doesn’t mean they won’t be participating in a celestial event themselves. A partial solar eclipse will settle over Houston at about 12:21 p.m. It is expected to peak…
At The Catastrophic Theatre: Cleansed? Who Says?
Who exactly is purified, absolved, or made clean in Sarah Kane’s brutal, sexually audacious Cleansed (1998)? Grace receives a phalloplasty and a mastectomy; psychologically abused Robin hangs himself; Rod has his throat sliced; sadistic Tinker makes love to a trans sex worker; Grace’s twin brother Graham is euthanized by a…
The Great One: La Bohème at Opera in the Heights
At his introductory remarks at the premiere of Opera in the Heights’ new production of Giacomo Puccini’s eternally fresh and evergreen opera masterpiece, La Bohème , artistic director and maestro Eiki Isomura said that he had recently been asked, Why Bohème again? “Because it’s so good, and everyone loves it…
Last Night: The Black Crowes at the 713 Music Hall
Old School Rock and Roll Ruled when The Black Crowes brought their just-launched Happiness Bastards tour to Houston. It was only their third show on the jaunt and first return since the 2021 gig celebrating the 30th anniversary of debut album Shake Your Moneymaker at the Woodlands Pavilion. Led by…
Kerrville Is Calling All The Eclipse Chasers From Near And Far
A lot of things are done differently in Kerrville, Texas. Most downtown stores are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and the local restaurants are chock-full of residents taking longer-than-an-hour lunch breaks during the weekdays. Time itself feels like it moves slower. This usual stillness is a far cry from the…
Five Reasons for Astros Optimism
No one wants to start a season 2-5. That includes the Astros whose sweep at the hands of the Yankees put them in an 0-4 hole to start the season. Even with the series win over the Blue Jays, they head to Arlington to face the world champion Rangers well…
Openings and Closings: KP’s Kitchen Bellaire Opens, Berg’s New French-European Concept
KP’s Kitchen Bellaire, 5427 Bissonnet, is having its grand opening April 5. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. It’s the second location of the modern American eatery from chef/owner Kerry Pauly. The 3,800 square-foot space will feature a full-service bar, a spacious dining area with both a front and side…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Buzzy New Food Hall Opens
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Black Restaurant Week Houston All weekend long Running now through through Sunday, April 14, Black Restaurant Week Houston invites locals to discover black-owned restaurants food trucks, sweets and more across Houston, Beaumont and surrounding areas. The 2024 campaign focuses…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
The First Omen
Title: The First Omen Describe This Movie In One Seinfeld Quote: ELAINE: Maybe a dingo ate your baby. Brief Plot Synopsis: The devil made her do it. Literally. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 Devil Insides (Devils Inside?) out of 5. Tagline: “Uncover the terrifying secret behind the birth of…
Blue Öyster Cult Resurrect Tapes of the Past To Tell Ghost Stories
The movie monster they’re most associated with—namechecked in the title one of their most recognizable tunes—is Godzilla. But the new studio album from venerable Classic Rockers Blue Öyster Cult takes inspiration from a different sort of cinematic creature: Frankenstein. With their latest release, Ghost Stories (Frontiers Music) these cult members…
Four Free Agents That Still Make Sense for the Houston Texans
The Houston Texans offseason feels like it has crescendoed at least three times already. On the first day fo free agency, they signed Denico Autry and Azeez Al Shaair to fortify the defense. Those weren’t huge moves, but they did fortify a defense in need of fortifying. Then, the next…
HISD Teachers in 35 Schools Call in Sick Thursday to Protest District’s Policies
Saying they were tired of academic policies they don’t trust and what they call hostile workplaces, 100 teachers from 35 HISD campuses called in sick Thursday to draw attention to their complaints. In a quickly organized action, the teachers are protesting the reforms engineered by Superintendent Mike Miles that not…
Column: What’s Going to Happen to the STAAR Scores With No Test Prep?
The scenario has been a familiar one for students, parents and teachers in Houston ISD. As they approached the annual STAAR testing in the spring, hours of practice tests would replace large portions of the day for children in certain grades. Struggling students were identified and pulled out for “small…
With Guitarist Eric Johnson, It’s Always a Tone-A-Rama Time
There has always been a mythos surrounding Eric Johnson. From the time he played in Austin’s Electromagnets in the early ‘70s, he was regarded as a virtuoso without peer. Over time, Johnson developed a reputation as something of a six-string stickler, with ears so good that he could identify what…
Beatles Insider Makes More Love from Original 1983 Book
In 1983, Beat(le) Literature was a new field of study, with plenty of space on a bookshelf that now groans with hundreds and hundreds of titles that dissect every miniscule corner of Fab Four history. They range from the expansive (Mark Lewisohn’s detailed studio tomes and ongoing, massive, planned three-volume…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Emeril’s Restaurant Pop-Up and Creole Crawfish Kolache
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: This month, Kolache Shoppe is connecting with two local restaurants to create a Crawfish & Andouille Kolache special, available Thursday through Saturday at the Greenway Shoppe and Friday through Sunday at the Heights and Pearland Shoppes. Inspired…
In Another Blockbuster, Houston Texans Trade for WR Stefon Diggs
Back in the middle of March 2020, just as the world was on the cusp of shutting down for a pandemic, Houston Texans head coach and (awful) general manager Bill O’Brien completed the most controversial move of his reign of terror — he traded All Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins…
Best Bets: Kites, NIGHT LIGHT and an Underwater Film Festival
Celebrate the end of the first week of April by checking out our best bets. This week, we’ve got a much beloved opera, a regional theater premiere, celebrations of kites and underwater filmmaking, and much more. Keep reading for our picks down below. Opera in the Heights will take Giacomo…
Rockets Probably Won’t Make the Playoffs, but Improvement Has Been Significant
With Sunday’s loss to the Mavericks coupled with a Golden State win, the Rockets chances of making one of the play-in spots for the playoffs shrunk to a size that is almost impossible to see. With just seven games remaining, they trail the Warriors by two full games and the…
April Gardening Checklist: Weed, Feed and Enjoy!
We don’t often say it in Houston but the weather the past month has been nearly perfect. There have been spots of torrential downpours and gusty winds but the heat and the humidity were surprisingly absent for much of March. And April is starting off quite beautifully. The mild weather…
Houston Spots Celebrating the 2024 Solar Eclipse with Cosmic Food and Drink Specials
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the upcoming total solar eclipse crossing North America (with the path of totality passing right through parts of Texas) on Monday, April 8. As the moon passes between Earth and the sun, day will turn into darkness, with Houston…
Why Did Nick Caserio Open Up Millions in Cap Space Last Week?
The Houston Texans entered the 2024 offseason as one of the teams with the most salary cap space in the NFL. Depending on which website you use for your salary cap information, they were likely among the top six or seven teams in total cap space, with anywhere from $60…
La Boheme at Opera in the Heights Stays in Paris But Moves to the 1920s
With a cast full of singers making their role debuts, a children’s chorus accompanying the adults and a plan to bring the action out into the aisles of Lambert Hall, Opera in the Heights is staging a production of La Boheme unlike anything you’ve seen before. That’s the promise made…
Houston Concert Watch 4/3: Eric Johnson, Black Crowes and More
With less than a month before the Rolling Stones’ U.S. tour begins with a show at NRG Stadium on Sunday, April 28, there has been a slight uptick in media mentions regarding the bad boys (ghastly geriatrics?) of rock and roll. Several websites, in fact, have referenced the claim in…
How Love Survives in the Most Grotesque of Circumstancesin Cleansed
His head just inches away from the overhead lights, Raymond Compton as Woman sits in rehearsal in a crouched over position, at the highest part of the stage making his debut in the Catastrophic Theatre production of Cleansed. This regional premiere, the production of the fertile, avant garde imagination of…
Houston Texans Take Biggest One Season Leap in Vegas Season Win Total Futures Bet
We are currently in the annual lull of the NFL offseason, the semi-dead spot in between the frenzy of free agency in mid-March and the NFL Draft in late April. Some free agents are still signing with teams, but we are at the bargain bin stage, at this point. That…
Classic Rock Bass Thumper Leo Lyons on Woodstock, Old/New Bands and Movin’ On
Whatever impact—real or embellished—that the 1969 Woodstock Festival had on music and culture, most of it came via the documentary/concert film that was released a year later rather than the actual “3 Days of Peace and Music” event. Once viewers from around the world got a chance to see the…
The Challenge of Pregnancy and Childcare For Working Theater Moms
Arianna Bermudez is expecting her first child on May 8, a wonderfully joyous thing to look forward to. It’s also a bit scary. Every mother-to-be has some level of nervousness around what it means to raise a baby, but as an actor, Bermudez is also experiencing a good dose of…
From Zero to No-No: Blanco’s No Hitter Gives Astros First W in 2024
Joe Espada needed five games to get his first major league win as a manager. No doubt he wished it came sooner, but when it finally did, it came with some history. The Astros routed the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night 10-0 behind the first ever no hitter from…
Astros Swept by Yankees to Open 2024 Season: Some Numbers to Demonstrate How Bad It Is
The Astros dropped their fourth straight game to the Yankees on Sunday in a sweep to open the season. It was a brutal series for the Astros made up of some bad pitching, an absence of timely hitting and a bit of bad luck. This isn’t to say the Yankees…
The Wicked Lo-Down Travel the Blues Line Between Austin and Boston
Nick David was one excited man. For though the blues singer/harmonica player had already spent decades plying his trade in the Northeast as part of the groups including Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks and Queen City Kings, his new band—dubbed “The Wicked Lo-Down” (likely as a subtle nod to…
Four Biggest Houston Texans Items to Come out of NFL Owners Meetings
The official Return to Relevance offseason for the Houston Texans spilled over from the first two weeks of free agency, a period where the Texans have largely received glowing grades, into the MFL Owners Meetings last week in Orlando, where several different things took place, some directly affecting the Texans…
X-Men ’97 Builds on the Legend With a New Status Quo For Humans and Mutants
In 1992, X-Men: The Animated Series was one of the most impactful animated shows of all time. It captivated a generation of young fans and introduced them to Charles Xavier and his team of X-Men. The animated children’s series followed the X-Men through its adaption of some of the group’s…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Black Restaurant Week and Kolache Shoppe Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Black Restaurant Week Houston Black Restaurant Week Houston once again joins the nationwide tour, running now through through Sunday, April 14 and inviting locals to discover black-owned restaurants food trucks, sweets and more across Houston, Beaumont and surrounding…
The Deeper Meaning of Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word at Main Street
Pictures of Black civil rights leaders pepper the forest green walls of the office on stage. The office bulletin board is haphazardly scattered with various community events. Papers littered over an office desk. Everything is reminiscent of a workplace except the big brown rectangular box that can’t help but call…
Ministry Finally Gives Houston Its One Fix
Ministry, Gary Numan, Front Line Assembly House of Blues March 29, 2024 Fourth (or fifth) time’s a charm. Legendary purveyors of industrial filth Ministry were first scheduled to play Houston back in the summer of 2020, and you can probably guess what happened. Later dates were also postponed due to…
Chef Alex Au Yeung Has Passed Away
The Houston restaurant scene lost a beloved chef last week. Alex Au Yeung, chef and owner of Phat Eatery, passed away March 21, 2024 from cancer at the much-too-early age of 52. His battle was brief but courageous and his family, friends and loyal staff are heartbroken. The city of…
Madonna Rises Again at Toyota Center
Madonna Toyota Center March 28, 2024 Some Christians refer to Easter as a celebration, but the more appropriate nomenclature might be “observance” or maybe “commemoration.” After all, a lot of heavy stuff happened before the celebratory part, in the Christian tradition. Madonna’s current tour is dubbed the Celebration Tour but,…
We Have to Vote No on The Outsider, a Mighty Acorn Production
Nearly April, the electioneering for the 2024 campaign for President has begun 24/7, so I suppose that a political play should be on the ballot. Paul Slade Smith’s The Outsider (2015) is not the one we’ve been waiting for. This painful, predictable “comedy” is short on laughs, long on caricature,…
Openings and Closings: Prime 131 Opens, Pastore Departs
Prime 131, 2505 W. 11th, opened March 14 at The Docks at Timbergrove. The live-fire steakhouse and sushi bar is the newest venture from Berg Hospitality Group known for its luxe restaurants and bars. Though it’s a modern and contemporary concept, it draws inspiration from New York’s Meatpacking District, an…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Late Night With The Devil
Title: Late Night with the Devil Wouldn’t That Just Be Chevy Chase’s Talk Show? Hey, who’s the comedy-attempting writer here, anyway? Brief Plot Synopsis: Satanic panic leads to galvanic antics. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 4 “ancient Chinese secrets” out of 5. Tagline: “The live television event that shocked a nation!” Better…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Smoked Lamb Shawarma and Easter Sunday Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Breakfast Taco Pop-Up at Little Rey Saturday, 10 a.m. until sold out 2345 Mid Lane Chef and restaurateur Ford Fry (State of Grace, La Lucha, Superica) and his team are set to open fast-casual Northern Mexican concept Little Rey…
The Way it Was: The Notorious B.I.G., Life After Death
The second and final proper studio album from The Notorious B.I.G. turns 27 years old this month.
Ranking the Possible NFL Hard Knocks Series Candidates for 2024
It’s hard to get all 32 NFL teams to agree to anything, but if you took a poll of the 32 head coaches around the league, my guess is all of them feel the same away about the annual HBO NFL training camp documentary Hard Knocks — they would al…
Astros Fall on Opening Day 2024 to Yankees 5-4: Four Thoughts
The Astros opened the 2024 season against conference rivals the New York Yankees on Thursday, dropping the home opener 5-4. It was a tale of two halves of baseball with the Astros dominating early then falling behind despite a late surge. It was manager Joe Espada’s first game as skipper…
The World is Not Silent at Alley Theatre is Full of Delightful Comedic Surprises and Poignant Moments
Houston audiences might remember Don X. Nguyen’s, The World is Not Silent from the Alley All New Festival in 2022. The multilingual play about a father and son reconnecting through language after the father’s recent hearing loss struck a chord at the festival. Two years later, in its World Premiere…
Five Houston Astros 2024 Player Prop Bets I Love
The 2024 Major League Baseball season starts today. Sure, I know the Dodgers and Padres played a couple games last week in Korea that baseball says count in the standings, but I don’t call those games played in the middle of the night (for us) “opening day.” Besides, the only…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: The Houston Barbecue Festival Brings the Smoke
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Oheya by Uchi and Equal Parts Brewing are teaming up for a one-night-only pairing dinner on Monday, April 1 (6 and 8:30 p.m. seatings) at Oheya Houston, 904 Westheimer. Guests can enjoy Oheya’s latest 15-course omakase…
From Genesis to Circus: All Sides of Steve Hackett PROGress to the Stafford Centre
As a member of Genesis (the “first” version), collaborator and prolific solo artist, guitarist Steve Hackett is a certified Prog Rock legend. He’s also in an interesting place to both celebrate his musical successes of the past 50+ years both in a group and solo while also producing challenging and…
Best Bets: The Outsider, Amélie and Ronstadt Revue
We’re moving into a new month this week, and keeping in mind the upcoming April showers that will allegedly bring May flowers, we’ve got plenty of things to do that are rain or shine and/or indoors. Keep reading for this week’s list of best bets. In Paul Slade Smith’s play,…
Alternative ‘Pandi-Band’ Bar Italia Crosses the Ocean to Explore Texas at Secret Group
It was the lock-down that led to the formation of the alternative rock group Bar Italia. “Yeah, we’re a pandi-band,” quips Jezmi Fehmi, a singer and guitarist who first worked with band mate Sam Fenton in a two-man group called Double Virgo. Combining forces with Rome-born lo-fi artist Nina Cristante,…
Stagolee and the Funeral of a Dangerous Word on Stage at Main Street Theater
“The N-Word has been around since 1619. It’s been a part of American history, American literature and there’s so much controversy over the use of it, who can use it, who can’t. Who has permission to use it?” That’s Thomas Meloncon, Texas Southern University associate professor and author of about…
Seven Observations from Cycling in Downtown Houston
Cycling in a downtown area is never going to be easy or particularly safe. Ask bike messengers who have, for decades, attempted to avoid death and serious injury while delivering items through busy city streets. But, the city of Houston has, for a while anyway, attempted to mitigate some of…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Astros Heading Into 2024 Season
It’s interesting to think of how high the bar has become for the Houston Astros on the local landscape, especially when juxtaposed with the Texans and the Rockets, who empirically aren’t anywhere close to where the Astros are in their sport, and yet fans in Houston feel nothing but sheer…
First Look: Boomer Jack’s Webster
Houston’s weather in March can be cold and rainy or sunny and mild. This past March has given us a mix of both but there have been some glorious weekends recently and this past Saturday, my husband Classic Rock Bob, and I found ourselves, along with a longtime friend, looking…
Houston Concert Watch 3/27: Madonna, Ministry and More
I recently rewatched the film High Fidelity. Remember that one? John Cusack stars as the owner of an indie record store in Chicago, and he and his coworkers love to argue about music minutiae and make Top Five lists. So with this music geek inspiration fresh in my mind, here…
Texas AG Ken Paxton Avoids Trial Over Securities Fraud Charges
Just shy of a month before his trial, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton entered into a deal with prosecutors that allows him to avoid his day in court over the nearly nine-year-long securities fraud case against him. The terms of the 18-month pretrial intervention agreement were laid out during a…
The World is Not Silent at Alley Theatre: Trying to Bridge a Failure to Communicate
Don X. Nguyen was three years old when his family fled Saigon during the war and moved to the United States. “We ended up in Nebraska of all places.” A Vietnamese child growing up in the middle of America had its challenges. “There weren’t that many people who looked like…
Cougars Just Win Despite Incredible Setbacks
In December, guard Terrance Arcenaux tore his Achilles tendon during a game against Texas A&M. He would be followed by forward Joseph Tuggler with a broken foot and then Ramon Walker, Jr. with a knee problem. Even big man J’wan Roberts nearly missed the tournament with a shin injury. Just…
Where to Eat, Drink and Celebrate Astros Opening Day 2024 in Houston
The entire city is ready to root, root, root for our beloved Houston Astros as they open the season against American League rivals the New York Yankees on Thursday, March 28. These local bars and restaurants are also getting in on the action, sporting Astros Opening Day specials from $2…
Most Likely Scenarios for the Houston Texans and the 42nd Overall Pick in the NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is a little over four weeks away, which means the Houston Texans get yet another chance to improve their football team for the upcoming season. Nothing will ever top the 2023 draft, where the Texans selected C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson with back to back picks near…
Quinn the Brain Bosses Up a New EP
“Boss up” is a bit of slang that’s worked its way into the music industry idiom, especially as it relates to determined, talented women. Maybe it didn’t start with DIY artists like Quinn the Brain’s Arta Black, but the guitarist and vocalist for the Houston grunge punk band embodies its notions…
Alley Theatre Announces a Few Changes to Its Artistic Staff
Alley Theatre has announced several changes to its artistic company including the addition of Michelle Elaine, now part of a national tour of Clue, to its resident acting company. Elaine has been seen on the Alley stage in Clue, Sweat and A Christmas Carol among other productions. Most memorably she…
Column: Second Chances at HISD
The news arrived in an impersonal boilerplate email. One teacher, who didn’t check his inbox all the time, received it a week late in March and only thanks to a colleague asking him if he’d gotten his letter from the HISD Human Resources Office yet. In initially warm terms thanking…
The Black Crowes are Happy Bastards in Houston
A lot has changed in both the record industry and how people listen to music since 2008 when the Black Crowes put out their last studio record, Warpaint. That is certainly reflected in the roll-out for their brand-new effort, Happiness Bastards. But co-founding guitarist Rich Robinson still sees something almost…
Projecting the Final Astros Roster Before the Start of the Season
With just days left before Opening Day, the Astros have begun the final steps of trimming their roster down to 26. With a team that has this much veteran talent, there aren’t a whole lot of roster spots up for grabs and the list of players trying to land a…
True March Madness! Former Texans VP Jack Easterby is Back in Our Lives!
One of the more significant milestones during this renaissance of Houston Texans football, and some might even say this was the genesis of the revival, was during the bye week in 2022, when the McNair family finally relieved Executive Vice President of Football Operations (and smiling tyrant) Jack Easterby of…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Crawfish Ramen Returns for a Limited Time
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, March 25 Anti Burger Club at burger-chan Chef Willet Feng invites guests to his tenth Anti Burger Club, along with chef Stephen Perez at burger-chan, 5353 West Alabama. The special dinner will feature itameshi, or Italian food with Japanese touches—think…
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Say Goodbye to Touring—and Mr. Bojangles
You can add another band to the growing list of acts who are out on their Farewell Tours, as country/pop/folk rockers The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band are about to embark on theirs. Although it’s definitely on their terms. “We just didn’t want to stop playing one day or disappear. We…
Texas AG Ken Paxton Could See Criminal Charges Against Him Dropped
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may not see his day in trial court over the nearly nine-year-long securities fraud case against him as reports indicate that a possible resolution could involve a pre-trial diversion agreement. According to the Austin-American Statesman, which broke the news of the potential deal, prosecutors would…
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A Tough Rainy Day for the HISD Superintendent Mike Miles and His Board of Managers [UPDATED]
One hundred fifty Houston residents signed up to speak at Thursday night’s Houston ISD board meeting and even with storms moving through the area, most of them showed, carried along by their anger at Superintendent Mike Miles’ principal screenings. That wasn’t the only thing they were objecting to but everything…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Title: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Describe This Movie In One Fake Watchmen Quote: DR. MANHATTAN: The year is 1989, I am watching Road House and the new Ghostbusters. The year is 2024, I am watching Road House and the new Ghostbusters. Brief Plot Synopsis: Ghooooooooost ice. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The…
Openings and Closings: Late August Arrives, Dozier’s Departs
Late August, 4201 Main, opens for lunch March 25. There are plans to add dinner service April 8. Located in The Ion, the concept has been a long time coming and has seen some major changes along the way. In February 2021 chef/restaurateur Chris Williams announced that James Beard Award…
Four Final Touches the Houston Texans Can Put on Free Agency Period
If the Houston Texans were a security on the New York Stock Exchange, they would have a gigantic green arrow pointed in an upward trajectory next to their stock symbol this offseason. “Investors” (i.e. fans and media) were already bullish (no pun intended) on the Texans heading into the offseason,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Top Chefs Mash Menus for an Lebanese-Inspired Habibi Night
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Tomball German Heritage Festival in Old Town Tomball Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 201 South Elm The family-friendly Tomball German Heritage Festival returns to Old Downtown all weekend long. Festival goers can expect 200+…
Guitarist Mike Zito Reflects on Love and Loss with His New Album Life is Hard
Blues guitarist Mike Zito has a new album and a sad story. They are one in the same. Zito’s latest, Life is Hard, is a tribute to his late wife Laura, who died from cancer last summer. Speaking via Zoom from his home in Nederland, Zito is proud of his…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Road House
Title: Road House Describe This Movie Using One They Live Quote NADA: I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I’m all out of bubblegum. Brief Plot Synopsis: Ex-MMA fighter finds love and laughter while breaking bones in the Florida Keys. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3 Joe Banks…
Strong Storms Bring Heavy Rainfall and Potential For Severe Weather
Drivers on Thursday could expect a bit of deja vu from last week courtesy of two lines of potentially strong thunderstorms coming into and around the Houston area. According to Space City Weather, the first round settled into the region Thursday morning, with the strongest storms expected to occur between…
Conroe ISD Trustees Discuss How Residents Opposed to Throwing Out Books Can File a Complaint
After a number of parents contacted Conroe ISD Trustee Stacey Chase asking if they could challenge book removals from library and classroom shelves, the board discussed possible additions to the district’s policies and procedures without taking any formal action Tuesday night. District administrators said the district’s standard complaint policy creates…
Best Bets: French Cultures, Beethoven’s Eroica, and the Bayou City Art Festival
This weekend is National Goof Off Day, so we’ve compiled a list of best bets that you won’t mind shucking your responsibilities to enjoy. Whether you want to celebrate French culture or art culled from artists across the nation, a classic MGM musical, or the return of homegrown talent, we’ve…
Opinion: Why Men Cheat on Their Tradwives
If tradwives are so perfect, how come their husbands cheat on them so much? For those not in the know, tradwives are a loose community of usually extreme Christian women that make housekeeping and parenthood their entire personalities. On the far end of the spectrum they work sunup to sundown…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Bourbon, Latin Fare and BBQ with the Bunny
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Chef Willet Feng hosts his tenth Anti Burger Club along with chef Stephen Perez at burger-chan, 5353 West Alabama, on Monday, March 25. The special dinner will feature itameshi, or Italian food with Japanese touches—think caprese…
Jimbo Mathus Squirrels On Back to “O’ Town”
When the Houston Press last spoke with Jimbo Mathus, the singer/guitarist and head honcho of the revivalist ensemble The Squirrel Nut Zippers, they had just released one of their more interesting efforts, Lost Songs of Doc Souchon. It featured both originals penned by Mathus and covers of tunes and performers…
Houston Texans Have Ninth Best Super Bowl Odds After Free Agency
The vibes are good and the positive energy is high in Houston over the Houston Texans’ offseason so far. We are under a month away from offseason activities beginning, and before you know it, training camp will be here! One thing that never sleeps, though, is the odds board on…
Tackling the Budget and Why HISD May Not Be Able to Trim Quite as Much as Previously Stated
The ESSER funds dealt out by the federal government during the pandemic to prop up public schools are about to be gone leaving Houston ISD and other school districts with a big hole to fill. Especially if, as in HISD, a lot of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief…
Houston Texans New Uniforms Leak Online, Cal McNair With Hilarious Response
Sometimes, when you’re immersed in covering the day to day operations, both on the field and on the business side, of an NFL football team, you’re not quite sure how plugged in the public is to information that you see as very basic. To that point, I’m not sure how…
TUTS Lines Up Its 2024-25 Season Designed to Make You Laugh, Cry and Just Maybe Dance in Your Seats
Theatre Under the Stars will be creating one of the first regional productions of Disney’s Frozen directed and choreographed by TUTS Artistic Director Dan Knechtges during its upcoming 2024-25 season designed to offer a wide choice for theater goers. As he ran through the season lineup, Knechtges said TUTS, like most other…
Houston Concert Watch 3/20: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Scarface and More
I was saddened to read recently that the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team has discontinued its long-running Dollar Dog Night, a promotion which allowed fans to buy a hot dog for $1 during games played in April. Was this move made because the organization is cheap? Trying to maximize profits? No,…
Mike Miles Says Not To Worry (So Much) About Principal Screenings That Have Parents and Principals on Edge
Just because 117 principals were told right before Spring Break they hadn’t met the most basic proficiency standards at their jobs in Houston ISD doesn’t mean they are going to be fired, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles said at a suddenly called press conference Monday. They have a whole second semester…
Daylight Saving Time Should Be a Thing Of The Past, Many Doctors Say
A switch to Daylight Saving Time is not good for us. That’s what an increasing number of medical doctors are saying, basing this on what they say is scientific evidence that the annual switch in hours extracts a heavy toll on the human body. Of course, many of us already…
Bobby Rush Can’t Stop Doing What He Do
Last time blues legend Bobby Rush performed in Houston, he was a sort of naughty Christmas treat for Houstonians. He and his band put on an amazing show at The Continental Club where Rush pulled out all the stops with his funny banter, gargantuan ladies underwear prop, suggestive dance moves…
Caroline Frost Offers Her Last Verse at Murder by the Book
It’s 1977, and Twyla Higgins is a 19-year-old Texas girl with her late musician father’s guitar and big dreams about making her own career as a country music singer and songwriter. On a whim—and as a way to break away from a repressive Holy Roller mother—she takes a bus to…
Four Things We Learned From the Texans’ Near Trade for WR Keenan Allen
We are a little over a week into the meat of the offseason, and one thing is absolutely certain — the Houston Texans are shopping in very different aisles and viewed very differently by players and media around the NFL. They’ve grown up quickly, in one season to be exact,…
The “Original” Jelly Roll and the Dirty Early Blues
In 1938, jazz/blues pianist and singer Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe—better known as Jelly Roll Morton—sat down behind the grand piano at the Library of Congress’s Coolidge Auditorium. It was at the invitation of the august institution, and Alan Lomax was ready for him. Morton was 47 (or 52…accounts vary, just like…
Eric Church Closes Out RodeoHouston 2024 in Most Fitting Fashion
Eric Church closed out one of the finer RodeoHouston concert seasons in recent memory on Sunday night at NRG Stadium.
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans Trading Out of the First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
One week into NFL free agency agency season, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Houston Texans’ sequence of transactions over the last week, in particular the signing of defensive end Danielle Hunter and the trade for running back Joe Mixon, has put the Texans firmly in the conversation…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Whiskey Wednesday and Easter Sweets
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, March 19 Pojer e Sandri Wine Dinner at Marmo Marmo, 888 Westheimer, invites guests for a taste of of Alto Adige wine and cuisine featuring the wines of Pojur e Sandri. Chef Eli Jackson has crafted a five-course Northern Italian-inspired…
The 10 Best Original PlayStation Cut Scenes
Warning: Some Spoilers for Old Games I’ve been playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth lately, and it’s wonderful. What Peter Jackson did for The Lord of the Rings, Tetsuya Nomura and Naoki Hamaguchi have done for Final Fantasy. Playing this modern retelling of the game is like seeing the face of a…
Brad Paisley Gives Another Intimate Show for A Stadium Full of Fans
The rotating star shaped rodeo stage is an interesting display for a rodeo performer. On the one hand it is constantly moving so that the thousands of fans can see the performance, which is a positive, but for some performers the stage can be an obstacle when connecting with the…
Pop Kings The Jonas Brothers Set New Attendance Record at RodeoHouston
Jonas Brothers RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 15, 2024 Despite being a lifelong, unapologetic fan of boy bands, I completely missed the boat on the Jonas Brothers. I cut my teeth on the New Kids on the Block cartoon, spent my prime tween years obsessing over the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC…
RodeoHouston Carnival Temporarily Closes Due To Inclement Weather
Crowds of carnival-goers at the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo took shelter inside the NRG center and NRG arena, shielding themselves from the strong thunderstorms outside. Due to Friday evening’s inclement weather, RodeoHouston announced on X, formerly Twitter, that it would temporarily close the Carnival but reopen once the heavy…
Strong Storms Rolling Through Houston Area Cause Delays and Cancellations At Local Airports
Strong lightning, thunder, showers, wind gusts, and hail disrupted flights early Friday evening at Houston-area airports George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby, leading to delays and cancellations for those coming into and leaving the city. Employees with Bush and Hobby took to the respective airports X, formerly Twitter, accounts…
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Threat Of Severe Weather Could Disrupt Rodeo-Goers and Commuters [UPDATED]
Friday ushers in the start of this weekend’s wet weather with the chance of severe storms blowing through the Houston area during the late afternoon and evening hours — disrupting rodeo-goers and commuters on their way home from work. Light showers peppered the region Friday morning but are expected to…
Openings and Closings: Itaewon Pocha Debuts, Tsujita Arrives in Houston
Itaewon Pocha, 1444 Blalock, opened softly the first week of March. The Korean restaurant has owner James Lee, and head chef Nelson K. Lee along with manager Ryan Vo leading the team. Pocha is the name for the tented food stalls in Korea that serve street food and beverages such…
Zac Brown Band Delivers Classic Covers and Timeless Hits at RodeoHouston
The drama of the opening displays for RodeoHouston concerts, even to the seasoned rodeo-goer, is always at least a little intoxicating. The syncopated pops of ground flares and spiral fireworks seen against the arena’s dark canopy, initiate every act, whether or not the spectacle is particularly apposite to what follows…
Veterinarian In Alvin By Day, Works Nights At RodeoHouston
Growing up on a dairy farm in Alvin, Gregg Knape planned to go into farming and ranching, following in his father’s footsteps. He loved raising animals alongside his dad, watching them grow and develop unique personalities — just like humans do. That was until Knape’s best friend, who was in…
Jon Dee Graham Was Only Dead For A Little While
It’s all good now but, Jon Dee Graham was dead for a little while, but only a little while. “It’s been a weird time because I make light of it and everything, but when you die, it leaves a mark,” laughs the Austin-based singer/songwriter. In late 2023 Graham released his…
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Winning Clown JIMBO Channels Six Characters In “Pee Wee” Style Drag Circus
One personality is usually enough for most performers, but Drag Race’s new champion JIMBO is hustling together six. “It’s gonna be awesome,” the fan favorite winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (2023) hypes. “I have been working with a choreographer and two dancers, we have some back up dancers,…
If You Want to Get Rich, Come Play for the Houston Texans
In any walk of life, unless you’re the owner of a company, you’re working for somebody. Even CEO’s of major companies are working for a board of directors and shareholders. When you are an employee of someone else, though, one of your wishes should be that they provide an environment…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: A Boozy Rodeo Brunch and St. Patty’s Day Shenanigans
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Rodeo Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 12538 Memorial, 3452 Ella, 9955 Barker Cypress, 9920 Gaston, 23918 US-59 All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate the close of the Houston rodeo…
Adrian Sutherland Mines Precious Diamonds of His Culture and History
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Adrian Sutherland was born and raised in Canada’s far north, with his family members of the Indigenous Attawapiskat First Nation and living on James Bay. He grew up speaking in the Omushkegowuk Cree tongue. That heritage has been reflected in much of his work, from leading the roots rock…
Mayor Whitmire Could Be Coming For 11th Street Next
After removing pedestrian and cycling updates to Houston Avenue due to alleged safety concerns, Houston Public Media is now reporting Mayor Whitmire’s next target could be the $2.4 million in controversial changes to 11th Street in the Heights. According to the report, the mayor’s office is reviewing the changes to the…
Guilty Pleasure Nickelback Rocks RodeoHouston
Nickelback RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 13, 2024 So, we all still hate Nickelback, yes? At least, that’s what y’all would have me believe, as every mention of seeing Nickelback at RodeoHouston seemed to be met with a snicker, a raised eyebrow, or – twice – an outright laugh. And yet,…
Time is Running Out to Access Those Carnival Half-Price Tickets You Already Bought
With only a few days remaining, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo says that 45 percent of the people who bought carnival discount packages this year still haven’t activated them on their phones. Whether it’s because the buyers never meant to access them and considered them a donation, or had…
Best Bets: St. Patrick’s Day, Vanessa Gonzalez, and Oddities & Curiosities
Happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend! In between your holiday-themed, green-clothed revelry, may we suggest the following events to keep you busy and entertained all weekend long. Keep reading for our picks of the best bets in music, comedy, film, and more. Against a backdrop of “significant political and social upheaval”…
After More Than Five Decades, the Liverbirds Take Flight Again
John Lennon is certainly known for his share of phrases and observations: “Give peace a chance,” “Help! I need somebody!” “I am the walrus” and “Instant karma’s gonna get you.” But one of his less-shining moments occurred when meeting a group of teenage girls from his own native Liverpool who…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Tequila Tasting and 57 Years of Texas-Creole
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith, is celebrating its storied history with special 57th Anniversary menus this March. Before the Texas-Creole house opened its doors back in 1967, the venue was the first home of the Houston…
What Happens With Texans RB Dameon Pierce in 2024?
When a new coaching staff takes over a team, the transition if going to go better for some players than others. For the Texans this past season, there are guys like Nico Collins and Jon Greenard whose careers and future earning power may have been saved by DeMeco Ryans’ arrival…
Where to Enjoy Easter Sunday Brunch in Houston in 2024
With Easter coming up on Sunday, March 31, it’s time to make your holiday brunch plans. These Houston restaurants are ready to make Easter special with classic plates and morning cocktails, egg hunts, live jazz, family-friendly brunch buffets, prix fixe affairs and more. Artisans, 5745 Westheimer The newly reopened Galleria-area…
Bun B Earns His King of The Rodeo Title With Another Sold-Out Performance
Phone lights flooded the dark stadium as the audience of 75,005 people cheered and rose to their feet. In the center of the rotating rodeo stage stood Bun B alongside guitarist Ryan Bingham of Yellowstone fame, there to play an acoustic version of UGK’s “One Day.” As Bingham played and…
After Four Years, Are We Done With COVID-19?
Four years ago, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced that the organization declared the coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak a global pandemic. “WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock, and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and…
Patti LuPone Brings Her Voice to Houston’s Hobby Center in a One-Woman Show
Patti LuPone listened to all kinds of music growing up, was there for the genesis of rock and roll, but says her destiny was clear. “I knew that I’d end up on the Broadway stage.. Because it’s not a rock and roll voice.” Now the three-time Tony Award winner her…
Four Thoughts on the Houston Texans in NFL Free Agency
NFL free agency is a crazy thing. There are tons of metrics out there that tell us, in plain numerical form, that teams who rush into the first day of free agency head first, like William Wallace’s army running into battle in Braveheart, fail at free agency. They overpay, they…
Houston Concert Watch 3/13: Circle Jerks, Brad Paisley and More
If you have attended a concert over the past several years, you have heard the thud of f-bombs being dropped. Going back to the ‘60s, the MC5 hollered, “Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!” and Country Joe and the Fish led the audience at Woodstock in the infamous “Fish Cheer” (“Gimme…
Projecting the Astros 2024 Roster
We are now weeks into Spring Training and the lineup we expect the Astros to employ is being rolled out with greater frequency. Starting pitchers are being stretched into the fourth inning and Opening Day is inching closer. The Astros are somewhat unique among MLB teams in that the bulk…
Shogun: a Massive Undertaking Set in 17th Century Japan
Since Game of Thrones ended and left the television landscape with a prestige monocultural void, there have been several attempts at creating and crowning a successor. None have yet to come close to the event-like nature of Thrones. Shows like Amazon’s Rings of Power and even the Game of Thrones…
Competition Kicks Up A Notch For RodeoHouston Athletes As Super Series Five Draws To A Close
For nearly three weeks out of the year, NRG Stadium trades in its role as the epicenter of Houston Texans football to house world-class and rookie rodeo athletes alike, vying for their opportunity to secure champion titles in a variety of rodeo events. Some of these men and women are…
Upside Pub: Tiny Hidden Gem
The suburbs can be a great place to raise a family. Good schools, nearby dentists and doctors, a wide choice of grocery stores and room to grow make suburban life a choice for a number of people. At some point, many of us make the decision to leave Houston proper…
Eric Church … the Most Underrated Man in Country Music?
Eric Church can do pretty much anything. So why isn’t he more recognized for it?
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day with Green Booze, Irish Grub and More
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Sunday, March 17, and Houston bars and restaurants are ready to celebrate with perfect Guinness pints and corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew and green beer, and weekend-long shenanigans with bagpipers, Irish dancers and more. B.B. Lemon, 1809 Washington B.B. Lemon’s St. Patrick’s…
Houston Texans DE Dylan Horton Announces His Cancer is in Remission
It was the week following the Texans Week 11 win over the Arizona Cardinals. It was an announcement that Houston Texans fans have become all too familiar with — a player announcing he needed to walk away from football for the time being due to medical reasons. In the past…
Peter Jesperson Recalls the Replacements and More at Cactus Music
If Peter Jesperson ever found himself filling out paperwork for unemployment benefits, he might need a few extra pages to fully document “previous positions.” He’s been a record store clerk and manager, a club and radio DJ, club booker, Twin/Tone record label co-founder, A&R man, VP for New West Records,…
With Hollywood Calling, Kountry Wayne Vows His Current Comedy Tour Will Be His Last ‘Until 2026’
Kountry Wayne has not stopped his rise in the world of stand-up, and the smooth talking southerner is leaving it all on the stage with his latest King of Hearts tour, kicking off its national run in Houston at 713 Music Hall on March 15. “Houston kicks it off for…
Alperen Sengun Avoids Serious Injury After Fall in Sacramento
The sight of Rockets rising star Alperen Sengun being wheeled off the Sacramento Kings floor in a wheelchair Sunday night was as depressing as the news late Monday afternoon was a relief. With under a minute left in a game the Rockets won, Sengun took an awkward spill while trying…
Los Tigres Del Norte Are Still The Jefes Of Norteño Music
Los Tigres Del Norte RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 10, 2024 Damn it felt good to be Latino Sunday afternoon at the Houston Rodeo’s always well attended Go Tejano Day. In the fourth most diverse city of the nation, it’s not uncommon to see high numbers of native Spanish speakers from…
Column: Without Confidentiality, How Can a Teacher Retention Survey Be Worth Much of Anything?
Last week, when a jubilant Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles unveiled the results of a teacher survey, he said “the numbers clearly show” that teachers are committed to team HISD and its ongoing transformation. Actually, no they don’t. Actually that’s not true. Survey results showed that of the 10,230 teachers…
NFL Free Agency Preview: QB Carousel, Texans Big Game Hunting, and Who Comes Home?
If you’re an NFL fan, particularly a fan of a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a lot of salary cap space — the Houston Texans check BOTH of those boxes in 2024 — then today is your day! At 11 a.m. Central Time, NFL teams can begin talking to…
Celebrating 75 Years of Springsteen in Chapter and Verse
The Who’s Roger Daltrey sang that he hoped he’d die before he got old. Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson contemplated being too old to rock and roll, but too young to die. And a twenty-something Mick Jagger thought the idea of an “old” rock star was preposterous, and once told an…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Gyro Tacos and a Pi(e) Day Pop-Up
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: All week long Citizens of Montrose Give Benefit Brunch for Galveston Bay Foundation From March 11–17, any purchases made at Citizens of Montrose, 907 Westheimer, will be matched with a 25 percent donation back to Galveston Bay Foundation. To help support…
You Won’t Have Sweet Dreams after Dirt Dogs’ The Pillowman
Bring an extra layer of clothing to Dirt Dogs Theatre because Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman is as cold and bleak as Satan’s Lake Cocytus in Dante’s Inferno. This is nightmare territory – harsh, unforgiving, terrifying – a contemporary take on the Brothers Grimm, Edgar Allan Poe, and wisps of Kafka…
Lainey Wilson Makes Country Music Cool Again at RodeoHouston
In 2019, Lainey Wilson was named to the roster of Country Music Television’s “Listen Up” class, which later lead to a tour opening for Morgan Wallen.
Woke White People Behaving Badly: The Thanksgiving Play at 4th Wall Theatre Company
We can all give thanks to 4th Wall Theatre Company for bringing us Larissa FastHorse’s wicked satire, The Thanksgiving Play (2017). That American holiday will never be the same. The humor is quick and barbed, as it dissects not only the myth of that first Thanksgiving in Plymouth Colony but…
Major Lazer Lights Up the Stage at RodeoHouston
Major Lazer RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 8, 2024 Less than a decade ago, only a couple of years prior to him joining Major Lazer, Katy’s own Eric Alberto “Caddy” Lopez could be found behind the decks at Boondocks on Westheimer. By then he was already seen as a gifted producer…
Poignancy and Aggression Captivate in Houston Ballet’s Latest Mixed Rep Bespoke
For the commitment-phobic amongst us, there’s nothing better than a mixed repertory program. It’s much needed variety in comfortable, bite-size pieces. Over at the Wortham Theater Center, Houston Ballet is teasing us once again with a mix of classical (neoclassical) and modern works in their latest mixed rep, Bespoke, which…
Houston Chamber Choir Explores Religious Exile
The Houston Chamber Choir will take a look at a very phenomenon many people have experienced: departing their religion. Mass in Exile is a deeply moving new work for chorus and orchestra by composer Mark Buller and librettist Leah Lax and will be performed Saturday.
Luke Bryan Kicks the Dust Up at RodeoHouston
Believe it or not, before the stadium pageantry, country star and, perhaps more recognizably to the newer generation, television celebrity judge Luke Bryan was an unassuming (but hardly uncharismatic) boy in small-town Leesburg, Georgia. With a karaoke machine he got for Christmas and a guitar, which he taught himself how…
Openings and Closings: Woodland Social Opens, Thai Tail Montrose Soon
Woodland Social, 313 E. Woodland, opened March 1 near downtown Houston. The newest venture from Piper’s Hospitality Group will offer 15,000 square feet of space for drinking, dining and socializing. Piper’s Hospitality is owned and operated by brothers Justin, Brandon and West Piper who also own Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery…
Who’s Coming Back? Houston Texans Free Agents Retention Likelihood Scores
Monday is when it all begins, the NFL free agency land rush. Starting at 11 a.m. that morning, NFL teams can begin talking to free agents from other teams. Because they have more free agents than any other team in the NFL, the Texans have more holes to fill than…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: The Biggest Picnic in Texas and All the Raclette
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Fish Fridays for Lent Friday The 40 Days of Lent have officially begun, this year running through Thursday, March 28 (with Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Sunday on March 31). If you plan on giving up meat…
Adam Ant is Raring to Stand and Deliver in the U.S.
In his recent memoir Triggers, original Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock writes with great nostalgia about the camaraderie and cohesiveness of the burgeoning punk rock scene in London circa 1976-77. It’s where you’d see the same group of people in the audience at a Sex Pistols or Clash or Damned…
Election Operations Aren’t Necessarily The Issue, It’s Finding All The Judges Needed To Work Them
When Harris County election officials decided to host the county’s first-ever joint primary, they were tasked with staffing the 545 Election Day vote centers with two presiding judges: one Democratic and one Republican. According to Rosio Torres-Segura, the administrator of communications for Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s office, finding these 1,090…
Jelly Roll Performs for Largest Crowd of His Career at RodeoHouston
Jelly Roll RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 6, 2024 In the lyrics of “Halfway To Hell,” the opening song of his RodeoHouston set list, country artist Jelly Roll calls himself a “trailer park tornado.” I truly believe that if I input that term into an AI image generator it would offer…
Houston Texans Re-Sign Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn to Three Year, $15.9 Million Deal
Thus far, if we’ve learned anything since the Texans returned from the NFL Scouting Combine last week, it’s that the team is heavily focused on bringing back some fo their veteran free agents who would be hitting the open market next week. On Tuesday, it was tight end Dalton Schultz…
Analyzing the Final 20 Games of the Rockets Season
Hard to believe we are this close to the end of the NBA regular season, but it’s true and, minus a miracle, the Rockets will miss out on the postseason yet again. But, that doesn’t mean we haven’t seen progress under new coach Ime Udoka. In fact, this is a…
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap Make a Southern Stand in Tomball
When they burst onto the national music scene in 1967, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap had a signature sound, anchored by the very distinctive voice of its lead singer. They also had a visual trademark in their Civil War-era Union Army stage uniforms. But Puckett remembers on an early…
Best Bets: Mass in Exile, The Pillowman and the Latino/a/x Contemporary Dance Festival
If for any reason you’re beholden to a school schedule, then you know that we’re coming right up on Spring Break. But whether you’ve got a reason or not, we encourage you to treat yourself to something fun – like one of the events on our best bets. Keep reading…
MLB Releases Astros 2024 Prospect List: Four Thoughts
With Wednesday’s game in Palm Beach rained out, the Astros will continue their work in the batting cages and weight room. But that didn’t mean there wasn’t news on a soggy afternoon. On Wednesday, Major League Baseball released its 2024 prospect rankings for every team including the Astros. Given that…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: A Top Chef Dinner and Cocktails for a Cause
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: In honor of Women’s History Month, over a dozen up-and-coming female bartenders and Houston industry professionals have teamed up to celebrate women’s impact on the service industry, creating inspired cocktails to honor the women who have…
Martin Barre’s History Class: Jethro Tull 101
In the Canon of Classic Rock Warhorse Songs, there are those with instantly recognizable guitar intros (think “Smoke on the Water” or “Iron Man”) or solos (think “Freebird” or “Comfortably Numb”). But an even smaller class boasts both of those aspects (think “Hotel California” and “Layla”). That last coveted class…
Wild, Whimsical, Irreverent Beetlejuice at Broadway at the Hobby Center
There’s a little movie from 1988 called Beetlejuice. You may have heard of it. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the title character, it’s kind of famous. Well, there’s a musical version, one that opened on Broadway in 2019, and guess where it is now on tour…
HGO Returns to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church For its Giving Voice Concert Series
Houston Grand Opera General Director and CEO Khori Dastoor believes opera should go where the people are. And in this year’s continuation of HGO’s Giving Voice series that once again will be Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in a program that includes Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano and HGO honoree Marietta Simpson. Other artists…
Houston Texans Re-Sign TE Dalton Schultz to Three Year Deal
If the Houston Texans are going to re-sign some fo their own free agents, it would stand to reason that most, if not all, of the free agents that choose to return would do so this week, before they’re able to hit the open market on March 11. The first…
March Gardening Checklist Houston
The month of March in Houston can be a crapshoot weather-wise but so far, we’ve been pretty lucky. Though we could use a little rain, the temperatures have been pleasant and there have been some mornings where I have found myself singing John Denver’s “Sunshine” because it’s been so beautiful…
Houston Concert Watch 3/6: Bun B, Dash Rip Rock and More
Being a music lover, I like to quote song lyrics. Maybe too much. My youngest daughter threatened me with bodily harm when, on vacation one year, we arrived at London’s Victoria Station. Glancing around, it all fell into place. Summoning Cream’s “White Room,” I declared, “I walked into such a…
U.S Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Wins Her Primary Contest for the 18th Congressioal District
In early returns in the 18th Congressional District race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee was leading against former City Council member Amanda Edwards with 59.94 percent of the vote to Edward’s 37.38 percent. The third Democratic candidate in the contest, Robert Slater, a Houston chef and businessman, suspended his campaign last week…
Frontrunners Jarvis Johnson and Molly Cook Are In A Runoff For Former State Senator John Whitmire’s Seat
Early returns in the Texas Senate District 15 race Democratic primary indicated that top contender State Rep. Jarvis Johnson was leading front-runner emergency room nurse and community organizer Molly Cook with Johnson collecting 36.13 percent to Cook’s 20.65 percent. Whichever candidate succeeds in the runoff will challenge Republican Joseph Trahan, a real…
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee Wins the Democratic Primary in His Re-election Bid
In early returns Tuesday night, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee well ahead of challenger Umeka “UA’ Lewis with 69.94 percent of the votes to Lewis’s 30.06 percent. If the early results hold, Menefee will run against Republican nominee Jacqueline Lucci Smith, who is running unopposed in the race for Harris County…
Former Harris County Prosecutor Sean Teare Scores Landslide Win Against Incumbent Kim Ogg
Former Harris County Prosecutor Sean Teare was leading incumbent Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg with 74.99 percent percent of the votes to Ogg’s 25.01 percent, according to early returns from mail-in and pre-election day voting . The winner of this Democratic primary will run against Dan Simons, the lone Republican candidate in…
HISD Unveils its Compensation Plan For Next Year Full of Good News For Most, But Not All
Houston ISD today released its new 2024-25 compensation package for its employees that promises higher teacher salaries throughout the district — much higher in some cases — improved minimum pay of $15 an hour for non-teaching staff, but nowhere in its 28-page compensation package is there a single mention of librarians…
Harris County Clerk Says So Far, Election Day Is Running Smoothly
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said Election Day operations were running smoothly, with more than 26,000 Harris County voters going to the polls to cast their votes earlier this morning. During a press conference on Tuesday, Hudspeth said that one of the major challenges that the election officials face on…
Facebook, Instagram Have Huge Outage Tuesday Morning
Doomscrollers, be on alert. On Tuesday morning, the META platform, which includes Facebook and Instagram had a sizable outage (nearly 500,000 users reporting according to some estimates) that, in some cases, logged users out in mid-scroll. While META has not given any reason behind the problems, it appears that as…
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When Kim Ogg Came to Vote Today, She Found Someone Else Voted in Her Name [UPDATED]
When Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg arrived inside the community center to vote today, she was told that someone had already voted in her name. This occurred at her usual voting spot: Love Park Community Center. The incumbent, who is vying for her third term in office against challenger…
Harris County Voters Have One Final Opportunity to Cast Their Ballots in the March 5 Primary Election
Today, Harris County voters have the final opportunity to cast their ballots to decide who will be the Republican and Democratic nominees in a slate of statewide and local contests. Those heading to any of Harris County’s 545 vote centers on Election Day will also help determine which candidates will…
Father and Son Attend Besame Mucho Music Festival in Austin
As a kid, I vividly remember my home being filled with music that emanated from my father’s trusty silver boombox. Sounds of La Tremenda 1010am radio station played as we mowed the lawn, cleaned the house, and especially when we invited family over for a carnita asada. My dad began…
The Well Meaning, Misguided Cultural Sensitivity Delights of The Thanksgiving Play at 4th Wall Theatre
An elementary school teacher, trying to be culturally sensitive, assembles a four-person crew to write and produce a Thanksgiving play that won’t make the same mistakes of years past. Thing is, the group is all-white and as events prove, have little knowledge of history or Native Americans. Their well intentioned…
The Mike Evans Dream is Over for Houston Texans Fans
Of all the potential free agents on the market this offseason, the one that had been the most polarizing in my little corner of the media world, in answering the question “Does he make sense for the Houston Texans to pursue?” was Tampa Bay wide receiver and future Hall of…
Get Rocked With Dash Rip Rock
Louisiana based band Dash Rip Rock does just that. For the past 40 years the band, led by founder and guitarist Bill Davis, has been burning up stages across the country and putting out record after record never losing their fast paced, rock and roll sound. Dash Rip Rock will…
Opinion: The Whitewashing of Eric Draven
The Eric Draven incarnation of The Crow, is traditionally played by an Asian-American actor. The fact that Bill Skarsgård, a white actor, has been cast as Draven in the upcoming remake is another sad example of Hollywood whitewashing. I was chatting with New York artist Alice Meichi Li about this…
In HISD , It Looks Like Money Talks as Regards Teacher Retention
In a Monday press release that the district was clearly happy to generate, Houston ISD administrators today announced that the majority of their teachers say they are staying for the 2024-25 academic year. How much of that depends upon the higher salaries for teachers at the New Education System schools…
Alley Theatre Announces its 2024-25 Season — Classy, Classic and Comic
As part of their continuing mode “of trying to welcome people back to the theater,” Alley Theater Artistic Director Rob Melrose today announces a 78th season starting with a certified crowd pleaser based on past Alley seasons: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. It’s time to get back to…
Gold Buckle Foodie 2024: Bacon and More Bacon
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2024 is well under way. The trailriders have made it to their destination. Rodeo Uncorked has popped. The winner of the World BBQ Championship has been announced and the concerts, horseshows, mutton bustin’ and art exhibits are taking place daily through March 17. All…
With the NFL Combine Over, Here’s My Texans Free Agency Wish List
We crossed off one big NFL offseason item from the checklist this past weekend with the completion of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. There were the usual developments that we see each year at the combine — prospects getting excoriated for not working out, other prospects perhaps making millions…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Black Winter Truffle and Food Fit for a Cowboy
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, March 4 Oheya x Martin Woods Wine Dinner at Oheya Oheya by Uchi, 904 Westheimer, will welcome Martin Woods Winery’s Jason Romero to present five wines from the Willamette Valley winery, paired with chef Jacobo Ramirez’s of Uchiko Austin’s 15-course…
Beetlejuice the Musical Offers Even More Beetlejuice in a Wild Ride
Sarah Litzsinger has an impressive Broadway resume: Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Bet in Oliver! with Patti Lu Pone and Marilyn in Les Misérables. None of which is quite like the wild and crazy ride she’s experiencing as Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice about to open for a short run…
Early Voting Ends Smoothly As Harris County Election Workers Prepare For Election Day
It was a full house at the Harris County Elections Technology Center throughout the weekend as workers handed off equipment to election judges preparing their respective vote centers ahead of Tuesday’s March 5 Primary Election Day. As of Saturday afternoon, according to Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, roughly 200 judges…
Breaking Down the Academy Award “Best Original Song” Nominees
The Oscars aren’t just about movies; music plays a pivotal role at the annual awards show.
Ivan Cornejo Sings Therapeutic Love Songs in his RodeoHouston Debut
Ivan Cornejo RodeoHouston NRG Stadium March 3, 2024 Most RodeoHouston concerts start off with a bang. Literal explosions of colorful fireworks, a cacophony of music and noise, and brilliant flashes of lights fill the entire stage and arena. Sunday evening’s Ivan Cornejo show was the exact opposite. In lieu of…
Hardy Rocks RodeoHouston 2024
Some thought Hardy might go full country in his first Rodeo headlining gig; they would be wrong.
50 Cent Has His Debut Performance at the Houston Rodeo
“Put your lights up” yelled Tony Yayo as 50 Cent stood center stage in an Astros Jersey. “I want to see the whole stadium lit up!” As the audience began lighting up the darkness with the camera phones, the keys from “Many Men” off 50’s debut album began playing in…
Cirque du Soleil Dazzles With Superhuman Talent, Imagination
The sky-high thrills and jaw-dropping skills of Cirque du Soliel have returned to Houston with Corteo, running now through March 3 at Toyota Center.
![National LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group Sues Texas AG Ken Paxton To Protect Trans Families [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/translawsuit.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
National LGBTQ+ Advocacy Group Sues Texas AG Ken Paxton To Protect Trans Families [UPDATED]
PFLAG National, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, is suing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after receiving a request to turn over information regarding the work that the group does to assist families with transgender children and adolescents. According to the lawsuit filed in Travis County District Court on Wednesday, the Texas…
Nephilim and Other Reasons Someone Wanted to Kill Dade Phelan
Last week, Daniel Troy LeBlanc, 44, was indicted for terrorist threats against Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont). LeBlanc runs the D.T. Lbc Facebook page, and made the following post on January 14. And Ain’t NOBODY been protecting the Kids and GIVING THEM A VOICE…I AM… RIGHT NOW… ONE SHOT……
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Dune: Part Two
Title: Dune: Part Two, The Wrath of Shadout Mapes Describe This Movie In One Rambo III End Credit: This Film is dedicated to the Gallant People of Afghanistan Brief Plot Synopsis: In Soviet Arrakis, worm eats you! Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 3.5 frozen Han Solos out of 5. Tagline: “Long…
Openings and Closings: Duchess Dances In, Harold’s Bows Out
Duchess, 1131-01 Uptown Park Boulevard, opened February 21 in Uptown Park. Owners Peggy and Daniel Chang and Roveen Abante have brought in Chef Omar Pereney to create an eclectic menu inspired by Mediterranean, Asian and South American cuisines, with a strong influence of coastal ingredients and live-fire cooking. The menu…
Houston Texans Rated 7th Best Run Franchise by NFL Players Association
Even when the Houston Texans were at the rock bottom of the NFL in terms of their on field product, ownership and upper management were doing their best to create a work environment that was conducive to success at some point, in terms of the football operations back office stuff…
There’s Plenty of Puccini in ICCC’s Operatic Lecture Series
While the average person may not be able to name any of the operas written by the Italian composer and librettist Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), they’ve likely at least heard the titles of his most famous works: La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, Tosca or Turandot (and yes, it’s actually Madama and not…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Pies for Charity and a Sunday Brunch Debut
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Fish Fridays for Lent Friday The 40 Days of Lent have officially begun, this year running through Thursday, March 28 (with Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Sunday on March 31). If you plan on giving up meat…
Runaway Radio Documentary Revisits the Glory Days of KLOL-FM
Early in the new documentary Runaway Radio: The Rise and Fall of KLOL-FM, Pat Fant, the first program director and later general manager of the Houston rock station, describes the classic Runaway Radio logo: “The Runaway Radio comes with two things. A headline that says, ‘Free at Last!’ And a…
Slumming at the Alley with The Nerd
When the august, Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre goes slumming it always goes swank. And Larry Shue’s crass sitcom, The Nerd (1981), needs all the swank it can muster. Designer Tim Mackabee’s luxurious wood lake house in Terre Haute, Indiana, is as solid and sturdy as any seen on HGTV. When…
Winter Is On Its Way Out As Warmer Weather Days Are Ahead For Houston Area
Houston area residents can expect an encore of colder weather on Thursday before waving goodbye to winter-like conditions and saying hello to the first signs of spring as temperatures continue trending on the warmer side. “Winter — as I think we know it — is pretty much over, but it’s…
Don’t Stop Believin’: New Book Traces Journey’s Journey
They are one of the quintessential American rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, at their peak a dominating hitmaking machine and a reliable concert draw. Even today, decades past those hits and with only 2/5ths of their classic lineup, Journey can still pack outdoor sheds and ampitheaters alone, and…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Texas Spirits and a 12-Course Meat Tasting
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Rustic, 1836 Polk, 1121 Uptown Park, will celebrate Texas Independence Day on Saturday, March 2, rocking an all-day party with Texas-style fun from roller ropers and live music to $5 Tito’s lemonades. Highly-anticipated culinary event…
The Five Most Interesting Things From Nick Caserio’s NFL Combine Presser
When you have the head coach and general manager of your NFL team going to the podium on back to back days at the NFL Combine, you hope for two days worth of interesting nuggets, clear insight, and maybe even a chuckler two are in order. Texans head coach DeMeco…
Meet Houston’s Committeemen
Houston’s Committeemen who describe their music as post-punk, with 90s influence and 70s punk rock influence perform this Saturday at Eighteen Ten Ojeman.
Olivia Rodrigo Spills Her Guts To An Adoring Toyota Center
Olivia Rodrigo Toyota Center February 27, 2024 Last night was an auspicious one for out city: It marked the official opening of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and it was also the first Texas date for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts Tour, supporting her sophomore album. Apparently those of us at Toyota…
Very Early Ranking of the Astros Bench Options for 2024
With Spring Training games finally underway, we now get our chance to check out not just the Astros regulars, but a bunch of guys trying to make the final 26-man roster for Opening Day. In terms of position players, the Astros are set with their starters and two of their…
Blue Man Group: The Men Behind a Jazz Masterpiece
They are musical traditions and rites of passage: If you were a college student in the ‘80s, you were issued a copy of Bob Marley’s Legend with your freshman ID (white boy dreads and hacky sacks were optional and came later). If you were a stoner kid in the ‘70s,…
Blake Shelton Kicks Off RodeoHouston 2024 In Style
Blake Shelton RodeoHouston – Opening Night 2024 NRG Stadium February 27, 2024 Several times throughout his performance last night, Blake Shelton held his arms wide open towards the audience, as if he wanted to give everyone a big bear hug, thanking them for the love, energy, and applause. This would…
More Harris County Early Voters Are Opting To Show Up To The Polls
The second week of early voting is underway, with over 105,000 Harris County voters already casting their ballots in the March primary elections — and more opting to vote in person than in previous years. According to the Harris County Clerk’s Office Election Department, roughly 85 percent of all early…
Four Most Noteworthy Items From DeMeco Ryans’ Combine Presser
As we’ve pointed out several times since the 2023 NFL season ended, a lot can change in a year. Twelve months ago, DeMeco Ryans stepped up to the podium in Indianapolis at the NFL Draft Combine, and a vast majority of the questions were about the upcoming draft, and rebuilding…
Houston Concert Watch 2/28: Blue October, Dave Alvin and More
A number of classic rockers and folks who existed in their orbits have placed memorabilia on the auction block over the past few years. Most recently, Pattie Boyd – who was married to Beatle George Harrison and later to guitarist Eric Clapton – has cleaned out her closets and entrusted…
Katy ISD Votes To Decline Appointing Religious Chaplains To The District
On Monday, the Katy Board of Trustees voted to approve a resolution that blocked enforcing a law that would have allowed the district to hire or permit chaplains to volunteer in religious capacities. The resolution initially proposed by board president Victor Perez after last week’s workshop meeting passed on a…
From a Hospital Hallway, Blue October’s Justin Furstenfeld Shared Some Secrets to Success
When we reached Justin Furstenfeld to discuss Blue October’s approaching Houston shows and a new movie he’s in, we were sorry to learn he was at a Houston hospital seeing after a cherished family member. He assured us everything was all right and he was prepared to press on with our…
Houston Texans Considered Among Top Suitors for Several Free Agents
As was discussed in Monday’s post previewing the 2024 NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis this week, this should be an extremely active week on the free agency rumor and activity fronts. We have what amounts to a summit meeting with dozens of agents and every front office in the league,…
Christian Stand-Up John Crist Returns From ‘Cancelation’ Exile To Sold Out Arenas
It has proved to be a slow, but steady, comeback for comedian John Crist who has come out on the other side of “cancelation” to a series of sold-out events in his first tour since the pandemic. One of the final stops on his Emotional Support Tour will see him…
Manifesting The Third Mind With Dave Alvin
For veteran musician Dave Alvin, his latest project The Third Mind was a seemingly manifested collective of musicians he had kept tabs on in the hopes of one day making music together. The story of how The Third Mind came to be is fitting for the band’s psychedelic rock base…
Grammy Nominated Folk Duo The Milk Carton Kids Celebrate Leap Day at Last Concert Café
This February, we all get an extra 24 hours to enjoy – and for folk fans, your stars might be aligning this Leap Day as the Grammy-nominated folk duo from California known at The Milk Carton Kids will be playing the night away at Last Concert Café. “Never played there,”…
TikTok Personality Eli Rallo Hypes Debut Book With Live Show at Last Concert Café
The life of an influencer can be fascinating to average social median, and popular TikToker Eli Rallo is no exception. Except the content creator and debut author out-and-out refuses to be categorized without a fight. Rallo defends her multi-hyphenate status with a powerful observation of a certain double standard. “I…
2024 NFL Draft Combine: Four Things for Houston Texans Fans to Watch For
In the tapestry of the 2024 NFL offseason, one of the most important offseasons in the Houston Texans’ franchise history, the road to the NFL Draft unofficially gets underway with the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama in mid-January. However, the crown jewel on the road to the draft in April…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Get Red Beans and Rice at the 1978 Price
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, February 27 Bruliam Wines Dinner at Ostia Following the success of his first-ever wine dinner, chef Travis McShane presents his second family-style feast, featuring Bruliam Wines from the heart of Sonoma County, 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy…
Hardy Helping Lead Country’s Resurgence … Well, Sort Of
Hardy is one of the hottest names in today’s burgeoning country scene. Only issue? He’s not really a full-fledged country artist.
Masculine Dynamics at Play in Rec Room’s Deeply Perceptive King James
Quite famously, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick viewed male homosociality as being shaped like a triangle. Two men and one woman, through which they would express their intense feelings (because heaven forbid they ever expresses their feelings to each other). Sedgwick tracked this through a couple of centuries of English literature, in…
Houston Ballet’s Enchanting Cinderella Finds New Life in Age-Old Fairy Tale
Is Stanton Welch’s Cinderella as magical as its forebearers? That’s the question going in to the Wortham Theater Center for the Houston Ballet’s latest mounting of Welch’s more modern take on the age-old fairy tale, which he first premiered in 1997 with the Australian Ballet. You know the story, but…
Laughs in Spanish Uses An Art Theft as a Jumping Off Point For Humor and Deeper Meaning
Every December, celebrities, billionaires and wealthy dilettantes descend on Miami for a week of parties and extravagant events under the guise of celebrating contemporary art. Art Basel is the time when Miami art galleries see higher profits, but it’s hard to sell paintings if the art has been stolen. In…
Openings and Closings: MF Lobster & Ceviche Debuts, Mandito’s Katy Opens
MF Lobster & Ceviche, 3711 Autry Park, opened February 16. Located in the Autry Park mixed-use development alongside Buffalo Bayou near Allen Parkway, the new concept comes from celebrated sushi chef Chris Kinjo, known for his modern Japanese omakase restaurant MF Sushi. Kinjo has partnered with Chef Miquel Alvarez, who…
Sloomoo Institute Brings Slime To Prime Time
Slime is making a resurgence in Houston with the Sloomoo Institute, a destination that celebrates joy through sensory play with a mission to embrace the power of satisfaction via vivid color, the sense of scent, tactile compounds and captivating visuals and sounds.
Houston Texans Listed as Favorites to Land Bucs WR Mike Evans
Every Houston Texan fan that pays attention to NFL free agency (and my advice is to DEFINITELY pay attention to it this year) has their own shopping list, with a pecking order or priority “purchases” during the red hot early phase of free agency. When you add up the rise…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Crawfish, BBQ and Go Texan Day
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Go Texan Day Celebration at The Pit Room Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. 1201 Richmond The Pit Room is hosting Smoke & Spurs: An Annual Go Texan Day Celebration from 4 to 8 p.m. Along with its BBQ menu…
Fender (String) Bender Dave Mason Starts a Traffic Jam
If Houstonians of all races, creeds, colors, political beliefs, Spotify playlists and Wordle skill levels can agree on one thing, it’s that traffic jams suck. Unless of course, the “Traffic Jam” is the umbrella title of a tour by Classic Rock singer/guitarist Dave Mason, wordplay on the name of his…
AT&T Suffers Major Outage Affecting Millions of Customers and Cities Across the U.S.
In the wee hours of Thursday, AT&T, one of the nation’s major cellular providers, had a massive outage that, as of 10 a.m., continues unabated. According to reports, the outage, which the telecom giant has yet to explain, is impacting cities across the country and 911 service for as many…
The Nerd at Alley Theatre Employs Chris Hutchison’s Considerable Skills as an Oddball Character
As a thank you gesture, an architect invites the man who saved him to his home. What’s meant to be a brief gesture of gratitude is confounded when his guest just doesn’t leave. Alley company member Chris Hutchison has not exclusively but often played a character who’s half a click…
Rope In These 2024 Rodeo Season Food and Drink Specials in Houston
The entire city is abuzz as the highly-anticipated Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo returns to NRG Park, with opening day on Tuesday, February 27, and the action running through Sunday, March 17. As you get ready to break in your boots, bars and restaurants across town are gearing up for…
Can Music Help Us Learn New Languages?
Besame Mucho Festival is coming to Texas March 2. The festival is truly one of a kind, jam packed with some of Latin music’s most iconic acts from a span of genres. Los Tigres del Norte (who will soon be playing RodeoHouston) and Ramón Ayala will be there. There will be a…
Gov’t Mule Celebrates 30 Years of Music, Kinship and Camaraderie
It is not unusual for musicians to engage in side projects, musical ventures outside the confines of their “regular” band. Generally speaking, these endeavors are designed to scratch a musical itch that can’t be assuaged as part of their day job. Such is the case with Gov’t Mule, a band…
Best Bets: Bread and Puppet, Laughs in Spanish and Tied
The month of February is quickly coming to a close, but one thing that doesn’t change is the multitude of offerings from our city’s arts community. Keep reading for our picks of the best of the best over the coming week, including a fairy-tale ballet, a festival of Indian film,…
Giants Free Agent RB Saquon Barkley Follows Several Houston Texans on Instagram
One of the pitfalls of NFL free agency, especially for fans starved for importing star power, is that sometime the sizzle of veteran stars in free agency can blind fans to some of the real issues with said stars — age, injuries, scheme fit, and such. That brings us to…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Giddy Up for Rodeo Season Bites and Booze
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Following the success of his first-ever wine dinner, chef Travis McShane presents his second family-style feast, featuring Bruliam Wines from the heart of Sonoma County, on Tuesday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy…
Conroe ISD Trustees Vote To Throw Out Thousands Of Classroom Books
On Tuesday, The Conroe ISD Board of Trustees voted to approve disposing of discontinued instructional resources — including more than 2,800 books related to the district’s recent removals. Most of these books came off classroom shelves through informal reviews, not the formal challenge process laid out by the district, according…
Last Night: Extreme and Living Colour at the House of Blues
As bands, both Extreme and Living Colour have a shared history of roaring out of the northeast (Boston and New York to be precise) to put out some of the finest hard rock music of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Unlike a lot of their contemporaries, they also both worked in…
DeMeco Ryans Among Early Favorites for 2024 NFL Coach of the Year
Behind only the Kansas City Chiefs, who, of course, won the Super Bowl, the Houston Texans probably had the second best week of any team in Las Vegas a couple weeks ago. At the Thursday night NFL Honors ceremony, not only was Andre Johnson named a 2024 Hall of Famer,…
Miles Launches an Operations Overhaul for Efficiency, Savings and a Way to Balance His Budget
In a Tuesday press conference, as Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles enumerated all the ways he says previous administrations made poor decisions, wasting millions of dollars on unneeded expenditures and shortchanging students in the process, it was often the anecdotes that drove his points home. Why were two of the…
Houston Concert Watch 2/21: Fabulous Thunderbirds, Gov’t Mule and More
For many years now, The Smoking Gun has performed the public service of posting musicians’ tour riders on its website. This leads to periodic articles elsewhere listing all the of the wacky things that rich, spoiled rock stars demand to have backstage at their concerts. Guns N’ Roses wanted cigarettes…
What if the Pet Adoption Process Was More Like a Dating App? It’d Be a Match Made in Friendr.
Research shows that when adopting animals, potential pet owners are mostly interested in superficial characteristics — such as what the pet looks like or their weight — yet behavior is the No. 1 reason for returning them. Melissa Taylor, Animal Behavior & Training Manager at Friends For Life Animal Shelter,…
Community Organizers Ask Governor To Pump The Brakes On Concrete-Crushing Facility
Local community organizers and religious leaders are calling for Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality to reverse a permit allowing a concrete-crushing plant to be built across from the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. The TCEQ approved the permit for Texas Coastal Materials LLC., despite backlash from…
Franchise Tag 101: Why The Next Two Weeks Are Important to the Houston Texans
Today marks the beginning of the two week window where NFL teams can apply the franchise tag to one of their potential free agents this offseason. The franchise tag, on paper, is supposed to be used as a place holder for the two sides, player and management, to work out…
Where to Drink Up in Houston This National Margarita Day
National Margarita Day is coming up on Thursday, February 22, and as a tequila-soaked city, this is one foodie holiday Houston can totally get behind. From all-day happy hours to specialty margs the size of Texas, here is where to drink up in Houston on National Margarita Day. 1891 American…
Socks in the Frying Pan Love Irish Music, But Hate Leprechauns
In case his name, look, beard, and accent didn’t give it away, Shane Hayes is every bit An Irishman. He’s also the accordion player his band Socks in the Frying Pan, which play mostly their arrangements of mostly instrumental traditional Irish music. So, why the hell is he now living…
Powered by LeBron Fandom, Two Men Become Friends in King James at Rec Room Arts
Two men bond over basketball, more specifically over LeBron James. Clips are shown from different moments in the power forward’s life as he thrills Cleveland fans by leading the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and breaks their hearts a few years later when he leaves for Miami. But what Pulitzer…
Rodeo Uncorked Best Bites 2024 is a Wrap
Football season is over. Valentine’s Day has come and gone. And Mardi Gras has given way to Ash Wednesday. While some faithful folks may be giving up certain vices for Lent, others are coming out of Dry January full steam ahead. And there’s no better way to break all your…
Early Voting For 2024 March Primary Elections Starts On Tuesday
On Tuesday, Houston area early voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in several local and statewide contests and help choose which candidates will appear on the ballot for the 2024 U.S. presidential race. Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth said voters will have to decide what primary they…
C.J. Stroud Leaving Softball Game With Amber Rose Sets Internet Ablaze
It’s been quite the couple of weeks for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. On the Thursday night prior to the Super Bowl, Stroud was coronated the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, to nobody’s surprise. After presumably decompressing for a few days, this past Thursday, Stroud won MVP honors at…
As a Stepsister in Houston Ballet’s Cinderella, Elivelton Tomazi Will Be Swept Off His Feet and Onto His Toes
Four months ago Houston Ballet demi soloist Eli Tomazi got word that he’d be dancing the role of one of the stepsisters in Stanton Welch’s Cinderella which meant, of course, that he’d be en pointe. Something he’d never done before. He bought some point shoes and started rehearsing in between…
Dead Dialect Podcast’s New Season Looks Back to Pre-Pandemic Times and a Peek Ahead
Art, when it’s done well, can whisk you back to days passed but also offer a peek at all the promising ones ahead. That’s one way to consider the new season of the Dead Dialect Podcast. Time — its passing and how we hope it will gloriously unfold before us…
Living Colour’s Vernon Reid on A.I., New Music and Going Beyond “Cult” Status
One of the most important conversations going on in society today—and especially concerning the arts—is the rise, use, and misuse of Artificial Intelligence. It’s a new era where a computer program can spit out a dead-on replicas of Jane Austen novels or produce fake Van Gogh landscapes. And real photographers…
Four Things the Rockets Must Do Coming Out of the All-Star Break
The great start turned out to be misleading. After beginning the season 13-9, they have since regressed significantly, going just 11-21 since. They are just 1-5 slumping into the All-Star break with their only win on a botched call that sent them to the free throw line to win it…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Kick off Rodeo Season with BBQ, Funnel Cake and More
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, February 20 The Relic Napa Valley Wine Dinner at Marmo Marmo, 888 Westheimer, will host The Relic Napa Valley Wine Dinner, beginning with a light cocktail reception and live piano at 6:30 p.m. and followed by a six-course wine-paired dinner…
Opinion: Texas Seceding Would Make Illegal Immigration Much Worse
Living in Texas is like parenting a teenager. Any time you tell them they can’t do an obviously bad thing, they threaten to leave. Case in point, the recent talk about secession over illegal immigration. Now, Texas loves to talk about secession almost as much as it loves to tell…
A Night at the (Chinese) Opera; For Kids, No Less
For its 76th world premiere – a feat that rivals if not betters Milan’s legendary La Scala for world premiere operas – Houston Grand Opera unveils for Lunar New Year a kiddie opera, The Big Swim. In association with Asia Society Texas, HGO brings on the animals to tell the…
The Light in the Piazza at Opera in the Heights: That’s Amore
In its most sumptuous production in seasons, Opera in the Heights presents the Tony-winning musical The Light in the Piazza (2005). Composed by Adam Guettel (grandson of iconic Richard Rodgers), who also penned the lyrics, and with a literate book by notable playwright Craig Lucas (Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless,…
Last Night: Eagles and Steely Dan at the Toyota Center
The idea of a classic rock band’s “farewell tour” has been the butt of jokes—deservedly so—since back in the early ‘80s. Remember when we used to think the idea of rock stars in their mid-40s was incomprehensible—and probably absurd? And even when they’ve sworn up and down and even signed…
Texas AG Paxton Still On Course For Trial On Securities Fraud Case
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is still set to see his day in trial court over the nearly nine-year-long securities fraud case against him after Harris County District Judge Andrea Beall denied a motion to dismiss the charges against Paxton. Beall took up a motion filed last week by Paxton’s…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Bob Marley: One Love
Title: Bob Marley: One Love Describe This Movie In One Simpsons Quote: BART: Dad, you can’t wear that. It’s a Rastafarian hat. HOMER: Hey, I’ve been safari-ing since before you were born. Brief Plot Synopsis: In which one of Eric Clapton’s best songs is written by a Jamaican. Rating Using Random Objects…
Openings and Closings: Postscript HTX Debuts, Conservatory Galleria Opening
PostScript HTX, 2800 Kirby, opened February 12 at Shops at Arrive River Oaks. The new wining and dining destination has a glamorous interior, done by local designer Erin Hicks, with pinks and florals and velvets creating a decidedly feminine interior. It’s the creation of GAP Concepts owners Veeral Rathod and…
How Should the Texans Handle Nico Collins’ Contract This Offseason?
There is a give and a take when it comes to the Huston Texans’ upcoming offseason in free agency. On the one hand, depending on which salary cap website you frequent, the Texans have anywhere from $55 million to $70 million in salary cap space. On the other hand, no…
Apollo Chamber Players Takes A Definitive Look At Revisionism
Apollo Chamber Players continues its season of spotlighting silenced voices with Revised, a genre-fusing statement on poetry, peace, censorship and Black revisionism this weekend.
The Way it Was: Eminem, The Slim Shady LP
Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP” not only created a superstar; it changed the course of 90s pop music.
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Fish Fridays and the Saint Arnold Pub Crawl Takes White Oak
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Fish Fridays for Lent Friday The 40 Days of Lent have officially begun, this year running from through Thursday, March 28 (with Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Sunday on March 31). If you plan on giving up…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Anti-Valentine’s Day and the Return of the Mudbug
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: The Pit Room, 1201 Richmond, has officially kicked off its crawfish season, selling crawfish by the pound for $13.99, a Three Pounder option for $38 and a Feast variety that included three pounds of crawfish, two…
Best Bets: Black Art Houston, Danish String Quartet and Vintage Toys
Happy day-after-Valentine’s-Day! If you’re not quite ready to let go of the holiday spirit, we’ve got great love songs and a love-at-first-sight musical. If you’re over it, we’ve got a ton of art, short films, and one of the country’s most popular game shows visiting Houston. Keep reading for these…
Texans QB C.J. Stroud Among Leading MVP Candidates for 2024 Season
I don’t think many people were surprised that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was a capable rookie quarterback. When you’re the second overall pick, “capable” shouldn’t be a super high bar to clear. However, Stroud putting up one of the best rookie seasons, at any position, in league history was not…
Southern Rockers The Atlanta Rhythm Section Pick a Peachy Biography
They are usually never mentioned in the same breath as “Southern Rock” contemporaries like the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, or the Outlaws. They did not have an extroverted lead singer, and many casual fans would be hard pressed to recall any of their…
Rising Costs of Vet Visits Makes it Tough for Pet Owners, Vets and Pets
Larry is no stranger to the inside of a vet clinic. His 11-year-old shepherd pit bull mix, Leo, has had a series of health issues, including allergies and gastrointestinal problems since he was first adopted when he was two months old. Leo’s inconsistent health requires Larry to feed him a…
Alan Cumming, the Actor of Many Accents, Heads For Houston to Act His Age
How is it you know Alan Cumming? Is it as the sharp if shifty political consultant Eli Gold on The Good Wife and The Good Fight? The polished announcer who opens up Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS? The Tony Award-winning emcee in the Broadway revival of Cabaret? The mayor from Schmigadoon! …
Which Houston Texans 2024 Mega Road Game Would You Choose?
With the Super Bowl behind us, we’ve now entered the NFL’s offseason, and for the first time in a long time, Houston Texans fanfare feeling great about the direction of their favorite team. The Texans should field a better team in 2024 than 2023, thanks to one more draft class…
Houston Concert Watch 2/14: Eagles, Gipsy Kings and More
It has been a few years since the Guinness Book of World Records crossed my mind. However, a news story concerning a record (for the tallest structure made of matches, an Eiffel Tower replica) that was disallowed (bespoke match sticks) and then reinstated (woo hoo!) caused me to harken back…
Five Storylines to Watch at Astros Spring Training
Football season is over, basketball is through half of its season which means baseball is back. Hard to imagine considering the Astros just stopped playing in November, but pitchers and catchers report this week to Palm Beach at the newly christened Cacti Park of Palm Beach. Houston hip hop artist…
Could the Houston Texans Play in the 2024 Season Opener Against the Chiefs?
When a team wins a Super Bowl, a lot of the analysis and processing has to do with the game that was just played, and its ramifications on various legacies. The aftermath of Sunday’s Kansas City win over San Francisco in Super Bowl LVIII was flush with talk of legacies,…
Sex Pistol Glen Matlock Pulls the Triggers on Punk Rock Life and More
There was a time in the 1980s where—by his own admission—Glen Matlock was a heavily imbibing alcoholic. He’d been told that by keeping his stomach full, the ill effects of the booze could be stymied (or at least lessened), and his solution was to grab a packet of cheese and…
Fish Fridays: Where to Find Seafood, Vegetarian and Meat-Free Eats in Houston During Lent This Year
Before Easter is the “Great 40 Days” of Lent — this year running from Ash Wednesday, February 14 through Thursday, March 28 (with Good Friday on March 29 and Easter Sunday on March 31). It’s a time of sacrifice for many, and one popular way to show that sacrifice is…
Opinion: The Hines Waterwall is Not Romantic
This Valentine’s Day, couples from all over Houston will head to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, utterly convinced it’s a romantic spot. It’s not. Don’t get me wrong, it looks like it’s going to be romantic. There are a ton of photographers who specialize in capturing the magic of an…
Super Bowl LVIII: Chiefs 25, 49ers 22 (OT) — Four Winners, Four Losers
As a city whose NFL team is part of the AFC, I long for the day when the Houston Texans aren’t toiling for relevance in the midst of a dynastic run. For the Texan’ first 17 seasons, 2002 through 2018, the New England Patriots owned the football world, winning six…
High School Students Tell Us Whether Music Journalism is Dead
Adrian doesn’t look like the harbinger of death. No black cloak or sickle, just a really generous smile and an incredibly upbeat demeanor for eight o’clock in the morning. Adrian is a junior at South Houston High School in Pasadena, one who’s stopped by the station I’m manning early on…
Washington Ave. Mess Raises Questions About Mayor Whitmire’s Commitment to Traffic Safety
This past week, Mayor John Whitmire, after some contentious discussions and even a small protest, gave the go ahead to the Public Works Department to remove recently added street improvements at Washington Avenue and Lubbock on Houston Street. The upgrades at the crosswalk were designed to improve bike and pedestrian…
The Light in the Piazza: A Simple Love Story With Brilliant Music at Opera in the Heights
A young American woman and her mother are visiting Florence when a wayward breeze leads to a chance encounter with a young Italian man and love at first sight. Naturally enough, the mother, Margaret, steers her daughter Clara away from this stranger, but Fabrizio follows them to their next stop…
Strong Storms Ring In Super Bowl Sunday
Those intending to make a day of Super Bowl Sunday could find the drive to their favorite sports bar soggier than expected as the strong storms moving through the region bring the potential for severe weather throughout the afternoon.
A Journey Across America Closes the Gap Between Mother and Daughter in 26 Miles
There’s nothing like being in a car over a long distance for a long period time with a parent you haven’t seen in years. 26 Miles currently playing at Main Street Theater, written by Pulitzer Prize winning Quiara Alegria Hudes, captures the spontaneous road trip initiated by a headstrong Cubana…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Toast to Love this Valentine’s Day
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, February 12 Lundi Gras Supper at Brennan’s of Houston Iconic Creole restaurant Brennan’s, 3300 Smith, will pregame for Tuesday’s Mardi Gras celebrations with a Lundi Gras Supper on Monday, February 12, honoring the day the King of the Zulu and…
End of the World Goes For Broad
Devin doesn’t want to be like this, Houston playwright Michael Weems tells us in the program for his new play, End of the World. The “this” he refers to is his main character’s obsessive need to drown out the world the only way that seems to work for her –…
It Is Magic is a Weird Surprise and an Even Weirder Gift at The Catastrophic Theatre
“Things are getting crazy at the local playhouse…” in The Catastrophic Theatre’s latest production, Mickle Maher’s It Is Magic. And surprisingly, that’s kind of an understatement. In the basement of the Mortier Civic Playhouse, aspiring playwright and actual admin Deb hangs on every word spoken by Tim, who’s reading for…
19 More Schools Apply to NES for 2024-25 and Miles Lets Them All In
Nineteen Houston ISD schools voluntarily applied for 14 slots in the New Education System for the 2024-25 school year and as it turned out, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles couldn’t say no to any of them. So it’ll be 19 on top of the 26 F and low-D rated schools…
Madison High School On Lockdown After Receiving Report of Gunshots In The Area
On Friday, Madison High School families were notified that the campus was placed under lockdown for the school day after gunshots were reported in the surrounding area. The Houston Police Department confirmed that the suspected shooting did not occur at the school. HPD received a call at 9:30 a.m. about…
Book Dissects the Music—and Madness—of A-List Classic Rock Drummer Jim Gordon
He was arguably rock’s greatest drummer, or at least on the short list. An inventive percussionist who lifted about everything he played on, he often came up with his drum licks, beats and fills on the spot in the studio or on stage. He played with three of Classic Rock’s…
Openings and Closings: Cyclone Anaya’s River Oaks Opens, Nando’s Cinco Ranch
Cyclone Anaya’s, 3736 Westheimer, opened February 6 in River Oaks, taking over the former home of Frank’s Americana Revival, which is relocating to 3015 Wesleyan. It’s the 7th location for the Tex-Mex brand, a longtime Houston favorite named for Mexican wrestler Jesus Becerra Valencia, better known by his stage name,…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Out Of Darkness
Title: Out of Darkness Describe This Movie In One “The Cave” Lyric: MUMFORD & SONS: The harvest left no food for you to eat You cannibal, you meat-eater, to see Brief Plot Synopsis: Prehistoric peril plagues plucky primitives. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Films: 2.5 Fear of the Dark albums out…
The Four Biggest Legacies On the Line at Super Bowl LVIII
Four years ago this weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers faced off in Super Bowl LIV, one of the last big parties before our nation got swept up in a pandemic. On that Sunday evening, the Chiefs did what they did all postseason long that year…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Mardi Gras, Lunar New Year and Super Bowl LVIII
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: HTX Mardi Gras Bash at Urban South Brewery Friday–Sunday 1201 Oliver The HTX taproom will host a Texas-sized Mardi Gras party all weekend long, featuring Dong Phuong King Cakes with Pint & Slice pairings for all three days (limited),…
Harmonies Takes Music Boxes To The Next Level
Houston’s Theater District is wrapping up its presentation of Harmonies, a series of interactive music boxes positioned throughout the entertainment district. Run, don’t walk, as the installation closes at the end of this weekend.
Texans Legend Andre Johnson Named to Pro Football Hall of Fame
When Andre Johnson became eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame two voting cycles ago, the biggest obstacle to Johnson gaining entry into Canton was the logjam of elite wide receivers already on the ballot. Stars like Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt had already been finalists for…
Column: Getting to the Heart of HISD’s Board of Managers
An audio recording is circulating of Sharpstown principal Thomas “T.J.” Cotter absolutely screaming at a select group of students about their use of cell phones, earbuds and the wearing of crocs. Violate the policies and they’ll get Saturday detention. There is nowhere else they can go in Houston ISD where…
Houston Chamber Choir Passes The Baton To A New Leader – But Not Just Yet
Nearing his 30th season as the figurehead of Houston Chamber Choir, the organizations founder and artistic director Robert Simpson has announced that he will step down from the choir and pass the conductor’s baton to internationally recognized choir conductor Betsy Cook Weber.
Best Bets: The House, Lunar New Year and Before Sunset
This week starts with Laugh and Get Rich Day and ends with Valentine’s Day. We can help with two of those, but you’re going to have to work on getting rich on your own. Keep reading for our latest list of best bets, which include some sure to make you…
Five Best Super Bowl LVIII Prop Bets
When it comes to excess, this Sunday’s Super Bowl, the 58th edition of America’s biggest sporting event, has a chance to be the symbol of excessiveness in every way, shape, and form. With the game being played in Las Vegas, there has never been a glitzier Super Bowl. With Taylor…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Spiced Hurricanes, Beer and Chocolate Pairings and Warming Whiskey
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Urban South Brewery, 1201 Oliver, has teamed up with award-winning chocolatier Mostly Chocolate to offer a Chocolate & Beer pairing from February 13–18, pairing four of its innovative craft beers with four decadent chocolate truffles. Flights…
Green Day is Back. Again.
With Saviors, its new album, Green Day shows it’s not going anywhere.
True Detective: Night Country and Mr. & Mrs. Smith Offer New Takes on Established Properties
In television, we are constantly reminded that shows are never really gone, especially if their popularity and cultural iconography can be used to generate interest. Even if a new show could be called something completely different, attaching it to something that already exists is the way of Hollywood and television…
Honor Local Black History During Urban Souls Dance Company’s Souls of Black Houston
For a modern, fresh approach to Black history, turn to the founder and artistic director of Urban Souls Dance Company, Harrison Guy. The choreographer will celebrate Black History Month and his company’s 20th anniversary season with Souls of Black Houston, a dance concert scheduled for February 10 at The Hobby…
Where to Let the Good Times Roll in Houston on Fat Tuesday 2024
Falling on Tuesday, February 13 this year, Mardi Gras — or Fat Tuesday — is the final day of Carnival, a gluttonous day of overabundance before the fasting of the Lenten season begins. If you’re looking to let the good times roll in Houston this year, you’ve come to the right city, as…
TEA Commissioner Tours 3 HISD Schools and Likes What He Sees in Miles’ New System
An affable, casually dressed Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath came to Houston Tuesday, surveyed the goings on at three Houston ISD schools and pronounced himself pleased with how things are proceeding at the New Education System schools. “I, of course, have visited Houston schools many times over the years…
The Eight Most Fun Taylor Swift Super Bowl Prop Bets
If you don’t have a rooting interest in either of the teams participating in the Super Bowl, and you’re inclined to place the occasional wager to keep things interesting, then prop bets are the lifeblood of Super Bowl season. This season is like nothing we’ve ever seen before, though! Because…
Sunday Funday: Japaneiro’s
Sometimes when dining plans go awry, there can be happy accidents and that was the case this past weekend when I traveled southwest of Houston to have a day out with my sister-in-law. Our original plan for margaritas and Mexican food at a popular establishment in Missouri City was nixed…
Houston Concert Watch 2/7: Jared James Nichols, Hot Club of Cowtown and More
The Grammy Awards were not half bad this year. It was touching to see Joni Mitchell performing again after years of crippling health issues. Her voice, once a pure soprano, is now a husky contralto, but no matter. Brandi Carlile, who has helped Mitchell regain her form over the past…
Altuve Signs Long-Term Extension with Astros
Once an Astro, always an Astro. Jose Altuve, arguably the best player in Astros history, signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the team on Tuesday virtually guaranteeing the second baseman will remain with the franchise for the entirety of his career. Altuve was set to be a free gent…
Why the Rockets May Need to Defer Major Trade Decisions Until Next Year
Despite entering what the Rockets have referred to as “phase two” of their rebuild this season, coach Ime Udoka would prefer to win now. Most coaches would. Wins and losses are how they are best defined and anyone as competitive as Udoka places the greatest values on those numbers. But,…
Houston Restaurants and Bars Are Offering Catering and To-Go Options for Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl LVIII is going down on Sunday, February 11 at Nevada’s Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs facing off for the championship. As you get ready for a Super Bowl Watch Party of your own, these Houston…
If You’re an Indie Author, Be Prepared for Endless Scams
Lots of writers end up breaking their dad’s heart, but not the way I did. He called me out of the blue one day, breathless, because a publisher was trying to get ahold of me. They really loved my book and wanted to speak to me right away. It was…
Jenny Boyd Peels Back the Layers of Art, Creativity and Inspiration Among Music’s Big Names
Jenny Boyd wasn’t just a chronicler or observer of the ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll scenes in the US and UK—she was an active participant. The It Girl model inspired Donovan’s “Jennifer Juniper,” was married to Mick Fleetwood (twice) with whom she had two children, and had a front…
In Conroe ISD the Books Are Quietly Disappearing Off the Shelves
In November 2023, Conroe ISD trustees, not unlike other Texas public school districts as of late, decided they needed to get tougher about books on their shelves. They voted to approve revisions to the district’s book review process, one of which would allow only one trustee to appeal a decision…
Who Will Be Texans OC Bobby Slowik’s Main Competition for Head Coach Jobs
When you have a well coached football team, it’s usually not only because you have a great head coach, but also said head coach has hired an outstanding staff, proficient in developing talent. This is the situation in which the Houston Texans find themselves — DeMeco Ryans is an outstanding…
Houston’s Up and Comers Show Wide Range of Theater Talent
The love of going to the theater is all about discovery. It’s about seeing a new play you’ve been dying to catch or how a modern director might interpret a classic. Theater is about experiencing how that actor you loved in that thing you saw reinvents themselves in the show…
Grading the NFL’s New Head Coaching Hires for 2024
For the first time since the 2020 offseason, the Houston Texans were not in the market for a new head coach, and based on how DeMeco Ryans’ first season went, they won’t be looking for a new head coach for a long, long time. Ryans lived up to the hype…
Bridging the Mother-Daughter Gap in 26 Miles at Main Street Theater
An upset 15-year-old calls her mother late one night. Not too unusual in any family until you learn that mother and daughter have been estranged both physically and emotionally for eight years after the mom lost her in a custody battle. Impulsively, the two decide to take a cross country road…
Super Bowl Halftime Headliner – Who’s Next?
Usher is playing this year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Who might the NFL have in mind for the big game in coming years?
I Changed My Flight to Avoid a Boeing Max 9
Sitting in the Phoenix airport waiting for the flights of friends to arrive before a vacation weekend, everything felt fine. My wife and I were parked at a table in the concourse enjoying a bagel and getting some work done before sloughing off the work week. Our Southwest flight from…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Lunar New Year and Game Day Grub
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, February 8 Brovia Wine Dinner at Ostia Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy, will host its first-ever wine dinner, featuring legendary producer Brovia Winery. The evening will begin with light bites and bubbles in Ostia’s dining room at 6:30 p.m., followed by a…
Rockets Trade for Injured Steven Adams
The Houston Rockets made their first move ahead of the February 8 trading deadline sending Victor Oladipo and three second round draft picks to Memphis in exchange for New Zealand born center Steven Adams. The move, essentially swapping injured players (Adams is out for the season with a knee injury)…
Openings and Closings: Dominick Lee Returns, Eculent Will Transform
Augustine’s, 2615 Riverside, is shooting to open in fall 2024 on the ground floor of the Hotel King David and the chef leading the concept is one familiar to many Houstonians. Chef Dominick Lee, former executive chef at the now-shuttered Poitin, is returning to Houston after a two-year culinary journey…
C.J. Stroud’s First Big Endorsement — Buffalo Wing Cheetos!
We are into the part of the calendar year that is widely known for two big things — the Super Bowl and commercials that run during (or around the time of) the Super Bowl. Admit it, some of you just sit down to watch the Super Bowl purely FOR the…
February Gardening To-Do List
It finally stopped raining in Houston. As if the hard freeze had not been tough enough on our yards and gardens, we got bombarded with several days of flooding, especially to the north and south of the city. It’s enough to make a Houston gardener throw in the trowel. But,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: BBQ on the Bayou and Mardi Gras Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Hattie B X Loro Collaboration at Loro Friday–Sunday 1001 West 11th Ahead of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken’s Austin opening, all Loro locations will feature a limited-time collaboration menu of umami-forward specials. Hit it this weekend to get eatss like…
Rockets Hit Wins Mark at Season Midpoint
There is no denying it has been an exciting year for the Rockets. After three miserable losing seasons, they finally seem to have taken the leap to respectability. Sure, that leap has come with growing pains. They still have very young players on this team and are trying to implement…
More Days and a Deeper Dive Into July in Proposed New HISD 2024-2025 Calendar
Houston ISD has sent out its proposed school calendar for 2024-25 to its students’ families and it’s one that calls for the first day of school to move to Monday, August 12 and the last day to be Wednesday, June 4. In addition, summer school will run from June 17…
Best Bets: Japanese Dance, ReelAbilities and A Trip to the Moon
One month down and 11 more to go in 2024 as we move into February, but one thing that doesn’t change it our weekly list of best bets. This week, we’ve got the music of greats like George Gershwin and Frank Loesser, one-night-only of Japanese dance, and the return of…
Houston is Having a Sports Moment
The Houston Sports Awards were this week honoring local sports icons and newcomers alike. Now former Mayor Sylvester Turner was honored for all of the sporting events that took place during his tenure, but if things continue the way they are, current Mayor John Whitmire might be grabbing his own…
Houston Symphony Goes Ga-Ga For Gershwin
Houston Symphony is kicking off the month of love with Jazz, Love & Gershwin: A Century of Rhapsody In Blue, featuring guest performers Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Catherine Russell and the world-renowned Marcus Roberts Trio.
Wings, Beer Buckets and Parties: Where to Watch Super Bowl LVIII in Houston This Year
The Super Bowl LVIII is going down on Sunday, February 11 at Nevada’s Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders, with the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs facing off for the championship. Houston bars and restaurants are getting in on the game day action too, of course;…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Celebrate the Year of the Dragon
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Ostia, 2032 Dunlavy, will host its first-ever wine dinner on Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature legendary producer Brovia Winery, beginning with light bites and bubbles in Ostia’s dining room and followed by…
Houston Texans Final PFF Fab Five of 2023 Season
It’s always more fun to follow the weekly grind of the NFL when you can revel in the fact that your team is flush with talented players. During the season, I am a frequenter of Pro Football Focus, the website that grades every player in the NFL on every snap,…
Atsuko Okatsuka Goes For More In Her Stand-Up
Things are trending in the right direction for comedian Atsuko Okatsuka. Everytime she visits Houston, she is selling more seats. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger every time,” she agrees. “First time was The Secret Group in Houston, then it was the Houston Improv which was 150 and now…
Get On Your Feet! to the Toe-Tapping Rhythms of Gloria Estefan’s Life Story at TUTS
Let’s start with a hot take: Gloria Estefan is an underrated and underappreciated artist. Yes, the first Latina to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the seller of over 100 million records, winner of eight Grammys, possessor of a Presidential Medal of Freedom, breaker of glass ceilings –…
Ted: Often Juvenile But A Cast That Makes it a Special Brand of Comfort Food
Occasionally, you scroll through social media, and some show or movie has taken over your timeline. You don’t know if it’s genuine or if the algorithm nefariously working some magic to get eyes on a show. There is a chance that the hype you see is evidence of a great…
Houston Concert Watch 1/31: Jason Boland, Shelley King and More
Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is emblematic of a number of things wrong with this country, but for the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on her behavior at live music performances. As those who follow current events will recall, Boebert recently made a Republican spectacle of herself at a…
See Beauty and Expectations “Through the Lens of Black Women” During MFAH Film Series
Autumn Johnson says she’s always had an interest in film, an interest that took the self-described “theater kid” from AV production classes in middle school to the University of Houston, where she majored in media production and English literature. That interest also led to an internship with the Museum of…
Ben Shapiro Rapping is As Bad As You Think
Conservative media pimple Ben Shapiro added another notch to his belt last Friday: guest rapper. It sucked like a vacuum cleaner powered by a black hole. “Facts” comes courtesy of Tom MacDonald, the alt-right’s rhymester in residence, and he makes his money off rapping about how trans people don’t exist…
Texans QB C.J. Stroud Named to 2024 Pro Bowl Games
As a Houston Texans fan, I just can’t relive the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft enough times, the night that flipped the trajectory of this franchise 180 degrees. In our way-back machine called YouTube, we harken back below to the Texans’ draft party at Miller Outdoor Theater for…
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Oral Arguments Begin in Efforts To Overturn Ban on Gender-Affirming Care For Minors [UPDATED]
The Supreme Court of Texas will hear oral arguments on Tuesday in a case challenging a law that went into effect last September that prohibits transgender children and adolescents from receiving gender-affirming care. Senate Bill 14 bans access to treatments, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for transgender youth…
Sarah Shook And The Disarmers Play A High Lonesome Set At The Duck
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers McGonigel’s Mucky Duck January 29, 2024 You can be sure of a few things when you attend a show at the Duck: someone will say something loudly during a quiet moment, a patron will discover their bar seat’s line of sight goes directly through the…
The Myth of the Astros Closing Window
It is understandable that the talk surrounding the Astros would be about just how long they can keep up their level of winning. When you go to seven straight ALCS, that will happen. The discussion is often around the Astros “window.” How long can they keep that window of excellence…
The Spicolis Revisit the ’80s and Find Nothin’ But a Good Time
It’s a rainy Friday night and Dave Nelson—co-founder and bassist of ‘80s cover band the Spicolis—is standing outside the Bedrock Tavern in Cypress, northwest of Houston. A favored watering hole for locals, it’s set in a nondescript strip center off Grant Road right across the fancy-sounding suburb of Lakewood Estates…
Houston Texans Among Top Eight Favorites to Win 2025 Super Bowl
This time three years ago, the Houston Texans were one day removed from making one of the strangest hires in the history of the NFL, bringing in nondescript Ravens wide receivers coach David Culley to be their next head coach. Those were trying times. A year ago, the Texans were…
It Comes Full Circle as Houston Comic Michael Yo Levels Up at House of Blues
It is homecoming full of meaning for Michael Yo. The entertainment journalist turned comedian is returning to his Houston stomping grounds for a night at the House of Blues to perform, what he reveals to be, his biggest night of comedy yet. “I’m so excited for the show,” Yo says…
Steel Magnolias at A.D. Players Will Tug at Your Heartstrings
If you’re a sucker for Hallmark cards with a Southern drawl, or you like your entertainment redolent with clouds of hairspray – but slathered with a backwater accent that could melt buttah – then I have a play for you. You must have guessed: that popular, crowd-pleasing, chick-play deluxe, Robert…
Four Houston Texans Among Finalists for Major NFL Awards
The NFL Honors ceremony, in which the league announces the winners of its major awards (as voted on by the Associated Press voters), has become one of the premier events of the week leading up to the Super Bowl. In Houston, you may not have been aware of that, since…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Hot Chicken Ramen and BBQ on the Bayou
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Tuesday, January 30 Saint Arnold Tap Takeover at Grand Prize Bar Saint Arnold will toast the launch of its Grand Prize Beer at Grand Prize Bar, 1010 Banks, taking over the dive beginning at 5 p.m. The beer is Saint A’s…
It is Magic at Catastrophic Set to Create Its Own Brand of the Eerie
It is difficult to keep a straight face upon learning that the plot of It Is Magic begins with two of the main characters auditioning an actor in the basement of a community theater for “the role of the Wolf in an adult adaptation of The Three Little Pigs.” Knowing…
Opinion: Authoritarianism is a Literal Drug
The clear frontrunner of the Republican Party for president is a man who was impeached and is due in court for participating in an attempted overthrow of the government. Some have called Donald Trump a cult leader. I think he’s a drug. Cards on the table, I am a recovering…
What We Learned From the 2024 Music Festival Lineup
Lineups for a number of major music festivals have gone live for 2024. What trends have emerged from those announcements?
August Wilson’s Piano Symphony is a Standout Production at The Ensemble Theatre
When you unleash the Ensemble Theatre on an August Wilson play, you should stand back. The tidal wave will knock you over and curl your hair. Ghosts haunt Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning playwright August Wilson’s mammoth ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle, plays that cover each decade of the 20th century seen through…
Houston Grand Opera Does a Fine Job Presenting the Classic Madame Butterfly
Is there any more tuneful “star turn” in opera than Cio-Cio-San’s entrance in Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly? Besotted with American naval officer Pinkerton, on shore leave in Nagasaki, the young geisha has been sold by marriage broker Goro for $100. Accompanied by friends and relatives, she walks up the hill…
More Solar Installers Are Stranding Local Consumers As Businesses Go Belly-Up
Camille Mitchell sat in her living room, phone clutched in her hand, listening for a voice to come through on the other line. She was on hold with the lender that financed the solar panel system on top of her Clear Lake City home. She waited to discuss a $189…
Six Houston Texans Seeking Redemption in 2024
On Tuesday this week, the Pro Football Writers Association named Houston Texans rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year, respectively. Those two young players are the foundational rocks upon which a bright future of Texans football is currently being built. There are a…
Openings and Closings: Costa Fina Opens, Alice Blue and Urban Eats Will Depart
Costa Fina Latin Coastal Kitchen, 26543 Kuykendahl, opened January 16 in The Woodlands area. It’s the fifth restaurant from Enrique Orioli and his family-owned Orioli Restaurant Group. The family also owns and operates four other Woodlands dining establishmenst beginning with Via Emilia in 2000, followed by Terra Vino, Marcoza Trattoria…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
Miller’s Girl
Title: Miller’s Girl Describe This Movie Using One “Hot For Teacher” Lyric: VAN HALEN: I think of all the education that I’ve missed But then my homework was never quite like this Brief Plot Synopsis: Teacher/student liaisons are always an Humbert-able possibility. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2.5 Gordon Sumners…
Opinion: Texas Will Not Use Backroom Deals to Keep Trump From Being Nominated
Texans will not resort to backroom deals, manipulating the state’s open primary system to make sure Donald Trump doesn’t get nominated to run for President on the Republican ticket. In political terms, this is known as ratfucking, a delightful term handed down from the Watergate era to describe backroom deals and…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Sparkling Winter Wines and a Crawl Through Chinatown
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Year of the Dragon Chinatown Crawl at 75 BBQ & Hot Pot Buffet (start) Saturday, 11 a.m. 8880 Bellaire Chinatown Crawl HTX will host its 10th annual Lunar New Year celebration, this year celebrating the Year of the Dragon…
Pictures From Home Looks At The Parent Behind The Photo
Larry’s favorite photograph of his dad is the one his father hates the most. The shot, taken by Larry, a distinguished photographer, is a close-up of his father, Irv, sleeping peacefully on the family’s California living room couch. Through Larry’s eyes, the image captures the vulnerability his father masks in…
Lessons in Kindergarten Involving a Photo of Two Frogs Getting it On
Well there’s not too much more to say when you see this screenshot of a slide that was part of a lesson at New Education System and NES- Aligned schools in Houston ISD this week. Reportedly part of a session on the environment (and full marks for citing a local…
Hasaan Olu Challenges Listeners and Live Show Fans to Think Differently About Music
Ichikara Valdez wants to push musical boundaries in Houston. He believes his band Hasaan Olu is already doing that sonically and he’s hoping its approach to live shows will be a model for other genre-defying acts. Known simply as “I.V.” to family, friends and fans, Valdez is perhaps best known as…
Best Bets: Taxonomies, Echoes of Change and The Piano Lesson
Today is National Observe the Weather Day, and it’s a good time to do so since it looks like our own weather will be improving over the next week. That means it’s perfect to go out and enjoy our picks for best bets, which include a nature-inspired music, a sneak…
Houston Texans DE WilL Anderson Named To First Pro Bowl
For the first offseason in a long, long time, Houston Texans fans should brace themselves and get ready for plenty of push notifications for good, POSITIVE news items, as opposed to push notifications regarding what had become an annual search for a head coach before landing DeMeco Ryans a year…
Author Goes Granular with Books on Cream and the Who’s Live San Francisco Gigs
Italian musician and music journalist Edoardo Genzolini may have only been born in 1991, but he’s got the heart, soul and dedication of the most diehard and more experienced Classic Rock fans. In a pair of books, he focuses with intensity on his two favorite bands—Cream and The Who—and their…
What’s That Sound? It’s The Future.
The future has never sounded brighter. Houston Chamber Choir’s Hear The Future Invitational Choral Festival will take place on the weekend of January 27 – 28 at South Main Baptist Church and allow audiences to experience the budding performers in their nascent years as they display their developing talents to the world.
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Nashville Hot Chicken Meets Texas Smoke
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Hot Thai concept MaKiin, 2651 Kipling, will host an exclusive dinner in collaboration with former Ingido chef-owner Jonathan “Jonny” Rhodes on Saturday, January 27. MaKiin’s chefs Eakkapan Ngammuang and Aphassorn Predawan will join forces with Rhodes,…
James Beard 2024 Semifinalists: Houston Nominees
The James Beard Foundation announced its list of semifinalists for its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards today. The finalists will be announced April 3. The winners will be honored at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony, to be held June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The…
Time For Houston To Stand Up For On Your Feet! The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan
When the national tour of On Your Feet! The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan returns to Houston next week, they’ll be bringing along Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, a member of the ensemble who after being born in Puerto Rico, moved to the Houston area when she was 7 years old and…
Houston Texans Rookie Class Rated Best in NFL by ESPN.com
If we are looking back at various inflection points over the last 12 months, where the rebirth of the Houston Texans back to relevancy was supercharged by a decision or set of decisions made by upper management, the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft might be at the top…
Houston Concert Watch 1/24: Sue Foley, Bob Schneider and More
Ozzy Osbourne fans have been repeatedly disappointed over the past couple of years. Not by his concert performances, but by his lack of concert performances. A tour was cancelled last year, along with promised appearances at music festivals. Along with many of his rock and roll contemporaries, Osbourne has been…
Joshua Redman Explores Where We Are on Jazzy Trek Across America
When saxophonist and bandleader Joshua Redman returns to Houston, he’ll bring music from his latest project, where we are. The album, on which every track references a specific U.S. location, marks the first time Redman has collaborated with a vocalist, Gabrielle Cavassa, or as Redman puts it, the first time…
Little Hen: Afternoon Tea with Friends
Houston is dreary right now. Our New Year has been cold and windy, rainy and glum. Looking out over our backyards or neighborhood streets, we see blackened and withered leaves clinging to plants that may or may not come back to life this spring. While Houstonians don’t get cabin fever…
Billy Wagner Falls Five Votes Short of Hall of Fame
On Tuesday, it was announced former Astros closer Billy Wagner fell five votes short and will not be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. Wagner, whose eligibility will end after next year’s vote, came up with just 73.8 percent of the vote (75 percent is required). He…
![Wet Wednesday Morning Commutes Predicted For Houston Area [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wednesdayearlymorning.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Wet Wednesday Morning Commutes Predicted For Houston Area [UPDATED]
Houston residents should not expect a wet weather reprieve on Wednesday, as forecasts indicate showers and thunderstorms will likely settle back into the area during the early morning hours and persist on and off throughout the day. According to Space City Weather, unlike Tuesday’s rainfall, which concentrated north of Interstate…
Miles Names 26 More Schools to Join the NES Family in 2024-25 and Releases School Ratings
Bolstered by what he called “better than expected” improved scores in English and math from New Education System students on the national tests they took last week, Superintendent Mike Miles today released the district’s own school assessment ratings and announced that 26 schools will become NES campuses next year. Tired…
Pitchfork Being Absorbed by GQ Another Blow to Unheard Artists
Not everyone likes Pitchfork Media. Its reviews, with their clever 0.0 – 10.0 ranking system, have been loved by fans of bands many had never heard of but often decried by more popular artists for whom the publication’s critics rarely had an affinity. But, the announcement that the three-decades-old organization…
Four Biggest Offseason Questions for the 2024 Houston Texans
For the fifth time in the history of the franchise, the Houston Texans are left licking their wounds after a divisional round playoff loss. In the three seasons that ended in divisional round losses prior to this one — 2012, 2016, and 2019 — the Texans made big moves n…
There’s More Than Stand-Up Brewing In The Head of Comedy Great Brian Regan
There is little doubt that Brian Regan has become one of America’s great stand-up comedians. The nearly 40 -ear comedy veteran has killed in every venue from Johnny Carson to Netflix, and made a name for himself with refined and often clean observational comedy delivered from the perspective of an…
The Blues Don’t Change: Sue Foley Returns To Houston
Change is inevitable and impossible to stop in most aspects of life but the effect of a good, old fashioned blues song on one’s soul is a steady constant. “It’ll never go away,” says famed blues artist Sue Foley. “It’s actually in a good place right now. There’s still a…
![Where to Wine and Dine in Houston This Valentine’s Day 2024 [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/doris_metropolitan_meat_board_by_kirsten_gilliam__4_.webp.webp?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Where to Wine and Dine in Houston This Valentine’s Day 2024 [UPDATED]
Valentine’s Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 14, and these Houston restaurants are setting lovebirds up for a night of romance with luxe prix fixe affairs, live jazz and candlelit meals for two, plus festive stuff like family-friendly celebrations and Galentine’s fun for your besties. Here’s where to dine…
Expectations for the Prospects on the Astros Spring Training Roster
Don’t look now but pitchers and catchers report for Astros Spring Training on Valentine’s Day and on Saturday the Astros released their preliminary Spring Training roster. Baseball is almost back and with the recent signing of closer Josh Hader, expectations are once again climbing for a team that made its…
A Storm System Brings Risk For Potential Low Level Flooding Early This Week
Many Houston residents heading to work or dropping their children off at school on Monday morning encountered a soggy commute as a storm system from the west settled into the area, spreading showers throughout the region. According to Space City Weather, this wet weather is expected to expand across the…
The Most Iconic Rock Guitarists of Every Decade (1960-2020)
It feel like music has abandoned the guitar. Not entirely, obviously, but certainly the guitar that birthed rock and roll. Popular artists for generations found their music centered around the six-string and it drove an entire era of popular sound. As rock music has faded from the popular spotlight, so…
Madame Butterfly : The Opera About a Victim or a Woman With Iron Will and No Other Choices
However others choose to see her, Cio-Cio-San is not a victim despite her suicide in the closing moments of Madame Butterfly, the classic, tragic opera by Puccini, according to, Ailyn Pérez who sings the lead role in the Houston Grand Opera production starting this weekend. Instead, Pérez sees the young Japanese woman…
This Week in Houston Food Events: A High-Brow, Low-Brow Steak Night and Ten Years of Coltivare
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday–Saturday Spicy Margarita Week at Superica From Monday, January 22 through Sunday, January 28, Superica, 1801 North Shepherd, will participate in the annual Spicy Margarita Week sponsored by Tanteo Tequila. All week long, when you order a specialty Jalapeño Margarita featuring…
NFL Playoffs: Ravens 34, Texans 10 — Four Winners, Four Losers
The Houston Texans’ Cinderella run for the 2023 season ended on Saturday night where it began back in September, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, and like that Week 1 matchup, the playoff game on Saturday saw the Texans hanging around at halftime, tied 10-10, and then the wheels falling…
Parsifal Weaves its Own Lengthy Musical Magic at Houston Grand Opera
I don’t think I’m too far off the mark to say that Parsifal (1882), Richard Wagner’s final opera, is on no one’s list of most favorite Wagner works. While it contains some of his most sublime music, nearly transcendent you could argue, the opera is a quasi-religious tract stuffed with…
O: A Rhapsody in Divorce Mixes Homer and Self Help
Getting divorced is like falling in love in reverse, posits playwright Jami Brandli in her new play, O: A Rhapsody In Divorce. It’s a great turn of phrase and an interesting notion, but like so many of the show’s assertions that are dropped like feathers left to float around on…
Astros Sign All-Star Closer Josh Hader to 5-Year $95 Million Deal
Well, that came out of (the bullpen in) left field. For all the moaning and kvetching from Astros fans over the winter about the team not signing anyone of significance and Jim Crane being cheap we ask, are you not entertained? On Friday, the Astros signed Josh Hader, arguably the…
HISD Meeting: No Chaplains as Counselors And Scarce Hot Lunches, Heat or Water at Schools
At Thursday night’s school board meeting there were a smattering of speakers both for and against Houston ISD following the state’s lead allowing it to hire chaplains to supplement its counselor ranks. In any event, it was a moot point as the decision not to do this was already part…
Openings and Closings: Slowpokes Memorial Opens, Hando Spring Branch Debuts
Slowpokes Memorial, 13210 Memorial, opened January 18. It’s the fifth location for the coffee shop and cafe which was founded in 2016 by Mazen Baltagi in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. It has expanded over the years to include locations in Spring Branch, Kirby Grove and West University. The Memorial…
Houston Performing Arts Goes On Pointe with The Trocks
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo will return to Jones Hall on January 23 with skillful dance work and hilarious takes on beloved ballets.
Leon III Evolves Into A Houston Band
Duo Andy Stepanian and Mason Brent are known for their band’s ever-changing cast of characters but their latest incarnation of Leon III, involves an all Houstonian cast of players and a new phase of their sounds. “We are sort of a collection of people,” says Stepanian of the band which…
NFL Playoffs Divisional Round: Texans-Ravens — Four Things To Watch For
In a scenario no one envisioned even midway through this season, let alone before the season started, the Houston Texans head up to Baltimore on Friday for a Saturday afternoon AFC divisional round playoff game against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. What a time to be alive! Now, there…
Reviews For The Easily Distracted:
I.S.S.
Title: I.S.S. Describe This Movie In One Gravity Quote: KOWALSKI: Half of North America just lost their Facebook. Brief Plot Synopsis: In space, no one can hear you scheme. Rating Using Random Objects Relevant To The Film: 2 Def-Con 4s out of 5. Tagline: “America and Russia are at war. So are their…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Hops n’ Hot Sauce and a Dolly-Themed Brunch
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Dolly Brunch at The Union Kitchen Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All five The Union Kitchen locations will celebrate Dolly Parton’s 78th birthday with a themed brunch this Saturday. In addition to its regular brunch menu, guests can…
New Rules Ahead For HISD’s DAC After Disclosure of Mike Miles’ Regrets About School Closings?
Should members of the Houston ISD District Advisory Committee be ousted if it’s discovered they shared meeting information with the press and general public? Should any of those members who are also employed by HISD be fired? Those may be outlier sentiments — Thursday afternoon HISD Deputy Chief of Staff…
Elvis Costello Didn’t Care About Your Requests At The House Of Blues
Elvis Costello and the Imposters House of Blues January 17, 2024 “It’s good to be back in the great state of Texas.” Elvis Costello is no one’s circus monkey. The singer-songwriter was a progenitor — if not the primary architect — of British New Wave; he’s influenced everyone from Radiohead to…
Leaky Pipes and Lack of Heat Result in Early Closures at 3 HISD Schools After Sub-Freezing Temps
One day after Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said he regretted making the “mistake” of closing schools amid an ongoing arctic blast, several schools sent students home ahead of their usual Wednesday dismissal due to heating problems and water leaks. Leila Walsh, the district’s chief communications officer, announced early releases…
Mike Miles Further Explains Wanting to Hit the Slow Button When it Comes to Closing Schools
Although Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles was clearly not pleased about Tuesday’s release of information about his regrets about closing schools on Tuesday — he referred to them as “off-the-record remarks” — by Wednesday he seemed to accept if not embrace the chance to further explain his stance on keeping…
Best Bets: Ballerina Boys, Renée Elise Goldsberry and O: A Rhapsody in Divorce
It’s National Thesaurus Day, and you just might need to break out yours to best describe some of this week’s best bets. We’ve got an opera Houston hasn’t seen in more than 20 years, a world premiere reimagining of Homer’s Odyssey, and a whole slate of Iranian film. Keep reading…
Haters Gonna Hate: What is Everyone’s Deal with Taylor Swift?
I’m a big sports fan. I write about it. I watch it. I have done so since I was old enough to see a huge guy dunk a basketball as a small child. And if there is one thing I have always appreciated is when someone I think is interesting…
Taking Time With Valerie June
For Tennessean artist Valerie June, the concept of time and how we allow it to push and pull ourselves through life is a constant theme in her work, thoughts and daily practices. “Usually in the winter, I try not to work but when things come up that are really things…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Whiskey, Wine and Pizza with a Purpose
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Pastore, 1180 Dunlavy, has announced its Pizza with Purpose campaign, collaborating with local chefs to create pizzas for charity all year long. With each pizza ordered, Pastore will donate $5 to the organization. In January, Pastore…
Is This the Best Houston Texans Team to Make It to the Divisional Round of the AFC Playoffs?
This Saturday begins the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Eight teams are left standing, and for the fifth time in their franchise’s history, the Houston Texans are one of them. In this new age of rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie phenom quarterback C.J. Stroud, this is all…
Spiritual Sequels are Better Than Video Game Remakes
One of the games I was most excited about in 2023 was the remake of Super Mario RPG for the Switch. I bought it the day it came out and had it beat within a couple of days. The game is a masterpiece from the SNES era, and the remake…
Leaky Pipes Ahead As Arctic Blast Makes It Way Out Of Houston
Some Houston residents had a rude awakening Wednesday morning as with subfreezing temperatures moving out of the area, frozen pipes began thawing, leading to leaks inside and outside of their homes. Kris Stewart, franchise owner and president of Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston said his company has already…
Pictures from Home at the Alley: Tension, Intimacy and Love
Although it has been described as “a memory play,” playwright Sharr White doesn’t really like that label applied to Pictures from Home based upon the decade Larry Sultan spent taking pictures of and interviewing his parents and the book Sultan wrote about that. “Memory plays can tend to be sentimental…
Three Players Who the Rockets Could Move at the Deadline
The NBA trade deadline is less than three weeks away and it has been widely rumored that while the Rockets may not be frontline players, they are looking to upgrade at at least a couple positions. It is no secret that they have shortcomings both in terms of length in…
Performing Arts Houston announces lineup for New/Now
Performing Arts Houston announced the lineup for this year’s New/Now program. For this year’s presentation on January 19 and 20 at Wortham Theater Center’s Cullen Theater, Performing Arts Houston will present the works of three artists: Kam Franklin, Group Acorde, and ShaWanna Renee Rivon.
Parsifal at HGO: An Epic Tale Not For the Faint of Heart
In Wagner’s final opera Parsifal, the title character played in this Houston Grand Opera production by tenor Russell Thomas (in a role debut) undertakes a quest to reclaim a Holy Spear. Parsifal, who initially doesn’t even know his own name, is perfect for the task because he’s the “pure fool”…
Astros Lose Graveman to Injury, In Pursuit of Neris
Throughout the offseason, the hot topic around the Astros has been their bullpen. One of the better pens in all of baseball, they were set to lose three of their primary relievers to free agency. And despite a trade that netted them Dylan Coleman from Kansas City, they still seemed…
The Greatness of C.J. Stroud Cannot be Overstated
It’s Wednesday, the lull day in the third straight week that leads to Saturday football for the Houston Texans, so as the Texans hit the practice field for the second of three practice days today, let’s just do some good old fashioned reflection, and revel in the fact that we…
Right-Wingers Go Wild in Musical Satire The Gator Conspiracy
Imagine a world where Marjorie Taylor Greene wants to be Donald Trump’s vice president and comes up with an idea to ensure their victory: Film Joe Biden in a compromising position. Except, it’s not really Joe Biden; it’s Roger Stone playing Joe Biden, and (if it’s not obvious) the compromising…
Houston Concert Watch 1/17: Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams and More
When most of us move, we lighten the load by either boxing up a bunch of stuff and taking it to Goodwill or maybe holding a garage sale. Not Elton John. The megastar (who just joined the EGOT club by winning an Emmy to go with his Grammy, Oscar and…
Another Arctic Blast Tonight and Then Comes Wednesday’s Thaw
During a day and night dominated by arctic weather, City of Houston police and fire responded to more than 250 motor vehicle accidents and a 30 percent increase in fire incidents overnight Monday into Tuesday. Still, as relayed by Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference Tuesday afternoon, thanks to…
Superintendent Miles Says He Regrets Closing HISD Schools Tuesday, Won’t Do It Again
While Mayor John Whitmire was lauding Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles for making the decision to close schools Tuesday, Miles was telling an education committee the district should have stayed open and “I’m not going to make the same mistake again.” Miles was the last of the local superintendents to decide…
Massive Lines Tuesday Morning For Those Hoping to Fly Out of George Bush
The Arctic weather that arrived in the Houston area has continued to strand passengers at Houston’s airports for a second day Tuesday. Freelance photographer Reggie Mathalone was scheduled to fly out of George Bush early Tuesday morning and when he arrived he had the longest wait he’s ever experienced. “At…
A Winter’s Blast of Ice, Sleet and Freezing Temps Stalls Travel Into, Out Of and Around Houston
Hazardous wintery weather conditions are expected to disrupt travelers in and around Houston who are taking to the skies and nearby roadways, trying to reach their destinations on Tuesday. An Arctic blast took full force on the area on Monday, keeping temperatures below 30 degrees for most of the day…
Winter Gardening in Houston: Beating the Odds
Whether you’re a down and dirty devoted digger of the earth or a homeowner who focuses on curb appeal, gardening in Houston can take its toll, financially, physically and emotionally. We made it through one of the most brutal summers in recent memory with 100 degree temperatures and exceptional drought…
The NBA Has a Serious Officiating Credibility Issue Brewing
On Sunday night, Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown sat at the press table ready to answer questions but also ready to give a demonstration. With his laptop set up, he went through a series of plays showing Kings players being fouled but not getting calls. His team had just lost…
The Sad End of Monkey Daddy
I truly believe that the origin of all superstition, magic, and religion is from tired parents doing stupid things to make their toddlers stop crying. After hours of sanity-shredding sobs, yells, and hullabaloos, you will pledge allegiance to just about anything that brings a quantum of peace. That’s why some…
Dallas Who? The Houston Texans are Texas’ Football Team
The Houston Texans’ playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon sent a message to the rest of the NFL — the Texans are not a team whose championship window begins in a year or two. They feel they can win now. With C.J. Stroud under center, they feel…
KISS Co-Founding Member Ace Frehley Returns With New Solo Album
KISS Co-Founding Member Ace Frehley Returns With New Solo Album
Alejandro Cabrera Finds The Force All Across Texas in New Star Wars Documentary
Filmmaker Alejandro Cabrera finds that non-Texans tend to have some particular perceptions of the Lone Star State. “We all ride horses, and everybody’s racist and conservative,” says Cabrera, adding, “There’s this idea that Texas is not a place for creativity or innovation.” Cabrera has spent the last eight years traveling…
City Officials Urge Those Who Can To Stay At Home Amid Worsening Weather
Mayor John Whitmire joined city officials at the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center – one of the city’s warming centers – to urge Houston residents to stay home and take the necessary precautions to stay warm safely. During the Monday afternoon press conference, Whitmire announced that all city nonessential workers would…
![The Arctic Blast Is Here In Houston With Slushy, Cold and Wet Conditions [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/coldweather.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
The Arctic Blast Is Here In Houston With Slushy, Cold and Wet Conditions [UPDATED]
For Houston residents brave enough to venture outside Monday, a scarf tucked into a heavy coat might be the best idea, as temperatures are likely to stay in the 30s – but feel chillier as the day goes on and winds pick up into the evening. Monday brings the first…
Ravens or Chiefs — Who Would Texans Fans Rather They Face This Weekend?
For the fifth time in their history, the Houston Texans have won a playoff game and are on their way to the divisional round. The previous four trips that far into the postseason have resulted in losses, most of them fairly resounding. Most recently, the Texans had a 24-0 first…
Whistle a Tune During Houston Musical Theater Company’s Rodgers & Hammerstein Revue
David Hock, the executive director of Houston Musical Theater Company (HMTC), is here to remind you that theater taste is just like popular music taste. “Some people like the Rolling Stones, some don’t. Some people like Taylor Swift, some don’t,” says Hock. It’s unclear if Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein…
Houston Punk Legends the Hates Traverse to the Upside Down
While that central Texas college town off I-35 has long laid claim to being (and marketed itself as) “The Live Music Capital of the World,” Houston has always had at least a fighting chance at the same designation for the state. However, many Houston bands seem to have shorter life…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Dolly Day and a Napa Valley Wine Dinner
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, January 15 MLK Monday Brunch at Daily Gather Daily Gather, 800 Sorella, will offer its weekend brunch menu on Martin Luther King Jr. Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Essential eats include the Pastry Board, Smoked Salmon Board, Ultimate Brunch…
Houston’s MLK Parades Postponed Thanks to Expected Bad Weather Monday
The city of Houston has sent out an alert that the the possibility of freezing rain Monday after temperatures are expected to drop significantly overnight Sunday, it has decided to postpone the Houston downtown Martin Luther King Jr. parade scheduled for Monday morning. In a statement, Mayor John Whitmire said:…
Astros Avoid Arbitration with Six Including Tucker, Valdez, But Not Dubon
The Houston Astros came to contract agreements with six of their seven arbitration eligible players including Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez, both of whom will be unrestricted free agents in 2026. Both agreed to one-year deals for 2024 along with four others: Chas McCormick, Luis Garcia, Bryan Abreu and Jose…
NFL Wild Card Playoff Round: Texans 45, Browns 14 — Four Winners, Four Losers
When DeMeco Ryans was hired as the Houston Texans’ head coach back in January of 2023, certainly the most basic of hopes was that the team would win more football games than they’d been winning over the previous few seasons. That wasn’t exactly a tough bar to clear, what with…
City of Houston Officials Gear Up For Subfreezing Temperatures Ahead
Ahead of the upcoming cold snap, local officials convened on Friday to alert members of the public about what to be aware of while bundling up and hunkering down in their residences to wait out the subfreezing temperatures early next week. Mayor John Whitmire encouraged residents to stay home and…
Openings and Closings Vine Memorial Debuts, Thirteen Reopens Soon
Vine Memorial, 7951 Katy Freeway, opened January 9, near I-10 and Chimney Rock. The retail bottle shop and wine bar comes from Gr8 Plate Hospitality and its owners Doris and Paul Miller, married restaurateurs who get to showcase their wine expertise as WSET Level 2 certified wine and spirits professionals…
NFL Playoffs, Wild Card Round: Browns vs Texans — Four Things to Watch For
For even the most optimistic Houston Texans fans out there, we are probably at a point where even they could not have envisioned before the season. Not only did the Houston Texans go over their Vegas season win total of 6.5, not only did they finish with a winning record,…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: Head to Galveston for Chili, Beer and Charitable Eats
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: Galveston Restaurant Week All weekend long Running daily through January 28, the Galveston Restaurant Week campaign features special prix fixe menus from dozens of Galveston’s best restaurants, no tickets or passes required. Two and three-course dinners will be priced…
Does Houston’s Third Winter Freeze In Three Years Indicate Worse Winters To Come? Expert Says Not Quite.
For the third year in a row, Greater Houston area residents are being asked to winterize this weekend in preparation for a cold front settling into the area starting Sunday night. Unlike previous hard freezes, such as the one in December 2022 or, more notably, Winter Storm Uri in February…
RodeoHouston 2024 Lineup: Jelly Roll, Jonas Brothers, Nickelback, Carly Pearce, 50 Cent and More
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the biggest annual event in Houston and that is typically reflected in the star-studded lineup of artists who perform. This year is no different with half return and half new artists performing inside NRG Stadium from late February through mid-March. Veterans like Luke…
Rockets Tough Road Trip and POTW Honors for Sengun
The Rockets are in the midst of a tough eight-game road trip that began with a loss at Miami Monday night. Like all young teams on the come, this Rockets squad has good nights (beat the Bucks) and bad (trounced by the T Wolves), but this is still a very…
Should Authors Respond to Bad Reviews?
I’ve been watching some BookTok drama lately where a new author with a big following has run up against a reviewer that really didn’t like their book. I wouldn’t give any more details if you put a gun to my head. There’s no reason to make a messy situation worse…
Is Texans QB C.J. Stroud the Only Good NFL Quarterback Drafted High in the Last Three Years?
The most important thing to a team’s success, in all of professional sports, is football teams finding their franchise quarterback, the guy who can lead them in the face of a hostile crowd, a hostile pass rush, and a relentless gauntlet of a path to the ultimate victory — a…
Best Bets: 26 Miles, Original MLK Jr. Parade and The Crimson Prince of Venice
It’s no longer New Year’s Day (literally and figuratively), so may we recommend the following events to consider as you firmly into the year 2024. This week, we’ve got world premiere dance works, a sneak peek at a regional premiere theater work, and the return of a musical spectacle after…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Coltivare Celebrates a Decade of Dining Excellence
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: On Sunday, January 14, Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant, 1743 Post Oak, celebrates National Hot Pastrami Day, offering a Triple Decker Hot Pastrami Sandwich, made with USDA prime beef house cured for 45 days,…
Total Eclipse in April Likely to Overshadow All Other Single Texas Events in Terms of the Number of Visitors
Thousands of people come to Texas for its big sporting events, national political conventions and its beaches during Spring Break. But on Monday, April 8, Texas has something to offer that is predicted to bring more than a million visitors to the Lone Star state — the 2024 total solar eclipse,…
Houston Concert Watch 1/10: Keith Sweat, Mr. Big and More
Readers of a certain age will remember that, when Charlie Brown was buckling under the weight of existential angst or perhaps a recent troubling development, he would exhale in a weary fashion, onomatopoetically rendered as *Sigh.* I am having one of those moments right now, after reading that Best Buy…
First Look Baker St. Pub in Spring
The holidays have been a whirlwind of food, drink and more food for my husband, Classic Rock Bob, and me. With our New Year’s resolutions simmering on the back burner and an evening in which there weren’t various young adults to feed, we decided to check out the recently-opened Baker…
Texans OC Bobby Slowik Showing Up as Candidate for Several Head Coach Openings
For the first time since the 2020 offseason, the Houston Texans will not be engaged in a search for a new head coach. In January of 2021, their search led to the hire of David Culley. In February of 2022, after nearly hiring Josh McCown, the Texans settled on Lovie…
Five Shows to Kick Off the New Year Right
The year 2024 has arrived with new TV shows coming out over the coming weeks. Here are five standout shows from January and February to start the year right. Echo – Disney+/Hulu January 9 Starting the year off with a Marvel show might seem crazy, looking at their track record as of late,…
Leash Your Dog: Five Reasons to Keep Your Hound Tethered to You
If you take your dog out for regular walks, you might have had to confront a loose dog. When you have a chill dog, this is probably met with maybe a bit of concern at first over the personality of the loose animal, but not overt worry. On the other…
Houston Texans Division Crown Means Far More Difficult 2024 Schedule
There is no debate on the magnitude of the Houston Texans’ improvement in 2023, as compared to the previous three seasons. From 2020 through 2022, the team won a grand total of 11 games. In 2023 alone, they won 10. You can nitpick certain details if you like, but that’s…
Opinion: Lots of Yelling, Less Analysis in Today’s Sports Talk
You’re just talking loud / And saying nothing – James Brown In the early 2000s, a new kind of sports talk emerged on the radio. It was a morphing of sports and entertainment with the primary demographic being young men. It was called Guy Talk. It sprang forth from the…
Five Popular Music Trends from the Past We’d Like to See Make a Comeback
We listen to a lot of music and we like a ton of different styles of it. We’ve also, collectively, been listening for a long time. It’s easy to be dismissive when new things aren’t your thing, but that’s not how we roll. Bring on that new music and as…
Celebrate Houston’s Small and Midsized Arts Scene at First Ever Mix-MATCH Festival
If you’re an artist (or arts lover) who remembers the days before the MATCH opened its doors in Midtown, as Dennis Draper does, then you probably remember visiting some less-than-accommodating places. “Back in the ’90s, when I was working with Infernal Bridegroom Productions, sometimes we were performing in un-airconditioned warehouses…
Alperen Sengun Named Western Conference Player of the Week
On Monday, the Houston Rockets announced that third-year big man Alperen Sengun was named Western Conference Player of the Week. At 21, he is the youngest Rocket in franchise history to receive this honor and the first to be named POTW since James Harden did it back in 2019. Sengun…
![Severe Weather Likely To Affect National College Football Championship Goers’ Commutes [UPDATED]](https://i0.wp.com/www.houstonpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/badwethermonday.webp.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
Severe Weather Likely To Affect National College Football Championship Goers’ Commutes [UPDATED]
Those flocking to downtown Houston late Monday morning to kick off tailgating festivities for the College Football National Championship may want to redirect their celebrations to one of the local sports bars as the potential for severe weather could persist throughout the day. According to Matt Lanza, meteorologist with Space…
Tennessee Titans Win Over Jacksonville Hands Houston Texans AFC South Crown
In Week 12 of this 2023 NFL season, the Houston Texans hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. By record, the Texans were one game back of the Jags, sitting at 6-4, with the Jags at 7-3. It was a big game. Unfortunately, the Texans wound up losing a close…
11 Reasons Houston Sports Fans Should Be Excited
Just a few years back, we were basking in what we believed might be the best era in Houston sports ever. It was worth debating given the staggering success of the Astros, the arrival of Deshaun Watson and James Harden’s offensive dominance. What a difference a few years makes. The…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Raclette on the Patio and the Houston BBQ Throwdown
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Wednesday, January 10 Moody Tongue Beer Dinner at Local Foods Local Foods Rice Village, 2424 Dunstan, will host Chicago brewery Moody Tongue (the world’s first two-Michelin-starred brewery) for a one-night-only beer dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Highlights include Barrier Beauty oysters…
Dancing Off the Page with New ISHIDA Program keepsake
Choreographer Brett Ishida admits that, as a dancemaker, she has a “funny relationship with words.” “Everyone asks, ‘How do you start?’ and I don’t go to the studio first,” says Ishida, the founder and artistic director of the Austin/Houston-based ISHIDA Dance Company. “I start with words. That’s my process.” The…
NFL Week 18: Texans 23, Colts 19 — Four Winners, Four Losers
There will come a time, probably much sooner than we all planned, where merely making the playoffs won’t be good enough for the Houston Texans. It won’t be good enough for the players, it won’t be good enough for the coaches, it won’t be good enough for ownership, and certainly,…
Roughnecks Retained in the United Football League Merger of USFL and XFL
ufl, xfl, USFL, spring football,
Openings and Closings: Duck N Bao Coming to Rice Village, Killen’s TMX Closes in Pearland
Duck N Bao, 5215 Kelvin, is coming to Rice Village this spring. Construction is already underway for this third location of the Sichuan restaurant from Grace and Leo Xia. The couple opened their first Duck N Bao concept in Cypress in May 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic…
Houston’s 5 Best Weekend Food Bets: At-Cost Caviar and $99 Creole Dining for Two
Here’s a look at this weekend’s tasty food and drink happenings: $99 Dine Deal at Brennan’s of Houston All month long 3300 Smith Brennan’s has brought back its fan favorite $99 Dinner for Two for the month of January, offering a three-course menu of its fan favorite Creole specialties for $99…
Bacon Brothers Travel Deep in the Heart of Texas
Though the Bacon Brothers hail from Philadelphia, they have an abiding fondness for Texas music. So much so that their latest single, “Ballad Of The Brothers (The Willie Door),” is a Faustian tale set in New Braunfels’ historic Gruene Hall. The brothers will make a swing through Texas later this…
Houston Bars and Restaurants Offering Booze-Free Cocktails for Dry January
The new year brings new opportunities to improve your mind and body, and one popular way to focus on wellness is to go alcohol free, also known as celebrating Dry January. Many Houston bars and restaurants are joining in on the fun, offering zero-proof alternatives to your favorite cocktails. Here’s…
Cost/Benefit Analysis of Streaming as it Reaches Two Decades
In a recent interview, producer Rick Rubin, who has become a kind of musical guru for not just the artists he works with but the music world in general, had some interesting thoughts on streaming music. “I love that when there is something I want to hear I can find…
Opinion: Dave Chappelle Proves Comedians Aren’t Gonna Save Us
Dave Chappelle released his latest Netflix special, The Dreamer, on New Year’s Eve. It should have been billed as a magic show because what else do you call it when a man disappears up his own ass? Like a lot of not-cis people, I tuned for the same reason I…
NFL Week 18: Texans vs Colts — Four Things To Watch For
This time a year ago, the Houston Texans were preparing for a Week 18 matchup in Indianapolis against the Colts to close out the 2022 season. This year, that exact same sentence holds up for 2023, as the Texans travel to Indy to face the Colts this weekend in their…
So, You’ve Already Broken Your New Year’s Exercise Resolution
Hello, friend. It’s time for that “new year, new me” bullshit again, isn’t it? You looked at the first square on that My Hero Academia calendar your nephew bought you for Christmas that they clearly wanted for themselves and thought, “this is the year I master the art of turning…
Nine Houston Transportation Resolutions for 2025
No one really wants to make resolutions for themselves for the new year, but what about for someone else? That seems fun. And if we are talking about changes, why not some big items for the inbox that is Houston? New mayor John Whitmire was sworn in at midnight on…
Rating Drama of Houston Texans’ Playoff Clinching Performances
As you probably know, the Houston Texans will be taking part in their 2023 regular season finale this Saturday in Indianapolis, and the stakes are absolutely huge. The winner of this game between the Texans and Colts clutches a playoff spot, and depending on what happens Sunday in the Jaguars-Titans…
Upcoming Houston Food Events: Dry January Mocktails and the Return of Chili Quest
Mark your calendars, because you don’t want to miss these deliciously fun culinary happenings: Coltivare, 3320 White Oak, has brought back its month-long, zero-proof cocktail menu for Dry January, with a special mocktail menu curated by its allstar beverage team, led by bar manager Greg Thompson and beverage director/co-owner Morgan…
Best Bets: Playoff Fan Central, Swingin’ Sinatra and Orlando
It’s official 2024 and today is National CanDo Day. While we always encourage thinking big, you can also think a little smaller – such as thinking of the fun things you can definitely do this coming week. Keep reading for our picks for the best things to do, from gearing…
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical a Rocking Ode to Resilience
There’s a moment early in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, which is in town as part of Broadway at The Hobby Center, when Turner’s mother Zelma tells a young Tina Turner, “Anna Mae Bullock, you’re too loud.” In that vein, I’m happy to report that Tina: The Tina Turner Musical…
Signs Point To An Upcoming COVID Surge. Other Respiratory Viruses Are On The Rise.
Before the start of the new year, COVID-19 cases and related hospital admissions were steadily increasing. Now that the holiday season is over, health experts are seeing signs that a surge of this respiratory virus, amid others on the rise, is brewing. “I was hoping we could avoid a full-blown…
Roundup of Astros Arbitration Eligible Players and Possible Extensions
As of this writing, we are less than two months from pitchers and catchers reporting. The offseason goes fast if you aren’t paying attention. But the next most important date on the league calendar is the beginning of the arbitration period starting January 13. On that date, teams and players…
Five Thoughts on the Rockets as they Head into a Tough Stretch of the Schedule
The Rockets started off the new year right with a decisive win over Detroit, a team that was coming off their first win in 29 straight tries. Yikes. The Rockets missed setting the team record for third quarter scoring by two points turning a five-point halftime lead into better than…
Hidden Gem: Lasagna House III
Houston has no shortage of great restaurants, both big and small, locally-owned or nationally-franchised. It can be a tough decision on where to dine with all of the great options. Sometimes we want to try something new, sometimes we want the comfort of an old favorite. And sometimes, we revisit…
Houston Concert Watch: BowiElvis, Alejandro Escovedo and More
The start of a new year signifies new beginnings, a fresh start and a clean slate. In this annual spirit of renewal, I am happy to point out a few things to look forward to in 2024: It’s a leap year! This means that we all get an extra chance…
Andre Johnson’s Reveals Most Uncomfortable Conversation With Texans Ownership
There is one big reason why this 2023 Renaissance season for Houston Texans football feels so good. There is also one big reason why the previous three seasons felt like an interminable living hell. Ironically, those reasons for completely opposite vibes are the exact same thing — former Executive Vice…
Renée Elise Goldsberry of Hamilton Will Perform a One-Night-Only Concert at the Hobby Center
Renée Elise Goldsberry, she of Tony Award -winning Hamilton fame, is coming back to Houston for a one-night-only performance on January 20 in which she’ll sing songs from top artists and Broadway shows while adding in some personal stories as well. Backed by the band she put together in 2017…
Opinion: Searching For Heroes in the Israel-Hamas War is a Fool’s Errand
What do you do when everyone is right, and everyone is also wrong? In America, you plow ahead with both fists swinging anyway. The Israeli-Hamas War is a brutal, horrific conflict that has understandably sickens anyone with a heart. It’s an acute flare-up of a chronic condition built of generational…
Houston Texans NFL Playoff Scenarios — Win and You’re In
Week to week, as this Houston Texans outfit has evolved into a dangerous team whose best football, if we’re being honest, is probably ahead of it sometime in 2024 or 2025, the 2023 season has been about opportunity. It feels like every week, on my radio show, I’ve assessed the…
Looking Forward: The Fade To Black Reading Series and Inaugural Black Arts Festival
S. Denise O’Neal, playwright and executive director of Shabach Enterprise, says a short play is not unlike a particularly captivating television ad. “It’s like a commercial where you capture the audience and then you solve the problem in a very short period of time,” says O’Neal. You can catch eight…
This Week in Houston Food Events: Treat Yourself to New Year’s Day Brunch
Here’s a look at this week’s hottest culinary happenings: Monday, January 1 New Year’s Day Brunch Celebratory brunches await in Houston this New Year’s Day. From hangover-curing buffets and pancakes by the stack to restaurants offering black-eyed peas for good luck, check out our Houston New Year’s Day Brunch guide…
5 Best Ways to Watch Videos Games Instead of Playing Them
According to my PlayStation end-of-year wrap, I spent 800 hours playing nearly 100 different games in 2023. That’s a lot of disassociations, even for me! Joking aside, there’s one leisure activity that I am pretty sure I spent even more time on: watching YouTube about those same games. Video game…
