Montgomery County — Home To The Greatest Journalistic Scandal Ever?
It appears we may have a plagiarist in area. Well not just one, but an entire newspaper dedicated to ripping off stories. That’s according to Slate’s Jody Rosen, who claims that a free weekly in Montgomery County, the Bulletin, stole portions of a story he’d written about Jimmy Buffet. Rosen…
Edouard Didn’t Affect Government Budgets, Either
Breathless reports noted for much of Monday night and Tuesday that the county had gone on “emergency status” to handle Tropical Storm Edouard. Of course, Edouard turned out to be more hype than reality. So how much did it cost to gear up and run on emergency status for what…
A Reporter Examines His Addiction: Book Review
The Night of the Gun, New York Times columnist David Carr’s memoir that came out yesterday, has received tons of attention. This partly could be because the media is fascinated by its own, but it’s also because the book is absolutely riveting. Carr has lived an extraordinary life – drug…
The USS Houston — A Sub That Lives Up To Our Name
Ever since her commissioning in 1982, the nuclear submarine USS Houston has been spreading Space City’s good name across the oceans. Why, even its hull number — 713 — is as Houston as you can get. The area-code connection isn’t the only tres-Houston thing connected with the ship, though. It…
Some Value: Texas Roadhouse Will Take Those Benningan’s and Steak and Ale Gift Cards
Last week, when the announcement was made that Benningan’s and Steak and Ale were going belly up, a lot of people were left holding the bag in the form of the restaurants’ gift cards that they’d never cashed in. Today it was announced that all seven local Texas Roadhouse restaurants…
Tonight: Valient Thorr at Rudyard’s
You have to admire a band that not only creates its own mythological backstory, but goes out of its way to foster the illusion and even gets Walt Disney involved. Supposedly, Valient Thorr is a group of Venutians who crash-landed in North Carolina in the ’50s and hid a time…
Ballet’s Big Plans: Pipe Dream Or Feasible?
It’s long been rumored (at least in the Houston ballet world, such as it is), but the Houston Business Journal let the cat out of the bag: the Houston Ballet is hoping to build a large, expensive facility downtown near the Wortham Center to consolidate its far-flung operations. The Houston…
Galveston Beaches May, May Not Be Improved
Edouard didn’t cause much in the way of beach erosion (or anything else) in Galveston, but efforts to restore beaches on the island have hit the usual snag — money. Estimates for how much it would cost to put 200-feet beaches on the seawall between 103rd Avenue and 61st Street…
Filling The Starbucks Void — Dunkin’ Donuts
Starbucks may be cutting back on its Houston-area locations, but coffee lovers need not fret. Dunkin’ Donuts is set to fill that vacuum. You may not be all that familiar with Dunkin’ Donuts; even though there are a handful of stores here, it’s more of an East Coast, northern thing…
When Little Sisters Attack: Solange Sounds Off
Houston’s own Solange Knowles has some choice words for the music industry. I’m not sure if I can repeat them verbatim, but here’s a hint: Pick up your hand, raise your middle finger, and wave it around. On her personal blog, The Hadley Street Journal, Solange vents about her frustrations…
ExxonMobil Isn’t Making Enough Money
Someone had to be bold enough to say it, and thank Christ the business columnist for the Houston Chronicle is the one with balls big enough: ExxonMobil didn’t make enough profit in the last quarter. It earned almost $11.7 billion in profits in the second quarter of 2007, a record…
Mesquite Grilled Chicken at La Silla
When it comes to barbecuing, I think mesquite wood is just too resin-y for long, slow smoking. It is terrific, however, for grilling, especially chicken. La Silla (4617 Canal at Lockwood) is a favorite of mine. A whole chicken with beans, tortillas, onions and chiles is $11.00…
What About the Camera Crew, People?
It appears that people are upset about Monday night’s game between the Cubs and the Astros. Upset that the game wasn’t stopped because of the weather. And I see that they’re upset because the players were in danger from the lightning. This, I suppose, is a valid concern. But I’m…
Is The Reign Of Whole Foods Over?
Those glorified days when “Whole Paycheck” was the place to shop for all your grocery needs, as long as your grocery needs included union-cut arugula from obscure South American countries, may be ending. The Austin-based company is taking a beating in the press over its latest financial report. “Whole Foods…
Slideshow: African American Art at the MFAH
We’ve just loaded up a slideshow of images from “Houston Collects: African American Art,” on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston through October 26. Have a look. Hair Balls will still be here when you get back. — KP…
Astros-Cubs: Lack of Quality Starts Finally Catches Up to Houston
It would be easy to blame the bullpen for Tuesday’s 11-7 Astros loss to the Cubs. It would be easy, but it would be wrong. It would be easy to blame Cecil Cooper’s season-long mishandling of the bullpen for Tuesday’s 11-7 loss to the Cubs. It would be easy, but…
Texas Road Food: Houston
Tacos El Mapache III taco truck on Renwick. — Robb Walsh…
Should I Start Caring About Britney Spears Again?
Many moons ago (so many moons that I can’t even find the Miss Pop Rocks post I’m referring to), I vowed in this blog that I would never write about Britney Spears again because, quite frankly, she was losing her mind. As much as I love to snark on idiot…
Artist of the Week: Niho
Each Wednesday, Rocks Off arbitrarily appoints one lucky local performer or group “Artist of the Week,” bestowing upon them all the fame and grandeur such a lofty title implies. Know a band or artist that isn’t awful? Email their particulars to introducingliston@gmail.com. Once again, we received a significant amount of…
Final Musical Weather Update: Johnny Nash
Well, downtown at least, the rain has stopped (for now). So with that, we’ll bid Eduardo adios with this Houston gem…..
The Backlash Begins
Laura Elder, a business writer for the Galveston County Daily News, writes in her blog about a conversation with Michael Gaido, whose family owns what is probably the island’s most famous restaurant. Gaido bitches about television coverage leading up to Edouard’s arrival, and Elder sympathizes: Tropical Storm Edouard was never…
Heights Theater For Sale
Want to buy a nice used theater? No, not the River Oaks. That’s probably still headed for the wrecking ball. The theater for sale is the Heights Theatre on 19th Street. The theater, built in 1929, was the site of an antiques store until recently…
Musical Weather Update: Ann Peebles
Actually, as long as we can listen to this bit of early-’70s soul perfection, the rain really doesn’t bother us that much…
The Far West Side Checks In
The damage assessment is beginning in neighborhoods across Houston as the light winds and moderate downpours associated with Tropical Storm Edouard begin to subside. Storm drains, which often back up when heavy rains fall in Southeast Texas, appear to be functioning normally in West Houston. No overflowing bayous have been…
Scenes from Downtown Houston During Tropical Storm Edouard
The tunnels started flooding sometime before noon. The flooding was actually a few slow trickles from the tunnel walls between the Hyatt Regency and the Allen Center, and the problem was handled with towels, mops and caution signs. Lunchtime tunnel walkers paid little attention to the water. The food court…
Musical Weather Update: John Fogerty
I think we can all answer a big yes at this point…..
Neil Frank & Gene Norman — The Odd Couple
For those not familiar with the term, “HouStoned Theatre” (memo to web guys: name update needed) is an occasional presentation by the blog, wherein we present imaginary, but probably not completely untruthful, conversations between prominent Houstonians. Today we take you to the newsroom of KHOU, where new meteorogist Greg Norman…
Education Study Tells Us What We Already Know
A study prepared for the Association of Texas Professional Educators says that schools that pay and train teachers better attract better teachers, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle. Hmm, do we really need another study to tell us teachers go where the funding and support is? Not according…
Back To Normal Programming
And the last of the local TV stations has signed off on their Edouard coverage. KHOU abandoned things first, for Ellen. KTRK stuck around longest. We don’t tend to watch a lot of daytime TV, so we were not familiar with the commercial that immediately followed 13’s sign-off. But we…
And We Now Return to John Royal for Another Report from North Downtown…
I thought you would like another report from the 22nd floor of the Bank of America Building. First, it’s still raining. Second, a look out my window confirms that while Buffalo Bayou is rising, it is nowhere near its banks — at least downtown by Bayou Place. Third, and most…
Musical Weather Update: Led Zeppelin
You guessed it. Still raining. On the bright side, this is Robert Plant at his most Golden God…..
Rappers and Republicans: Still the Same?
What it do, Bill? In June, we posited that Southern hip hop and Fox News share much in common. Possessing both anti-intellectual and populist streaks, each is beloved by red-staters and hated on by the coastal elites, be they liberals, hipsters, Ghostface or Nas. The piece concluded: If you’re still…
Terrible Damage Assessment From Galveston
The quote of the day comes from Galveston city manager Steve Leblanc, at a press conference about all the damage Edouard wreaked upon the island: “We had one tree that sustained a little damage out on the golf course, but that was it.” Moody Gardens didn’t even close today. Galveston’s…
Slip Inside This House: MP3s from the Moving Sidewalks, the Proper Circle and Those Boys
The Moving Sidewalks, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” It would really be screwed up if I kept on writing this column on Houston psych and garage 45s and didn’t show some love to the Moving Sidewalks. So here’s everybody’s real favorite little ol’ band from Texas. Long before those…
Musical Weather Update: Eurythmics
How nice would it be to cozy up to Annie Lennox on a day like today?…
Breaking: Crisis Over?
Channel 11’s Doug Miller is just reporting that the city police and emergency departments are switching back to “regular” status instead of crisis mode. Harris County will be doing the same as 4 p.m. No reason to get out on the roads, though. Especially I-45 North heading on to I-10…
Remember Dickie Thon? Well, You Should.
Before I start, I want to preface this by stating that I have become a fan of the Chron’s Steve Campbell, primarily because he appears to be the only columnist at the Chron who’s not afraid to tell the truth about various Astros stupidities without backing down or changing his…
Can Edouard Save Jose Medellin?
One guy who you might think would be praying hard for Tropical Storm Edouard to be really, really bad is Jose Medellin. He’s the guy scheduled to die tonight in Huntsville, after being convicted of capital murder in the notorious Ertman-Pena case. The World Court couldn’t save him; George Bush…
How Much Rain In Your Neighborhood? Find Out
How much rain is your neighborhood getting? There’s an easy way to find out. The Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office has put up a map that shows rainfall totals throughout the area. Downtown? 1.46 inches at this point. Sylvan Beach? 4.14 inches. Move your mouse over the…
Nellie McKay Cancels; Cat Power Moves; Who’s Open, Who’s Not?
Whoa Nellie: Maybe next time… Despite all the rain, our pal Edouard seems to be turning out to be something of a dud. Nonetheless, sharp-tongued British-born New York singer-songwriter Nellie McKay has cancelled her show scheduled for tonight at Warehouse Live. (No word on a reschedule date yet, but stay…
Edouard Moving Inland
Here he comes… Edouard is moving our way, according to the good folks at AccuWeather.com. “The stormy conditions from Edouard have already overspread the Houston area,” says AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Mike Pigott. “The worst weather for Houston will occur on Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening with winds of 30 to 50…
Musical Weather Update: Sir Douglas Quintet
Something from a little closer to home this time…..
These Things Don’t Fit
Three things you don’t expect to happen when the TV stations are full of doom-ish news about how The Day After Tomorrow is today: 1) The Bolivar Ferry is running, for crissake. 2) The Galveston Causeway is open to traffic. 3) Restaurants in Kemah will be open for lunch. What’s…
If It’s On TV, It’s True
LIVE!! From Crystal Beach in Bolivar Peninsula! Is a reporter from Channel 13, outside, telling us no one should be outside. “There’s suprisingly a lot of traffic out here,” he says, as the camera pans to show two trucks. Which may very well count as a lot of traffic in…
Southwest Houston Represent
Here in Westbury, we’re laughing at Edouard. So far, he said, crossing his fingers furiously. There’s been some rain, but nothing more than some heavy drizzle. The all-important Lawn Furniture Indicator is showing low winds. In other words, no chaise lounges flying about. If you think Your Correspondent has the…
Musical Weather Update: Bob Dylan
Throughout the day, as Tropical Storm Edouard runs its course, Rocks Off will provide periodic weather updates. The first, from Bob Dylan, is especially germane to our neighbors on the east side of town. – Chris Gray…
And We Now Go to North Downtown, Where John Royal Is Waiting for Edouard’s Effects…
From the 22nd floor of the Bank of America Building, on the edge of the downtown Theater District, things are up and running. The streets are wet, but the parking garages are open, the tunnel is open, and more importantly, the food establishments are up and open. So, for us…
Astros-Cubs: What, Is It Raining Everywhere?
I turned to the Houston Astros last night so as to escape the world of Tropical Storm Eduardo Edward Eudaro Edouard. So what happens? The skies of Chicago open up. Heavy rain. Lightning. Tornado warnings. Wind gusts of up to 80 miles per hour. And a rain delay of over…
Slideshow: Houston Prepares for Edouard
We’ve just loaded up a slideshow of Houstonians preparing for the landing of Tropical Storm Edouard. Take a look and wish you hadn’t waited till today to get supplies. — Keith Plocek…
Musical Hurricane Preparedness Kit, Part 2, Continued: Hello Edouard (and Edward, and Ed, and Eddie…)
Wow. I guess I didn’t realize there were so many musical Eds. For one, there’s Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, who looks amazingly like Mark Twain. Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” was an early success for ’70s progmeisters ELO… ELO, “In the Hall of the Mountain King” Switching…
All Local Universities Closed in Anticipation of Edouard
Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist University and the University of St. Thomas are all closed today. We’d suggest grabbing some booze and having a house party. We’ve even put together a few playlists for your enjoyment. Or you could always use the time to…
Panic at the Pump for Edouard
Looks like the Valero at Shepherd and 11th in the Heights was all dry at 7:23 a.m. this morning. — Keith Plocek…
Pot Battles Cancer On Yet Another Front
Puff, puff, cure colorectal cancer, pass….This might one day be the chant of doctors everywhere, depending on the accuracy of a recent study at M.D. Anderson. Researchers there have announced that a “cannabinoid receptor” in cells might be a key tumor-fighting tool in patients with colorectal cancer. In a press…
Sole Of Houston: Now With Google Maps
Did you know Google Maps has now added walking directions? It seems to work pretty well for strictly local trips. For example, I asked it for the best way to walk from my house near the Palace Lanes on Bellaire Boulevard to my office here at the Press downtown, and…
Musical Hurricane Preparedness Kit, Part 2: Hello Edouard (and Edward, and Ed, and Eddie…)
Good morning. Rocks Off hopes you’re nice and hunkered down (preferably with a partner), with lots of supplies to get you through the next few hours/days. Be sure to check our sister blog Hair Balls for news-type information and up-to-the-minute, you know, updates as Edouard pays his little visit. But…
Riot for Rover
This photo, taken by Brett Koshkin at 7:35 p.m. at the Petco on Shepherd, is proof that 1) people love their pets or 2) the Dinty Moore pickings are getting mighty slim at local grocery stores. Let’s hope for the former. — Keith Plocek…
Comcast Independence Day For Tunnel Mole
Even as Armegeddon bears down on us in all its fearsome fury (at least according to the TV newspeople), I, Tunnel Mole, have discovered this day a cause of happiness. It appears entirely possible that I will be able to cast off the rusted, foetid chains of that most evil…
No Panic Yet At Spec’s
Houston, we’re disappointed in you. Rush-hour traffic starts at 3 p.m., but yet – in the midst of a hurricane that could have us held up in our homes for who knows how long (read: a couple of hours) – Spec’s Liquor Store was pretty empty at 3:30 p.m.. “I…
The World’s Most Pompous Real-Estate Video
John Williams, lay down your head in shame. You may think you’ve cornered the market on pompous, overblown Spielberg-ian movie music, but it’s now obvious that you’re just an amateur. The people at real-estate giant Hines Interests have shown just what musical pomposity is. And it’s all in celebration of…
All HISD Stuff Canceled Tomorrow
The Houston school district has announced that nothing is happening tomorrow, thanks to Edouard. The bastard. The cancellation includes all athletic practices, band practices, 26 scheduled field trips, registration for fall classes and any other student activities at the Houston school district planned for Tuesday. Regular classes do not start…
Musical Hurricane Preparedness Kit, Part 1: Storm Song Sampler
As you are no doubt aware by now, Tropical Storm/Hurricane Edouard is set to make landfall around Galveston Bay sometime overnight and be in Houston proper by tomorrow morning. We’re all for being prepared – for Rocks Off, that means a couple of foot-long Subway sandwiches and a 12-pack of…
What’s the Deal with You Carlos Beltran Haters?
I’ve tried to understand the hated of Carlos Beltran, and frankly, I just don’t get it. So I’m writing today in hopes that one of you morons who boo Beltran every time he makes a play or comes up the plate will explain your hatred to me. Please, I really…
Citizen Journalists Unite! And Take Pictures!
If Tropical Storm Edouard makes a tree fall in Houston and no one records it with a cel phone, did it really fall? We don’t want to know. What we do want is for all you plucky guys and gals out there to send us any storm-related pictures as Ed…
Turning the Screw: H.I.S.D., Ludacris and Obama, KRS-One, Dogg Pound, Outlawz, Biggie Smalls and More
Welcome back to Turning the Screw, Rocks Off’s weekly rap/hip-hop post, keeping you in the loop on new music, music news and other tidbits related (at least somewhat) to rap and hip-hop. E-mail tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. Thanks, homies. Single of the Week “Never Die,” Hueston Independent Spit District Wire to…
Mixing Up a Hurricane, or How to Best While Away the Hours While the Winds Blow
In preparation for tomorrow’s arrival of Edouard, you might want to stock up with some special supplies, in keeping with the special day. The Hurricane, in all its many variations, is described as a not too sweet drink with a lot of fortitude to it. Here are some versions: From…
Seriously, Brooke Hogan, Shut Up
You figure a tranny would care more about politics. Oh, wait. Never mind. “I’m not that into voting.” Brooke Hogan said that the other week on her reality show (which makes Denise Richard’s show look like “Charlie Rose,” by the way.) Anyway, let me repeat Brooke’s words again, very slowly,…
Movies For Your Hurricane Party Tonight
Hola, Edouard. I hope you won’t mind, but we Houstonians are still a little fatigued from taking 12 hours to drive from The Woodlands to Conroe during Hurricane Rita to get too worked up over the “threat” of a [*snicker*] Category 1 storm. And to cheer you up, we’ve compiled…
Foster Kids In Texas Get Lots of Meds
As if they weren’t getting shafted enough, foster kids on Medicaid in Texas are receiving at least three times the amount of psychotropic meds as their non-fostered Medicaid counterparts – without any proven benefits. This is according to a study led by Julie Zito, a professor of pharmacy and psychiatry…
The Latest Tuna Extravaganza Delayed
Tropical Storm Edouard has claimed its first victim. The guys from Tuna, Texas. The opening-night performance of “Tuna Does Vegas,” scheduled tomorrow night for the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, has been moved back a day. Somewhere, the Gods of Comedy and Tragedy weep. If you have tickets for…
How To Best Keep Track of Edouard
If you’re obsessing over Edouard, there are plenty of places on the web to follow the action. Weather Underground has lots of info and charts, and Jeff Masters’ blog is always informative. The National Weather Service is trying out a new deal, a “multi-media briefing,” that is supposed to keep…
San Francisco Just May Be Able To Donate Recycling Bins
Houston, we have done our part to get this city off its non-recycling ass. We wrote this morning about how a group of San Franciscans wanted to donate recycling bins to the city, but they were getting absolutely no reponse from Houston officials. About an hour after the item went…
Over the Weekend: Sophisticated Bitch Fashion Show and Houston Astros
We’ve been a bit busy battening down the hatches for Tropical Storm Eduoard, so we’ll keep this edition of Over the Weekend short and sweet. (Or bitchy, as it were.) Sophisticated Bitch Fashion Show at Venue Bill Olive hit the town again, this time checking out some couture at Venue…
Astros-Mets: Houston Sweeps New York
I was little puzzled about why Johan Santana’s record wasn’t better. But after watching the New York Mets blow a two-run lead on Saturday night, leaving Santana with a no-decision, now I understand. What is there for me to say after the Astros swept the Mets this weekend. I sure…
Valero: We’ll Handle This Incident, Thank You
Another day, another “incident” at a plant here in Pollution Alley. This time it’s Valero. As spokesman Bill Day put it, “Valero reported an incident this morning involving a sulfur loading tank at the Valero Houston Refinery that resulted in some release of sulfur compounds. The release has been contained,…
Aftermath: Sharks and Sailors, Ume and the Jonx at Walter’s
DJ Under Warranty/photos by Brigitte B. Zabak Friday night, despite stiff competition from several other local shows (Spain Colored Orange, Fitzgerald’s “Leave Your Genre at the Door” night), a nice-size crowd gathered at Walter’s on Washington for Sharks and Sailors’ CD release. People began to trickle in fairly early for…
Top Ten Hurricane Tips
With Tropical Storm Edouard scheduled to make landfall Tuesday morning, we at the Houston Press want to make sure everyone takes the necessary precautions. Although hurricane preparedness lists are available elsewhere, some are woefully lacking. Keep these tips in mind for maximum safety. 1. Siphon as much gas as possible…
The Top Five Texas Cheerleader Scandals
Several girls from Morton Ranch High School in Katy are the latest group of Texas cheerleaders gone wild. Apparently, the girls got a little carried away with their hazing. “When a girl (censored) in her pants and puts her pants on another girl’s head, that’s just disgusting,” a sister of…
San Francisco Wants To Help Us Recycle, Gets Cold Shoulder
The Progressive Reading Series is a monthly event in San Francisco, where book authors, comedians and musicians get on stage, do their thing and raise money for a good cause. The $1,000 to $2,000 raised each month usually goes to a political candidate, a drive to register voters, or any…
Texas Road Food: Austin
Dancers at Waterloo Park at the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Contest. — Robb Walsh…
In the Shade: Out of the Shade
Well, things are winding down here. We’d like to thank the rain for not spoiling our fun. Cory Derden is finishing up and people are filtering out. The Shady Tavern had lots of traffic this weekend. Two days of rock? Tons of people? Yep, and now it’s time to call…
In the Shade: Teenage Kicks
The only promise Teenage Kicks didn’t live up to was the time limit. (We’re glad they took longer.) The group’s unrefined three-piece punk was a lesson in crowd involvement. In between songs, drummer Jon “I’m totally a” Baldwin told the audience to move closer and bassist Stewart Anderson and singer/guitarist…
In the Shade: Off with The Monocles, on with The Mathletes
The rain looks to be taking a rain check. Party on, Wayne. The Monocles The Monocles thundering punk rock just settled down and now it’s on to the always-lovable nerd rock of The Mathletes (who have been whittled down a three piece?! WTF happened to the other gazillion players?) The…
In the Shade: The McKenzies
The McKenzies put on an energetic show, but somewhere where the group’s vocals meet its music, things fall short. There’s nothing pulling us in. The crowd around seemed to accept them, but many were just letting them provide the background music for their own discussions. There’s a point where vocals…
In the Shade: Blame it on the Rain
Okay, so maybe we were wrong about the weather. Or maybe the weather man was wrong about the weather. 20 percent? It’s looking like the rain is about to put on a show of its own. So, if you don’t hear from us again, it’s because we had to clear…
In the Shade: News that never gets old
We’re starting to wonder what’s in the water over at News on the March’s headquarters. This five piece never seems to miss its mark. Three-part harmonies? Perfect? Every time? Singer/Bassist/Guitarist Brent was even complaining about the microphones shocking him. “It feels like I’m making out with a wasp,” he said…
In the Shade: Evak1
With Perseph1 and Babel Fishh tearing it up on the mike yesterday, we’re a little disappointed with today’s first offering, Evak 1. Fast paced flows, that weren’t fast enough to keep the audience interested. Dude sounds like Marky Mark (and actually kind of looks like a rough draft of the…
In the Shade: LedaSwan and Paris Falls
Out-of-towners LedaSwan just got off the stage. The two-female-fronted, fivesome from San Antonio has an indie rock vibe a la Elizabeth Elmore/Sarge. Nice tunes, but we’re guessing their vocal cords are still waking up as both ladies were occasionally straining to reach those harmonies. Currently rocking us are the Beatle-esque…
In the Shade: More updates
Jon (Guitars, Monocles) and lady April (Guitars, Miranda Rites) John from the Monocles just informed us his threesome powerhouse of punk rock is set to play at 4:50 p.m. Odd time, you might say it’s shady like the Tavern. No, but seriously folks … they go on at 4:50 p.m…
In the Shade: News on the March to play around 3-ish
Just scouting the local Internets and it appears that country-tinged rockers News on the March will go around 3 p.m. Update: Hip-hopper Nosaprise announced on MySpace that he’s slated to play at 3:30 p.m. We’re guessing this means News on the March is up after or before them. Make sure…
In the Shade: Back in the Shade
It’s Day 2 at the Secret Saturday Show Festival. Things are getting off to a slow start here. We’re guessing a lot of you are recovering from your own secret Saturdays, but if there’s anything that will sweat that heat out of you, it’s the heat. We just checked the…
In the Shade: Winding Down
Well, it’s getting too late for us folks. Ume just took the stage. And if you missed her last night at the Sharks & Sailors CD release show at Walter’s. Well, you missed out. We’ll probably head out soon. Too much rock. We can’t take this much in one day…
In the Shade: Retraction: Perseph1 instead of Guitars
So Perseph1 just took the stage. Sorry, Guitars fans who got here. But she’s sharing the mike with Babel Fish! That’s not bad. If you’re reading this, you missed it…
In the Shade: Up Next: Guitars
Right now Something Fierce is about tear up and after that it will be Guitars. Get here!…
In the Shade: Shady Shots
Mlee from Hearts of Animals tastefully sets up her gear. Chris Cascio (Wicked Poseur, Artstorm) stands by as Mlee sets up. ADR and Erik Bogle (Bring Back the Guns, Fatal Flying Guilloteens) discuss NPR over iPhone. Andrew Lee of The Wild Moccasins. -Dusti Rhodes…
In the Shade: Up Next: Something Fierce
Hearts of Animals are about ready to begin they’re set. After that it’s time for the down home punk sounds of Something Fierce. Giddy up, cowboys…
In the Shade: Up Next: Hearts of Animals
The self-proclaimed unphotogenic (we respectfully disagree) Emily from Hearts of Animals just dropped by and told us she’s up next after Lazyhorse finishes up its set. She told this set is going to be more un-traditional compared to past HoA shows. She’s enlisted Cley from The Dimes to help her…
In the Shade: Owner Woes
We had a chance to sit and chat with Shady Tavern owner Dennis (who coaches basketball at St. Thomas High School). He told us his ideal crowd is 24 and up. And he doubts he’ll ever do another Under-21 festival. So, kiddos. If you’re not old enough to drink, don’t…
In the Shade: In the Hot Seat with Chris from Gold Sounds
We just heard the Gold Sounds and were pretty impressed. We decided to pull guitarist Chris over ask him “Who are you guys?” Well, we’re from Deer Park. Sean recently moved to La Porte. Dee and Sean are brothers. How long have you been together? Since ’05. I was going…
In the Shade: Gold Sounds
Gold Sounds are a few songs into their bluesy, Led Zepplin-esque rock seem to be drawing in the crowd. Of course, they’re not making it to front of the stage, but it’s early and these guys are relatively unknown. C’mon folks don’t be shy. We’re guessing a few more rounds…
In the Shade: Something Fierce just showed up …
Something Fierce is in house — well, at least two-thirds of them. Niki7 and Steven just walked in and went straight to the stages. The Gold Sounds experienced technical difficulties, so Co-Pilot took the opening slot. Gold Sounds don’t look to be going anywhere. We just talked to Guitarist Chris…
In the Shade: Live Blogging from the Secret Saturday Show Festival
We’re finally set up here at the The Shady Tavern. (And lucky for us we found some shade.) Peeps are slowly filing in and it looks like the first round of sound will come from The Gold Sounds and Co-Pilot. So, if they were two of your must sees then,…
Weekend Music: Tony Joe White, Candlebox, John Mayer, Bobby Blue Bland, Flowers to Hide and More
Tonight, swamp thing Tony Joe White picks some “Polk Salad Annie” at the Continental Club. Somewhere, Johnny Cash will no doubt be watching. [Note: White also plays a free 4 p.m. in-store at Cactus Music.] Candlebox – that’s right, Candlebox – who All Music Guide says “unwittingly helped usher in…
Legal Action Stirring On Illegal-Alien Raid
Federal indictments were issued yesterday in connection with the June raid of Action Rags, USA, a clothing export factory. About 200 agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement participated in the raid, which resulted in the arrest of 160 illegal immigrants. The owner of the company and two office workers were…
Pol Brennan Rides Out Hurricane In Solitary
A couple of weeks ago we reported on the plight of Pol Brennan, the former Irish Republican Army man held in a Federal lock-up in the Valley on an immigration charge. A lot has happened since. The day our story hit the street, Hurricane Dolly tore through Los Fresnos, but…
Vindication Time For The TSU Three
“Vindicated.” That’s how former TSU student Justin Jordan said he felt an hour after hearing that he and two other former students at the college won their federal lawsuit against the university earlier today. “I was very happy,” says Jordan. “It proves that if you stand up for what you…
Port Arthur Shares The Polluting Load
Complain if you like of the pollution emanating from industries that line the Houston Ship Channel, but this week a petrochemical manufacturing plant in Port Arthur stakes its claim as one of the state’s top-dog environmental scofflaws. BASF FINA Petrochemical Limited Partnerships has gotten whacked with a $250,753 penalty by…
Circus Animals Tortured Because Of Air Guitars
Man, being an activist isn’t easy. Our hearts go out to local vegan go-getter (and party promoter) Jacob Calle. He broke his leg and was unable to attend his own animal-rights protest against the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Well, at least our hearts did go out to him. Until we…
Art Rock: Leave Your Genre at the Door at Fitzgerald’s
Featuring Tontons, Kam, Two Star Symphony, Perseph One & Andacc, Satin Hooks, Evak 1, Lower Life Form, Hueman, Babel Fishh, Peekaboo Theory, Television Skies, B.B. Aeroplane and Dirty Dez…
TEA Releases Ratings, Houston ISD Has Some Hits, Some Misses
Thirteen of the Houston Independent School District’s schools were deemed academically unacceptable by the Texas Education Agency in its just released annual ratings. On the much brighter side, 38 received the top rating of exemplary, 118 got recognized status and 97 made the bare minimum of academically acceptable. Sixteen other…
The Spread: Solid Platinum on West T. C. Jester
All right, I have to apologize up front to regular readers of The Spread (all four of you) because I have to break character. I figured there might unfortunately be a time where this was necessary, but I didn’t expect it would happen so quickly. But I just returned from…
Tonight: Sharks and Sailors, Bullet for My Valentine, Blue Mountain, MercyMe and More
Right on schedule – things are slowly returning to normal at Rocks Off HQ after the onslaught earlier in the week – here’s your weekly Friday-night video playbill. We’ll start with one of the better indie bills around these parts in a while: local trio Sharks and Sailors’ CD release…
Five Spot: Rock’s Top Flavor Savers
Welcome back to The Five Spot, another new Rocks Off recurrent. Every Friday, we’ll examine a recent bit of music news and list five reasons why it’s either brilliant or dumb-assed. Send tips to introducingliston@gmail.com. It’s safe to say that, as of right now, Jim James is cock-diesel. Not only…
Tonight: Teresa Kolo at Waldo’s
Take one look at Teresa Kolo, and if the word “brains” doesn’t pop into your head, you need corrective lenses. Kolo is one of those people you’d say has “pluck,” like the girl in True Grit, and save the occasional gig, she’s been off the scene. But she’s recently moved…
McCain Supporters to Meet in Some Kingly Digs
A first meeting of “The Houston John McCain Supporters Group” has been announced, an invitation-only event where fans of the GOP candidate can discuss the race. Where will it be held? The Vietnam Elvis Museum, of course. Or maybe not “of course”; we really don’t know. But that’s where it’s…
August Brings Several Opponents Who Are Actually Playing for Something
Thankfully, another month of the Astros’ season has come to an end. That’s 107 games of abject mediocrity down, 55 more to go. The Astros were 4-8 for July’s first 12 games and 6-6 for the second 12 for a 10-14 mark and another sub-.500 month. So let’s take a…
A&M Tackles The Pressing Animal-ESP Issue
What is Texas A&M’s vaunted research department up to these days? The pressing issue of whether pets have ESP. “The question has been asked for decades: Do animals have ESP?” says an Aggie press release. We say the question has been asked for minutes: Who the hell’s been wondering whether…
UFOs Definitively, Absolutely Proven To Have Visited Houston
Edgar Mitchell is right!! UFOs do exist!! And they’ve been in Houston!! Recently!! Forgive the use of exclamation points, but this truly is astounding news, you’ve got to admit. Clear, compelling video evidence of a UFO in Houston was put up on YouTube about two weeks ago. But none of…
The Sharks Come Out For Sunmart
It’s one thing to have the Texas Attorney General after you for potentially tens of millions of dollars in fines, but when average Harris County residents such as Allison Snoddy, Stefanie Brigance and Charles Ziegler join in on the hunt, watch out. Attorney General Greg Abbott has filed a lawsuit…
Texas Road Food: Fort Worth
The miracle of the tortillas and the briskets. — Robb Walsh…
Some NBC Commentators to be Monitoring Olympics from Afar
Jim McKay took pride in traveling all over the world to broadcast sports. And while I’m sure he would understand some of NBC’s upcoming moves for the Beijing Olympics, he probably wouldn’t agree. NBC is sending thousands of people to Beijing to broadcast the Olympics. And there will be a…
FLDS Mother Speaks Up At Rotary Club
A 29-year-old woman who lived at the FLDS ranch at the time of the CPS raid spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Houston earlier today. The woman spoke briefly and wouldn’t reveal her name, but her attorney said she wanted the crowd to understand that the FLDS mothers…
Artist of the Week: Andrew Karnavas
Each week, usually on Wednesdays – the music awards has thrown everything off this week – Rocks Off arbitrarily appoints one lucky local performer or group “Artist of the Week,” bestowing upon them all the fame and grandeur such a lofty title implies. Know a band that isn’t awful? Email…
School Board Gets The Boot In North Forest ISD
After years of dismal test scores and a demonstrated inability to get a grip on its finances, as well as months of high drama with the school board firing and un-firing its superintendent several times, the North Forest ISD was officially put on notice today that the state is going…
A Wish List For Austin’s Movie Memorabilia Sale
Austin Studios is having a movie memorabilia sale tomorrow and Saturday. From noon to 5 PM tomorrow and 8 AM – 2 PM Saturday at 1901 E. 51st Street (in Austin, duh), you can pick through all manner of props and cinematic leftovers. Debbie Haber at the studio balked at…
Tonight: Psilli Psybin at the Big Top
Fans of Boondocks’ monthly psychedlic/garage freak-out Reverberations, listen up: Now you can get your trippy fix of acid-tested songs on a weekly basis, and from a live band to boot. Since the beginning of the month, longtime local drummer Steve Candelari’s new band Psilli Psybin has been playing songs like…
Leaks At The Discovery Green Garage
Yesterday Channel 13 Eyewitness News reporter Miya Shay reported that Discovery Green’s brand-new $21-million dollar parking garage leaks. Not major gushers, mind you, just some drip-drips. The source for her story? An unidentified City Council member who wouldn’t speak on camera “because of the sensitive nature of this issue.” (What’s…
Might As Well Face It, We’re Addicted To E-Mail
Houston is officially e-mail crazy. That’s according to AOL, which we were somewhat surprised to learn still exists. But it does, and it has issued its fourth annual survey of e-mail habits in America. The results — only New York is more obsessed with e-mail than Houston. We beat Chicago,…
East End Doesn’t “Explode” Metro
An e-mail was circulating around the East End this week, urging residents and business owners come Wednesday night to “an explosive meeting that will change the course of light rail in Houston.” How “explosive” things got is a bit debatable, but East Enders let Metro know they are plenty pissed…
Last Suspect In Shooting Of Historic Officer Nabbed
The last of the three suspects in the shooting that left HPD’s first Hispanic female officer paralyzed has been apprehended, thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip. Police arrested Andrew Garcia at 1:30 this morning in a condo at 10912 Gulf Freeway after getting the tip. “This capture shows once more…
John Edwards: Still A Houston Press Exclusive!
For a while there, we were wondering — as a reporter for the Columbia Journalism Review put it to us the other day — “No offense, but why is it that the only reporter who has asked John Edwards the question [about infidelity rumors] is an editorial assistant from a…
Cheerleaders Gone Wild: What’s a Little Soiled Clothing on the Head Between Friends?
Paging Holly Hunter. If that whole Saving Grace thing doesn’t work out on you, maybe you can come back to Texas and revisit the world of cheerleading. But this time, instead of having to endure Channelview, you’d get to visit the nice folks of Katy. And this time, instead of…
It’s Vacation (And Work) In Uganda For A Houstonian
UH prof Jody Williams isn’t the only Houstonian doing good deeds in Africa this summer. David Chaney, an accountant, is taking part in a neat project out of the UK that lets tourists who are visiting Uganda (and some do, we guess) work for a week or so on rebuilding…
Wandy’s Mediocrity Revealed in 9-5 Loss to Reds
Can we please, please, stop talking about Wandy Rodriguez having turned the corner and become a legitimate top-of-the rotation starter? Please. I don’t understand the obsession that people have with trying to make this mediocre pitcher into something he’s not. The guy’s mediocre. He’s always been mediocre. He will always…
The Mayor’s right — Houston Is Never, Never Trendy
Mayor Bill White got some publicity recently when he told The New York Times the reason Houston really, really sucks at recycling is because “Houstonians are skeptical of anything that appears to be oversold or exaggerated.” Or things that are “trendy or hyped-up.” Some Houstonians, it turns out, are skeptical…
Best Burger on Bingle
The Cowboy Burger at JR’s Bar-B-Que, 6810 Bingle, is a free-form half-pounder topped with bacon, Monterrey Jack, and mushrooms on Texas toast. At $7.50 it’s the top of the line at JR’s Bar-B-Que, which advertises the “Best Burgers on Bingle.” (If you know of a better burger on Bingle, please…
Longhorns Retire Kevin Durant’s Number? Really?
I couldn’t help but notice that the University of Texas is retiring the jersey of Kevin Durant. Now I don’t know about you, but I always thought that somebody had to do something rather exceptional to have a jersey retired. And playing for a team for one year just doesn’t…
Wax Museum: MP3s from Leon Mitcheson, Calvin Owens and Carl Carlton
Leon Mitchison, “Street Scene” Most Houstonians and (many others around the globe) have heard of the legendary Kashmere Stage Band. If not, get your Google on, but few realize how these young high-schoolers got their start playing music. Enter one Leon Mitchison. The Fifth Ward native was the music teacher…
18th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival
We’re not quite sure what the vocal stylings of American Idol winner Ruben Studdard have in common with Al Jarreau or Joe Williams, but Studdard’s one of the headliners for the 18th Annual Houston International Jazz Festival. The Velvet Teddy Bear performs on Saturday, as do the Angel Lane Brass…
Breaking Dawn
It’s here! The final installment in the Twilight young adult fantasy series by author Stephenie Meyer, Breaking Dawn, hits the shelves today, and there are two release parties in town to celebrate. The series is always described as “wildly popular,” and it’s true. The human heroine Bella and her vampire…
Houston Young Playwright’s Exchange
Terminal illness, nasty name-calling, an existential crisis — these are just some of the ideas being explored by local teens in the Alley Theatre’s 12th annual presentation of Houston Young Playwright’s Exchange (HYPE for short). Earlier this year, work by six teenagers was selected to undergo development at the Alley…
Soul and Blues Festival
The Soul and Blues Festival features Betty Wright, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Willie Clayton — need we say more? Well, we’re going to anyway. Wright released her first album when she was only 15 years old, but it was a few years before she scored a hit with “Clean Up…
UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus features a “Hip Hop under the Big Top” show with trapeze, daredevil, gymnastic, aerial and animal acts from all over the world performing to R&B, gospel, funk and, of course, hip-hop. Now in its 15th season, this year’s show has the theme “Jabulani (Joy, Laughter, and Happiness).” Ringmaster…
Scott Blackwood
Author Scott Blackwood’s characters find hope in the darkest of places. Many of the stories in his 2001 collection In the Shadow of Our House end on a note that is depressing only at first glance. “It’s so often that someone reads it and says, ‘Wow, that’s just unremittingly dark.’…
Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti
In 1936, experimental filmmaker Maya Deren got a grant to shoot voodoo rituals in Haiti from the Guggenheim Foundation and soon found herself dancing in a circle praising someone named “Gbadu.” This may have violated a few academic standards of the day; it certainly fueled rumors that Deren’s death from…
Tuna Does Vegas in Galveston
It’s been more than two decades since Joe Sears and Jaston Williams created the cast of hilarious hoots from Tuna, Texas, “the third smallest town in Texas.” Since then, the silly Tuna characters have appeared at the White House, on Broadway and on HBO. We’re happy to report that folks…
Nellie McKay
Nellie McKay packages feminist, pro–animal rights and antiwar sentiments into sugarcoated piano pop with jazz, Latin and hip-hop influences. This style, along with her charming humor, makes her weighty subject matter easier to swallow. Whether she’s raging against the machine or singing an ode to her dead cat, the Brit-born…
White Linen Night in the Heights
Bleach out those armpit stains because it’s time once again for White Linen Night in the Heights. You wouldn’t want any yellow spots to dampen an evening of art, fashion, food, drinks, music and seeing and being seen in one of Houston’s hippest neighborhoods. Every year organizers invite Houstonians to…
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Today brings the legendary British comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The retelling of the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table from the troupe that included great minds such as John Cleese, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle left behind plenty of quotables. “‘Tis but…
Linnea in Monet’s Garden
Kids who are still more interested in Saturday morning cartoons than stuffy old art will find today’s free Family Flicks screening, Linnea in Monet’s Garden, pretty fun. The animated Swedish movie, a 1994 Parents Choice Award winner, is just 30 minutes long and based on a popular book about a…
Saturday Night Fever
Saturday Night Fever has all the hallmarks of a good dumb movie. It’s got a famous soundtrack. It’s got great dance scenes. It’s got a stereotypical but endearing portrayal of a cultural sect (in this case, working-class Italian-Americans). It’s attached to its era in a way that doesn’t make the…
Honoring Sally Yan Yan Ng
“Honoring Sally Yan Yan Ng” is perhaps the first film series the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has had in memory of an individual, says Marian Luntz, film curator for the museum. “She was someone who was very faithful to our film program. After her death, we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it…
The Houston Shakespeare Festival
Since 1975, the Houston Shakespeare Festival has been making our summers richer, funnier and more dramatic. This year the annual tradition features a magnificent tragedy and a sweet tale of love. Julius -Caesar is one of the old Bard’s greatest tales of treachery and treason. When Brutus and Cassius plot…
AGA-BOOM
Imagine Cirque du Soleil and the Three Stooges at a pie-throwing contest with really loud rock music, and you’ll have some idea what Aga–Boom, the Theatre of Physical Comedy, is all about. The show is a mixture of circus, experimental theater, slapstick, clowning and vaudeville, all presented in the best…
Sam Taylor-Wood
If “End Game” at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston got you jonesin’ for more Sam Taylor-Wood, then get your fill across the street at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. The CAMH is showcasing photographs and video installations from the artist who, along with other notables such as Damien Hirst and…
The Unforgettable Tour
Bollywood fans, your day has arrived. The Unforgettable Tour is here. The sexiest, most celebrated legends from Indian film — everyone from that dark beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to the reigning king of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan, who’s also Aishwarya’s father-in-law, to Preity Zinta — will gather on one stage for…
Jubal Lee Young
Jubal Lee Young comes from exceptional musical bloodlines. Father Steve Young, the Buddhist outlaw, wrote several of Waylon Jennings’s biggest hits, plus “Seven Bridges Road,” which the Eagles have opened their live shows with for years. Young’s mother, Terrye Newkirk, is no slouch as a songwriter herself, with such tunes…
Capsule Art Reviews: “2008 Houston Area Exhibition,” “Dave Darraugh & Hana Hillerova,” “Defending Democracy”, “Designed by Architects: Metalwork from the Margo Grant Walsh Collection,” “Sterne and Steinberg: Critics Within”
“2008 Houston Area Exhibition” This is the tenth installment of a group exhibit that takes place at Blaffer Gallery every four years, with work by 16 artists. Seth Alverson is showing five paintings that display not only his virtuosity as a painter but the compelling mystery within his work. His…
Bullet For My Valentine: Scream Aim Fire
Metal-core band Bullet For My Valentine takes the best of British heavy metal (tap-frenzy twin-guitar harmonies, rapid-fire rhythms) and combines it with the worst of American emo (harmonic choruses that border on whininess). We’ll forgive them because a) they’re British; b) they don’t wear girls’ jeans; and c) new album…
The Ron Paul Revolution, Sayonara Starbucks, Ivory No No
The Ron Paul Revolution, such as it is, has moved to Hair Balls. We took note that Paul, Brazoria County’s fightin’ gynecologist, was writing an autobiography. We pondered the actual need for this, but nevertheless looked forward to chapters such as “Rosa Parks & Mother Teresa: Impress Me First, Then…
Sigur Rós: Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust
Sigur Rós’s latest is positively festooned with danger signs: It’s the Icelandic group’s first album to be mainly recorded outside its home base; its first to feature a track sung in English; and its first co-produced by a big-shot dial-twister (Flood, of Depeche Mode fame). Somehow, though, this series of…
Bayousphere
The plan to exercise extensively at the gym prior to the fight obviously didn’t pan out, so Homer Fonseca resorts to Plan B — the feared sticking-out of the tongue. Opponent Justin Jones doesn’t look too afraid, but the Mixed Martial Arts match at Reliant Arena ended in a draw…
Theatre Southwest Presents Its Annual Festival of Originals
The Annual Festival of Originals, or FOO, as the folks at Theatre Southwest call it, is an absolutely inspired idea. For 11 years, hungry playwrights from across the country have been submitting their scripts in hopes of seeing their words come to life onstage. Return addresses include both prisons and…
Texas Air National Guard Boots Sick Soldier
It was about four years back into civilian life that Jason Franco decided he’d had enough of going nowhere. He’d gotten out of active duty for the Marines in 1997 and took on jobs as a drill instructor at a juvenile boot camp for three years and security at a…
Civilization Revolution Offers a Fast Way to Build Up a Culture.
Gandhi is threatening to invade my country if I don’t share the secrets of gunpowder with him. Consulting with my advisers, I’m told his army is no threat, their technology far behind mine. I don’t believe the numbskulls whispering in my ear: The Indian’s army has marched right to the…
Texas Woman Fights Abuse at the State’s Schools for the Mentally Retarded
Farhat Chishty pushes her son’s wheelchair into the shade of an oak tree and sits down with a sigh. It’s a calm spring morning at Denton State School, the largest institution for people with mental retardation in Texas, and she has come for her morning visit. She puts a knit…
Denice Franke: Gulf Coast Blue
Something about Texas soil makes it fertile ground for earnest country-folk players bent over their acoustic guitars, pouring forth stories of people and towns toeing the line between elation and desperation. Former Houstonian and current Galveston Island resident Denice Franke’s latest effort, Gulf Coast Blue, is a similar document showcasing…
Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar Has an Open-Mike Night That Doesn’t Suck?
Henry Dillard doesn’t look like much. Scruffy, dirty-blond hair, 5’8″, maybe 145 pounds, impossibly young and old-looking at the same time; he’s hardly the rocker archetype we grew up with. Holding his black acoustic Takamine guitar as he waits his turn at Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar’s (307 Fairview) open-mike night,…
Hiroshima Blends Traditional Japanese Music and Modern West Coast Jazz at the Houston International Jazz Festival
Nowadays, putting together a jazz festival means embracing musical diversity — the word “jazz” itself has become an umbrella term for many genres, from the sophisticated works of Wynton Marsalis to the Brazilian bossa nova of Rosa Passos and the experimentation of Chick Corea. The talent at this year’s Houston International…
Tony Joe White
Not just an electrifying performer, Tony Joe White is also one of the great rock and roll writers of the past 40 years, registering cuts with everyone from Elvis to Tom Jones. He was a favorite of sultry UK soul queen Dusty Springfield, and even had a hit when Brook…
The 2008 Houston Press Music Awards Showcase Is Filled with Talent and Absurdity
Well, as they say in Hollywood, that’s a wrap. And as they say in Houston, “Damn! I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!” We kid, we kid. But reflecting on Sunday’s Houston Press Music Awards Showcase a few hours after the curtain fell, I have to say, I’m feeling…
G-Unit: T*O*S: Terminate on Sight
Like corrupt politicians and David Hasselhoff, gangsta rap isn’t going away — but the played-out quality of T*O*S suggests that it’s headed for an extended stretch on the down-low. Five years ago, the smashing aggressiveness of “Straight Outta Southside” would have offset its lack of originality. Now, though, redundant imagery…
Chicken Fried Steak and Banana Pudding at the Humble City Cafe
The housemade banana pudding at the Humble City Cafe came in a cannonball-size schooner. The astonishingly large glass was lined with vanilla wafers and topped with a towering dome of whipped cream. At first I figured the enormous banana pudding parfait in a beer schooner just looked over-the-top to me…
Capsule Stage Reviews: Electile Dysfunction, Little Women, Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming, Snoopy
Electile Dysfunction Radio Music Theatre has tackled the wild and wacky political season with this funny play, which is full of characters as kooky as the past few months have been. Writer/director Steve Farrell knows just how to put things into perspective. His silly show features the Jones family from…
Frank’s Chop House Opens with Fresh Gulf Seafood, Steaks and Homemade Sausage.
Two Franks are always better than one. Frank Crapitto, owner of Crapitto’s Cucina Italiana, has teamed up with Frank Butera, who comes from the same family that owned Butera Market. They’ve just opened Frank’s Chop House, (3736 Westheimer, 713-572-8600) in the spot that has previously housed Joyce’s Oyster Bar, Rockfish…
Brideshead Revisited Goes Back to the Book
Making notes in 1949 for a review of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited, George Orwell wrote that “Waugh is about as good a novelist as one can be…while holding untenable opinions.” Which is a nice way of saying that Waugh, a world-class satirist of everyone from the rich down, was also…
Eating Green at Beck’s Prime with the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna
The grilled yellowfin tuna sandwich ($8.75) at Becks Prime (2902 Kirby, 713-524-7085 and other locations) is an excellent choice for several reasons. Their supplier line-catches the fish by hand, as opposed to using nets and possibly endangering other marine wildlife. The three-quarter-inch-thick tuna steak is mesquite-grilled to a medium-rare finish,…
Werner Herzog Treks to Antarctica in Encounters at the End of the World
Some say the world will end in fire, some — like Werner Herzog — say ice. Flying in the face of global warming, this profoundly idiosyncratic filmmaker leads an expedition, alternately comic and visionary, to the heart of coldness. Herzog’s Encounters at the End of the World chronicles his trip…
Numbers’ 30th Anniversary
Misspent youth, high jinks and dancing with reckless abandon — Numbers has seen it all. One of Houston’s oldest nightclubs, the venerable Lower Westheimer establishment begins its fourth decade with retrospective videos, exciting giveaways and various DJs — Numbers chieftain Wes Wallace and special guests spinning the club’s signature blend…
ASK A MEXICAN
Dear Mexican, What’s with calling yourselves “La Raza”? Being Mexicans, Chicanos or whatever isn’t enough — now you’re THE race? Sounds pretty racist to me. The Race Is On Dear Gabacho, Few things annoy the Mexican more than the Know Nothing Nation’s deliberate ignorance concerning this most nebulous of Mexican…
Readers Respond to Our Magazine Sales Crew Story
Online readers respond to “Selling You,” by Craig Malisow, July 17. Great investigative journalism! As always, no one wants to take responsibility for the deaths, and the families are the ones that suffer. All that just to make a buck. Javier Santos from Houston Kudos: I saw the link to…
Sharks and Sailors’ Slow-Developing Debut Album
A short drive down Washington Avenue, where condos are springing up like crabgrass and local trio Sharks and Sailors will release debut CD Builds Brand New at Walter’s Friday night, is all it takes to get a taste of what Houston once was, what it is and what it may…
Brett Dennen
People are ready for a fresh-faced heir apparent to Paul Simon, and from the looks of things, Brett Dennen is the guy. His second LP, So Much More, was released in November 2006, but judging by Dennen’s recent Tonight Show appearance and his opening spot on John Mayer’s summer tour…
Secret Saturday Festival
For the past year, one of the most pleasant places in town to see live music has been the patio at Shady Tavern on the northern edge of the Heights. Every Saturday afternoon, rain or shine, DJs warm up the crowd before three or four local bands (plus occasional out-of-town…
CAFÉ RED ONION’S EL DON MARGARITA
A few years back, the Café Red Onion (3910 Kirby, 713-807-1122) featured a true champion of a margarita called the El Borracho (“the drunk”). It came on the rocks in an oversize schooner-type glass called a bola. It had three different kinds of tequila. It had a funny/cool name that…
