Culturally refreshed...

Weekends here in Houston are just something to behold.  As I am sure there are in Chicago, Los Angeles, or (gulp) New York activities are plentiful on the weekends.  BUT, I would challenge them to a certain distinction.  I would challenge them to the number of times that the "big guns" of the cultural landscape come out and give fantastic performances for the public... and oh yeah... for free.

Saturday started off wonderfully with the Bayou City Art Fair.  This HUGE art fair brings artists from all over the country to display pieces from almost every medium.  The spring version is held at Memorial Park and the fall version is held downtown.  There is nothing quite like walking around for three hours enjoying some fantastic creations.

Then in the evening hearing the wonderful musicianship of the Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Auditorium.  It was the annual Lunada concert celebrating Latin American composers.  The music just floated wonderfully and allowed a person to just drift away.  Hokey..?  Sure.  But that is about the best way I can describe it.  This was the Symphony's fourth (at least) free concert of the year for the public.  When you combine that with the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, and the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company all giving free performances at Miller...

Well, it just doesn't get much better than that.

With a little bit of this...

First off, the ExxonMobile symphony series continues at Miller Outdoor tonight.  For any of you that have never seen a live symphony performance, you really should.  A live performance is so much better than listening to the radio or a recording.  I don't know why, but it really does...

Staying in the listening mode, I just have to reiterate that there are concerts and happenings going on all the time.  Discovered that the burb north of Houston called The Woodlands has a pavilion with an outstanding line up this summer.  They have everything from Big Time Rush to the Jonas Brothers to Black Sabbath playing this summer.  This is something to definitely check out.

I will also try to do another photo walk somewhere.  Not sure where yet, but I know I can find somewhere.  Also starting to get the itch for a new city.  Maybe Austin, maybe San Antonio...

Out there on the cheap...

I was always warned about the expense of big city living.  Houston, Chicago, New York, LA... all of these magical lands where you are supposed to have a salary in the millions in order to enjoy the amenities.

Yeah... not so much...

You see, this month is a very, very tight budget month for the web guy.  Some unforeseen expenses reared their evil head and things got a bit... well, tight.  So, I just have to stay inside and hibernate?  Nope.  This weekend I will be taking pictures at the arboretum, seeing a show (or two) at 14 Pews, and there are two outdoor shows at the Miller Outdoor Amphitheater.

Total to see all of these things - $0.  Yup, nothing out of pocket.

Now that does not include food but that is fine.  I can cook and (if necessary) get a quick bite on the cheap.  The point being is that there is simply SO much to do.  There are events like the Houston Grand Opera, The Houston Symphony, some plays at the Alley Theater and much much more.  So even though right now I have to screw down my spending, that does not mean I have to screw down a bit of my entertainment.

Enjoy!

Black tie and tails...

I am excited!  I am going to see Man of LaMancha.  I do love that show.  There is a series called Theatre Under the Stars (www.tuts.com) and it is a wonderful season.  I am going to see "How 2 Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" at The Woodlands this weekend (www.classactproductions.org/).  The Houston Ballet is performing "La Bayadere (The temple dancer)".  The Houston Symphony is wonderfully attended (I will be there), there is Shakespeare in the park (I will be there), numerous smaller, independent theaters.  Movie houses that show independent films.  The list goes on and on...

This is one of the greatest benefits of living in a large city.  Alongside the culinary choices are the wonderful breadth of artistic endeavors.  Just like you could find any restaurant to fit your particular mood at any given moment, you can find culture to fit your mood and tastes.

I am just having a ball...