A new adventure ahead...

There is a new adventure ahead of me.  While I have absolutely loved my time in Houston (and would recommend this city to anyone who is interested), I have been given an opportunity that I just can't pass up.  So, at the end of this month this blog will transition in a new exploration.

I shall miss all of the things that have made this city great.  The Art Car Parade, the Bayou City Art Festival, trips to Galveston, the rows and rows of restaurants, and especially Miller Outdoor Theater.

The hospitality of the folks of Houston is something I will always appreciate.  The forth largest city in the United States has many things to be very proud of and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself here.

Salut!
New Blog for a new adventure - The Corn Bred Kid in Cali

Well, it was bound to happen...

It just had to happen at some point.  After nearly three years of attending (almost) weekly performances at Miller Outdoor Theater, there had to be a clunker.  The worst part of it is that it had absolutely nothing to do with the performance but with my fellow audience members around me.

You see, I attended the Houston Ballet's performance of Giselle on Saturday night and per usual, I was in my regular seat in the back corner (stage left) of the audience.  Not sure why, but I always pick that spot.  There honestly is not a bad seat in the house...

Anyway, the evening was marred by folks who decided to carry on conversations right next to me.  The place was packed (both on the hill and in the seating area) and some folks were looking for a seat.  They were a bit vocal.  I understand looking for something but please try to do it without chatting about your day in a normal voice.  Since a number of them could not find a seat, they decided to congregate on the back corner(s).  Ugh!

The ushers did their best to shoo them away, but they were like a herd of cats.  The ushers shoo'd them from right by my seat and then they congregate in another section and when they get shoo'd from there they return to my area.  Unfortunately, I left before the end.  Too bad, because when I could see the stage the dancer were absolutely wonderful.

People from all over

Happy Cinco de Mayo! (I know that it is day late...)

Being a stereo-typical, corn-fed, midwestern born, middle aged, white guy I feel that I can fit right in and contribute to the diversity that is the city of Houston.  Living in one of the most diverse cities in these United States, I take great pride in bringing my unique culture to the masses.

That may sound rather silly, but in a very weird sense it is true.  Because of the diversity of this city, I feel that everyone can contribute their own particular brand of culture to the melting pot and have it appreciated.

This past weekend I was (as usual) at Miller Outdoor for a  Cinco de Mayo celebration that featured Los Lobos.  It included an emcee that is a television host from one of the spanish speaking stations and the best part... he spoke mainly in spanish to the crowd.  Oh sure... he interrupted his spiel to inform the english speakers in the audience what he was saying, but we were there for a Cinco de Mayo celebration which is a major Mexican holiday.  So naturally, the prime focus of the presentation should be Mexican - including the speeches.

I guess it goes back to the heart of this city - diversity.  There seems to be a cultural celebration of some sort going on here every weekend and that is marvelous.  There is a restaurant for basically any nationality here (check out the Bosnian cuisine at Cafe Pita) and every year most nationalities have a festival.  You really cannot beat it.

A moment, please...

Web Guy with a Napoleonic complex
(and sporting a Mickey Mouse watch)

Gentle reader, I may need a moment here...  I have had my heart laid bare and stomped upon.  Yes, I am more than a little distraught right now...

You see... I did not make the list of Houston's Most Eligible (and hottest) Bachelors (sniff).

Perhaps it is my age that keeps me off the list.  I am pushing 50 you know.  Or maybe it is my position as an administrator at the University of Houston that dulls the senses of the judges.  Who knows...

But it is precisely this type of thing that is fantastic about living in the fourth largest city in the United States.  An online magazine like Culture Map that gives us all of the society news.  Galas, fundraisers, and eligible bachelor lists.  It is something that I genuinely look forward to receiving in my email and reading every morning.  Plus they have the best calendar of events site in the city.

Then there is a fantastic magazine called Houstonia Magazine which I subscribe to and look forward to monthly.  It has all the information about the places here in the Bayou City.  Neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, and the like; it is the quintessential reference point.

So while I will sit here in my dark office and shed a few tears over my obvious bachelor snubbing, I shall persevere and continue to thoroughly enjoy life.  After all, The Addams Family stage show is starting tonight at Miller Outdoor.

The Fall Festival...

Tis the season of falling leaves (although here in the south, that doesn't happen for a while...), the smell of warm apple cider, pies in the oven, football on the tele, Jack o' Lanterns all about...  If I had to pick a favorite season, fall may be it (as long as it does not get cold).

Another thing that is in the air are the annual festivals.  Most of the ones I have seen about town are ethnic in nature (Italian, Turkish, Greek, Irish, Korean...) and they highlight their culture, music, (and more to my liking) their food and drink.  Lord knows I love a good festival.  Not to mention the Texas Renaissance Festival which runs to the beginning of December.

Also, Miller is winding down their fantastic season.  I simply cannot believe how lucky this city is to have a venue such as Miller Outdoor Auditorium.

Now, if you will excuse me...my bowl of candy corn is empty.

Experimental theater with puppets

I am excited.  Tonight, a group of us will be attending a show at the Catastrophic Theater.  It will be my first visit to this theater and I am really looking forward to it.

The little ones visit went very well and I am still dealing with an over stimulated cat.  The furry grey boarder was constantly played with by my kids and now that they are gone, he is going through some type of withdrawal.  I am getting this psychotic "play with me now" stare right before he jumps onto my thigh with his claws bared.

During their visit we had a marvelous time going to the Bayou City Arts Festival.  This is an amazing display that happens twice a year and if you have not gone out to see it then you are REALLY missing out on something.

Once again, the Houston Zoo, The Houston Museum of Natural Science and Miller Outdoor Theater came through magnificently.  The outdoor performance was a celebration of the hispanic culture here in Houston and featured a Columbian Salsa band that really had everyone dancing.

Now I just have to find my way to the Renaissance Festival before it leaves in December...

In a week...

In seven days, my two sidekicks come back to Houston...and boy, what a weekend is on store.  As usual, there is just so much going on here.

Of course we will have to start off the weekend with a trip to Galveston.  Since there are no oceans or gulfs in Indiana, they love to hit the beach.  Next is where the mayhem will ensue.

The weekend of October 12th and 13th has the following wonderful events.  The Bayou City Arts Festival, The Texas Contemporary Arts Fair, The Texas Renaissance Festival (opening weekend) The Houston Food Truck Fest (Haute Wheels Houston), the Houston Italian Festival, and a couple of other things...

On top of that is the usual fantastic fare at Miller Outdoor Auditorium and the Houston Zoo.

On Monday I was hoping to take the kids on a tour of the Johnson Space Center (NASA), but with the government shutdown we may not be able to do that.  Oh well, it would not be hard to talk them into going back to the beach...

Who is wearing the steel toed boots..?

There is a reason that I am not keen to go see any Tennessee Williams plays.  While he is a wonderful wordsmith and his dialog is absolutely riveting, the plays are depressing as all get out.  Whenever I go to see one, it just feels like I am being kicked in the head with steel toed boots for two hours.  So while I appreciate the artistry, I am not a big fan.

Last night at Miller Outdoor, there was a production of the Vietnamese epic poem "The Tale of Kieu."  The production was simply mesmerizing.  What the producer did was to make a "Broadway musical" show out the the tale, complete with both Vietnamese and English dialog/translations.  The costumes, minimalist set design, and choreography were all very nicely done.  The visuals were quite frankly, simply beautiful.

However... remember what I said about being kicked in the head for two hours?  Here is a summation of the plot:
Beautiful girl falls in love with handsome boy.  Boy gets called away for a year and a half.  Father of girl falls into debt and girl sells herself to brothel to save family.  Forced into prostitution, beautiful girl attracts many men.  One man buys her freedom, but he is married to the daughter of Prime Minister who does not take kindly to having another woman in the house.  Girl steals two candlesticks and flees for her life to a Buddist temple.   Priest accept her until he finds out she carries stolen property... back to the brothel.

You get the idea.  She eventually ends up with her original love but refuses to have sex with him because of her past.  Oy!  My head hurts.

But man... the pictures sure were pretty.

All the world is a stage...

I know that I have rambled on and on about the Miller Outdoor Auditorium and this will be another one.  This time was to see "As You Like It" and "Antony & Cleopatra" which was part of the Houston Shakespeare Festival.  Before each show I would gather up some cheese, fruit, bread and a bottle of wine as part of my picnic.  Spread out my blanket, relax and enjoy.

Both shows were outstanding in their own right.  "As You Like It" was pseudo modernized in it's setting by placing it in Louisiana which was a master stroke on the director's part.  The story of a Duke who banishes family members to the woods worked very well using the swamp lands as a backdrop.  The ole' Kingfish himself would have been proud.

Antony & Cleopatra was with minimal set and terrific acting.  The story is the centerpiece and the actors carried the day.

Life is good with some culture...

Boots on The Bard

I would fit right in for "Antony & Cleopatra"

William Shakespeare is alive and well in Houston, Texas believe it or not.  Over the next week at Miller Outdoor Theater is the annual Shakespeare festival in conjunction with the University of Houston (I am now legally bound to say "Go Coogs!").  The repertory is presenting "Antony and Cleopatra" and "As You Like It" starting on the 2nd through the 11th of August.

I have heard people say that they are not going because of the heat, but I am here to tell you (and them if they are reading this...) that at 8:30 at night, when the show starts, it is quite pleasant.  There is a wonderful breeze that blows across Hermann Park at that time.   Plus, if you sit in the seated area there are a number of HUGE ceiling fans going that make for a nice, relaxing evening.

It is one of the most wonderful things about this city.  In the midst of one of the rather more (ahem) conservative states in the union is the fourth largest city in the United States that hosts events such as this.  There are a plethora of artistic events that range from the rather bizarre to hosting The Bard in cowboy boots.  Gotta love it...

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...

What a weekend

There is something to be said about laying out in the grass watching a performance.  I have always enjoyed this type of venue, whether it be the Springfield Muni Opera, or the Muny in St. Louis or (especially) the wonderful Miller Outdoor Theater here in Houston.

It was especially appealing this weekend because the Houston Symphony was playing there this weekend.  It was their 100th birthday concert and the music was just simply beautiful.  Add on top of that the fact that the "large moon" thing is happening and it really made for a great evening.

My two rugrats have flown back to Indiana, so this old man is a bit down at the moment.  So this evening I will be heading over to 14 Pews for a movie entitled "Hey Bartender".  I think I know what the subject of the film is...

When the munchkins arrive...

Two of my favorite people showed up over the past weekend and will be here for a couple of weeks.  Since I have not stockpiled enough vacation time yet, these two will be heading off to camp during the day.

Note to parents:  there are more camps and daily activities to do in this city than you can shake a stick at...

My two are enrolled in the Main Street Theater summer camp.  This wonderful camp has the kids creating their own play complete with dialog and choreography.  And we are not talking a live improv at show time.  No, they will have lines to memorize, marks to hit, and scenes to fill.  Of course, the folks who run the camp are smart because the first day the kids learned stage fighting.  My ten year old daughter came running to the car and yelled "I learned how to fake slap someone in the face and kick them in the head!" That is my little princess...

Aside from the camp, we will be visiting the zoo (one of my favorite places), the Natural Science Museum and heading down to the beach in Galveston.  Since my kids live in Indiana, which to my surprise does not have an ocean or gulf to it's name, they will love to frolic in the salt water.

There are a number of other things that we will be doing such as enjoying a couple of performances at the Miller Outdoor Auditorium and listening to zydeco at the Juneteenth celebration.

Fun is to be had as always...

Dancing the night away...

...and then tipping back a few.

Houston Metropolitan Dance Company - Photo by Simon Gentry

The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company is performing tonight at the Miller Outdoor Theater.  I will admit that it took me a while to warm up to modern dance.  I credit the television show "So you think you can dance" with educating me in this realm.  Now, I have come to appreciate a lot of modern dance for the beauty that it displays.  The stories that can be told through dance are as wonderfully pleasing to watch as the sheer elegance of a Viennese waltz.

As I have stated on this blog repeatedly, this is one of the benefits of living in the fourth largest city in the United States.  I have seen the Houston Ballet, the Houston Grand Opera, and tonight, the Houston Met.  Life is really good.

Tomorrow is the Houston Beer Fest.  It is basically a showcase of different beers from around the world with musical acts playing near Hermann Park.  Where I grew up in Springfield, IL (hometown of Abraham Lincoln) we had a yearly festival called "Lincoln Fest", it was a street festival that became known as "Drinkin' Fest".  Wonder if this will be similar?

Almost forgot to mention that I went to Jones Hall to see the Blue Man Group on Tuesday night.  If you have not been to Jones Hall, I would really recommend attending an event there.  It is a beautiful theater.  From what I understand, Jones Hall is home to the Grand Opera and the Symphony.

...and a conversation about bats...

Okay... Where to begin... Or for that matter, where to end.

This weekend I witnessed garbage trucks being choreographed, sat on a lawn and watched an outstanding Houston Grand Opera performance, checked out a Greek festival, went to the zoo and even had a wonderful conversation about bats in a central american country (if memory serves, it was Costa Rica)...

Trash Dance at 14 Pews

Started Friday night with a movie called "Trash Dance" at 14 Pews.  This was an absolutely charming and funny movie about a choreographer in Austin that spent time with the city solid waste management folks and then created a performance using the trucks and the employees as the dancers.  After the film, the director of the film and one of the cast members of the film held a fun Q&A session and then there was a reception outside.  I, went off to the Down House for a bite and a drink.  Great evening.  This would have made my weekend, but...

Then on Saturday I spent a good part of the day looking for (now, get this...) a lawn chair so I could see the Houston Grand Opera.  Yeah, I know... I was thinking the same thing.  I texted a friend to say "I just feel weird shopping for a lawn chair to go see the opera".  But that I did even though I never could pull the trigger on the purchase.

As I have discussed before, the Houston arts community really embraces everyone.  The Ballet, the Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony, and the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company all have free performances for the public at the Miller Outdoor Theater.  I am not sure you will find that in every city.  Bravo Houston art folks!

Anyway, the performance of La Boheme was phenomenal.  For folks that are new to the opera, La Boheme is a good one to start out watching.  The story line is wonderful (if you have ever seen Rent, that was based on the opera),  Puccini's music is easy to listen to, and my goodness, can these folks sing.

Miller is a wonderful venue.  You can sit on the lawn and there are ticketed seats.  They do not charge for the tickets, but you do have to get tickets for the seated area.  Then they make two announcements before the show.  At ten minutes before, they warn all of the ticketed patrons that they have to take their seats and then at five minutes they release the empty seats to everyone.  So while I did not make it to get a ticket, I did get a seat once they released the tickets.  A great night.

Then on Sunday was a wonderful trip to the Houston Zoo to visit some family members that live in the primate area...  :-)  What a fantastic weekend.  I do love this city.

Wow! What a weekend ahead...

This weekend is the Houston Art Car Parade.  As you can tell by the image, local artists turn cars into works of art and they have a parade.  I have been told that this event is one of the best parties in Houston.  I will be working a beer truck (#8) starting at 8:30 in the morning on Saturday.  14 Pews get a portion of the proceeds. Evidently the truck is at the beginning of the parade, so I will get a chance to enjoy the cars as they drive by.

I have also been told (and is verified by the website) that the folks that show up for the event are many times just as decorated.  Gotta love it, but that is just one of the things going on.

I know that i have written before about the Miller Outdoor Auditorium.  Well this Friday night, my butt will be planted in the grass to enjoy the Houston Ballet performing Madam Butterfly.  It is simply amazing and wonderful to me that a major ballet company like the Houston Ballet would do a free performance for the community.  Not only that but next weekend I will be there because the Houston Grand Opera will be performing La Boheme at the auditorium.  I am genuinely excited.

That is one thing that does set Houston apart.  The Houston community embraces the arts here and the arts community embraces right back.

Okay, now in my excitement I forgot to mention that I want to go to a free Drive-in movie on Saturday night and on Sunday there are two competing events - the Galveston Historic Home tour with some really outstanding late 19th Century homes on display.  There is also the Pop Shop Houston which is described as a "twice-a-year indie craft fair, art and music Festival."

This is going to be great!  Come by the beer truck and help raise some funds for 14 Pews.

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!

Bouncing about...

Last weekend was the JAGA Reggae Festival in Galveston (on the beach, of course).  Loving the music... It was only $10 for admission.

On Thursday evening, I attended a wonderful performance of Thoroughly Modern Mille at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park.  The best part was that the performance was free AND I got to spread a blanket out on the grass.  Life is really good when you can lay down on a blanket and watch a live performance...

I worked another 14 Pews event on Friday.  Sat at a table outside the venue and touted the upcoming shows and programs.  Happy Birthday to 14 Pews maestro Cressandra, by the way.


Speaking of music, I have fallen in with a group of musicians that played at a house party in The Woodlands (that name STILL cracks me up...) on Saturday night.  My problem is that if I know the words to a song, I tend to sing along and (unfortunately for everyone around) I can get a bit loud.  But, I usually simmer down when I start getting the dirty looks.

Boy, life is good.

Movin' right along...

My boy Zazzles and I

There are periods of time where (just like everyone else) I just do not have a lot going on... I drive to and from work, make dinner and sit my butt down on the couch and watch something on Netflix or play a computer game while listening to Pandora.  My cat, Zazzles (yes... my son named him after one of the cats from the Big Bang Theory episode) usually enjoys these down periods because it gives him ample opportunity to make me crazy.

So while I may lament the possible boredom of sitting in my apartment watching/listening to a ballgame, these times also serve an important purpose... it gives me a chance to organize my schedule.

There is SO much to do in this city.  So many sights to see, groups to join, events to attend.  There is a wonderful web site called meetups.com that has a group for almost any interest (or you can create one). The point being, that one should take a couple of days off to plan... and plan you must.  There will always be times when you decide on something on the spur of the moment, but it helps to populate your Google calendar if for no other reason than to list out all of things going on.

P.S., not everything costs money... Miller Outdoor Theater events are free and fantastic.  Book 'em..