not so bad waking up to this, eh?

I’ve just returned from West Texas from a long Easter weekend for the Railroad Revival Tour. Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show performed at Marfa’s El Cosmico as part of a six city tour along the railroad.

To sum up the experience in one word, it was Marfabulous. Is that a word? It is now.

I’ve been traveling to Marfa and West Texas for the past year, thanks to my friend John Demers. And this trip I managed to talk about 10 of my friends into making the trip with me. A little bribery of amazing bands didn’t hurt.

I had a great time showing them around Marfa and West Texas. We drove down to the border and did the River Road trip through Presidio County, Terlingua, and Lajitas. After making this trip 4 times I’m still in awe of the beauty of our great state, even in the midst of a drought. I’m convinced more than ever that we live in the greatest state of our nation, and I am lucky to have shared these experiences will some awesome peeps.

I’ll be posting some videos later this week of the amazing music performances.

I didn’t take as many photos this time, but here are a select few from me:

Flickr

Tumblr

Instagram

And a Flickr group from our group of peeps: Marfa Bound

As usual, while I am in Marfa, I’m always planning my next trip back. Won’t you come along on the next trip?

Click here for a cool interactive zoom.

Also, Pearl Jam’s Ten will be TWENTY YEARS old next year. Yeah. Put that in your Garden and Black it.

Tuesday, Nov 16

BooTown Grown-Up Story Time @ Rudz (2010 Waugh), 10pm (video above)
You sent [them] stories, [they] picked the best ones, and then assigned them to [their] rotating crack squad of highly skilled story readers. They will, on Tuesday, surprise and delight us with their storytelling skillz.Come hang out! And bring $5.

AIA Houston presents Authors in Architecture
Hill Country Deco
Architecture Center Houston – 315 Capitol, Suite 120
7 p.m. – reception and book signing

GHPA staff members David Bush and Jim Parsons will be the featured speakers at Authors in Architecture at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 17, at Architecture Center Houston (ArCH).

They will give a presentation on the Art Deco and Art Moderne architecture of Austin, San Antonio and the surrounding region. Following the program, they will sign copies of their new book, Hill Country Deco: Modernistic Architecture of Central Texas, published by TCU Press of Fort Worth. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
Hill Country Deco was a featured title at the 2010 Texas Book Festival. The book includes original color photographs, historic images and drawings of more than 120 buildings in Central Texas. It is a follow-up to GHPA’s book Houston Deco published in 2008.

Authors in Architecture is a free event and open to the public. ArCH is located at 315 Capitol, Suite 120, in the Bayou Place complex [map]. Limited on-street parking is available in the vicinity. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. on downtown streets. Paid parking is available in nearby garages.

Black Angels + Black Mountain @ Warehouse Live

Thursday

Museum District Members Sale Nov 18-21

This is pretty rad. If you are a member of any museum, you can receive 20% at all Museum gift shops. Christmas is right around the corner, dude. I know, right? WTF happened to this year. Dang.

Friday

WHAM – Winter Holiday Arts Market

Celebrating 5 years in 2010!

Friday, November 19th: Exclusive Preview Party, 6 – 10 p.m. Purchase Tickets Here

Saturday, November 20th: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Free admission

Sunday, November 21st: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Free admission

Winter Street Studios (2101 Winter Street, Houston TX 77007)

Orange Show Foamraiser with Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 7-10pm, The Orange Show (2402 Munger Street)

Colorful folk art, amazing music and delicious beer- three of our favorite things! This festival features music by Jimmy Pizzitola and Robert Ellis, and samplings of Saint Arnold brews- including a Foam Raiser exclusive special cask of Divine Reserve 10!!! Proceeds benefit the Orange Show Concert Series. 7-10 pm Tickets: $20 Pre-sale / $25 at the door (if available).

Tix here: http://www.orangeshow.org/en/cev/reg/45/

Saturday

WHAM - Saturday, November 20th: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Free admission, Winter Street Studios (2101 Winter Street, Houston TX 77007)

ArtCrawl, 10am-9pm

The original cluster of artists warehouses in Downtown Houston annual open studios Artcrawl Houston 2010. This year we have over one hundred eighty artists and art organizations involved! Since 1992, the tradition of the artists “open studios” takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Visitors have the opportunity to pARTicipate in the live/work/show spaces of these neighborhood”urban pioneers”. The mission of the ARTCRAWL is to assist the public in understanding contemporary art by directly involving the visitors in a dialogue with local artists in the Artist Warehouse District of Downtown Houston.

Sunday

WHAM – Sunday, November 21st: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Free admission, Winter Street Studios (2101 Winter Street, Houston TX 77007)

ArtCrawl, noon-5pm

I couldn’t find my face this morning.

It was rocked off at last night’s My Morning Jacket show at Terminal 5 in New York City.

I’m here witnessing this epic run of shows as they play each of their 5 full length albums, 5 nights in a row at Terminal 5.

I say epic, because that’s exactly what it is. I still can’t find my face.

Last night was the first night, their first album, The Tennessee Fire, recorded in 1999. As promised, each track was played from first to last. Jim James was visibly giddy, as he thanked the crowd for joining them on this journey. “Some of these songs have never been played live before.” Whoa.

Here are a few pics I snapped,

…and a video of one of the SEVEN encore songs they did, Rod Stewart’s Hot Legs; among Elton John’s Rocket Man, Erykah Badu’s Call Tyrone, and Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit.

Full Set list here:

Next up tonight: At Dawn

It’s been a rough summer, but working on getting back to the blog soon. thanks for hanging in there.

“Three fantastic events below to support Houston arts and they’re all for free.  If you can’t join me at all 3, I hope you can make it to at least one — they are not to be missed!

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions, just ask! Also, feel free to pass the information to any of your interested friends!” – hp

Ballet Barre
Young Professionals for Houston Ballet
Season Kick-off Party
Wednesday, August 25, 6:30-9:00 pm
RDG + Bar Annie, 1728 Post Oak Blvd

Ballet Barre has an amazing schedule planned for the 2010-2011 season (you can view it here, www.houstonballet.org/balletbarre) and it goes much beyond attending 4 performances! If you ever wanted an insider’s view of our world-renowned ballet company, this is the way to do it. Membership starts at $125! Join tomorrow night and receive 2 free drinks.

You do not need to be a member to attend tomorrow night.

Capital One Bank Culture Collision Version Theater District
Thursday, August 26, 6-8 pm
ArCH, 315 Capitol, Suite 120

Join Houston arts & culture enthusiasts to kick-off the 2010-2011 Theater District season amidst an outstanding exhibition,Ready, Set, Go showcasing Houston stage designers.

Thank you to our sponsors: Capital One Bank, Cadillac Dealers of Houston, Smith & Wollensky, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Cafe Moustache, Sprinkles Cupcakes, AIA-Houston, CultureMap and Houston Downtown Alliance.

Complimentary valet or $8 parking in Hobby Center garage.

www.houstondowntownalliance.com/hypa for more information!

RSVP: info@downtownhouston.org.

Experience Dance, Music & Theater at the 17th Annual Capital One Bank Theater District Open House!

It’s a free family day of performances, artist meet-and-greets and much, much more!

It is also the best day to purchase season tickets!  One-day-only specials on Sunday ONLY.

Visit www.houstontheaterdistrict.org for a complete listing of performances and ticketing specials!

]]> http://www.cosmopolitician.com/1-2-3-please-join-me-and-heather-pray/feed 0 http://www.cosmopolitician.com/best09-one-album-one-wing http://www.cosmopolitician.com/best09-one-album-one-wing#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:54:25 +0000 Monica Danna http://www.cosmopolitician.net/?p=977 As part of the Best of 2009 Blog Challenge I’ll be blogging daily on the bests of 2009. Better than a partridge in a pear tree.

Lots of great music during 2009, despite the autotune rage. Saw lots of great shows, heard lots of great tracks. A music post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my music mentors: Brentabousko, Groovehouse, Mark Austin, and James Mayes. Thanks to these guys, my iPod stayed chocked full’o good stuff. Thanks, guys.

Wilco continues to make songs that make me feel. And this year was no different with the release of Wilco, The Album. With songs like “Solitaire” and the hauntingly beautiful “One Wing”, Tweedy and the boys consistently entertain fans with songs of graceful acceptance of faults and problems. After a listen I always feel more human, more normal, and at peace.

A few of my other faves this year: Swell Season’s Strict Joy; Miike Snow, Miike Snow; The Avett Brothers, And I Love and You; Cory Chisel, Death Won’t Send a Letter; Neko Case, Middle Cyclone; Bat for Lashes, Two Suns.

{Tuesday}

Nightclub Cardio @ Pravada

Literally one of THE best workouts I’ve ever had. A night club atmosphere, pumpin’ tunes, and workout clothes and tennies. Pretty much my dream workout. The lights are down, and people let loose. I’ve been dying to write about this for weeks. I tried this class out earlier this summer and was hooked! Now if I can just find time to make it back!  Due to popular demand, they’ve just added a second day at Pravada (Thursday) and a second location (Bar RIO, 6400 Richmond Ave) that begins September 15th. Tell Jennifer I sent you! 

{Wednesday}

Dress for Success 6th Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree

7-9pm | Tootsies (in Highland Village) | facebook invite

Nancy Levicki and the Women of Wardrobe event chairs Sharron Melton, Lauren Freeman and Shern-Min Chow with Tootsies invite you to the Sixth Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree.

Enjoy hip sips and cool canapes, and meet designer Trina Turk. 10 percent of the proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston, so you have a great reason to shop!

Event is free for WOW members and $45 for nonmembers. Purchase your tickets to Sizzling Summer Soiree in advance to avoid waiting in a very long line! Join W.O.W. for $75 which includes complimentary admission to all W.O.W. events through next June. Buy your ticket today by calling 713-957-3779. Special thanks to The Capital Grille and TY-KU.

{Thursday}

Thursdays are always nuts.  Get in where you fit in.

5-10PM | Spacetaker Cultured Cocktails benefiting Dance Houston | FREE
Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar (Taft @ Fairview)
This has been THE place to be this summer if you are a non-profit. Or if you like wine. Either will do.

6-8pm | HYPA Summer Cocktail Tour at the Grove (Discovery Green) | FREE
feat. Houston artists Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano + The Fodice Foundation
HOUSTON Magazine is sponsoring a summer long tour of hip places and pretty faces. This week at the Grove with HYPA. There is an afterparty at Katy + Patrick’s studio. The afterparty + film screening is free for HYPA members, and $35 for non-members.

6-9pm | 310 Rosemont Summer Mixer (1965 W. Gray) | FREE
Fashion and Denim for Women AND Men! Come for a drink. Stay for the new fall fashions. Toast to the end of summer.
I’m not sure about toasting to the end of summer…i’m hanging on with my fingernails. But LOVE this boutique. Check it.

{Friday}

Bright New Media

3:30-5:30pm | Bright Sky Press | 5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles | $35

Laura Mayes and yours truly will be leading a Social Media Workshop this Friday at the lovely Bright Sky Press. Stop by to ask all those burning questions about Twitter, Flickr, and Blogging, oh my! From 3:30-5:30 p.m. we’ll have the very informal workshop (Easy, practical social media training) and at 5:30 p.m. we’ll break out the Social Media Social Hour (A very happy Happy Hour where social media shows it social side).

Bright Sky Press is hosting its inaugural Bright New Media social media workshop at the Bright Sky Bookspace . Stop in to find out more about Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, Facebook, and a partridge in a pear tree. More importantly, we’ll talk about why we should care about all this (for business, for pleasure, for smart ways to connect)…and we’ll show you how easy it is to do (it’s really easy!). It all starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends with a Social Media Social Hour. $35 a person gets you all the know-how you need to go go go. We can’t wait to see you then!

RSVP to kara@brightskypress.com

Four Openings at Lawndale Art Center

6-8:30pm | Lawndale Art Center | 4912 Main Street | lawndaleartcenter.org

Yummm. I love me some Lawndale. Check out this Friday’s quadruple opening. Opening Reception August 21, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Artist talks at 6 PM. Exhibitions on view August 21- September 26, 2009:

Lawndale Art Center 30th Anniversary Exhibition –
Curated by Clint Willour
Work by Seth Alverson, Dawolu Jabari Anderson, Chuy Benitez, Elaine Bradford, Emily Sloan and Mark Schatz

Me, Mine, and not Yours – Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives

Paper or Plastic?– Nathaniel Donnett

The Green™ cyber web – Adela Andea

{Saturday}

Planned Parenthood + Riazul Tequila present Party Like a Rockstar

8pm-midnight | Warehouse Live

Whether you wear high heels, Doc Martens or blue suede shoes, come to move those feet and pump those fists in the air – and let your voice be heard!

Live Performances by DJ Alex C – voted #1 DJ by the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle and SKYROCKET! – voted Austin’s #1 cover band.

TICKETS:
Single Ticket ($50) – includes catering by Joe’s Crab Shack!

Be a VIP!
Solo-Act ($150) – one person, Hook-Up ($250) – two people, Groupies ($1000) – eight people, Entourage ($3000) – 30 people
VIP level includes catering by Morton’s the Steakhouse & Max’s Wine Dive with a Champagne Station.
Grammy Gift Bags. Exclusive After- Party from midnight to 2 a.m.

Visit http://www.pphouston.org/rockstar2009 for more information. Purchase tickets here

Each week I’ll highlight a few events that I’m looking forward to in this grand ole city of H. c.u.t.here, peeps.

{Thursday}

Open Mic Night Coffee Groundz

6-10pm, CoffeeGroundz (2503 Bagby) | www.coffeegroundz.net

This will be the first of many open mic nights to come from everyone’s favorite local coffee shop. Come by and check out some great local talent.

Runaway Sun @ Continental Club

10:10pm, Continental Club (3700 Main Street) | Cover $5

This is a big show for Runaway Sun.  Their first at the CC. Fresh off an amazing show at the Houston Press Music Awards Showcase, Shea Serrano of the Houston Press recently said of the band, “And we say this without fear: by this time next year, Runaway Sun will be one of the city’s best bands.” I couldn’t agree more.

Andrew and the guys are putting the finishing touches on their first full length album, The Bridge. Stay tuned for CD Release Party deets. Also, the band is competing with other bands for a slot on this year’s ACL lineup for the Sound and the Jury. Vote daily for them here.

{Friday}

Tech Bytes Geek Gathering @ Coffee Groundz

7:30pm, Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby) | www.coffeegroundz.net

Houston’s geekiest are at it again! Join the fun folks from KPFT’s Technology Bytes as they continue the fun Friday with their monthly Geek Gathering.  “ou don’t have to be a geek to attend. Heck, you don’t even have to be a current listener of the show. This event is a casual meet-up for anyone interested in technology or social media in all its forms and a great opportunity to just hang out with like minded individuals.”

Ben Wesley @ Block 7

8:30pm, Block 7 Wine Co (720 Shepherd) | www.block7wineco.com

After a soft opening 2 weeks ago, Block 7 has been packing in the wine, food and music fans galore. With Friday night performances from Andrew Karnavas and Tygararaja, this Friday returns with Houston’s eclectic son, Benjamin Wesley, the musical foil and soulmate to flashy Transmissions bandmate, Cornbreadd, Wesley’s Houston Press Awards performance showed us why this talent won’t be in Houston for long. Come check out this unique performance, sure to be one of the last few intimate shows you’ll see Ben play. Kid done blowing up!

{Saturday}

Summer Fest Day 1

I keep saying this, and I seriously won’t believe Summer Fest is real until Saturday when I arrive and see if for my own eyes. For months I was convinced this was an April Fool’s Joke by our friends over at the Free Press.  Headliners include Of Montreal, Explosions in the Sky and Broken Social Scene. Yeah. see? Would you have believed it either? IN Houston?! Rad.

A 2 day pass is only 16 bucks. And a Fancy Pants Pass is $45. Do. This. People.

{Sunday}

Summer Fest Day 2

Jump in and get wet.

For a look at the first half of the week, check out this week’s Houstonist H-town Rock.

Wednesday, July 22

:: Jason McElweenie Poster Show ::

Hella talented graphic artist, son of America’s Hat, and even better friend, Jason McElweenie, shows off his collection of stellar concert poster designs at Coffee Groundz this Wednesday. Deneyterrio will have posters on sale and exclusive framed prints.  I’ll prob cut you if you miss it. Don’t make me do that.

Coffee Groundz, 7-10pm
2503 Bagby in Midtown
www.coffeegroundz.net
facebook invite

Friday, July 23

:: Andrew Karnavas @ Block 7, 8pm ::

The long awaited premier Houston’s newest concept in Wine Bars, Block 7, is finally here. They open to the public tonight, with free champagne. Stop by starting at 4pm.  I had a chance to preview the place, food, and of course, the wine, this weekend. Fantastic. Advice: Try the gulf shrimp. You’ll thank me. Shawn Pander performed, and Andrew will be performing an acoustic set this Friday. Wonder if I can get him to follow in Shawn’s footsteps and cover Ray Lamontagne. :-)

:: Tontons Pre-release Listening Party @ Little Big’s, 7pm ::

Saturday

:: The Tontons Official CD Release Party @ Caroline Collective 6-10pm ::

Dare I say the music event of the summer?  Last year’s Houston Press Awards winner of Best New Artist continues to impress crowds, this time with their long-awaited full length Self-titled release. Scheduled performances by Giant Princess, Fat Tony, and Houston legend Little Joe Washington. You’ll def want to check out some of the things they’ve got up their sleeves for this show. Food from Little Big’s thanks to @wholefish + hometown brews from Saint Arnold + Tequila aplenty from Riazul + door prizes from Cactus Music. What more could you ask for? (I already checked, Justin Timberlake is booked.)

facebook invite

:: Andrew Karnavas + Daniel de Luna w/ Back Door Slam @ Warehouse Live 8pm ::

facebook invite

Sunday

:: Houston Press Music Awards Showcase ::

With Summerfest right around the corner, our peeps over at the HP are doing a good job of warming us up. Check out the full line up of shows for Sunday. My day will look something like this:

6pm Runway Sun @ Flying Saucer
7pm Mitch Jacobs Band @ Martell’s
8pm The Tontons @ Martell’s
9pm Buxton @ Isis

Plus, there’s still time to vote! Click here for a ballot

See you in the throws.

love + music.