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#49 | NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2017 | FREE
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ANOTHER BBQ THROWDOWN NICK RAMA IS BACK TALKING ABOUT THE THIRD ANNUAL BBQ LOCAL FOOD FEST NEWS THEATRE FILM MUSIC
CLAY MELTON BAND
MUSIC DINING ART HUMOR POP CULTURE FOODIES
page 14
RUNAWAY PLATE
CRAMPTON page 20
THE SWING REVIVAL
page 12
PUBLIC NEWS #49 November 1 - 14, 2017 COLUMNS
LETTER RIP ............................................. 5 ANDY SINGER ..................................... 5 NICK’S LOCAL EATS ........................... 7 PUBLIC NOISE ..................................... 14 FOODIE ................................................ 20 FOODIE PIC OF THE WEEK............. 23 NEWS ...................................... 6 - 9 MUSIC .................................. 10-15 EVENTS...................................14-17 COVER STORY ....................... 16-29 FOOD .................................... 16-22 FILM ............................................ 23 BULLETIN BOARD ...................... 24
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44th ANNUAL - DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3, 2017 - GALVESTON’S WORLD FAMOUS VICTORIAN HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OFFICIAL SPONSORS ™
LETTER RIP
WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD FOOD TRUCKS GONE? Dear Public News, I was shocked and appalled that Bernies Backyard closed down. They were such a cool place to hang at on the weekends. What do you think? Will they reopen? Where did those food trucks go? H.A. Spring Dear H.A., Bernies is gone and not coming back. Check out the second wave of food truck parks at Deacon Baldy’s in Magnolia and 403 Eats in Tomball. We bet you will find a new favorite food truck at one of those two venues.
Ken Petty
Dear Public News, I have a bet with my girlfriend that Public News is a publication run by black gay militant types. She disagrees. So which is it? S.T. Houston Dear S.T.
You lost that bet. Dear Public News, I heard two rumors recently. One is that the Houston Press was going to cease publishing their print paper and, two, the Public News is going to start printing issues. What is the truth here? M.D. Midtown Dear M.D. Your sources are spot on. The Houston Press is going to go full digital and will discontinue their print product, whereas the Public News is going to publish both in print and digital. Dear Public News, I’m looking for work as a writer. Are you hiring? What do you require from your writers? M.A. Midtown Dear M.A. Public News is always looking for great writers. If you are one then here is what you need to know. You need to make deadlines. Our deadlines
for writers is the Thursday before we publish. If you miss deadline, chances are your work will not make the print issue... unless you have asked for extra time for your story. If you have an idea for a column, submit your idea to Public News at writers@publicnewsonline.com. Public News offers staff positions from our freelance pool of writers. As a writer, you are considered a contractor and will need to file an IRS form W-9 with us. Which means we won’t be withholding anything from your pay. I hope this helps. Dear Public News, I noticed that Bart Pearston is missing from the pages of the PN. Is he still with us? H. F. Houston Dear H.F. Mr. Pearston has left to pursue his passion in the education field. PN wishes him the best. Letters to the editor can be emailed to us at: editor@publicnewsonline.com or mailed to us at: PO Box 7491 The Woodlands, Texas 77387
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NEWS EVENTS 2017 DICKENS ON THE STRAND RETURNS WITH MORE DICKENS DESCENDANTS, CONTESTS AND FUN DECEMBER 1, 2 & 3 TO HISTORIC GALVESTON ISLAND
with holiday food and drink, Victorianinspired crafts, clothing, jewelry, holiday decorations, and gift items. Three descendants of Charles Dickens will grace the festival as GHF welcomes Mark Charles Dickens, a great-greatgrandson; Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, a great-great-great-granddaughter; and Jane Dickens Monk, a great-greatgranddaughter. All descendants will be at numerous events throughout the weekend. “Returning to Galveston for Dickens on the Strand is a very exciting prospect, not least because this year I’ll be launching my new book, Dickens and Christmas, at the festival,” says Lucinda Dickens Hawksley. “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and to making new ones, as well as to discover what new activities GHF has planned for us. This year, there’ll be three members of the Dickens family present, so come and say hello!”
will show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night. The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the putupon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Other Muppets -- Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear and Sam the Eagle -- weave in and out of the story, while Scrooge receives visits from spirits of three Christmases -- past, present, and future. They show him the error of his self-serving ways, but the miserable old man seems to be past any hope of redemption and happiness.
of three topics. Details and submissions are at www.dickensonthestrand.org. Oliver’s Alley Children’s Area Children by the thousands come each year to the parades, petting zoo and more. This year’s event will feature an expanded Oliver’s Alley children’s area, presented by the Galveston Children’s Museum, where specialty programs and Galveston Island, Texas - Make history events will be scheduled all weekend at Galveston’s world-famous Victorian long. holiday festival, Dickens on The Strand! FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Held December 1, 2 & 3, the 44th anThe festival weekend also hosts a nual festival is produced by Galveston multitude of spirited fun with events Historical Foundation and is a holiday such as the crowd favorite Whimsical tradition with great family programRETURNING FAVORITES Whisker Revue, a facial hair contest for ming, special holiday performances, Breakfast with Dickens the bearded and the dandy; the Dickens and newly created events all weekend The great-great-granddaughter of Victorian Bed Races; Victorian Coslong. This year’s festival begins Friday, Charles Dickens, Jane Monk, isn’t just tume Contest and daily parades through December 1 with free admission to Fezcoming to this year’s event to take in Galveston’s National Historic Landmark ziwig’s Beer Hall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the sights and share her heritage, she’s Strand District. Also, daily special and continues with ticketed admission also there to cook a traditional English events include: Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 9 breakfast! Join Jane and our awardSalute To Sunset onboard the 1877 p.m. and Sunday, December 3, from 12 winning chef at the beautiful 1859 Tall Ship ELISSA to 6 p.m. Ashton Villa on Saturday, December 2 The Texas Seaport Museum transforms Tickets purchased before December 1 NEW IN 2017 or Sunday, December 3. Tickets are $60 to a London wharf for this toast to the are $13 for adults and $7 for children A Dickens Soiree at the 1892 Bishop’s and reservations are required. end of the day and beginning of the ages 7-12. Tickets purchased at the gate Palace Complimentary Book and Dickens evening. The Tall Ship ELISSA welare $15 for adults and $9 for youth. Featuring specialty acts, award-winning Writing Workshop comes you aboard Saturday, December Discounted tickets for GHF members performers and carefully curated food Dickens descendant Lucinda Dickens 2 at 4:30 p.m. for heavy appetizers, are available for $10 in advance or $12 and drink options, this new kickoff to Hawksley will lead a special writing cocktails, cannon fire and special guests at the gate. Tickets are available online the annual festival is not to be missed! workshop, “What It Was Like to be a leading up to Saturday night’s Pickwick’s at www.dickensonthestrand.org, by call- Held at the breathtaking 1892 Bishop’s Child in Dickens’ Time” each day of the Lanternlight Parade. Tickets are $50 per ing, 409-765-7834 or at all area Randall’s Palace on Friday, December 1, attendfestival for youth ages 8 and up. Also, person and reservations are required. stores beginning November 5. Attendees ees will enjoy live music by Houston’s through a special grant from the Alice Holiday Handbell Concerts in Victorian costume will be admitted Two Star Symphony, a special acrobatTaylor Gray Foundation, the first 2,000 The 1859 St. Joseph’s Church, the state’s for $8. ics presentation by Cirque La Vie, and youth that enter the festival grounds will first wooden built church, well known “Our 2017 Dickens on The Strand appearances by special guests including receive a special print edition of Charles for its exceptional acoustics, hosts three promises to be a welcomed celebration a reading by Mark Charles Dickens, Dickens’ 1838 Cricket on the Hearth. holiday handbell concerts on Friday, away from the events of the early fall,” great-great-grandson of Charles DickFezziwig’s Friday Night December 1 at 5:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. states GHF Executive Director, Dwayne ens. Tickets are $75 and reservations are Mr. Fezziwig was everything Ebenezer Tickets are $15 per person and reservaJones. “With renewed interest and focus required. wasn’t, and we pay tribute to his jovial tions are required. on Charles Dickens, we hope to inform Dickens Costume Contest personality at our Fezziwig’s Beer Hall. Saint Arnold’s Strand Walking Tours visitors more about this great writer, but What fun is a Dickens festival if you Join us Friday evening, December 1, Learn about the history of The Strand also to have a lot of fun. Visitors of all don’t have the characters? This new from 5 to 9 p.m. for specialty acts, and enjoy some of Saint Arnold Brewages will be met with street entertainers, addition to the wildly popular costume hearty brews, and new friends all hosted ing Company’s signature ales during musicians, and special events to kick off contests puts the focus squarely on the by Dickens descendant Jane Monk. this new tour. Held twice a day during our holiday season on the Gulf Coast. beloved characters from Dickens’ literThere will also be a specialty cocktail Dickens on The Strand, you’ll visit three Whether you have been to Dickens ary works. Held on Sunday, December chosen from Cedric Dickens’ book festival pubs as you walk through the before or it’s your first time, the annual 3 at 3 p.m., and judged by our visitDrinking With Dickens. Admission is National Historic Landmark district holiday festival will bring cheer and ing Dickens descendants, registration free for this lively start to the 44th anwith your guide. Tickets are $35 per delight to the entire family. Join us again will be open for individual and family niversary. person and include three complimentaas we return to the historic downtown costumes. Registration is $10 for indiDickens Children’s Writing Contest ry beers. Advanced registration encourStrand and celebrate our holiday amidst viduals and $15 for families. Interested Could you be the next Dickens? This aged. Galveston’s great architecture and hericompetitors can sign up at the costume year’s festival will give you the chance For more information on Dickens on tage.” contest booth. to ride in a carriage with both of our The Strand, Galveston Historical FounThe annual holiday street festival, based Saturday Night Showing of The MupDickens descendants if your story is dation, or to purchase advance tickets, on 19th-century Victorian London, fea- pet Christmas Carol the winning selection! Lucinda Dickens please visit galvestonhistory.org or call tures parades, non-stop entertainment It’s been called the greatest puppetHawksley will personally select two sto- 409-765-7834. For more festival inforon multiple stages, strolling carolers, based holiday film of all time, and at ries, one from a 7-9 age range and one mation, please contact Will Wright, Diroving musicians, bagpipers, jugthis year’s Dickens on The Strand, guests from a 10-12 range, for the winner to rector of Communications and Special glers, and a host of other entertainers. can catch a free showing of The Mupaccompany them as their special guest Events at 409-765-3404 or will.wright@ Costumed vendors peddle their wares pet Christmas Carol on Saturday night! during a Dickens parade. Stories are galvestonhistory.org. from street stalls and rolling carts laden Free for all attendees, the holiday classic limited to 100 words and can be on one
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NEWS ART tension as well as depth and surface as they are moved about, unfolding and transforming along the gallery walls. This fluid relationship between the whole and the segment are the crux Artist Reception: Friday, of Forgó’s sophisticated November 17, 6:00 – 8:30 practice. pm Árpád Forgó has exhibited in various inter“I respond to the material. It wants national venues across me to shape and caress. It’s how the four continents, among material responds to you working with them the Museo della it that creates the object . . .” – Arpad Permanente, Milan, Italy; Forgo Hun Gallery, New York City, New York; X-Power Anya Tish Gallery is delighted to anGallery, Taipei, Taiwan; nounce the second solo exhibition of the University of Hawaii, Budapest-based artist Árpád Forgó, Honolulu, Hawaii; SNO titled Tales From the First Floor. In the Gallery, Sydney Austradition of the Hungarian neo avanttralia; Iletisim Kitabevi garde, Forgó utilizes shaped canvas to Gallery, Ismir, Turkey; create visually alluring, subtle kinetic Hungarian Academy, works while embracing the heritage of Rome, Italy; Rómer European abstraction and developing Flóris Art and Hisit further through his own geometric tory Museum, Györ, methods, such as reflection, shifting Hungary; and Milano and rotation. Gallery, Warsaw, Poland. By eradicating any reference to the Forgó has been awarded with numervisual world, Árpád Forgó’s carefully ous grants and residencies, including painted shaped canvas structures crethe Vermont Studio Center, Johnson, ate an entirely new object that instead Vermont; Third prize in the Leonardo references its own form. Each effulda Vinci Contemporary Art Biengently minimal work is pared down nale, Rome, Italy, the Visegrad Artist to its basic elements - form, color and Residency, Warsaw, Poland; the Sydney line, and created from various species Non Objective Contemporary Art of wood, such as Tasmanian oak, cedar Projects, Sydney, Australia; the Visual and balsa wood, into a unique spatial Artist Grant from the National Culturconstruction that retains the material’s al Fund of Hungary; the Artist Grant inherent integrity and beauty. By utiliz- from Can Serrat International Art ing what the artist calls “illusory drift” Center, El Bruc, Spain; the Lademoen as a visual tool to prompt a reading Kunstnerverksteder, Trondheim, Norof the works, Forgó questions how we way; the Rómer Flóris Art and History look, perceive and reveal the physical Museum, Györ, Hungary;The Golden aspects of space. Each viscerally proFoundation, New Berlin, NY, USA; and portioned work reveals compositional most recently was chosen to participate variations of lines, strips, or chords in the Swatch Art Peace Hotel’s AIR that simultaneously produce peace and Program in Shanghai, China.
ÁRPÁD FORGÓ Tales From the First Floor November 17 – December 23, 2017
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NEWS THEATER EVENTS CASTING HER SPELL THIS DECEMBER, TONY AWARD WINNER DEBBIE GRAVITTE COMPLETES THE CAST FOR SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT
partner and co-founder of LFP, Becky Lythgoe, also serves as Casting Director and loves to bring stars from stage and screen together with local artists in their productions.
SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT tells the story of Princess Aurora who is cursed by an evil fairy, Houston, TX - Broadway star and Tony Carabosse, and of the handsome Prince Award winner, Debbie Gravitte, has who is on a quest to save his Sleeping joined the cast of SLEEPING BEAUTY Beauty before it’s too late. An updated AND HER WINTER KNIGHT as the version of the classic Grimm fairytale, evil fairy, “Carabosse”, completing the cast for the upcoming holiday production in the style of a traditional British family Panto, SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER at Theatre Under The Stars! WINTER KNIGHT is a singing and soaring winter adventure that features Gravitte won the Tony Award for Best family-friendly magic, with a comedic Featured Actress in a Musical for JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY. She has twist, dancing (with So You Think You also appeared on Broadway in THEY’RE Can Dance alumni), a live pony, interacPLAYING OUR SONG, BLUES IN THE tion with the audience and contemporary NIGHT, ZORBA, LES MISERABLES and music from Jessie J’s “Domino” to John CHICAGO. She has performed with over Legend’s “All Of Me”, Pharrell Williams 175 orchestras around the world, includ- “Happy” to Survivor’s “Eye of The Tiger” ing being a frequent guest with the Hous- and more. ton Symphony Orchestra. Her television credits include Trial and Error (CBS) and SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINPursuit of Happiness (NBC) and she can TER KNIGHT runs December 12 - 24, 2017 in Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center be heard as one of the voices in Disney’s for the Performing Arts. Special offers film THE LITTLE MERMAID. are available including opportunities for groups and Family 4 Packs for $99. AdSLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINditionally, a limited quantity of Golden TER KNIGHT, which is presented by Tickets are available as an add-on feature. Theatre Under The Stars and Lythgoe A Golden Ticket allows the ticketholder Family Panto, also stars Broadway and Seinfeld star John O’Hurley as “The King (children only) a special on-stage experiof Houston”; star of Disney’s Teen Beach ence during the production. To learn Movie, Garrett Clayton, as “The Prince of more about any of these options, and River Oaks”; star of Disney’s Best Friends to purchase tickets, contact the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office at 713-558Whenever, Lauren Taylor, as “Princess TUTS(8887) or visit TUTS.com. Aurora”; American Idol’s, Vonzell Solomon, as “The Good Fairy”, from Henry This production of SLEEPING BEAUTY Danger on Nickelodeon, Ben Giroux, as AND HER WINTER KNIGHT is pos“Silly Billy”, and from the National Tour of HAPPY DAYS, Jeff Sumner as “Nanny sible in part thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, Accenture, Tickle”. Enbridge, and the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. As previously announced, the creative team for the production includes Children’s Memorial Hermann HospiDirector, Linda Goodrich (TUTS 2016 tal is the official healthcare partner of production of MARY POPPINS), ChoTheatre Under The Stars. United Airlines reographer, Spencer Liff (Emmy nomiis the official airline partner of Theatre nee for So You Think You Can Dance), Music Director, Jim Vukovich, and Music Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under Supervisor, Michael Orland (American The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by Idol). SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER the City of Houston through the Theater WINTER KNIGHT is written by Kris District and the Texas Commission on Lythgoe, with unique Houston customthe Arts. ization to the script. His producing
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THEATRE UNDER THE STARS RESCHEDULES CHORUS AUDITIONS FOR MEMPHIS HOUSTON - Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has rescheduled chorus auditions for its upcoming production of MEMPHIS, due street closures for the parade celebrating the Astros winning the World Series. The auditions, originally scheduled for November 3rd, have been rescheduled to Thursday, November 9th, 10 a.m. Male Dance Call, 11 a.m. Female Dance Call, and 12 PM Singer Call. Please note, dancers from the earlier call MAY be asked to stay and sing in the afternoon. For more information, visit TUTS.com/auditions. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. MEMPHIS will be directed by TUTS Artistic Director, Dan Knechtges. MEMPHIS is scheduled to begin rehearsals on January 30, 2018, and will run February 20-March 4th with preview performances on February 20th and 21st, and Opening Night on February 22nd. This production of MEMPHIS is made possible thanks to the generous support of production sponsors, Apache Corporation and ConocoPhillips. Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital is the official healthcare partner of Theatre Under The Stars. United Airlines is the official airline partner of Theatre Under The Stars. KTRK ABC-13 is the official media partner of Theatre Under The Stars. TUTS is supported in part by the City of Houston through the Theater District and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
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CONNECTING THE SILOS AN ARTIST INC-HOUSTON GROUP SHOWCASE ON VIEW: NOVEMBER 1 DECEMBER 13, 2017 OPENING RECEPTION: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 6-8PM Connecting the Silos, is an interdisciplinary group show featuring new collaborative works by twenty-seven Houstonbased visual and performing artists with disciplines ranging from music, film, dance, public art, photography, fashion, and painting. The collaborative nature of the exhibition will result in a dynamic multi-media showcase of installation and performance art. Participating artists are 2017 graduates of Fresh Arts’ Artist INC-Houston program. Through Artist INC-Houston, these artists – selected through a juried process – gathered for one night a week for eight weeks to learn business skills specific to their art practice and apply those skills cooperatively with their peers. Artist INC ended in May 2017, but the artists who participated requested an opportunity to present work with their newly-discovered peers across disciplines. This is how Connecting the Silos was born. Opening Reception (NEW DATE): Wednesday, November 8, 6-8pm Performances and Artist Talks to be announced Public Viewing Hours: November 1-December 13, 2017 Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm Location: The Silos on Sawyer // Gallery 100 1502 Sawyer Street, Houston, TX 77007 Public viewing hours: 9am-6pm
NEWS TALL SHIPS ARE COMING!® TALL SHIPS GALVESTON SETS SAIL FOR NEW MARITIME FESTIVAL APRIL 5-8, 2018 Galveston Island, Texas – For the first time, a fleet of tall ships will sail and race their way along the Gulf Coast to participate in the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Gulf Coast 2018 series of races and public maritime festivals. Kicking off this new event, Galveston Island will play host to the first stop of the 2018 challenge from April 5-8, 2018. Produced by Galveston Historical Foundation, in partnership with Tall Ships America, this family-friendly event will showcase Galveston’s rich maritime history through unique programming and the visiting tall ships. “We are pleased to welcome some of the most beautiful tall ships in the world to our port for the Tall Ship Challenge in 2018,” explains Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. “This first-time event for the Gulf coast will bring the world of sailing historic vessels to Galveston Island. It’s a rare opportunity to step aboard a historic tall ship and learn about our maritime history.” While in port, the ships will be open to the public for viewing, and many will feature dockside exhibits and lively interactions with crew. Each ship has its own educational program and mission, providing the public with wide array of ways to participate and sail. In addition to touring the ships, visitors will also have the opportunity to embark on the ships for exhibition sails during the festival. Between each of the ports, the ships will race to the next event. TALL SHIPS® GALVESTON will welcome visiting ships with an exciting Parade of Sail on the afternoon of Thursday, April 5. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for ship tours, live music, vendors, and more. Special evening events will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. including Salute to Sunset happy hours and the 2018 Plankowners’ Syndicate Party & Auction. Full information will be added to www. tallshipsgalveston.com as it becomes available. About TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Tall Ships America’s TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® is an annual series of Tall Ships® races and maritime port festivals that rotates on a three-year cycle between
the Atlantic Coast, Great Lakes, Pacific Coast, and Gulf Coast. These events celebrate our rich maritime heritage and traditions, and inform the general public about the transformative power of Adventure and Education Under Sail®. Coordinated by Tall Ships America in collaboration with local organizers, the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® fleet will be hosted at festivals in four ports of call: Galveston, Texas (April 5-8), Pensacola, Florida (April 12-15), New Orleans, Louisiana (April 19-22), and St. Petersburg, Florida (April 26-29). “The member vessels of Tall Ships America help young people develop confidence, competency and courage through the authentic challenges and adventures of seafaring,” said Tall Ships America Executive Director Bert Rogers. “The TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® series is a celebration of our maritime heritage.” “Students and trainees will sail the ships the same way they were sailed in great Age of Sail” added Rogers. “These races follow long distance courses on the open ocean, the ships sail without using engines, all to promote goodwill through friendly competition.” For more information about Tall Ships America or to learn how to sign aboard a tall ship, visit www.tallshipsamerica. org or contact Lori Aguiar at lori@tallshipsamerica.org or 401-846-1775. About Tall Ships America Tall Ships America is the hub for tall ships activity, expertise, and information in North America, and is commended by the United States Congress as the national sail training organization representing the United States. Founded in 1973, Tall Ships America is a 501c 3 non-profit membership organization dedicated to enriching youth education through character building and leadership programs aboard tall ships. The mission of Tall Ships America is to encourage character building through sail training, promote sail training to the North American public and support education under sail. Tall Ships America supports the people, ships and programs of sail training through professional development grants, sail training scholarships, conferences, education, publications, regulatory and licensing information, public events and advocacy.
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MUSIC NEWS & NOTES CONROE AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL PRESENTS MUSIC FESTIVAL WITH SOUTHERN STAR BREWERY
GLOBAL FOLK GROUP LEY LINE ANNOUNCES SINGLE RELEASE PARTY AT RADIO COFFEE AND BEER All-female global folk group Ley Line celebrate the return from their 30-date international tour through Brazil with single release and brand new album in 2018
from which we will build upon to create a visual story recapping the essence of our three-month tour through Brazil. Using footage from live performances, nature, collaborations, folklore and life on the road, the album will debut in late 2018/ early 2019.”
Ley Line recently returned from their first international tour through Brazil. Hosted by more than 30 venues between Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul and Recife, Pernambuco, the band presented (AUSTIN, TEXAS - On the cusp of their a vibrant collection of multilingual songs recent return from a 30-date Brazilian that traverse the landscape of global folk tour, Austin-based global folk group Ley music. To see Ley Line performing live at Line announces an official single release Casa de Trocas, São Paulo Brazil on June show for Thursday, Nov. 30 at Radio Cof- 22, click here. With the help of a local fee and Beer. The single will be released film crew, Ley Line produced a series of online on Thursday, Nov. 9. To hear a short documentaries featuring the unique glimpse of the new single, check out the places, artistic collaborations and people promo video for it here. The Nov. 30 event that influence their music along the way. is free and open to the public. Doors are at 7 p.m. The evening will feature an “We hope our fans can experience the opening performance by Olivia Quillio at beauty of human connection through our 7:30 p.m. with Ley Line beginning at 8:30 music,” said Emilie Basez of Ley Line. p.m. For more information on the band, “This tour through Brazil was a socioplease see www.leylinesound.com. cultural journey. We are sharing our music with a wide range of demographThis first single entitled “Respiração (The ics and partnering with organizations to Breath)” was recorded at Sweetheart explore music as a uniting force among all Studios with Seth Gibbs and mastered by people.” Claudio Ramirez. Ley Line will be getting back into the studio in February of next The multimedia project and international year to begin production of a “visual altour was independently managed and bum project” that was shot on their recent produced by the four women of Ley Line, Brazilian tour. Leandro Cesar (Belo Hori- highlighting a female perspective of life zonte, Brazil) will co-produce the album on the road. in Austin, Texas in February and March. “As we travel we find that we are a part “Leandro is a renowned musician and of a global community of empowered luthier, creating marimbas and one-of-a- women, inspiring one another to learn, kind acoustic instruments,” said Ley Line. explore and share our voices,” said band “The new album will serve as the base member Lydia Froncek.
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PUBLIC NEWS
Conroe, TX – The Conroe Americana Music Festival is partnering up with Southern Star Brewery to have a music and arts festival featuring local artists, musicians, food trucks, fire pits, and of course Southern Star beer on Saturday, December 2 at the Southern Star Brewery in Conroe. The Conroe Downtown Area Association is continuing the explosive music festival with a small all-day concert at Southern Star Brewery to continue to engage both local residents and out of towners with a reason to visit Conroe. Participating bands are award winning Caleb and the Homegrown Tomatoes, Folk Family Revival, The Great Trumpet, Stump Juice, Mike Amabile and Run Over Twice, Field of Bronze, and Kenny the Spider.
nity and wants to see the Music Festival continue to grow to attract tourists”, said Rodney Pool, President of the Conroe Downtown Area Association. “Southern Star has both an indoor and outdoor space with fire pits that will be perfect for a December event.” Gates will open at noon with bands playing through 11:30pm. Tickets are available for $15 in advance/$20 at the gate from the Southern Star Brewery Taproom or by going through Eventbrite on the website of www.conroeamericanamusicfestival.com Free entry for kids 12 and under. Vendors, food trucks, and artists are encouraged to feel out the forms on Experience Downtown Conroe website managed by the Conroe Downtown Area Association at www.ExperienceDowntownConroe.com. Visit the Facebook page for additional event information at www.Facebook.com/ ConroeAmericanaMusicFestival
About the Conroe Americana Music Festival: The Conroe Americana Music A wide variety of rock, folk, country Festival is a grassroots premier festival blues, Americana, funk, and Texas featuring a mix of Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Country will be heard from the bands Folk, Blues, Texas Country, Roots Rock, that frequently entertain in many of our and Americana music. Established local venues with energetic participation through the Conroe Downtown Area from listeners. Association the proceeds of the festival are used to enhance the Historic “As a sponsor of the Conroe Americana Downtown Conroe area with improved Music Festival, Southern Star Brewery signage and beautification projects. will continue to partner with the CDAA The 2nd Annual Festival date will be and the Conroe Americana Music released soon. Festival to offer a prime music event in our community”, said Dave Fougeron, owner/founder of Southern Star BrewPENNE ALL’ AMATRICIANA ery. “Of course, we like providing the exclusive beer for the festival!” LINGUINE The Conroe Downtown Area Association is a 501(c ) 4 non-profit organization comprised of Downtown merchants, businesses, and other interested individuals to foster, promote, maintain and encourage the civic, social, commercial, tourist, and economic welfare of the Downtown Conroe Historic community. “This is going to be a relaxing fun event with local talent that loves our commu-
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PASTICCIO LASAGNA PARMIGIANA MARSALA
Pasta e Pesto Authentic Italian Restaurant 1678 FM 1960 W, Houston, TX 77090 281-580-1430
HOME OF THE 28” PIZZA!
LIVE MUSIC LISTINGS CONROE Backwoods Saloon 230 Lexington Ct., 936-273-0203 www.backwoodssaloon.com The Corner Pub 302 N. Main St., 936-788-2390 www.thecornerpubinconroe.com Game On Sports Bar 1717 N. Fraiser 936-788-6209 www.gameonsportsandmusic.com Bingo, Beer and Bands! Kat Daddy Bar 463 FM 1488, 936-273-9342 www.katdaddysbar.com Live Music Sunday Afternoons Red Brick Tavern 119 Simonton, 936-539-2000 www.theredbricktavern.com MAGNOLIA Genuwine Tasting Room 6503 FM 1488 #401 832-934-2675 www.mygenuwine.com NORTH SPRING 19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd #118, 281-363-2574 www.19th.cc [$10 cover on all shows] Hard rock and metal bands Thursday through Saturday Dosey Doe Big Barn 25911 I-45 N., 281-367-3774 www.doseydoe.com Great dinner/music venue in a rebuilt barn CYPRESS CREEK Acadia 3939 FM 1960 W., 281-893-2860 www.acadiabarandgrill.com BFE Rock Club 11528 Jones Rd. (281) 894-1811 www.bferockclub.com The Concert Pub North 2470 Cypress Creek Pkwy., 281-583-8111 www.theconcertpub.com Great cover band venue OLD TOWN SPRING Blue Giraffe 417 Gentry St, Spring (281) 288-4233 www.thebluegiraffeetc.com Open mic from open to close Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston, Spring 281-288-0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com Great pub rock on the weekends Puffabellys 100 Main St, Spring 281-350-3376 www.puffabellys.com Best known for their open mic events weekly
TOMBALL 403 Eats 403 East Main (281) 330-7828 www.403eats.com live music Fridays & Saturdays Brautigams Bar & Grill 106 Market St, 832-698-4461 www.brautigamsbarngrill.com Main Street Crossing 111 West Main St., 281-290-0431 www.mainstreetcrossing.com WEST HOUSTON Shakespeare Pub 14129 Memorial Dr, (281) 497-4625 www.shakespearepub.net DOWNTOWN HOUSTON Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. (713) 226-8563 www.lastconcert.com
...or Pizza by the slice!
THE HEIGHTS Dan Electros 1031 E 24th St (832) 831-2553 www.danelectroshouston.com Fitzgeralds 2705 White Oak Dr., www.fitzgeraldshouston.com Iconic Music Venue, Host to some of the worlds best touring bands Rudyards 2010 Waugh Dr (713) 521-0521 www.rudyardspub.com Live local music - Public News recommended McGonigel’s Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk St (713) 528-5999 www.mcgonigels.com Live Music Nightly KINGWOOD Nico’s Bar & Grill 22610 Loop 494 (281) 358-6653 www.nicosbarandgrill.com The Sterling Room 22250 Hwy 59 (281) 446-2202 Tularosa Southwestern Grill 1522 Kingwood Dr (346) 616-5178 www.tularosa-swgrill.com Live Music Friday, Saturday and Sunday HUMBLE Shamrock’s Pub 228 W 1st St (281) 446-0407 www.shamrockspubhumble.com
EXPErIENCE A LITtLE CUBA IN HOUSTON
SPRING Mak’s Place Sports Bar & Grill 5200 Louetta Rd., 832-698-1611 www.maksplacesportsbar.com That One Bar 4660 Louetta #100, 832-562-3942 www.thatonebar.com THE WOODLANDS Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins, 281-210-1105 www.woodlandscenter.org The largest venue for live music in North Houston
EL MOJITO CUBAN CUISINE 5210 FM 2920 StE 600 SprINg, TX 77388 (832) 823-5157
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NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2017
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THE 1990’s SWING REVIVAL by Mark Crampton
By now, you readers should have grasped that there are just NOT many styles of music I don’t like and listen to. Around 2002, I think, was when I really got into swing music – after being introduced to revival swing - specifically, the Cherry Popping Daddies “Zoot Suit Riot” one and only swing album - by my older daughter, Michelle. I REALLY got interested in both original Big Band Swing and Swing Revival then. So, OK, I guess if I am going to do an article on the Swing Revival of the 1990’s, obviously I should do a quick introduction to the original Big Band Swing that was being revived! Original Big Band Swing is characterized by a big band (hence the name!), with a solid rhythm section - drum set and percussion, piano, upright base and strings - backed by reed and horn/brass
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sections. It features choruses rather than lead vocalists, with prominence of solo instrumentalists - often, the band leader himself - leading the music and “winging it” outside of this musical structure. Revival swing replaces the original rhythm section with a rock band - drum kits and percussion and electric guitars, but also keeps the piano and upright base, sometimes the other strings, depending on the size/style of band - still backed by reed and horn/brass sections. It also still has the choruses and instrumental soloists – who are also the lead vocalists. To start, the original “Swing Era” of the American music scene was, mainly, an evolution of the “Roaring 20’s” big band music and the “Charleston” dance era (1923-1928) https://youtu.be/ yNAOHtmy4j0 [NOTE: the dancer at
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1:37 is at Galveston’s famed Hollywood Dinner Club – look it up.] Or how about a clip of the fabulous Josephine Baker (if you don’t know who she was, well – too bad for you!) https://youtu. be/krp5bliseHQ The recognized “Swing Era” only ran from 1935 thru the WW II years. Benny Goodman is considered the forerunner - and biggest name bandleader - of the swing era https://youtu.be/zBs9gZQX7lQ , while numerous bands – many with band leaders and musicians who played in Goodman’s band - followed him. Harry James, Gene Krupa, Zoot Sims, Buddy Greco, to name a few. The “Jitterbug” or “Jump” style of swing dancing swept America - and the world - at that time, because of the music! https://youtu.be/kAYrXXxtPxs from the movie “Private Buckaroo” in 1942. https://youtu.be/3tRFL4q5m7c -
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don’t know what movie this clip is from – still great dancing! Sadly, for various reasons, by the end of WW II the American music industry spurned the unified Big Band swing style, and in the late 1940’s Jazz was the predominate music choice. In the mid-1950’s thru the early 1960’s, Big Band Music did make a resurgence in popularity, but it was generally smaller “big” bands playing swinging pop and swinging jazz rather than classic Big Band swing. The famous musician band leaders had given way to celebrated vocalists front men/women – Dean Martin, Doris Day, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Dinah Shore, Peggy Lee, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra https://youtu.be/1cPG1t52GgI et al. typified this trend, and it pretty much
evolved into “Easy Listening” or just plain “Pop” music. The only music style still truly oriented towards dance in the post war era became known as “Jump Blues” or “Jump Swing”, epitomized almost exclusively by Louis Prima https://youtu. be/q4V8pbg3rNU , Robert Kraft, and a very few other bands. Which brings us to the 1990s, and the American Swing Revival. The Swing Revival - also called Retro Swing, New Swing, Neo-Swing, Electro Swing and Modern Swing - actually began on the West Coast in 1989. Wiki cites the Swing Revival beginning with the formation of three bands in 1989: the Royal Crown Review (RCR) [who are no longer recording or touring at this time] in Los Angeles, California, quickly followed by Big Bad VooDoo Daddy (BBVD) http://www. bbvd.com/ , also in Los Angeles, and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies https://www. daddies.com/ in Eugene, Oregon. Myself, I would give credit to the Brian Setzer Orchestra https://briansetzer. com/ , formed in 1990, and discount the Daddies entirely! The Daddies were rightly a punk/ska band and didn’t actually do swing until much later in their career – and at that, only 1 swing album - although technically they did form up in 1989. The Swing Revival quickly began building popularity, especially with several bands appearing in and doing
movie appearances and soundtracks. “Swing Kids” in 1993, although no modern bands/musicians except Robert Kraft are credited, the swing music itself is the heart of the movie. “The Mask” in 1994. Royal Crown Review played themselves for Jim Carey and Cameron Diaz’s big dance scene https://youtu.be/iqjq2s_bHPA and the Brian Setzer Orchestra also was on the soundtrack https://youtu.be/homDF1tDoQo . “Swingers” in 1996, portrays, among other things, LA club life in the Swing Revival music scene, and Big Bad VooDoo Daddy appeared as themselves in three different scenes https://youtu.be/ iC8L1c6fCrI . “Blast from the Past” in 1999, Brendon Frazier has a remarkable jitterbug dance scene to “Mr. Zoot Suit” by Ingrid Lucia and The Flying Neutrinos (who were actually a jazz band) https://youtu.be/ O6O0ODM_9FE . During the height of the Swing Revival movement, as with any other music style, there were dozens of bands forming, morphing, fading. Many of these bands are still out there today, though, making music, recording CDs and DVDs, touring. Just a few bands I have in my CD/ DVD collection: RCR and BBVD (of course), the Daddies, Brian Setzer, Ingrid Lucia https://www.facebook. com/ingrid.lucia.75 (solo) and The Flying Neutrinos, Bellevue Cadillac http://
dougbellmusic.tripod.com/bio.htm , Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers www.lavaysmith.com/ , The Atomic Fireballs https://www.facebook. com/TheAtomicFireballs/ , Set ‘Em Up Joe, Roomful Of Blues https://www. roomful.com/ , Indigo Swing, Cigar Store Indians, Big Sandy and his FlyRite Boys, Red And The Red Hots well, I guess you get the idea! WARNING: Some few articles ago, I promised (or was it threatened?) to relate an incident regarding the time I crossed paths with a bunch of hoity-toity blue-nose types in a totally inappropriate setting at a concert. Here goes. Many years ago, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy came to Houston to play a special concert with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. Now, I have seen BBVD numerous times at club venues (mostly the House of Blues in Dallas), and their concerts ROCK! People often show up in garb to their shows – Zoot suits and Fedoras, bobby soxer outfits, ersatz WW II military uniforms, what have you! And EVERYBODY dances, hops, jitters and jives and has a BALL! So, I guess I just never considered the venue for THIS particular concert – artsy-fancy Houston High Society Jones Hall, you know? I bought my ticket well in advance (very good seat, too, center, low front!), and wear a VERY tasteful Zoot Suit with
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a big Fedora – the ONLY ONLY ONLY one dressed APPROPRIATELY in the whole hall! Everyone else there is in TUXEDOS, GOWNS, SUITS, COCKTAIL DRESSES – standing in the lobby drinking wine and martinis (OK, assuming the drinks – I don’t know what the Jones Hall refreshment counters actually sell – but that seemed likely!) The concert starts – BBVD is their usual astounding self, jiving and wailing – and the concert hall is like a freaking funeral! NOTHING! Then I look over at the lady sitting beside me – sweet little lady in her – let’s say “blue-haired senior years” – and I notice that she’s patting her hands on her knees in time to the music! Finally – someone in this hall who GOT IT! Who GOT the music! Tried to get her to get up and dance with me, but she wouldn’t – darn it! I bet we could have really swung the joint! I mean, WHY would these people come to a concert where they didn’t plan to have a good time and be entertained? I didn’t – and still don’t – get it! Anyway, Revival Swing, New Swing, Neo-Swing, Retro Swing, Electro Swing, whatever you call it, is still alive and jumping! Try some! [NOTE: BBVD will be at the Texan Theater, Greenville, TX Oct 8th. Brian Setzer Orchestra will be playing the Arena Theater, Houston Dec 10th.]
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a gifted intuitive guitarist to a complete performer and songwriter. He has managed the hardest of tasks: crafting a musical identity that lives up to the promise of a precocious talent.” Clay bares his soul through his original music. His songs are authentic to the core, and they expose his very intimate and personal vulnerabilities. Clay is not an imitation – he is unique and his music is crossing genre barriers for good reason. At the 2016 SXSW event in Austin, Texas, Paul Heath, CEO of Radio X Brussels, met with Clay in a busy, bustling hotel lobby and the following interview took place. It was not a rehearsed monologue but rather an all-telling impromptu conversation that reveals Clay in his own words. A very interesting self portrait: I could go on and on about this musical genius but we decided to let you hear some of his music via youtube.
PUBLIC NOISE
CLAY MELTON BAND by Robert Castro
When does inspiration find any of us? For Clay Melton, it was at the tender age of eleven when he listened to Jimi Hendrix playing ‘All Along the Watchtower’ while riding in the car with his father. Clay was mesmerized by Jimi’s sound and style. So he asked his parents for a guitar, and only time would tell if music would become central to this young man’s life. Soon Clay was strapping his electric guitar and amp on his bicycle and peddling his way through the neighborhood to a family garage where he practiced with his good friend, Kyle Tomchesson. His ability with the guitar was growing faster than
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anyone could imagine, and after a year and a half of lessons, his teacher admitted that he couldn’t take Clay any further. Since then, Clay has taught himself, and like Hendrix and SRV, he plays by ear. By the age of thirteen, Clay was playing live in clubs all around Texas. At fifteen years old, his stage experiences as a guitarist and songwriter began to grow: The Dallas International Guitar Festival proclaimed, “Clay Melton one of the TOP 10 Guitar Players in Texas under 20 years old!” The emotional intensity of his live performances at such a young age was incredible to say the least.
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In October 2016, at 22 years old, Clay approached the world famous SugarHill Recording Studio where such greats as Beyonce’ and the Rolling Stones have recorded. He met with owner, Dan Workman, long-time mentor and fellow member of The Recording Academy (the Grammy’s). Dan assembled the talented team of Steve Christensen (Grammywinning engineer), and Josh Applebee (amazing drum tech). Planning began for Burn The Ships, the first full-length album from Clay Melton, releasing Summer 2017. Dan remarks, “I’ve had the privilege of watching Clay evolve from
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PN: When did you start preforming and where? Clay: I’ve been performing here in Houston since I was about 13, my first perfomance was at a place called Main Street Crossing in Tomball. PN: How old are you now ? Clay: I’m now 23 PN: How would you classify your music. (genre) Clay: We really explore man genres through out our new album, from rock to groovier soul and ambient rock - I would say overall we have a guitar driven rock sound. PN: Who are your biggest influences (musically ) Clay: Hendrix kicked everything off for me, then I grew a big love for SRV & Zeppelin, naturally. The Beatles and John Mayer have been big influences as well. But I love to listen to all kinds of things, music is so interesting to me in that way, theres no way anyone could ever explore everything there is to explore with music through out time, it makes me excited about exposing myself to different styles. PN: What does music mean to you ? Clay: In complete honesty it’s one of the deepest and dearest passion in my life. Right when I picked up a guitar I was really smitten with the instrument and all of the possibilities and just the world it introduced me too. Growing up playing music and trying to create and gigging out a lot brought so many friends and different experiences into my life I would never change. It’s always been my dream but there was definitely
a point in the last three years where it because a certain fact within myself and my own resolve that I was going to make music and work the hardest I could possibly work to do what I love to do, make music. PN: What are your goals Are you dreaming big but keeping yourself grounded? Clay: My self purpose and goal is to be able to continue to create musically for the rest of my life and hopefully by sharing my music with people they can find the same inspiration, comfort, excitement and joy that I’ve always, always found in music. A love for performing live is something that definitely hooked me young. I genuinely every part of the process when it comes to playing out live and connecting with an audience. PN: Is your music more about the words than crazy solos and big beats Clay: It’s all about the song, some are more musically driven but I try to bring passion and true expression to the lyrics I write. PN: Who do you like that has paved the way for young artist like your self IE (Elton john , John Mayer, Ella Fitzgerald ) Clay: There are so many artist that have paved the way for all of us, musically and artistically. I’m really into music history and there’s so much to learn from educating yourself about the artists that have created throughout history. John Mayer has definitely brought me some perspective on what it means being a part of the music industry in today’s world. There’s a great talk he did at Berkely college where he talks about his approach to keeping artistic integrity within himself as a songwriter but also being honest about what he wants and making a decision to sometimes write towards a wider audience to enable him to make the music he wants to make and share it on the scale a successful artist like himself can. PN: What is your take on self esteem Clay: Gary Vaynerchuk is someone I’ve been studying recently. He’s a successful entrepreneur and he speaks about being selfish in order to be selfless. I think that happiness often comes when people do what they love to do, and so I think doing what you love to do regardless if it’s easy or maybe what someone else wants for you or not - that takes a lot of self esteem and confidence and so for me I think it’s very important to practice confidence and trust your own gut. PN: Are your songs about relationships, worshiping God, or tell me what you try to convey in your music
Clay: I’ve definitely written some love songs - some you’ll hear on the album. But I like to explore different messages and topics. Some songs are simply for expression. “Love Out Loud’ talks about appreciating what’s in front of you because life is short and everything changes. “Hold on to what you love, it can all be gone tomorrow” - I have a song called “Rain” and it was written around this specific moment we’re I was having a (creatively) great day, which is my favorite kind of day. I was playing guitar outside and it was beautiful then all of a sudden rain clouds came out and it began to rain. The song speaks about when you’re riding a wave of positivity and negativity tries to creep in and you have to tell it to go away sometimes. I finished writing most of the lyrics and went back outside that day and the rain had passed and I ended up finishing the lyrics regarding that moment right after the rain. When things start to get back on track it seems. - all that aside I actu-
ally most of the time love rainy days. PN: Do you get your inspiration for your songs from what you see at school and from other friends Clay: As I learn more about songwriting so many normal things seem like songs. I think it can be tough for younger artists to express lyrically at times because they typically have less experiences that are outside of their home and friends. Having truths to speak to makes inspiration much more natural as it should be. I’ve definitely found in this phase of my life there’s so much change in the people around me going down different paths and myself on my own and it brings a lot of perspective on how things really are sometimes. That’s somewhere I’ve been drawing inspiration from, new truths that you discover only with age haha. PN: Are you trying to be a role model for others? Do you have any advice for other teens who are wanting to get in this?
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Clay: I believe there are so many people better than myself for someone to admire and model their behavior after - but I do believe that doing the right thing is absolutely always the right thing and that’s something I try to live by. Be kind to others, do what you love and always give more to someone than you receive. Those are fundamental for any young person to truly believe - now if you’re wanting to get into music and it’s something that you love, do all of those things but also, you need to unapologetically work as hard as you possibly can at what you’re good at - If you love music, you love to play the drums, or the bass, flute, keyboards or guitar, sit down everyday for a couple hours and practice (to a metronome, I can’t express how important that was for me) - you’ll hit a point to where you pick up your instrument and it’s a way of expression and that is the most freeing feeling in the world.
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NICK’S LOCAL EATS/COVER STORY
3rd Annual Barbecue Throwdown The 3rd Annual Houston BBQ Throwdown, brought to you by the fine folks that bring you the Houston Barbecue Festival (Julian Christopher Reid, Michael Fulmer, Jonathan R Cohen) was held at Saint Arnold Brewing Company on September 24th and featured fourteen of Houston’s best barbecue restaurants competing to create the next great barbecue dish representing Houston-style Barbecue. This event is by far my favorite of the year because the Pitmasters come up with some outstanding BBQ dishes.
MICHAEL FULMER, GARY R WISE (HOUSTON BBQ FESTIVAL)
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The event’s judging panel consisted of Ronnie Killen of Killen’s Barbecue, (last year’s judge’s winner), Chronicle restaurant critic Alison Cook, barbecue photographer Robert Lerma, pitmaster Wayne Mueller of Louie Mueller Barbecue, and D’Artagnan Bebel, vice president and general
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manager of Fox 26. First time competitor Chef/Pitmaster Arash Kharat of Beaver’s tied for first place and most definitely brought his “A Game” tieing for Judges Choice with his 44 Farms Beef Rib Short Rib and Brisket Tacos (a homemade tortilla made with brisket fat, perfect smoked beef short rib and brisket, topped with pico de gallo, pickled onion, queso fresco, yellow bird cremated and cilantro). This was love at first bite for me. The tortilla alone was phenomenal,but everything together worked like a well rehearsed symphony of flavors with just the right amount of spice. Tied for Judges Choice was husband and wife team John and Veronica Avila of El Burro and The Bull (check them out at The Conservatory downtown). Their spin on a family recipe
ter pickles. (6) My personal vote went to Pitmaster Bramwell Tripp and Michael Samof Pozole (smoked red chile broth brooks of The Pit Room. Their clever topped with smoked pork shoulder, play and ode to a Texas Tradition; and dressed with pickled radish, Whataburger. The A-1 Thick and cilantro, lime, Mexican oregano and Smokey (a smoked all beef cheeseserved with a housemade tostada). I would love a big bowl of this once the burger link, house cured bacon, grilled onions, A1 thick and hearty weather gets a little colder. sauce served in a bun). The descrip(5) tion was cleverly presented on a card The People’s Choice Award went to reminiscent of the plastic order numPitmaster Brek Webber of Tin Roof BBQ in the Atascocita/Humble area. bers they give you at Whataburger. (7) The family owned restaurants suffered a fire just hours before the com- Another newcomer to this event was Pitmaster Wade Elkins and petition, but still managed to show up and win with a fantastic barbecue beef rib served with hot bread & but-
NICK RAMA, MICHAEL SAMBROOKS
CHEF ARASH KHARAT AND TEAM OF BEAVER’S
JOHN AVILA, VERONICA AVILA AND TEAM OF EL BURRO AND THE BULL
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MICHAEL SAMBROOKS AND TEAM FROM THE PIT ROOM
wife Kathy Elkins of My Yard Reaction BBQ (based out of Spring, TX, currently doing pop up events and caterings). Wade has been impressing everyone and has already been invited to participate in The Woodlands BBQ Festival, coming to Town Green Park October 8th, 2017. Wade served a Wagyu Brisket Bento (Marble Ranch Wagyu Beef Brisket smoked with Post Oak and Pecan Wood, a beef tendon puff with house smoked shrimp salt, sesame seaweed salad, smoked enoki mushrooms, radish, sticky rice with a special sauce, black seed green onion, bulls blood, cilantro and coriander seed microgreens). This east meets west dish was ambitious and the execution was spot on.
Greg Gatlin of Gatlin’s BBQ went all out with Rabbit and Biscuit (smoked rabbit, cheddar chive biscuit, with a raspberry chipotle sauce topped with a fried quail egg). Grant Pinkerton of Pinkerton’s Barbecue wowed the crowds with a Smoked Flank Steak on a toasted crostini, with a fire roasted tomato puree, goat cheese and a chimichurri sauce. Two husband and wife teams served Smoked Pastrami dishes, Russell and Misty Roegels of Roegel’s Barbecue Co., served up Pastrami Tacos while Patrick and Erin Smith Feges of Feges BBQ did pork belly pastrami (smoked with peach wood), housemade kraut, comeback sauce, provo-
WADE AND KATHY ELKINS OF MY YARD REACTION BBQ
GREG & MICHELLE GATLIN AND CREW FROM GATLIN’S BBQ
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GRANT PINKERTON OF THE BBQ
lone on rye. Patrick blow torching the mac, mango and micro cilantro. provolone to order. Papa Charlie’s BBQ - Wesley Jurena Wayne Kammerl of Brisket House also did some east meets west with a was slinging out some stellar Pulled Go Chu Jang Chicken with pickled Beef Rib Tacos that were completely broccoli slaw and fresh jalapeno. different from the winner, but equally as good. Homemade Tortillas, beef Last but not least Chef Ara Malekian rib with grilled onions, salsa dressing another tasty dish, a smoked bone in molcajete, mexican slaw, queso fresco pork tenderloin served with a creamy and fresh avocado slice. polenta and drizzled with a black cherry balsamic reduction. Overall, The Blood Bros. BBQ guys (Quy Ho- the event was another huge sucang, Robin Wong, Terry Terr Wong) cess and I really enjoyed seeing and had a killer Brisket Fried Rice with tasting what all of these Pitmasters Pork Joel Charles Siu. / Chef ’s came up with to represent what the Houston BBQ scene is all Greg and Scott Moore Jr. of Tejas about. Chocolate & Barbecue assembled a unique dish called S’mac Belly - Pork Belly cue with Poblano and Oaxaca
RUSSELL AND MISTY ROEGELS AND CREW OF ROEGELS BARBECUE CO.
PATRICK AND ERIN FEGES AND CREW OF FEGES BBQ
WAYNE KAMMERL AND CREW OF BRISKET HOUSE
QUY HOANG, TERRY TERR WONG, KASH, ROBIN WONG OF BLOOD BROS. BBQ
PUBLIC NEWS
NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2017
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LINA LANG of THE RUNAWAY PLATE
FOODIES
THE RUNAWAY PLATE by Matt Vernon
Lina Wang owns and operates The Runaway Plate and Cast Iron Southern Grill Both of Lina Wang’s original concepts can be located 28533 Spring Trails Ridge. The Runaway Plate menu is available through the drive through and is healthy, delicious home-made dishes served in a quick fashion. It is great food for people on the go to pick up for families or after a long day. Cast Iron Grill is a beautiful designed, quaint inside dining room with a full bar and fun contemporary dishes like Korean Beef Tacos, salads and sandwiches, all hand crafted in house. Lina Wang was born in Malaysia and loves traveling. She’s been in over 30 countries and has taken a cooking class in every one of them. She’s loved to cook ever since she was 6 years old. She learned how to make pancakes from scratch and loved cooking for other people at a young age. She says her parents probably got tired of her cooking pancakes every weekend. When she was young she wanted to follow her passion and go to cooking school, but was encouraged to pursue another course. She graduated with a Business degree from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. She joined the corporate world doing sales and recruitment
for large companies. She met and married her husband, Ryan in Canada. He worked in oil and gas and 10 years ago, his work brought him and Lina to Houston. During college, she worked at various restaurants and during her career she enjoyed taking baking and cake decorating classes. She loved learning about food, and how to make quality, healthy food tastes great. Lina believes in eating well. She says after a long day of work she’d cook a fresh home-made dinner. 15 years ago she had a vision of a quick service restaurant that specialized in scratch made healthy dinners instead of processed foods. She says she did not see that in Malaysia, Australia, Canada or any countries they visited. Seven years ago, she decided to turn her dream into reality. She came up with a business plan and tried getting a bank loan and finding a realtor. She knew she wanted to be in the Rayford/Riley Fuzzel area, but had difficulty finding a realtor to take her seriously because she was a woman. She couldn’t get a loan because she had no prior restaurant owner experience. It took her four years and she wound up having to invest her savings to buy her property in the end. She believed so much in her dream!
She designed every facet or her restaurant herself from her state of the art drive through with 4 big screen TV’s to showcase her daily menu to her quaint dining room and patio. She says opening a restaurant isn’t easy and explained how, before opening some neighborhood kids came by and stole her sign, and her lead cook was intentionally burning dishes. The restaurant started as Runaway plate over two years ago to be able to offer a fast food environment, but with real hand-made food, not laden with chemicals or GMO’s. Something I have personally never seen before, but absolutely love the concept. But then, Lina decided to innovate and get really creative and decided to run two different concepts out of the same business. Again, something I have never seen before. Her service is incredible, her passion for food inspired and her creative menu is amazing! Lina spent months redesigning her dining room to accommodate the new concept. She improved her bar, lighting and did a complete remodel to match the vision she had for Cast Iron Southern Grill. She hired contractors, spent her own money, designed a modern café
PUBLIC NEWS
with a Southern flair. Everything looked beautiful. Then Harvey came to town and brought a foot of water into her restaurant, destroying everything she worked so hard for. Well, not only is Lina inventive and passionate about food, she is also determined and loved by her supporters. After the flood waters receded, Lina and her friends went right to work rebuilding Cast Iron Southern Grill and The Runaway Plate and now they are back and better than ever. People like different cuisine and that’s what she enjoys cooking. Her menu changes daily and she can cook Greek, Italian, Thai and Korean with precise execution using all scratch-made ingredients. The Runaway Plate is an original concept that delivers (literally) hot, wholesome meals that are accessible to everyone in a fast food setting. Their reviews are exceptional, almost 5 stars across the board and Lina is an incredible lady with a vision trying to live out The American Dream! You can find her daily menu on her website, therunawayplate. com. Eat healthy. Eat well. Support local!
NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2017
21
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FILM CAPSULES
UP & COMING NOVEMBER 3 Thor: Ragnarok PG-13 130 min Action | Adventure | Comedy | Sci-Fi Imprisoned, the almighty Thor finds himself in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk, his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home and the Asgardian civilization. Director: Taika Waititi Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo A Bad Moms Christmas R 104 min Action | Adventure | Comedy A Bad Moms Christmas follows our three under-appreciated and over-burdened women as they rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas. Directors: Jon Lucas | Scott Moore Stars: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Jay Hernandez
Last Flag Flying R 124 min Comedy | Drama Thirty years after they served together in Vietnam, a former Navy Corpsman Larry “Doc” Shepherd re-unites with his old buddies, former Marines Sal Nealon and Reverend Richard Mueller, to bury his son, a young Marine killed in the Iraq War. Director: Richard Linklater Stars: Bryan Cranston, Laurence Fishburne, Steve Carell, J. Quinton Johnson
Drama After her world is irrevocably changed, a successful New York City architect struggles to regain intimacy and control in her life. Director: Jessica M. Thompson Stars: Stephanie Beatriz, Michael StahlDavid, Conrad Ricamora, Catherine Curtin
LBJ R 98 min Biography | Drama The story of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson from his young days in West Texas to the White House. Director: Rob Reiner Stars: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Woody Harrelson, Bill Pullman, C. Thomas Howell
NOVEMBER 10 Murder on the Orient Express PG-13 114 min Crime | Drama | Mystery A lavish train ride unfolds into a stylish & suspenseful mystery. From the novel by Agatha Christie, Murder on the Orient Express tells of thirteen stranded strangers & one man’s race to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again. Director: Kenneth Branagh Stars: Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench
The Light of the Moon 90 min
Daddy’s Home 2 PG-13 100 min
NOT MEXICAN, NOT TEX-MEX
AUTHENTIC SOUTHWESTERN GRILL 1522 Kingwood Dr Kingwood, TX 77339 (346) 616-5178
Comedy Brad and Dusty must deal with their intrusive fathers during the holidays. Director: Sean Anders Stars: Linda Cardellini, Mark Wahlberg, Mel Gibson, Will Ferrell Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri R 115 min Comedy | Crime | Drama In this darkly comic drama, a mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder, when they fail to catch the culprit. Director: Martin McDonagh Stars: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones Thelma 116 min Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller A woman begins to fall in love, only to discover that she has fantastic powers. Director: Joachim Trier Stars: Eili Harboe, Kaya Wilkins, Henrik Rafaelsen, Ellen Dorrit Petersen
FOODIE PIC OF THE WEEK
You’ve been picked! Missy Jones Ultimate Brownie The Runaway Plate Public News Foodie News
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NOVEMBER 1 - 14, 2017
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I’m just looking for a band to collaborate with. I play strings. I just want some people to create & play music with. Phone: 2817635089 Email: Chrisenglert79@gmail.com_____________ Rehearsal Hall on Sawdust Road.For bands and entertainers. North side conveniences. Plenty parking,roll door access. Slamming PA, house drums, discounts daily before 12:00 pm.book in advance through January 1st 2018. We rent pro backline and instruments for your events. D.J. services by appointment only. Phone: 832 403 5099 Email: Learndrumset@yahoo.com_____________ Looking for a Drummer and a Bassist (Houston Texas) Band presently working on new songs. We presently consist of two Guitarists. We are presently looking for a Drummer and a Bassist. Extreme Metal Band - all original reply for details Email: all.metal.musicians@gmail.com__________
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Hello... I am an Audio Engineering student. Need a band to record in school studio this weekend... (Sat) 11/4 11-3pm or 3pm-7pm or (Sun) 3-7pm.. 3-4 songs... Drums are available. Call or text for more details... Phone: 281-642-3496 Email: superm22@sbcglobal.net_______________ Looking for a guitarist and bassist to complete a Post Hardcore Rock band. We are currently in the process of completing a solid project. We miss the heck out of music and this time we want to do things right. Right now, We have a drummer and a guitarist. I am a singer but right now I play guitar or bass just to fill in rehearsals until we find the other two (guitar and bass) to fill in . Everyone has solid gear and a professional mindset. All in all we want to have fun playing music and if it goes somewhere, that’s even better. There are many influences but I’ll name a few. A Day To Remember (homesick record). Four Year Strong (2015 self title record). Story of the Year City Sleeps Anberlin (Cities album). Hit the Lights (summer bones record). There’s still many influences but it all ties into the Alternative Press type bands. Although this is fun, we want to remain as professional as possible (solid gear, solid look, stage presence and absolutely drama free. No egos or arrogance.) just all out positivity. Please text at 832-343-6344 I’d love to chat more about it. Cheers! Email: Ironfighter83@yahoo.com______________ Temple of Perdition is looking for Black Metal specialist on lead guitars to join our ranks. MUST have gig experience and sample work. We are in need of someone to help finish writing our Album. We are a mix of American and Finnish members with ties to major bands. Listen to our music here: https:// soundcloud.com/templeofperdition Text Me ASAP! Phone: 713-979-6772 Email: info@nextgeninks.com_________________
SONGWRITER FOR HIRE My name is Cecil Ivey, but my family and friends call me Head or LimonHead. You may do the same. I’ve just moved to Houston with no money and no job. I’m not a singer, nor a rapper, nor do I play an instrument. What I am, thru and thru, is a writer. I don’t want to be famous. I’ve no longing for the limelight or the glitz and glamour. I simply want to live a comfortable life and share my songs with the world. I’ve just finished writing a blues album entitled “Brown Liquor & Blues” that I think would be a perfect fit for your roster of artist. I’d love for you guys to hear it and possibly find it as moving as I have. I’m now taking my talents into the GOSPEL genre. I like the music I’ve heard from you all and think your company would be a great place for me and my talent to blossom. Please feel free to reach out to me and I look forward to hearing from you. Respectfully & Enthusiastically yours, Cecil “Head” Ivey 816.645.0227 Email: cecil.ivey@yahoo.com__________________ The Rock Center Band Rehearsal Studios has 40 monthly rooms when available and 4 hourly rooms with PA, drums and amps. Never a deposit or monthly contract at the RC! Call David at the RC land li ne 713-981-6555, call or text cell 713- 8941923, e-mail ruhldavid@rocketmail.com or check out www.rockcenterhouston.com!!! Phone: 713-981-6555 Email: ruhldavid@rocketmail.com_____________ Drummer for Hire Drummer looking to join Classic rock /Pop Band. 60s-80s and some 90s. Serious Players & Serious Inquiries ONLY! Have own gear & transportation. No Drama Queens, Alcholics, Drug Addicts, or Troublemakers! I’m all about the music. Willing to be flexible on my playing. Must be willing to rehearse. Must be located and/or stationed in Houston Area.--No Exceptions! Influences include, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, The Who, Rolling Stones, SRV, Beach Boys, (the Late)Chuck Berry, (The Late Great)Tom Petty, INXS, British invasion, Beatles (together & solo), Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Sting, The Police, Jonny Lang, & others to be named later. If this is not your thing, Please Do Not Call and waste each other’s time! If u ARE interested, don’t hesitate & call 281-703-1430 Asap! Let’s Rock this city (and the world) to its core!! Phone: 281.703.1430 Email: littledrumerboy5@yahoo.com Doom stoner jam band looking for guitar player (Franciscos) Newly formed doom stoner jam band is looking for a guitar player. We are writing songs and riffs so there is no better time to jump in. Think Belzebong and Electric Wizard playing in D tuning with extended compositions. We have a full studio. We are not looking for a shredder - the genre is really slow deliberate blues with lots of fuzz. We are most interested in the fit and friend of the band and then let’s build it. Email: ghostleghouston@gmail.com____________
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