Free Press Summer Fest is almost here ... and with the closest thing Houston gets to a music festival, I cannot wait!
Here are a few things I'm doing to get ready:
1. Getting a pedicure.
I'm going fuss-free but pretty. Painted toenails will be the new black and be on view through some flip-flops. Ladies, you will curse yourself if you wear heels. Wedges, ok.
2. Clothes that are OK being burned/trashed afterwards.
Since there's a 0% chance for rain, it's going to be hot, messy and sweaty. With highs in the low 90s and the wind at a paltry 11 mph (and humidity in the millions, probably), there will be pony tails flying and plenty o'skin showing. Think bathing suit and some digs from Forever 21 (or the new H&M at Baybrook will be open on May 31, so you can go there, too!) Would love some Joe Fresh in this piece...just putting that out there.
Not going to rain, y'all.
3. Sunscreen!
With all that skin showing, it needs some love. Slather, rub and repeat...maybe get someone cute to help apply. Be generous. Your 50-year-old self will thank me.
4. Champagne pops and water! And, beer. And, pizza.
Hydration is important...especially, a good balance of champagne, water and beer. Soak it all up with some pizza and you'll be feeling like a champ. Maybe throw a stash of coconut water in your fridge for when you get home. You'll thank me the next day. I will thank myself the next day.
5. Bands, bands, bands!
Last, but not least...the whole reason I am doing all of the above: the music. Thanks to this sweet Spotify starter list that was created...I've started to carve out a list of what I need to see. Just because you may not see your fave band only means there is new music to explore. So, go do it.
Here are a few to start and in no particular order:
Houston and Texas are both known for wide, open spaces but there was very little to be found on a Monday evening in Downtown Houston in Hogg Palace. It was a refreshing night juxtaposing the new with the 91-year-old, Art Deco building. New and familiar faces gathered in a private loft to kick-off another Houston secret gig as part of the global Songs From A Room series.
Shellee Coley - hauntingly, beautiful voice and her 'Conversations with Z' is one all daughters and those with daughters of their own will appreciate. [Like Shellee Coley on Facebook]
Tatsu - a rock-string-septet where you will hear Guns 'N Roses, Mumford & Sons and Queen like never before. [Like them on Facebook]
No Flag Project - so honored to host their first-ever US gig. Extremely lovely band from Paris adding some raw pop-rock to the evening. [Like them on Facebook]
And, yes -- support independent musicians!
It's nights like these that I thank the stars I'm in Texas.
If you want to be as thankful, you need to sign up at at sofarsounds.com to be invited. Songs From A Room happens in 16 cities across 6 continents so if Houston isn't your port of call...they may be in your city already.
Special thanks: Songs From A Room, No Flag Project, Tatsu, Shellee Coley, Ryan Butcher {video}, Melissa Fitzgerald {photography}, Hogg Palace.
