August 7 to 15, 2012, has been deemed Julia Child Week for what would have been the doyenne of French-American cuisine's 100th birthday. Her publisher, Alfred A. Knopf, chose 100 restaurants in cities around the nation to officially produce a Child-inspired menu for the celebratory week. Houston has five of the 10 in Texas and they are:
If you can't visit any of those, get inspired via her Facebook page, Twitter or Tumblr. Archival footage, recipes, pictures and more will be shared and feel free to share your own.
For those desiring a more hands-on approach to celebrating the cuisine Julia Child made famous, check out Sur La Table's Celebrating Julia Childcooking class where the instructor will guide you through some of her most famous recipes. You can also celebrate on PBS by streaming her classic shows.
Those were probably the most consistent phrases out of my mouth all night as my eyes filled with astonishment and my mouth occasionally gaped wide open with Cirque du Soleil's opening night of Kooza.
Kooza is inspired by the Sanskrit word "koza", which means "box", "chest" or "treasure", and was chosen because one of the underlying concepts of the production is the idea of a "circus in a box".
POP! Out jumps the Trickster like a jack-in-the-box with a leap so high that you just wonder...how in the heck...did that just happen? It was so clean, crisp and precise. Much like the entire night; yet, embraced with warmth, laughter and some soul...and some really great audience participation.
Immediately, you are embraced with laughter and amazement. And, then, confronted by fear, innocence, excitement and more in the form of an androgynous character that resembles the uncertain and unknowing that we all face from time-to-time. Even the seemingly fearless performers of Cirque du Soleil must feel that way...or do they? They have the bodies of creatures that appear to have no limits but are still able to show the human side of enjoyment, imperfection, fun and absolute entertainment.
One thing I also noticed was everyone was fixated on what was going on before them and you saw nary a lit up smartphone either texting or taking pictures. It was such a lovely, non-intrusive few hours that I can't wait to experience again.
The idea of the circus has filled our minds with wonder and awe since childhood. Some of us still want to run away with it...
Circus entertainment has entertained many generations before. Even in 2012, you still have elements of performances that have carried on over time like clowns, the wheel of death, Vaudevillian theatrics, double high wire, contortionists and balancing acts of all sorts. There's a reason -- because people enjoy watching it.
It is truly worth your time to go, get out from the typical hum-drum of checking our email and opening file cabinets. Go see some magic before your eyes, fill your mind with wonder (were there magnets on those chairs? My engineer friend and I pondered. The non-engineer said yes, ha ha) and go feel like a kid again. I think I need some Cirque once a year! And, some more yoga and exercise.
This is some of the best music that has come out of the first part of 2012.
There is a lot of music out there and PLENTY of reviews on these bands. I've included a few below. Take them as you will. Art is like dating - you go out and try it and if you don't like it, you know more of what you like and what you don't. I don't think someone else telling you whether something is good or not should be the decision-maker. Luckily, for you, there are a lot of good reviews on all of these.
First thoughts: Hazy, hypnotic dreams.
Ok, first it was Brains. Then, it was Propagation. So maybe I'm a single whore...as in album single... These happen to be the singles off of their most recent album, Nootropics. There have been some nights and a bottle of wine that have accompanied the entire album. I love the wailing guitar and Jana's use of her voice in Candy. I just saw them live and was curious to see how the album would translate. Verdict: So good, great energy and the best gig I've been to in a while. They are ontour in the US and parts of Europe through August -- you should catch them.
Hospitality
Song: Friends of Friends
Album: Hospitality Purchase here.
First thoughts: Boppity, summ-summ-summertime and yay, friends! Kind of what I thought of L.A. vs. NYC.
This is probably as about as poppy and cute-sy I'm getting in these suggestions. For some reason, when I first saw the video -- it reminded me of a modern day, NYC version of Clueless and the reality of long distance relationships. They suck and good friends are amazing people to have in your life. NYC is her now, dude. Nice little message. Watch the video, too. They'll be on tour this summer. Would love to finagle a Houston show...
First thoughts: chiming and sumptuous Myth was the first track I heard...and always made me cry when I listened to it. Teetering between moments of happiness and then seeking someone to "help me to make it," felt close to home. Myth really is a gorgeous song...you need to listen to it, too. Lots of touring for them starting July 1st.
Purity Ring
Song: Obedear
Album: Shrines (out July 24, 2012)
[if the song isn't showing up, listen to it here.] First thoughts: ethereal and drifting; heavenly and hellish
This takes me back to some of my favourite electropop which also resided in the goth world. Maybe the goths and non-goths can all be friends now since I can see them both liking it :) They arrive courtesy of 4AD which hosted another ethereal, ghostlike fave, Cocteau Twins.
First thoughts: dramatic, dark and strong. Am I going too far when I think of a darker Janis?
I stumbled upon this band as the opener for someone else. The lead singer has an incredibly powerful voice with an equally powerful band to back her up. If you see them live, the percussion makes your whole body reverberate along. It is a song ridden with drama and radiance. "Suggesting Berlin and Bowie, Bedhead and Portishead, Exitmusic's third release continues and catalyzes the pair's stepwise progression..." - Grayson Currin, Pitchfork.
Bear in Heaven
Song: Sinful Nature
Album: I Love You, It's Cool
First thoughts: unleashing inhibition and sex.
I definitely first heard this and thought of a hazy seduction. Then I thought, "Bring it Bear In Heaven." And, Jon Philpot's explanation of the song makes perfect sense to me now:
"'Sinful Nature' is an ode to all the shy girls out there. Don't restrain your inner freak. You could change the world if you just let yourself. It's also an inner dialogue between my responsible and not-responsible self."
First thoughts: Damn catchy. Laugh when you need it. Go ahead, it's ok. Someone better play this at a dance party.
Read what NPR had to say, "First Listen: Tanlines, 'Mixed Emotions'.
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.
