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.
Before there was hanging out at the coffee shop {or a bar}, there was hanging out at the record store. At least, for me.
Record Store Day is THIS Saturday, April 21, 2012. It's a day that celebrates an explosion of specially-released vinyl and special performances with artists and music stores coming together to foster and continue to breathe life into record store culture.
Just like there are all types of music fans, this day is for everyone. You'll see releases from Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Arcade Fire, Beach House, ABBA (where did they come from?), David Bowie, Cult, James Brown, Jimmy Fallon/TeBowie...it goes on & on. Big or small, all of these artists understand the plight of the independent record store and their necessity in our communities.
The record store was a very integral part of my teen years. I remember going to a local record store every Thursday in my '89 Volvo 740 GL to see what was out there I should be listening to or if they had any new The Cure vinyl and CDs come in the used bin box so I could buy them ALL. I also made friends with some of the people that worked there and eventually started my short-lived retail career in a record store.
At 16, that was the coolest thing ever! Plus, I got to inflict my favourite music on an entire store rather than just my parents, sister and friends.
Every trip I went on...especially when in London (I always hit Berwick Street), there was a stop at a record store. My favourite vinyl covers are from Joy Division.
I always find myself digging back into music at certain points in life. It's integral, it's transformative, it's a basic need. And, with vinyl -- it becomes another type of art. I love cover art and when you give me a coloured vinyl - I can get giddy.
Here are a few fun items you may want to look into on the 21st. Yes, it involves actually going to a store near you, interfacing with clerks and not swiftly clicking a download button. Oh, and if you don't have a record player, you need to get one. Music sounds so great on them! Aside: I'm not going to lie...the last time I saw a CD for sale...I got really confused. This was about three weeks ago.
Here are a few releases that strike my fancy - they may not all be at your local record store and possibly limited quantities -- remember, this is a store with inventory, not a giant warehouse:
Oberhofer {Kanye West cover included}, School of Seven Bells, Starfucker, Wilco {deluxe box set}, the list goes on and on. Take a peek at more special releases here.
Even if you don't see something you want - do something different and go visit your local record store. You may find something that brings back good or miserable memories. : )
You can see what's going on near you at recordstoreday.com. Happy vinyl hunting! You may want to get your needle checked out, too.
p.s. Let me know what you get in the comments section below...!
p.p.s. If you love live music in a secret setting, you need to check out Songs From A Room. It's a parlor-style music concert that gives you a taste of up-and-coming bands from all around the world in a living room most likely near you. The next Houston one is on Monday, April 30. To be invited, you MUST sign up at sofarsounds.com.
REQUIEM - ROGER O'DONNELL and ADAM DONEN with The Contrarian Ensemble
Kaparte Promotions presents:
REQUIEM - ROGER O'DONNELL and ADAM DONEN with The Contrarian Ensemble
Requiem is one-off performance that will take place at Shoreditch Church on Monday 2 April, hosted by Kaparte Promotions.
It will feature both Donen and O'Donnell playing as part of a 12-piece ensemble that includes string quartet, French horn and assorted woodwinds.
Keyboard player, producer and composer Roger O'Donnell is best know for his work with The Cure but he has also performed in the Psychedelic Furs, the Thompson Twins and Berlin.
The Requiem is his first foray into classical music after his widely-praised 2011 suite, Quieter Trees, inspired by Hockney's Bigger Trees Near Warter.
Critically celebrated across Europe, Adam Donen's songs have been compared to those of Cohen and Brel, yet his style is all his own. He has garnered much praise for his performances and transcendental music that takes you through terror and heartbreak, and out the other side.
This cooking lesson conquers the skill of shredding cabbage. I'm also adding red wine vinegar to my cabinet and chopping dill. Never done any of this. V. excited.
The health benefits of cabbage are well-documented here. Is it the sexiest veg? No but if you're going for sexy, I would go for red cabbage. It's pretty when it's steamed.
I tend to focus on recipes that are a) healthy and b) if they say, "keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator," I'm sold. I also noticed that the entire recipe seems to use ONE skillet and not tons of pots, etc. Yesssssss! I promise I'm a girl and not a frat boy. I just like easy...especially being a newbie, strapped for time and not wanting to gain a thousand pounds. Have to learn the basics, first!
First, the onion. There is ALWAYS an onion. Apparently, it brings flavor. There are times, right before I reach for an onion in the produce section, that I think...could I just use onion powder? No. Or, so I am told.
Without fail: every new onion is like I've never met an onion before. I cannot remember how to dice it so I have to visit my favourite, "How to slice an onion" video.
Ok, done. And, I have NEVER had tears while slicing an onion. Only when slicing my finger. Which just happened.
Moving on!
Cabbage time!
Things like Cabbage Patch Kids continue to pop in my mind. Not the same thing as a head of cabbage but the memories of them are fond...I digress.
Again, with the video. I had to watch it a few times and press pause...it went way to fast. But, in case you don't know how to shred cabbage like yours truly, thank goodness for the internet and the people that post these videos!
Added the tomatoes, red wine vinegar and sug..sugar? Whatever, in it goes.
Now, I'm supposed to let it sit and simmer for 15 minutes and put a cover on the skillet.
Everything else is added in -- into one skillet, mind you.
<<<time is passing before your eyes>>>
Dill is the last venture into the unknown for this time around. Sure, I know what dill looks like when it's in a dish but as I gaze at the array of glistening stalks of various vegetables...my eyes become completely unfocused due to being overwhelmed by not knowing what the hell I'm supposed to be looking for.
Another lesson learned: when you can't find something, ask. I know some people have issues with asking but to save time (especially when you have no idea what you are looking for) and going around the produce section three times...which I had already done in my search...I asked the helpful produce team member. He had to go in the back and rustle some up.
This, my friends, is dill! And, I hope some of these pictures are also a sign that it's time for me to upgrade my iPhone. These pictures look...less than stellar.
And, done! I don't like to take pictures of food because I can barely take pictures of people. Just trust me, it turned out great and I have lunch/dinner tackled for a few nights...and it's healthy so that when I do go out, I can eat less cautiously.
Next up -- dessert! An easy one but whenever I make cookies -- they always turn up soggy. I'm making Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies for an easy gift for my father on his birthday. Shhh, don't tell. Let's hope they aren't soggy! And, yes, I'll get him a real gift, too.
I've been consumed lately with a party. I don't consider myself an event planner but give me about $10k and I can make some things happen. Actually, I'd like to think even my dinner parties are a great success and I try to keep them under $500...
The non-profit I founded, Houston Young People for the Arts, has their annual fundraiser this Saturday. The conceptualization process usually starts right before the last one as I start getting antsy needing to know the next theme so I don't get bored. This year is no different. I already know the direction for next year...maybe we'll announce it on Saturday night.
Firstly, what is Houston Young People for the Arts {HYPA}? The purpose is to educate, engage and encourage young art lovers to participate in and support the Houston art scene.
There's more to it but we'll come back to it as I'm taking the concept to other cities. Austin, TX is first!
What have I learned over the past seven years of throwing a party? A LOT. Here are some basic tips for parties costing $50 to $10k:
1. Venue: Intimacy is key. Depending on the amount of guests, it's always good to keep your venue snug and comfortable. You don't want to stifle your guests but anything too big can dwarf the effect of intimacy. I always try to discourage any disconnects in the venue -- as in hallways that lead to other rooms -- to cause a breakup of people. I want them all front and center...not dawdling in some space that does nothing to add to the intimate feeling I desire.
2. Lighting. I leave this to the professionals but it really can be an inexpensive (it can be expensive, too!) option for decor. If you're on a really tight budget, candles can always add some lovely twinkle. Faux candles may be your best bet in terms of safety. Be careful!
3. Flow: There's nothing worse than having angry guests. Space your bars, food stations, check-in throughout the venue. Where do people tend to gather at a house party? The kitchen. Same with a big party: near the food & drink. Don't have them all next to each other or you will create gridlock.
4. Food & Drink: If the top two aren't working, food & drink always make people happy -- as long as you have the right stuff. Move beyond those fruit & cheese platters and pile on some comfort food. Drinks should be plentiful {so should the cups/glassware!} and make sure to have some water/sparkling water/soda for our designated drivers or those not in the mood for alcohol. Beer: check. Mixed spirit: check. Red & white wine: check. I try to always throw some champagne into my drink menus...it's what I like to drink and keep the host/hostess happy is also key for a good party!
Aside: Party-goers: I ALWAYS eat before I go to a party because I tend to not eat at parties; either because I may not need to pile on some of those caloric foods and I tend to talk A LOT to people so...it just works out for all of us. {no food in teeth, no questionable breath, etc.}. Try not to come starving though -- nice to leave something for everyone.
I was inspired by fire dancers after a
holiday in Playa del Carmen. I had
to have fire dancers at a party, thus
Fire + Ice was created.
5. Entertainment: This can be everything from an iPod playing in the background to a band performing on stage or in my case on Saturday night: a marching band with cheerleaders. The DJ should lead the party-goers during breaks in other entertainment and always nice to have something interactive for guests to do, too. Photo booths are still quite popular.
These are just some basic party guidelines...and it can go much more beyond these top five. I didn't include decor because sometimes lighting is all you need and sometimes you need more. Luckily, I've enlisted some crafty people in the past to take my vision in words and create a themed wonderland. Bless you.
I have thrown fundraising parties for non-profits over the past couple of years and finally delved into my first, private dinner party in December at my home {funny it took me so long but I assume since I throw parties...I like to have some quiet time at home! No more!}. Small or big, each party takes some work. Check out some of the past Houston Young People for the Arts party pics here for some fun visuals.
Alright, I have a party to throw tonight! Either I'll see you there or you'll see some pictures here. With that in mind, if it's an important party -- do not skimp on a good photographer. It will leave you with memories of hopefully a good night! : )
