Raigan’s Radio

easy route and isn’t consistently giving awards to artists that push boundaries and who are making projects that deserve to be credited for their artistic value. A classic example: The 61st Grammy Awards, Travis Scott’s Astroworld gets snubbed by Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy Astroworld was arguably one of Travis’s best albums and is held in high regard within the rap community. That album has become part of Travis’s legacy and is looked at as a cultural reference. Can we say the same about Invasion of Privacy? (Just food for thought.)

When it comes to Album of the Year, one of the most anticipated music awards, I question whether the Grammys is even a viable reflection of the music community’s beliefs. This year’s award went to Harry Styles’ Harry’s House. Notably, it was up against Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Adele. It was very controversial for Styles to win over these great projects for what some would call an artistically safe project.

So, as a community, I think it’s important that we start to be more meticulous when we define what the characteristics are for an Album of the Year.We should be more concerned with what makes a project worthy of this grand title we spend the whole year waiting to award.

Houston hosts iconic Rodeo The Lakehouse entices readers

JULIA SHERMAN Staff Writer

From February 28 through March 19, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is coming back to NRG with stellar performers. The Rodeo’s mission is to support Texas youth, showcase Western Heritage, and provide year-round educational support within the community. This event also promotes agriculture by hosting a family-friendly experience that not only entertains the public but also educates.

The Houston Rodeo has given more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and Education. It has been a Texan tradition since 1932, and grew to be the most wellknown, worldwide rodeo that people from various countries attend.

The Rodeo holds the World Championship Bar-B-Que contest, which will be on February 23-25.

Tickets went on sale January 12, with prices starting at $20.

Chris Boleman, Rodeo President and CEO said, “we are thrilled to welcome back so many talented artists, including some fan favorites such as Houston rap legend Bun B, who will be taking the stage alongside some additional iconic Southern performers. The level of talent we have in this lineup will get the fans excited, like Texas’ own Parker McCollum, who is helping us kick off this 2023 star lineup on Opening Day.”

Other performers to be featured are the Zac Brown Band, Jon Pardi, The Chainsmokers, Turnpike Troubadours, Luke Bryan, and Machine Gun Kelly,

Tuesday February 28 is the official opening day of the Rodeo. The event draws attendees for things other than music, though, such as carnival rides and games, livestock shows, and great food. Rodeo Houston also celebrates important groups and events on specified days, like Armed Forces Appreciation Day, Black Heritage Day, First Responders Day, Community Day, and Go Tejano Day.

The Rodeo is sponsored by many large companies like Coca- Cola, Miller Lite, Ford, Mattress Firm, and Reliant Energy.

The livestock portion of the Rodeo offers many different fun Texas traditions, such as bull riding, Mutton Bustin’, steer wrestling, women’s barrel racing, and more. The parade prior to each night of competition is worthwhile. Check the Rodeo website for more information.

JALYNN WOOLLEY Production Editor

Kate Morton tells a captivating and enchanting tale in her novel, The Lakehouse The book follows two young women of two different centuries, their stories woven together by the mystery of a disappearance.

The novel opens with a young Alice Edevane, a peculiar girl determined to defy the pressing expectations of a young girl of high standings in the early twentieth century. The story then flashes to present-day Sadie Sparrow, a curious detective currently attempting to escape the mistakes of her past in the recluse county of Cornwall. It isn’t until Sadie stumbles upon an old lakehouse buried in the woods and Alice’s idyllic life is torn to shreds by her little brother’s sudden disappearance do the two girl’s stories finally snap together.

Morton’s masterpiece of a novel is filled with twists and turns that no one will see coming and will have readers hanging on to the very last word. Her beautiful character construction and rich, lyrical description perfectly set the scene for a compelling mystery novel. Her attention to detail paired with her ability to paint a picture make the novel a delight to read.

Kate Morton’s The Lakehouse is a must-read for lovers of mystery, historical fiction, and contemporary fiction. Her clever construction will have you falling in love with her characters as she seamlessly blends the stories of two girls who would otherwise have nothing in common. The novel’s unpredictability is arguably its most attractive facet as readers hang onto Morton’s every word as the unsettling history of the secluded lakehouse unfolds.