Insite Brazos Valley February 2014

February 2014

: idE ins

February 2014

BRIDES WEDDING WITH A

BIG TEXAS HEART

HOME & GARDEN 35TH ANNUAL EXPO

TIME TO LOVE

OPAS SPARKS

EATS & TREATS LOCAL FOOD, FUN

INSIDE INSITE

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1. Brides A wedding with a Texas heart

By Chaney Barton Page 4 2. I Do, I Do

2014 Spring Bridal Show & Expo Compiled by Insite staff Page 14

3. Time to Love

Something for everyone in spring OPAS line-up Compiled by Insite staff Page 16 Home & Garden 35th Annual Expo Compiled by Insite staff Page 20

INSITE Magazine is published monthly by Insite Printing & Graphic Services, 123 E. Wm. J. Bryan Pkwy., Bryan, Texas 77803. (979) 8235567 www.insitebrazosvalley. com Volume 30, Number 7.

Publisher/Editor: Angelique Gammon; Account Executive: Dave Marsh; Graphic designer: Karen Green. Associate Editor & Web Content: Sarah Kinzbach.

Art979 Spring spotlight on the arts

4. Homegrown

Superstar Randy Wilson

By Sarah Kinzbach Page 24

5. Vocal Love

James Franklin

By Sarah Kinzbach Page 28

6. Shake It Up The art of belly dancing

By Miriam Reick Page 32 Art by Fire Block by block

By Miriam Reick Page 34

7. Reggae Sound Meet Raspa

By Miriam Rieck Page 36

insiTE Magazine is a division of The insite Group, LP. Reproduction of any part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. insite Printing & Graphic services Managing Partners: Kyle DeWitt, Angelique Gammon, Greg Gammon.

General Manager: Carl Dixon; Pre-Press Manager: Mari Brown; Office Manager: Wendy Seward; sales & Customer service: Molly Barton; Candi

About Art979

By Angelique Gammon and Kristy Petty Page 37

8. Behind the Lens Focus on photographer Miriam Rieck

By Sarah Kinzbach Page 38 Eats & Treats Page 39

Burling; Manda Jackson; Marie Lindley; Kimberly Martinez; Barbara Wyss; Chris Zamora; Production: Stephen Beatty; Norris Carnes; Marilyn Carey; Don Coburn; Jaimie Colwell; Alvin Estuaria; Arnel Estuaria; Byron Lee; Carlos Martinez; Richard Pearce; Brandon Prouse; Frank Ramirez; Mike Seward; Ruben Torres; Stephen Woodruff.

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Wedding With the heart of texas

How to Relax and Enjoy With Beauty & Style

By ChaNEy BarToN Photos By MaLLory BEINBorN

W

WhEn yOur WEDDInG

planner doubles as your personal friend as well as the person you can credit with the introduction of your future husband, it puts a new twist on wedding planning. Such was the case for bride Caroline Gunn and wedding planner Ashley Sanders, owner of Ashley and Company in College Station.

Sitting in the conference room of Ashley and Company, future bride Caroline tells the story of her introduction to future husband Brian Rogers.

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“Ashley and her husband Jeff introduced us. Brian had just gotten a job at Stephen F. Austin as a professor for animal science. Brian drove from College Station to Nacogdoches four days a week for a year so that we could date. Jeff and Ashley were a part of our relationship from the get-go!”

After two and a half years of dating, Christmas of 2012 brought the proposal that, although Caroline

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was expecting it, still surprised her. Caroline and soon-to-be fiancé Brian flew to Indiana to spend Christmas with Caroline’s family.

law had wrapped with.

I looked in the purse and saw a bag with the jeweler’s name on it.

Brian moved from the couch and got down

from the beginning – we began last December looking at venues and booking everything. Caroline’s mother is from

vision for their big day. Caroline’s mother appropriately describes the style as “Ralph Lauren Country” because of

i opened this purse that Wasn’t my style.

Caroline described the proposal as, “Perfect for our group.”

“I opened this purse that wasn’t my style. There was no tag on it or anything, but the wrapping paper matched what my brother and sister-in-

on one knee.”

With a December 28, 2013, date already in mind even before the proposal, Caroline and Ashley launched into wedding planning almost immediately.

According to Ashley, “We started together

Indiana so when she comes down you have a very limited time.”

Because Ashley was aware of Caroline’s style, she suggested Traditions Club, which was able to accommodate Brian and Caroline’s

the classy elegance with a rustic touch that the décor of both the venue and the wedding radiate.

Caroline did not want a Christmas-themed wedding despite the wedding’s close proximity to the

holiday. After seeing Traditions Club at Christmas just after the proposal, Caroline was able to pick and blend colors to the existing decorations knowing nothing would clash. Caroline settled on dark navy and dark gold, black undertones with maroon and chocolate accents.

Ashley explains, “Planning is different with your friends because you know them on a different level. Picking out design aspects with

Caroline was super easy because I knew her style. It was also easy to pick vendors. I knew what personalities would fit with hers. Caroline was no-nonsense throughout planning, and didn’t really want a lot of meetings.”

Brian and Caroline’s wedding was planned to reflect their personalities from beginning to end. Caroline knew she wanted her guests to have fun, which prompted her to choose against attendants standing next to them on their wedding day. Ashley also attended the wedding as a guest so a different coordinator from Ashley and Company was assigned to oversee the day.

“There are lots of nontraditional

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aspects,” Caroline said. “I have six nieces and nephews, but no attendants. My oldest nephews are going to be ushers, and I will have flower girls and a ring bearer.”

Brian’s personality was reflected in the dessert choice – tres leches and a sopapilla bar. Opting out of the

combined, and the couple opted out of the garter and bouquet toss.

“Most fiancés have funny, strong opinions about things you don’t think they would have. Caroline and Brian have been good about finding that middle ground about everything,” Ashley

With more than 100 people attending the rehearsal dinner, Brian felt it would give their guests a peek into the life he and Caroline share.

Brian and Caroline’s out-of-town guests got the ultimate Texas hospitality treatment by staying at the Casitas at the

wedding day, her make-up artist and photographer were in the Casita as she got ready. Surrounded by her sisters, future daughter, mother, mother-in-law, and other family members, Caroline experienced a relaxing day with family as she prepared to walk down the aisle.

Brian’s personality Was reflected in the dessert choice – tres leches and a sopapilla Bar. traditional wedding cake was a decision the two made over dinner at one of their favorite restaurants, Chuy’s, sharing Brian’s favorite dessert, tres leches. Though Brian and Caroline had a traditional “first dance,” the father/ daughter and mother/ son dance was

said.

Caroline’s family flew in from Indiana to spend the holidays and the week leading up to the Texas-style wedding. Brian wanted to have the rehearsal dinner at the home that he shares with Caroline and Brian’s 14-year-old daughter, Lindsey.

Tradition Club. These beautiful houses feature Texas A&M themed décor and all the features of a home so that time leading up to the wedding was relaxing and stressfree. The day before the wedding, the guys went out and enjoyed the private golf course.

On Caroline’s

Mother of the bride Janet Gunn described the wedding planning experience as delightful, and named off more than 40 outof-state visitors who had made the trip to Texas for the wedding.

“We had Christmas here in College Station, and we even shipped our gifts and

Caroline had them wrapped for us!”

Caroline’s sisters, Elizabeth and Jessica, both beamed with happiness as they chatted about their soon-to-be married sister and reflected on their time spent in Texas reminiscing with family and creating memories.

As Caroline was getting ready to get into her wedding dress, she explained that nothing had been chaotic or stressful leading up to her big moment. She laughed as she described her motto of the day: “As long as I’m pretty, I don’t care.”

Before the wedding began, mother-of-thegroom Marie Rogers, who has been married to her husband for 37 years, shared this piece of advice: “Love and respect each other

Give The Gift Of A Smile

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to continue the celebration. To end the afternoon, Caroline and Brian even received a little Texasthemed surprise.

“Probably the most unexpected part of the evening was when some of our friends

30 years from now as much as you do today.”

In the late afternoon, guests began filling up white garden chairs that had been arranged to face a beautiful, floweradorned arbor. Beside the sign-in table was a large stone with Caroline and Brian’s names engraved, as well as their wedding date. Caroline’s father, Steve, called it the “wedding rock,” a traditional gift that

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he had also given to his other two daughters for their marriages.

Views of the golf course and wooded areas surrounded the ceremony space, making it feel serene.

A guitarist and vocalist filled the air with soft music as guests patiently waited to see Caroline walk down the aisle. At the cue of “Love Me Tender,” the crowd turned to see Caroline emerge in a beautiful strapless gown with lace detailing.

The ceremony was filled with loving

words as well as a verse from Corinthians read by Caroline’s sister. Cowboy hats, including the groom’s, were removed as a prayer was said. After the long-awaited kiss, the guitarist and vocalist broke out into a cover of the song “I Feel Good” by James Brown, which prompted laughter among the guests. The song was chosen in honor of Caroline’s dad’s habit of singing it a cappella. Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the reception inside Traditions Club

if it would be ok with my big dress, and when I was assured that he would be, hopped right on! My poor husband, being the cowman that he is, almost had a heart attack at the thought that he was going to

ended their night in true Texas Aggie fashion with friends at The Dixie Chicken.

“I will never forget the look on some of those people’s faces as we walked in, me still in my wedding dress and Brian still in his suit,

my poor husBand, Being the coWman that he is, almost had a heart attack at the thought that he Was going to have to ride this thing douBle With me! had a horse saddled and waiting for us to ride off on when leaving the reception!

We were supposed to drive away in a truck, but as we were walking out our friends led this horse in front of us.

Me, being the horse girl that I am, asked

have to ride this thing double with me! But he was a trooper and got boosted on the back; we did a little circle around on the horse, who behaved like an angel, and then got in the truck and left as originally planned!”

Caroline and Brian

and asked if there was a wedding there! I can officially say I went to the Chicken in my wedding dress.”

Caroline describes her favorite part of the day as being officially introduced as “Mr. and Mrs. Rogers.” Along with that moment,

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she says, “Getting ready with my Mom, mother-in-law, my now daughter Lindsey, sisters and nieces was so fun. We all got to talk and laugh about silly things, and be entertained by the little ones!

Playing ‘Ring Around

doing that when they are my age and getting married, and it will be a good ‘I remember when’ moment!”

With her big day behind her, Caroline confidently says there is absolutely nothing that she would change. She credits

photographer Mallory Beinborn of Impulse Photography, and her hair/makeup professionals.

Her advice to brides-to-be? Do not sweat the small stuff, and have fun.

“All that really mattered about that

i can officially say i Went to the chicken in my Wedding dress. the Rosie’ with my nieces and cousin’s daughters while taking pictures was so cute. I remember loving every bride I ever saw when I was little and wanting to be near them at weddings. I hope that they all remember

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the success of the day to Ashley and her team of coordinators, the master florists at Post Oak Florist, Traditions Club, her

day is that Brian and I officially became Mr. and Mrs. Rogers in front of God, our family, and our friends!” i

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2014

Spring Bridal Show and Benefit ThE 2014 SprInG BrIDaL

Show & Benefit is being held at Brazos County Expo on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from Noon to 4:00pm. Browse over 100 booths as you wind your way through the event and visit one on one with the professionals who can personalize your wedding, reception or honeymoon just for you! Proceeds from the show will benefit Pink Alliance - Breast Cancer Support, Brazos Valley.

Tickets are $15 per person, in

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advance online. $20 per person at the door.

Advance ticket sales end at noon Saturday, February 8, 2014.

All tickets are non-refundable.

Every person or child, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter the show. No strollers are allowed in the show due to safety reasons.

Prize drawings are intended for brides only, all prize awards are subject to verification.

Ticket Price: $15.00

Home Furnishings

Home Accessories

Designer Personals

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Spring Sparks

LOVE at MSC OPAS

Compiled by INSITE STaff

The 2013-2014 performance season is in high gear. february An adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale, Peter Pan, created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn will fly high over Rudder Theatre for two Opas Jr. performances

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on February 9. This touring

production explores the journey of a group of children in turn-of-thecentury London who use their imaginations to reenact the story of Peter Pan.

The Moscow Festival Ballet,

one of the world’s most critically praised dance companies, will perform “Romeo & Juliet” on February 19 as part of the Ann Cobb Wiatt Main Stage

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productions.

Founded in 1989 by the Bolshoi Ballet’s legendary dancer Sergei Radchenko, this breathtaking dance company has been winning raves across the globe.

Stars of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” will delight OPAS Family audiences with

“Lightwire Theater” on February 22. This innovative company brings stories and characters to life through electroluminance and an all-new show so big that only Rudder Auditorium can hold it!

Steve Lippia returns to OPAS performing his new show

“Simply Swingin’ with Sinatra & Friends” at the

Miramont Country Club, February 26

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through 28. Steve

will perform favorite American Pop songs of yesterday and today made famous

by Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Vic Damone and Sammy Davis, Jr., Bobby Darin, Barry Manilow, Elton John and Billy Joel.

march Bitingly relevant and sprinkled with sass, “Bring It On: The Musical” comes to the Ann Cobb Wiatt Main Stage to takes you on a high-flying journey through friendship, forgiveness and determination, March 20 and 21.

With a colorful crew of characters, an exciting fresh sound and explosive dance with aerial stunts, this all-new story is sure to be everything

you hoped for and nothing like you expected.

One of the most revered novels of the twentieth century, Fahrenheit 451, comes to life on the stage performed by the impressive actors of the Aquila Theatre, March 27. With its skill at creating innovative and modern productions of great works of literature, the Aquila Theatre will bring new life to Ray Bradbury’s visionary parable of a society gone awry.

March 29 will leave your entire family awe-struck by the whimsical world of acrobatics and illusion in Imago’s “Frogz.” Coming to the OPAS Family stage, Frogz has received raves on Broadway from critics exclaiming, “Inspired Fun!” april

The musical that changed Broadway forever will grace Rudder Auditorium on April 8 and 9.

The “West Side Story” revival, based

on Tony Awardwinning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time.

The Main Stage series closes with two performances of a one-of-akind Cirque/rock experience with

“Cirque Dreams Rocks” on April 29 and 30. This

unique variety show unites generations through a mash-up of celebrated pop and rock tunes guaranteed to entertain family audiences of all ages.

For more information about all of the events coming to the Brazos Valley through MSC OPAS, visit www.

MSCOPAS.org.

Tickets may be ordered through the MSC Box Office by calling (979) 8451234, or online at MSCOPAS.org. i

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35th annual home & garden expo

New Products, Ideas, and Great Deals

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ThE annuaL Bryan/COLLEGE

Station Home Builders Association 2014 Home & Garden Expo will be at the Brazos County Expo Complex February 21-23. From windows and flooring to cabinets, landscaping, and more, the Home & Garden show is a huge, multi-showroom event featuring exhibits for the do-it-yourselfer, homeowners and gardeners.

In its 35th year, the Home & Garden Expo is the largest event of its kind in the B/CS area. The Expo attracts attendees who are interested in products to enhance their homes

and those who are looking to build new ones. The Expo provides the opportunity for personal interaction between quality exhibitors and attendees. A full schedule of seminars on home building, remodeling, landscaping, interior decorating, energy efficiency and much more are offered during the event and are included with the entry ticket price.

In addition, special activities for kids include a petting zoo and a Junior Master Gardner’s exhibit for learning hands-on gardening techniques.

Admission prices are $5 for adults,

$3 for seniors and kids ages 12-17; free admission for children ages 12 years and under. Tickets are good for the entire weekend.

Parking is free at the Brazos County Expo Complex, 5827 Leonard Road, Bryan. Home & Garden Expo hours: Ticketed Preview Night Friday, February 21, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, February 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit homeexpoBcs.com or BcsBuilders.org. i

Photo Courtesy of: W C Scarmardo Architect

www.acmeglass.com 979.822.5871 810 S. Washington Avenue Bryan, Texas 77803

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T EN INM TA TER EN

G& ININ :D CE UR SO UR YO

September 2012

G& ININ :D CE UR SO UR YO

September 2012

NS TIO AC TR AT

ART LIVES HERE

art EAT 979 PLAY

PLAY DAY SHOP WHOOP!

INTERACTIVE

ANOTHER

EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS BEFORE & AFTER THE GAMES

WE’RE IN THE SEC NOW… WHAT AWAITS YOU AT

AWAY GAMES

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February 2014

Upcoming TheaTre company performances LiTTLe Women

(The Musical) February 21-March 2

a LiTTLe nighT mUsic April 25-May 4

shrek, The mUsicaL June 20-29

LegaLLy BLonde August 8-17

informaTion

The Theatre Company, including ticket information, show times, and auditions, visit www. theatrecompany.com

W

By Sarah KINzBaCh

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WhaT DO “JESuS ChrIST

Superstar,” “Hair,” “Hamlet,” Meatloaf, “Saturday Night Live,” and the Brazos Valley all have in common?

One person: Randy Wilson.

From acting and singing to writing and directing, The Theatre Company’s

Homegrown Superstar randy Wilson own Randy Wilson has a decades-long history with the stage.

rW: I started a long time ago. I was a little boy when I first started singing. I went

to Baylor in the ‘60s and studied opera and English.

Then went to New York

in the ‘70s, started auditioning and got “Superstar” in 1971 on Broadway.

After it closed, I toured first as Jesus, then as Pilot. In the middle of that, I did a flop musical based on “Hamlet” and shared a dressing room with Meatloaf. It was a big dressing room. It was fun. He’s from Texas, too.

I did a part in “Hair,” the movie.

Then I decided I really wanted to write for theatre. In 1978, I was too young for the old roles and too old for the young roles, and Baylor made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So, I returned to Baylor, my alma mater.

From Waco, Randy returned to Bryan/ College Station and was hired as the artistic director for Imagination Station, a children’s theatre.

“It was a glorified babysitting service,” says Randy. “So, I put the kids on stage with the adults.” From there, Imagination Station became the Theatre Company.

The company, which now solely performs musicals, has had quite a few successful actors grace the stage. “We

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have a lot of actors going to New York and LA and they are all doing really well,” says Randy, remembering Tommy Sadowski, a former Theatre Company actor currently on HBO’s show “The News Room” with Jeff Daniels and Jane Fonda.

don’t Be scared to come [audition]. everyone is frightened at auditions, including me! rW: The thing about theatre is once you get your foot in the door, it’s a small community…I think you have to follow your dream. Some people say follow your bliss.

We have open auditions; I like to keep it that way. It brings fresh people in. Our rehearsals are all open to the public. There are a lot of theatres around to find your niche.

Don’t be scared to come [audition].

Everyone is frightened at auditions, including

me! Our auditions are open, as well. You can watch and see what’s going on. You come in and only have to sing a short song.

We had three complete families on stage in “Whistle Down the Wind.” It’s a safe place for kids and families.

The company performs eight musicals a year, two of which are fundraisers.

This season’s fundraiser, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” was performed in honor of Randy’s 20th year celebration with the Theatre Company. rW: The Theatre Company has grown a lot. It’s changed. I used to know everyone who would walk in the door.

I have a great board with wonderful people who do all the technical stuff, and I do the artistic stuff.

Thank God for them because I’m not good at accounts!

I have the greatest job in the world. Even after 20 years, I’m still excited to get there for the rehearsals. It’s such a creative space we have now. There are so many wonderful volunteers that come in and just give so much.

I’m grateful every day for the job I have. i

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Vocal Love James franklin

By Sarah KINzBaCh

J

JaMES FrankLIn IS

surrounded by voices.

As a choir director and conductor, instructor and musical doctoral candidate, voices are not only his job but also his passion.

An initial introduction to singing through church and a bad band experience led James to pursue choir through middle school, high school, college, and beyond.

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He now serves as chorale director for the Brazos Valley Chorale in addition to his position at Sam Houston State University as the director for chorale studies.

“I’ve always loved to sing,” says James. “I just continued singing.

I love being on both sides of the podiumas a conductor and singer.”

James’ love of

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Brazos VaLLey choraLe concerTs aLL ThaT Jazz February 22 6:30pm i hear america singing May 4 3 p.m. informaTion BVChorale.org

singing and choir has led him around the nation and Europe in pursuit of musical education and performing. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, a master’s in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College in New Jersey, is working towards a doctorate from the University of North Texas,

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people Who make it in the music profession…can do more than one thing Well

and continues to attend educational opportunities in Europe. Additionally, James has performed with many professional choirs around the country, including Orpheus Chamber Singers, Dallas Bach Society, Houston Bach Society, Texas Choral Artists, Fuma Sacra of New Jersey, and the South Dakota Chorale.

“The music field is incredibly rewarding.

There’s so much satisfaction gained.

It’s something bigger than who you are as a person, following in the lines of great teachers and singers… some of it’s hundreds of years old.”

James began with the all-volunteer singers of the Brazos Valley Chorale in August 2013, facing one of the most difficult concert line-ups in the history of the organization.

“The group rose to the occasion and did great showings,” says James.

“It’s been a great fall. The members of the organization are absolute gems.

It’s been fantastic to meet people who are working within the community…and yet keep music as a center part of their lives.”

The Chorale, which began in 1969 as the Community Singers, currently has 120 singers. The season hosts four big concerts including a collaborative concert with the Brazos

Valley Orchestra, a holiday concert, a Pops concert, and a conductor’s choice performance. This year’s conductor performance will focus on American music and include works from American composers and poets like Leonard Bernstein and other contemporary artists.

For burgeoning singers James advises, “study, learn and grow as often and as much as you can.

Typically, people who make it in the music profession…can do more than one thing well. Hone your skill set.” James adds that getting involved with the Brazos Valley Chorale only requires a relaxed and friendly audition.

Looking forward, James says, “I’ve not really ever had my eye set on the next rung of the ladder. I just put my head down and enjoy being where I am. It’s really brought me a lot of success and provided the next step, wherever it is.” i

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The Art of Belly Dancing

By MIrIaM rIECK

shake iT Up

now that you are intrigued to know more about how to move those hips in the belly dance style, peruse the list below of local groups and what they have to offer.

BELLy DanCInG: G: IF

the image that pops into your mind is Scheherazade and the Dance of the Seven Veils, it is probably because Western connotation has placed a sexual innuendo on the art of belly dancing.

Ask a belly dancer and they will tell you the dance is a beautiful art form that is a celebration of their femininity and that they work very hard for many hours honing their skill.

While typically one thinks of beautiful women in thinly veiled costumes, in reality this dance form is open to any age, size, or gender. Ask the two men in the belly dance troupe.

Belly dance is no longer a countryspecific dance. With origins in Arabic countries as a form of dance done in the harems by the harem for the harem and without male viewers, it is an art form that has now acquired international roots, flavors, and costumes. The costumes can range from the traditional to gypsy-like dress. Props such as veils, wings, swords, and canes all are part of the routines. As the dance form continues to go international, it adds new styles and flavors as each country adds its own unique twist to the dance form. There is even a new fitness wave called BellyFit International: in their words, “a Holistic fitness system for women with dance cardio moves inspired by belly dancing adding in Bollywood and African dance with Pilates, and yoga-based stretches.”

According to aficionados, there is absolutely no one who cannot participate or learn to belly dance. The one thing all the different forms have in common is a fun loving, highly supportive dance community.

From teachers who teach lessons in their garage studios to dance centers, this dance form is picking up enthusiasts right and left. Here in Bryan/College Station, there is an entire community that supports and promotes one other.

Locally, there are three main groups,

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Brazos BeLLy dance

www. facebook.com/ BrazosBellydance An umbrella organization for local groups, Brazos Belly Dance is open for the public to LIKE on Facebook. The resource publishes information on local troupes and performances around town.

and each offer lessons, perform in various festivals, including World Fest, and elsewhere around B/CS. Visitors to First Friday in Downtown Bryan will discover belly dancers among the milieu when the weather is a little warmer. Dancers perform at Revolution Café and Mr. G’s pizza, both in Downtown Bryan, in a more casual format. At Revolution, Hafla is an opendoor performance offered every few months, and the community can come and listen, partake of Middle Eastern food and drink, and hear local live musicians performing as dancers demonstrate the various types of music. i

TamU BeLLy dance associaTion

bellydance.tamu. edu Lessons, open only to Texas A&M students and employees, offer traditional and some tribal fusion styles.

The Association members participate in all local belly dance horizon BeLLy performances and work hand-in-hand dance with community www. horizonbellydance. groups. com daUghTers Offering lessons to of ara the public, Horizon www.

Belly Dance teaches facebook.com/ a more traditional daughtersofara style, though the Offering lessons owner adds a Latin to the public, flavor to the dance Daughters of ARA style. offers a tribal fusion style of belly dance.

dance cenTre

www. just4dancers.com If you prefer the format of a dance studio, the Dance Centre offers belly dance as a class, along with a variety of other dance and fitness classes.

’’

1989

2014

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Art by Fire Block By Block

By MIrIaM rIECK

K

kEnT kESSInGEr BEGan

his artistic expression back in the days when pyrography was simply known as wood burning. One of his first artistic memories is being at his grandparents’ dairy farm and being sent to the bedroom to fetch something needed. Walking into the bedroom, Kent says he was

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struck speechless by the sight of his first attempts at wood burning hanging over his grandparents’ bed. It made such a huge impression that it stayed with Kent as he continued growing as a selftaught artist.

While he started in wood burning, Kent later made his way to large, hand-pulled wood block prints. He preferred the large format, but he was limited in the number of prints he could produce.

He downsized to wood engraving prints so he could print multiple editions.

Growing up in a small

village in Kansas, Kent says all he longed for was to leave it behind and has since lived all over the United States. He graduated from the University of Missouri, majoring in English,

of California, Berkeley with a PhD in rhetoric. Through it all he maintained his love of wood engraving and printing. Kent has had 18 one-man shows around Texas. He maintains

engraving Blocks alloW for the delicate detail Work that Wood engraving encompasses then made his way to San Francisco State University where he obtained an MA in speech. He finished his education at the University

membership in the Wood Engravers Network, the Amalgamated Printers Association, and the Printers Guild of Houston.

Entering the Kessinger home, which is also a gallery of Kent’s work, visitors are greeted with a series of six wood-engraved prints in the hallway.

Delicate and detail oriented, they also are framed beautifully. Framing art is also a talent, and one that Kent’s wife Madeleine acquired, making her an equal partner in placing Kent’s prints and poetry on display. Her deft use of color and shape in matting and framing fully compliments Kent’s work.

While touring the Kessinger home, Kent

explains that he has recently turned to pyrography, producing designs on wood. They are available only from England at an extraordinary price. The wood used for engraving blocks are small pieces of wood placed side-by-side instead of a single slice of

uses relief printing with the artist applying ink to the face of the block and making prints using relatively low pressure.

By contrast, ordinary engraving, like etching, uses a metal plate for the matrix and is printed by the intaglio method where

to create highly graphic visual symbols in multiple editions. Spiritual abstraction, which does not exclude the figurative but gives it added dimension, is my goal.

“I believe that art needs to be beautiful, peaceful and universal. The

i Believe that art needs to Be Beautiful, peaceful and universal wood. Engraving blocks allow for the delicate detail work that wood engraving encompasses.

Wood engraving is a printmaking and letterpress printing technique in which the artist works the image or matrix of images into a block of wood. Functionally a type of woodcut, it

the ink fills the valleys or the removed areas. As a result, wood engravings deteriorate less quickly than copperplate engravings, and have a distinctive white-onblack character.

“Wood engraving is my preferred medium of expression,” Kent says, “because it allows me

engraving is a symbol of visual substitutions for a higher reality and presence of which we are always aware, but which we cannot see in the material world. A wood engraving is a visual reminder to move beyond perception into the realm of absolute knowing.” i

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com

35

Reggae Sound meet raspa

find raspa on sociaL media WeBsiTe www. raspagrooves.com

By MIrIaM rIECK

faceBook

https://www. facebook.com/ raspagrooves

yoUTUBe

youtube.com/ raspagrooves

TWiTTer

https://twitter.com/ raspagrooves

A

a LOCaL BanD ThaT

plays at Northgate, The Village Café, and Revolution Café & Bar, Raspa members say their favorite spot to play is Downtown Bryan. Joseph Legett is lead vocalist and plays guitar. Mark Oakland, on trumpet, and Kelly Erwin, on saxophone, are the “older end” of the group, bringing age and soul to the horn section. Chris Alejandro is on drums, and Rick Tobias is percussion. Rounding out Raspa’s sound are Will Sinclair on bass and Justin Desoba on lead guitar; these two stand out as the “clean cut boys” of the group.

Matt Henry is the quiet one who plays a mean keyboard.

All the musicians come together to

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INSITE February 2014

complement one another.

At a Raspa concert at the Grand Stafford Theater in December, even before the first song was over, the crowd was already moving to the beat.

A truly original sound, Raspa is a little reggae and a little rock with all original music and lyrics. The nine band members are a compilation of old friendships and musicians who responded to a Craig’s List posting. This band truly has no applesto-apples comparison.

The current roster of musicians has been together two years.

While everyone has a “day job,” all the musicians have been playing for years, and as Rick Tobias puts it, “Raspa…well, it grooves.”

The name Raspa is simply a name they liked and thought was fun. Raspa has just released a five-track EP called Electric Poncho. The tracks

on the EP are: “How It Used to Be”, Emily Ann,” “Free Music,” “La Raspa Lady” and “Cincinnati Gold.” The EP begins with two tunes (“How It Used to Be” and “Emily Ann”) that are clever, upbeat, and geared to get you up and dancing. “Free Music” and “La Raspa Lady” are slower but just as smooth. The EP ends with “Cincinnati Gold,” a tune designed to get you back into toe-tapping mode.

The album contains all original works with everything on the EP from artwork, arrangement, and recording done by members of the band.

This youngmember band has an old-reggae sound somewhat reminiscent of Bob Marley. Check out Raspa’s upcoming schedule online and watch them live or visit the Raspa YouTube channel. You can buy the EP on Spotify and iTunes, as well as in the Android and Google Store. i

the art979 issue of insite magazine

W WELCOME TO ThE FOurTh

issue of Insite Magazine published in cooperation with Art979. com interactive. Over a Golden Mocha at The Village Downtown, owner Kristy Petty shared her original vision for the café, one that included an arts website that served as a local clearing house of all things arts: from venues and performers to visual artists and their wares.

The other component was an arts magazine. Her vision sounded

like a richer, more intimate approach to Insite’s traditional arts coverage and so the first Art979 issue of Insite Magazine launched in September 2012 with this month’s issue ready to carry on this new tradition. From introducing local artists to those who provide art venues, the Arts979 features compliment the eclectic local features that are the mainstay of Insite Magazine. Enjoy the beauty and introspection of the local art world, and we hope this issue has something to capture your imagination and attention.

– Angelique Gammon

arT979.COM WaS LaunChED

Your non-profit hospice of choice

since 1989

so that artists, art hosts, and art

continued on page 38

click www.insitebrazosvalley.com

37

Behind the Lens

miriam rieck, Wylde soul photography

By Sarah KINzBaCh

A

PHoTo By SPECIAlTIES PHoToGrAPHy, INC.

self-taught photographer, Miriam looks for the story to tell with her images. “For me, a camera presents a new way of looking at life in general. Try a different angle, try a different lens, and you have a new set of eyes or way of looking at the same thing.”

Miriam began shooting in her early twenties with a Canon AE-1, working mostly with black and white film. Life separated her from photography until 2009, whereupon her return

From wild horses and elephants to people and flowers, Miriam Rieck of Wylde Soul Photography has captured it all. she was introduced to digital photography and the use of Lightroom and Photoshop. She continues to shoot with Canon and says she draws her inspiration from color, emotion, and texture.

“I love nature; I don’t think there is a day spent there that is a waste. You always learn something or see something just a little different…I am somewhat opportunistic. I see things that catch my eye for whatever reason, evokes an emotion, tells a story, grabs me in

some way and spend time with it composing various captures.”

Miriam says her love affair with photography continues to grow. “Every day I learn something new and the entire journey for me is to live and capture whatever ‘that’ moment is with my camera.” i For more information on Miriam and Wylde Soul Photography, visit www. wyldesoulphotography.com.

art979 from page 37 lovers could come together in one place. We want to support and promote the local art scene.

Why? Because we love it. We eat, breathe, and sleep art, and we want to share it with anyone and everyone who wants to do the

38

INSITE February 2014

same.

We hope that you use Art979. com to discover places to go, shows to watch, music to sing, things to buy, and pretty things to see. Use the blogs to learn more about the people who make this community

great. Use the forum to meet a new friend, share your favorite event, or give a review of a show you just saw. Use the site to meet artists like yourself, to collaborate and to inspire one another. Use it to make our art community stronger

everyday.

Thank you for checking out Art979.com. We hope that you will continue to share art, buy art, support art, and above all, love art.

– Kristy Petty

your Source for food & fun | INSITE BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION

dininG / CATERinG / VEnUEs Café ECCEll, www.cafeeccell.com, 101 Church Ave, CS, (979)846-7908. Café Eccell is a pizza and wine bistro located in College Station’s Old City Hall that offers wood fired pizza, fresh seafood and more!

Lunch M-Th 11am-2pm; F&Su 11am-5pm; Sa 12noon5pm; Dinner M-Su 5-10pm CaffE CapRI ItalIan REStauRant,

www.theplaceforitalian.com, 222 N Main St, Bryan (979)822-2675. This award winning downtown restaurant has been serving creative and reasonably priced Italian dishes for 15 years. Enjoy their art deco interior, local art display and upbeat atmosphere.

Lunch M-F 11am-2pm; Dinner M-Th 6pm-9pm; F-Sa 5pm-9pm

CEnaRE REStauRant, www.gotocenare.com, 404 University Dr E, CS (979)696-7311. Cenare offers a variety of authentic Italian cuisine and beautifully presented dishes. Whether you are looking for an intimate evening, a nice place for the entire family or a place to host your next event, Cenare is a great choice.

M-F 11am-2pm; M-Th 5-9:30pm; F-Sa 5-10pm ChEf taI’S MoBIlE BIStRo, www.cheftai.

com, check website for daily locations and hours (979) 268-3251. Chef Tai’s Mobile Bistro is America’s Favorite Food Truck serving a blend of globally inspired cuisine.

ChoColatE GallERy, www. bcschocolategallery.com, 211 N. Main St., Bryan (979) 779-2804. The Chocolate Gallery provides premium pastries and chocolate as well as showcase the art of pastry and confections through education and experience. Tu-Th 10am-8pm, F-Sa 10am-9pm ChRIStophER’S WoRlD GRIllE, www.

christophersworldgrille.com, 5001 Boonville Rd, Bryan (979)776-2181. A trip to Christopher’s World Grille, in the historic Andrews House in Bryan, is a fine dining experience that can best be described as food with Mediterranean, Italian, coastal French, and South Pacific influences with a touch of Louisiana thrown in. Lunch M-Su 11am-2pm; Dinner Su-Th 5-9pm; F-Sa 5-10pm

thE ClaRy houSE, www.theclaryhouse.com,

601 East 30th St., Bryan, (979)703-7916. Southern hospitality since 1902. Choose from four distinct suites to make you feel relaxed and pampered. Personal coffee bar and business center. Just one mile from Bryan’s historic downtown and five miles from the Texas A&M campus. Perfect for special occasions.

Promising to make your visit memorable with a leisurely stay.

thE lEMon WEDGE, www.the-lemonwedge. com, 308 N Main St, Bryan (979)703-4052. The Lemon Wedge is an elegant, upscale neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of downtown Bryan, serving fresh steak, seafood and spirits. Offering a wonderful selection of USDA prime steak and seafood dishes, as well as classical American favorites and great cocktails. The perfect place for couples, groups and families! Tu-Th 10:30am-9pm; F-Sa 10:30am10pm; Su 9-11am omelet bar/ 11am-2:30pm Brunch MR. G’S pIzzERIa, www.gotomrgs.com, 201 W

26th St., Bryan (979) 822-6747; 404 E University Dr., College Station (979) 693-6747. At Mr. G’s, every slice is served with family pride, the freshest ingredients, original recipes and only the finest imported Italian cheeses. Now serving Gluten Free pizza. Bryan location: M-F 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm, Sa 5pm-9pm.

College Station location: M-Th 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm, F 11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm. Sa 5pm-10pm.

MuSt BE hEavEn, www.mustbeheaven.com, 100 S. Main St., Bryan (979) 822-7722; 1136 East Villa Maria, Bryan (979) 731-8891; 1700 Rock Prairie Rd., College Station (979) 764-9222. Reminisce the good ole’ days of Ice Cream Shoppes and hand-crafted sandwiches at Must Be Heaven. Bryan locations’ hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-3pm. College Station hours: M-F 8am-8pm, Sa 8am-3pm pERRInE WInERy, www.perrinewinery.com, 900 Harvey Rd., Ste. 6, College Station (979) 703-1843.

Perrine Winery is a custom micro-winery featuring award-winning wines, tastings, parties, pairings, and custom labels. Tu-Th 4pm-8pm, F 2pm-11pm, Sa 12pm-10pm

REaDfIElD MEatS & DElI, www.

readfieldmeats.com, 2701 S. Texas Ave, Bryan (979) 822-1594. Readfield Meats& Deli is a gourmet meat and deli store carrying imported Italian goods, grocery items, frozen delights, and even paper goods. M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-4pm

thE REpuBlIC, www.therepublic1836.com, 701 University Dr E, CS (979)260-4120. Recently receiving the designation of AAA four diamond steak house, The Republic offers a variety of gourmet steak options, seafood, wine, and whiskey. Their focus is on the use of fine, locally grown foods and simple Texas cooking in an elegant setting. M-Sa 5-10pm RonIn CooKInG, ronincooking.com, (979) 5748745, Ronin cooking offers special full moon dinners and provides high quality food and catering for your next event, at your place or on the farm.

J.CoDy’S StEaKS anD BBQ, 3610 S. College

thE tap, www.tapbcs.com, 815 Harvey Rd, CS, (979)696-5570. The Tap is a former train depot transformed into a sports bar and restaurant. This local favorite has more than 30 TVs, darts, pool tables, NTN trivia, dominoes, two huge porches, occasional live music specials, burgers, sandwiches, and free peanuts. M-Sa 11am-2pm

laSallE hotEl, www.lasalle-hotel.com, 120 S. Main St., Bryan (979) 822-2000, Located in the heart of historic downtown Bryan, LaSalle Hotel, Café and Bar has corporate and group rates, conference and meeting rooms, and an executive chef on staff.

tRuMan ChoColatES, www. trumanchocolates.com, 4407 S Texas Ave, Bryan (979)260-4519. Choose from signature series boxes or customize your own. Numerous flavors to choose from.

Made on site by well-trained staff. Perfect to leave a lasting impression for any event! Open M-F 10am-6pm; Sa 10am-3pm; Closed on Sunday

Ave., Bryan (979) 846-CODY. J.Cody’s serves both tender and juicy steaks and mouth watering BBQ. Let J.Cody’s cater your next event. M-Th 11am-9pm, F-Sa 11am-9:30pm, Su 11am-3pm

vERItaS, www.veritaswineandbistro.com, 830 University Dr, Suite 400, CS (979)268-3251. Classically trained chefs offer creative cuisine in a casual, contemporary setting. Veritas embraces usage of organic and local produce, wild caught seafood flown in directly from the source, as well as poultry and meat raised naturally. Highly-trained associates and wine stewards can guide you through an award-winning wine list, which has garnered Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence (2007-2010). Lunch M-F 11am-2pm; Dinner M-Th & Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-10pm

EnTERTAinMEnT & ATTRACTiOns BRazoS BInGo, www.BrazosBingo.com, 1805

Briarcrest Dr across from Bryan High, Bryan (979)7760999. For charity bingo at its best, Brazos Bingo has family nights, Aggie nights, and an enclosed, non-smoking section. Enjoy great food at great prices at the Brazos City Grill or call about the party room great for business events. Brazos Bingo supports the following charities: Elks Lodge #859, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, St. Joseph Church, and Bubba Moore Memorial Group, Inc. Open 7 days a week.

REvolutIon CafE & BaR, 211 Main St, Bryan, (979)823-4837. An eclectic coffee shop with a laid back, cool atmosphere, live music and great drink specials. Full bar, premium coffees, gourmet Panini and a large patio. Poetry open mic every Sunday, pub quiz trivia night every Monday, open mic every Wednesday.

BURLESON COUNTY

dininG / sHOPPinG

MaD hattER’S tEa RooM,

www.madhatterstearoom.com, 210 S. Echols, Caldwell (979) 567-3504. The Mad Hatter’s cozy eatery provides tantalizing treats and generous portions bursting with flavor, a unique selection of gift items, gourmet coffees, and specialty teas.

Open for breakfast and lunch and special events by appointment. W-Sa 8am-5pm WAShINGTON COUNTY

dininG / CATERinG funKy aRt Café & CoffEE BaR, 202 W Commerce St, Brenham (979)836-5220. Delicious and different, Funky Art Café in Brenham offers enticing entrees to please the palate. Or choose a sandwich or savory soup before shopping in its companion retail shop, The Pomegranate, to find trinkets, gift ideas and kitchen gadgets. M-Fr 11am-2pm; Sa 11am-3pm SouthERn flyER DInER, www. brenhammunicipalairport.com, 3001 Aviation Way, Brenham (979) 836-5462. Southern Flyer is an American diner with everything made from scratch and winner of multiple “Best of the Best” awards.

M-Su 11am-3pm Listings provided as a service. Insite is not responsible for errors or omissions.

For menus, maps and directions, visit InsiteBrazosValley.com/eats-and-treats click www.insitebrazosvalley.com

39

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