midtown paper_1Q13 by QuantumSUR

midtown

what’s inside 2

PAPER

in & about list of happenings in midtown

A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com

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mark your calendar midtown meetings and events

shine forth... preserving midtown’s landmarks

read. write. speak.

warm cookies, warm heart

rally on! helping hands in midtown

projects… capital improvements who do i call

eatsdrinks • kublai kKhan’s • proof bar + patio

art calendar a list of midtown art events

surprises... on eagle street

a listing on the national register

lookinside

midtownmap

Definitions with midtown meanings...

plan•tain

a hybrid banana plant. A perfect fried accent to the platter of two large portions of Grilled Quail, Black Beans and Spanish Rice served at Gloria’s Restaurants.

pep•pero•ni

A hard, highly spiced Italian sausage. One of 24 choices to top a NY style, thin crust pizza at Luigi’s Pizzeria. (Did we hear they were BYOB?)

pas•try

flour dough made with shortening and used for the crust of pies, tarts, etc. Obviously, Mr. Webster never walked into Dolce Delights or he’d have found more meaning in the word!

1st qtr 2013

The Houston Met Taking the Lead in Midtown

f you’re going to be a nationally recognized dance company, then the facility in which you train must mirror that same intent. For years, the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company (Houston Met) had wanted to take the step toward a bigger, better building. The space they have rented continuously for the last 20 years at 1202 Calumet, was also known for its earlier occupant, the Delia Stewart Dance Company. While enrollment increased, the building’s structure left no room for expansion. Window air conditioning units that barely supported a small class in the summer could not keep up with multiple classes that were filled to capacity or space constraints where popular classes were cancelled to make room for other classes. The same was true with unyielding flooring that was far from the ideal that Executive Director Michelle Smith wanted for her students. Formerly with the Fort Worth Ballet, Smith knew the building inside and out, first as the studio and company manager of the Delia Stewart Dance Company and on through the birth of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company in 1995. For Smith, the Houston Met’s move to Midtown is a dream come true. “We can’t wait to be in our new building,” explains Smith, grateful for the help of Midtown businessman Ian Rosenberg in presenting the opportunity of 2808 Caroline back in 2011, a location prime for reinventing. “We love Ian’s aesthetics – what he’s done with 13 celsius and then again with Mongoose versus Cobra – taking what’s here and making it better, which essentially brings the whole neighborhood up.” Smith says proudly. “The building is perfect for us. We are earthy! We are so New York!” Beautiful Harlequin Floors will be incorporated into the Caroline Street location, giving dancers the opportunity to perform and train to the very best of their ability, concentrating on their art. The premier flooring, the same used by Houston Ballet and Ballet Austin, is respected around the world for its series of interlocking tongue-and-groove panels, that eliminate slipping and irregularities in the surface, providing a perfect plane for dancers.

then&now

Plans for the interior walls and doors are as unique as the flooring. Vintage windows were rescued from a to-be-demolished Heights home and will be repurposed as interior windows between the parent viewing area and the performance floor. A reflective mirror film will be applied to the window glass allowing the children to see their smiles and steps while proud parents watch unobtrusively from the other side. The building’s existing garage doors are being replaced with large windows allowing for natural lighting into several studio spaces. Since 1995, the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company has presented 17 seasons of contemporary dance. Their upcoming performance, The Vessel, will premiere April 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at the Cullen Theatre, Wortham Center. This full presentation of dance explores the senses of sight and hearing through original works created by resident choreographer Kiki Lucas and special guest choreographer Peter Chu. Lucas will collaborate with composer and multimedia artist Ben Doyle on a piece that examines the sense of hearing, while Chu will delve into the sense of sight. The inspiration for the show was born from an idea that Marlana Photos by Ben Doyle Doyle, Artistic Director of Houston Metropolitan Dance, and Lucas had to create a dance performance focused on the five senses, of which they decided to choose sight and hearing. Doyle was acquainted with the services provided by The Center for Hearing and Speech, as the dance teacher for a deaf student. Her colleague and friend, Michael Douglas, a speech-language pathologist, certified auditory-verbal therapist and former Director of Intervention Services at the Center helped her explore the sense of sound. Douglas’ student at The Center, Bailey Flowers, was an aspiring ballet dancer at the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. Bailey’s passion for dance led Doyle to weave Bailey’s experience and the work of The Center into the creation of The Vessel. In an effort to fully incorporate the sense of hearing in her piece,

The Pig Stand...

continued on page 4

were their own inventions. But never in a pig’s eye would you have dreamed it would disappear. The iconic restaurant chain he Pig Stand’s “oink-othat began in 1921 licious” pig sandwich was the met its bankrage in the 1920s. Hungry ruptcy demise patrons went hog wild over in 2006. In time, something new called “curb service”, South Main Baptist a “drive through” and a state-ofChurch (SMBC) the-art neon pig that marked the acquired the propaddress. erty that bordered Those days you could eat high on their beautiful the hog with a $.30 hamburger or Romanesque sancPhoto courtesy Story Sloane Gallery tuary. In the past end up fat as a pig after making your decade, SMBC constructed a new Youth Center near the area. People way through The Pig Stand’s chicken fried steaks, onion rings and still come and go; just for different nourishment. Texas toast, three popular menu items today that the chain claims

in&about

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ooking for a new place to call home? Camden Travis Street will tempt you and your fourlegged friend. (Dog treats await in the lobby!) 2700 Travis. nother Starbucks for Midtown, 2625 Louisiana, across the street from Gloria’s Restaurants. Initial hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but may change. Potbelly Sandwich Shop will soon be joining as neighbors. Rush Houir Concert at 5 p.m. April 12 kicks off the two-day 7th Annual Art in the Park, 2800 Main near McGowen. Afterwards, Binglo BLITZ Game Night plus Outdoor Movie Night with the movie Urban Cowboy.

n April 2, 2013, SEARCH Homeless Services will be honoring Midtown’s Advantage BMW. With a prime location in Midtown, Advantage BMW faced the challenge of a high concentration of people who are homeless. Per Thao Costis, President and CEO of SEARCH: “We Advantage BMW are thrilled to be able to recognize a long time friend and business partner who really cares about our community. Advantage BMW, part of Group 1 Automotive, goes above and beyond to be a good business partner as well as a good neighbor.”

Commerce Tower’s 60th floor Sky Lobby on February 7, 1983. Thirty years later, now calling Midtown home, DiverseWorks continues to commission and present groundbreaking work in the visual, performing and literary arts.

on’t forget HPD’s Positive Interaction Program (PIP) Safety Meetings – one for stakeholders east of Louisiana Street (held at HPD South Central Division - 2202 S. Emanuel @ Hwy 288), and one for stakeholders west of Louisiana (held at HPD Central Division -1602 State Street). The monthly meetings give attendees a chance to meet neighbors and the officers that patrol the Midtown neighborhood. Check the Mark Your Calendar section, page 3, for meeting dates and times.

f you can make a sandwich, you can help Houston’s homeless. Trinity Episcopal Church is calling all sandwich makers to rally the first Tuesdays (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) and third Wednesdays (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.) of each month. On average, over 1100 sandwiches are distributed each week by Trinity, and the demand is rising as the cityscape changes. Come when you can – your help is needed. For contact information, go to www.trinitymidtown.com, click on Outreach Ministries.

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he new phase is now leasing at Post Midtown Square, 302 Gray Street. Stop by and let them show you around.

ao Ming gave Asia Society Members and Nonmembers new insight into his basketball career during a recent Q&A at Asia Society Texas Center. Guests were also treated to a taste of Yao’s Napa Valley Cabernet. Yao Family Wines are in limited production. Asia Society Texas Center offers a number of diverse guests each month. Go to asiasociety.org/texas.

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ree English conversation classes are offered at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1015 Holman Street, every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. International students are paired with members of the community for one-on-one English practice. Everyone is welcome. appy Birthday, DiverseWorks (though a bit belated!) DiverseWorks’ inaugural exhibition was presented at Texas

udos to the students and staff at HCC-Central. Each day, French Corner Restaurant offers a “Special of the Day” and a portion of the proceeds is donated to Houston Community College Central's “March of Dimes” fundraising efforts. A great way to enjoy a delectable meal while also helping to save babies’ lives, “one meal at a time.” atch a glimpse of Eyeful Art’s painted-onsite mural while you’re browsing Art in the Park on April 13. Or check out another example of their work on the outer walls of Art Supply on Main. The company will be taking on another huge wall in Midtown in the coming weeks. Check Facebook for more details. id you know Midtown’s La Maison is on bedandbreakfast.com’s Top 10 list of urban B&B’s? Sharing kudos were a London house that faces Hyde Park and a 400-year-old stone walled hideaway in Paris. Pamper your visiting friends, or even better – yourself and your special someone with an exquisite overnight stay at 2800 Brazos, www.lamaisonmidtown.com

oodwill's Job Connection Service Centers serve veterans who are unemployed or underemployed and are ready, willing and able to seek employment. The San Jacinto Programs and Services location, 3121 San Jacinto Street, is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Saturdays and Sundays. For questions, call 713-699-6351.

he Houston Light Guard Armory is located in the historic Houston Museum District at 3816 Caroline Street. It is the new home of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM). In 2008, the BSNM purchased the Armory from the City of Houston. The 23,000 square foot, three-story facility features new exhibits, new programming and a green building concept. The key programs of the facility are educational outreach, research center, leadership development, military library, veterans’ registry and oral history projects. Phase I has been completed, and approximately $2.1 million dollars is required to complete the build-out of the 2nd and 3rd floors.This museum is the only one of its kind in the United States and highlights the achievements / contributions of African American soldiers in the defense of America.

granted twitch could be an early sign of a neuromuscular or movement disorder? Become eye-educated with TSO’s Vision & Health News. Stop by Museum District TSO, 4850 Main Street and let Dr. Angela Marcaccio’s staff sign you up. It free and factual.

dd this definition to your vocabulary: Tiffblitz. A blend of warm chocolate chip cookies, brownies and Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. Debuts Summer 2013 at Tiff’s Treats. (What’s Tiff’s Treats? Check out Midtown’s newest addition on page 5.)

he red bikes, better known as B-Cycles, are ready and waiting for you – 3512 Main Street (in the parking lot by the Ensemble/ HCC METRORail Station) and on Gray (in front of the Midtown Market), one block off Baldwin. B-cycle is a collaboration among three American companies whose goal is to change the way you get around. A 24-hour rental (24 Access) costs $5, a 7-Day pass for $15 and an annual membership for $50. B-cycle measures the actual distance traveled on each ride and keeps track of the calories you’ve burned and the carbon emission you prevented. Sign in, grab a bike and pedal your way across Midtown or farther.

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ring your used, well loved, no longer-needed books to DiverseWorks on Wednesdays (DWOW) and go home with some literary treasures. DiverseWorks is located at 4102 Fannin, Suite 200. Enter on Cleburne between Fannin and Main. Gallery hours are Wednesdays noon – 8 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays noon – 6 p.m. ouston Center for Contemporary Craft is currently seeking nominations from across the state for the 2014 Texas Master. The Texas Masters Series was initiated in 2005, a distinction based on peer nominations, awarded to career artists in Texas who have dedicated themselves to the field of craft. Past recipients include Harlan Butt, Cindy Hickok, Rachelle Thiewes and Piero Fenci. If you know someone who should be considered, be encouraged to submit his or her name for nomination. All qualified nominees must be living and working in Texas or have spent a significant time practicing in Texas. Artist nominees must work with craft media: wood, metal, glass, ceramic, fiber and/or mixed media. Candidates must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their discipline and/or made a significant impact in the craft community through their work, guidance, and contributions to the field. The chosen artist will receive a one-person show and serve on the jury panel for HCCC's biennial exhibition, CraftTexas 2016.

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ounded by Elgin, Smith, Louisiana and Rosalie, Pearl Midtown is the newest multifamily project in the Midtown area. The 154-unit one and twobedroom development is constructed, owned and managed by the Morgan Group. The complex will have four stories of apartments and two levels of parking. nce a drive thru for java, now a drive thru for cash. Primeway Federal Credit Union’s new Midtown address is the former home of The Coffee Groundz and later Aperture Coffee. The drive thru convenience of 2503 Bagby will work nicely. Interfaith Ministries will be moving their corporate headquarters to Primeway’s former office at 3303 Main.

id Town Surgical Center’s recent Crab & Crawfish Boil was a big success., but when the party’s over, the task is all business. Mid Town Surgical Center is a multi specialty, outpatient surgical facility. Call 713-571-8141 to learn more.

id you know that polycarbonate isn’t just for safety glasses? And how about eyelid twitches? Did you know in rare cases the often taken-for-

ar Munich will be opening early until the end of May to accommodate Midtown’s hunger for soccer. Grab the schedule from their website (www.barmunich.com) and on Facebook. Don’t forget they’re the home of Das Boot and it all happens at 2616 Louisiana. Best of all, parking is always FREE. Onsite self-parking is available to their customers on the side of the parking lot by Chase Bank or use the free valet service. Just tell them you’re going to Bar Munich!

retchen Meienburg now holds the leashes at Midtown’s popular Urban Tails. Teri Mercatante continues as the General Manager.

magination Campus is thrilled to once again be a part of Midtown Art in the Park. Their Kidz Zone planters last year were a BIG hit with so many artists and particularly with the children that produced the art. This year, they are eager to create a group project involving every child and parent that would like to participate. Using homemade “spray paint” (safe and suitable for every age), they will create a mural defining our love for art and Imagination Campus.While visiting the station, be sure to leave your information so they can forward upcoming activities and events to you. Imagination Campus provides early care and education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers through a variety of year-round program options. Located at 2000 Crawford, Ste. B150, they are open Monday thru Friday 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

he Ensemble Theatre’s Young Performers Program (YPP) is holding two Summer Sessions June 10-July 6 and July 8-August 3. Young people (ages 6-7) have the opportunity to explore their creative and artistic talents Monday

f you missed ARZU STUDIO HOPE’S Masters Collection, don’t despair. You can still view and purchase the amazing architectdesigned rugs online. Created by Afghan Women, ARZU, which means “hope” in Dari, is an innovative model of social entrepreneurship that helps Afghan women and their families break the cycle of poverty by providing them with a steady income and benefits, including access to education, healthcare and sustainable community development projects. Thanks to Kinzelman & Associates’ Julie Kinzelman for curating the event as well as Houston Center for Contemporary Craft for helping to promote the fine craft.

n addition to expanded call-center hours and the new Smartphone app, 311's redesigned website, www.Houston311. org, enables Houstonians to easily submit a request for service online. Additionally, 311 has launched a new interactive mapping tool that allows Houstonians to track the progress of their request and view the status of other requests made by neighbors. The Houston 311 Smartphone app is available for iPhone and Android users. Links to each, and a QR code that will trigger a download to your device, are provided at www.houstontx.gov

idtown is socially acceptable. Check out Houston Midtown Rocks, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and Pinterest to find out what’s new.

calendar mark your

Midtown meetings are held,

unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby , 3rd floor Conference Room. Metered street parking is available as well as the BlackFinn parking garage. Please call ahead (713-526-7577) to confirm time and dates or visit: houstonmidtown.com Midtown Management District Board Meeting First Wednesday of the month. April 3 (11 a.m.), May 1 (6 p.m. @ Central Bank–2217 Milam), June 5 (11 a.m.) Midtown Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting Last Thursday of the month. April 25, May 30, June 27 @ 12:30 Public Safety Committee Third Tuesday of the month. April 16 and May 21 @ 11:30 a.m. June18 (5 p.m. @ Central Bank–2217 Milam) Marketing Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 4 p.m. April 16, May 21, June 18 (meeting locations TBA) Urban Planning Committee Third Thursday of each month @ 4 p.m. April 18, May 16, June 20 Services and Maintenance Committee As needed. Please check online. Baldwin Square Homeowners Association (HOA) Second Wednesday of each month @ 4 p.m. April 10, May 8, June 12

meetings offsite

HPD – Positive Interaction Program (PIP) East side of Louisiana April 16, May 21, June 18 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m. Held @ HPD South Central Division, 2202 St. Emanuel @ Hwy 288 Officer J. Sanchez. 713-238-2282 West side of Louisiana April 2, May 7, June 4 1st Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m. Held @ HPD Central Division, 1602 State St. Officer Wayne Pate. 713-284-8604

For 91 years, San Jose Clinic has provided healthcare to the underserved. This year’s 7th annual “Art with Heart” scheduled for April 13 will once again feature original works of art, hand-selected by Patrick Palmer, Faculty Chair of the Glassell School of Art, and beautiful jewelry pieces displayed in a silent auction. Go to www.sanjoseclinic.org to learn more about the annual fundraiser.

he Museum District’s traditional annual open house has taken a new name – the Museum Experience. Four walkable “zones” will help visitors through the area learn more about all 19 museums at a more leisure and personal pace. Instead of one day, museumgoers can spread their experience across four days. Zone 2 on April 27, the museum’s second day of four, ushers visitors to several Midtown museums including Asia Society Texas Center, Lawndale Art Center, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Museum of African American Culture and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Entertainment and one of a kind food trucks add to the enjoyment at several locations. For a complete schedule of events at each location and directions, go to www.thehoustonmuseumexperience.com.

elebrate Chef Monica Pope’s 50th birthday, her 20 years in the restaurant business and the official Grand Opening of her new restaurant, Sparrow Bar + Cooktop, on Sunday, April 28. Proceeds from the event, “Brunch for Dinner”, benefit Making It Better, a local non-profit, founded by Jerry Davis (the breakfast klub), which improves literacy, leadership and life skills for underserved elementary students. To learn more about Making It Better, please go to www.mibtx. org. Event information and reservations may be accessed at www.sparrowhouston.com.

Chef Monica Pope

through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through multi-faceted sessions at the Theatre. Classes fill up quickly so don’t delay. Download applications at www.EnsembleHouston.org/programs or call Teresa White, Artistic Associate at 713-870-4309.

ongratulations to Houston Community College – Central Art’s Michael Golden whose work is featured in the MFA’s current exhibit The Abstract Impulse through May 5, 2013. Joined by selections from the Modern and Contemporary Collections, Golden’s work shares the gallery with works by such well-known artists as Jackson Pollock, Phillipe Starck and Edward Weston. “This exhibition is the first in a series envisioning the kinds of displays to be installed in the museum’s new building, now in the planning stage, dedicated to art after 1900.” (ArtsHound. com) Join an MFA tour of the exhibit at the Beck Building April 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. or April 13 and 27 at 3 p.m.

ooking for that one-of-a-kind gift for Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12? Stop by Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s Asher Gallery for drawers and drawers, shelves and shelves of handmade fine artisan gifts. There’s a style and price range for everyone.

nd, once your gift is purchased, send it on it’s way with the help of Neartown Mini Storage’s United States Postal Services. Mail packages, buy stamps, pick up change of address forms and more – all located in covered convenience at 2405 Jackson. Plenty of free parking, too. Hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m .- 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m .– 4:30 pm.

ark your calendar for the 5th anniversary of The Texas Biennial, TX 13, September 5 – November 9, 2013. In celebration, Lawndale Art Center and Big Medium in Austin will host exhibitions of current work by selected past Biennial artists. The exhibitions will be presented simultaneously from August 23 – September 28, 2013. To learn more, go to www.texasbiennial.org.

opened just

apitol Bar wants to redefine the Bar category. Their patio bar is larger than most, giving patrons room to move and entertainment venues room to set up on an actual stage. Thursday through Sunday guarantees you music, either live or DJ driven. Opt for the tv, games or the patio cabanas. Food trucks are always interchanging – names like Coreanos, The Golden Grill, Big Daddy Z’s and others .“It’s a great concept (rotating food trucks),” says Manager/ Partner Shawn Outlaws. “That way no one gets tired of the same ol’ menu.” Plans are in the works for Texas Tuesdays, Steak Night and Burger Night but don’t despair, Thirsty Thursdays (5 p.m. on Thursdays) are already in place as are daily specials including breakfast tacos on Sundays til’ 3 p.m. There’s valet parking but METRORail gets you there with ease and back and gives you the option to check out the neighborhood with Mongoose versus Cobra and Leon’s easily in walking distance. Like them on facebook (facebook.com/CapitolBarHouston) so you don’t wonder anymore. Capitol Bar Midtown • 2415 Main St., 77002 • 713-487-6854 • M-F 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m – 12 a.m.

proJects Improvement

Bagby Street and Pierce Street Improvements New concrete pavement installation and public utility upgrades have been completed on the Bagby/Pierce Street project. Remaining construction includes pedestrian lighting and seating, overhead utility consolidation, and landscaping. The GreenRoads project is scheduled for completion in June 2013. Gray Street Pedestrian Enhancements Construction continues with enhancements along Gray Street to improve pedestrian access to transit facilities. The right-of-way enhancements, including wider sidewalks, landscaping, street furniture, brick pavers, accessibility ramps, and other pedestrian-related infrastructure, are scheduled for completion in May 2013. Baldwin Park and Glover Park Renovations are underway at Baldwin Park and Glover Park. Baldwin Park improvements will include upgrades to lighting, jogging trail, playground equipment, and entry landscaping. Glover Park will add a dog run, landscaping with lawn space, seating, exercise platform, and cultural exhibits. Construction will be completed in late summer of 2013.

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stories&+ read.write. speak. shine forth... Poetry readings / online texting ...

Preserving Midtown’s Landmarks

Mongoose versus Cobra

pring has long been compared to regeneration and rebirth through nature, relationships, and spiritual renewal. In Midtown, two historic church buildings are undergoing the birth of a physical resurrection, and both restorations parallel each other in distinct ways. The stained glass windows in Trinity Episcopal Church are majestic and seem to sing praises as light pours through them. But following the unmerciful weather spawned by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the church leaders raised questions regarding the condition of these priceless treasures. Did the pounding weather compromise the health, structure, and integrity of the windows, and would they continue to reflect the light? Gayle DaviesCooley, Trinity’s historian, shares these insights. “The Lexan®—the protective, polycarbonate sheets over the exterior of Trinity’s Trinity Episcopal Church windows took a beating. If the Lexan failed, the windows could be destroyed or damaged,” she explains. “In 2009, the existing Lexan covers were re-caulked to their frames, however this was merely a temporary measure.” After the assessments by a team of professionals, a window restoration project was agreed upon, which also included cleaning and re-cementing. Scott Eaton, owner of Freebird Glass, Inc., of Cypress, Texas won the bid and work commenced at the beginning of this year. The 40 windows, 28 of which are made by J. Wippell & Co. Ltd. of England, surround the space. Scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, and the spread of the history of Christianity, are getting a literal facelift with Lexan® XL, which proves to be hundreds of times stronger than safety glass. “When the Lexan® has a cloudy appearance, the windows have the effect of cataracts,” says Davies-Cooley. “Now the windows are clear and safe, and will shine like gems just in time for the celebration of the resurrection.” In 2011, an electrical fire destroyed the sacristy and heavily damaged the nave at First Evangelical Lutheran Church (FELC), and the restoration process has been an arduous labor of love for the pastor, the congregation, and the team of contractors. “Every square inch of the nave has been cleaned, stained, retiled, painted or refinished.” shares Pastor Evan McClanahan. “The real damage was the smoke and soot.” Tons of limestone imported from Israel were painstakingly installed and exceptionally crafted by the team of Cangelosi, founded by Vito Cangelosi, of Missouri City,Texas. All corners were hand cut and meticulously mitered, no two being alike, Pastor Evan adds. The blue stained glass behind the altar was installed in the 1980s and now it too, was gone. Pastor Evan saw an opportunity to keep the windows true to the 10th and 12th century Lombardi Romanesque architecture, so he called on Scott of Freebird Glass. Samples of the original windows were found in the attic and First Evangelical Lutheran Church proved significant for modeling the new installation. Now the opalescent windows are true to the architecture and match all other 40 windows where the light shines forth. Additionally, Daniel Barnum, architect, founding member of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority, and member of Trinity Episcopal, played a key role in Trinity’s consultative bid process. As a result of reading the midtown paper about FELC’s need for assistance, he offered architectural consulation. The spirit of this season of renewal, along with two historical restorations in churches on the same street with mutual collaborators, seems to beckon to congregants and visitors alike to rejoice in this finished work.

oetry readings are nothing new to Mongoose versus Cobra’s Shafer Hall. The talented Midtown beer hall/saloon proprietor is an accomplished poet in his own right (Never Cry Woof, No Tell Books, 2005), editor and former curator of the Frequency Reading Series in New York City. Together with poet and medical anthropologist Kristin Kostick, he incorporates a new flavor to the popular Midtown gathering spot on the second Monday of each month, inviting friends of poetry and lovers of literature to gather to pair the written and spoken work with drink. Admission is free with beer pairings available for purchase, with over 40 craft beers on tap. Complimentary parking is convenient, available at McGowen and Main. Additional artist information can be found at www.mongooseversuscobra.com. Mongoose Versus Cobra is open Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.

DiverseWorks

he program selections at DiverseWorks ArtSpace stay true to their mission statement encouraging “artists to test new ideas in the public arena.” Slinging Ink is a perfect example. Each month, individuals are invited to submit an online 1500–1800 word text tying to a given theme. A blind panel selects a group of finalists who then read their entries aloud before a live audience at Big Star Bar for an ultimate cash prize – all part of the contemporary art center’s DWOW – DiverseWorks on Wednesdays. DiverseWorks recently relocated to their new Midtown address at 4102 Fannin after 20 years in their warehouse space north of downtown. The move precedes the highly anticipate construction of the Independent Arts Collaborative, of which DiverseWorks is a founding member. To download and complete a Slinging Ink Submission Form, go to http://diverseworks.org/category/literary. Themes and submission dates vary.

the houston met

from page 1

Lucas opted to have live musicians perform on-stage. In collaboration with multimedia artist Ben Doyle, a composition in six movements for string quintet, piano and percussion was created for Lucas’ section. Additionally, Doyle created a clear box that will surround the musicians on-stage. The box will muffle the composition simulating the muted sounds that deaf children hear when they are born. As the piece progresses, the box will slowly rise and the sound of the trio will fill the Cullen Theatre. The Houston Metropolitan Dance Company will also be teaching a hip hop master class at Midtown’s annual Art in the Park, Saturday April 13, 2013. Hours for the open-air festival are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., located at 2800 Main near McGowen. Houston Metropolitan Dance Center hopes to close briefly in May and debut their new building at 2808 Caroline in June 2013. To learn more about classes, the Company and auditions, go to www.houstonmetdance.org.

By Elizabeth C. Searcy

Trinity Episcopal Church 1015 Holman, Houston 77004 • 713-528-4100 • www.trinitymidtown.org First Evangelical Lutheran Church 1311 Holman, Houston 77004 • 713-529-3589 • www.felchouston.org

midtown MAP

RESTAURANTS / BARS A1. 13 celsius 713-529-VINO (8466) A2. Bar Münich 713-523-1008 A3. Brennan’s 713-522-9711 A4. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 713-650-0002 A5. Crave Sushi 713-527-8744 A6. Farrago World Cuisine 713-523-6404 A7. Gloria’s Restaurants 832-360-1710 A8. Luigi’s Pizzeria 281-793-3333 A9. Mongoose Versus Cobra 713-650-6872 A10. Piola 713-524-8222 A11. Pub Fiction 713-400-8400 A12. Rich’s Houston 832-598-8471

A15 F8

H14

F6 F5

SERVICES / RETAIL H1 B1. Advantage BMW 713-289-1216 B2. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 B3. Barbara King Dance 713-667-3890 B4. BCP Veterinary Pharmacy 713-771-1144 B5. Brian Martinez, DDS, PA 713-523-6848 B6. Midtown Management District 713-526-7577 B7. Mid-Town Surgical Center 713-691-6000 B8. Neartown Mini-Storage 713-655-7867 B9. Randalls Food & Pharmacy 713-331-1042 B10. Rossonian Cleaners 713-524-3134 B11. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods 713-526-8787 B12. Stewart Cadillac 713-874-0900 B13. Susan Resale 832-360-0051 B14. Tiff’s Treats 713-343-1400 B15. TSO Museum District 713-523-5109 B16. Urban Tails 713-658-0900 B17. YogaOne Studios 713-522-0876

A11

B11 B14

D1 F3

F3 H2

B1 G5

G6 H9

H8 B12

C2 E2

A12

CULTURAL ARTS C1. Community Artists' Collective 713-523-1616 C2. Eyeful Art Murals and Designs 817-707-4278 C3. Gallery Sonja Roesch 713-659-5424 C4. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft 713-529-4848 C5. Julian Art Collection 713-855-4103 C6. Lawndale Art Center 713-528-5858 C7. Station Museum of Contemporary Art 713-529-6900 C8. The Ensemble Theatre 713-520-0055

B16

B17

E10

H12 A1

E9 H11

H4 E4 C8

P1 H3 C1

H7 G1

H10

F10

B13

C7 F7

B10

= METRORail stops B15 H13 C6

MIDTOWN historic markers DePelchin Faith Home Houston Fire Museum First Evangelical Lutheran Church Holy Rosary Church

MIDTOWN LIVING OPTIONS F1. 2016 Main 713-659-1801 F2. Camden City Centre 713-651-0350 F3. Camden Midtown 713-652-9944 F4. Edge Condominium 281-687-8429 F5. METRO Midtown 713-529-5333 F6. Midtown Arbor Place 713-874-1313 F7. Midtown Grove 713-590-0615 F8. Post Midtown Square 713-739-7678 F9. RISE Lofts 713-523-5700 F10. Ventana at Midtown 713-550-9600 EDUCATION / Technology G1. Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) 713-942-1430 G2. Houston Technology Center 713-658-1750 G3. Houston Community College – Central 713-718-6000 G4. Imagination Campus 713-650-9500 G5. Precious Jewels Alpha Learning Center 713-529-4651 G6. UH Small Business Development Center 713-752-8444

1. H H2. H3. H4.

newest annexation by TIRZ #2

B7 B4

A10

Financial Institutions D1. Central Bank 832-485-2360

H1 H2 B3

A5 A3

PARKS / PUBLIC SPACES P1. Elizabeth Baldwin Park P2. Houston Fire Station No. 7 P3. Midtown Park P4. Peggy’s Point Plaza Park

HOUSES OF WORSHIP / NONPROFITS E1. Career & Recovery Resources Inc. 713-754-7000 E2. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 713-526-4611 E3. First Evangelical Lutheran Church 713-529-3589 E4. Holy Rosary Parish 713-529-4854 E5. South Main Baptist Church 713-529-4167 E6. St. John's Downtown / Bread of Life 713-659-3237 E7. San Jose Clinic 713-228-9411 E8. SEARCH Homeless Services 713-739-7752 E9. Trinity Episcopal Church 713-528-4100 E10. The Salvation Army Family Residence 713-650-6530 –– CORE Church Midtown 832-492-7791 (multiple locations)

Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2 (TIRZ #2)

H5. H6. H7. H8. H9.

C. L. House Building Houston Light Guard Armory Temple Beth Israel The Sheridan Apartments Benjamin Apartments

H10. Isabella Court H11. Trinity Episcopal Church H12. 13 celsius H13. Lawndale Art Center H14. Kirby Mansion

Midtown, congratulations on your recent, well-deserved designation by the Texas Commission on the Arts as a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. [The first management district in the state to receive this special honor]

lodging / bed & breakfast I1. La Maison in Midtown 713-529-3600

Everything Art... 7th Annual Art in the Park at 2700 Main at McGowen

omething for everyone —Saturday, April 13, 2013— at the 7th Annual Art in the Park at 2800 Main near McGowen, the home of Midtown’s future Super Block Park. Festivities begin on Friday, April 12 with a Rush Hour Concert. Saturday’s festivities begin with Breakfast in the Park, a new Midtown Art in the Park tradition, complete with crepes, coffee and drinks. Plan to spend the day,

Don’t forget to check out Midtown on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

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enjoying fabulous art and great music. Food trucks will hold off your hunger pains and a giant mural will keep you busy. Discover everything art! And don’t forget the 14th Annual Midtown Visions Cultural Arts Tour, 12-5 p.m. Midtown artists open their doors for your look into their galleries, complexes and collectives throughout Midtown. Ride The Wave for convenience. www.midtownvisions.com.

stories&+

who warm cookies, warm heart do i call? R and scooped ice cream sandwiches emember warm chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven? Now imagine them delivered to your door – not just your front door but to your office as well and yes, they’ll be warm! That’s the magic of Tiff’s Treats, Midtown’s newest tenant, located in the Plaza at Midtown, 2507 Bagby @ McGowen. The concept is simple and deliciously appealing. You call, stop by or place your order online (cookiedelivery.com) giving a time when you’d like the cookies to be delivered. (You can order in increments of half dozen.) Next, Tiff’s Treats coordinates the logistics with one of their three Houston locations. Within minutes, a Tiff’s delivery person is handing over a ribbon-tied white box filled with your order of fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin or white chocolate chip almond cookies (add six more possibilities to the list of choices and occasionally, a Flavor of the Week!)

rally on!

But the warmth doesn’t stop at the doorstep. Tiff’s Treats has aligned with Candlelighters, a childhood cancer family alliance that provides emotional, educational and practical support to children with cancer and their families. Tiff’s Treats recent Midtown grand opening benefited the organization that began in 1989 with two parent support groups from the Medical Center – one at Texas Children's Cancer Center and one at MD Anderson Cancer Center. For more than twenty years Candlelighters has worked to make life easier for families with children fighting cancer at MD Anderson and Texas Children’s hospital. Learn more at www.candle.org. Planning a power session? What could be more serious than warm cookies and scooped ice cream sandwiches. Get lost in the aroma at Tiff’s Treats Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., 713-343-1400, www.cookiedelivery.com.

Midtown Management District 713-526-7577 City of Houston – Animal Control 713-229-7300 City of Houston – Public Works City of Houston – Public Utilities City of Houston – Solid Waste City of Houston – Curbs & Ditch City of Houston – Code Violations/ Neighborhood Protection City of Houston – Fire Marshall Enforcement 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 www.houstontx.gov City of Houston Environmental Investigations 713-525-2728

Susan’s Secret Resale Shop – helping hands in midtown

he secret is out! Susan’s secret, that is. To understand the meaning behind her ‘secret’ and the black and white racing flags in front of a storefront on San Jacinto, one must learn about the courage of Susan Roberson Wade. Susan traveled from Tulsa to Houston for treatment of breast cancer. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1992 at the age of 37, after a brave fight against the disease. Her brother, Bruce Roberson, held a fun car rally each year, which Susan faithfully attended. Now, Susan would become the inspiration for a legacy that would help people suffering from cancer. One year later in 1993, that legacy was born. Aptly named Susan’s Rally, Bruce created the 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the main focus being an enjoyable, annual event that’s a hybrid between a race and an upscale scavenger hunt around Houston. Now in its 20th year, 90% of the proceeds are donated to grass roots charitable organizations, which directly benefit cancer education and patient care. This year’s event is on April 28. ‘I wanted to touch people and make a difference in their lives,” shares Roberson in his charming southern drawl. Susan’s Secret Resale Shop was borne as a result of the nonprofit entity. As a professional interior designer, Bruce knows furniture. To make a difference, he began volunteering his time, teaming up with South Main Baptist Church’s apartment ministry to cancer patients. Colleagues in the design industry did not disappoint.

Emergency calls: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency Houston Service Help Line: (Traffic signals & signs, potholes, broken curbs, water leaks, etc.) Be sure to request a reference number. 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311

By Elizabeth C. Searcy

Generously donated by home décor galleries and retailers, such as High Fashion Home in Midtown, beautiful high-end living room, dining and bedroom furniture, along with lighting and artwork, replicate a feeling of home for patients and their families as they reside close to the hospital. Bruce opened Susan’s Secret Resale Shop to accommodate the sheer quantity and overflow that exceeded the needs of the apartment ministry. All contents of the shop are new, with a minor scratch here, or a dent there, hence the name ‘Resale.’ The shop showcases only furniture and accessories— no clothes. It’s no secret that the savings are tremendous, the ambiance delightful, and the proceeds go to a cause close to the heart of the owner. By shopping at Susan’s Secret, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, and you’ll be joining Bruce and his staff in making a real difference to someone with cancer. With a joyful enthusiasm for life and a heart as big as Texas, Bruce wholeheartedly invites you to shop Susan’s Secret—a true gem in the heart of Midtown. “Please come and visit us! We’re giving local people assistance the best way we know how.” Susan’s Secret Resale Shop 4001 San Jacinto at Isabella, Houston 77004 832-360-0051 • www.susansrally.org Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or call for appointment

CenterPoint (gas) 713-659-2111 Reliant Energy (electric) 713-207-7777 Non-working street light. Provide the 6-digit pole number (6-7 ft high on the pole)

AT&T (telephone) 1-800-464-7928 (new service) 1-800-246-8464 (repair) Comcast 713-462-9000 METRO Light Rail/Bus Schedules & Routing 713-635-4000 Police Dispatch (concerns along the rail/bus stops & HOV) 713-224-COPS (2677) Houston Police Department (HPD) (Non-Emergency) 713-884-3131 HPD Central Station 713-247-4400 HPD South Central Station 832-394-0200 Harris County Sheriff’s Dispatch 713-221-6000 Harris County Precinct 7 Dispatch 713-643-6602 Crime Stoppers 713-222-8477 Texas Poison Center Network 1-800-222-1222 Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office 713-527-4002 mayor@cityofhouston.net Ellen Cohen, City Council District C 832-393-3004 districtc@houstonTX.gov Wanda Adams, City Council District D 832-393-3001 districtd@houstonTX.gov

eatsdrinks Kublai Khan’s

Crazy Mongolian Stir Fry

By Mary Chavoustie

on’t be mistaken – Midtown’s Kublai Khan Crazy Mongolian Stir Fry is not your ordinary stir-fry buffet. First, there’s awardwinning Joseph Lee. Along with a Masters Degree, Lee brings 25 years as a mixologist to the table and an occasional fresh harvest from his greenhouse and garden. Lee creates his own simple syrup

else can you find sushi plates that start at just $2.00? “An interactive experience” is how manager Will Brannon best describes Midtown’s newest restaurant, adding the floor plan accommodates singles, couples and families Kublai Khan remains true for vegans, too, establishing a separate grilling area for those wanting no animal products in their silver serving bowls. Gluten-free? They’ve got you covered. Dieting? Of course. Kublai Khan is perfect because you choose the portion and the product. And there’s no MSG. But “fresh” is the key word for this

6 for the popular Hibiscus Martinis and others that are uniquely Kublai Khan’s. Hand picked wine selections (enjoyed by the bottle or by the glass) and choices from one of the largest Asian beer selection of any restaurant in the area, fare well during Happy Hour. Plus the open-air patio is comfortably equipped with water fans and portable outdoor heaters for Houston’s ever changing weather. Secondly, the waitstaff are trained like chefs so they not only guide you through the decision-making but also take away the mystique of over 100 sauces, vegetables, fruits, meats, starches and seasonings. (That equates to over 10,000 possible combinations!) Lunch bowls are $8.99; Dinner bowls $10.99. The staff will even let you sample if your daring instincts grow weak. For the non-adventurous types, there are helpful cards with suggested menu combinations. And of course, you can order from a menu from your booth or table. A multisensory addition is the moving sushi bar that makes its way around the restaurant, delivering fresh sushi to your seating location. Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Rolls are put on and removed from the line every 12 minutes. Custom combinations are welcome, too.Where

Midtown restaurant — fresh meats, fresh veggies and fresh homemade sauces and spices. Pile your silver bowl high then linger by the grill, watching your meal being tossed and tumbled on the 650” slab of steel. Savor your oneof-a-kind entrée, planning how crazy you’ll go on your next visit. It’s ok. — sometimes crazy is a good thing. Special thanks to freelance writer Ashley McNett for her contributions to the story.

Kublai Khan 3017 Milam 713-523-1530 www.KublaiKhanStirFry.com Hours: Mon – Thu 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri – Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Bar open till 2 a.m. Sun 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Bar Happy Hour: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Moving Sushi Bar Happy Hour: All you can eat! $12.99 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., 8:30 p.m. - close.

Proof Bar + Patio

The Proof… is in the Cocktail

By Katherine Mestousis

roof, which refers to the alcohol content of a distilled beverage, is also the name of Midtown’s perfect hybrid bar, balancing the look and feel of a stylish New York lounge and a down home vibe of a Houston pub. The Midtown location was chosen to compliment the walkable community it now calls home as well as its proximity to downtown and Montrose. It’s the perfect destination for young professionals and night owls. Proof Bar + Patio offers Houston’s trendy bar goers the ultimate nightlife experience with its 4,000 square foot rooftop patio with incredible views of the downtown skyline. Add to that the hottest DJs in town, two full service bars that boast an extensive selection of top shelf spirits, as well as a pool table and game room. Whether you’re in the mood to chill in a cozy corner with close friends or ready to mix it up with the beautiful people, Proof is

where you need to be. And if you’re looking for the ideal spot to have that company event or private party, Proof has you covered. Make your way over to Proof Wednesday through Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. for Happy Hour and enjoy $5 wine, $4 wells, $3 domestic beer and $2 off specialty cocktails including the popular Proof Punch, highlighting the smooth taste of Hendricks Gin, the sweetness of Saint Germain Elder Flower liqueur and fresh raspberries. Or try the Pepino Diablo, a mixture of Tanteo jalapeno-infused tequila and fresh cucumber. Nibbles from the Happy Hour menu are prepared by downstairs neighbor, Reef – Tarte Flambee Pizza with caramelized onions and bacon, Arugula Pizza with goat cheese, kalamata olives

and teardrop tomatoes and Beef Sliders — they’ll all keep you from going hungry. Proof’s Sunday Funday began on St. Patty’s Day 2013, and continues each Sunday thereafter, from 5 - 11 p.m. Grab a friend and listen to the

hypnotizing sounds of House music, have great drinks and treats from Reef. Think of epic Sundays at LaStrada. Well, they’re back…this time in Midtown at Proof Bar + Patio.

Proof Bar + Patio

2600 Travis @ McGowen 832-767-0513 www.ProofBarHouston.com Hours: Wed - Fri 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sat 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sun 5 - 11 p.m. Valet and self-parking available.

calendar art

Jesse Sifuentes, Cultural Exchange. The Collective

ONGOING

Paolo Porelli, Excess. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Photo courtesy of the artist

hru April 14. Broke-ology. The science of being broke and the title of The Ensemble’s warm and wrenching play about a loving African American family facing its troubles with humor, resilience and grace. Love, sacrifice and a sibling rivalry interplay throughout. Eileen J. Morris, who also serves as Marketing Chair on the Midtown Management District Board of Directors, directs the production, rated PG. The Ensemble Theatre.

hru April 20. Mike Beradino's exhibition Crystal Palace utilizes a hovering robot and laser projector to map the John M. O'Quinn Gallery. In the Cecily E. Horton Gallery, REady MADE features the work of six artists who integrate discarded items with clay and ceramic processes. The exhibition, featuring work by Brian Benfer, Sharbani Das Gupta, Jessica Dupuis, John Emerson, Jeff Forster and Kamila Szczesna, takes place in conjunction with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) 47th Annual Conference. In the Grace R. Cavnar Gallery, Richard Nix's exhibition The Breathless Bagatelle includes process drawings made through set rules referencing geometric principles. In the Project Space, Katie Wynne creates an installation of exuberant colors and textures for the exhibition A chain of non-events. In the Mary E. Bawden Sculpture Garden, Rahul Mitra's Box City, constructed of hundreds of painted cardboard boxes he recycles from trash, echoes slums of his native India and Favela shantytowns. Lawndale Art Center.

hru April 27. Jonathan Leach: Time Does Not Exist Here. A solo exhibition of new work by Jonathan Leach features new paintings, works on paper, and sculpture that reflect the complex visual structures, systems, and signals that direct us through life. Gallery Sonja Roesch. Thru May 5. 2013 NCECA Biennial. Organized by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA), the Biennial is one of the most important surveys of contemporary ceramic art in the country, featuring diverse approaches to materials and process. Rather than a broad survey, the exhibition represents the unique viewpoints of three leading-edge experts in the field of contemporary ceramic art and craft practice: Cristina Cordova, Richard Notkin and Namita Gupta Wiggers, who juried the show. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

hru April 28. Cultural Exchange. An invitational group exhibition presented by The Community Artists’ Collective (The Collective) in conjunction with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts’ (NCECA) national conference. Participating artists include James Watkins (Texas Tech University), Jesse Sifuentes (Texas Southern University), Marsha Dorsey-Outlaw, Hanna Bibliowicz and Elizabeth Montgomery-Shelton as well as Chuck Wissinger and Fulden SaraWissinger – Texas A&M University at Kingsville Art Department faculty members. Midtown Art Center.

hru May 5. Constructing Solitude. Drawing from women's fashions from bygone eras-including Amish bonnets from her childhood

adventures in Pennsylvania and her grandmother's circa-1930s hat collection--artist Janice Jakielski has created a stunning collection of handmade headdresses. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

hru May 5. Roughneck: A Juried ClayHouston Exhibition. Talent ceramicists from Houston and Southeast Texas showcase their work and a range of ceramic processes. Juried by Susie J. Silbert. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

hru May 24. Leap. A group exhibition of works by Waddy Armstrong, Catherine Colangelo, Jill Lear and Emily Sloan. The exhibition was organized by Kinzelman Art Consulting. On exhibit at Bank of America Center Lobby, 700 Louisiana. Daily viewing Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

april

05 05 05

____ -May 11. Robert Ruello NEW WORK. Main Gallery. Inman Gallery.

-May 11. Jim Richard RECENT PAINTINGS. South Gallery. Inman Gallery.

-May 26. Reminiscential. With the investigation of memory, remembrance and the materialization of these ideas as a common thread, artists Clare Finin, Rebecca Drolen, Robert Thomas Mullen and Deme WolfePower have created distinctive works that pay homage to the rich history of memento mori objects and Victorian sentimental and mourning jewelry. Through the use of materials often regarded as repulsive or grotesque, many works in the show ask viewers to reevaluate and challenge their conventional notions of beauty. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

-May 25. Tell Me What You Want to Hear. DiverseWorks has commissioned acclaimed New York-based artist Liz Magic Laser to create a new performance and exhibition, which will open in April. The project enlists the participation of local political figures, news media personalities and a live audience to reimagine the newsmaking process and the public's relationship to it. Opening Reception Friday, April 5, 7-9 p.m. Regular gallery hours: Wed noon – 8 p.m. / Thu, Fri, Sat noon – 6 p.m..

-12. The Vessel. The performance explores the senses of sight and hearing through original works created by resident choreographer Kiki Lucas and special guest choreographer Peter Chu. Lucas will collaborate with composer and multimedia artist Ben Doyle on a piece that examines the sense of hearing, while Chu will delve into the sense of sight. 8 p.m. at the Cullen Theatre, Wortham Center. www.houstonmetdance.org.

Kick Off Events – Art in the Park. Begin the celebration with a Rush Hour Concert, Bingo BLITZ Game Night & Urban Cowboy. Begins at 5 p.m. 2700 Main at McGowen.

Nora Chipaumire, Miriam. DiverseWorks. Photo: Antoine Tempe

7th Annual Art in the Park. Discover the State of Texas’s newest cultural arts and Entertainment District. Beginning at 8 a.m. with Breakfast in the Park, a new Midtown Art in the Park tradition. Enjoy crepes, brakfast tacos and more while you sit back and relax as final touches are made for Art in the Park. Add to the day a dog park, water features, Art Cars, food trucks and of course, amazing art. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 2700 Main at McGowen.

14th Annual Midtown Visions Cultural Arts Tour. Celebrate a day of discovery as Midtown artists open their doors for your “up close and personal” look into their world of compelling installations, mixed media and oneof-a-kind performances. A detailed Tour Map takes you through galleries, complexes and collectives throughout Midtown. METRORail access at three stops in Midtown add to the convenience. Noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.midtownvisions.com.

- 22. Houston Modern Market. Don’t miss out on a week’s worth of great events, lectures and shopping in celebration of all things modern. Proceeds benefit Houston Mod, Houston Mod is a non-profit, 501(C)(3), membership organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Houston and Texas. Lawndale Art Center.

420 One Love Show. This 420 musical and arts festival will include over 20 local artists and vendors. Music and artwork will revolve around the yearly celebrated 4/20 including reggae, glassblowers, vendors and nature. It all begins at 4:20 p.m. on 4/20/13. War’Hous Visual Studios, 4517 Main.

Monthly Reading Series features Ada Limón, Michael Robins and Adam Day. 2:30 p.m. Mongoose versus Cobra, 1011 McGowen, 77002. www.mongooseversus cobra.com.

-28. Design Fair 2013. Features vintage modern objects of the 20th century as well as examples of cutting-edge contemporary design including furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, books, metalwork and fashion with an opportunity to meet designers and exhibitors, as well. Lawndale Art Center.

Tiger Ball 2013. The signature social event of Asia Society Texas Center, Tiger Ball brings together a diverse group of patrons, business and cultural leaders, and international diplomats. Purchase tickets online at AsiaSociety.org/Texas. Asia Society Texas Center.

-27. Nora Chipaumire: Miriam. Miriam is the first character-driven work by renowned Zimbabwean dance-theatre artist Nora Chipaumire. Deeply personal, the work looks closely at the tensions women face between public expectations and private desires; selflessness and ambition, and the strive for perfection and ultimate sacrifice of the feminine ideal. The inspiration for Miriam springs from the cultural and

political milieu of Chipaumire’s southern African girlhood, her self-exile to the United States and her self-discovery as an artist. Diverse Works.

may

______

-11. War’Hous Strikes Back: 2nd Annual Star Wars Exhibit. The time has come around and another Star Wars exhibition is in full effect on May 4, 2013 on planet earth, sector 29-95. War’Hous Strikes Back! is the 2nd annual Star Wars Exhibition curated by Dandee Warhol, who will showcase over 50 artists and fighters from all over the world and the surrounding planetariums circulating the Milk Way. War’Hous is striking back with a force of vengeance and exhibiting some of the most interesting and unique artistic pieces ever created by the creatures of this world. Opening reception May 4, 7 – 11 p.m. Will run thru May 11, 1 – 7 p.m. War’Hous Visual Studios, 4517 Main.

-June 2. RACE. David Mamet wrote about his play in a recent essay comparing RACE with sex, and denoting that truth can never be revealed about the two things. Directed by Eileen J. Morris; recommended for mature audiences. Previews May 4, 5, 8, 2013. The Ensemble Theatre.

Monthly Reading Series features Rebecca Gayle Howell and Jacob Shores-Argüello. 8 p.m. Mongoose versus Cobra, 1011 McGowen, 77002. www.mongooseversuscobra.com.

17 18

-June 22. Darren Waterston STABAT MATER. Inman Gallery.

Empty Bowls Houston. Last year, artists from colleges, K-12 schools, and group and individual studios donated almost 2,000 bowls in clay, wood, fiber, glass, metal, and other media. For a minimum $25 donation, attendees have the pleasure of selecting a bowl from hundreds of one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted bowls donated by Houston area ceramists and craft artists, then receive a simple lunch of soup donated by Whole Foods Market and freshly prepared by Houston Food Bank Community Kitchen. Pottery and woodturning demonstrations and live music will be featured. Monies from the sale of these one-of-a-kind bowls provide three nutritious meals for 68,000 people in Houston, Harris County, and surrounding counties whose food bowls would otherwise be empty. 11 a.m – 3 p.m. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

june

-July 28. From My Hometown. Three wide-eyed strangers, with empty pockets and big dreams, arrive in The Big Apple from Detroit, Memphis and Philly with one goal in mind – to sing at the world famous Apollo Theater. This rags to riches musical celebration of the American Dream, features Motown and R&B classics including Chain Gang, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay and Lonely Teardrop. Previews June 22, 23, 26. The Ensemble Theatre.

stories&+

surprises... on Eagle Street

By Katherine Mestousis

idtown is a community known for its upscale restaurants and nonstop nightlife, but if you slow down your pace, you’ll find a rich history and a friendly business community tucked among often unchartered streets. Modern Barber College and John Lee Clothier are two businesses waiting to be discovered.

Modern Barber College, 1015 Eagle Street, has been located in Midtown for 30 years and offers scissor-savvy students a comprehensive program in the art of professional barbering. Regular haircuts are $4, while additional services, including color, ladies haircuts and more are comfortably prices $3 - $15. Marco T. Greer, a patron of Modern Barber College for the past 25 years offers his endorsement, “I come back because of the professional, experienced barbers; because service is fast and from the moment you walk in the door, you’re treated like family.” (The family vibe is a feeling to which Modern Barber College this writer can personally attest!) The Barber Program is an exciting full or part-time 1500-hour course that prepares students to attain a Class-A barber license. A unique feature to this program is that you can begin classes immediately and the staff makes every attempt to accommodate your work schedule. Modern Barber College Tuesday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. 713-520-0855. Walk-ins welcome.

John Lee Clothier, 1007 Eagle Street, offers men’s fine fashion amid the colorful, contemporary artwork of business Business owner and artist John Lee owner and artist, John Lee. Lee has been setting trends his whole life. He’ll gladly share with you stories of his days as a track and field college superstar, an Olympic trainee, one of the first African American Texas State Troopers and his joy as a lifelong entrepreneur. Early on, Lee was drawn to fashion and believed in the idea of dressing well to portray an image of confidence. Lee says, “I believe that how you dress commands respect.” He began his fashion career selling ties from the trunk of his car. He enjoys making people look good and has a strong desire to “give back” as evidenced by his work with at-risk youth not only teaching the power of dressing well, but also as a mentor teaching life skills. John Lee Clothier is the place to find high-end suits – names like Oxxford, Zegna, Canali and Hickey Freeman – all at reasonable prices. One-on-one personal attention and professional service are as pleasing as the artwork, another accomplishment he’s fine tuned over the years as a self-taught artist. John Lee Clothier Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p. m. 713-446-0032

Midtown Management District 410 Pierce Street, Ste. 355 Houston, TX 77002

a listing on the national register The San Jacinto Memorial Building

he San Jacinto Memorial Building, the nearly 100-year-old neoclassical and Art Deco masterwork on the campus of HCC-Central Campus, has recently joined the list of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed as South End Junior High School in 1914, the massive concrete structure – featuring monumental Doric columns and Art Deco-style towers – was considered a state-of-the-art facility with innovative teaching strategies. To alleviate overcrowding, HISD converted the junior high school into a high school in 1926. Master architects Hedrick & Gottlieb and Joseph Finger designed two wings in the same design style as the original building in 1938 and 1936, respectively which strengthened the building’s architectural impact. In 1970, the final class graduated from San Jacinto Senior High School. HISD’s High School for the Per forming and Visual Arts took over in 1970; Houston Community College began holding classes in 1971. The list of famous individuals who graduated from San Jacinto High School is also noteworthy – legendary newsman Walter Cronkite, billionaire businessman Howard Hughes, race-car driver Joseph “A.J.” Foyt Jr., renowned Houston heart surgeon Dr. Denton Cooley and former Houston mayor Kathy Whitmore. The building’s strong architectural design and its educational significance to Houston were the chief considerations for its listing on the National Register, says Carlyn Hammons, historian with the Texas Historical Commission. The San Jacinto building joins 250 other Houston-area properties and more than 3,000 in Texas also on the National Register. The building is currently undergoing a $60 million dollar restoration and renovation. It is expected to reopen in late fall 2013.

MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Todd Triggs

Chairman of the Board

Matt Thibodeaux

Executive Director for Midtown Management District & Midtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #2) mattt@houstonmidtown.com

Cynthia Alvarado

Managing Director cynthiaa@houstonmidtown.com MIDTOWN redevelopment authority and tax increment reinvestment zone #2 ( TIRZ #2)

Robert Sellingsloh Chairman of the Board

Kandi Schramm

Administrative Manager kandis@houstonmidtown.com

Marlon T. Marshall

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Design & Production: Quantum/SUR 12818 Willow Centre Drive, Suite B Houston, Texas 77066 281-955-2449 www.quantumsur.com Editor Mary Chavoustie, mary@quantumsur.com Publisher/Art Director Leonel E. Mejía, leo@quantumsur.com Contributing Writers Marlon T. Marshall Katherine Mestousis Elizabeth C. Searcy Accounting Manager Marta M. Mejía, marta@quantumsur.com The Midtown Management District (MMD) and Quantum/Sur do not knowingly accept false or misleading information or editorial, nor do they assume responsibility should such material appear in the paper. Views expressed in the midtown paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher, or the MMD. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, however, this cannot be guaranteed. Publishing of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service offered. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher or the MMD for loss or damage.