midtown paper_2Q14 by QuantumSUR

midtown PAPER

in & about list of happenings in midtown

Preservons la Creation

A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com 2nd qtr 2014

mark your calendar midtown meetings and events

who do i call

take the stairs... mid main upstairs shops yield vintage finds

interfaith ministries for greater houston helping hands in midtown...

Record-setting mural exemplifies diverse Midtown art scene

midtown+bright future=continued success TIRZ board member retires Michelle Clayton Collier is stepping down

midtown dining • café hélène • howl at the moon

arts calendar a list of midtown art events

Manjari Sharma, MAA Laxmi, Asia Society Texas Center.

what’s inside

under the big top

lookinside

midtownmap

Definitions with midtown meanings...

heat-resistant

can be used to describe the variety of pot plants available at the “Flower Row” shops – 3900-4900 Fannin. (TGF Flower’s bougainvilleas ($24) thrive on a sunny patio.)

espalier

process of controlling plant growth. (No espaliers needed at Mongoose vs Cobra. The unassisted vines covering the exterior walls are awesome —so are the cocktails!)

trees

a perennial plant with an elongated trunk, supporting leaves and branches. (You’ll find 30 newly-planted trees in Midtown, thanks to the hard working MMD Services & Maintenance Committee.)

ebastien “Mr. D.” Boileau can attest a 5:30 a.m. wake-up table. One hundred years from now, I believe people will consider call is not easy for the creative type, but when you’ve got these artists masters of their time.” a captive audience and a message to get across, you’ve got Born in Versailles, France, Mr. D was influenced by the American to rise and shine. Boileau’s impressive five story, 10,000 square foot Preservons la Creation, the largest mural in Houston, has certainly captured people’s attention and is destined to create conversation about the impact and creditability of urban art as a true art form. For the French-American artist, what better “studio” could there have been than Midtown. It is estimated over 10,500* cars pass by 2800 San Jacinto each day; METRORail stops just one block west of the mural with a weekday ridership of over 6,500** and an average of 3,100** riders on the weekends. Considering Midtown’s Photo by Peter Molick Photography graffiti movement in the ‘70s and ‘80s and began his artistic endeavors recent designation as a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District, a in Paris in 1987 at the age of 14, creating his first large scale mural sought after commendation awarded by the State of Texas, the setting measuring 3,000 square feet two years later. His successful mural couldn’t be more ideal. company, Eyeful Art Murals and Designs, was launched in 2000 shortly “By placing this Italian Renaissance imagery within this contemporary after his move to the U.S. and now serves both public and private seccontext, we are using public art to not only beautify but to educate,” tors that seek the creative talents of his talented team. explains Mr. D. For urban muralists, it’s a message they’ve been trying Mr. D’s Eyeful Art, the company that creates to send for years, calling to attention the worand brings to fruition the artwork and graphics thiness of urban art as well as the admiration VIP Preview party for Preservons la Creation on June 5 included graciously represents one third of this collaborative for and preservation of these symbols within our donated light bites, drinks and enterthe record-setting project. When block-long culture for generations to come. Preservons la tainment along with a well-received auction murals are not keeping them busy, HoustonCreation is a giant step closer to erasing the of beautiful painted doors. Midtown's Charles based UP Art Studio, headed by Noah and Elia stigma associated with street art. Washington and Mr. D were two of several Quiles, provides studio space for urban artists “As an artist, this endeavor is my Sistine artists whose cumulative works brought a total in which to work and showcase their talents. Chapel. It’s challenging and time consuming but of $17,000. Approximately 40% of the funds Noah is an accomplished artist in his own it makes me reflect on the dedication of the raised will go toward children's mural projects right. The non-profit Texan French Alliance masters like Michelangelo,” says Mr. D. “And in France and Houston at Texas Children's for the Arts completes the team. I realize if you’re going to challenge yourself, Hospital; participating artists will be compen"The Texan French Alliance for the Arts you’re going to have to step up to the next sated by what remains after deducting some decided to collaborate in this project because level.” He hopes his mural project brings a of the project costs. Later this year, the Texan it highlights the importance of having and new awareness of public art and how it actuFrench Alliance will debut Once Upon A Door, a project that invites children and their parents to preserving creativity in our daily lives, conally “changes people’s lives, changes neighborbegin a dialogue of new discovery and imaginatributes to the beauty of the neighborhood hoods, all for the better.“ tion. Music, visual imagery, theatre, video, lights, and creates connections between the people An up close view of Preservons la Creation games and, of course, doors will create a sensoof the city. Linking the Open the Door project (translated “Let’s Preserve the Creation”) ry 360-degree environment for appreciating art with the mural was a natural progression of reveals the fluid short strokes of spray paint, and the bridges it builds between us. Follow the the mural, as the two projects share comcriss-crossed and layered across the wall, a project as it develops on Midtown's Facebook mon goals besides creating collaboration and component of the process known controverpage and in the Midtown eNews. relationships between the Texan and French sially as tagging. Once upon a Door is an invitation to explore cultures,” explains executive director of the “Spray cans are modern day paintbrushes,” like a kid again and to open the door to the Texan-French Alliance for the Arts, Karine says the artist. “Tagging is the action of writing creative resources we have at our disposal in Parker-Lemoyne. “With Preservons la Creation, your name to say you were there; it’s been order to transform the world as we see it. I see an invitation to look at the world as a around since the cave men. It’s what you do canvas,” she says. “The world, like this mural, is a canvas, and with it that makes the difference.” it depends on us to make something beautiful out of it, to stop and Canpressionism® is the term the artist has coined to describe his technique. “Street art, urban art is what our generation brings to the Continue on page 8

Photo by Noah Quiles

Photo by PIPE MultiMedia

Photo by Matthew Landry

in&about

rehearsal halls, black box spaces, galleries, office spaces, and a theater that can accommodate audiences of up to 350 people. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 7, and the project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015.

Founder, Chef Rick Di Virgilio (l) with partner Ryan Snyder (r)

repare your palate for a menu of flavorful rustic dishes like wood grilled sardines, octopus, bacalhau croquettes, linguica sausage and Prego (Portuguese steak sandwiches) along with fresh baked traditional Portugese breads and pastries. Add to that the largest Port, Madeira and Sherry offerings in the city, including vintage selections dating back to the early 1900s. Where, you ask? Houston’s second OPORTO Fooding House & Wine or “O2” is coming to Midtown, 125 W. Gray. A Fall 2014 launch is planned.

magine an EV that’s dedicated to the use of renewable resources, innovative means of production AND luxury. Meet the new BMWi series. The BMWi3 is made of carbon fiber manufactured in a hydroelectric plant, assembled in a wind-powered plant. The leather is olive oil dyed, the interior fibers derived from wild-growing hemplike plants and the interior woods harvested from rapid growing eucalyptus. The BMWi3 is 100% recyclable, including the battery, has a top speed of 90+ mph plus the i3’s Range Extender approximately doubles your electric driving range. Ask George Hayden at Advantage BMW Midtown, 1305 Gray, to tell you more.

Current exhibit, Black & White.

hare Houston’s diverse art scene with visiting friends and relatives through Houston Art Tours created by Gallery Sonja Roesch. Tour I takes you to the Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel and Dan Flavin; Tour II includes the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Lawndale Arts Center and Blaffer Gallery at University of Houston.. Beginning at 2 p.m., each tour lasts approximately two hours and ends with a reception at Gallery Sonja Roesch. $100/person. For more details, please call 713-659-5424.

ook & Collins can give you one more reason why it’s so great to live in Midtown. Midtown residents receive a Complimentary Flatbread by texting MIDTOWN to Cook & Collins at 832564-3444. Valid for all Midtown residents Monday thru Thursday, 5 – 9 p.m. Dine in only, 2416 Brazos. Offer valid through 7/31/14.

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awndale Art Center’s 2014-2015 season will include exhibitions with works by Texas Sculpture Group, Bryan Gardner, Regan Golden-McNerney, Margaret Smithers-Crump, Mari Omori, Lauren Moya Ford,Ashley Hinson, {exurb} and Jonathan Leach, as well as an exhibition curated by Joshua Fischer & Katia Zavistovski. Never been to Lawndale? Make this season your season. ee for yourself how New Orleans ambiance mixed with Midtown style, makes The Calais at Courtlandt Square one of the most chic, savvy midrise residence in the city. The Calais adds a classic homestyle feel to their layouts with one, two or three bedroom options, and beautiful interiors. Granite countertops and hardwood floors are standard in each home. And all appliances are included. Stop by 3210 Louisiana and see for yourself.

artnering with project lead Lake | Flato, an architecture firm in San Antonio, Midtown's own Studio RED Architects has developed a design for the new Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH). The most recent of Studio RED's expansive portfolio of cultural arts projects, MATCH is a 46,000-square-foot, multi-tenant exhibition space that includes

ith an oyster-shucking station at one end of the elegantly long bar in the front room to a wide offering of fresh seafood and shellfish dishes, Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar has just about everything but surf and rising tides. Midtowner’s know the location as the former Sushi Raku space, but now reconfigured seating and a Chef’s Kitchen Table accent the new space. An early July 2014 opening is planned. HolleysHouston.com.

ouston Community College Central is in the early stages of planning a public-private residential complex on a sixacre piece of land recently acquired by the college. The college is seeking approval of a $40,000 feasibility study to determine specifics about the project. The land is located at the corner of Almeda and Alabama.

elp a child connect with books by donating new or gently used nonfiction and fiction for the Salvation Army Family Residence, a beautiful facility and temporary home to women and children who need a ‘safe place’ while making a fresh start. Their Summer Reading Program encourages engagement with books instead of gaming. The classics, biographies, history, science, Newbery Medal winners, picture books and others are needed for students K-12, and preschool books for toddlers. Books / rewards are gifted after children turn in mini-book reports. Wholesome books only, please, and books for male teens especially needed. Email: Charmaine_smith@uss.salvationarmy.org.

rt lovers, supporters and friends of HeartGift flooded Midtown’s Mixed Emotions Fine Art for the unveiling of Second Chance, Houston photographer Fulton Davenport’s photography exhibition that featured images of seven children who have been given a second chance at life due to lifesaving heart surgeries. Locally, HeartGift partners with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and surgeons from the University of Texas School of Medicine in Houston to provide lifesaving heart surgery to four children each year.

ave money with mention of the midtown paper at Big Tex Storage. You'll find climate control units of all sizes as well as first floor door alarms and video surveillance. Free use of their moving truck, too, with your rental. Stop by 2405 Jackson or call 713-655-7867 (STOR) for your special rental rate.

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irst Friends, a ministry of First Evangelical Lutheran Church offers a quality, faith-based education at an affordable price. Children from birth to 5-years-old are served Tuesdays and Thursdays thru small classes, creative play and the arts. For details, call Amanda McClanahan at 713-203-1279. firstfriendshouston.com. he popular Houston History magazine is one of several components of the new Welcome Wilson Houston History Collaborative. The magazine recently chose Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, 3816 Caroline, to debut its current issue Military Might.

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read of Life, Inc., at 1703 Gray has many outreaches to the community such as Meals That Heal, drug and alcohol counseling, job development and placement, life skills training, recovery groups, the Daybreak program, and much more. Help make a difference—please volunteer. Call 713-650-0595. breadoflifeinc.org.

he Greater Houston Chapter of US Lacrosse celebrated the NCAA men’s championships and the sport’s growth in Houston at their 10th annual party at Buffalo Wild Wings Midtown. B-Dubs® is located at 510 Gray, between Brazos and Smith.

ouston Press writer Kaitlin Steinberg visited five Midtown Vietnamese restaurants for her recent story “The Ultimate Midtown Bánh Mì Taste Test.” You can duplicate Kaitlin’s stops—Cali Sandwich (3030 Travis), La Baquette (2808 Milam), Les Givral’s Sandwich & Café (2704 Milam), Simply Pho (2929 Milam) and Thien An (2611 San Jacinto) and do your own eval. No editorial required.

ith a lush tropical landscape, an expanded stateof-the-art gym (complete with new treadmills and ellipticals) and sleek new additions to the resortstyle lap pool, 2222 Smith Street is the place to call home. Where else can you find more than ample parking plus space for your visiting friend? Walkable access to some of the best restaurants, clubs and entertainment in the heart of Midtown plus easy, hop-on access to the METRORail just a few blocks away. End your day with a view of the downtown city lights. Check out authentic warehouse-style at 2222 SmithStreet.com

arrie Taylor’s recent article in the Houston Chronicle (April 16, 2014) reported, “Millennials want to live near cultural attractions, in cities where rent is affordable, where crime is low and where they can more easily find a job, according to ranking site Niche. Houston is No. 21 on the website's list of top 25 U.S. cities for young people, with Midtown as the favorite neighborhood.”

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here’s a new fitness center in Midtown, complete with three 55-inch, flat-screen TVs, well-appointed locker rooms and showers, and a full row of treadmills, stairclimbers and ellipticals all located on the HCC Central campus. Outside members pay the same as students, $20/$75 per month. Call 713718-2000 for more details. lack Finn’s rolled out a new menu and is it ever so delish! Give the new Jumbo Lump “Crowned” Crab Cakes a chance, served with tomato basil salsa and rémoulade sauce (lots of crab in the cake and even more ON TOP of the cake!) or The Buffalo Wedge (pictured) with iceberg lettuce, topped with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, Roma tomatoes, red onions, bleu cheese dressing and three buffalo-style chicken tenders. Their AmeriPub Lunch fits into your busy day with quick and easy options, 20 + items for $10.You’ll find BlackFinn at 1910 Bagby.

olycarbonate lens are lightweight and naturally block ultraviolet rays. Once used for industrial safety glasses, they are now widely prescribed and highly recommended for children and those needing sports eyewear. Stop by Museum District TSO, 4850 Main in Midtown, and let them can help you decide if the material is right for you.

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chool’s out! Why not treat the kids to ‘Fire Station 7½’? The Houston Fire Museum is a perfect place for a summertime birthday party in a super cool setting. Kids can try on bunker gear, slide down the fire pole, climb through the Fire Safety House and play in the cab of a fire truck. For details, call 713-5242526. houstonfiremuseum.org.

HANK YOU! to all the supporters from Midtown, Greater Houston, and beyond, who support us now and have throughout the years. You are making the new expansion of our facility possible,” says a grateful Danielle Sampey, executive director of The Lazarus House.The staff of the 501 (c) (3) provides health and wellness services to 48 clients, utilizing state-ofthe-art equipment. Clients, from teens to seniors, who suffer cancer, stroke, traumatic brain injury, CP, HIV and MS, are growing stronger, longer. thelazarushouse.org.

ike Jazz? Take a note…check out the jazz service every Sunday at Trinity Episcopal Church. The service highlights a five-member band on piano, saxophone, flute, guitar and bass. trinitymidtown.org.

calendar mark your

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. July 2 @ 11 a.m., August 6 @ 6 p.m.; June 4 @ 11 a.m. Midtown Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting Last Thursday of the month @ 12:30 p.m. June 26, July 31, August 28 Cultural Arts & Entertainment District Committee meetings will be announced, check houstonmidtown.com. Public Safety Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 11:30 a.m. June 17 @ 6 p.m. (Central Bank), July 15, August 19 Marketing Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 3:30 p.m. July 15 (TBA), August 19 (TBA) Urban Planning Committee Third Thursday of each month @ 4 p.m. July 17, August 21 Services and Maintenance Committee June 16, July 21, August 18 – all @ 3:30 p.m. Baldwin Square Homeowners Association (HOA) Second Wednesday of each month @ 4 p.m. June 11, July 9, August 13

meetings offsite

HPD – Positive Interaction Program (PIP) East side of Louisiana 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m. June 17, July 15, August 19 Held @ HPD South Central Division, 2202 St. Emanuel @ Hwy 288 Officer J. Sanchez. 713-238-2282 West side of Louisiana 1st Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m. July 1, August 5 Held @ HPD Central Division, 1602 State St. Officer Wayne Pate. 713-284-8604

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et your Earlybird Discount for The Ensemble Theatre’s 2014-2015 Season, Anchor of Inspiration but hurry—the offer expires June 30. Go to ensemblehouston.com to find your savings and a list of restaurant benefits available to subscribers with your Member Ticket Stub.The 2014-2015 season begins September 26, 2014 with Immediate Family.

outh Main Baptist Church is once again partnering with Buckner International for the annual Shoes for Orphan Souls project. New shoes and socks of any size for children grades PreK-12 are donated by the community and are distributed to needy children all over the world. Starting in mid-July to August, the church lobby becomes a shoe depot for thousands of shoes and boots. (Shoes MUST be new to be shipped.) smbc.org.

inuteman Press Midtown Downtown (2117 Chenevert St., Suite A) offers a complete range of print, copy, graphics, signs, direct mail and promotional items—everything from simple business cards to stellar multi-color high impact marketing materials. Their success is a direct result of their steadfast philosophy of putting their customers’ needs first. Midtowners can take advantage of a “15% off Printing” offer thru July 15. Minuteman Press Midtown Downtown is open M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with free parking just outside the door.

orld Refugee Day is a free family event being held June 21 from 3-7 p.m., sponsored in part by the City of Houston, various partners, and the Houston Refugee Consortium; a seven-member collaboration that serves Houston’s refugees, which now numbers 70,000. Two of the seven members include Midtown’s Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston and Houston Community College. Held at the Rainbow Foundation Turkish House, the public will enjoy cultural music, dance performances, a Kid’s

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ave you been inspired and empowered by your teachers and by your yoga practice? Acquire the building blocks to becoming a yoga teacher or just deepen the practice you already love with YogaOne’s four part Teacher Training June 20-29 + July 19-20 + Aug 16-17 + Aug 30-31 (all dates required) Learn more at yogaonehouston.com. ubmission dates for Lawndale Art Center’s The Big Show 2014 will be June 23, 11-7 p.m. and June 24 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Artists are invited to bring up to three works of art, not previously shown in Houston. The work is juried on-site for a chance to be included in the show and a chance for one of three cash prizes.

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atholic Charities at 2900 Louisiana is holding three workshops this summer for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. Receive legal counsel, assistance with applications, and more. Dates are June 24 & July 22 at 7 p.m. and August 26 at 1 p.m.All services are FREE. Call 713-874-6570 for an appointment.

atisfy your children’s curiosity with Asia Society’s second summer session, ExploreAsia: Culture Camp for Kids Island Hopping Around Asia—to be held July 7 thru July 11. Camp begins each morning at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Asia Society is located at 1370 Southmore. Registration ends June 27.

he Ensemble Theatre’s Young Performers Program is for young people ages (6–17) who desire to explore their creative and artistic talents, offering an introductory overview of the arts through theatre, dance and music motivating youth to use theatre as a means to explore and inspire. Summer Session II is planned for June 30 – July 26. For more information, email twhite@ensemblehouston.com.

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he YogaOne Team invites you to their FREE 40 Days to Personal Revolution, July 13 —August 21. Whether you’re looking for huge transformation or small positive shifts in your life, this inspiring program motivates students to live from a higher possibility of well-being on all levels. The 40 DAYS KICKOFF MEETING is July 13 at YogaOne, 3030 Travis.

ecoming a member of Asia Society Texas Center allows you to partake in special events, like brunch on July 19 with artist Manjari Sharma. Learn about her photography and how it ties to the current exhibition, Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine. Space is limited, so lock in your membership and reserve your seat today. (Brunch begins at 11 a.m., 1370 Southmore Blvd.)

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who do i call?

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

Manjari Sharma

Midtown meetings are held,

Zone, an artisan market and a resource fair for refugees and recent immigrants. An interactive mock refugee camp called “The Refugee Experience,” will give visitors a true glimpse into what refugees face when forced to leave their homes. worldrefugeedayhouston.org.

eens, check out AYC. The Archdiocesan Youth Conference invites you to a three-day themed conference for high school Catholics called No Cross, No Crown. Dates are July 25-27 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston. For details and registration, please call Janet Hafernik at Holy Rosary Church, 713-529-4854.

ave the Date.Wednesday,August 6, 2014. Midtown Management District’s Annual Meeting, 6 p.m. Location TBA. (Receiving the weekly Midtown eNews? If not, now’s the time to register so you’ll know the meeting location. It’s free and distributed every Thursday, excluding holidays, to your Inbox.) he Ensemble Theatre’s Annual Celebrity Black Tie Gala honors celebrity guests, rising artists and corporate sponsors for their commitment to advancing the arts. Mark your calendar for August 16 for an evening at the Hyatt Regency Houston —Downtown. he S.H.A.P.E. Community Center (3903 Almeda) holds a Harambee Market the first Saturday of each month with a little something for everyone —food, clothing, jewelry, bedding, oils and other household items. Sales help feed families and create scholarships.Visitors can also sign up for classes held at any of the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center locations.

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 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 Dwight Boykins, City Council District D 832-393-3001 districtd@houstonTX.gov

stories&+

take the stairs... O Mid Main upstairs shops yield vintage finds

ne flight of stairs—narrow, dimly lit but well worth the climb. Take the stairs and check out the stores above Tacos A Go Go and The Continental Club—cool store owners, too, who work well together, all with their own vintage style and reason for choosing Midtown as their new address. Check their Facebooks for more information.

DOOM Generation WHO: Native Houstonian/owner Justin Hutchins is no stranger to retro, pairing with sister Lisa Armintor at well-loved Retropolis in the Heights and also doing his own thing at Replay on 19th Street. WHAT:Vintage style, more 90s attire. Lots of leather (boot, bags, jackets), tapestry, beaded purses, shoes, one-akind jewelry as well as vintage revival bags personally redesigned by Justin. WHY: “If you want something unique, different, something with hip and style, come see us,” says Justin. “Everything we have is in demand.”

DOOM Generation

The Upstairs Lair WHO: Regular customers at The Upstairs Lair know Steve Candelari just as much from Beetle (The Continental Club, every Thursday 7-10 p.m.) as they do from Retropolis. Partner Cameron Crews does some picking as well (clothes, that is, not guitar) to keep the store’s inventory fresh. WHAT: Clothes your mom and dad The Upstairs Lair wore when they were dating —great then, even more in style now. Despite the calendar, the 70s are alive and well. Hats, too. WHY: “I like the ‘eclectic-ness’ of preserving parts of the past, to be able to own

a tangible piece of clothing that represents that era,” says Steve. “Street fashions lead the way!” The Golden Child Vintage WHO: Omar Lisandro and Trevon Nwankwo work well together. Omar finds the exclusive from yesteryear; Trevon keeps it current. WHAT: Specializes in 80s and 90s designer men’s retro and occasionally specialty one-offs. Women’s retro designer dresses, too. Nothing shabby here. You can make Omar’s Where Mi North beach leather jacket your own. (Yes, made famous by Arsenio Hall.) WHY: “I like the vibe, the energy, the intrigue of downtown and the quirkiness of Midtown,” says Omar.

The Place Upstairs WHO: Michael Hilderbrand & Laura The Golden Child Vintage Levine of Replay on 19th Street, cleaned house, literally —moving their personal collections to Mid Main. WHAT: Everything but the kitchen sink. Not really but there’s probably one buried in a 50s-style suitcase or jutting out of a drawer-less dresser. Laura and Mike say “you’re in our house... looking and walking through our personal stuff.” You’ll find a skeleton, a stuffed cat, Victorian jeweled necklaces, rosary beads, a horse in a baby crib and taxidermy —the other The Place Upstairs kind of stuffed animals, just to name a few of thousands. And don’t forget to check out the vintage baby incubator! WHY: “By selling, it gives us a chance to get more!” says Laura. “And besides, late night shopping is such an intriguing experience!”

interfaith ministries R for greater houston

helping hands in midtown... Sustenance for the body and the heart ows of vehicles stretch through the new Midtown parking lot at 3202 San Jacinto and extend onto the side roads. Early morning volunteers sit with their windows rolled down, waiting patiently for their cars to be loaded with bright blue coolers, filled with prepackaged lunches. By mid afternoon, over 4,000 homebound seniors over 60 will have received a nutritious meal and a much-anticipated smile. The service is one of several outreach programs offered by Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM), an organization of ten different faiths that come together for dialogue and service. IM’s new 14,000 square foot W. T. & Louise J. Moran Meals on Wheels building will enable as many as 10,000 meals per day to be packaged, more than doubling the organization’s capacity for outreach. IM is “not a religious organization,” explains Media Director Andrea Fineman. “We bring people of diverse faiths together and share in the same beliefs, one of which is taking care of our elders. We believe people learn from each other and want to give back.” Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston provides a home-delivered lunch to homebound seniors 60 or older, including those that may have difficulty in standing, or in preparing their own meals. For many, the delivery is as much sustenance for the heart as it is for the body. A friendly face and brief conversation is often the seniors’

weekday window to the outside world. Frequently, homebound seniors choose the hunger needs of their four-legged “family” member as a priority over their own.Through AniMeals on Wheels, IM volunteers are able to deliver donated pet food once a month, in hopes the homebound senior will choose to use their limited food and resources solely for themselves. Houston is one of the largest relocation cities for refugees. IM’s Refugee Services, in conjunction with the U. S. State Department, Episcopal Migration Ministries and Church World Service, helps resettle legal refugees fleeing their homeland —those in fear of political, social or religious persecution. Refugees are met at the Houston airport by an IM caseworker who helps them find housing, assists in job placement, and assists them and their children with registering for English classes and school. IM equips these individuals with the tools they need to make a new life and be part of the American dream, ensuring they are self-sufficient within six months of their arrival. IM currently needs volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels meals to homebound seniors in Midtown.The delivery takes only one hour and volunteers can choose the frequency of the time commitment. Deliveries take place weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.The meals are picked up from the W.T & Louise J. Moran Meals on Wheels building. For more information, go to imgh.org.

midtown MAP

Entertainment/Food 1. 3rd Floor 832-384-1960 2. 13 celsius 713-527-8466 3. Alley Kat Bar & Lounge 713-874-0722 4. Artisans Restaurant 713-529-9111 5. Bar Munich 713-5231008 6. Barbarella Houston 512-470-7407 7. BlackFinn 713-651-9550 8. Boba Café 713-521-0088 9. Brennan's of Houston 713-522-9711 10. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 813-650-0002 11. Café Helene 713-529-1100 12. Cali Sandwich 713-526-0112 13. Capitol Bar Midtown 713-487-6854 14. Celtic Gardens 713-900-2500 15. Charivari 713-521-7231 16. Chipotle Mexican Grill 713-231-1353 17. Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill 713-527-0261 18. Church's Chicken #4327 713-529-3951 29 19. Coaches Pub Midtown 713-751-1970 20. CoCo's Crepes 713-521-0700 21. Cook & Collins 832-701-1973 22. Crave Sushi 713-527-8744 23. Cyclone Anaya's 713-520-6969 24. Damian's Cucina Italiana 713-552-0439 25. District 7 Grill 713-751-0660 26. Dog House Tavern 713-520-1118 27. Dolce Delights 713-807-7575 28. Double Cross Lounge 713-526-3423 29. Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails 13-874-0096 30. Glitter Karaoke 713-526-4900 31. Gloria's Restaurant 832-360-1710 32. Gotham Pizza 713-659-2222 33. Gyu-Kaku 713-750-9520 34. Howl at the Moon 713-658-9700 35. Ibiza Food and Wine 713-524-0004 36. Jimmy John's 832-767-0707 37. Julia's bistro 713-807-0090 38. Khon's Wine Darts Coffee Art 713-523-7775 39. La Baquette French Bakery 713-520-5475 40. Leon's Lounge 713-659-5366 41. Les Givral's Sandwich 713-529-0462 42. Limelight 832-443-5781 43. Little Woodrow's Midtown 713-522-1041 44. Luigi's Pizzeria 281-793-3333 45. Magic Wok 713-521-7722 46. Mai's Restaurant 713-520-7684 47. McDonalds 713-650-0426 48. MidMain 832-259-6787 49. Midtown Drinkery 713-522-0118 50. Midtown Mobile Cuisine 713-896-8425 51. Mongoose vs Cobra 713 650 MVSC (6872) 52. Mr. Peeples 713-652-0711 53. Music World Complex 713-772-5175 54. Natachee's Supper 'n Punch 713-524-7203 55. NEO Market & Bakery 713-718-6325 56. Russo's New York Pizzeria 713-533-1140 57. Nit Noi Taste of Thai 713-652-5855 58. NOUVEAU Antique Art Bar 713-526-2220 59. OTC Midtown Pizza Grill & E3 E3 Patio Bar 713-518-2132 60. Pho Saigon P5 713-524-3734 61. Piola 713-524-8222 62. PL Teahouse 713-874-1466 63. Ponzo's 713-526-2426

F10 B10

27 56

10 91

9 F11

B1 H9

B12

B11

B3 B3

58 27

B8 B19

51 B2

61 4

39 74 90

47 D1

B11. Mid-Town Surgical Center 713-691-6000 B12. Randalls Food & Pharmacy 713-331-1042 B13. Rossonian Cleaners 713-524-3134 B14. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods 713-526-8787 B15. Stewart Cadillac 713-874-0900 B16. Tiff’s Treats 713-343-1400 B17. TSO Museum District 713-523-5109 B18. Urban Oasis Day Spa 713-521-9990 B19. Zebra Girl – Amy Lynch Kolflat (iBuy Realty) 713-724-4646 Financial Institutions D1. Central Bank 832-485-2360

PARKS / PUBLIC SPACES P1. Elizabeth Baldwin Park P2. Elizabeth Glover Park P3. Houston Fire Station No. 7 P4. Midtown Park P5. Peggy’s Point Plaza Park

F2 B15

62 41 60 38

35 I1

= Zipcar Station

80 73 43 F1 19 88 1 32 68 85 66 92 76 34 26 49 15 45 89 B14 14 63 B16 21 36

= B-Cycle Stations

H14

= METRORail stops

H12

37 F6

38 H4 E2

E7 H11

36 31 54 29 48 75 25 84 72 83 33 66 37 82 1 10 11

B17 H13

66. Pub Fiction 713-400-8400 67. Quizno's 713-739-0400 newest 68. Red Door 713-256-9383 annexation 69. Red Pier Asian Bistro & Bar by TIRZ #2 713-807-7726 70. Reef 713-526-8282 5 71. Saint Dane's 713-807-7040 72. Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge 713-529-9666 73. Shot Bar 713-526-3000 74. Simply Pho 713-677-0501 75. Sparrow Bar + Cookshop 713-524-6922 76. Spec's Wines Spirits and Fine Foods 713-526-8787 77. Starbucks 713-528-2204 78. Starbucks 713-654-2180 79. Starbucks-Randall's 713-331-1042 80. Subway Sandwiches Midtown 713-807-7976 81. Subway Sandwiches & Salads 713-528-9688 82. Tacos a GO GO 713-807-8226 83. the breakfast klub 713-528-8561 84. The Continental Club 713-529-9899 85. The Dogwood 281-501-9075 86. The Fish Sushi 713-526-5294

MIDTOWN historic markers

B5 G2

22 23

39 16 19

34 H7

928 G1

7 H6

F12

H10

64. Potbelly Sandwich Shop 713-469-4718 65. Proof Bar Houston 832-767-0513 18 24

scan QR code to access phone list or use the Layar App

Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2 2Q14 (TIRZ #2)

6 8

H1. DePelchin Faith Home H2. Houston Fire Museum H3. First Evangelical Lutheran Church H4. Holy Rosary Church H5. C. L. House Building H6. Houston Light Guard Armory H7. Temple Beth Israel H8. The Sheridan Apartments H9. Benjamin Apartments H10. Isabella Court H11. Trinity Episcopal Church H12. 13 celsius H13. Lawndale Art Center H14. Kirby Mansion

87. The Maple Leaf Pub 713-520-6465 88. The Red Door 713-256-9383 89. Tiff's Treats 713-343-1400 90. Van Loc 713-528-6441 91. Which Wich 713-654-9424 NEW / OPEN SOON 92. Gaslamp 713-561-2990 93. Holley’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar 94. Oporto CULTURAL ARTS 1. Art Palace 281-501-2964 2. Art Square Studios (26 studios) 713-652-5028 3. Art Square Studios on Fannin (15 studios) 713-652-5028 4. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 5. Asia Society Texas Center 713-496-9901 6. Bermac Arts Building 713-239-0446 7. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 713-942-8920 8. Carrithers Studio 832-270-1402 9. Community Artists' Collective 713-523-1616 10. David Shelton Gallery 832-538-0924 11. Devin Borden Gallery 713-529-2700 12. DiverseWorks 713-223-8346 13. Eyeful Art Designs and Murals 832-767-6644 14. Gallery Sonja Roesch 713-659-5424 15. Harambee Art Gallery 832-496-8898 16. Heinen Theatre 713-718-6570 17. House of Deréon Media Center 713-772-5175 18. Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts 713-529-4848 19. Houston Community College Art Gallery 713-718-6570 20. Houston Fire Museum 713-524-2526

B13

21. Houston Museum of African American Culture 713-526-1015 22. Inman Gallery 713-526-7800 23. Kinzelman Art Consulting 713-533-9923 24. Lawndale Art Center 713-528-5858 25. Main Street Art Projects 832-244-5469 26. Masters of Representational Art Meetup 832-671-3826 27. MET Dance Company & Center 713-522-6375 28. Midtown Art Center 713-521-8803 29. Mixed Emotions Fine Art and Framing 713-861-8666 30. Paul's Art Frame Gallery 713-527-8495 31. Sig's Lagoon 713-533-9525 32. Station Museum of Contemporary Art 713-529-6900 33. Tango Cielo Dance Studio 713-319-4330 34. Tea Room Gallery 713-521-8803 35. The Art Project @ Bread of Life 713-650-0595 36. The Ensemble Theatre 713-520-0055 37. The Julian Collection 713-855-4103 38. The MATCH (coming soon) 713-874-5875 39. Theatre One 713-718-6570 SERVICES / RETAIL B1. Advantage BMW 713-289-1216 B2. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 B3. BCP Veterinary Pharmacy 713-771-1144 B4. Big Tex Storage 713-655-7867 B5. Brian Martinez, DDS – Smiles of Midtown 713-523-6848 B6. Dunn, Neal & Gerger, LLP 713-403-7400 B7. Houston Acupucture & Wellness 832-477-7887 B8. iBuy Realty 1-888-870-4289 B9. Massage Heights Midtown Houston 832-706-4241 B10. Midtown Management District 713-526-7577

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

MIDTOWN LIVING OPTIONS F1. 2222 Smith Apartments 713-529-5400 F2. 2016 Main 713-659-1801 F3. Camden City Centre 713-651-0350 F4. Camden Midtown 713-652-9944 F5. Camden Travis Street 713-521-0620 F6. Chenevert Commons 832-356-6645 F7. Midtown Arbor Place 713-874-1313 F8. Midtown Grove 713-590-0615 F9. Post Midtown Square 713-739-7678 F10. RISE Lofts 713-523-5700 F11. The Calais at Courtlandt Square 713-520-8300 F12. Ventana at Midtown 713-550-9600 EDUCATION / Technology G1. Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) 713-942-1430 G2. Houston Community College – Central 713-718-6000 G3. The International Day School 713-533-0480 G4. UH Small Business Development Center 713-752-8444 lodging / bed & breakfast I1. La Maison in Midtown 713-529-3600

summer meeting of the

public safety committee

join the Public Safety Committee and the Service & Maintenance Committee

n Tuesday, June 17, 2014 beginning at 6 p.m., the stakeholders of Midtown are invited to join the Public Safety Committee of the Midtown Management District as we work to complete the draft document of the proposed 10-Year Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan for the community. Monthly crime statistics will be presented, as well as the opportunity to meet your patrolling law enforcement officers. This document known as the 10-Year Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan can be found on the Midtown website under the Management District tab, Service Plan. The plan highlights all programs/projects benefit the community and shows the budgets of the associated projects. In short it shows you how your assessment dollars are being spent and on what. Some of the project suggestions contained on the draft of the 10-Year Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan have come out of numerous FOCUS Groups

By Cynthia Alvarado, operations manager

and committee meetings hosted by the District over the past 11-months. Since the creation of Midtown volunteers of the Public Safety Committee have been developing with stakeholder input projects and programs that continue to benefit the community. Committees meet monthly to share with the general public statistics and updates on community projects. This meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. will be held in the Central Bank Community Room, 2217 Milam (at Webster) Houston, TX 77002. Free parking is available; please enter on Webster Street. The meeting is open to the public and all are welcomed to attend. Midtown property and business owners, and residents are especially encouraged to attend the meeting to discuss relevant topics and share ideas for proactive solutions to related community concerns. For more information about this meeting or the Midtown Management District, please contact us at the above number or visit houstonmidtown.com.

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

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Distributed every Thursday, excluding holidays, it provides you with valuable District information

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Midtown meetings

are held, unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby, 3rd floor Conference Room. Metered street parking and the BlackFinn garage. Call ahead 713-526-7577 to confirm time and dates.

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stories&+

midtown+bright future =continued success D There is a lot at stake for the future of midtown

id you know the day-to-day projects and programs of Midtown were written down on a published document? The plan was created with stakeholder input and was approved by the Midtown community in August of 2005. This document known as the 10-Year Service and Improvement Plan and Assessment Plan can be found on the Midtown website under the Management District tab, Service Plan. The plan highlights all programs/ projects that benefit the community as well as shows the budgets of the associated projects. In short, it shows you how your assessment dollars are being spent and on what. Some of the projects such as additional law enforcement patrolling, graffiti abatement, tree planting, park maintenance, art festivals, the midtown paper and every other project or program in Midtown started as an idea from a stakeholder. Someone just like you had a thought about how to make the community a better place to live and shared that idea.The current plan is set to expire in the next 12-months. For the past 11-months all of the committees of the Midtown Management District have been soliciting input, suggestions and ideas from residents, property owners, business owners and stakeholders on just how to make the next 10 years for this community even better than the last 10 years. With open forum meetings, FOCUS Groups, committee meetings, online surveys and workshops we have heard some fantastic ideas

By Cynthia Alvarado, operations manager

about potentially new projects/programs. We’ve received some real insight on what our future could be and how you'd like to see it unfold. We've met a lot of new Midtowners who have invested in this community for one reason "It's a successful community. Community is the key word and we want to work to help make sure it stays that way," said one homeowner at a recent gathering. Just look around at all the new building, new pedestrian enhancements, the new parks, green spaces, art venues and living spaces.There is a lot at stake for the future of this community. If you have not participated in this public process, we are sorry to have missed you. Check out our meetings schedule on page 3 of this paper and join us at any one of the open to the public meetings. Rest assured there is always an opportunity to be heard in Midtown, know that your volunteer Board of Directors is always available and open to your suggestions. Save the date for us, Wednesday, August 6 starting at 6 p.m., that's when the Midtown Annual Meeting takes place. We'll let you know the exact location and more details as they are available. Keep an eye out for a detailed Stakeholder Report that will provide information on specific programs and how your assessment dollars have been spent on key programs that benefit the entire community. Visit houstonmidtown.com to learn more.

prominent midtown

board member retires... MICHELLE CLAYTON COLLIER CONTRIBUTES OVER 13 YEARS TO THE MIDTOWN COMMUNITY

fter more than thirteen years of lending her time and talent to this community, Michelle Clayton Collier is retiring from the Midtown Redevelopment Authority and TIRZ #2 Boards of Directors. Ms. Clayton Collier has worked with her fellow Board Members and Staff to spearhead the projects that have become synonymous with Midtown. Her efforts and those of the volunteer boards have Michelle Clayton Collier increased the value, population and productivity of Midtown. She has participated in over $41M of infrastructure redevelopment and improvements in Midtown including gateways, Baldwin Park, Glover Park and Midtown Park, street reconstruction of Elgin, McGowen, Pierce, Gray and Tuam. She also participated in bringing to Midtown the award winning, Bagby Street Greenroads® Project, the first of its kind in the state. The Bagby Street and Pierce Street Improvements Project is a “Complete Streets” project which meets the Midtown community’s vision of a sustainable project providing a balance of

By Cynthia Alvarado / Akia Pichon

vehicular mobility, pedestrian mobility, and on-street parking. But the project that has been closest and most important to her heart has been participating in the Midtown Affordable Housing Program. A graduate of Texas Southern University and University of St. Thomas, Ms. Clayton Collier has more than 30 years of administrative and operational experience in Harris County government and provided social service assistance to her local community. She has proven to be a titan in the industry of Business Administration. During her tenure as Regional Program Director for County Commissioner El Franco Lee, she managed all youth programming and engineered new programs through a partnership with the Houston Independent School District while serving her community on multiple neighborhood councils and boards. Through her years of service with Child Protective Services and the Children’s Assessment Center she worked to ensure that underserved youth receive the opportunity to have a healthy life, good character and academic success. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Administration for Harris County Facilities and Property Management.

eatsdrinks food & drinks to enjoy in midtown

Café Hélène

the best of both worlds or Hélène Le, everyday is Mother’s Day. Over the past year, daughters Laura, Catherine and son Stephen have teamed to give back to the woman who gave so many hours of love and dedication to them. Midtown’s new Café Hélène is their mother’s long-awaited dream come true.

Vietnamese Crepes. As a respected Midtown property manager, Laura and her siblings were well aware of Midtown’s ongoing growth and with the Super Block’s development just around the corner, the family agreed the time was right to reinvent 3101 Main. No one could have agreed more than the patient woman who dreamed the dream

Howl At The Moon

‘I

“Well, we're all in the mood for a melody…” t’s nine o’clock on a Saturday, the regular crowd shuffles in...” Joel’s “Piano Man” can’t be duplicated and neither can the dueling piano bar in Midtown called Howl at the Moon. Wednesdays through Saturdays, you can forget the workday and remember the classic rock ‘n roll that made history, top 40s, too. You’ll inevitably find a song that strikes a chord dear to you. No matter the hours, the high-energy musicians rock out songs that are “sad” and “sweet,” but there are more than tunes that keep the crowd coming back. Howl at the Moon’s 86 oz. buckets, 24 oz. bone drinks, specialty cocktails, bombs and shots helps reassure everyone they can sing or dance, no skill set required. Texas Wednesday highlights two of the state’s beverage alma maters —Tito’s Vodka

will come to you. Howl 2-Go brings live music and event musicians to just about any city in the U.S. Choose a customized package for corporate events, weddings, bar mitzvahs and private parties or design your own custom playlist. Howl at the Moon has fourteen locations across the U.S. with Midtown and San Antonio proudly representing the Lone Star State.

6 Hélène attributes a “French twist” to her menu born from youthful years of study at a Parisian culinary school.Today, French mainstays such as Soup Vichyssoise, Salad Nicoise and Quiche Lorraine share the tables with traditional Vietnamese dishes; a cultural meld, explains daughter/manager Laura Le, which dates back almost 100 years to a time when France established a colony in Saigon. The new restaurant is sophisticated yet casual with a variety of seating options, a respite from the busy Main Street it borders. Ironically, the clamor of METRO trains and car engines are diminished by the wellexecuted materials and are visually, more pleasantly urban than disrupting. Yet, it’s the quality and freshness of the ingredients that resound with patrons. “We stand behind the quality of our food,” says Laura, vowing the pledge is not just another marketing hype. “Everything we prepare is made that day, nothing frozen, nothing held over from the day before.” The Char-Grilled Pork has quickly become a favorite, both in their Vermicelli Bowls (Bun) and Rice Platters (Com Dia) as have the choices for Veggie Lovers, particularly The Wok Flamed Tofu and the

Café Hélène

3101 Main, Houston, 77002 713-529-1100 cafehelene.com Mon thru Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Closed Sunday Parking available behind Café

Cocktails and Lone Stars. The college crowd benefits on Thursdays with $2 16-oz Coors Light Aluminum Bottles and $3 SKYY Drinks. No cover if you show your college ID. Friday Happy Hour gets you half off all drinks from 5 – 8 p.m.* and a complimentary appetizer buffet until 7 p.m. (*Excludes specialty drinks, buckets and bones.) If you’re a newcomer, expect more than two pianos and two piano players. Guitars, drums, horns and an ever-popular dance floor elevate the camaraderie. “The musicians here really rock the house,” says general manager Sean Madden. “Our usual crowd is from 21- to 51-year-olds. Our musicians really help out a lot to make sure there’s something for everyone and that everybody has a great time.” And if you can’t make it to Midtown’s dueling pianos, the pianos

Howl at the Moon

612 Hadley, Houston, 77002 Wed, Thu, Sat 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. Fri 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Closed Sun, Mon, Tue—Available for private events $7 Cover Charge Howl 2-Go, call 312-955-0677 howlatthemoon.com

calendar arts

exhibitions | theatre | orchestra | dance

COLLIDE at Concert at the Park.

Jim Nolan. Before and After Rachel (detail), Art Palace.

Texas Master Series: Sandie Zilker. Nate Moren with Tandem Made, "Topographic Rocker," Photo by Nate Moren. HCCC.

VISUAL ARTS ongoing

______

hru June 28. Black & White. A group exhibition with ten artists—Gilbert Hsaio, Raimund Girke, David Simpson, Myke Venable, Ruth Pastine, Mac Whitney, Hills Snyder, Alma Tischler, Mario Reis and Dirk Rathke. Using different materials and procedures, the artists demonstrate a variety of approaches towards reductive and concept based art using only the colors black and white. Gallery Sonja Roesch.

hru July 3. Shaun O’Dell. Mourning Air. A new body of work by O’Dell spans both galleries. This, O’Dell’s third show with Inman Gallery, relates to themes of ruin, collapse, processes, systems, vibration, the unknown and “the mystery.”

hru July 11. Apropos of Nothing. Fascinated by artificial flowers and the 99¢ stores that sell them, artist Jim Nolan assembled a series of sculptures, paintings and photographs that are equal parts formal and feral. Art Palace.

hru July 11. CHARLIE MORRIS: tripping on pebbles...sinking in stone. A series of objects and scenarios, caught between the seemingly objective nature of photography, and the mental creation of tenuous narrative connections. Art Palace.

hru August 17. Collective Reaction. Features the seven solo exhibitions of Democracia, Adel Abidin, Hito Steyerl, Mohammed Al-Shammarey, Prince Varughese Thomas, Maura Sheehan and Steve Staso. Each artist deals with a serious subject such as displacement, propaganda, privacy, war, corporate and government agenda in journalism and self-exploration. Station Museum of Contemporary Art.

hru August 29. Good Taste. Group exhibition of works by Peter Anton, Donald Baechler, Christopher Boffoli, Jeffrey Dell, Philip Durst, Lisa Ludwig, Fernando Mastrangelo and mark Menjivar. Organizaed by Kinzelman Art Consulting. Bank of America Center Lobby, 700 Louisiana Street, Houston. Daily viewing M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

hru August 30. Taking Shape: Celebrating the Windgate Fellowship. Exhibition recognizes the considerable emerging talent in the field of craft. Cindi Strauss, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts and Design at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, will jury the exhibition. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

hru September 7. Texas Masters Series: Sandie Zilker. Solo exhibition by Houston metalsmith and educator, Sandie Zilker. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Hills Snyder & Gilbert Hsiao, Black & White, Gallery Sonja Roesch.

Manjari Sharma, MAA Laxmi, From the Darshan Series, Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine, Asia Society Texas Center.

hru September 7. La Frontera (The Borderlands). An international exhibition of contemporary jewelry from 90 artists from the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Australia and Latin America whose works explore the underlying currents of the border environment. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

hru September 14. Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine. A series of vibrant photographs by Brooklynbased Indian contemporary artist Manjari Sharma and modern chromolithographs produced by the Raja Ravi Varma Press. Asia Society Texas Center.

hru January 10, 2015. The People’s Plate. Created by Otabenga Jones & Associates (a grouping of four artists) on Lawndale Art Center’s north exterior wall, envisioned by The Collection. The mural is a yearlong commitment to health education. A project of Creative Capital, generously sponsored by Kinzelman Art Consulting. Viewing is free.

JUNE

______

Screen Asia: 10th Annual Houston Asian Pacific American Film Festival. Focus on art created by and spotlighting Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIA). Free. 1-5 p.m. Asia Society Texas Center.

–August 9. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Opening reception Friday, June 27, 7 – 9 p.m. (DiverseWorks) Project Row Houses Public Program; Saturday, June 28, 2 p.m., Aurora Picture Show Screening: Saturday, June 28, 7p.m. Features projects that have received awards from The Idea Fund, a re-granting program established by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and administered by three Houston partners: Aurora Picture Show, DiverseWorks, and Project Row Houses. Six of one, half a dozen of the other brings together bold new ideas about artmaking, social engagement and community involvement utilizing a variety of methodologies, conceptual concerns and thematic elements to encourage viewers to think beyond art’s typical framework.

July

____

–August 9. The Big Show 2014. Lawndale Art Center's annual open-call, juried exhibition, conceived in 1984, is always a crowd pleaser. Opening reception July 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Awards announced at 7 p.m.

–August 16. 11 Dimensions: Titus Kaphar, Wardell Milan, Demetrius Oliver. Inman Gallery.

James McMurtry, Continental Club.

–August 30. What’s in Store. The exhibition features all works that will be listed online at The UNIT Store—an online store and resource for limited editions, prints, multiples and publications by internationally-based artists. Primarily geared towards young collectors, with an accessible price point ranging from $12 - $1,800. Gallery Sonja Roesch.

Contemporary artist Manjari Sharma discusses her photography—a recreation of classical images of gods and goddesses pivotal to mythological stories in Hinduism in conjunction with Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine. 3 p.m. Asia Society Texas Center.

-31. The Big Slide Show. Join Lawndale and Houston's talented Big Show artists for short, informal presentations about their work. Come early as seating is limited. Presentations start at 6 p.m. Lawndale Art Center.

PERFORMING ARTS JUNE

______

National Stage reading of the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange. Poetic monologues intertwined with music and dance, tell the story of seven women who have endured racial and sexist oppression. The Ensemble Theatre.

19 21 21

The Neptunes. The Continental Club.

James McMurtry. The Continental Club.

–July 27. I Wish You Love. An intimate portrait of Nat “King” Cole – the man, his music and the dreams of a nation. Previews June 21, 22, 25. Opening Night: June 26, Runs: June 26 – July 27. The Ensemble Theatre.

Mojo Nixon & The ToadLiquors. The Continental Club.

July

____

Midtown Mobile Cuisine Park presents Concert at the Park with COLLIDE, a group of talented musical artists that meld classical music with today’s sounds then toss a turntable into the mix. It’s all part of what makes DIVISI Strings

unique. 5 – 9 p.m. 4002 Almeda. (Come hungry – Barebowls, Sticky’s Chicken, Caribbean Cools and What’s Up Cupcake food trucks will be parked on the lot.).

11 12 12

SKYROCKET! The Continental Club.

Ian Moore. The Continental Club.

–24. 14th Annual Rock Baby Rock It! Festival. Contemporary and legendary rockabilly, psycobilly, and old-school country live music plus DJs, dance contests, burlesque, BBQ, pinup contest and a vintage car show. Lineup includes The Paladins, Joe Clay (50s RCA recording artist) Sid & Billy King of the Five Strings (50s Columbia recording artists) The Royal Rhythmaires, The Modern Don Juans, The Flame Trick Subs, Bible Belt Sinners, The Octanes, The Luxurious Panthers, Dolly Rockers and more to be announced. The Continental Club.

nother First for Midtown

August 21-23 Say the word “fringe” and depending on your age, your response might be “thread” or “parallel universe”. Many define the word as “a kind of uncensored, Off-Broadway-like theater.” Not sure about the latter? Then educate yourself with PMT Productions inaugural production of MIDTOWN LIVE: a summer concert set for August 21-23 at Alley Kat Bar & Lounge. PMT Productions is Houston-based theater company who focuses on Musical Theater and Commercial Music and whose goal is to create destination events for the fringe performing arts community. The Set List for the Musical Theater/Pop Music Concert includes adaptations from rock musicals NEXT TO NORMAL, SPRING AWAKENING, AMERICAN IDIOT, BARE and others as well as reimagined tracks by popular alternative rock artists. It all begins at 9 p.m. with admission $20, standing room $10. An accommodating Press/Industry night is offered August 9 at 4 p.m. To RSVP, contact Sarah Patterson at MidtownLive@pitchmethis.com or call 832-516-9167. BTW… Fringe festivals are now found across the globe. There’s a United States Association of Fringe Festivals website (fringefestivals.us) that will tell you where and when you can catch the next concert or festival. The 2014 Houston Fringe Festival is set for September 24-28, 2014.

artists&+

under the big top The location is said to have been open between the early ’30s and ’50s

’m really interested in various art and design elements that are integrated in the landscape of Texas bars, restaurants, buildings, signs, etc. There’s so much fantastic, cite-specific art all around us—either hard to find, or, more often, hidden in plain sight and underappreciated. This postcard from Midtown Houston illuminates (literally, because they are usually only dimly lit by red clamplights) a series of wall paintings likely made about 75 years ago that, when uncovered about 10 years ago, inspired a circus-themed bar. Shoeshine Charlie’s Big Top Lounge on Main Street is not a historic old dive, but it feels like one. It’s owner– musician, entrepreneur, and inspired hoarder Pete Gordon—loves funky, old stuff. It’s an appreciation that led him to buy the 83-year old building, keep much of the original structure and finishing intact, and fill it with good, old-fashioned live music, funky art, old posters and signs, and other like-minded tenants. He purchased the building, originally erected in 1930 for Wallis Drug Store, in 1999 in order to open up the Houston location of his Austin music venue, The Continental Club. An early and long-time original tenant of the building was the Playhouse Toy Store, where the Big Top is located today. Gordon was just using that space for storage for a while, but when he poked through the drop ceiling and saw the

Story & Photos by Peter Lucas

great toy store murals that had been unseen for decades, it inspired him to rip the ceiling out and open a bar. Riffing on the circus theme of the old paintings, Gordon strung up colored lights and filled the place with clown paintings, big mice from the now defunct Astroworld, a bumper car out front, and a bottlecap throne by outsider artist, Mr. Imagination. But the cozy low light, fantastic clutter, and stiff drinks may lead folks to overlook the old paintings that look down from high on the walls. These were made sometime in 1930s or 40s, likely by multiple artists. Not much is known (at least to me or Gordon) about the specific history of the store, though this location is said to have been open between the early 1930s and 1950s. Playhouse Toys was a chain with a few Houston locations, and I’ve heard a rumor that Toys R Us’s giraffe mascot was originally licensed from Playhouse. Some of the paintings are badly peeling, and the various wall paint and degradation make them seem like ancient ruins. These photographs were taken recently with some additional light and camera flash, and some have been tiled together, so the paintings are seen more clearly here than they are normally. I hope you enjoy these glimpses of a strange, neighborhood circus! Originally published on Glasstire.com as part of Peter Lucas’ “Sights Unscene” series.

Preservons la Creation reflect even in the rush of life, and, as always, to make the world a better place." A portion of the proceeds raised from Preservons La Creation and its surrounding events will benefit a children’s hospital mural project in Houston and a similar project in France, set to begin production in 2014-2015. Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District is the title sponsor for the project, “just one more example of how the Midtown District continues to support the arts,” says Mr. D. A number of private, creative and business sectors came on board, as well, to support the endeavor. Actual painting of the mural began May 1 and was completed on June 5 —with

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

From page 1 the help of two assistants— George Holder and Roberto Erick Calvillo. Six photographers and videographers —Alex Barber (Visible in Light), Joe Gardner (PIPE MultiMedia), AMA Photography Aisha Khan, Peter Molick Photography, Noah Quiles (UP Art Studio) and Alex Saenz —helped document the history- making event. The mural can best be viewed from the intersection of Tuam and Fannin streets, the backside of the building. * Derived from http://www.gims.houstontx.gov ** Derived from METRO Ridership Analysis and Service Evaluation 4/1/2014

MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

William R. Franks Chairman of the Board

Matt Thibodeaux

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

Cynthia Alvarado

credits Send Information to:

Design / Production: Quantum/SUR 12818 Willow Centre Drive, Suite B Houston, Texas 77066 281-955-2449 • www.quantumsur.com

Operations Manager cynthiaa@houstonmidtown.com

Editor Mary Chavoustie, mary@quantumsur.com

Elizabeth Powell

Publisher/Art Director Leonel E. Mejía, leo@quantumsur.com

District Coordinator epowell@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 Marshall

Contributing Writers Cynthia Alvarado Peter Lucas Akia Pichon Elizabeth 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.