Issue 27 // October 2018
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10/4/18
10:33 AM
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FREE food! FREE shirts! Trick-ortreating! Pumpkin Weight Guessing Contest for a chance to win $100 Amazon gift card!
October 31
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Student Center Plaza COOGLIFE // OCTOBER 2018
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October is spooky season, and spooky season is the best time of the year, and if you disagree you are simply wrong. This issue comes out right before Halloween, so I hope you guys are excited because if you’re reading this, IT’S ALMOST HERE. Or it’s already over, which sucks, but if it’s over then it’s offically Christmas season so you’ll be hearing Mariah Carey’s “All I want For Christmas Is You” blasted over the speakers during your weekly grocery trips for the next two months. I hope you’re excited, because I definitely am. Though to be fair a good chunk of that excitement comes from the fact that I will finally be able to wear all of the cute winter clothes I have stuffed into the back of my closet whenever it starts hitting 70 degrees out (which is basically winter temperature out here). For this issue, we are entertaining you. Hopefully every issue does that, but this one is specifically catered to do that so it would be kind of embarrasing if we didn’t manage to. In these pages, you’ll find all types of content, some of it is seasonally relevant, like fall fashion trends and party safety
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tips for when you get a ‘lil wild this spooky season. Some of it ties in with our theme, we have a great future about a new Houston drag venue that’s a little more on the unconventional side, and we’ve even got a feature on the Houston hardcore punk scene, because yes, it exists, and yes, it is awesome. We hope that you enjoy every page of this issue, and remember, we can’t create stuff like this unless awesome people like you (YES you, reading this very sentence right now) decide to step up to the plate and join our staff. Our doors are always open, and we are always looking to grow our little family over at the CSM. Apply now on GetInvolved because I promise you that it’s still not too late. And if you ever have any questions about the things that we write, or you have any suggestions for us about what we would be writing, feel free to send me an email at cooglife@thedailycougar.com. I hope you guys enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it. ☺
EDITORIAL Julie Araica, Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com Diamond Braxton, Assistant Editor cooglifeassist@thedailycougar.com
COVER Fiona Legesse, Creative Director ame@thedailycougar.com
WRITING
Alfonso Badillo Billion Tekleab Russel Gardin Fabian Brims Ally Cendana
ADVERTISING
csmadvertising@uh.edu cooglife @cooglifemag @cooglifemag
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Visit CSM (Student Center North 2nd floor) TODAY TO ENTER TO WIN!
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3rd Place: $15 Whataburger Gift Card COOGLIFE // OCTOBER 2018
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October 2018
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Houston Events Calendar
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Coogradio’s Monthly Music Picks
10-11
Party Safety Tips
12-14
Fall/Winter Fashion Trends
16-18
Houston Photoshoot Locations
20-22
New Houston Drag Venue
23-25
The Houston Hardcore Scene
26-28
Houston Movie Theaters Guide
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East Asian Representation in Media
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Houston Theaters on a Budget
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Spooky Bucket List
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Coogradio’s monthly music picks
“New Patek” Lil Uzi Vert
“Gain Clout” by Young Thug
“Swimming” by Kero Kero Bonito
Plus some songs from local artists: “Vetements Socks” by Sheck Wes
“Manipulation” by Beartooth
“Moshi Moshi” by SoPeaceful “Time Adventure” by Robocatpat “Finn” by Jovian
“Master of Life” by Khruangbin
“Spiky Seeds” by The Pillows
Student-Run
Radio Broadcasting 24/7 at CoogRadio.com Listen anywhere on TuneIn | RadioFX | Redline facebook.com/coogradiohouston @coogradio
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coogradio
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Writing by Julie Araica | Photo courtesy of Pexels
Halloween is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to dress up, get spooky and get wasted at a crazy college party. If you’re a freshman, this might even be your first college party experience. I’ll let you know right now — things can get kind of crazy, and I want you guys to have fun, but I also want you to stay safe. So here are some tips for how you can survive your first, second or tenth rodeo — because the rules don’t change. Learn what you need to do to stay safe, and keep these rules in mind at every party you go to from here on out.. 10
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General tips
Let’s just start things off by saying that you don’t need to use drugs or alcohol to have a good time. And if you’re only doing those things because you’re being peer-pressured into it, you’re definitely not in for a good time. But if you do plan on getting inebriated at your next get-together, don’t overdo it. Here are a few things that you should never do at a party: — Don’t leave your drink unattended — Don’t accept drinks from a stranger — Don’t leave your friends behind — Don’t pre-game too hard — Don’t go home with someone you don’t know — Don’t go alone (or end up alone) Now hopefully, you’ve already heard all of these tips before, and I am just preaching to the choir. I just can’t stress enough how important these things are, and just how many people know these things yet still do otherwise.
Managing your alcohol
If you have never had a drink before
SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS OR DISCOVER A NEW HOBBY. This day trip to Barton Creek Greenbelt will give rock climbers of all skill levels something new to learn and experience. Pre-Trip Meeting 10/31 at 4pm.
in your entire life, for the love of god, please do not have your first drink at a party. If you’re going to be drinking at a party, you need to know your limit. Plain and simple. Know how many drinks it takes before you become a huge burden for everyone around you. I would suggest eating a few hours before the party, a full stomach will help to slow the absorption of alcohol. Also make sure to drink water or other soft drinks in between your alcoholic drinks. If you feel yourself becoming drunk or tipsy, start to wean off the alcohol and drink other drinks or have a snack to eat. Another thing, if you are drinking at a party like an adult, act like one, and be responsible for yourself. Don’t expect your friends to keep track of how many drinks you’ve had, and trust your own judgement when it comes to how much is too much.
Planning ahead
Here’s a rule of thumb I use when going to parties: at least know someone who is hosting it, even if it’s only
HIKE THE LONE STAR TRAIL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 REGISTER BY: 11/2
by name. Maybe they’re a friend of a friend, cool, but you should check to see if said friend will be there. The more familiar it is, the safer you will be. Know exactly where you’re going, when you’re going, who you’re going with and how you will get there. These things are crucial for you to keep in mind. Figure out how everyone is going to get home too — are you guys going to stay over, have a designated driver or are you going to take an Uber — be able to answer these questions before you go. Stick together as a group no matter what. Don’t leave your friends behind, and keep a close eye on them to make sure that nothing bad happens to them, and they should do the same for you. Pick a group of people that you really trust to keep you safe and have your back. I leave you guys with one final piece of advice for your next college party: don’t drink the punch. That is all, have a good time.
UHRecreation uh.edu/recreation Strengthening the Pride
FARMER’S MARKET RIDE
Member: $50.00 Community: $70.00
ROCK CLIMBING AT GREENBELT
EXPLORE SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST Hike through beautiful woodlands and ancient bayous, perhaps catching views of red-cockaded woodpeckers or bald eagles. Pre-trip Meeting 11/7 at 4pm.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 REGISTER BY: 10/26
Member: $50.00 Community: $70.00
NOVEMBER 17 & DECEMBER 1 REGISTER BY: 11/13
GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Come experience what it feels like to summit the highest peak inTX. This trip isn’t just for the spectacular vistas, it’s also for the experience. You will get to backpack through mountains, canyons, dunes and even explore the “Big Room”, or as Will Rogers called it "The Grand Canyon with a roof over it", in Carlsbad Caverns. Pre-Trip meeting 11/12 at 5pm.
CITY OF HOUSTON Enjoy a day of biking through downtown Houston, shopping at a farmers markets and visiting Discovery Green! Member: $15.00 Community: $30.00
Member: $300.00 Community: $400.00
WEST TEXAS ENTRADA NOVEMBER 20 - 25 REGISTER BY: 11/12 all-Inclusive outings
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The cold weather fashion trends you should be wearing Writing and photos by Billion Tekleab | Layout by Julie Araica It’s no surprise that the fall and winter seasons in Houston aren’t as they should be. You walk outside at 8 a.m. and the sun is beating down on you. Inherently, you’re ready to wear a tank top and Nike shorts for the day. This winter, though, is said to be a little different. Due to natural disasters, temperatures are expected to drop lower than normal. Houstonians know very well that cold weather is always delayed, so until it comes, here is a conceptual journal I put together on fall and winter trends ready to wear around Houston. Animal Print
This trend has to be the trickiest and therefore, the most untouched. Animal prints are normally worn to add some “oomph” to the ‘fit. Whether it’s leopard, snakeskin or zebra print, wearing it will definitely leave you reeking of boldness and spontaneity. Choosing a piece for your look this winter couldn’t be easier as the prints will soon be leaving the runway and entering local stores.
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Orange
Wearing the color orange out in public used to be absurd. In a way, it is the most radical color around. Orange was first seen in the ‘80s, where bright and vivid colors were slapped on everything from leggings to pantsuits. Now, it’s a color used to highlight darker skin tones, as seen in the “Melanin Poppin’” Twitter trend. Throw on a long orange scarf, or orange anything really, on top of an even-toned outfit to bring out its unconventional nature. And when people glare at your loud choice of dress, you have the liberty of looking them in the eyes and saying, “Haven’t you heard? Orange is the new black.”
Leather
This fashion trend came and went in the ‘90s. Quite frankly, it has always held a special place in my heart. There’s always this sort of affinity for the things we cannot have, in this case, leather pants in Texas. But thanks to Mother Nature’s mercy, leather pants could be rocked all around the H this winter. Pair it with classy pieces, like a sheer shirt or a turtleneck, so that the rebellious bottoms reach their full potential. Pro tip: if you would like to decrease your environmental footprint and save more money simultaneously, invest in some nice pleather pants.
BANISH BOREDOM!
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Gloves
Yes, yes, I know, “It doesn’t get cold in Houston.” But is wearing gloves just to make a statement really harming anyone? Gloves came about in the 1700s as a way to preserve modesty when womenswear transitioned from long sleeves to shorter sleeves. As a quick run-down, long gloves go best with short sleeves, and short gloves go best with long sleeves. These finger socks can be restricting so they’re kept in the occasionally worn category of practical fashion. Since it is such a subtle touch, stylish gloves won’t be out in stores as soon as the other trends. Luckily, Houston thrift stores Pavement and Leopard Lounge are selling a variety of gloves like the ones seen above starting at just $5.
Mid-Calf Boots
Thigh-high boots and booties have held their reputation as the must have shoe on the winter collection for years, causing many to forget about the iconic mid-calf. Inspired by ‘60s gogo boots, calf-high boots made their comeback this year. Slip them on over leggings or a dress, mid-calf boots are versatile in design and can be worn with whatever article of clothing they’re paired with. Depending on your agenda for the day and the weather, you can wear a piece of each of these looks and make a statement wherever you go. Serve boldly this winter season, coogs. 14
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It’s about that time of the year where fall outfit pics come flooding your timeline. They can all seem repetitive and even boring because everyone is shooting at the same color or graffiti wall. One way to elevate your OOTD’s is with location, location and LOCATION! Take a trip around Houston and snap some pictures at these fresh places! Writing and photos by Alfonso Badillo | Layout by Julie Araica
Try these Houston locations for your next photoshoot COOGLIFE // OCTOBER 2018
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G LAS E LL S C H O O L O F ART
E L E A N O R T I N S L E Y PA R K
H E R I TA G E C L AY P A R K I N G G A R A G E 16
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G LAS E LL S C H O O L O F ART
PA R K I N G GA RAG E
Starting at the Museum District, the Glassell School of Art has a sleek and modern look. The staircase at the entrance offers clean lines for a structured photo-op, as well as the overhead windows and additional staircases that are reminiscent to those at Hogwarts. Just outside is a vertical garden and a sculpture garden. The school’s sharp shapes are perfect for street wear outfits and nighttime looks. 5101 Montrose Blvd
There’s nowhere better to catch golden hour than at the top of a parking garage! Catch prime time lighting against the buildings of Houston. Right across from Eleanor Tinsley Park is the Heritage Clay parking garage — an optimal place to catch the evening rays. 1200 Bagby St
E L E A N O R T I N S L E Y PA R K Just outside of Downtown, Eleanor Tinsley Park is back-dropped with Houston’s skyline. As you walk around the park, you can find other interesting spots— like a skate park and a bridge with a clearer view of the buildings. Its juxtaposition of nature and the building makes Eleanor Tinsley Park an ideal location to pull versatile looks. 18-3600 Allen Pkwy
Vintage. You may even get some inspiration and cop some new items for your fall wardrobe while you’re at it! 1629 Westheimer Rd
M ON T ROS E This eccentric part of Houston is your one stop destination to neon lights. Elevate night shoots with the signs outside of tattoo parlors and smoke shops. Westheimer is also lined with coffee shops and boutiques for any cozy photo shoot.
THRIFT STORES Put your hair in a bun and slip into a sweater for a thrift store photo shoot. Visit the racks at your local Goodwill for a vintage shoot. Or dress up in this season’s high/street fashion trends at curated second-hand stores like Lo-Fi
Do you want your voice to be heard by over
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MONTROS E
L O - F I V I N TA G E 18
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— For this month’s theme, we will be exploring various aspects of Houston nightlife and entertainment. Read on for more.
Photo by Alfonso Badillo COOGLIFE // OCTOBER 2018
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With endless opportunities to attend drag bingo at Houston diners like Hamburger Mary’s or drag story hour at Brazos bookstore, the Houston drag scene has grown exponentially over the years. With the new all-inclusive drag show “Smoke Break”, co-director Austin Beck helps create a new drag show that is open to anyone who loves to perform with no rules attached.
Inside Smoke Break — Houston’s new alternative drag show Writing and layout by Diamond Braxton | Photos courtesy of Kennedy Lofton and Daniel Nolan
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Photo by Kennedy Lofton
So, what is drag?
When we think of drag, we think of men who dress up in women’s clothing; however, drag is ever-changing in the current Rupaul-era that we’re in. Drag is becoming more inclusive for anyone who wants to perform and integrate themselves in the culture, whether a woman, man, straight or gay. “Drag is for anyone who wants to put on makeup, turn a look, and perform,” said Austin Beck, the co-director and co-founder of the new Houston alternative drag show “Smoke Break”. Some drag performers enjoy being a part of drag because once their outfits, wigs and makeup come on, they become someone else entirely. It’s as if the person underneath the clothes disappears for a while, and the queen emerges to party, lip-sync and runway the night away. “They (drag queens) represent a rebellion against heteronormativity,” said Steven Dean Ford, a senior at UH who is also very involved with the drag community. “It’s an art form that
capitalizes on femininity by using a masculine medium.” Ford believes that drag’s entrance into mainstream started with Rupaul’s Drag Race. It became officially mainstream when it received 12 Emmy nominations by the 10th season. “While the reality show is popular, local drag is thriving,” Ford said. “You can always find Houston queens in Montrose at Rich’s or other gay bars.” Most performers will also create their own costumes and wear whatever they feel will express them best during their performance whether it be overalls, lace, etc. While each drag performer has their own reason for partaking in drag, the community is stronger than ever with queens and kings and all performers coming to venues to express themselves in many different ways whether it be through a certain look or personality. “(Being a drag queen) is a celebration of being glamorous and expressing yourself,” said Beck. To Ford, drag is a form of enter-
tainment that questions and actively complicates gender roles. “Drag queens are prominent figures in the community because of that active complication,” said Ford.
An all-inclusive Houston drag show
For the first Thursday of every month at Guava Lamp, BECK and Barbacoa, the two co-directors of Smoke Break, will take to the stage with a series of alternative performances alongside other drag queens. Smoke Break is supposed to signify the performances the audience will usually take a smoke break during. For example, if someone is performing a song you don’t like, you might go outside for a smoke break. The name is supposed to signify that every performance is a smoke break opportunity, which makes the show an alternative showcase compared to other drag shows in the city. Most drag shows usually consist of lip-syncing, dancing and runway walking; however, Smoke Break wants COOGLIFE // OCTOBER 2018
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to have performances like these and more. “I’m not knocking normal drag shows; some people do like structure. We decided to do this because we wanted to create an all-inclusive environment for queens,” said Beck. “You don’t have to just lip-sync or dance, you can do whatever you feel expresses you best.” Tonya Huynh, a UH alumni, performed in the first Smoke Break drag show, and she believes that Smoke Break showcases different ways in which people utilize drag to express themselves. For her drag appearances, Huynh becomes Duke Diesel, a drag performer known for their many talents. Huynh uses drag as a complement to her own practice of performance art. Beck mentioned that some queens and kings enjoyed pole dancing or DJing, and they would have a place to do performances like that at Smoke Break. “For the performances we just want to give people a platform to do something out of the box,” said Beck. “There’s a lot of competitions going around where you have to do a specific challenge This show is for performers who can perform without any rules set and stone.” Huynh says that the Smoke Break show provides audiences with a different perspective of drag. Drag performer, Vincent Vangoku, had a gore-esq performance during Smoke Break’s first show on Oct. 4, which Huynh said was different than what a lot of audiences anticipated. “Drag gets me out of dark places a lot of the time. If I can just dress up, go out and socialize and just connect with people, I’ll end up feeling way happier by the end of the night,” said Beck. “This show is meant to bring the community together,” said Beck. “Each performer subverted some sort of expectation,” said Huynh. “Everyone had an element to their drag that made their performance unique.” The next Smoke Break show will be Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 10 p.m. at Guava Lamp.
Writing by Russel Gardin | Layout by Julie Araica | Photos courtesy of Derek Rathbun
In the politically-charged society that is the United States following the 2016 Presidential Election, there were speculations that there would be a resurgence of new, young bands to come by and flip society upside down — by their curated words and instrumentations.
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In the 1980’s, while the U.S. was under Reagan’s reigns, bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat and the Dead Kennedys helped form a generation that is now old enough to be in the forefronts of the political sphere. A prime example is Texas Senate hopeful Beto O’Rourke. A die-hard fan of this music, O’Rourke was once a member of the El Paso DIY scene of the early ‘90s with his band Foss, where he played alongside current members of the seminal hardcore outfit At The Drive-In. While the Bayou City has never gotten a band on the scale of Black Flag, that does not negate from the geographical and historical context that Houston has played for hardcore punk in the slightest. Derek Rathbun, a member of the bands Substance, Tears on Tape and Ligma, is a prominent member of the hardcore scene. He believes that in its essence, there isn’t really a message in hardcore music, that it is meant to be fun and played fast. “People thought punk would get cooler when Trump got elected but it just stayed the same. Punk will get cooler when more young people pick up guitars,” Rathbun said.
Cultivating a Community
The first time I saw Rathbun live, it was at a “Free Punk Night,” or something in that ilk, at the now-defunct venue Walter’s a few years back. What I saw was this band, all members around my age, get lost in the music. Rathbun was on stage for five minutes before hopping into the crowd, moshing alongside the extremely interactive audience. He said that for many people, the hardcore music scene is a place for them to grow up, and that the focus has shifted from tackling political issues to social ones. “It’s barely a political style of music anymore,” Rathbun said. “Punk 2018 is definitely a LGBT+ positive place which is why a lot of people flock to it. It’s one where they aren’t marginalized.” Jacob Duarte has been involved in the music scene here in Houston for just about half of his life at this point. He is currently on tour with his band Narrow Head, but he also plays in a band Bugg, as well as filling in for sets with other bands when needed. “I went to a Trapped Under Ice show and that’s when I really started getting 24
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into the style of hardcore. I ended up meeting this community that was also into hardcore, and they’ve all become some of my best friends. It’s had a huge impact on my life,” Duarte said.
The Uncertain Future
Other local bands have embarked on extensive tours, including my friends in bands such as the shoegazepunk fusion band Narrow Head and the post-punk sounds of Lace. Another group, though now defunct, that garnered praise was the overtly-political Giant Kitty, who, among many things, had a pretty newsworthy show when the current administration first issued the infamous “travel ban,” where GK, along other bands that include members of the Muslim faith, curated an event called “We Belong.” According to the Houston Press, all proceeds went to the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, sending a message that hate and discrimination
will not be accepted; that truly is punk in its truest, most beautiful form.
“People thought punk would get cooler when Trump got elected but it just stayed the same. Punk will get cooler when more young people pick up guitars.” The future of humanity, democracy, and morality as whole is yet to be determined, but in terms of hardcore and punk music here in Houston, well, that’s a different one. “As for the future, I have no clue,”
Rathbun said. “It’s been a good few months and, with the introduction of the Summer Breeze festival, it’s only going to bring more attention to Houston’s (hardcore) scene.” Venues have come and gone, leaving only a legacy behind, bands and artists have played sets in the most unlikely of places and most importantly, people have, and I can say this with certainty, been inspired, such as William Menjivar of Narrow Head. “I won’t say that the scene was more violent or ignorant back in the day, but straight up, it was. Hardcore is aggressive music and people express themselves in a violent way where it’s all good if everyone is down for the same thing. If you were coming up as a kid back then, you don’t get the same support you do now. Now, everyone is really friendly and supportive, there aren’t any dividing lines,” Menjivar said.
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Four of Houston’s best movie theaters Writing and photos by Fabian Brims | Layout by Diamond Braxton
R I V E R OA KS T H E AT E R My favorite theater in Houston is the Landmark River Oaks Theater, located in the River Oaks shopping center on West Gray and Shepherd. It is by far the oldest theater in this list. Since, it was built in 1939 in classic Art Deco design, it lacks the comfort and technological advances of modern-day brethren , but it’s the best since the people there are avid-movie lovers. 2009 W Gray St
The theater mostly shows independent films and documentaries you’ll find nowhere else in town. Also, the midnight weekend screenings are legendary offerings ranging from handpicked classics to regular showings of cult classics such as “The Room” and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” It has three screens, one large and two smaller ones, as well as a small café and bar upstairs. And not only
do they show some of the best movies in town but also the prices are more than affordable: $8 for matinee shows and $11 the evening. They even offer discounts for students! It lacks the comfort of a multiplex, but this theater breathes the spirit of movies. My definite number one because it’s the best choice for your weekly movie fix with a great selection of films!
shows the latest movies, as well as a classic here and then, but what makes it really special is its incomparably comfortable leather recliner seats. Thy even take this one step further by
providing guests with complementary blankets and popcorn. Yes, it’s expensive ($16 for standard, $28 for premium seats), but this is a treat you want to enjoy every once in a
i P I C T H E AT E R Have you ever dreamed about going to a first class movie theater? Then consider visiting the iPic Theater. Right between the Galleria and Highland Village on Westheimer, the iPic theater 26
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while. I couldn’t think of a better place for a special movie date. Top-notch digital 4K projectors and 7.1 sound systems in all nine theaters ensure a perfect movie experience, while three times James Beard Award-winning chef Sherry Yard takes care of all of your culinary desires, all stealthily delivered to your seat before or during the movie. There’s also a full restaurant along with a bar for a decent dinner or a nightcap before or after the movie. But beware, seats sell out quickly because of the limited seating arrangements, so make sure to plan ahead. Due to the high price (I highly recommend the premium seats) this is certainly not a weekly experience, but they also offer a membership that lowers the price for regular visits. Indulge in pure luxury in a theatrical experience like no other in Houston! 4444 Westheimer Rd
M FAH ’ S B ROW N AU D I T O R I U M T H E AT E R My third pick is a theater most people don’t have on their radar: MFAH’s Brown Auditorium Theater in the Museum District. Instead of mainstream offerings, this facility shows foreign movies, and documentaries (often with a focus on art), as well as special screenings of classics, with monthly changing themed programs. Comfort-
able seats with plenty of room will make you forget you can’t buy soda or popcorn there, which makes it one of the cleanest places to watch a movie. Often the screenings are introduced by film scholars or post-screening round table discussions, and with $9 per ticket it is more than affordable. This is a perfect opportunity to
experience something different and I recommend keeping an eye out since this theater has some of the best film curating in town. This is definitely the most sophisticated theater in Houston, but don’t let that scare you. Especially for foreign movies there’s no better theater in H-Town!
1001 Bissonnet St
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RO OFTOP C I N EMA C LU B I haven’t been there yet, but Houston just got another attraction when it comes to movies: The Rooftop Cinema Club. Like the name suggests, this theater operates in the open air on top of the parking deck at BLVD Place in Uptown, which means hopes for for 1700 Post Oak Blvd
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good weather are in order, but hey, it’s Houston after all! Comfortable deck chairs and sound via wireless headsets (no chatting or chewing neighbors to interrupt your viewing experience!) will make you feel like you’re on a vacation, something
further underlined by an assortment of good cocktails. A wide selection from cult classics to brand new releases leave nothing left to be desired and, by the way, Houston is only the fourth city in the country offering this experience. I’ll see you there!
A stepping stone in pop culture — East Asian representation in media, and why it matters Writing by Ally Cendana | Layout and art by Julie Araica For the first time since “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993, a film focusing on the hardships of Asian-Americans with an all Asian cast made its way to the big screen with summer rom-com “Crazy Rich Asians.” I remember watching the movie in theaters with popcorn in hand and tears running down my face. This wasn’t due to the rom-com tropes or the love sparked between two social classes, but the fact that I felt connected to the hardships of being an Asian-American. Growing up as an Asian-American, I was accused of being a “banana,” meaning I was Asian on the outside, but white on the inside. Growing up as a first generation Filipino-American posed many challenges for not
only myself but my parents as well. My parents raised me while learning westernized ways, it confused me because I was unable to determine my identity. I certainly looked Filipino, but I only spoke English to my family and others. The confusion grew as my parents threw me into elementary school, where children jeered and laughed ignorantly at me. They would squint their eyes at me, mocking my looks. I felt so out of place in school when peers would tell me that I was different. I would eat exotic foods, my parents spoke funny and most of all, I did not look like my peers. It made me distance myself from my roots. I would watch sitcoms and movies and wondered why I did not have the typical blonde hair and blue eyes that everyone else did —and like any other adolescent all I wanted was to fit in. In an attempt to meet societal standards, my lunches changed from rice to sandwiches and my black hair became ash-brown. Somedays, I would despise the way I look, wishing I resembled the lighter eyed models in magazines or movies. I would see that Asians would have stereotypical roles in movies such as being a math geek or a Chinese restaurant owner, and I always felt it to be unfair that we had such limited roles. It wasn’t until 2015 when I realized that we had reached a stepping stone when the sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat” was released. The sitcom revolved around comedic first-generation Asian-Americans in everyday life. The main actress was Constance Wu, who also starred in “Crazy Rich Asians” as Rachel Chu. She claimed that the release of the blockbuster hit was a historic moment in American history via Twitter and that it reflects the hard work of our immigrant parents who had such courage, love and strength in coming here for better opportunities. The impact of her words continues to inspire others and I, that one day the media will become equal in representation for not just Asian-Americans but for all minorities. Seeing a movie that I could identify with on a cultural level and a personal level helped me embrace my culture and realize that there is hope in overcoming our adversity. “It’s okay to be different,” I tell myself. The color of our skin does not define our potential for greatness.
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Navigating the Houston theater scene on a college student’s budget Writing by Alyssa Foley | Layout by Julie Araica | Photos courtesy of Pexels
Theater and other fine performing arts have a reputation for being expensive. However, your student status and Cougar Card ID can get you discounts in Houston’s theater scene. Whether you want to impress with a classy date night or have a fun time out with friends, you can squeeze Houston’s glorious theater scene into your budget.
what-you-can. You can reserve a ticket online for as low as $5. Nearby street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday, and the Mid Main parking garage is $7.50.
$10
Miller Outdoor Theatre MillerOutdoorTheatre.com It’s a priceless Houston tradition: enjoy some of the best theater, music and other performing arts outdoors for free from the hill. Parking is free too.
UH Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts UH.edu/kgmca//box-office Enjoy theater, dance, orchestra and opera performances without leaving campus. Student tickets are $10. With any UH parking pass, you can park in Lot 16 (Zone B) during evenings and weekends for free. Without a UH permit, parking $5.
$0-10
$10
$0
Main Street Theater MainStreetTheater.com This cozy theater in Rice Village has free College Nights Thursday. Simply reserve your seat online and bring your student ID. On other days, student tickets are $10. If you can’t make it to College Nights, go to Free Beer Friday or any Saturday performance for a complimentary after party. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday.
$5
Catastrophic Theatre CatastrophicTheatre.com All performances from this edgy theater company in Midtown are pay30 COOGLIFE
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Classical Theatre Company ClassicalTheatre.org Catch this troupe at Chelsea Market Theater in the Museum District for $10 with a student ticket. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday. $10 Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company MildredsUmbrella.com This feminist theater company also has a pay-what-you-can policy. You can reserve tickets online for as low as $10. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday. $15 Houston Symphony HoustonSymphony.org/tickets/stu-
dents The Bayou City’s world-class orchestra offers $15 Student Rush Tickets the week of select performances. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday, Theater District garage parking is $12.
$15-25
Houston Grand Opera HoustonGrandOpera.org H-town’s world-class opera has discount programs where first-time opera-goers can get $15 tickets, and patrons 25 and younger can pay their age. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday, Theater District garage parking is $12.
$16
Alley Theatre AlleyTheatre.org/Plays/Discounts Houston’s iconic theater company downtown has tickets for $16 with a student ID for non-prime performances and $26 for prime performances (Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday matinees). Street parking is free after 6 p.m. and all day Sunday, Theater District garage parking is $12.
$17
Theatre Southwest tswhouston.org Student tickets are $17 at this tiny but fierce theater on off Westheimer and Fondren. Parking is free.
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10/23 Chase Atlantic 10/24 MAX • 10/27 Hudson Moore 10/30 Emily Kinney 11/2 Devin The Dude
THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000
All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.
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520 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002 www.ReventionMusicCenter.com