ThE ScEnE iS tHe action Guide to tHe WaTErfronT capiTaL of TExaS
a great place to Live, Work & play!
January 2019 ........Southbelt • clear Lake • Bay area • galveston
A Taste Of Space
2019 EpicurEan EvEning
January 31 @ Space center HouSton The annual Epicurean Evening, a taste of space at Space Center Houston is on Thursday, January 31 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Restaurants: Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your specialties to more than 2,000 people in one evening. Participant booths are almost sold out, contact the Clear Lake Area Chamber today at 281-488-7676 or shari@clearlakearea.com.
Ticket holders will be delighted by tantalizing food samples from over 40 area food establishments and entertained by a variety of musical treats like mariachi bands and vocalists. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door; children’s tickets are $10. Each adult ticket includes food, two beer/wine coupons, parking and some Space Center Houston Exhibits. Discount tickets EPICUREAN EVENT SCHEDULE are available for groups of 5:45 PM Doors open to “Early Entry” wristten or more. Purchase band purchasers tickets at www.clear 6:30 PM Doors open to all ticket holders and lakearea.com. Silent Auction begins To get a head start 8:15 PM Silent Auction closes on the tastings, one can 8:30 PM Awards & Acknowledgments purchase an “Early Entry Beat the crowds, purchase an “Early Entry” wristband and start enWristband” for $50. Enjoy joying your food and beverages 45 minutes before everyone else. the delicious food and bevPurchase tickets online for a $5 discount. erages 45 minutes before the doors open to the crowds. Two beer/wine coupons are included with the wristband.
Major sponsors include Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai, Space Center Houston, CertaPro League City, City of Nassau Bay, The Pet Palace The SCENE Magazine, Clear Lake Today, Community Impact Newspaper, Skin Essentials Luxury Med Spa & Salon, Fidelity Investments, Shell FCU and Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty. For more information call the Chamber at 281-488-7676 or go to ww.clearlakearea.com.
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What is the Galactic Coast? “What, or where, is the Galactic coast is a question i have gotten a lot over the years since launching a trailblazing brewery (first in the region) and a radio show using that name to brand what i beleive is the most dynamic, impressive area on planet Earth. While few can currently locate the “Galactic coast” on a map, it is the only region in america with a more diverse and valuable set of assets to the nation than New York city or Washington D.c. — a fact brought up after the 9/11 attacks, then again during the United states Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and closure (BRac) commission in 2005 and again after Hurricanes ike and Harvey.
Where the WATERFRONT CAPITAL OF THE TEXAS, the HOME OF HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT & ENERGY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD meet!
When one makes up a new name for a geographic territory, they get to dictate the area it encompasses, right?
the Galactic coast expands from Galveston north to the texas Medical center and downtown Houston, then east to Baytown with a lot of coastline, industry, technology, retail and tourism in between. Matter of fact, the home of U.s. Manned spaceflight, the Johnson space center (Jsc), falls almost smack dab in the center. as the list on the opposite page suggests, the Galactic coast is a special, dynamic and unique region that deserves a name to match and one identifiable to all the world over, similiar to less impressive regional clusters like silcone Valley and the Research triangle. sure, everyone knows Houston thanks to Neil armstrong (“Houston, tranquility Base here. the Eagle has landed.”) and Houston’s status on the world stage has only increased since — especially in recent Silicone Valley years. But as a Forbes magazine column titled “one lesson From Harvey: Houston Matters in a Way other cities Don’t” displays, Houston is often credited with assets (ports, petrochemical plants, refineries, cruise terminals, tourism attractions, etc.) found outside the actual city limits, but within the greater Galactic coast. Because the Galactic coast is a region more valuable than any single city, even one as massive and impressive as Houston.
With just two words, Galactic coast touches on the most unique characteristics of the region, the strong connection to — if not domination of — both sea and space. the ports of the Galactic coast are the busiest in the nation based on tonnage. and the Johnson space center is the home for all Manned space Flight — both impressive titles that will only become even more impressive and important moving forward. — John Ennis
Research Triangle
In addiiton to being an admitted cheerleader for this region, John Ennis is a father, husband, magazine publisher, craft beer trailblazer, writer, space enthuiast, radio talk show host, designer, author, internet start-up IPO survivor and former sports writer who played himself in a Discovery Channel made-for-TV movie & has been self-employeed in the Galactic Coast since 1998. NOTE: This is a very abbreviated introduction to and argument for the Galactic Coast.
ESTABLISHED “COAST” REGIONS
While Galactic coast is new, there are many well established “coast” regions around the world. almost every part of Florida’s shoreline has been given a “coast” name, many by marketers for tourism purposes. My favorite — space coast (cape canaveral, titusville, cocoa SPACE COAST GOLD COAST Beach, Melbourne, Palm Bay, Merritt FLORIDA, US island, etc.) has a deep relationship QUEENSLAND, AU with the Galactic coast. i’ve got the Gold coast region in the australian state of Queensland and home of the famous surfers Paradise Beach and a very impressive skyline, on my “bucket list” of places to visit one day.
The GALACTIC COAST is the most economically potent, technologically dynamic and desirable relocation destination in the United States* *Multiple sources including Business Insider, New York Times, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Commerce,Forbes, U-Haul International's Migration Trend Report among others.
the GALACTIC COAST is home to Nasa’s Johnson space center (Jsc), Mission control, the astronaut corps and the base for the development, testing, training, and operation of all U.s. human spacecraft missions.
the GALACTIC COAST is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any region outside of New York city. it has the highest pay in the country when adjusted for the cost of living and has been described nationally as an “economic juggernaut,” as the country’s “top job creator” and the “last area into the recession and first out of it.”
the GALACTIC COAST is home to three thriving ports: the Port of Houston, the Port of texas city and the Port of Galveston which have resulted in texas being the nation’s top exporting state for 11 consecutive years. individually, the Port of Houston ranks first in the United states in foreign waterborne tonnage (14 straight years); first in U.s. imports (20 straight years); second in U.s. export tonnage and second in the U.s. in total tonnage (20 straight years). the GALACTIC COAST has been at the forefront of the oil and gas industry from the early 20th century and has since developed into the Energy capital of the World. this area hosts many of the largest petrochemical complexes in the world and supports the highest concentration of energy and chemicalrelated companies in the nation. No other metropolitan area maintains the nexus of chemical manufacturing resources, technology, and expertise to stimulate economic development opportunities for stable growth.
the GALACTIC COAST is a dynamic tourist and entertainment destination with most of the state’s top tourist attractions including the beaches of Galveston island, space center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Moody Gardens, Battleship texas, san Jacinto Monument, armand Bayou Nature center, the clear lake Recreation area, superb shopping, year round sports (golf, tennis, sailing), more than 30 waterfront restaurants, an impressive line-up of live music venues and the nation’s greatest concentration of sailboats, yachts and pleasure craft.
the GALACTIC COAST includes many of the nation’s top healthcare institutions, including the world-famous Houston Medical center. it has become an international medical treatment destination and is considered the most active life science research and entrepreneurial medical communities in the nation.
from the Bayou to Baybrook!
crazy alan’s Swamp Shack opens new Location at Baybrook Mall
Ever since Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack opened in Kemah more than seven years ago, it has earned a reputation as a lively bar and restaurant with a variety of signature seafood offerings. It’s also the first place each year to offer fresh live crawfish in the area! This year is no exception! Crazy Alan’s has been offering fresh tasty mudbugs since November, complete with their signature sauces and seasonings that people come from around the world to try—but now at a second location!
Residents on the other side of the lake can enjoy everything they love about Crazy Alan’s right next to Baybrook Mall, in a larger, more upscale atmosphere that still stays true to the bayou feel that the restaurant is known for. The multicolored lights strewn from the ceiling, wooden rocking chairs at the entrance and the Southern Louisiana theme in general are omnipresent, yet in a more spacious and elegant setting. Front and center is the beautifully lit bar featuring a can’t-miss statue of an alligator and live lobster tanks. Bayou-esque murals and décor adorn the walls immersing guests in a swampy illusion. Alan Franks – a.k.a. Crazy Alan – and Paul Latour started their original seafood venture more than eight years ago. They opened Alan’s Seafood Market in Kemah (2010) next door to what would become Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack’s original location, their second venture together. “Paul is the mastermind behind the elegant designing of the new swamp shack,” said Marketing Manager Christine Jorgensen.
guests who have been in the Baybrook location prior to Crazy Alan’s occupancy will be in for a nice surprise. one big addition to the building is that they enclosed the former patio and incorporated it into the main dining hall, which in the future will serve as a space for live music. She added, “We are excited to have an area especially for families, with several video game stations for the kids. The kitchen is also much larger. It almost seems like it’s about the same size as our entire Kemah location!” Christine joked. Christine has worked with Alan for more than 20 years, dating back to the days when he owned and operated the Seabrook Beach Club and has been a part of Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack since its inception in 2011.
“We are really happy to have a location now in this area to serve even more of our guests in Clear Lake. We know it’s a lot more convenient for many people,” Christine said.
over the years, both she and Manager Laurie Holzle have watched Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack grow with new locations opening in Houston, including the new Friendswood restaurant, and as of two years ago, even remote food trucks.
“We started with two food trailers a few years ago, and they were a huge hit! This year, because of that success, we will have even more, and that’s exciting! That means you’ll be able to get our crawfish all over town!” she said. - continued on page 14
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crazy alan’s Swamp Shack: cont. From page 12
John
Key to Crazy Alan’s crawfish success, besides offering crawfish year round, is the fact that they are very much in control of the crawfish product they bring in. While some venues operate on a “take what they can get” basis, Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack’s long-established relationships with Louisiana crawfish farmers ensure that they get the best, freshest product, size, and cost, so they can serve quality crawfish at reasonable prices to their loyal clientele.
PUBLISHER & ART DIRECTOR
John Ennis
(Co-Founder)
EDITOR & OPERATIONS OFFICER
Betsey
Betsey Ennis
Laurie noted, “Back in the ’90s, when [Alan and I] started in the crawfish business – before the restaurant opened – we decided we would go out and get our own.” And that recipe is one that continues to create success for Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack locations.
(Co-Founder)
PHOTOGRAPHER / COLUMNIST
Andy Eng
Visiting up to five different farms to ensure they get the most of the freshest and biggest crawfish available, this 12hour trip is made at least four times a week during crawfish season, which is just a little bit longer at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack as they strive to be the first and last to offer fresh live crawfish in the area.
ART DEPARTMENT
Shawn
Betsey Ennis • Joe DeFlora John Ennis • Shawn Domingues COLUMNISTS & WRITERS
They might be best known for their crawfish, but Crazy Alan’s stays true to their “swamp shack” roots offering a variety of other bayou-born dishes as well.
Shawn Domingues • Andy Eng Kelley Dawson • Sarah Piña Twila Lindblade Peggy “Domino” Taylor John Ennis • Betsey Ennis
andy
“Everything is fresh and made in-house. guests love our fried and blackened alligator, which we also use in our tacos and étouffée,” Laurie said, “Smoked oysters, “dark roux” gumbo and corn and crab bisque are also big hits scoring high with Louisiana natives who often say, ‘oh yeah, you know what you’re doing here!’”
SALES & MARKETING
John Ennis • Simone Culver
Laurie said, “We are very family-friendly. Kids are kids! Parents can kick back and relax and little ones can come to either location, be themselves and have a good time!”
ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
Kelley
Carmen Bates DIR OF
After a wildly successful soft opening in December, Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack in Baybrook had their grand opening on January 3.
SOCIAL OUTREACH
Gracie Ennis
The new location by Baybrook Mall (1330 W. Bay Area Blvd., Friendswood) and the Kemah location (310 Texas Ave.) are open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. & Friday & Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit www.theswampshack.com for their menu and other useful information. Head to their Facebook page to check for daily specials, pricing and availability. Be sure to check out the new bayou in Baybrook! Welcome them to The SCENE, and tell them we sent you!
DIR OF GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Simone
Andrew Ennis
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NEW 1002 Gemini Ave. Suite 200 ACTION LINE 281-925-7660 Houston, Texas 77058
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New Houston Office
Breakfast at Tiffany’s fashion Show & Luncheon! Friday, February 1 at naSa JSc’s Gilruth center on Friday, February 1, The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo TM - Metro go Texan NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Sub-committee will host their 53rd annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. With ticket purchase, guests will receive a professionally produced fashion show by Lenny Matuszewski which feature residents of the Bay Area as runway models, catered lunch by grazia Italian Kitchen Clear Lake, open bar, live music by the Mambo Jazz Kings, live and silent auctions, local vendor shopping, dancing and more! NEW THIS yEAR: There will be a Kendra Scott Mystery Jewelry pull!!
Encouraged attire is Little Black Dresses with Diamonds and Pearls. This 21 and up extravaganza is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find free event parking at NASA JSC gilruth Recreation Center, Houston, TX 77058. Cost of admission is $100 per person for open seating during the fashion show and luncheon or $1000 for seating in a reserved section during the fashion show and a reserved table of 10 during the luncheon.
This event is supported by in-kind donors, volunteers and underwriters (monetary donors) within the community to ensure its success! All underwriters will be given entry into the event and special recognition, including having their names displayed as a donor on the Donor Board(s) at the event. The Metro go Texan - NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Sub-committee offers the following Underwriter opportunities for this event: $1000 Tiffany gold includes 2 tickets to Fashion Show, recognition on the donor board and in the program; $2500 Tiffany Platinum includes 4 tickets to Fashion Show, recognition on the donor board, in the program and announced during the luncheon; $5000 Tiffany Diamond includes 10 tickets (reserved section of seating during the fashion show and reserved table during the luncheon), recognition on the donor board, in the program, announced the during the luncheon and during the Fashion Show. Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/46567927926. For ticket, underwriter and vendor information, please contact the Event Coordinator, Lisa gurgos at lisa.gurgos@gmail.com or 281-450-0833. Proceeds benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. In 2017, NASA/Clear Creek/Friendswood Sub-committee was able to give fifteen (15) students in the Clear Creek and Friendswood Independent School Districts each a $20,000 scholarship. your generous in-kind contribution makes a difference in the lives of our own CCISD and FWISD up and coming college students.
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Who’s cooking in Seabrook? Men!
25th “Men Who cook” on Feb. 12 at the Lakewood yacht club Ever think a man’s place is in the kitchen? Here’s your chance to find out.
Seabrook Rotary’s “Men Who Cook” will be cooking and serving on February 12, 2019 at the Lakewood yacht Club from 6:30 – 10:30. All proceeds will benefit the Seabrook Rotary Foundation and the Seabrook Police officers Association Charities. Seabrook Rotary President Dustin young notes, “This is the 25th Anniversary of the Men Who Cook event. We are very thankful to our residents and businessmen who serve as our celebrity chefs. We are also very grateful to our many volunteers who work behind the scenes who make this event so successful every year.”
Don’t forget your dancing shoes. Not only will the event include a wonderful variety of food prepared by Bay Area Celebrity Chefs, this year, the Men Who Cook event will feature the musical talents of Velvet Punch. Also, the Seabrook Police officer of the year will be announced. Money raised from the Men Who Cook event supports the many activities of the Seabrook Rotary Foundation including educational grants and initiatives, the annual “Clothes for Kids” project, post-disaster relief, and other community and international projects. young states, “We are looking for Sponsors, both individuals and businesses. There are so many programs that we would like to continue and new ones we envision that could help improve our community.”
Tickets, sponsor information, become a chef, and other details concerning the event are available on the Men Who Cook website, seabrookmenwhocook.org . Event tickets are $50 per person. Event tickets should be purchased early since a limited number are available. The event will feature a reverse drawing for $10,000 in gold or $1,000 in silver. only 300 reverse draw tickets will be sold for $100 each, and you do not need to be present to win. Smaller prizes are given out every 15 – 20 tickets as part of the reverse draw. Reverse draw tickets are available through any Rotary member. There will also be a silent auction for many other great items. The Seabrook Rotary Club was established in 1991. The Seabrook Rotary meets each Thursday morning at 7am at the Lakewood yacht Club. Seabrook Rotary Foundation is a 501c3 organization. The club’s primary focus is to promote prosperity through education and initiatives that engender self-sufficiency. For more information about the Seabrook Rotary visit https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3951/
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WaTErfronT Dining guiDE
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KEMAH BOARDWALK 10. The Aquarium 11. Red Sushi 12. Flying Dutchman 13. Cadillac Bar 14. Bubba Gump 15. Lighthouse Buffet 16. Landry’s Seafood 17. Bayside Grill 18. The Pizza Oven 19. Saltgrass
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CLEAR LAKE - SOUTH 20. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 21. Tookie’s Burgers 22. O2 Bistro 23. Opus Ocean Grille 24. Sundance II 25. Paradise Reef (SSHR) 26. Lighthouse Bar & Bistro
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CLEAR LAKE - NORTH 1. Luna Restaurant (Hilton) 2. Valdo’s 3. Chelsea Wine Bar 4. Boondoggles 5. Villa Capri 6. Sam’s Boat 7. BARge 295 8. Cabo 9. Pier 8 Seafood
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BACLIFF & SAN LEON 27. Noah’s Ark 28. 18th Street Pier 29. Topwater Grill
DICKINSON BAYOU 30. Marais
Visit the Mobile-Friendly Waterfront Dining Guide at www.theSCENEmagazine.com
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Featured artist: gary D. harvEy
DiScovEring an innEr arTiST
Looking at the oil paintings By Kelley dawson by Seabrook resident, gary D. Harvey; it’s hard to imagine he started painting just five years ago.
"I knew I couldn't paint. I had relatives that could. I tried drawing in my youth, but wasn't that good at it," told Harvey. He said his wife forced him to sit in one of her painting classes. "It was informative and not hard to do. I kept sitting in classes five or so more times," Havey shared. He then started painting on his own. Harvey admitted, "At first, I asked her a lot of questions. Sometimes now she asks me questions. It's more collective." Harvey discovered his inner artist, and it didn’t take long to prove his worth. Harvey sold his first piece, Whata gate, and began painting professionally.
Recently, Harvey was selected for the Moody Methodist Art Project in galveston. 800 entries were submitted for the art project. Harvey was one of 22 selected for his piece, Wastin' Time. He proudly mentioned his wife's work was also selected.
Harvey continues to produce oil pieces as he was first taught. He said oils are his favorite especially since they work so well with his preferred art style of realism. Harvey informed he only uses one or two brushes for the entire painting.
"I don’t want to have to clean all those brushes," he joked. Plus, he believes, "I can do the same with two brushes as I can with fifteen. It's how you use them."
Harvey's talents expand beyond the canvas. He builds all the frames for his works. Each frame is another art form showcasing his oil paintings. "If piers or wood are in my painting, I use similar characteristics for the frame," instructed Harvey. Additionally, he sells his frames. Harvey quipped, "you’ve heard the term starving artist, you never hear starving framer."
Currently, he tries to pursue challenging projects. He stated, "It's difficult to find something I want to paint that expands me; not something I have done before. The biggest challenge is time as framing keeps me busy."
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cuLTuraL arTS caLEnDar arTS arT
Jan. 1- 6: Festival of Lights, Moody gardens. galveston, tickets@moodygardens.com Jan. 10: West African Kora Harp Performance, 6- 7:30 p.m., Rosenburg Library, 2310 Sealy St., galveston, 409-763-8854, rosenburglibrary.org Jan. 15 & 29: Freeman Needlecrafters, 10 a.m. – Noon, Clear Lake Freeman Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston
Jan. 19: All Things Texas, g. Lee gallery, free, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., 2217 Strand, galveston
Jan. 11 – 27: Agatha Christie Verdict, Fri 8 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay, 281-335-5228, clearcreekcommunitytheatre.org Jan. 26: Something Rotten, 3 & 8 p.m., The grand 1894 opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., galveston, 409-763-2481, thegrand.com
Jan. 27 & 28: Auditions for Potato gumbo, 7 p.m., Pasadena Little The4318 Allen geneo Rd., atre, Pasadena, 713-5409489, pasadenalittletheatre.org
Jan. 26: galveston Museum Day, 11 museums free, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., galveston Tourism, 2328 Broadway St., galveston, galveston, 409-763-8854, rosenberg-library.org
Jan. 19 & 20: oak Ridge Boys, Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 3 p.m. The grand 1894 opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., galveston, 409763-2481, thegrand.com Jan. 19: Bluegrass Show, 6 p.m., Johnny Arolfo Civic Center., 400 W. Walker, League City, bayareabluegrass.org
Jan. 24: Diary of a Worm, Spider & Fly musical, 10 a.m. The grand 1894 opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., galveston, 409763-2481, thegrand.com
fiLM & ThEaTrE
Jan. 6 & 7: Auditions for Dancing Lessons, 7 p.m., Pasadena Little Theatre, 4318 Allen geneo Rd., Pasadena, 713-540-9489, pasadenalittletheatre.org
Jan. 8 & 9: Auditions for Suite Surrender, 7 p.m., Franca’s Real Italian Restaurant, 1101 NASA Pkwy., 281-488-2207 for reservations, francasrealitalian.com
La porte Library: Tuesday Story Time, 10:15 a.m., followed by Baby Time 11 a.m., 600 S. Broadway, La Porte, 281-471-4022, hcpl.net
rosenberg Library: Story times are offered every Wednesday at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. for children 6 and under and their caregivers, 2310 Sealy Street, galveston, 409-763-8854 ex. 135, rosenberg-library.org
MuSEuMS
1940 air terminal Museum: Hobby Airport, 713454-1940, 1940airterminal.org.
MuSic
Jan. 12: The other Mozart, 8p.m., The grand 1894 opera House, 2020 Postoffice St., galveston, 409-763-2481, thegrand.com
Monday 10:15 a.m., Preschool Story Time, Tuesday 10:15 a.m. & 11 a.m., Teen Advisory Board (TAB), 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 7 p.m., Events for Adults; Antiques Roundtable 1st Monday of the Month 1 p.m., Computer Classes Wednesday 10 a.m., Book Discussion Club 3rd Monday of the Month 7 p.m., Local Authors Hour 2nd Thursday of the Month 10:15 a.m., 100 W. Walker, League City, hcpl.net
phoTography
Jan. 8: Bay Area Photo Club, 7 p.m., Honors Night, Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, 17503 El Camino Real, 77058, president@bayareaphotoclub.org, bay areaphotoclub.org
chiLDrEn’S arT Library Story times
evelyn Meador Library (pre-K): 10:30 a.m., 2400 N. Meyer, Seabrook. Storytelling by Mrs. Pearson every Tuesday morning & computer classes forming, 281-474-9142, hcpl.net
Freeman & Memorial Library: Book Babies on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 10:15 a.m., Toddler Time on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, 281-488-1906, hcpl.net Helen Hall Library: Toddler Story Time,
armand Bayou nature center: open Tuesday - Saturday, Sunset Cruise 6 p.m. Every Saturday Breakfast on Bayou 8 a.m. Ages 5 to adult, Nature Tour Third Sundays, Noon, Reservations required on events, call for reservations, 8500 Bay Area Blvd., 281-474-2551, abnc.org Battleship texas, State Historic Site: 3255 Highway 134, La Porte, 281-4792431, tpwd.texas.gov
Bay area Museum - Lunar rendezvous exhibit and Space Memorabilia: open Tuesday – Sunday, Clear Lake Park, 5000 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, 281-326-5960, lunarrendevous.org. Butler Longhorn Museum: 1220 Coryell, League City, 281-332-1393 butlerlonghornmuseum.com
Galveston railroad Museum: Train Rides every Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2602 Santa Fe, galveston, 409-765-5700, galvestonmuseum.com.
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League city native Stars in new netflix Movie “Dumplin”
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League City native Maddie Baillio stars in the new Netflix movie, Dumplin, as a cheerful high schooler, Millie Michalchuk who is after her dreams and pays no attention to the haters and fat-shamers. She co-stars with Jennifer Aniston. This 22-year-old Clear Falls graduate broke into the national stage when she auditioned at an open call for NBC’s Hairspray Live ! and won the part while still a sophomore in college at Marymount Manhattan College in New york. She played the lead Tracy Turnblad in the production alongside Ariana grande and Dove Cameron. In Dumplin, Maddie returns as a body-positive character and befriends Willodean “Dumplin” Dixon, played by Danielle Macdonald. Millie is heckled but shouts out to them she will pray for them. With her confidence she enters the local pageant and her confidence spreads to the teens that are not confident.
The author of the book, Dumplin, Julie Murphy saw her on Hairspray Live ! and tweeted her that she was perfect for the part of Millie, then after a brief time she auditioned and got the part. Maddie is representing the plus-size girls on screen and off. Maddie states that when she was little girl there was no real fat representation and that is changing. She helped her costar Danielle with her southern accent that was needed for her part since she is from Australia. This is a comedy with Dolly Parton being Millie’s muse and the songs were written by Dolly Parton for this movie. This young lady is shattering stereotypes about fat people playing these body-positive roles. Relan Luss ran the Bay Area Theatre and Voice Academy in League City from 20072016 as owner and artistic director. She taught Maddie voice lessons.
“I directed Maddie in some of our musical productions, and she was one of my private voice students for many years,” Luss explained. “She studied with me in middle school and high school. Maddie was a very talented and hardworking student. I knew she had the potential to succeed in musical theatre. She would work so hard to perfect her vocal technique. She knew that practicing was the key to success. Maddie had a natural talent. I think I just helped her bring that confidence out in herself. She was great at connecting to the material. If you can believe it, she was very tough on herself. She was an amazing student. I am very proud of all of her accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.” Be sure to check out this film, not only to root for the home gal, but to see the endearing lessons taught.
Baytown Town Square 213 W. Texas Ave., Baytown
- domino taylor
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gary harvey: continued From page 20
Harvey revealed his main objective through painting "is to create something that moves you and evokes memories." He explained, "It's like going to a lake as a kid and later seeing a painting that reminds you of that time."
arTS
While Harvey is creating memories for the masses, he is also generating his own sense of serenity. Harvey expressed, "Painting is kinda like fishing. you lose the world. you don't think about worries."
arts calendar:
From page 25
League city Historical Society West Bay common Museum: open Monday to Friday. Call for group reservations, 281554-2994, 210 Kansas Avenue, League City, www.oneroomschoolhouse.org Lone Star Flight Museum: open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. -5 p.m., 11551 Aerospace Avenue, Ellington Airport, 409-740-7722, www.LSFM.org
Moody Gardens: 24-hour animal web-
cam and other exhibits, galveston, Moody gardens, 800-582-4673, www.moody gardens.com ocean Star: offshore Drilling Museum and Education Center, open Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pier 19 at Harborside Dr. & 20th St., galveston, 409-766-7829, www.oceanStaroEC.com San Jacinto Monument & Museum: open Daily 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., La Porte, 281479-2421, www.sanjacinto-museum.org
Space center of Houston, current exhibit: Above and Beyond at Space Center
Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway, Nassau Bay, 281-224-2100, www.spacecenter.org. Certified Autism Center. See website for tickets texas city Museum: open Tuesday to Sunday, 409 6th Street N., Texas City, 409643-5799, www.texas-city-tx.org/Museumabout.htm texas Seaport Museum: opening of the Trade Routes 1853, 2100 Harborside Dr., galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org To be in The SCENE Arts Calendar email dominotaylor@yahoo.com.
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inaugural 3rd coast grappling championship To Support The We Defy foundation • Jan. 12 @ Scout Bar
Local upstart grappling league Third Coast grappling will hold its first promotion this month with high level jiu-jitsu tournament at Scout Bar on January 12. The Third Coast grappling Championship I will feature some of the most exciting names in grappling as they complete under an exciting, submission-focused rule set. “you’ve got the west coast, and then there’s the east coast. Here in Houston we like to call ourselves the third coast,” explained US Army veteran and jiu-jitsu blue belt Ryan Mcguire who saw a need for a local high-level BJJ competition and is a co-founder of the new league. “We just really wanted to bring fun and exciting grappling to southeast Texas.”
Featuring both gi and no-gi matches, the Third Coast grappling Championship I will incorporate a variation of the traditional IBJJF rule set with a few new stipulations. Match duration is dependent on rank, with black belts going for ten-minute rounds and lower belts going for seven. The first fighter to either score eleven points or earn a submission wins, but points will not be awarded for advantages. A yellow card will be issued to either or both competitors for stalling, and a standup reset will occur upon a second card. A third stalling violation results in a red card, requiring the competitor to forfeit 20 percent of their prize money. In overtime, the first competitor to score points or submit their opponent within five minutes wins. A coin-flip decides which competitor will choose between either starting position or top/bottom. The other competitor will choose whichever preference their opponent did not specify.
Friday, Jan. 11
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“We started Third Coast grappling under the premise that we were tired of seeing a lot of these events going on ending in draws,” Mcguire explained. “So when we were forming this rule set, the first thing we wanted was to push the action and encourage finishes, and for not just the hardcore fans, but new casual ones to tune in and go, ‘Hey, this is pretty exciting!’” According to Mcguire, a big inspiration for his team was the old gracie challenge videos circulating on youTube.
Third Coast grappling is working alongside the We Defy Foundation for veteran outreach and fundraising. We Defy provides disabled military veterans with free access to BJJ instruction as well as equipment. “[We Defy] has been really helping us on the back end, and the fact that they provide soldiers like myself the chance to train jiujitsu is really important,” Mcguire explained. Mcguire and 3rd Coast CFo zachary Marshal are both US Army veterans and have dedicated a portion of the tournament earnings to the foundation.
Ticket prices will range from $25 (pre-sale) to $30 (at the door); VIP tables will be $200 to $300 and allow for early entrance, 4 drink tickets, and premium seating. Third Coast grappling's mission is to Make grappling great Again by bringing an unprecedented and creative perspective to the grappling super fight format to guarantee submission finishes. In addition to growing the sport of Jiu Jitsu, the team is committed to its social responsibility by partnering with the We Defy Foundation. The partnership is actively improving the lives of veterans by providing Jiu Jitsu scholarships and a support system for veterans.
Jetsurf Houston 3101 E. Nasa Parkway Suite H Seabrook, Texas 77586 281-538-7873
Weekends on the Water
Pinky’s Kayak Rentals 4106 Nasa Pkwy, # 1 El Lago, Texas 77586 713-510-7968
WABOS Water Sports 2515 NASA Parkway Seabrook, TX 77586 713-510-0516
houston Boat Show returns to nrg center
The largest indoor show for outdoor sports in America is back at NRg Center this month, January 4-13, 2019. With the Spotlight on over 1,000 Boats and RVs, Plus 100s of Fishing, Sport, Travel, outdoor gear and Art Exhibits. And great surprises for the whole family. Whether you’re buying, browsing or learning, a boat show is a great place to start. Boat shows give you a chance to see what’s new and keep current on the latest trends. or, if you’re new to boating, there’s really no better place to educate yourself on the many options available so you can make a smart decision when you do buy. Whether your interests lie in reeling in that big fish, landing twisted jumps on skis or wakeboards, adventurously exploring unfamiliar waterways, or if you just want to look at boats for all occasions, this boat show is for you. Take the whole family. The Boat Show is more than just an opportunity to get a great deal on a boat. you and your whole family will love exploring all the booths and boats. of course, it’s fun to see the latest and greatest and to imagine which luxury cruiser you’ll climb aboard when your ship finally does come in…but there are plenty of other reasons to buy a ticket as well.
Meet Lyc 10-year-old Seahorse sailor nathan pine, who is representing Team uSa in Spain
Kayak Shack 622 Marina Bay Drive Kemah, Texas 77565 832-429-2094
“Hi, My name is Nathan Pine. I am 10 years old and in 5th grade from Friendswood, Texas. I started sailing when I was 6 at Lakewood yacht Club. My current coaches are Bernat gali Bou and Jon Larson. When I am not sailing I am playing tennis, skiing, or on the mars rover robotics team. I am very excited to sail for Team USA in Spain with my twin brother James. I am looking forward to being coached by Marek Valasek and Mike Dowd.”
Lakewood yacht club announces new general Manager
Extreme Water Sports 1723 61st St. Galveston, TX 77551 409-539-3455
After almost two-and-a-half years working under Terry Chapman's tutelage as Assistant gM, Kelly Holst was officially named Lakewood yacht Club general Manager at last month's membership meeting. "I'm excited about the opportunity to apply my work ethic, talents and 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the programs at LyC and be a part of the team that brings extraordinary experiences to members and guests at every opportunity."
Kelly is the first newly named gM since Terry Chapman took the reigns in 1977. Before coming to Lakewood in July of 2016, Kelly was gM at Seawanhaka Corinthian yacht Club in oyster Bay, New york.
Seen by the Scene: 57th christmas Boat Lane parade Bay Cup I March 1 • Galveston Bay
J-105 San Jacinto Regatta April 28-29 • Galv. Bay Blessing Of The Fleet March 31 • Lakewood
57th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade Winners List 2018
LYC Heald Bank Regatta April 28-29 • Galv. Bay
LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB 281-474-2511
RED ADAIR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST OVERALL SPONSORED BOAT, Presented by CITY OF KEMAH: Boat #175 ASTARTE by Mariners at Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council JACK CAMPBELL MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST OVERALL FAMILY BOAT, Presented by CITY OF LEAGUE CITY: Boat #130 REEL ESCAPE by Melanie & Max Halliburton
HYC Commodore’s Ball Jan. 20 • HYC
KEITH EMMONS MOST WHIMSICAL AWARD, Presented by KEMAH BOARDWALK: Boat #174 REFLECTIONS by Mariners at Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
HYC Mid-Winter Regatta Feb. 24-25 • Galveston Bay
R.B. "BOB" TAYLOR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR MOST ARTISTIC Presented by CITY OF CLEAR LAKE SHORES: Boat #13 SELAH WAY by Mark Beyer & Pip Bauerlein
HYC Spring Series March 10-11 • Galv. Bay
MOST BEAUTIFUL Presented by CITY OF SEABROOK: Boat #60 LAGNIAPPE by John Lovoi
J-22 Mid-Winter Champs March 16-18 • Galv. Bay
HOUSTON YACHT CLUB 281-471-1255
BILL TAYLOR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR MOST ORIGINAL Presented by CITY OF NASSAU BAY: Boat #8 REEL BOUNTY by Tony Annan HARD LUCK AWARD Presented by Dark Knight Motor Group: Boat #137 3 TABOADAS by Jose Toboada APOLLO AWARD Presented by Jim Christiansen: Boat #130 REEL ESCAPE by Melanie & Max Halliburton MOST PATRIOTIC AWARD Sponsored by Texas Navy Sam Houston Squadron: Boat #150 MISS NENE by Bryan & Rhonda Parmer
Photos by Betsey Ennis
CITY OF KEMAH'S AWARD: Boat #8 REEL BOUNTY CITY OF LEAGUE CITY'S AWARD: Boat #13 SELAH WAY CITY OF CLEAR LAKE SHORE'S AWARD: Boat #34 ZEUS CITY OF SEABROOK'S AWARD: Boat #130 REEL ESCAPE CITY OF NASSAU BAY'S AWARDS: 1st Boat #179 LICENSE TO CHILL; 2nd Boat #130 REEL ESCAPE; 3rd Boat #159 MOON PALACE; 4th Boat #34 ZEUS
Cruzan Rum Icicle Races #1 Jan. 5 • Galveston Bay #2 Jan. 12 • Galveston Bay #3 Jan. 19 • Galveston Bay #4 Jan. 26 • Galveston Bay #5 Feb. 9 • Galveston Bay GBCA Commodore’s Ball Feb. 2 • NASA Hilton GBCA Psring Series Cup March 9-10 • Galv. Bay
GALVESTON BAY CRUISING ASSOCIATION
Bakkhus Taverna
Mamacita’s
T-bone Tom’s
Skallywag
Scout Bar
Where To EAT & DRINK
Luna’s Mexican
Russo’s Pizza
Monkey Bar
Katie’s Bar
The Backyard
1. Aspens................817 Clear Lake Rd. (Clear Lake Shores) 2. Bakfish Brewing Co. ..............1231 Broadway (Pearland) 3. Antonini’s Subs and Steaks ........602 6th Street (Kemah) 3. Bakkhus Taverna Greek................605 6th Street (Kemah) 4. Bayshore Grill & Billiards ............137 21st Street (Bacliff) 5. Bayview Duck ..............................3131 Hwy 146 (Bacliff) 6. Beers Looking At You ..........17074 Highway 3 (Webster) 7. Boldthouse Wine Pub....2234 NASA Parkway (Seabrook) 8. Boondoggles ....................4106 NASA Parkway (El Lago) 9. Buck Wild ..............1025 West NASA Parkway (Webster) 10. Cabo ............................2513 NASA Parkway (Seabrook) 11. Caps and Corks ..........500 Baybrook Mall in Food Court 12. Classic Cafe ....................2511 NASA Pkwy. (Seabrook) 13. Center Court Pizza & Brew ......3202 Marina Bay Blvd. J 14. Clear Creek Winery ..........................709 Harris (Kemah) 15. Chelsea Wine Bar ............4106 Nasa Pkwy # F (El Lago) 16. Chasin’ Tails ............................2402 Bay Area Boulevard 18. Cock-Eyed Seagull ......................1010B E. Nasa Road 1 19. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack ........309 4th Street(Kemah) 20. Crescent City Sports & Oyster Bar ..16605 El Camino Real 22. Dempsey’s Sports Pub ..20801 Gulf Freeway (Webster) 23. Dan’s Pizza Company ................................15148 Hwy 3 24. Dickinson Bar-B-Que & Steakhouse ..........2111 FM 517 25. Don Pico’s - Clear Lake ..................2110 Bay Area Blvd. 26. Don Pico’s - Pasadena ..............4940 Fairmont Parkway 27. Duo Winery & Cider Co. ................2006 Dickinson Ave 28. Easy Street Lounge ......112 N. Highway 3 (League City) 29. Esteban’s Cafe & Cantina..............402 West Main Street 31. Fatty’s ............................5735 Bayport Blvd. (Seabrook) 32. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood House ..............20760 Gulf Frwy 33. Floyd’s Cajun Seafood House ................1300 Broadway 34. Gabacho’s Mexican Grill ......................4449 NASA Rd. 1 35. Galveston Bay Beer Co. 12900 Fm 3436 Rd (Dickinson) 36. Garage Bar & Grill......1755 Hwy. 35 N Bypass Rd. (Alvin) 37. Gio’s Flying Pizza ....................................630 FM 517 Rd 38. Gordon St. Tavern....................114N. Gordon St. (Alvin) 39. Hugh & Jeff’s Car Wash & Grill ............1232 W. FM 646 40. J. Henry's Draught House ....1105 Clear Lake City Blvd. 41. Jackie’s Brickhouse ..1051 Marina Bay Drive (FM 2094) 42. Joe Lee’s Seafood Kitchen ..........1108 Marina Bay Drive
Rockey’s Piano Bar
O2 Bistro
Mediterraneo
South Belt • Pasadena • Galveston Bay • Galves
44. Katie’s ........................................315 Grand Ave. (Bacliff) 45. Las Anitas............................................4622 NASA Rd. 1 46. La Brisa - Bacliff ......................................4001 Hwy 146 47. La Brisa - League City ..........501 Wesley Drive (@ I-45) 49. Las Haciendas • NASA ......................1020 NASA Rd. 1 50. Las Haciendas • I-45 ......................12933 Gulf Freeway 51. Las Haciendas • South Shore ........2951 Marina Bay Dr. 52. Legends Sports Grill........................6011 W Main Street 53. Lone Star Grill ..........................3435 Hwy 146 (Bacliff)) 54. Luna’s Mexican Restaurant ......6555 South Shore Blvd. 55. Main 101 Grill & Bar ..............101 E. Main St. (La Porte) 56. Main Event ......................................1125 Magnolia Ave. 57. Marais ....................................2111 FM 517 (Dickinson) 58. Malay Malay ..........2508 Gulf Fwy S #102 (League City) 59. Mamacita’s - Clear Lake........................515 E Nasa Rd 1 60. MamaRita’s - Pasadena..............7325 Spencer Highway 61. Maribelle’s..................3136-C NASA Road 1 (Seabrook) 62. Mario’s Italian • Seabrook ......1304 Bayport (Hwy 146) 63. Masa Sushi Fusion ..............................977 Nasa Road 1 64. Masa Sushi Sake Bar ............................1804 W. FM 646 65. Masa Sushi Japanese Restaurant ..1788 S. Friendswood Dr. 66. O2 Bistro ..............1002 Aspen Rd. (Clear Lake Shores) 67. Mediterraneo Market & Cafe ........18033 Upper Bay Rd. 87. Merlion ....................................1301 4th St. (Seabrook)) 68. MichiRu Sushi ......................20911 Gulf Fwy. (Webster) 69. Midnite Slice ..........................1605 Main St. (Seabrook) 70. Monkey Bar................................605 6th Street (Kemah) 71. Noah’s Ark Restaurant..............4438 Boulevard (Bacliff) 72. Nobi Public House............241 E NASA Pkwy, (Webster) 73. Opus Ocean Grill ........1510 Marina Bay Dr., Bldg 124 74. Palapa Bar..................................608 6th Street (Kemah) 75. Pomodoro’s Cucina Italiana ........2700 Marina Bay Drive 76. Pizza Here ............................609 Bradford Ave. (Kemah) 77. Preamble Lounge & Craft House ....20801 Gulf Fwy #12 78. Russo’s NY Pizzaria ........1660 W. FM 646(League City) 79. Rockey’s Piano Bar ....................18313 Egret Bay Blvd. 80. Railean Distillery ................341 5th Street (San Leon) 81. Saloon Door Brewing Co. ..............105A Magellan Circle 82. Sam’s Boat ..................................13101 NASA Parkway 83. San Luis Resort ........................5222 Seawall Boulevard
Dan’s Pizza
Scotty’s OTB
Tookie’s
84. Scotty’s Pub .............................. 85. Scotty’s Pub On The Bay ........... 86. Scout Bar ................................... 88. The Backyard ......................130 89. Skallywag Suds N' Grub ............ 90. Skipper’s..................1026 FM 20 91. South Shore Harbour Resort..250 92. Star Cinema Grill ......702 Baybr 93. Sundance Grill II .................. 80 94. Stuttgarden Tavern On the Stran 95. Stuttgarden Tavern Texas City....10 43. Stuttgarden Kemah.................... 96. Thai Spice Kitchen................300 97. Thai Stellar ......................803 NA 98. The Spot ........................3204 Se 99. The Hop ....................................1 100. Texas Roadhouse ..........18194 101. The Tree House................901 N 102. Time Out Sports Bar #1 ......... 103. Time Out Sports Bar #2 .......... 104. Time Out Sports Bar #3 ..........4 105. Tommy’s Restaurant Oyster Ba 106. Tookie’s Burgers ....................4 107. Tookie’s Seafood..........1106 B 108. Topwater Grill ......................81 109. T-bone Tom’s ........................... 110.Tuscany Bistro..................2951 111. Union Tavern ............................ 112. Valdo’s Seafood House ........... 113. Vino e Formaggio ........20801 114. Volcano Room......................... 115. Zone 504 .................................. 116.-125. KEMAH BOARDWALK R 116. Aquarium; 117. Pizza Oven; 1 119. The Flying Dutchman; 120. Ba 121. Cadillac Bar; 122. Bubba Gump 123. Lighthouse Buffet; 124. Landr 125. Saltgrass Steakhouse
Lone Star Grill
Bayshore Grill & Billiards
• Clear Lake ston Island Houston 102
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59 49 99 72 97 101 32 9 113 18 22 81 77 86 68 79 56
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Galveston 62 Bay 12 10
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Seawall Blvd.
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Chasin’ Tails
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Palapa Bar
35 ston Galve
Island
517
5
80
48 108
Gulf of Mexic
Pub Level
Caps & Corks
Opus Ocean Grill
646
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Seawol f Prkw y. Harbo rside Broad way
69 87 31 107 88
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Pizza Here
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12th St.
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25th
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Jackie’s Brickhouse
Gulf of Mexico
Cock-Eyed Seagull
Topwater Grill
Ship Channel
. lvd er B ent ce C Spa
..10943 Scarsdale Blvd. .....3202 Marina Bay Dr. ............18307 Egret Bay 01 4th Street (Seabrook) .600 6th Street (Kemah) 094 (Clear Lake Shores) 00 South Shore Harbour rook Mall (Friendswood) 00 Mariners Dr. (Kemah) nd ........2110 The Strand 0000 Emmet Lowry Expy ..609 Bradford (Kemah) 0 W. Bay Area (Webster) ASA Parkway (Webster) eawall Blvd. (Galveston) 17886 Hwy 3 (Webster) Gulf Fwy. (Friendswood) NASA Road 1 (Webster) 11460 Fuqua (Houston) ......307 El Dorado Blvd. 4416 Fairmont Parkway ar ..2555 Bay Area Blvd. 406 Texas Ave. (Kemah) ayport Blvd. (Seabrook) 15 Avenue O (San Leon) ..707 Hwy 146 (Kemah) Marina Bay Dr. Ste 220 .435 El Dorado Blvd # A .........4106 NASA Pkwy. Gulf Freeway (Webster) .........4650 NASA Pkwy. .504 Kipp Ave. (Kemah) RESTAURANT ROW 18. Red Sushi; ayside Grille; p; y’s Seafood House;
Railean Distillery
Noah’s Ark
Gio’s Pizza
Marais
Tommy’s
Cabo
Main 101
Crazy Alan’s S.S.
Mediterraneo Cafe
Tune in at 7pm Thursdays via your favorite platform including YouTube Live (Vinyl Draught Radio, online at www.VinylDraughtRadio.com or your mobile phone using the iHeart Radio, Spotify, TuneIn, Player FM, iTunes, Google Play or SoundCloud apps. Plus all shows are archived as a complete Podcast on YouTube.
Beards on the Bay coming in March
Vinyl Draught Radio has partnered with Lu's Barber Shop to present Beards on the Bay - A Beard and Moustache Competition. The event will take place on March 2, 2019 in the Lighthouse District in Kemah. Things will kick off early with a Pub Crawl throughout Kemah's local watering holes. Plus, the City of Kemah has offered the green space across from Toucan Alley to serve as a vendor space for beard lifestyle products and other goods and services. The big competition takes place at Stuttgarden Tavern at 7pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in the following categories: Best overall Beard; Best Moustache & Gnarliest Beard (Freestyle) Beards on the Bay is sponsored by: The City of Kemah, Lone Star Beer, old Humble Distilling Company, Billy Jealousy, ACU of Texas, The Barfield Law Firm, Dark Knight Motor group, The Scene Magazine I-45Now, Clear Lake Today and Coffee News. For more info visit beardsonthebay.com or contact doug@vinyldraught.com
featured Bartender (Kristie): continued From page 39
What is your favorite thing about the holidays? All of the festive attire people come dressed in and the Christmas Egg Rolls Scott makes! 5 words that describe you: Witty, organized, feisty, diligent, foodie.
Favorite thing about the Bay area? All of the wonderful places to eat! Best tip you ever got: I’ll never tell!
What do you love about Bartending? I love learning about people and figuring out what makes people tick. What motivates you? My family motivates me. I have two little eyes watching me, so I have to be a good example of determination and hard work.
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THESCENEMAgAzINE.CoM
• JANUARy 2019
ThE LiST: Local producers of Brew, Spirits & Wine
Visit online @ www.theSCENEmagazine.com
1
11
Brigadoon Brewery #2
10
5041 Spencer Hwy #703 Pasadena, Texas 77505
1
9
16
7
17
BREWPUB
6
14
8
14
5
18 15
12
Beerfoot Beach Bar
2
2816 Avenue R 1/2, Galveston, TX 77550
BREWPUB
Brews Brothers
3
Railean Distillery & Buccaneer Bar 341 5th Street San Leon, Texas
DISTILLERY
3 2
4
Galveston Bay Beer Co.
12900 FM 3436 Dickinson, Texas
6
BREWERY
Bakfish Brewing
2404 Strand Galveston, TX 77550
BREWPUB
1231 E Broadway St Pearland, Texas
BREWPUB
10
Texas Beer Refinery
Haak Vineyards
15
6310 Avenue T Santa Fe, TX 77510
WINERY
2709 Dickinson Ave (Tap Room) 1825 Dickinson Ave (Brewery) Dickinson, TX 77539
7
Galveston Island Brewing
4
BREWPUB
BREWPUB
Gordon Street Tavern
11
114 N Gordon St, Alvin, Texas
8
BREWPUB
5
BREWERY
NEW TAP ROOM 18
221 6th St N, Texas City
Saloon Door Brewing
9
105 Magellan Cir, Webster, Texas
BREWPUB
4081 Rice Drier Rd Pearland, TX 77581
BREWPUB
16
709 Harris Ave. Kemah, TX 77565
WINERY
12
Fetching Lab Brewery
1578 County Rd 423 Suite B Alvin, Texas
Clear Creek Winery
Vallensons Brewing
8423 Stewart Rd. Galveston, TX 77554
Duo Winery & Cider Company
Devil and the Deep
2425 Postoffice St Galveston, Texas 77550
BREWPUB
NoVEMBER 2018 •
17
2150-A Dickinson Ave., Dickinson, TX 77539
WINERY
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ThE LiST: houston area Breweries
8th Wonder Brewery 2202 Dallas St,. Houston, TX 77003
Moontower Inn 3004 Canal St, Houston, TX 77003
Sigma Brewing Co. 3118 Harrisburg Blvd Houston, TX 77003
Buffalo Bayou Brewing 5301 Nolda St. Houston, TX 77007
SpindleTap Brewery 10622 Hirsch Rd Houston, TX 77016
Karbach Brewing 2032 Karbach Street Houston, TX 77092
City Acre Brewing 3418 Topping St Houston, TX 77093
Brash Brewing 10 W Crosstimbers Rd, Houston, TX 77018 Whole Foods Market Brewing 1700 Post Oak Blvd. Houston, TX 77056
Saint Arnold Brewing 2000 Lyons Ave. Houston, TX 77020
Platypus Brewing 1992 Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007
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Town in City Brewing 1125 West Cavalcade Houston, TX 77009
Holler Brewing Company 2206 Edwards St. Houston, TX 77007
Eureka Heights Brewing 941 W 18th Street Houston, TX 77008
THESCENEMAgAzINE.CoM
• JANUARy 2019
Running Walker Beer 3421 FM 359 Richmond, Texas
No Label Brewing 5351-A 1st Street Katy, TX 77493 Baileson Brewing 2322 Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77005
Under The Radar Brewery 1506 Truxillo St. Houston, TX 77004
Great Heights Brewing 938 Wakefield Dr, Houston, TX 77018
Back Pew Brewing 26452 Sorters-McLellan Rd Porter, TX
11 Below Brewing 6820 Bourgeois Rd Houston, TX
Texas Leaguer Brewing Company 13503 Pike Rd. Missouri City, TX 77489
Copperhead Brewery 822 N Frazier St Conroe, TX 77304
Cycler's Brewing 17105 Osburn Rd Montgomery, TX 77356 Huff Brewing Co. 9807 Koehn Rd. Bellville, TX 77418
Lone Pint 507 Commerce Street Magnolia, TX 77355
Brigadoon Brewery #1 & Brew School 21778 FM 1774, Plantersville, TX 77363
Southern Star Brewing 1207 N FM 3083 Conroe, TX 77303
Brazos Valley Brewing 201 W. First St. Brenham, Texas 77833
B52 Brewing 12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Ingenious Brewing 1986 S Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77396
Texas Beer Enthusiast On Demand CO2 Delivery
713-472-9368 Cylinder Solution Services
The solution for all your
CYLINDER needs! We can REfill, REvalve, REtest your Oxygen, Helium, Acetylene, Nitrogen, Argon & CO2 tanks.
Call CARLOS! Cell: 713-472-9368
2018: The year in Brew in review
HaZy: The biggest development of 2018 was the emergence of the Hazy or New England IPA. often called the style built by Instagram, the NEIPA exploded onto to the craft beer scene nationally. The style of brew that looks as much like a glass of juice as it does New Brew in 2019? like a pint of beer, was instantly embraced in the updated style guidelines and added to the great America Beer Festival in 2018 for the first time where it had more entries than any other style, unheard of for a brand new category. Regionally, breweries like Spindletap (Houston) and B52 (Conroe) enjoyed huge success brewing the juicy style and even put Houston, or Juiceton as one national craft ber magazine put it, on the map nationally as one of the top cities to embrace this new style. Before the year was over, almost every local brewery, even a few who initially resisted, had brewed a NEIPA proving that whether a fad or style to stay, breweries must react to the market. SpindLetap eFFect: Leveraging the instant popularity of hazy beers and the over-the-top hype, a small army of loyal followers can help create on social media, Spindletap Brewing launched a unique and ultimately highly successful brewery-only beer release model using Eventbrite to pre-sell offerings (Houston Haze, Heavy Hands, Chunk Up the Juice, Haunted Haze, etc.) in four-packs of 16-oz. cans to be picked up from the brewery days after the purchase is processed. Versions of this sales model were quickly modified and adopted by a number of breweries and most recently by Saloon Door (Webster) who started offering some of their beers (Ridiculous AF, Johnny Ringos Revenge, Doc Hoppiday and Catty Corner) in four-packs of 16-oz. cans both via Eventbrite initially and eventually for sale on-site to go.
Grumpy McGregor’s Brewery 5102 Hwy. 3 in Dickinson
Flying Rhino Brewing Co. FM 517 in Dickinson
neW BreW: While more breweries opened up in Houston region this past year, the scene remained pretty stable locally. But no less than three local groups have made major moves (acquiring real estate, purchasing equipment and more) geared towards opening breweries in the area with rumors of more. Leading the charge are Flying Rhino Brewing Company and grumpy Mcgregor’s Brewery. Flying Rhino purchased land off of FM 517 in Dickinson and has been meeting with city officials while grumpy Mcgregor, also in Dickinson, seems to be much further along with equipment in place. one other “breaking news” development is that Alvin’s Fetching Lab Brewing Company opened a Texas City tap room in a historic (100+ year-old) building at 221 6th St. N, Texas City in late December.
Texas Brewery Map @ www.theScEnEmagazine.com
yaga’s 10th chili Quest & Beer fest Beer Fest, chili cook-off, 5K run, Live Music & More FRIDAY JANUARY 18, 2019 7-8pm Chief Cooks Meeting @ Yaga's Cafe 8-10pm Kick Off Party @ Yaga's Cafe
Not to fear, the Chili & Beer is here, again! For the past nine years yaga’s has brought a diverse crowd of Chili & Beer lovers from all over the nation to galveston Island.
SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2019 DOWNTOWN EVENTS (23rd St. and Strand St) 6am Teams Begin Set Up; 10:00am Vendors Open; 10:30am Washer Tournament Check In; 11am Will Call & Information Booth Open; Strand Merchant Walkabout Begins; Washer Tournament Begins; 12:00 Public Chili Sampling Begins; VIP Beer Tasting Opens; Jackpot Margarita Contest Saengerfest Park; 1pm Live music begins at Saengerfest Park; Public Beer Tasting Opens; 2pm Exotic Chili Turn In (2:00-2:10) Public Chili Sampling Ends; Strand Merchant Walk About Ends; 4:30 pm Awards Ceremony at Saengerfest Park; 6:00 pm 10th Annual Chili Quest & Beer Fest Closes
This year’s festival will consist of the everso-popular Chili & Beer tasting with a ton of added perks. get ready for live music, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, a washer pitching tournament, a jackpot margarita contest, vendors and a historical strand merchant walkabout. As if that doesn’t fulfill all of your festival needs, returning this year is the SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2019 expanded Beer Festival. Join Beer Fest and SEAWALL EVENT (@ Beerfoot Beach Bar) take a stroll among 150+ brews and get the BEERFOOTER 5K Fun Run chance to taste breweries from across the 7:30am Check In & Registration USA. general Admission is from 1-4 pm un9:00am Run Begins less you want the VIP treatment. VIP access 11:00am Head Downtown for Chili & Beer gains you early entrance into Beer Fest at noon, allowing for 1 additional hour of VIP tasting and a guaranteed taste from the limited specialty beers!
Whether you are a chili lover, a beer drinker, or both there is a ticket option for you! Chili Sampling tickets are available for advance purchase online or day-of at the information booth. If you want a combo of chili and beer sampling, tickets are advance purchase online only. Heads up: For many years straight the Beer Fest has sold out, so get your tickets before it is too late at yagaschiliquest.com/tickets.html.
ScEnE happy hour guiDE
Houston Location
Where: 10943 Scarsdale Blvd. When: Every day 4-8pm What: $2.50 Domestic Beer & Well Drinks. $3 Wines. Fireball always $4. Ask about daily specials.
South Shore Location
Where: 3202 Marina Bay Dr. F When: Every day 4-8pm What: $2.75 Domestic Beer & Well Drinks. $3 Wines. Fireball always $4. Ask about daily specials. --------------------------
Where: 600 6th Street, Kemah When: Mon-Fri, Noon to 7pm What: $5 Premium Wells, $3 Longnecks, $4 Fireballs -------------------------Where: 3435 Hwy 146 • Bacliff When: Mon.-Fri. 11am-7pm What: $3 House ’Ritas; $4 Flavored House ’Ritas; $2.75 Dom Bottle Beer; $3.25 Import/Premium Bottle Beer; $3.50 Well Drinks (single liquor); $4 Wine. House Ritas $2.50 all day Wednesday -------------------------
Where: 2234 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook, TX 77586 When: All day Monday (4pm – 12am); 4-7pm Tuesday – Friday What: $2 off all draft beer & glasses of wine; $5 off all bottles of wine
Where: 4438 Boulevard What & When: All Day Mon.Thurs.: $3 Wells, 50¢ off Calls, 75¢ off Premiums; Sat. 7am4pm & Sun. All Day: $3 Bloody Marys, Mimosas or Screwdrivers; Mon.-Thurs.:1/2-Price Well Drinks While Raining at Noah’s! Parrots Nest Happy Hour: Mon.-Thurs. 3-6 p.m. 2-for-1 Appetizers. ------------------------
Where: 605A 6th Street, Kemah When: Mon.-Fri., 11am to 7pm What: $5 Premium Wells $5 House Wine By The Glass $4.50 All Crafts (13 taps) ------------------------
Where: 310 Texas Ave, Kemah When/What: 50 cents off any drink until 6pm -----------------------Where: 4624 Nasa Rd 1, Seabrook When: 11am7pm, daily What: Ritas and Draft Beer ------------------------
Where: 1660 W. FM 646, Suite C, League City When: Mon. - Wed. 3-8pm; Thurs. 3-9:30pm, Friday - 3-8pm What: $2 Draft Beer, $4 House Wine, 1/2 off appetizers
Where: 406 Texas Ave. (Kemah) When: Mon. - Fri. 3-6pm; What: $2.99 Margaritas, $3.50 Wells; Draft Specials include $2 Pint Bud Light ($10 Pitcher); $2.25 Shiner Pint ($10.50 Pitcher); $2.75 Dos XX Pint ($11.50 Pitcher); $3.50 Dome Faux’m Pint ($11.50 Pitcher); $3.75 St. Arnold Pint ($11.25 Pitcher); $4.25 Tiki Wheat Pint ($12.75 Pitcher). Sunday Funday: $3 Bloody Marys & Mimosas All Day -----------------------Where: 2402 Bay Area Blvd. When: 4-7pm Daily What: $3.50 house wines, $2.50 domestic draft beer and bottles, $3.50 10 oz daiquiri $3 Wells & food specials.
Where: 6555 South Shore Blvd. When: Mon.-Fri. 11am - 7pm & Sat. 11am - 6 pm What: Drink Specials ------------------------
Where: 315 Grand Ave., Bacliff When: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm What: Drink specials + Mon: $3.25 Well Ritas, Tues: $3.50 Crown Apple, Wed: $3.50 American Honey, $3.50 Fireballs
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ScEnE happy hour guiDE
Where: 609 Bradford Ave, Kemah When: All Day every Monday What: $2 Domestic Bottle Beer -------------------------
Where: 605 6th St., Suite C, Kemah When: Mon.-Fri. Noon to 7pm What: $3.50 Wells, $2.50 Dom. Pints --------------------------
fEaTurED BarTEnDEr:
KirSTiE from ScoTTy’S puB By ThE Bay 3202 Marina Bay dr Suite M, League city (South Shore Harbour) How long have you been a bartender + How long at Scotty's pub on the Bay: I have been a bartender for 9 years and have been with Scotty’s Pub on the Bay since we opened and have also worked for Scotty’s at our original location on Scarsdale for 7 years.
Where: 650 FM 517 (Dickinson) When: Monday - Friday 3-6pm What: $1.99 Domestic Draft Pints; $2.99 Premium Draft Pints; $2.99 House Wine & Appetizers --------------------------
What do you love about working at Scotty’s pub on the Bay? I love the people I work with!! We are like family and that makes it very enjoyable to come to work everyday.
your favorite day of the week to work at Scotty's pub on the Bay & why? I love working Mondays! This is my shift that really lets me get to know my costumers because I have more time to talk with them and learn about them.
Where: 2660 Marina Bay Dr. When/What: Monday through Friday 2 to 6pm $1 off frozen drinks, $1 off draft beer, $5 select nachos special ground beef, shredded chicken and spicy pork. Margarita Mondays see ad.
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top 3 drinks you recommend to customers at Scotty's pub on the Bay? Paloma, because they are light and refreshing; old fashion, because they are boozy and classic; and whatever cocktail we are making from our infusion jars, because they are always something fun!
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top 3 dishes you recommend to customers at Scotty's pub on the Bay? The burger, (add bacon, egg, and cheese). This is a really simple item to start, but a good introduction to who we are. Tatertachos, this is a fun and delicious dish that is sure to please you, and the shrimp tacos, because they are a great balance of sweet and savory, and my personal favorite! do you have a signature drink? My signature cocktail is called A Southern Peach. years ago, I was trying to figure out a new cocktail/shot that was easy to drink, packed a punch (but not over the top), and could be made with simple bar ingredients that could be found at any bar. 1 oz. Southern Comfort, 1/2 oz. peach schnapps, orange juice and a splash of cranberry juice
What do you do when not at work? When I’m not at work I’m home spending time with my two kids (my husband and daughter) and our three pups. I’m also in school working towards my degree in Sonography.
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Kingsx @ Scout Bar
LooSE noTES: continued from page 41
tourStop cLear LaKe - We were at Scout Bar in December to catch King’s X and Peace and The Chaos in the house for an up close and personal style show. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to catch the local opening act, Rainchild and promise we’ll try again next time around. Nonetheless, it was good getting to chat with Dustin and the band along with the house full of Scout Bar regulars from over the years – 2018 was better than 2017, yet for many, there’s still more to go!
This was the second time I’ve gotten to see King’s X at Scout Bar. In December, the audience got to enjoy a laid back and friendly King’s X with the band taking turns on extended lead breaks typical of a ’70s concert. Telling was how attentive the backing players paid heed as the soloist would venture into places unknown, much like a jazz solo where the dynamics ranging from pianissimo to megaforte, and never to be heard again. It takes a comfortable setting for musicians to pull off such creations and in December, Scout Bar was the place for this musical treat. Nice!
In their words, “King's X is an American rock band that combines progressive metal, funk and soul with vocal arrangements influenced by gospel, blues, and British Invasion rock groups. The band's lyrics are largely based on the members' struggles with religion and self-acceptance. King's X has released twelve studio albums, two official live albums, peace and and several indeThe chaos @ pendent releases.” Scout Bar Not too shabby...
one curious thing about this band is that their page lists Katy, Texas as home. Something I’ll have to look into in 2019.
it’S a Wrap - 2018 went fast and December went even faster. I hope you were able to enjoy the season, touch base and catch up with friends, family and your soul. My thought on 2018 was that it was a year of reinventing for many. May your new creations be satisfying. A moment for thoughtful Auld Lang Syne to those who have moved on and Cheers to our New year!
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alvin and the Slickpunks @ Scout Bar
LooSE noTES: continued from page 42
tHe Sun iS StiLL SHininG tour - Life returned to the area this holiday season as we enjoyed the return of Mark Lum with his band, Alvin and the Slickpunks, at Scout Bar. Lum is one of the rare talents able to effortlessly provide improv on the lyric lines with clever wit with perfect flow in tune with the groove. Setting aside the acoustic for this show and picking up the electric Strat, Lum and the
band presented a smooth swag with plenty of sassy solos built on reggae foundation of jazzy bassline and snazzy drum grooves from Jeremy Mallett and Michal Calvert.
The SCENE gave Lum and in-depth review recently in 2018 so we won’t rehash what you already know. Do know that his January schedule is looking pretty packed and you can catch his show around town and on The SCENE. Let’s let 2019 be the year!
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vhS @ Jackie’s Brickhouse
LooSE noTES: continued from page 43 neW Band on tHe Beat - Which would be VHS, The other Classic Rock. We caught their debut show at Jackie’s Brickhouse in December and declare VHS as good time party ready. If you know what a VHS is, you know their music!
This band consists of frontman Charlie Lair (lead vocals & guitar), Erik Fannin (lead guitar), Mike “Bonsko” McCulloch (keys & vocals), Jeremy Walton (bass & vocals), and Todd “Hammer of the gods” Fulks (drums).
The guitar duo of Lair & Fannin present a formidable front off of a solid foundation provided by Walton & Fulks. McCulloch’s pads and accents were top shelf that evening as I observed him keeping the polysonics flowing from what I believe was four different keyboards throughout songs – thinking Rick Wakeman here.
The sound at this show was arena class – well mixed with clean separation between complex instruments. As a band, they marched through the night one song after another with just enough of a break to change instruments. In 2019, I would expect to see VHS on the larger local outdoor festival stage.
The festive lights were on at Jackie’s Brickhouse in December making for a great gathering spot to meet up with friends in December. I’ve no doubt this will be a great gathering spot for 2019. See you there!
Andy and the Dreamcicles
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Cooper Wade
Blackgrass Gospel
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Thom and coley @ T-bone Tom’s
LooSE noTES: continued from page 42 tHoM and coLey - I first caught this award winning songwriter duo at the Singer & Songwriters Festival. A follow up was in order for this touring act.
My original impression of these two was that they were true entertainers who just so happened to make great music and sing clever catchy songs. My opinion is only strengthened. Unlike the Festival where each performer maybe half a dozen songs, we caught a full Thom and Coley show at T-Bone Tom’s in December at the annual Kemah Toy Drive. What a treat!
Thom Shepherd and Coley McCabe are what they call, “traveling troubadours and storytellers. They are consistently mentioned as the most down to earth and genuine people you will ever meet. That and they put on fantastic shows.” Speaking of shows, what was cool was how quick the band connected with the audience at T-Bone Tom’s through storytelling and song – down to earth and genuine. Sitting in with the band this evening was Donny Brewer whom we typically see as the lead vocalist. This evening, Brewer was on the Telecaster on lead electric, a position I’ve never heard him carry before and was impressed with his tasteful licks and accents throughout the evening. More please? I was able to pick up a copy of Thom Shepherd’s Anthology, his 12-album collection on flash drive at the Merch Table. This nifty format included 70 songs and went into my library practically instantly. The only other musician I’ve seen selling music in this format is Ezra Charles, but will be keeping my eye out for similar offerings by others in the future. Speaking of which...
In 2018, I was able to successfully migrate my SCENE photo and music collection into central libraries. This was no simple task taking about seven months to make happen. I’ll be looking forward folding in longer-term perspectives on the live music scene in the area. Stay tuned!
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Zepparella
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Wood & Wind
Sol Flair
Read Features at www.theSCENEmagazine.com
Magical Winter Lights
LooSE noTES: continued from page 45
MaGicaL Winter LiGHtS HouSton - I heard about this event last year and got to check it out this year. This is a Texas Size ”spectacular, larger-than-life attraction with a fresh, multicultural take on the traditional holiday light show. The 52-day festival is the largest holiday lighting event in Houston, and the largest lantern festival of its kind in the U.S.” In my words, the place had the ability to make time slow down.
over the holiday seasons, we’ve covered the ballet, Texas Renaissance Festival, Dickens on the Strand and pleased to add the Magical Winter Lights of Houston. - continued on page 43
Lies of an Alibi
Grifters & Shills
Jonas Lorence Band
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Loose Notes
Mark May Band @ Katie’s
Happy New year! With the holidays landing some of us two fourday weekends this year, I hope everybody was able to score themselves a good run this season. Like many of you, we were swept up with the events of the season, enjoyed tagging up, and can only wish we could’ve lingered long. The live music SCENE in December was truly splendid – Let’s share some of what all that went down!
by Andy Eng
road to MeMpHiS - In December, music supporters gathered at Katie’s as they often do. on perhaps the most pleasant of after-
noons, a fundraising show happened for the Mark May Band to support their upcoming trip to Memphis representing Houston in the 34th International Blues Challenge. Held at the Blues Hall of Fame, 260 acts from around the world vie for annual honors. Pretty impressive, yes? Local supporters who turned out scored a special show from Mark along with Billy Wells (guitar), Brandon Jackson (drums) and Darrell Lacy (bass) performing what would be the finest selections from May’s six album discography (Doll Maker, Telephone Road, Call on The Blues, Blues Heaven, In Texas Live, and Release My Soul). The band was pleasing in tone, together on the turnarounds, played as one through blistering syncopations, vocally sang as one voice and all of this while smoothly phasing through the transitions – a style and sound that is uniquely theirs. I expect these guys will represent Houston well! This band includes guitarist Billy Wells from the Telephone Road album era (w/ Nevling, Dempsey and Cooper et.al.). Wells is fully capable of performing lead on bands and creates a stellar platform for May to spring higher. Readers know I’m fond of duel leads. Wells & May ranks on the top shelf in the company of the local likes which includes the Wilson brothers (The Hunger), Kent Newman and Rob Jacobs (Diamond Jack), and newcomers Fannin & Lair (VHS).
Drummer Brandon Jackson and Darrell Lacy on bass nicely laid out the groove for the guitarists to operate as the entire band presented smooth and sweet tone, tight cadence, blistering splashes, and full dynamics. one thing I look for is a band member going into a trance and there were times when the entire band was trancing – a good sign! I’ve never been to the international challenge but believe this year, Houston’s entry in the International Blues Challenge has a shot at the honors.
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o2 BiSTro: continued from page 49
Schafer explained that he surrounded himself with the most qualified and experienced people he could find for key positions, such as renowned chef Mark Holley who rose to prominence as chef of the award-winning restaurants Pesce and Brennan’s in Houston, and former chef and owner of Holley’s Seafood in Houston.
Holley created o2’s chef-driven menu and will continue to add new items in the future. Chef’s featured entrées will also be offered throughout the month for those who like to order “off the menu” culinary creations.
Director of operations Jeff Bettencourt was one of the original owners of Joe’s Crab Shack; he developed the prototype for the franchise. With more than 25 years experience in the industry, Bettencourt brings a remarkable amount of restaurant expertise to the table.
The overall design scheme of o2 Bistro incorporates blue and white nautical colors with a granite bar top and upscale wood finishes. White tablecloths adorn the tables in the dining room, and each one is set with a formal place setting that includes blue linen napkins. (A detail that will not go unnoticed by those persnickety patrons who refuse to use white linen napkins because they might produce more lint.) A partial wall divider separates the bar area from the dining room with cocktail tables and barstools for guests to enjoy their meal in the more casual bar setting. “The separation between the formal dining area and the bar area has helped create a separate identity within the establishment,” Phelipot said, “Even with the upscale décor, the bar area has taken on the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. It’s kind of like ‘Cheers’ with a hint of sophistication.”
The state of the art wine coolers along the wall showcase wines that were painstakingly selected for their extensive wine list. “I believe we have the best wine list in the area,” said Jeff Bettencourt. “We spent a lot of time hand-picking each of the selections and will continue to expand and evolve our wine list in the coming months.” With wines like Far Niente, Silver oak, Jordan, Caymus and Nickel and Nickel topping the list, even the most over-the-top wine snob will be impressed. It should be noted they have a dedicated cooler to store their red wines at the proper temperature. Red wines are best stored at room temperature, but room temperature in Texas is about 20 degrees higher than room temperature in California and the optimal serving temperature for red wine is actually between 62 to 68 degrees. The waterfront patio was expanded and completely trans-
formed. “The patio was the most important area to me when it came to the reconstruction process, and a large portion of the budget was spent on renovating it,” said Schafer, “When you have waterfront property, especially around here, you need to utilize it to its maximum potential for waterfront dining.” Adding a roof and optional enclosures as well as the installation of heaters and a large AC unit allows guests to comfortably enjoy the outdoor dining area year round.
o2 is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Their happy hour specials (Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.) include $5 house wine and $6 cocktails and a happy hour menu with $7 Lite Bite options such as the BBQ Pork Sliders, Massey’s Thai Curry Mussels and Creole Crab Dip. The Cheese & Charcuterie is also offered during happy hour at a special price of $19. Steak enthusiasts will love Tuesdays. It’s Steak Night with choice of 8-ounce Top Sirloin ($19) and 16-ounce Rib eye ($25) each served with grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes and a choice of house or wedge salad. Pair that with a glass of Elouan Pinot Noir ($8) or Hess Shirtail Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon ($8).
o2 Bistro’s Date Night promotion on Sunday is for any two people wanting to share a nice meal together – fathers and daughters, mothers and sons, friends, etc. Whatever the pairing, guests can share an appetizer and dessert of their choice from the special menu, and select their individual entrée for the price of $49 per couple. With three distinct dining areas to choose from, guests can find the best ambiance to suit their mood and occasion such as a romantic dinner date, or a night out with the girls, or a momentous gathering with the family. Whether it’s a dressy upscale event guests want to host or a meet up with friends at the bar, or a relaxing hang out by the water, o2 can accommodate the occasion and the mood. Reservations are accepted, but not required at o2 Bistro; call 281-532-6860 or use the openTable app.
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o2 Bistro offers casual Elegance and Waterfront Dining By Shawn domingues & Betsey ennis
As the saying goes, “When one door closes another door opens.” Longtime Seabrook restaurant owner John Schafer and his partner were being forced to close their popular waterfront hot spot, outriggers, when Schafer decided to take over the vacant building at 1002 Aspen Road in Clear Lake Shores. After thoughtful reconstruction following Hurricane Harvey damage and gathering a team of focused, passionate restaurateurs, o2 Bistro is now open.
o2 Bistro aims to bring upscale casual to the Clear Lake Shores waterfront, where the dichotomy of casual dining and fine dining no longer exists and the two concepts harmoniously blend to provide casual elegance in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Schafer explained the concept is to elevate the culinary experience for guests in a refined atmosphere with especially attentive and knowledgeable servers.
“The goal is to blend the sophistication of fine dining with the casual attitude of the Clear Lake area,” said Schafer. He brought Tina Phelipot on as general manager to help achieve that goal. She emphasizes the quality of service with high standards and has implemented an extensive training program for the servers.
inSider tip: Valentine’s day is just around the corner. call for reservations at 281-532-6860 or use the opentable app.
She explained, “We want to offer our guests the quality of service found in 5-star restaurants, without any of the pompousness, and we mentor our servers to be more approachable and friendly.”
Phelipot said she wants guests to feel a warm welcome from the moment they arrive through the large glass entry doors.
Phelipot’s experience managing Houston’s Boheme (a patio wine bar) and Brasserie Du Parc (a casual, fine dining establishment) gives her tremendous insight on how to blend the two concepts and blur the lines between upscale and casual dining. A selfproclaimed foodie, Phelipot wants to bring the sophistication of Houston fine dining establishments to the Clear Lake waterfront area. Phelipot also will use her event planning experience in the role of event coordinator of o2 Bistro utilizing the private banquet room upstairs. - continued on page 46
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irie vibes! reggae nights at rockey’s piano Bar with ojos rojos
As the reggae scene in Texas has grown, especially around the gulf Coast, the area has also seen a large draw of local and national reggae acts to local venues. In addition to their interactive, all-request, sing-along performances from Thursday through Saturday, the newly incorporated Rockey’s Piano Bar has also added these irie vibes into their mix!
Adding to an intimate, warm atmosphere that makes a perfect date night, or special occasion gathering spot, Rockey’s prides itself on having the coldest beer, greatest cocktails, and a smoke-free environment—and now guests can enjoy the best area reggae has to offer a few nights a month.
“About four months ago, Rasta [Mendoza, of The High Mile] and I started playing together as a duo called ojos Rojos,” said Joe Serrato, who is also well-known as the frontman for Indaskies. “From there, it became a really popular night around the summertime and something we currently host every other week. For each show, we also welcome in one to two reggae guests each time,” he said, adding that drummer Hector gomez, Jr. from the popular local Texas reggae band FlatBroke was recently added to round out the group as a trio. Beginning in January, Reggae Nights will be held every other Wednesday. Each reggae night also features happy hour all night long, with $3 domestic bottles, $4 wells, and $5 shots.
“So come hang out for a night of chill reggae jams and extended happy hour specials!” said Leah Federchuck, manager at Rockey’s.
Rockey’s Piano Bar (18313 Egret Bay Blvd., next to Scout Bar) in Webster currently hosts Reggae Nights every other Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information on ojos Rojos and their upcoming shows, make sure to visit their Facebook page at “ojos Rojos Htx.” Additionally, there is no charge to reserve a table for any of their main live piano bar nights held Thursday through Saturday, and no cover ever for any shows! Reservations are accepted via email through their website at www.rockeysrrtx.com, by phone at (281) 339-7864, or through their Rockey’s Piano Bar - Houston Facebook page. So gear up for some fun irie vibes right here in Clear Lake—and when you do, make sure to tell them The SCENE sent you! - Sarah piña
Diamond Jack:
Bon Jovi Tribute Saturday, Jan. 26
JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE
Slags
Saturday, Jan. 26 CABO
Marty Friedman Thursday, Jan. 31 SCOUT BAR
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“It’s really all about the music, in the end,” he said. “If you were there, in the ’70s and remember that time of FM radio, with all the big hits, it’s just really hard to explain. It’s a sentiment that’s hard to relate. If you’ve experienced that — with us, you can relive it. If you haven’t, now’s your chance to have this kind of concert experience live,” Newman said. Diamond Jack will bring their ’70s arena concert experience to Jackie’s Brickhouse in Kemah on January 11 at 9 p.m. So bring your lighter-waving concert memories, grab a cold drink, reminisce on simpler FM radio times—and when you go, make sure to tell them The SCENE sent you!
Sevendust
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Diamond Jack: Bringing ’70s concert arena Memories alive in houston!
JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE
By Sarah piña
The local live music scene that is surely familiar with the most popular Houston bands such as Rat Ranch, Fab 5, and even national acts such as Axe and Foghat, have one band — or event, better said — that they should definitely not miss: Diamond Jack, a group that brings a distinctly authentic FM ’70s radio vibe through every performance by the most well-known and respected musicians in the industry.
OGRE
Saturday, Jan. 19 T-BONE TOM’S
Beginning last spring, guitarist and vocalist Kent Newman, along with Scott Madigan (bass/vocals), together had a vision that fell into place with the amazing talent that would join in along with them.
“Scott and I had been in Rat Ranch for almost 10 years,” Newman said. “We had so many incredible years together. When Rat Ranch ended, Scott and I, along with the other guys, decided to put together Diamond Jack.” Thus the band was born, bringing back a classic rock sound that is reminiscent of the ’70s FM radio. With Newman (guitar/vocals), Madigan (bass/vocals), Rob Jacobs (guitar/vocals), and Paul Byron (keyboards/guitar/vocals), and Stacey Steele (drums/vocals), Diamond Jack in a short amount of time has garnered a reputation as a band who collectively perfect their respective crafts to create the most authentic experience possible with each show.
Flaw
Thursday, Jan. 24 SCOUT BAR
“We really want to make this more of a ’70s rock concert experience, and truly an event,” said Newman. “Many of us also play in other bands, so when we come together, it isn’t every day, and we love that everyone comes to celebrate that with us,” he said.
From the greatest hits by Styx, Foreigner, REo Speedwagon, The Cars, Bad Company, and Paul McCartney and Wings and more, Diamond Jack has brought together the highest caliber of musicians to recreate each song to bring a full-on arena concert event to each date they play.
10 Years
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Live Music Spotlight: The Detentions
By Sarah piña
The school of trop-rock is back in session this month at Railean Distillery and Buccaneer Bar in San Leon! Hosted by Railean and the galveston Bay Parrot Head Club, the popular Austin-based duo The Detentions will be performing live as part of a celebration of their fourth CD release on January 11!
Diamond Jack Friday, Jan. 11
JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE
“our newest album is called yes It Is, a title taken from a song that Dan [Sullivan] wrote with his daughter with ukuleles down on the beach,” said Chris Hillier, half of the Detentions duo. “Dan is such a great songwriter, and this album is even more mature in that sense, he takes it very seriously. This one is also more about love—love for family, for friends, and the beach. It’s more upbeat and maybe a little less introspective. We had sort of this Beach Boys, hazy ’70s beach thing in mind as we figured out the vibe in the studio,” he reflected. And to think four albums later with their signature, self-described “country-ish, Americana” sound, the journey of The Detentions started as fun after-school jams between two teachers (hence the band name!)
“Fourteen years ago, we started playing together after we were both hired as first-year teachers. We actually met in the men’s bathroom for the first time,” he laughed. “Dan being from Missouri and me being from Nebraska, it was amazing because we found out we knew a lot of the same people on the music scene. So Fridays after school, we started to play guitar and just goof around, when one day the principal passed by and heard us playing,” he recalled. This led to the principal asking them to learn some Christmas songs for the faculty party, which then led to playing in a local coffee shop at the staff party that continued there afterwards. The coffee shop hired them to play a few times a week from the very start—and the journey continued to grow from there. Their first album, Rockamole (a title based on the descriptor Dan came up with to describe their sound) was released in 2010, and they have since garnered several awards and outstanding recognitions from the music industry, including several nominations for best country song of the year from the Austin Songwriters group, and “Duo of the year” from the Trop-Rock Music Association for the past three years in a row. The duo has also toured for the last several years. “For the last three summers, we have toured all over United States. We will be heading to Florida soon, all over the Keys, Detroit, Chicago, Branson, New orleans and more. We’re fortunate as teachers that our schedules allow us the time to do this,” Hillier said. And the next stop is nearby — Railean Distillery and Buccaneer Bar!
Velvet Punch
Saturday, Jan. 12
JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE
Jonn Del Toro Richardson Thursday, Dec. 13 KATIE’S BAR
“It’s always a real fun, interactive show. Dan is such a storyteller, and for the CD release party, it will be all original music with some special guest musicians. It’s going to be a lot of fun, with a big group of fun people!” he said.
The Detentions perform next at Railean Distillery and Buccaneer Bar in San Leon from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (21 and up) on January 11, the same day of the CD release (which will also be available on all music streaming platforms). It's also Parrot Head Happy Hour, so that means "Boat Drink" specials and more! So head out to celebrate The Detentions’ newest album, enjoy some great “rockamole”—and when you go, make sure to tell them The SCENE sent you!
JANUARy 2019 •
Badhouse
Saturday. Jan. 19 SCOUT BAR
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