The SCENE Magazine - August 2019 - Back to Front

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tHeScene

— > LocaL MuSIc

“It’s a cruel, cruel Summer”

Chris Hardy & Matt Cash Every Sunday (Downstairs)

DeaD gIrLS acaDeMY brings

CABO

national tour to Scout Bar 8/15 By Sarah Piña

For over 15 years and counting, Scout Bar has earned a reputation of bringing some of the freshest sounds in rock to the stage and has evolved into a premiere rock performance venue. True to the name, Scout has sought out several up-and-coming bands of all genres, while also bringing some of the biggest acts in the music industry to the area, consistently providing high-energy, high-quality performances in the rock genre and beyond.

Ulrich Ellison & Tribe Friday, August 9 KATIE’S BAR

This said, make sure to mark your calendars for August 15, when the post-hardcore/alternative metal outfit Dead Girls Academy hits the stage for their Cruel Summer Tour with an electrifying performance not to be missed! Formed only in recent years, the band has garnered a huge fan base which continues to grow exponentially, with DGA lead vocalist Michael Orlando bringing his own audience as the former vocalist of Vampires Everywhere!, a band with a strong following where he felt himself transitioning into the new sound DGA brings to the table.

“As an artist, I just outgrew it musically and needed something new and wanted a change. It was at that point Ronnie (Radke, of Falling in Reverse) stepped in to start writing the debut album Alchemy, with this name really representing a transition, because that’s really what it was for me,” Orlando said. DGA’s first single “I’ll Find a Way” was released in 2017, and shortly thereafter the band was touring with such national acts as ISSUES, the Amity Affliction, and blessthefall. It was then that Orlando signed a deal with Victory Records, and later secured a coveted spot on the Vans Warped Tour in 2018 where singles such as “No Way Out” and “Everything” from DGA’s debut album began to chart as well. These successes for the band— whose current lineup includes Orlando (vocals), Zachary Moore (drums), Craig Pirtle (guitar), and Alex Asch (bass)—have led to tours with Badflower and From Ashes to New, and an upcoming European tour with none other than P.O.D. as well as Alien Ant Farm.

Mac Sabbath & Okilly Dokilly

Saturday, August 10 SCOUT BAR

“We’re expecting a really big, life-changing tour with that one,” Orlando said, who at one time was actually an aspiring NHL player who eventually picked up the bass as his instrument of choice, a decision that led him down the musical path he’s walking now. “I was a bass player and a backup singer for years, and decided one day that I was sick of crazy, egotistical lead singers. So I became one!” he laughed.

The look and sound of DGA is a culmination of influences as well. Orlando counts Phil Collins, Billy Joel, The Doors, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Stone Temple Pilots as a few of his musical influences, while his look is more “metalcore Dracula, sort of a Marilyn Manson thing – maybe dark and ominous, but not mind-boggling,” he said. - Continued on Page 28

AUGUST 2019 •

Fab 5 (Beatles Tribute) Saturday, August 10

JACKIE’S BRICKHOUSE

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tHeScene

— > LocaL MuSIc

playing with Heart, Blues, and Soul:

texaS fLooD, Stevie ray Vaughan

tribute returns to Scout Bar in august By Sarah Piña

Spazmatics

Friday, August 16 SCOUT BAR

IllumiYachty

Friday, August 23 T-BONE TOM’S

The story of Texas Flood, billed as the nation’s leading Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute, begins not in Dallas, not in Texas – and not even the United States. A testament to Vaughan’s global impact on blues music, it begins in a country 6,000 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean.

“I was raised in Hungary, and very much influenced by my father, also a great blues guitarist,” said Tommy Katona, the guitarist leading Texas Flood. “I got into Stevie and his music at a very young age, at 4 years old. My father had a couple of reel-to-reel tapes, and I remember even at that young of an age being mesmerized by a video from 1985 of him. I wanted to watch him over and over again, and would ask my dad to see the ‘guy in the white hat’ again,” he recalled. Not too long after, Katona picked up a guitar himself, and effectively became what can only be described as a child blues prodigy in his native Hungary. “I picked up the guitar right around then, when I was 7. I started playing with my dad in his band, and at not even 10 years old I was playing gigs all over the country with him. I was really the first little kid playing blues at this young age in the early ’90s. I was like this ‘little kid with a big guitar,’ which led to a lot of interviews and performances on radio and TV,” Katona said. It was also around this time his dad had to let his son know about Vaughan’s tragic death in a helicopter crash in Wisconsin.

Bert Wills

Wednesday, August 24 KATIE’S BAR

“As a kid I really didn’t understand when he died, actually. But I did become more and more obsessed with his music, and when I understood that he had died in this tragic accident I decided that his legacy needed to be carried on. I wanted to be like he was—play hard, play fast, and look cool. As I grew up, I had this dream to come to the U.S., to Texas, and play at clubs or venues where Stevie played, and meet people who knew him or played with him. I was looking for something more beyond what I was doing in Hungary,” he said.

This thirst for something more eventually led Katona to Dallas for a Stevie Ray Vaughan fan club tour in 2006, where large groups of SRV fans from all over the world gathered to memorialize the late great blues guitarist at different locations significant to his life during a “SRV ride” in a bus tour, and which culminated in a SRV tribute concert.

“It was at this concert that I got the opportunity to play on stage, and after that, everyone was like, ‘who IS this guy? They were really impressed; that was a really memorable experience,” Katona said, who on top of this surreal moment also played with Texas greats such as Wes Jeans, Texas Slim, Jim Suhler, Cheryl Arena, and Alan Haynes during the SRV fan club tour.

Hawthorne Heights & Emery Tuesday, August 27

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truly a family effort:

VaLLenSonS’ BreWIng coMpanY

By John Ennis

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Vallensons’ Brewing Co. In a little more than two 4081 Rice Drier Road years of operation, the popular, family-owned and operPearland, Texas ated Vallensons Brewing Mon.-Thurs.: ......Closed Company located at 4081 Friday: ......3 to 10 p.m. Rice Drier Road in Pearland Saturday: 12 to 10 p.m. has made an impact locally, regionally and now internaSunday: ......12 - 7 p.m. tionally after winning four medals last month at the prestigious U.S. Open Beer professional competitions, Vallensons is unique for a Championship including a gold medal for the brew- number of reasons. ery’s Settler’s Oatmeal Stout. The U.S. Open Beer Championship is a top International beer competition with commercial breweries from Russia to Rhode Island and beyond sending in entries to compete for the best of more than 130 beer styles. In additional to winning gold for the top Oatmeal Stout internationally, the young brewery took home three bonzes for their Peach Tea Beer (Tea Beer category), their “Pink” Tart Cherry Berliner (Berliner Weisse category) and their ExBERRYmental Fruit Beer ALL IN THE FAMILY: If you dissect the name (Wood/Barrel - Fruit Beer category). Vallensons, you get “Valle-N-Sons.” This name was created with the vision that his two sons, Valle Jr. “It is very overwhelming,” explained an excited but humble Valle Kauniste, brewmaster and founder and Konner, would one day work with dad at the brewery. While Konner is still a tad young and of Vallensons. “Winning medals on the pro scale is helps out where he can, the 17-year-old Valle Jr. is real validation. I didn’t even know about it the day I won. I got a text message from Jason (Stromberg) at the assistant brewer and has been brewing with Galveston Island Brewing saying ‘Valle, nice job bro!” his dad since he was 10, dating back to home brewing in the family garage. I thought he must have been referring to the fact ABC Channel 13 came out the day before and did a “I used to hate the smell of beer,” Valle Jr. exreally nice story on us. He replied ‘No, dude, you plained. “Dad would be brewing it in the garage, won four medals!’ I’m still in shock.” and I really couldn’t handle it. But now I love it. It is a lot of fun. A lot of work, but a lot of fun.” Don’t mistake Kauniste’s humility for a lack of confidence as the Air Force veteran who specialized Kauniste is quick to point out how valuable his in the high altitude reconnaissance flight of the U-2 son is on brew days and how it is almost a ballet and SR-71 airframes before leaving the service to with each having a different role but knowing exhelp advance Human Spaceflight since 2000 is not actly what the other is doing at every moment and new to brewing. He has experienced considerable when the other might need a third or fourth hand. success and received significant praise as both an “It truly is a balance on the back end, especially award-winning home brewer and in his short time during a double batch brew day,” Kauniste exbrewing commercially. But winning medals was plained. “There are 50 moving parts, and timers not a goal for him. going off all over the place. We are moving beer “The reason to me for entering this competition from one tank to the next, cleaning the empty tank was to get some feedback,” said Kauniste. “That and filling water up because we don’t have holding was the ultimate goal. This completion has judges tanks. Everything is down to the minute. He has from all over the US, Europe, Canada and elsewhere his area that he focuses on; I have mine. And after who don’t know Vallensons from anyone. If they a while we developed such a rhythm, so if I grab a came back and said our beers are way off or sometri-clamp fitting and hand it to him, he knows thing was wrong with our water profiles, then that where it is going. It gets to the point where we would be valuable. But sending off five beers and don’t even have to say anything as we have the getting four medals really blew my mind.” routine down. And that is really fun and rewarding to do with your son.” - Continued on Page 40 Besides enjoying such a rare successful start in

• AUGUST 2019


Vallensons’ Brewing: Continued From Page 41

One date coming up that the younger Valle is really looking forward to his is 18th birthday, when he becomes legally old enough to serve the beer he brews. “I love Rocky Road ice-cream,” explained Valle Jr. “So I plan to brew something like a marshmallow, vanilla and chocolate stout, and then I will be able to serve it. That will be a lot of fun, and I’m really excited about that.” So stay tuned for events in September as a special Assistant Brewmaster’s beer release served by the birthday boy himself is in the works.

But the family effort at Vallensons stretches far beyond only Valle and his sons as the elder is quick to point out that it takes a team of talented and dedicated people to keep the brewery running and growing at the pace it is.

It all starts with Kauniste’s wife Lori who has been intimately involved since the beginning and keeps everything moving, especially the business and back office side of the operation including accounting, compliance, marketing and making sure ingredients and supplies are ordered and delivered on time. Lori is also often behind the bar at the brewery taproom working alongside her sister Donna Coneley, niece Erin Coneley, nephew Garrett Coneley and brother-in-law Chris Coneley. Vallensons is truly and literally a family-run operation.

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP: Every aspect of the brewery was planned, engineered and built from the ground up, literally, with the Kaunistes playing a very active role in the design and engineering process. The search for the land to build Vallensons Brewing Company on started in 2014. By 2015 they found and purchased a little more than an acre in their hometown of Pearland just off of North Main Street (Telephone Road / Hwy 35) on Rice Drier Road. Kauniste has joked he bought the land because of a beautiful, giant 80-year-old protected Green Ash. Soon after they purchased the land, Pearland had a public hearing to approve a conditional use permit for the Vallensons’ site. A lot of political and logistical hurdles followed but by June of 2016 construction finally broke ground and, despite a lot of rain to follow which slowed the construction down at times, roughly a year later in May of 2017 the brewery was open to the public and has been receiving rave reviews ever since. - Continued on Page 38

4081 Rice Drier Road Pearland, Texas TAP ROOM Fridays 3 to 10 p.m.

Saturdays 12 to 10 p.m. Sundays 12 - 7 p.m.

Our U.S. Open Beer Championship GOLD MEDAL winning Oatmeal Stout is on tap.

281-617-7537(p) vallensons.com

12+ Craft Beers On Tap FEATURED BREWERY EVENT Saturday, August 10 • 6pm

Valle’s Birthday Celebration Featuring Two Fifths Valle turns 45 on August 10 Come celebrate with live music by Two Fifths, delicious food by Home Saddled BBQ and of course, Valle’s great craft beer! Cheers!

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SaY cHeerS to 10 YearS!

10th BreWMaSterS craft Beer feStIVaL Serves up foam-filled Labor Day fun

LaBor DaY WeeKenD: friday - Sunday • august 30 – September 1

area IS HoMe to texaS’ LargeSt Beer feStIVaL

Toast to the end of summer at the 10th annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival in sunny Galveston Island, Texas. For 10 years, this frothy festival has been lauded as one of the top beer fests in the U.S. and revered by beer lovers across the region. BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival is an immersive multi-day event held annually Labor Day weekend. Want to tap into the world of craft beer on island time? Join fellow craft beer fans that flock to Galveston Island August 30 – September 1 in the pursuit of hoppiness and a craft beer experience unlike any other. With hundreds of craft beers, rare “Taste it First” selections, beer education seminars and a Brew-B-Que to boot, this 3-day event offers endless opportunities to meet and learn from the men and women behind the craft.

Whether you are a craft-loyal drinker eager to try something new, or a newbie learning the ropes, BrewMasters is the ultimate event for experiencing the distinctive world of craft beer. Reflecting on the past 10 years, Clifton McDerby, Executive Director of Food & Vine Time Productions, Inc. said “we have always focused on the education of craft beer, making sure that everyone who comes to this event can not only experience the widest selection of craft beers available at any Texas festival, but learn something from the craft masters themselves. We were the first beer festival in the region and our goal was then and is now to offer an immersive learning and tasting experience. We think we’ve been successful in staying true to our original mission. Be the leader in craft beer education,” added McDerby. The three-day festival is packed with beer, cheer, and plenty of foam-filled events happening each day over Labor Day weekend. Friday night, August 30 kicks off at 7 p.m. with the spirited Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting event featuring a range of high-quality tequila-tasting and plenty of salt and nachos for all.

in line? The BrewHaHa VIP Premium Lounge provides early access to the entire tasting floor plus an exclusive space to get crafty with light bites, and premium sampling. The VIP Zone opens at 2 p.m. with the Grand Tasting at 3 p.m.

Saturday, August 31 is all about craft beer, and the innovative breweries which make it happen at the ultimate BrewHaHa Grand Tasting which offers the chance to sample hundreds of the best beer in the world. Pay close attention to the “Taste it First” selections, which offer an exclusive opportunity to sample never-beforetasted craft beers. Want an intimate tasting experience with Texas’ finest? Then, the Texas Brewery Tasting Tour is for you. This tour, now part of the main tasting floor, provides a rare opportunity to meet some of the most successful and emerging breweries in the state. Guests will enjoy featured selections with each brewery offering a “Taste it First” selection and time with some of the most passionate and skilled brewers and owners in the industry. Not a fan of waiting

Make it a destination weekend. Set in Galveston’s tropical Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, BrewMasters breaks out the barrels and serves up foam-filled perfection all weekend long. Tickets range from $25-$85. For more info, visit www.brewmastersbeerfest.com/

The three-day festival is packed with beer, cheer, and plenty of foam-filled events happening each day over Labor Day weekend. Friday night, August 30 kicks off at 7 p.m. with the spirited Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting event featuring a range of high-quality tequila-tasting and plenty of salt and nachos for all.

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Hear a wide range of experts on the Beer University Stage including a return of the very popular Women in Craft Beer panel where the women of craft beer talk about the growth of women in the industry. Meet James Simpson and Chad Pilbeam, hosts of What’s on Tap Radio and many more. To top off the foam-filled weekend, don’t miss the Brew-B-Que, Sunday September 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring smokin’ hot smokehouse specialties from award-winning Pitmaster, Patrick Feges and Erin Smith of Feges BBQ, recently recognized as one of 25 Best New Barbecue Joints in Texas by Texas Monthly, plus live music and, of course, plenty of ice-cold brews.


Vallensons’ Brewing: From Page 40

EXPERIMENTATION AND QUALITY: Kauniste built the brewery to fulfill his passion for experimentation, and it shows in the range of styles he has already brewed to date. But he has only just begun. “We’ve done 40 or 50 different styles of beers since we opened, but I still have a ton more I want to make,” Kauniste said. “We want to keep challenging ourselves. And that is exactly what we are doing with some of these sours we are playing with. We literally are bringing bacteria into the brewery. So we have to be very careful, be completely sanitary and develop and have the right controls in place. But that is the fun part. I was scared at first, but they have come out great.” Kauniste has also enjoyed experimenting with a range of yeasts, including some which are cutting edge and could change the commercial brewery game.

your canopies, bring your chairs, bring your kids, bring your dogs, cats, birds, spouse or whatever.”

“We do struggle to keep up with demand, and we are only open three days a week,” Kauniste said. “We used to wash kegs once a month and now we are washing and filling kegs multiple times a week.”

One special event on the schedule for August is the brewmaster’s birthday celebration on Saturday, August 10 with live music by Two Fifths and food by Home Saddled BBQ.

From “Jeep Meets” to favorite food truck appearances to live music concerts to other special celebrations, the weekend event calendar at Vallensons stays pretty active on their acre-plus location. “We have a lot of room,” Kauniste said. “So people can come out, spread out, bring

A look further into the future brings expansion in many facets ranging from more beers, more days open during the week and ultimately a larger brewhouse and the construction of a massive separate taproom facility which Kauniste has designed specifically to his needs and the property. And chances are, there could be more medals coming soon as well.

A significant reason for the great success — whether according to visitors to the taproom or a panel of judges for an international beer competition — of Vallensons’ fruit beers, is the dedication to quality and sourcing the right ingredients. Many breweries use fruit extracts or fruit syrups in beers but Kauniste prefers not to even if it comes with an additional financial price. “All of our beers with fruit are 100% all fruit or fruit purees made of 100% concentrated fruit straight from an orchard,” Kauniste explained. “It is more expensive but it is worth the cost. They maintain the fruit within certain high standards, it is delivered cold and goes straight into our cold box and then we have a set amount of time to use it.” It is that kind of attention and dedication to quality that makes a difference and which Vallensons is building a reputation for. A UNIQUE MODEL WITH EXPANSION PLANS: Vallensons is currently only open three days weekly (Fridays 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays noon to 10 p.m.; Sundays noon to 7 p.m.) The only place to enjoy their beer is at the brewery taproom on those days, which is a pretty unique model that makes every day the brewery is open a special event in and of itself. And Kauniste admits the volume of beer sold each day they are open is far more than he expected.

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Scene HappY Hour guIDe

featureD BartenDer:

Where: 601 5th St. • Kemah When: 4 to 7pm Mon. - Fri. What: $2 Domestic Drafts; $3 Wells; $4 Dos XX'S Drafts; $5 Tiki Wheat Drafts -------------------------

Where: 605 6th St., Suite C, Kemah When: Mon.-Fri. Noon to 7pm What: $1 off Wells, $3 Dom. Pints --------------------------

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 --------------------------

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.

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How long have you been a bartender + How long at Swamp Shack?: I’ve been in the industry for almost 12 years now and have been bartending for about 8 years since moving to Houston from Michigan. The owner, Alan Franks, and his management team graciously hired me in February a few months after the opening of the Baybrook location. What do you love about working at Swamp Shack? It’s a fun atmosphere with amazing food, plus the clientele are great and not to mention co-workers and management that feel like family. Working for a family owned and operated organization is hands down one the best opportunities I’ve had. YOUR favorite day of the week to work at Swamp Shack & why? FUN Friday because it’s more lively! Everyone is ready for the weekend and I’m happy to help them kick it off right with some fun drinks! Top 3 drinks you recommend to customers at Swamp Shack? New Orleans Hurricane, Crazy Swamp Juice, and our Swamp Rum Runner! All three of these are absolutely

cHaD cHaD from from SWaMp SWaMp SHacK SHacK BaYBrooK BaYBrooK

full of flavor and will definitely lift your spirits!

Top 3 dishes you recommend to customers at Swamp Shack? Our Mud Bug Burger is absolutely delicious with crawfish tails infused and hand formed into the beef patty! Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños that are breaded and stuffed with three cheeses are very, very tasty! And of course, our phenomenal crawfish tossed in our scintillating G-Style sauce! Do you have a signature drink? Absolutely! I call it the Lawnmower! It’s Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Peach Liqueur mixed with Sweet Tea! Full of flavor, and it keeps you cool and refreshed on hot summer days while doing all the yard work! Are there any new drinks or promotions you’re excited about? Starting this month, Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. ALL drinks are HALF OFF and HALF OFF appetizers (excluding deluxe and premium sampler platters)! We’re also going to be starting Thirsty Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. We will have $2.50 domestics, $12 domestic buckets and house wines for JUST $2! What do you do when not at work? I love spending time with my wife and two daughters! We enjoy going to the movies, the beach and spending time by the pool. I love working out, golf, watching sports! My family is also involved with our church, The Harbor, as well as Jamie’s Hope, a cancer organization that raises money to help find a cure and supports families battling cancer. This organization is near and dear to my heart. - Continued on Page 28

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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 4-7pm What: $2.75 Domestic Beer & Well Drinks. $3 Wines. Fireball always $4. Ask about daily specials. --------------------------

Where: 600 6th Street, Kemah When: Mon-Thurs. 11am-7pm Friday 11am - 9pm 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: 406 Texas Ave. (Kemah) When: Mon. - Fri. 3-6pm; Where: 310 Texas Ave, Kemah & What: $2.99 Margaritas, $3.50 1330 Bay Area Blvd, Friendswood Wells; Draft Specials include $2 Pint When: Mon.-Fri. 3-6 p.m. Bud Light ($10 Pitcher); $2.25 What: HALF OFF all drinks & Shiner Pint ($10.50 Pitcher); $2.75 HALF OFF all appetizers (exclud- Dos XX Pint ($11.50 Pitcher); $3.50 ing sampler platters) Dome Faux’m Pint ($11.50 Pitcher); -----------------------$3.75 St. Arnold Pint ($11.25 Where: 4624 Pitcher); $4.25 Tiki Wheat Pint Nasa Rd 1, ($12.75 Pitcher). Sunday Funday: Seabrook $3 Bloody Marys & Mimosas All Day When: 11am-----------------------7pm, daily What: Ritas and Draft Beer ------------------------

Where: 1010B E. NASA Pkwy. @ Egret Bay, Webster When & What: Monday - Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $2 Domestics, $4.25 Calls, $3 Wells (except Tuesdays, Wells are $1.50!!)

Where: 707 Hwy. 146. When: Mon.-Fri. 5 to 6:30p.m. What: $1 Dom Draft; $6 pitcher and $3 1/2 pitcher; $1 off all ritas, $2.49 Vegas Shrimp Cocktail; $5.99 Fish or Shrimp Tacos; $2.49 Fried Pickles

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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Bag of Donuts @ Baytown’s 4th of July celebration

Loose Notes

Greetings! I hope everybody had a great Fourth of July Holiday, stayed dry with the clean side of Hurricane Barry, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, enjoyed the fabulous variety of cool drink specials at your favorite SCENE venue, and caught yourself a dose of great live music. In July, we found the live music scene exceptional, performed by musicians who were all about the music, at that the music is for everybody. Starting off, we lit the fuse with...

by Andy Eng

BAYTOWN FOURTH OF JULY - This year’s Fourth of July holiday, like the 1st Lunar Landing, landed in the sweet spot right in the middle of the week. The four days of holiday was the cat’s meow. Lots of events were on the calendar and drenching rain threatened but luckily gave way letting us enjoy. This year, we made our annual trip into Baytown, a 146 community that always pulls off a fun family friendly free event with Bag of Donuts and The Village People. This was my first time to catch either of these two bands live on stage and marked the event as “a treat.”

Bag of Donuts, 6x winner of the Offbeat Award, and in 2019, the first cover band inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame is an outrageous New Orleans party band in the league of Velcro Pygmies, Spazmatics, and Devo – all designed for “fun.” Their musical span easily covered five decades “suped up in a new and exciting way.” I always like to note what kinds of groups hires a band like BOD - Having the likes of the NFL, NBA and PGA as well as community Kiwanis clubs and festivals from Texas to Florida has got to be perhaps the widest span I’ve ever seen - And they’re a French Quarter Festival annual slot to boot. Think “Mardi Gras all year long.” Bag of Donuts: Have them on your watch list.

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- Continued on Page 34


LooSe noteS: continued from page 35

The Village People, a band who practically everybody knows, were an influential band of yesteryear and pulled an impressive strong draw at this Baytown event. Victor Willis, the original VP front man, was an interesting surprise - While his present troupe handled the high energy stage show and antics with ease and his musician’s pit was tight and strong, Willis was ever mindful of his fans in the audience, reminding them throughout the night that “It’s all about the music. The music is for ‘everybody.’” I was around when the Village People first arrived on the SCENE. Hearing this from Willis helped put it all into perspective and explains the group’s longevity. Kudos to the Baytown community for continuing their great job pulling together a community event where there is something for everybody.

Village people @ Baytown’s 4th of July celebration

- Continued on Page 33

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LooSe noteS: continued from page 34

AND THE STREAK GOES ON - My run of catching names I’ve not heard of before at Katie’s in Bacliff remains intact. For newcomers to the area who enjoy R&B, I’ve been an a multiyear streak catching music acts I’ve not heard of before at Katie’s leaving totally impressed and in July, it was Jackson & Youngblood. I’ll cede the point that I’ve covered Ricky Jackson as a soloist and with The No Refund Band. It was Dav Youngblood who was new to my ears and what a treat we had that night. According to Bob Emmons, Dav was well known on the Houston Blues scene before moving east. Over the years, Youngblood has been making an annual trip back to our area, regularly pairing up with Jackson for a few shows in the area.

Jackson & Youngblood @ Katie’s

Getting to catch Youngblood on bass was a treat as was his powerful solid baritone voice. Together with Brannon McLeod on the kit, the two laid down a rock solid foundation for Ricky Jackson and Bob Emmons to venture into solos to parts unknown. I’ve always known Emmons to graciously sit back on either bass or rhythm while guest players on his stage would

take the lead role – much like Daryl Hall in Daryl’s House. However on this evening, Emmons was taking the solos well into cosmic territory alongside with Jackson – a surprise and a treat!

I was surprised to see Jackson packed along a Godin bag this evening. I honestly never reckoned him to be a Godin type. Turns out he gave the Godin to a young friend to take to college and kept the bag using it to carry his PRS. I’m not sure which part of his explanation surprised me more. As for Jackson’s music this evening, I noticed he now sports half the number of pedals he once used to which, to my ears, created a purer sound. Also noteworthy was Jackson carrying on lead breaks not of typical single string notes but of two and three string chord licks. Youngblood, Jackson, McLeod and Emmons – a powerful throwdown band combination. One last note: This show went down on a Thursday and was simply superb, and I heard the weekend show at Katie’s even better.

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- Continued on Page 32


the Slags @ t-bone tom’s

LooSe noteS: continued from page 33

SLAGS RETOOLED - I took my own advice in July, waited for the rush hour dinner traffic to pass and ventured into the Kemah Lighthouse District. The 146 traffic was a piece of cake. Walking through the T-Bone Tom’s backyard, it was clear that many of you good readers have also figured out this piece of timing. Smart… The band on the Landshark stage this evening was a group I’ve not often seen here, The Slags.

This band has been on the SCENE as long as I can remember. Their playlist at T-Bone’s took me by surprise – opening with AC/DC, the band settled into a steady run of C&W tunes much to the delight of the listeners and dancers before finally returning to their roots with Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin It was heartwarming seeing little ones dancing to the Immigrants Song. The current Slag’s lineup is a strong one that you should give a listen to. Joining Ben “Rod” was vocalist Brittney Valdez, guitarist Tony Natalizio, bassist George Thomas, and drummer Charlie Carlisle. This strong lineup of musicians didn’t merely make music, they also entertained - something we often need.

One of the most important part of any band is their sound guy and lately, I’ve been catching PKS Audio handling sound duties for bands around the area. PKS Audio did a superb job running sound at the Even It Up Show and here too for The Slags. If you’ve a band and needing somebody to handle audio at you next gig, give PKS Audio a shout.. - Continued on Page 31

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LooSe noteS: continued from page 32

TOUR STOP CLEAR LAKE - Which would be hometown band, InInDaSkies @ DaSkies returning home after their tour of the east. It’s been awhile Scout Bar since one of our own local bands have hit the road and this was a fun celebration for those who joined in this homecoming I arrived in time to catch Alvin and the Slickpunks, an iconoclastic three piece reggae based group of Mark Lum-Guitar/Vocals, Jeremy Mallatt-Bass and Michael Calvert-Drums. Lum was edgier than usual playing out on Jeremy’s Marshall amp - I liked the heavier metal splash on the bands California psychedelic mix - In the past, I recall Lum playing on a clean Fender. I’ve always been impressed with Lum’s clever & critical lyrics, often improvised on the fly, bringing the song into the now. On this particular evening, Calvert and Mallatt laid down a solid groove foundation letting Lum take his playing into outer space, showing us a Slickpunks @ guitar style that with R&B intensity at a National level. Scout Bar Up next was Saltwater Slide, a five-piece reggae rock band from San Antonio keeping things safe and sane. Keyboard(?) player, Vincent Ashley was an intriguing musician to follow as he covered horns, synthesizer, and pounded the keys with a congo technique creating a sound of his own.

Headliner for the evening, just returning from “The Movement Continues Summer 2019 Tour” of the East was InDaSkies, a local homegrown reggae dub rock band. The InDaSkies Tribe was out in force on this work weeknight. I like what this band has done. This area was a thriving patch of young talent years ago. Came the time many of them moved on seeking their dreams and correspondingly, the number of young local live bands diminished too. It’s obvious that Joe Serrato has assembled a strong functional band beginning at the core with Ryan Damian and David Rios on drums and percussion - A Santana kind of energy came to mind. Adding the next layer, bus driver duties belonged to James Herrington, a well traveled jazz bass guitarist giving the band a sophisticated snazzy suave swinging groove versus the “thump-thump-thump” beat. Jazzy suave Reggae. Still with me? Tasteful keys from Chris Ranew and accents from sax player Derrick Rosette provided reggae spice to the mix keeping the band near its musical reggae core. The crazy wild addition to this band is Marcus Tabet on lead guitar. Tabet describes himself as a Jazz Fusion & Progressive Metal guitarist (!!!) and in a reggae environment is akin to taking habanero and cayenne and making things hotter. All in all, this recipe for a band is one I’ve not heard of before but the blend works, is good on the ears, and a sound I believe should be patented in the Houston Home Grown spectrum. Serrato has a songwriting scheme that in my judgment works well. Recall the Queen chant, “We will, we will, rock you!”? Serrato pulls on this approach and creates songs of simple pure five-word mantras. Exercised with the proper repetition and muSaltwater sical weave, Slide @ this band is Scout uniquely Bar Houston. I can’t see it being formed anywhere else.

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LooSe noteS: continued from page 31

EVEN IT UP - Was happening at Jackie’s Brickhouse in July. Hurricane Barry was passing through causing havoc on the outdoor live music scene and respectfully so. Not to fear as the area Merry Mongers simply took the action inside. The feature write-up by Sarah Piña in the July SCENE Magazine sparked my interest with Even It Up, and judging by the full house, it sparked your interest, too. This band scored high marks in my book, not only for even It up @ their musical fidelity to Heart, but also for an exceptional visual presentation. EyeJackie’s Brickhouse balling the Heart fans in the audience, I wasn’t alone. This group is solidly at the level of Back In Black, Fab 5, Nightbird, Bad Sneakers, and Zepperella as far as tributes bands go. This band presented commanding and compelling performances feeding off of the appreciative Brickhouse crowd. Folks at the Brickhouse I was watching weren’t sure if they were to sit and appreciate or get up and rock their tails off. So the house ended up doing both. The band played two sets of ’70s groovy music and ’80s powerhouse rock with a complete wardrobe change for each. The second set took on a twist I’ve only seen on occasion – a medley of all the top hits from the era, whipping the crowd into a frenzy, before wrapping it up the show with Barracuda. I mentioned the medley as it stood out strong and was easily a show in itself. Chatting with the band after the show, it was clear that they had fun and look forward to possibly returning to Jackie’s. Well done, people!!! - Continued on Page 28

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texas flood: Continued From Page 43

Katona returned back to Hungary after the SRV tour, where he recorded and released his first original album titled Let Your Fingers Bleed, and began touring with his Hungarian band called Full Blast. He and the band during this time played the prestigious Puisto Blues Festival in Finland, opened for the late great blues musician Johnny Winter, and even played in Italy, opening for none other than Cyril Neville of the Neville Brothers. However, Texas was still calling Katona’s name, and he returned a year later—by coincidence, or some might say destiny or fate— landing in Dallas precisely on October 3—Stevie Ray Vaughan’s birthday. What happened shortly thereafter is the stuff of movies. “So one time in high school, I was searching the internet for anything and everything Stevie, like I would do a lot,” he laughed, “and came across this

Stevie tribute band called VooDoo Blue. And it just so happens, two months after arriving back in the U.S., years after this happened, I got a call from this very band, looking for a guitar player,” Katona said.

Katona then went for an audition, the band was blown away by Katona as so many others had been throughout his life since he was even a child, and the rest was history. VooDoo Blue then went through some lineup changes in subsequent years, to the point it was appropriate to rename the band to reflect the trio it now represents— with Steve Buckner on bass, and Travis Montoya on drums.

Katona wants to make it clear, however, that there is only one SRV, and that he and the band are in no way an attempt to imitate or look exactly like him or his band.

“You don’t have to look just like a certain band to be a great band. You can have the look, but the music is just not there, not the playing, not the voice. In certain SRV tributes, that creates a lot of weirdness from certain people. Out of respect to his brother and his family, I do not want to do that. I want to play a great show, but not imitate him. I am not trying to ‘be Stevie,’ but follow his formula with the blues, by bringing certain blues greats back into the spotlight like he did. A lot of people don’t realize SRV actually didn’t release very many original songs—mostly he covered those old blues songs from Albert King, Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins, and brought them back to life through his music. This was further reinforced in Katona when he once played a solo with SRV and Double Trouble’s bassist Tommy Shannon.

“He told me, and I’ll never forget this, because he knew Stevie very well— ‘Stevie wants you to be you.’ That made me think,” said Katona, who will also release his own original work later this year. “So it’s a mission in life. I pay my respects and tribute to him, I play his originals and his covers, but at the same time I am myself. Nobody can replace him. I find it really important to keep his music and legacy alive and do it right,” he said.

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• AUGUST 2019

Audiences can experience the Stevie Ray Vaughan legacy in Houston at the Dosey Doe in Spring on August 30, or even more locally at Scout Bar in Clear Lake on August 31. Doors open at 8 p.m.; show begins at 9 p.m. Grab your tickets in advance from scoutbar.com, or reserve your VIP table now to experience an unforgettable night of heart, blues, and the intense, soulful presence of SRV brought to life by Texas Flood!


popular JBH bartender moving on, will be missed Jackie’s Brickhouse and I are saying good-bye to one of our longest tenured bartenders, Samra Jo Hamilton. For those of you who don’t know Samra, she has been with Jackie’s Brickhouse for over 7 years and has been a HUGE asset to our growth and reputation in the Kemah/Clear Lake area. She isn’t leaving because she’s unhappy, she’s leaving because she’s decided to take on a job that better works for her and her family. It has been my pleasure to work with Samra her entire 7+ years here, and I am going to miss her beyond belief. She has a HUGE following and 100+ regulars that come see her daily/weekly/monthly. She has always gone above and beyond to

Loose notes

Continued From Page 30

COOLEST A/C OF THE MONTH - This month goes to Mamacita’s, perennial Epicurean Evening Award winner. Who doesn’t like a good A/C during summer?

IT’S A WRAP - During the month of July, we had what they called a Retrograde Mercury which pundits describe as a treacherous period best spent living low key and reflective, which was super easy to do with all of the exceptional events we have here on The SCENE. Grab yourself a couple copies to have around the home, car and place of work. Also too, follow us on Facebook to keep abreast of all that’s happening in the area. On the live music front, I think July scored amongst the best for live music on many levels. We’ve got really great live music friendly venues on the SCENE. Last month’s music, played by dedicated musicians, was all about the music and that music was for everybody. That would also include you!

Special thanks to all of you live music lovers for being a part in July! You could see the bands appreciating the audiences which is a nice frenzy to build on. BTW, if you haven’t noticed, the days have been getting shorter and our hometown pro baseball team is heating things up. Time to go live life with your family and friends. See ya on the SCENE! Cheers!!!

featured Bartender

Continued From Page 37

The most rewarding part of your job? Two things. First, when people come to my

help every single guest that walks in our doors. She makes sure the manager on duty knows about any first-time guests that visit us as well as anyone’s birthday, anniversary, engagement, baby news, etc. She has an amazing relationship with all of our vendors, owners, staff members and sales reps. Samra will definitely be missed. It has been not only pleasure to work with her, but it’s also been an absolute honor to work with such a legend.

Samra: I wish you all the best, and you’ll always be family, and you’ll have a home here at Jackie’s Brickhouse. Best wishes! – John Barrera (Jackie’s Brickhouse GM)

bar, it's a time to relax, grab some great drinks and food and visit with friends or family. It's an escape from the everyday and I love to make that an enjoyable experience for them. Second, since my years in the industry, some people who where regulars are now great friends. They've supported my wife when she was diagnosed with cancer, been involved with our kids and continue to be friends in and out of the restaurant. It's not about pouring drinks for me, it's about connecting with people.

What is your favorite thing about August? The start of football season for sure! I definitely represent my Detroit Lions, THE Western Michigan University Broncos, and last but not least, The University of Michigan Wolverines! I played football all the way through college so it’s definitely part of me! I can talk football with my customers all day. #RestoreTheRoar #WeWillReign #Hail 5 words that describe you: Charismatic, Empathetic, Sarcastic, Motivated, Goofy

Favorite thing about the Bay Area? I love being close to the water and beach! Nothing better than being able to grab a bite watching the boats pass in Clear Lake and Kemah.

Best tip you ever got: It’s a long story, but I got $800 on a $300 tab. Best day ever!!

What do you love about Bartending? I enjoy a fast-paced environment. No two days are ever the same. I love meeting and connecting with people. My wife jokes, “You can’t remember to take out the trash, yet you remember someone’s drink order when

Samra Jo

they’ve only been to the restaurant a few times.” I’m a people person!

Who inspires you? My dad is my biggest inspiration. He’s the hardest working man I know, and at almost retirement age, he’s still working hard, and I look up to him for that. My wife also inspires me. She battled breast cancer and never skipped a beat. So when things get stressful, I just remember how strong she is and that keeps me motivated for her and our kids.

Dead girls academy

Continued From Page 44

The experience, then, that results from a DGA show?

“It’s kind of like Mötley Crüe meets Nine Inch Nails and somewhere in-between. There’s also definitely some melodic radio rock, guitar solos that remind you of Guns ‘n’ Roses, and hooks like Bon Jovi,” he said. “We try to bring a fun, energetic environment to the stage. Theatrics, but without gimmicks, to every city we play. It’s an electrifying show, and I really want to thank all of my fans for sticking with me all of these years,” Orlando said, who added that audiences can expect a new album he’s writing out sometime next year.

Dead Girls Academy headlines The Cruel Summer Tour on their stop in Clear Lake at Scout Bar on Thursday, August 15, along with opening acts Alive in Barcelona and Clio Cadence. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show begins at 7:30 p.m. Grab tickets in advance from scoutbar.com, or reserve a VIP table now for a night not to be missed with one of rock’s hottest rising acts!

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Bay access Sailing foundation opens 2019 Harvest Moon regatta registration

Don't miss the 33rd Annual Offshore Regatta from Galveston to Port Aransas!

Jetsurf Houston 3101 E. Nasa Parkway Suite H Seabrook, Texas 77586 281-538-7873

Lakewood Yacht Club will host the 33rd Harvest Moon Regatta, October 10-13. This annual regatta is a fun-for-all occasion. From highly competitive racers to those who just want a reason to cruise down the Gulf Coast under the bright orange moon, the Harvest Moon Regatta is a highly anticipated regatta. Non-sailors rendezvous in Port Aransas on their powerboats, RVs, cars and motorcycles to enjoy the spectacular Bacardi-sponsored rum party at the Port A City Pavilion. The race entry fee is $200 plus a City Marina Docking/Rafting Fee based on the overall length of your vessel. U.S. Sailing members will get a $10 discount off the race entry fee.

Pinky’s Kayak Rentals 4106 Nasa Pkwy, # 1 El Lago, Texas 77586 713-510-7968

The Bacardi Welcome Sailors Rum Party, BBQ dinner and awards party will be Saturday night, October 12. Wrist bands for the BBQ dinner and Bacardi Rum Party became available for purchase August 1 along with this year's merchandise offerings. The Early Registration Deadline is Friday, August 2. Entries received by this date will receive two complimentary Harvest Moon Regatta TShirts valued at $50. The Notice of Race can be found at www.harvestmoonregatta.com under the Race Information tab.

WABOS Water Sports 2515 NASA Parkway Seabrook, TX 77586 713-501-0516

Kayak Shack 622 Marina Bay Drive Kemah, Texas 77565 832-429-2094

Extreme Water Sports 1723 61st St. Galveston, TX 77551 409-539-3455

Bay Access is the organizing authority. The 2019 race sponsors include Title Sponsor Bacardi Rum, City of Seabrook, Insurance Navigators, Davis Marine Electronics, Upstream Brokers, Texas Coast Yachts, Faron Daigle Realtor, Little Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance Agency, Y.E.S., True North Marine, Sea Lake Yachts, Thomas Bates Accessories, Hayes Rigging, Coast Guard Foundation, Marine Max, TMCA, Boatpix.com, Mantus Anchors, Optima Marine, Ocean Navigator, Pleasure Pier, Boaters' Retail Shop of Texas, The SCENE Magazine, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine, Life is Good Magazine, and West Marine.

For additional information, contact Harvest Moon RegattaÂŽ Chair Duane Guidry via email at HMR@LakewoodYachtClub.com or contact the Principal Race Officer, David Comeaux at davidcomeaux@live.com or 832-993-5933.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Early registration deadline ......................Friday, Aug. 2 HMR Safety Day ................Saturday, Sept. 14 (at LYC) Standard entry deadline ....................Sunday, Sept. 15 Skippers' Meeting ......................Friday, Oct. 4 (at LYC) Race Start..................Thursday, Oct. 10 (in Galveston) Bacardi Welcome Party ..Saturday, Oct. 12 (in Port A.)


coming to a screen near you: Weekends on the Water Launching this month and broadcast live from the Jet Surf Houston Studio along the north shore of Clear Lake will be a fast-paced, short-attention-span friendly video show titled Weekends on the Water.

This new show will focus on events taking place in and along the shores of the Waterfront Capital of Texas Jordan Davlin John ennis alyssa Schmidt including sailing, boating, extreme water sports, waterfront dining, waterfront real estate and much more.

Produced in coordination with Bay Area Media Services and The SCENE Magazine, this new show will be hosted by military veteran and professional extreme water sports athlete Jordan Davlin and SCENE Magazine Publisher John Ennis with special appearances by JetSurf Houston Trainer Alyssa Schmidt among others. This will be the first in a series of new editorial, digital programs developed by SCENE Magazine aimed at promoting our local area and targeting an active, attractive and affluent audience. Find and like JetSurf Houston, The SCENE Magazine and Weekends On The Water on Facebook to learn more.

Bay Cup II August 3 • Galveston Bay Harvest Moon Regatta Oct. 10-13 • Galv. Bay J Fest Regatta Oct. 26-27 • Galv. Bay

LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB 281-474-2511

HOOD Regatta Sept. 21-22 • Galv. Bay Turkey Day Regatta Nov. 16 • Galv. Bay

HOUSTON YACHT CLUB 281-471-1255

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races on Clear Lake Villa Capri: 3713 NASA PKWY (Seabrook) *6:15pm 1st Gun 2019 RACING SEASON 4/03 . . . . . .Series 1, Race 1 4/10 . . . . . .Series 1, Race 2 4/17 . . . . . .Series 1, Race 3 4/24 . . . . . .Series 1, Race 4 5/01 . . . . . . . .Bye Week #1 5/08 . . . . . .Series 2, Race 1 5/15 . . . . . .Series 2, Race 2 5/22 . . . . . .Series 2, Race 3 5/29 . . . . . .Series 2, Race 4 6/05 . . . . . . . .Bye Week #2 6/12 . . . . . .Series 3, Race 1 6/19 . . . . . .Series 3, Race 2 6/26 . . . . . .Series 3, Race 3 7/03 . . . . . .Series 3, Race 4 7/10 . . . . . . . .Bye Week #3 7/17 . . . . . .Series 4, Race 1 7/24 . . . . . .Series 4, Race 2 7/31 . . . . . .Series 4, Race 3 REMAINING 2019 RACES 8/07 . . . . . .Series 4, Race 4 8/14 . . . . . . . .Bye Week #4 8/21 . . . . . .Series 5, Race 1 8/28 . . . . . .Series 5, Race 2 9/04 . . . . . .Series 5, Race 3 9/11 . . . . . .Series 5, Race 4 9/18 .Pre-Awards Bye Week 9/25 . . . . . . . .Awards Party

GBCA Rum Race Series Run Race #6..August 10 Run Race #7..August 24 Run Race #8.....Sept. 7 TGIF Series - August August 16 • Galv. Bay

Singlehanded Make-up August 17 • Galv. Bay

Mixed Doubles Make-up August 18 • Galv. Bay TGIF Series - Sept. Sept. 13 • Galv. Bay

Performance Cup Sept. 14 • Galv. Bay

Chili Chase Regatta Dec..7 • 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) 3a. Antonini’s Subs and Steaks........602 6th Street (Kemah) 3b. 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

43. (Great) Kanakas Atomic Tiki Bar....601 Bradford (Kemah) 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. Opus Bistro ..........................2500 South Shore Harbour 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 76a. Paradise Tropical Wine ......603 Bradford Ave. (Kemah) 76b. 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

Dan’s Pizza

Scotty’s OTB

Tookie’s Burgers

82. Sam’s Boat ............................... 83. San Luis Resort ........................ 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..25 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 N 98. The Spot ........................3204 S 99. The Hop .................................... 100. Texas Roadhouse ..........18194 101. The Tree House................901 102. Time Out Sports Bar #1 ......... 103. Time Out Sports Bar #2 .......... 104. Time Out Sports Bar #3 .......... 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 ........... 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

Bayshore Grill

Great Kanakas Atomic Tiki Bar


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Jackie’s Brickhouse

Gulf of Mexico

Cock-Eyed Seagull

Topwater Grill

Ship Channel

. lvd er B ent ce C Spa

...13101 NASA Parkway 5222 Seawall Boulevard ...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) Bayport Blvd. (Seabrook) 15 Avenue O (San Leon) ..707 Hwy 146 (Kemah) Marina Bay Dr. Ste 220 .435 El Dorado Blvd # A ..........4106 NASA Pkwy. ..........4650 NASA Pkwy. ..504 Kipp Ave. (Kemah) ESTAURANT ROW 18. Red Sushi; ayside Grille; p; ry’s Seafood House;

Railean Distillery

Noah’s Ark

Gio’s Pizza

Opus Bistro

Tommy’s

Cabo

Paradise Tropical Wine

Crazy Alan’s S.S.

Mediterraneo Cafe






21st gulf coast film festival:

Continued From Page 18

The Master of Ceremony will be the eleven-time Emmy winner Ernie Manouse from PBS – Channel 8 and producer of InnerViews with Ernie Manouse and the toprated Manor of Speaking, a talk show about Downton Abbey. Ernie also tours the country with Al Pacino interviewing him in his stage show.

artS Lidia Porto

Directors, actors and TV personalities will be celebrity presenters and will be on hand for photos and autographs.

Films from all across America and worldwide were presented to the Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival. Tickets for the film screenings at the NASA Hilton can be purchased at the door. The Gala and Award tickets at the Lakewood Yacht Club must be purchased in advance. GCF&VF founder Hal Wixon said, “We welcome everyone to our 21st film festival, and it will be full of surprises and celebrity guests and the films are fantastic. To celebrate our 21 years, the gala will be at the prestigious Lakewood Yacht Club with a beautiful backdrop on Clear Lake. Come be a part of this long time celebration.” Gulf Coast Film Festival was awarded Best Film Festival by the Houston Press. There is time still for sponsors to participate and buy ads in the program. Join this

august arts calendar:

Continued From Page 17

Bay Area Museum - Lunar Rendezvous Exhibit and Space Memorabilia: Open Tuesday – Sunday, Clear Lake Park, 5000 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, 281-3265960, www.lunarrendevous.org. Butler Longhorn Museum: Tues- Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1220 Coryell, League City, 281-332-1393 www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com Galveston Railroad Museum: Train Rides every Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2602 Santa Fe, Galveston, 409-765-5700, www.galvestonmuseum.com.

League City Historical Society West Bay Common Museum: Open Monday to Friday. Call for group reservations, 281-554-2994, 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 webcam and other exhibits, Galveston, Moody Gardens, 800-582-4673, www.moodygardens.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

Texas City Museum: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 409 6th Street N., Texas City, 409-643-5799, 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.

non-profit art event on their Facebook page and keep up with Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival and all the new additions and announcements. Sponsors for the event include the cities of Seabrook and Nassau Bay and Houston Film Commission. For more information, including tickets to each event and a listing of area hotels supporting the festival are on the website, www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com. That’s a wrap!

Illusions of grandeur Continued From Page 16

Gordon’s recent mural will grace the entry and three-story stair well of the Galveston UTMB administration building. He partnered with a company to capture his 4X6 panels digitally with a highresolution, moving camera similar to a scanner. The panels are printed on metal and powder coated.

Murals are not exclusive to his current portfolio. Gordon’s smaller works are acrylic and mixed media. The pieces are intuitive; meaning he doesn’t sketch or use photographic images. He explained, “I use lots of layering. It’s a big part of my identity; typically 20 layers at the least. I make impressions of impressionist paintings.” Gordon concluded, “I want to work to be happy; to do more to uplift.”

Indeed, his vivid, colorful paintings and murals elevate the atmosphere of any facility and brighten the mood of those who gaze upon them.

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21st gulf coast film festival to present artS Winning films with gala and honor Lidia porto By Domino Taylor

The 21st Annual Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival will take place September 27 and 28 in Bay Area Houston. Film screenings will take place on Friday, September 27 (6 to 10 p.m.) and Saturday, September 28 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at Hilton NASA Hotel (3000 NASA Parkway in Nassau Bay). The Saturday night Gala and Awards Banquet on September 28 will be at the Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway in Seabrook at 6 p.m. Meet the Filmmakers and Gala starting at 7 p.m. The gala will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to the talented Lidia Porto. Lidia is an actress best known for her role as Cartel Queenpin Amara de Escalones in Epix original series, Get Shorty. She has guest starred in American Housewife, Shameless, Jack Ryan and Major Crimes. She is working with David Harbour of Stranger Things on a comedy special on Netflix. Some of her memorable films are Scary Movie 5, Horrible Bosses, Idiocracy and Dope. She is a Houston based actress with more than 22 years of voiceover talent. She has worked with local actors as an instructor and board member at Mercury Studio and directed many Houston productions in English and Spanish. The Ernie Robertson Esteem Award will be presented to Brandon Smith, a working actor of 55 years who has appeared in more than 100 films and television projects. Brandon was also the 2012 Gulf Coast Film Festival honoree. - Continued on Next Page

Gulf Coast Film Festival Honorees

Lidia Porto 2019

Suzanne Savoy 2018

Gary Chason 2017

June Griffin Garcia 2016

Lew Temple 2015

Brad Leland 2014

Robert Patrick 2013

Brandon Smith 2012

Marsha Mason 2011

Cheryl Tiegs 2010

Jon Lovitz 2009

Erin Gray 2008

Jasmine Guy 2007

Robert Wuhl 2006

Armand Assante 2005

Janine Turner 2004

Barry Corbin 2003

Melissa Gilbert 2002

Loretta Swit 2001

Walter Coblenz 2000

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• AUGUST 2019


cuLturaL artS caLenDar artS art

August 2: Paint & Sip. 7 -9 p.m., Registration needed for painting, and epoxy wood cut, Duo Winery, 2150 Dickinson Ave., Dickinson, 832-970-4998 August 3: Texas Rangers Day, Free admission, History Symposium $20., Bryan Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 1315 21st St., Galveston, 77550, bryanmuseum.org August 13 & 27: Freeman Needlecrafters, 10 a.m. – Noon, Clear Lake Freeman Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston

August 24: Galveston Art Walk, 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. music, Peace Love TourA Tribute To Woodstock, Starting at The Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409763-2481, www.thegrand.com

MuSIc

August 9: The Gatlin Brothers, 8 p.m., The Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409-763-2481, thegrand.com August 17: Bluegrass Show, 6 p.m., Johnny Arolfo Civic Center. 400 W. Walker, League City, www.bayareabluegrass.org

pHotograpHY

August 13: Bay Area Photo Club,7 p.m., Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, 17503 El Camino Real, bayareaphotoclub.org

tHeatre

August 1- 4: Disaster ! - Friday & Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Texas 3, Dickinson, 281337-7439, www.harbourtheater.com

August 2-4: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Baytown Little Theatre, Performances at Baytown Lee College, 2 E Texas Avenue, Baytown, reservations & times 281- 424-7617, www.baytownlittletheater.org

August 9, 10, 16, 17, & 23, 24: Rumors By Neil Simon, Claudio Sereni playing preshow 6 -8 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m. Show 8 p.m., Franca’s Real Italian Restaurant, 1101 E. NASA Pkwy, Nassau Bay 281-488-2207 for reservations, www.francasrealitalianrestaurant.com August 10: Jaston Williams- Don’t Blame the Car, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409-763-2481,.thegrand.com

August 18 & 19: Auditions for Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the

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, www.hcpl.net Helen Hall Library: Toddler Story Time, 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, www.hcpl.net La Porte Library: Tuesday Story Time, 10:15 a.m., followed by Baby Time 11 a.m., 600 S. Broadway, La Porte, 281471-4022, www.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, 409763-8854 ex. 135, rosenberg-library.org

Suicide Club, 7 p.m. Production run Oct. 18 – Nov. 3 , Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay, 281-335-5228,

August 23 – Sept. 1: Fat Pig, Pasadena Little Theater, 4318 Allen- Genoa, Pasadena, 77504 713-941-1758, www.pasadenalittletheater.org

fILM

August 7: Movie Night at the Museum, 5:30 p.m. Butler Longhorn Museum. 1220 Coryell, League City, 281-332-1393 www.butlerlonghornmuseum.com

August 31: Last day for film entries for Gulf Coast Film Festival, Sept. 27 & 28, www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com. 281-333-5804

cHILDren’S art Library Story Times

Evelyn Meador Library (Pre-K): 10:30

MuSeuMS

1940 Air Terminal Museum: Hobby Airport, 713-454-1940, www.1940airterminal.org. Raffle tickets on sale now for airplane.

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., 281474-2551, www.abnc.org Battleship Texas, State Historic Site: 3255 Highway 134, La Porte, 281-4792431, www.tpwd.texas.gov Temporary closed.

AUGUST 2019 •

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Featured Artist: ron gorDon

ILLuSIonS of granDeur

Whether a small-scale painting or an immense mural, Ron Gordon’s bold creations exemplify magnificence and ambition.

By Kelley Dawson

Gordon’s grandmother helped cultivate his passion for art. He received painting lessons from her at the age of 10. Gordon told she taught him to paint landscapes and flowers with oils. “Not that I wanted to paint flowers then,” he quipped.

By the age of 13, Gordon was winning art awards and commissioning his works. During his junior high and high school years, Gordon designed posters for garage bands and created prize-winning parade floats. He declared his decision to pursue a professional art career and honed his natural talent through college studies. Gordon said he worked as an art teacher in Michigan and then as a graphic arts designer for the oil and gas industry in Houston. After years working in graphic design, Gordon revealed he had been called to another purpose. He served as Head Master at a Christian Academy for 10 years. “I had a higher calling. It was a lot of work building a small school,” he shared. Throughout his tenure, Gordon’s art supplies remained unused in boxes. He disclosed, “I didn’t think I’d paint again.”

Fortunately for many companies and collectors, he returned to painting. Gordon stated he created projects part time such as product packaging, a children’s book, murals, and faux finishes. “I was not looking for fame or glory, but looking for a living,” he admitted.

Gordon solicited himself to designers and businesses along with the aid of his trusty projector, “Sparky.” He soon secured mural work from an automotive company and the Houston Zoo.

Gordon informed, “It’s the 1000 mile-an-hour rule. I put in the time to learn and develop. I learned to work fast and accurately.” In fact, he was enamored with large scale as a child. It’s no wonder Gordon excelled as a muralist and reveled in the format. He said, “I saw the Alec Guinness movie, ‘The Horse’s Mouth.’ It captivated me; the life of a mural artist.” Gordon believes he is much better at large scale. “It was frustrating realizing I had a good sense of design, but tweezer dexterity issues. I’d end up smudging much of my work,” he expressed. One of Gordon’s larger works includes thirty 20x30 panels at a Baylor Medical facility. He also produced seven collage pieces for a children’s hospital in Dallas. Gordon told of his surprise and flattery to obtain commissioned work from a medical building installation; having known his name is not on it and most people don’t pay attention.

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1002 Gemini Ave. Suite 200 ACTION LINE Houston, Texas 77058 281-925-7660


AUGUST 2019 •

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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. Opus Bistro & Steakhouse 26. Paradise Reef (SSHR) 27. Lighthouse Bar & Bistro

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29 12th St.

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

Waterfront DInIng guIDe

20th St.

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 28. Noah’s Ark 29. 18th Street Pier 30. Pier 6 (Coming Soon) 31. Topwater Grill DICKINSON BAYOU 32. Marais

Visit the Mobile-Friendly Waterfront Dining Guide at www.theSCENEmagazine.com

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former area restaurateur returns to Houston area

After a 6-year hiatus to Florida, former Clear Lake restaurateur Daniel Costello is returning to Houston.

Daniel Costello

Costello, former proprietor of a popular national Italian chain, was a longtime community supporter who moved up the ranks and relocated to Florida in 2013 to work in the corporate office.

Missing his Texas ties, Daniel accepted up an offer to open an 8,7000-square-foot restaurant – the first Houston location for the Dallas-based 60 Vines restaurant – to be located in historic Rice Village.

“I have been blessed with an amazing opportunity to return to my Houston roots and, be closer to my children at an exciting time in their lives,” said Costello. “The chance to reconnect with talented leaders to grow a new concept with amazing food and serious commitment to serving wine unpretentiously was something I could not pass up.”

Sixty Vines, known in the Dallas area for seasonal cuisine inspired by the wines of Napa Valley is projected to open in October. The two-story restaurant opening at 2540 University Blvd. is part of a major renovation to the historic and beloved mixed-use development Rice Village. Often referred to as “the winemaker’s restaurant,” Sixty Vines delivers simple, yet flavorful food paired perfectly with a large variety of wines. The restaurant’s innovative wine-on-tap program allows guests to enjoy individual glasses of wine served at the perfect temperature. It’s also eco-friendly: each pressurized steel keg used to store on-tap wines saves 26 bottles from going in a landfill. That’s more than 2,340 lbs of trash over its lifetime!

The Rice Village location will be the first to feature a wine-cellar inspired room offering a limited menu of salumi, specialty cheeses, desserts and more in an intimate setting on the first floor. In the main dining room, guests can dine with a view of the open kitchen and charcuterie bar. The restaurant also features its signature greenhouse patio offering a wine garden experience and many private dining spaces throughout. Sixty Vines in Houston will be open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

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Michiru Sushi: Continued From Page 6

The chefs strive to create innovative, unique and exciting dishes that sometimes look more like art than food. (Foodies: Take note!) Not surprisingly, the Chef’s Choice sushi and sashimi entrees are customer favorites, and they always include tuna, yellowtail, salmon and items made with what they have available that came in fresh that day.

Some creative menu items include the Tuna Pizza (yellowfin tuna or salmon with homemade crispy crust, sea salt, olive oil and truffle ponzu sauce), Kanpachi Serrano appetizer, which looks like a lotus flower (a daikon radish surrounded by slices of Kanpachi topped with serrano peppers, lemongrass oil and Asian chili drops) and the G-6 Roll (spicy albacore, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, kanpachi, escolar cucumber, avocado, black garlic aioli, garlic chip and spicy ponzu sauce). They are currently working on a green tea smoked salmon dish and have been testing a variety of flavored teas to use. Some of the items created for the special menu become so popular, they make it onto the main menu. In fact, Zinn said, “About 60 percent of the items on our main menu were created as specials and

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THESCENEMAGAZINE.COM

• AUGUST 2019

eventually added to the menu by popular demand.”

Michiru also takes their Sake seriously. Boasting the largest selection of Sakes in the area, Zinn said, “I am most proud of our sake selections. We started with only 10 and our Sake menu has almost quadrupled as we increased our knowledge about the many varieties of Sakes on the market today.” Because there are so many options to choose from, Michiru offers Sake flights every Wednesday. Guests can select three Sakes at a time and find out which is their favorite(s). Wednesday’s Sake Night promotion also includes specials on large hot Sake ($5) and cold Sake ($4) and $6 Sake cocktails, like the Sake Sunrise.

Offering their guests exceptional value is also a big part of their customer-centric philosophy. Weekly specials include discounts on the chosen signature appetizer, signature drink and signature roll of the week. And lunch specials are offered Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


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MIcHIru SuSHI celebrates 10 Years of Serving

Modern asian cuisine By Shawn Domingues

During the past decade, Michiru Sushi (20911 Gulf Freeway in Webster) has been taking the Asian fusion concept beyond the typical East-meets-West mash-up of Japanese and Western influenced cuisine – broadening their scope to include ingredients not only from Japan, but also from Italy, France, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and other parts of the globe. But their evolution of fusion doesn’t stop there. Inside the restaurant, the modern Asian décor is seamlessly blended with a warm and inviting atmosphere, with soft rock music playing softly in the background, creating an ambience that is both modern and comfortable.

“At Michiru, it is all about the customer experience,” said General Manager David Zinn (one of several employees who have been working at Michiru since the day it opened). “We focus on offering excellent customer service while maintaining the highest quality standards and we are constantly trying to come up with new and innovative dishes, so that even our most loyal customers, who visit the restaurant more than once a week can have a different experience.” In keeping with this customer-centric approach, Michiru uses their anniversary as an opportunity to show their customer appreciation. They are celebrating their 10th anniversary (Sunday, August 25) by rewarding their guests with $25 gift cards for every $50 they spend (no limit) from noon to 10 p.m. This much-anticipated annual event has become quite popular with their loyal fans.

Because of their high-quality standards, Michiru’s sushi

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Insider Tip: Michiru offers a generous rewards program in which customers receive $25 gift cards for every 200 points they earn ($1 equals one point). They are honoring the rewards program points during their anniversary, so if you aren’t a member yet, make sure to visit Michiru before the anniversary celebration to reap the most rewards and receive an even greater value on Sunday, August 25.

chefs use only the freshest ingredients and sushigrade quality fish in their culinary creations. And becoming a sushi chef at Michiru is no small accomplishment. The owner (Andy Zhuo) meticulously chooses aspiring sushi chefs with the most impressive resumes and invites them to come in for an interview. They are told to bring their knives and basically audition for the position. Once they pass the rigorous screening, these sushi chefs are responsible for not only serving the dishes listed on Michiru’s expansive menu, but they also create the items on the special menu that changes two to three times per week. - Continued on Page 8


tHe Scene IS THE ACTION GUIDE TO THE Waterfront capItaL of texaS

a great place to Live, Work & play!

auguSt 2019..........Southbelt • clear Lake • Bay area • galveston

Space center HouSton Marked the Moon Landing with record-Breaking Interstellar celebration & concert Space Center Houston honored the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing with a spectacular all day and evening celebration, Apollo 11 50th Live, presented by JSC Federal Credit Union. Melding the future of space exploration with the historic Apollo era, the leading science and space exploration learning center marked the first steps on the Moon with astronauts, Apollo legends, a concert and record-setting attendance with more than 13,000 space fans throughout the day. From liftoff to first steps on the Moon, Space Center Houston commemorated the Apollo 11 50th anniversary with daily programming aimed at inspiring the next generation of explorers. “It was an awe-inspiring day filled with excitement and fueled by the historic achievements of the Apollo-era,” said William T. Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “This incredible day was able to be realized thanks to our partner, JSC Federal Credit Union.”

An opening ceremony kicked off the festivities with an aerial parachute demonstration by the US Army Golden Knights and welcome remarks led by Space Center Houston’s president and CEO William T. Harris, who was joined by Mark Geyer, NASA Johnson Space Center director, and elected officials. The interstellar day was centered on innovation and immersive learning opportunities. Guests had fun in The Family STEM Zone, presented by Repsol, featuring hands-on activities, a golfing on the moon simulator, robotic challenges and Apollo-themed learning experiences. An incredible lineup of Apollo legends took part in the week-long festivities and guests heard from many Apollo-era flight controllers about their careers working in the Apollo program.

Guests got up close to a US Army Apache helicopter, experienced a US Army exhibit trailer focusing on robotics and enjoyed a 1960s inspired Discovery Reserve Beer Garden provided by Budweiser. Space fans from around the world filled the festival grounds and grooved under the stars to the sounds of unforgettable performances by WALK THE MOON and Phillip Phillips. The evening culminated with an interactive countdown to Neil Armstrong's first steps July 20, 1969, at 9:56 p.m. CT. Overlooking the one-of-a-kind Independence Plaza, guests united for the countdown and a sea of synchronized LED-lighted wristbands, presented by Reliant Energy, lit up the night.

Throughout the week, people from 45 different countries attended Space Center Houston's Apollo 11 50th celebrations. Top countries attended included the United States, Mexico, UK, Canada, France, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Brazil, India and Sweden. The growing nonprofit continues to experience recording-breaking attendance. In the first week of July the center experienced more than a 19 percent increase in attendance compared to prior year followed by the second week of July with a 13 percent increase in attendance compared to prior year. This year the center has drawn more people than ever with multiple record-breaking months and is on track to have its best year ever.

AUGUST 2019 •

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