THE SCENE iS ThE ACTiON GuidE TO ThE WATERFRONT CAPITAL OF TEXAS
A Great Place to Live, Work & Play!
JANUARY 2020 ......Southbelt • Clear Lake • Bay Area • Galveston
THE SCENE MAGAZINE turns 18 years old, enters 2020 with major expansion plans New SCENE Website, Mobile App, Radio Station & Video Programming
In 2002 my wife Betsey Ennis and I launched The SCENE Magazine as a love letter to our community. We were already three years in on our own ad agency/design firm/media startup named Bay Area Media Services (BAMS) which was set in motion after I quit my position at a cutting edge Houston-based, venture capitalist-backed Internet media startup targeting an IPO. This was back in the summer of 1998. (No amount of compensation could justify the quality-oflife-depleting, 90-minute commute each way to and from the Uptown Galleria area. It is quite possible I was also ready to call my own shots.) As a result, BAMS was born out of a spare bedroom. Boy! John & Betsey Ennis launching Bay Area Media Services (BAMS) in 1998 Was the commute an improvement! Within 3 months, we had enough clients for Betsey to leave her job as the South Group Art Director for the then-massive Houston Community Newspapers chain. Yes, were young then (in our mid-20s) and didn’t know what we didn’t know. But before long, we were developing four to five websites a month, designing too many logos, brochures and post cards to count and became the creative, production, design and editorial force behind three of the four most popular monthly magazines in this market at the time (Sports Edition, Mariner’s Log and Baycomber) for clients. (More about that fourth and longest running magazine later.) We helped a friend launch three direct-mail magazines (Postal Publications) which we designed and produced every six weeks for almost seven years, moved into our first office and joined four local chambers of commerce. On that note, we are proud to be entering our 22nd consecutive year as an active member of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (CLACC) of which Betsey is a past member of the Board of Directors. I often joke that when we joined the CLACC, we were still in our 20s and everyone seemed much older; while now we are closer to 50 than 40 and far too many members seem much younger. But I also look back and credit the energy of our youth and all the work we knocked out in those early days.
Of course, the grind continued as our vision for a creatively unique magazine with a focused editorial mission, very different from the magazines we designed/produced for clients. Ours would be aimed at giving people a reason to get out of their house, take action and participate in their community. This concept was too enticing to pass up. Enter The SCENE Magazine in 2002. Less than a year later, Betsey and I also acquired the area’s longest running magazine, Bay Runner, in 2003 and published it monthly alongside the SCENE monthly for almost six years until Hurricane Ike knocked out power to both our Kemah office and El Lago home for 20-plus days and forced us to pick which magazine we would attempt to publish that month. We were successful, using a gas generator to power our network of computers. - Continued on Page 6
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CONTiNuEd FROM PAGE 5
THE SCENE TURNS 18 WITH EXPANSION:
Although the Bay Runner had less advertisers negatively affected by the storm, we selected the magazine we created from scratch (The SCENE), and never looked back.
The SCENE is a place where an action or event occurs. And we are incredibly proud that for 18 years we have been giving those living, working and playing along the Waterfront Capital of Texas and the Home of Human Spaceflight a reason to get out of the house and do something.
And I’m happy to report that we have just begun as we have huge plans entering 2020, starting immediately as we have been working on a number of powerful vehicles and projects to extend, complement and multiply our reach under The SCENE brand. This includes some very exciting developments with a new website which is a dynamic, data driven mobile, social & search optimized community content engine (Directory/Event Calendar/Dining Guide and much more). Since we started beta testing, we have had more than 1000 business owners, promoters, marketers and regular people find the site, create an account and enter information into the directory and/or event calendar. We can only imagine what happens once we start to publicize the site. Check out the site at www.theSCENEmagazine.com and create an account, contribute to the event calendar, flip through an issue or enjoy some of the content and special guides we have set up. We have a lot planned for the site as the software back end is overwhelmingly powerful, and we are just scratching the surface of what it can do. But at this simplest level, we plan to position the site to be the first place people in our market turn to find out what is happening locally whether it be a festival, restaurant promotion, live music show, brewery tap take over, fun run or kid friendly event at a local attraction. Facebook is fine, but we hope to offer a more focused option to get in, find the information you want and get out quickly to take action without the extra distractions, drama, politics and misinformation one often is forced to scroll past. While our site is mobile optimized, we have been at work developing our first SCENE mobile app (SCENEapp) which we are very excited about. A SCENE mobile app has been something we’ve flirted with for years. But we made the decision we didn’t want to outsource it as that is not our style and this is not a short term play. So we’re very happy with the progress we’ve made! Our app will include a range of content including various guides (Happy Hour, Waterfront Dining, Breweries/Vineyards/Distilleries and more), special real-time offers/discounts/coupons (SCENE Steals) that can be triggered (push notifications) based on preferences and/or the location (Geo-fencing) of an user, and even a 24-hour SCENE Radio Station which I’ll get to in more detail to follow. We will be submitting Phase 1 of the app to Google and Apple in the next 30 days to make the app available. But there are some really exciting additional services and functionality we can add in updates moving forward and as the technology and capability advances.
Our ultimate goal for the SCENE Radio Station (SCENEstream) is to feature 100% local content including local news, updates, music and original SCENE programming. Like in print, we plan to highlight and promote our dynamic local music SCENE. - Continued on Page 7
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So far we are 100% in getting approval from the local music groups we have approached and we welcome any local musical act with original music that is interested to contact us at originalmusic@scenelive.net. But we went ahead and acquired the rights to all ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and SoundExchange music so we can get the station live to incorporate into the app and website and while we build original content and acquire approval to broadcast songs from local independent bands. But this actually gives us access to an incredible amount of local, Houston and Texas-based music to program with.
On the programming note, we have also been experimenting with live video streams both in a studio and mobile on location using 100% SCENEstream audio and video hardware of both the established Galactic Coast Power Hour and a new show we launched called Weekends On The Water with myself and Professional Extreme Watersports Competitor Jordan Davlin. We will be doing a live mobile broadcast early this month from the Houston Boat Show before returning to the JetSurf Houston Studio for a very interesting show about the Galveston Bay Park Project proposal which is a concept with a goal similar to the better known Ike Dike project but includes building a long park/island in the middle of Galveston Bay as a recreational attraction. We have two additional SCENE-produced shows in development, one is called “Between The Covers” staring Betsey and I (discussing the content found inside each issue, between the covers). We plan to launch it this month.
2020 EPICUREAN EVENING January 30 @ Space Center Houston
WE WILL BE THERE!
THE SCENE has been proud to host a booth at and be a sponsor of every Epicurean Evening at Space Center Houston! (Above: Our first booth in 2003)
This is part of the original content we will soon be streaming to YouTube, our mobile app, our Radio station, social media and popular networks including iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Cashbox, Deezer and Podcast Addict. We are also investigating the benefits of pursuing a dedicated AppleTV app.
Yes, a lot of exciting developments going on as we enter our 18th year as an engaged cheerleader for this dynamic, special area that we call the Home of Human Spaceflight and Waterfront Capital of Texas (or Galactic Coast which covers both), and all it has to offer. We look forward to sharing an awesome 2020 with all of you.
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A Taste Of Space The annual Epicurean Evening, a taste of space at Space Center Houston is on Thursday, January 30 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@clearlake area.com.
Aquarium Restaurant Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse Bill’s Burger Boardwalk FantaSea Yacht Charters Brick Oven Pizza Cool Cow Creamery Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack Edible Arrangements Eduardo’s Mexican Kitchen Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila Flying Dutchman Galveston College of Culinary Arts Academy Gelu Italian Ice & Coffee Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake/City of Nassau Bay Jimmy John’s Jimmy’s On The Pier Luna’s Mexican Restaurant Maggiano’s Little Italy Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant Nothing Bundt Cakes Opus Bistro Opus Ocean Grille Panera Bread Red River BBQ & Cantina
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2020 Epicurean Evening: Thurs., Jan. 30 @ Space Center houston
Ticket holders will be delighted by tantalizing food samples from more than 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. (Military and first responders can receive special pricing, $25 per person.) Each adult ticket includes food, two beer/wine coupons, parking and some Space Center Houston Exhibits. Discount tickets are available for groups of ten or more. Purchase tickets at www.clearlakearea.com. To get a head start on the tastings, one can purchase an “Early Entry Wristband” for $50. Enjoy the delicious food and beverages 45 minutes before the doors open to the crowds. Two beer/wine coupons are included with the wristband.
Epicurean Event Schedule 5:45 PM Doors open to “Early Entry” wristband purchasers Beat the crowds, purchase an “Early Entry” wristband and start enjoying your food & beverages 45 minutes before everyone else. Purchase online for a $5 discount 6:30 PM Doors open to all ticket holders and Silent Auction begins 8:15 PM Silent Auction closes 8:30 PM Awards & Acknowledgments
Major sponsors include Ron Carter Clear Lake Cadillac Hyundai, Space Center Houston, All State – Al Hicks, City of Nassau Bay, The Pet Palace, Kemah Boardwalk, Faust Distributing, Associa, Premier Audio Visual Services, Texas First Bank, Hope Village, TNT Travel Group, Texan Bank, DRDA, Shell FCU, Clear Lake Today, Community Impact Newspaper, I-45 Now, and The Sign Shop. The SCENE is proud to be a sponsor for the 18th consecutive year, every year since it’s been held at Space Center houston. Anyone, no matter where they are (inside the event or across the ocean) can support the event via online silent auction by texting the word SPACE to 79230. For more information call the Chamber at 281-488-7676 or go to www.clearlakearea.com.
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The SCENE’s Featured Chef MAKiNG MuSiC iN ThE KiTChEN: Chef Scott Sexton earned a music degree prior to attending culinary school in 2008. But this Level 2 Sommelier decided to pursue the additional degree after a management position he had held ended. He figured it would bolster his resume and he had the time. Sexton’s father and business partner joined him in the educational pursuit at Houston Community College. Sexton said, “I have since returned to HCC to teach classes as well. I work with one of my mentors that actually taught me, and I find it very rewarding to help shape future chefs.”
He is currently living in Galveston cooking up future ventures: “I am considering other bars, coffee shops, diners, a soul food restaurant and possibly more Scotty’s Pubs on the horizon.” In his spare time, Sexton is currently working on a level 2 cicerone certification as well. “It’s so very exciting to be doing what we love with so many great people. The future holds so many possibilities!” Sexton said.
When asked about the combination of the music and culinary arts degrees, Sexton, in his typical laid back demeanor, said, “All it takes is a wooden spoon and a wine glass to literally make beautiful music in the kitchen.”
iN ThE KiTChEN AT SCOTTY’S PuB: Scotty’s Pubs’ kitchens are known for their pork belly tacos, smoked duck breast BLT and a fun mix of Asian, Tex-Mex and Irish pub food all mixed together. “We are not re-inventing the wheel,” said Sexton. “But we do like to deconstruct classic menu items and make them better.” For example, he will take a child-hood favorite like a grilled cheese sandwich and create a ‘Grown Up Grilled Cheese.’ This version has bacon, American, Gruyere and brie cheeses, apple slices and apricot preserves served on buttery Texas toast.
Or rather than just a pulled pork sandwich, Sexton and crew can whip up an original sandwich called “3 Little Pigs.” It has pulled pork, but also includes house made Tasso ham, bacon, gruyere and American cheeses, caramelized onions and a pineapple maple mustard on a ciabatta bun. The fun Disco Fries are tossed
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in garlic, Parmesan cheese, and truffle oil then topped with awesome sauce and a fried egg. Each of Scotty’s locations have their own menus with standouts. The Kemah location boasts avocado fries, Korean BBQ tacos and duck wings being the top-rated. “This past year, we also opened the kitchen at Texas Beer Refinery and took our unique approach to food. We just added beer to everything. We love it there. Cooking with Bill Arning’s beer has unlocked so many fun things for us. The beer is fantastic, and we put it in almost everything,” Sexton said. COOKiNG TiP: “(1) Buy a good knife and learn how to use it. Prep time could be daunting and take a long time unless you know what you are doing. (2) Leave your food alone. Let it sear until it has developed all of the flavor it can. When you sweat your veggies leave them be and don’t keep messing with them so they can give their all. Cooking is mastering time, temperature and technique. (3) I say get a cookbook that you like and work your way through it. Have your family help. It is easy even for me at times to get in a rut and cook the same things. Plan a new recipe every week with a cookbook you like. This will expand your palate, technique and pantry. I personally love America’s Test Kitchens Cookbook. A lot of science goes into it, and it will make you look like a pro. It even talks about the best gadgets and tools to get. It is on my kitchen table right now.”
- Continued on Next Page
Chef SCOTT SEXTON
Scotty’s Pub: 10943 Scarsdale Blvd., houston Scotty’s Pub On The Bay: 3202 Marina Bay dr., Kemah Kitchen @ Texas Beer Refinery: 2709 dickinson Ave., dickinson
Featured Chef: Continued From Previous Page
FAVORiTE ThiNG TO COOK AT hOME: “A hearty Italian sausage and kale soup is a family favorite. Anything in a single pot. Nothing says love like making lots of dishes for people to enjoy, plus you are able to use leftover ingredients in your fridge and not waste. Sitting on the couch with family, watching something with a big bowl of hot soup makes everyone happy.” TEll uS ABOuT ONE SiGNATuRE diSh: “Pork belly tacos that we cure inhouse for 10 days. It’s the perfect food. It’s soft, crunchy, cold and hot, salty and savory, creamy and fresh. It’s one of my favorite things to eat.”
SPECiAl PROMOTiONS: Be sure to check out Chef Scotty’s delicious food concoctions at his two locations (Scarsdale or Marina Bay Drive) or at the recently opened kitchen at Texas Beer Refinery (2709 Dickinson Ave in Dickinson). Experience even more flavors on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during brunch hours with tasty food and drink specials.
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CLEAR LAKE - SOUTH 20. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack 21. Tookie’s Burgers 22. Schafer’s Coastal Bar & Grille 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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Featured Dish: GAMBAS AJILLAS
Main 101 Grill and Bar 101 E. Main St. La Porte, TX 281-470-8484 This entrée presentation is on fire… literally! These sizzling shrimp are cooked in a cast-iron skillet and flame cooked tableside with EVOO, sliced & chopped garlic, Chile de Arbol and parsley. After the flames die down, the shrimp are plated and served with wild rice and grilled carrots. Not just a meal, this entrée is an experience!
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John
PUBLISHER & ART DIRECTOR
John Ennis
(Co-Founder)
EDITOR & OPERATIONS OFFICER
Betsey
Betsey Ennis
(Co-Founder)
PHOTOGRAPHER / COLUMNIST
Andy Eng ART DEPARTMENT
Shawn
Betsey Ennis • Joe DeFlora John Ennis • Shawn Domingues COLUMNISTS & WRITERS
Andy
Shawn Domingues • Andy Eng Kelley Dawson • Sarah Piña Twila Lindblade Peggy “Domino” Taylor John Ennis • Betsey Ennis SALES & MARKETING
John Ennis • Simone Culver ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR
Sarah
Carmen Bates DIR OF
SOCIAL OUTREACH
Gracie Ennis DIR OF GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Simone
Andrew Ennis
Published monthly by BAY
AREA MEDIA
SERVICES (BAMS) Since 2002 A Local Media Company & Creative Firm GETTING RESULTS Since 1998
Kelley
Contact us at ads@scenelive.net
SCENE / BAMS Mailing Address: PO Box 806 • Seabrook, TX 77586
Andrew
Gracie
Twila
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Phone: 281-925-7660
domino
Joe
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1002 Gemini Ave. Suite 200 ACTION LINE Houston, Texas 77058 281-925-7660
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CULTURAL ARTS CALENDAR ARTS ART
Jan 7: Adult Anime and Magna Club, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Rosenberg Library, 2310 Sealy, Galveston,409-763-8854, www.rosenberglibrary.org Jan. 8: Freeman Needlecrafters, 10 a.m. – Noon, Clear Lake Freeman Library, 16616 Diana Lane, Houston, www.hcpl.net Jan. 11: Create your own Art Cards, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., G. Lee Gallery, 2217 Strand, Galveston, 409-370-7350, www.gleegallery.com
BALLET
dec. 6 to 8 and dec. 13 to 15: The Nutcracker, Bayou Theater, University of Houston Clear Lake, BAHB&T, www.bahbt.org
MUSIC
Jan. 11 & 12: The Greatest Love of All; Whitney Houston Tribute, 8 p.m & 3 p.m.on 12th, The Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409763-2481, www.thegrand.com Jan 18 & 19: Oak Ridge Boys, 7:30 p.m. on 18th 3 p.m. on 19th The Grand 1894 Opera
Jan 11: 2020 Holistic & Metaphysical Fair, 1- 5 p.m., 505 8th Street, Kemah, 832-2246737, www.gulfcoastholistichealing.com
Jan 25 & 26: Galveston Museum Day, 8 a.m. on 25th. 11 am on 26th, Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston, 77550, www.bryanmuseum.org
THEATRE
Jan 10 - 17: Agatha Christie Secret of Chimneys in Houston , Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m., Clear Creek Community Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay, 281-335-5228, www.clearcreekcommunity theatre.com Jan. 11 & 12: Anomaly: The Magic of Robby Bennett, Friday & Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Texas 3, Dickinson, 281-337-7439, www.harbourtheater.com
Jan 24 – Feb. 9: Why Do Fools Fall in Love? , Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. Sun. 2:30 p.m.,4318 Allen-Genoa, Pasadena, 77504 713-941-1758, pasadenalittletheater.org
Feb. 1 & 2: Finding Neverland, 8 pm on 1st 5 p.m. on 2nd The Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409763-2481, www.thegrand.com THESCENEMAGAzINE.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, 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, 409-763-8854 ex. 135, www.rosenberg-library.org
MUSEUMS
Jan 18: Day in the Sun Art Walk, 1- 9 p.m., G. Lee Gallery, 2217 Strand, Galveston, 409370-7350, www.gleegallery.com
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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
House 2020 Postoffice St. Galveston, 409-763-2481, www.thegrand.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Jan 9: Bay Area Photo Club, 7 p.m., Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, 17503 El Camino Real, bayareaphotoclub.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, www.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,
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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., 281-474-2551, www.abnc.org Bay Area Museum - lunar Rendezvous Exhibit and Space Memorabilia: Open Tuesday – Sunday, Clear Lake Park, 5000 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, 281326-5960, www.lunarrendevous.org.
Butler longhorn Museum: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1220 Coryell, League City, 281-332-1393 www.butlerlonghornmuse um.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.
Arts Calendar: From Page 20 MUSEUMS- CONTINUED
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, 409-7407722, www.LSFM.org
Moody Gardens: 24-hour animal webcam and other exhibits, Galveston, Moody Gardens, 800-582-4673, www.moodygardens.com,
ARTS
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, 281-479-2421, 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-citytx.org/Museumabout.htm Texas Seaport Museum: Opening of the Trade Routes 1853, 2100 Harborside Dr., Galveston, www.galvestonhistory.org
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SOLD IN ONE DAY
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
Kayak Shack 622 Marina Bay Drive Kemah, Texas 77565 832-429-2094
65th Houston Boat, Sport & Travel Show Set for Jan. 3-12 at NRG Center
The 65th annual Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show is coming to NRG Center January 3-12, 2020. The largest indoor show in the nation for boats and outdoor sports, this two-week event will feature more than 1,500 boats and RV’s – covering 700,000 square feet of exhibit space. Visitors to the 2020 event will have access to hundreds of industry experts, special deals, family activities and more. In addition to returning favorites – like the Fish-O-Rama kids fishing experience, the 4,000-gallon Bass Tub and the Kid’s Build-A-Boat attraction – the boat show will offer plenty of new activities, including a craft beer garden, kid’s casting clinics and even special visits from Houston Astros mascot Orbit from 1-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
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
Friday, January 3........................1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, January 4 ........10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 5............11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon., Jan. 6 – Thurs., Jan. 9 ........1 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 10......................1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, January 11 ......10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 12..........11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
Extreme Water Sports 1723 61st St. Galveston, TX 77551 409-539-3455
Tickets to the show are $15 for adults, $5 for kids 612 and free for kids 5 and under. For more details, visit www.houstonboatshows.com.
Seen by The SCENE: 58th Christmas Boat Lane Parade LYC Commodore’s Ball Jan. 25 • LYC
Bay Cup I March 7 • Galveston Bay
58th Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade Winners List 2019 RED ADAIR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST OVERALL SPONSORED BOAT, Presented by CITY OF KEMAH: Boat #27 KG'S TOY from G&H Radiator JACK CAMPBELL MEMORIAL AWARD FOR BEST OVERALL FAMILY BOAT, Presented by \LEAGUE CITY: Boat #19 PORT OF INDICISION by Bennie Irons KEITH EMMONS MOST WHIMSICAL AWARD, Presented by KEMAH BOARDWALK: Boat #155 LARGO by Lonnie Williams R.B. "BOB" TAYLOR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR MOST ARTISTIC Presented by CITY OF CLEAR LAKE SHORES: Boat #89 MOON PALACE by Walter Stewart MOST BEAUTIFUL Presented by CITY OF SEABROOK: Boat #5 VILLA BY THE SEA by Clifford Barnhart BILL TAYLOR MEMORIAL AWARD FOR MOST ORIGINAL Presented by CITY OF NASSAU BAY: Boat #116 Santa & Snoopy go to Space by Jimmy Johnson First Place Power 27: #118 Frosty Express by Greg & Kathy Dubiel; First Place Power 28-37: #26 The Pink Boat by BJ & Susan Buchanan
J-105 Mid Winters Regatta March 20-22 • Galv. Bay
LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB 281-474-2511
Revognah Regatta Jan. 1 • Galv. Bay
HYC WSA Big Boat Clinic Feb. 9 • HYC HYC Mid-Winter Regatta Feb. 22 • Galveston Bay Optimist Gulf Coast Championships March 13-15 • Galv. Bay
HOUSTON YACHT CLUB 281-471-1255
First Place Power 38-48: #138 Like A Date by Duncan Watson First Place Power 49 & Up: #38 Hardway by Robert Gulledge First Place Sail 40 & UNDER: #61 De Bonte Koe by Daven Voorhies First Place Sail 41 & UP: #155 Largo by Lonnie Williams Sponsored Power 55 & UNDER: #25 Licensed to Chill (Luckydog Storage) Sponsored Power 56 & UP: #20 Boardwalk Fantasea (Kemah Boardwalk) Sponsored Sail: #17 Astarte (Girls Scouts of San Jacinto Council) Sponsored Man Power: #82 Mele Kaliki Maka (Texas Outrigger Canoe Club)
Cruzan Rum Icicle Races #1 Jan. 4 • Galveston Bay #2 Jan. 11 • Galveston Bay #3 Jan. 18 • Galveston Bay #4 Jan. 25 • Galveston Bay #5 Feb. 1 • Galveston Bay GBCA Commodore’s Ball Feb. 8 • HYC GBCA Performance Cup April 4-5 • Galv. Bay Conundrum April 18 • Galv. Bay
GALVESTON BAY CRUISING ASSOCIATION
ATTRACTIONS
Featured Attractions 1. Space Center Houston
Visit Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. Applaud the accomplishments of NASA and the U.S. manned space flight program at Space Center Houston. You will relive the past achievements of the space program and witness today's history in the making. Everything you see in the facility is realistic. Space Center Houston's creators kept in close contact with NASA to ensure the most accurate experience. Each attraction is self-guided so you can spend as much time, or as little time, in each areas as desired. Most guests spend four to six hours in the Center. Discount Tickets: Discount Space Center Houston tickets available at Bay Area Houston Visitors Center. 281-474-9700.
1601 NASA Parkway • 281-244-2100
•
spacecenter.org
2. KEMAH BOARDWALK
6. GALVESTON PLEASURE PIER
10. ELLINGTON FIELD
14. JET SURF HOUSTON
710 4th Street ..............281-334-9880
2501 Seawall Blvd. ....1.855.789.7437
510 Ellington Field ........713-847-4200
3101 NASA PKWY #H ..713-538-7873
3. LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM
7. SAN JACINTO MONUMENT
11. AXE MASTERS TEXAS
15. SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR
11551 Areospace Ave..346-708-2517
One Monument Circle ......281-479-2421
400 Hobbs, Suite 209........281-479-2421
2500 South Shore Blvd.....281-334-1000
4. MOODY GARDENS
8. ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CTR.
12. BAYOU WILDLIFE ZOO
16. BIG LEAGUE DREAMS
1 Hope Blvd. (Galveston)..800-582-4673
8500 Bay Area Blvd.........281-474-2551
5050 FM 517, Alvin ........281-337-6376
1150 Big League Dreams...281-316-3400
5. SCHLITTERBAHN
9. PIRATES BAY WATER PARK
13. FUNCITY SK8
17. RAILEAN DISTILLERY
2026 Lockheed ............409-770-9283
5300 East Road (Baytown) ..281-422-1150
1500 North Texas Ave...281-332-4211
341 5th Street (San Leon). 713-545-2742
ATTRACTIONS 51 45
48
47
52
46 49 50
9
7
44 43
3
10
8 19
18 20
1
14
21
13
28
2
15
22
24
25
31
26
23
27
17
11 16 29 12
32
30
18. SYLVAN BEACH PARK on Galveston Bay in La Porte ..............281-471-5020 19. BAY FOREST GOLF COURSE 1900 South R Street (La Porte)........281-471-4653 20. PINE GULLY PARK 535 Pine Gully Rd. @ Toddville (Seabrook) ..........281-474-3286 21. OLD SEABROOK NASA Parkway @ Hwy 146 ............................281-474-3869 22. PUTT PUTT FUNHOUSE 806 NASA Parkway............................281-333-0579 23. BUTLER’S LONGHORN MUSEUM 1220 Coryell (League City) ....281-332-1393 24. CLEAR CREEK WINERY 709 Harris Ave. (Kemah)..........................281-334-8300 25. CINEMARK 18 20915 Gulf Frwy. (Webster) ................................281-332-0951 26. MAIN EVENT 125 Magnolia (Webster) ........................................281-332-4500
27. TOP GOLF 21401 Gulf Frwy. (Webster) ........................................281-657-1300 28. BAYBROOK MALL 500 Baybrook Mall Drive..............................281-488-4620 29. MAGNOLIA GREEK GOLF COURSE 1501 Bay Area Blvd...............281-557-0555 30. BEACON LAKES GOLF CLUB 801 FM 646 ..........................................281-337-1459 31. SOUTH SHORE HARBOUR CC 4300 South Shore Harbour ............281-334-0521 32. HAAK VINEYARDS & WINERY 6310 Avenue T. ..................409-925-1401
5
42
40
33
41
33-39
6
4
GALVESTON ATTRACTIONS:
HOUSTON ATTRACTIONS:
33. GALVESTON EAST BEACH 1923 Boddeker Drive . . . .409-762-EAST 34. THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE 2020 Postoffice St.409-763-7173 35. THE STRAND HISTORIC DISTRICT Galveston . . . . . . .713- 629-3700 36. MARDI GRAS MUSEUM 2309-2311 Ship’s Mechanic Row . .409-765-5930 37. MOODY MANSION MUSEUM 2618 Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . .409-762-7668 38. BISHOP'S PALACE 1402 Broadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .409-762-2475 39. GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM 25th & Strand .409-765-5700 40. TEXAS SEAPORT MUSEUM Pier 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .409-763-1877 41. OCEAN STAR OFFSHORE MUSEUM Pier 20 . . . . .409-766-STAR 42. SEAWOLF PARK Pelican Island via Seawolf Parkway . . .409-797-5114
43. HOBBY AIRPORT 7800 Airport Boulevard . . . . . . . . . . . .713-640-3000 44. NRG STADIUM One NRG Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .832-667-1400 45. HOUSTON MEDICAL CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .713-791-8805 46. DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT . . . .713-658-8938 47. TOYOTA CENTER 1510 Polk Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .713-758-7200 48. GRB CONVENTION CTR 1001 Avenida de las Americas .713-853-8000 49. MINUTE MAID PARK 501 Crawford Street . . . . . . . . . .713-259-8500 50. BBVA COMPASS STADIUM 2200 Texas Avenue . . . .713-276-7500 51. DOWNTOWN HOUSTON AQUARIUM 410 Bagby .713-223-3474 52. HOUSTON ZOO 6200 Hermann Park Drive . . . . . . . . . . . .713-533-6500
Bakkhus Taverna
Mamacita’s
T-bone Tom’s
Skallywag
Scout Bar
Where To EAT & DRINK
Luna’s Mexican
Cut Foil
Monkey Bar
Katie’s Bar
Edible
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. Cut Foil Carafes & Drafts ......20801 Gulf Fwy. (Webster) 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. Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack-Baybrook ..1330 Bay Area Blvd. 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
Swamp Shack Baybrook
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. Edible ..............................13914 State Hwy 3 (Webster) 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
• Clear Lake ston Island Houston 102
50 26
60
55
104
84 40
23 52 100 103 111 92 11 20 96
12 10
110 51
69
Ha rbo rsid e
83
Harbo rside Broad way
Seawall Blvd.
98
The Backyard
53 71 5 46 44
71 44
94
35 Island ston Galve
517
5
80
48 108
Gulf of Mexic
Pub Level
Caps & Corks
Opus Ocean Grill
646
35 Seawol f Prkw y.
Main 101
19 116-125 106 76 89 70 3 115 74 109 43
78
27 I-45
69 87 31 107 88
41
54
95
7
66 90 1
42
75
58 78 39 57 24
MichiRu
Galveston Bay
62
93 73 72 85 91 13
61st
37
82
Clear Lake
67
86 79
47 28 28
64
34
8 112 61 15
12th St.
65
99
9 22 14 77 81 68 56
114 45
Ferr y Rd .
32
63 97 101 18
59
16
2nd
49
25
20th St.
6
36 38
105
25th
2
51st
33
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
JANUARY 2020 •
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LOOSE NOTES: From Page 28
Gary Cain Band @ Katie’s Bar
AWARd WiNNiNG - Which was the music we heard when the Gary Cain Band rolled into Katie’s for the evening. Hailing from Ontario, Canada via ATX, the band features Cain (guitar & vocals), Tom Nagy (bass) and Don McDougall (drums). Listed in the top ranks at the International Level, the Katie’s audience were treated to sustained effortlessly clean, genre mixed riffs (i.e. Fred Flintstone themes with reggae breaks) averaging 380 bpm throughout the evening. When I got comfortable with this breakneck tempo, the band threw a curve with a slow dance number that took the dial up to in the neighborhood of 630 bpm before returning home — and not a single dancer passed out. A clue of his genre-blending nature comes from the title of his debut album titled “Twangadelic Bluesophunk” which sounds close to about what we heard. If Cain’s genreblending style wasn’t enough, Cain runs his a pedal board plugged straight into the PA and leaves the amp at home. Sounded great! Folks, I honestly would never have had the chance to listen to such dazzling music had I not followed my pattern “At Katie’s, if I’ve never heard of the band before, chances are extremely high that the show will be great,” and so we’ll be continuing this practice forward into the new decade. John A. Miller @ Monkey Bar NOS - Is short for what musicians affectionately call equipment (typically tubes) put away safely over the years and to be brought back into use: New Old Stock. The characteristic sounds are genuinely pleasing to the ears, and in December, I applied this term to John A. Miller at the Monkey Bar. Miller told me that he was once an “accomplished musician in his youthful days” during the ’60s. He had set aside performing music while tending to a career and raising family but had been showing up at area Open Mics and recently returned to the live music stage. Musically, Miller’s instrument playing and vocal presentation is high quality and worth checking out if you have that chance. hOMECOMiNG - On Thanksgiving week, we took a break and visited Tennessee. The land of the Smoky Mountains, whiskey, country bluegrass and glitzy Nashville music. The trip was good but short in one major respect — no Tex Mex food! I know you know that feeling and so upon our return, it was to Mamacitas for brunch. Bonus points were to be had with the mariachi band serenading the Sunday brunch crowd. Mariachi is a romantic happy music. Whenever I think of fine mariachi, I think of the San Antonio River walk and Mamacitas. Even the band mixed things up nicely with an Español rendition of Under the Boardwalk. This time around, shrimp taquito appetizers with a mango habanero sauce along with a refreshing hot tomatillo green sauce that made full advantage of our local jumbo shrimp supply. They take an extra moment to prepare as there is quite a lot that goes into these and qualify as a meal by themselves. I highly recommend Mamacita’s if you’ve guests from out of town. Their staff is crisp and friendly, and their Mariachis @ Mamacita’s chefs are continually introducing new creations appealing to the eye and palate.
BEAuTiFul NiGhT FOR A ChRiSTMAS BOAT PARAdE - Kemah was lit up beautifully for the holidays and the annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade. A huge Christmas tree welcomed guests at the Kemah Boardwalk entrance. Santa was inside the gingerbread house for visits and photos, as well as games, rides and music could be enjoyed with Christmas scenes all around. The parade this year included 60+ decorated boats of all sizes and types. Sailboats, yachts, power boats, commercial boats and more thrilled spectators at the packed Kemah Boardwalk. Cheering crowds waited patiently to get their prime spots. Restaurants and bars were completely reserved for viewing. The beautifully decorated boats paraded through the channel with Christmas lights and decorations that illuminated the water with Santas waving, music playing, themes of all types, including NASA, Mardi Gras, aliens, and illuminated patriotic themes thrilled the spectators. Parade participants continue to wow the crowd yearly. They and put on a wonderful holiday event for our area! - By Paula
iT’S A WRAP - Good news! Days are getting longer again, our hometown pro football team will be in the playoffs, Mardi Gras comes early this year, and we’ve a brand new decade ahead of us. Some of you shared challenges in your life. Hang in there, and don’t go it alone. Be sure to get out and be good to yourself, share time with others, and remember that keeping live music in your life is always a good thing. See you out there!
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LOOSE NOTES: From Page 30
“ShOP WiTh A COP” ChRiSTMAS EVENT Krewe du Lac’s Christmas Pub Crawl fund raiser in December benefitting the Kemah Police department’s “Shop with a Cop” Christmas event was a success. Families were chosen from the Stewart Elementary School in Kemah. Parents and children gathered and waited with excitement at the Kemah Police Department for Santa’s arrival! Once Santa arrived, children gleamed with excitement. Photos were taken with Santa and gifts were given. Shopping took place at the Kemah Walmart. Families were divided into groups to shop and escorted by officers for the shopping spree. Hosted by Walmart, the families were treated to cookies and milk and given a gingerbread house kit. These families were able to choose toys, clothing, shoes and necessities. With the spirit of giving, sharing there came a new-found connection between our community and law enforcement. New friends were made with memories to last a lifetime on this magical night. - By Paula
JANUARY 2020 •
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SEEN BY THE SCENE
Krewe Du Lac Christmas Pub Crawl & Toy Drive
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The Hunger @ Scout Bar
LOOSE NOTES: Cont. From Page 31
FiNAl ShOW OF ThE dECAdE - We wrapped up the year at Scout Bar for The Hunger. There is lots to like when The Hunger puts on a holiday show complete with an appearance from The Grinch. Door proceeds for this event went to the Galveston County Food Bank and the show was hosted by Khris Harding. Opening acts at these shows are drawn from new local bands who’ve demonstrated they have chops. Openers for the show included The Flowerettes and SLM nominee for Best Show, Anova Skyway.
The Flowerettes feature an all-ladies lineup with Britney Doyal (Lead Vocals & Guitar), Krista Martin (Bass), Esther S. Conolly (Keys) and Mona Lawrence (Drums), plus they all sing. I found the band delightful, refreshing, and easy on the ears — words I’ve *never* used to describe a Scout Bar band before until now. They opened with a couple covers: the Stones “Miss You” is The Flowerettes @ Scout Bar
worth mentioning as I’ve only heard this locally live from one other band. With the covers out of the way, their strong suit is their originals. The Flowerettes made it on my watch list, and a band I’ll be looking forward to following up with in 2020. Put them on yours!
Anova Skyway describes themselves as “a five-piece progressive rock band from Houston, Texas. It is composed of Michael Marksberry, Mike Palacios, Cory Miles, Andrew Alvarez, and Garret West. The band formed in 2011, after the split of Marksberry and Palacios’ former band Bloodvoid, and has since undergone several lineup changes. With its most current lineup, the group hopes to bring intelligent and meaningful music back into the heart of the Houston music scene.” Intelligent and meaningful music is always relevant in my book making these cats a band to put on my watch list for the new year. Anova The Hunger, as usual, were big, bold, Skyway and fun with music from their old and @ Scout Bar new albums. Rueben Foster, had the band dialed in wonderfully on the audio and Andy Cortez did a masterful job on the lighting desk. Over the decade, The Hunger has perfected the dual lead vocal attack which few bands are equipped to even think about doing. Jeff Wilson tells me that he’s written hundreds of songs over the years and that Hunger fans can look forward to new material coming in 2020. - Continued on Page 28
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Annika Chambers-DesLauriers @ Katie’s
LOOSE NOTES: Cont. From Page 32
WhAT A NiGhT! WhAT A NiGhT! WhAT A MiGhTY FiNE NiGhT! - This powerful couple all the way from Canada, with awesome musicians and a few fine guest artists took it to the highest level this particular night at Katie’s! Annika Chambers-DesLauriers, 2019 Female Soul Blues Artist of the year on vocals, Paul DesLauriers, lead guitar and vocals, whose own band out of Montreal Canada is nominated in the Maple Blues Awards in several categories. Anthony Terry one of Houston’s finest on Sax, Barry Seelan Houston’s man on the Keys, Willie Earl keepin it all tight on drums, as well as guest Ted Howley on guitar with a lifelong music career, and Bob Emmons, owner of Katie's on guitar, rocked the house with an energy that was off the charts!
This powerful blues lady will mesmerize you, give you those chills and take you to church! She rocks you and rolls you and gets deep down and gritty with her magnetic energy that fills the room. She “gets real” with her endless vocal range as she gives you a taste of some of her many tunes on any one of her CDs. Her latest CD release, "Kiss My Sass" is some of her best work yet.
Her career has spanned across the US and includes Vegas, New York, Memphis, Chicago, Louisiana, Florida and, of course, Texas. She has performed with some of the most well-known male and female Soul and Blues artists in the country. Her band has also toured extensively in Europe,which includes Hungary, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, and Finland, filling coliseums, as well as Brazil. Annika can also be heard on Sirius XM’s BB Kings Bluesville. There is no denying this talented lady’s career has soared to the top of the charts, and recently married Mr. Paul DesLauriers, who is a powerhouse himself. The Blues scene has yet to see the magic that is on the horizon from these two incredible artists. As their careers continue, Houston will always be Annika’s home and a big part of their music journey. Waiting with anticipation for her next tour. And in her words, “Love, Peace & Freedom!” - By Paula
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Diamante @ Scout Bar
LOOSE NOTES: Cont. From Page 33
TOuR STOP ClEAR lAKE - Was a good one at Scout Bar with Diamante and her Blue Ball Holiday Tour. In her prior Clear Lake appearance, she opened for Hinder. This time, she returns as the headline act.
Over the years, the energy of youth never ceases to amaze me! In this realm, the Diamante show is well over the top delivering the goods. Creating a new sound is ever-so challenging. Yet music works when it contains emotion, and this music had emotion. When you see a Diamante show, you notice her full head of sapphire blue hair first. As she takes the stage, you see calm poise and confidence. When the lights come on and the show rolls, you realize she “has it.” Her voice is crystal clear carrying emotion, the presentation is commanding, and energy bend the needles. She explains to the audience her decent as half Spanish and half Italian. She shares how she connected with the women of the ’80s like Joan Jett, Pat Banatar, and Debbie Harry. Everything makes sense.
I regret arriving late and missing opening local act, Black Market Tragedy. I’ve really enjoyed following BMT over the years, delighted they’ve reached the level of getting to share the stage with the national acts (I think of BMT as the perfectly paired opener for Diamante) and that we’ve Scout Bar in our neighborhood where young bands get the chance to develop their chops. - Continued on Page 31
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Rapture @ Jackie’s Brickhouse
LOOSE NOTES: Cont. From Page 34
JACKiE’S BRiCKhOuSE - You’ve surely noticed, has been making steady updates which should serve this venue well into the next decade. Continual upgrades and reinventions — something we all should consider... While all this is happening, one thing consistent are their great live music shows. In December, we caught two of them: Rapture and Hamilton Loomis.
The SCENE has been covering Rapture over the years since their start on the Sherlock’s Pub circuit. This spiffy Top 40 local cover band has become a regular at Casino shows. Snazzy stuff, I’d say. And the good part is that we get to enjoy this quality act several times a year at Jackie’s. For as much sound as this band creates, they’ve perhaps one of the cleanest stages happening. By request, they played Hotel California which was not a part of their regular setlist. Tony Bastide, single handedly blistered the Don Felder / Joe Walsh dueling guitar passage in spine-tingling fashion. For those who may remember, Tony was the guitarist for Metalvenge, the Buzz metal band of the year back in 2008. Tony says he “practices a lot.” Year in, year out, Rapture is a solid entertainment band, and at the rate they’re going, should carry us far into the next decade.
Hamilton Loomis has risen consistently on the charts and has won many awards over the years, but feels his true calling as many of his mentors, is to pass down his knowledge, pass it on to the young and upcoming musicians, giving back. Andy Upchurch (of Andy & the Dreamsicles) describes a Hamilton Loomis show as “Musicianship and showmanship… He’s able to bring them both together.” I’ve been covering Hamilton Loomis since the days of Joel’s Ugly Dawg (formerly in League City) though he was a solid presence since before then. Back then, I assumed all of the local entertainers were as good as Loomis which isn’t true… Realizing the errors of Hamilton my way, I picked up three additional CDs from this prolific composer to add to my library. Loomis @ When I asked Loomis if there’s anything important he’d like to pass on to you readers, he went Jackie’s straight past his new release, his first-ever Christmas album (of 5 originals and 5 traditionals), recorded Brickhouse Loomis along with Mike Meade (bass) and Brannon McLeod (drums, vocals). This surprised me. Instead he opens up his album “Basics” and pointed to the song “Sugar Baby.” There’s a passage in the album he asked me to share: “Congenital Hyperinsulinism (HI) is a rare disease where the pancreas over-produces insulin, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar. If not diagnosed early, it can cause brain damage or even death. In 2015 our 1 year-old son, Bo Jordan Loomis, was diagnosed with HI and fortunately is responding well to treatment. Many other HI kids are not so fortunate. Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI) is a wonderful organization dedicated to researching HI, helping families worldwide with HI kids, educating doctors and hospitals about HI, and raising awareness for the disease. To learn more about HI or to donate to CHI and their cause, please visit www.congenitalhi. org.” My thoughts? Treat yourself and see a Hamilton Loomis show. While there, you’ll have a chance to chat with Loomis and buy his new album “This Season,” dedicated to Bo Jordon Loomis (after Bo Diddley, who gifted a younger Hamilton his red guitar). You can also get this album online at his website. Brannon McLeod did a wonderful job with the engineering, mix and mastering. You’ll be glad to have this in your collection! - Continued on Page 32
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LOOSE NOTES: Cont. From Page 35
hOlidAY ChEER PART ii - Was in order so it was to the Railean Distillery & Buccaneer Bar we went in December for their Grinch Christmas Party with my 2019 New Cover Band Of The Year, Wake zone. In 2019, I took in tasting rooms in Napa Valley wine country and at Tennessee moonshine/whiskey distilleries. In both places, treatment was congenial and touristy. I can say that none of those places have the atmosphere the Raileans have at their facility in San Leon. Complete with great service, themed parties, contest prizes, live music, and being with friends is the norm. Improvements are added on a continual basis, and they are utmost serving up a tasty refreshing cocktails. We got a good thing here!
As for my new band for 2019 Cover Band winner, Wake zone has actually been around longer than that. It’s simply taken me awhile to hear them. Musically, they cover the late ’70s early ’80s with high-energy punch on Jenni Hess’ lead vocals, sport a gritty metal guitar section with Chris Hess and Chris Kidwell (a sound I’m sure the original artists had no idea Wake Zone @ Railean Distillery @ Buccaneer Bar would sound so good with their music) and a solid George Swann in the center on percussion, sax & keys. Wake zone’s groove is high energy with Kirk Swann on the kit and Chris Easley raging on the bass. New songs appear on their playlist each time I saw this group in 2019, and in 2020, I wouldn’t be surprised in hearing them add even more. - Continued on Page 33
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Loose Notes
We made it through the decade and not a moment too soon. When you get to reading this I hope you had a great holiday season with friends and family, toasted properly an Auld Lang Syne to those who left us in 2019. December was a hectic month and once again, I got some help from Paula covering a few of the local events that went down. Let’s jump in and run down a sample of what all that went down:
by Andy Eng
More Pub Crawl Pics on Pages 28 & 29
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Krewe Du Lac Christmas Pub Crawl & Toy Drive
hOlidAY ChEER PART i - Hundreds of you supported the 20th Annual Kemah Pub Crawl this year kicking off at T-Bone Tom’s and the Pee Wee Bowen Band. This year’s stops included The Great Kanakas Atomic Tiki Bar, The Monkey Bar, Skallywags, and Voodoo Hut with HUGE pizzas furnished from the new Dan’s Pizza Wings ‘N’ Beer Deck. Proceeds at this event were donated to the Kemah Peace Officer Association to help support “Shop with a Cop.” Great job to all who were a part! Mardis Gras comes early this year. Next big events will be the Kemah Parade and the Annual Royal Ball. Cheers! - Continued on Page 34
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Lorence is no stranger to the area or water life he writes and sings about. Now based in Austin, Lorence is actually from the Clear Lake area himself, and true to tropical visions of waterside relaxation and fun, even his upbringing reflects how his music eventually developed.
Steve Harris & British Lion: Cont. From Page 44
“We’ve been working on ‘The Burning’ for the past couple of years, and everyone is really pleased with the results,” explained vocalist Taylor. “We started playing some of the songs live on recent tours and got a fantastic reaction from our fans, so we are really excited to be sharing this album with the world. We're also looking forward to heading out on the road again and seeing everyone at the shows.” British Lion was originally founded in the 1990s and managed by Harris. Harris kept in touch with its vocalist, Taylor, and guitarist, Leslie. Over a number of years, they wrote and recorded an album of 1970s influenced hard-rock songs titled “British Lion” around Harris’ Iron Maiden tour schedule and released it in 2012. Soon after the completion of British Lion’s tour of America, Harris will return to Iron Maiden in Australia for the Legacy Of The Beast 2020 Arena/Stadium World Tour.
Founded by Harris on Christmas Day 1975, Iron Maiden is considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, has sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide and features a massive discography of 39 albums, including 16 studio albums, 12 live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations. Overall, Iron Maiden has performed in 59 countries and played over 2,100 concerts.
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Jonas Lorence Band: Continued From Page 44
Since then, the band has been constantly booked in the central Texas area and beyond, including trips to Key West.
“When I was 6, my parents got a boat in Florida and sailed us around the Florida Keys on down for a couple of years, even into the Bahamas,” he said. “We were able to stop at different islands and play with kids who were doing the same thing, and that was cool. I was home-schooled at that time — or, I guess you could say, boat-schooled,” he said with a laugh. Prior to pursuing his solo project, Lorence explains he was “lucky to play with some of the best groups around including Lonely Child, The Dealers, Mark McKinney and the Cosmic Cowboys, the Stooch Band and The American Gypsy Band.” -------------------------------------------------
Featured Commercial Brewer: From Page 39
describe your favorite setting or event which you have enjoyed a beer? Anytime I'm surrounded by friends, be it at a bottle share or if we’re just having a beer in the garage. I think that all the people I've come to know and befriend both professional and personally are why I enjoy beer so much. The last and/or most interesting job you held before becoming a professional brewer. I used to work as a Dispatcher for a small construction company outside of Pearland. I have to admit that although I liked the people I worked with, I wasn't happy, it just wasn’t for me. I feel much more at home in the beer industry in general and at Texas Beer Refinery in particular.
Words of advice to anyone hoping to turn their passion of brewing and beer into a career. I actually have given this advice to a few homebrewers. Go out there and volunteer. Really get in to the day-to-day of working for and at a brewery. I volunteered every day for several months before I even considered applying to any brewery. “The state of the Texas craft beer scene is Flourishing, I think Texas has come into its own with some excellent breweries to represent us. Not just the breweries either. I’ve made some truly good friends with people I’ve met at bottle shares and breweries. It’s for the most part a welcoming and friendly community. Favorite perk of working in a brewery is Not gonna sugarcoat it. The beer.
least favorite aspect of working in a brewery is I have no real complaints honestly, I enjoy my job. Even the clean up. If I had to say something, it would be getting drenched in either water or beer. Then you’re just soggy and uncomfortable the rest of the day.
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if you had to start working in one other brewery starting tomorrow which brewery would it be and why? Man...this really is a hard choice to make. If it had to be local I'd go with either Galveston Island Brewing or True Anomaly. Mostly for the opportunity to learn about sours. If I had my pick of the litter? Brasserie Cantillon. Any Belgian Sour brewery that would take me, really.
Texas Beer Enthusiast Sponsored By:
Featured Commercial Brewer:
HORACIO GONZALEZ URESTI Asst. Brewer @ Texas Beer Refinery
Favorite Texas brewed beer? This question is a little tricky. If you don’t mind I’d like to mention two. One beer which is regularly available, and one that is no longer available.
1. Texas Beer Refinery’s Grapefruit Andromeda. I feel like it could be considered a faux pas to mention the brewery I work for, but anyone who knows me can confirm that I probably drink more of this beer than anybody else. I love it!
2. Galveston Island Brewing’s Beatnik. The team from GIB has made some excellent blends. My personal favorite was on tap last year at the Nobi anniversary. A stroopwafel Beatnik. I still dream about that beer. Favorite non-Texas brewed beer? This one’s a no brainer. Ghost in the Machine by Parish. It’s (now) available regularly and consistently delicious. It’s the standard by which I measure all hazy IPAs, and I know I’m not the only person to do so.
Your favorite beer to brew and/or your favorite beer that you brew? Andromeda, or any of our IPAs really. It makes the brewery smell like hops. I love the smell of hops in the morning...it smells like victory.
What beer styles or classifications do you feel could possibly be overlooked by local beer enthusiasts? I think braggots and pilsners are seriously underrepresented (the former to the point of being almost nonexistent). I have heard a few people praise a good pilsner but, it’s not a beer style that gets talked about a lot.
describe a Bucket list setting or event where you hope to enjoy a beer one-day? Sour and wild fermented beers are a passion of mine, so one of the things on my bucket list is to take an extended trip to Belgium, not just to drink beer but, to learn as much as possible. - Continued on Page 37
Texas Brewery Map @ www.theSCENEmagazine.com
Yaga’s 11th Chili Quest & Beer Fest Beer Fest, Chili Cook-off, 5K Run, live Music & More FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 7-8pm Chief Cooks Meeting @ Yaga's Cafe 8-10pm Kick Off Party @ Yaga's Cafe/Tsunami
Not to fear, the Chili & Beer is here, again! For ten years Yaga’s has brought a diverse crowd of Chili & Beer lovers from all over the nation to Galveston Island.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 DOWNTOWN EVENTS (23rd St. & Strand St) 6am Teams Begin Set Up; 9am Beerfoot 5K Fun Run Begins (28th & Seawall);10am Vendors Open; 10:30am Washer Tournament Check In; 11am Will Call & Information Booth Open; Strand Merchant Walkabout Begins; Washer Tournament Begins; 12pm 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); 3pm 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 expanded Beer Festival. Join Beer Fest and take a stroll among 150+ brews and get the chance to taste breweries from across the USA. General Admission is from 1-4 p.m. unless you want the VIP treatment. VIP access 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.
Where: 20801 Gulf Freeway, Webster When: Monday Friday 5 - 7pm What: $3 Draft Beers, $4 Frozen Drinks, $5 Glass of house select smallbatch Red or White Wine. Publisher's Note: These “Happy Hour” wines are small-batch, boutique wines, not readily available at other locations or on retail shelves. Visit Cut Foil to check out the difference! --------------------------
Houston Location
SCENE HAPPY HOUR GUIDE
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: 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: 901 E NASA Pkwy, Webster When: Mon. - Fri. (11am – 7pm) What: $2.75 Domestic Bottles; $3.50 Imports & $3.25 Michelob Ultra
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 8 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: Tues - Fri 11am-7pm What: Drink specials + Drink Specials: Tues-$3.50 Margarita; Wed-$3.50 American Honey & Thurs-$3.50-Fireball
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SCENE HAPPY HOUR GUIDE how long have you been a bartender + how long at Monkey Bar: 10 years. 5 at Monkey
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 --------------------------
What do you love about working at Monkey Bar? The loyal customers who have over the years become friends that I wouldn't trade for the world. YOuR favorite day of the week to work at Monkey Bar & why? Sunday! Warm, summer months bring in the tourists waiting out traffic football season brings in all the sports fans! #GoTexans Top 2 drinks you recommend to customers at Monkey Bar? Our ever-changing local craft beers we keep on tap and the different infused vodkas we offer. What do you do when not at work? I love going to any sporting event, and I always am a "YES!" for a beach day!
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 --------------------------
FEATURED BARTENDER: FEATURED BARTENDER:
NELLY from MONKEY BAR (3088, 605 6TH ST C, KEMAH)
What is your favorite thing about New Year? Being able to put the past in the past and
trying to focus on a way to better your life Favorite thing about the Bay Area? The fact that we are spoiled! 30 minutes from downtown and 30 minutes from Galveston Island. That's the life!! Best tip you ever got: A few years ago, we had a beer promo and they raffled off 1st row tickets to the Christmas Texans game. Some amazing regulars won and gave the tickets to me as a tip! What do you love about Bartending? The schedule!! I AM NOT A MORNING PERSON! Being able to have a somewhat flexible schedule is such a bonus!
Where: 500 Baybrook Mall (at the entrance to the Mall Food Court) When/What: Monday through Thursday Noon to 4pm: $3 Mimosas; $4 House Wine; $6 Long Islands & Shop A Holics
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Goals and/or aspirations: Yes ... my goal is to open a dog rescue and being a bartender at monkey is a great networking system. Being able to meet locals that may be able to spread the word is extremely helpful.
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THE BACKYARD: Continued From Previous Page
Not only do they have an expansive selection of beer, they also have a fine-tuned wine list and a variety of specialty sangrias and wine cocktails as well. Bartender, Jess DiCampli, takes pride in making the popular Rosebud (made with Rosé, pineapple hemp cider and a house-made blend of strawberries and basil) and the Apple of My Pie (made with Chardonnay, honey cider, house-made blend of clove, cinnamon, honey and apple juice).
The Backyard might best be known for their extensive patio (hence, the name), but they also have a large indoor bar area and plenty of tables inside with plans to add a lounge area upfront with comfy couches and booths, offering guests a chill place to hang out with friends. They also have areas for private events and can accommodate larger parties in the back room as well as on the patio. Off-site catering is also available. Another option for customers needing their mac and cheese fix is to have their favorite dishes delivered using Waitr, Door Dash or Uber Eats, and they also offer curbside-pickup for orders to go.
Insider Tip: Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with $12 domestic buckets, $1 off draft beer, $2 off wine by the glass and 69¢ bone-in or boneless wings.
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THE BACKYARD in Seabrook Celebrates One-Year Anniversary By Shawn dominguez
Anniversary Party: Saturday, January 18 (Noon to 11pm)
The Backyard (1301 4th Street, Seabrook) is celebrating their one-year anniversary all day and night Saturday, January 18 with live music, drink and food specials, giveaways and fun! There will be a cake smash, beer buckets and draft craft beer specials, pitchers of mimosas and specialty sangrias, and a return of the Monster Mac (a ginormous skillet of their O.G. Mac that feeds a group of five to six people.)
For the past year, The Backyard has become known for their selections of unique mac and cheese from the “Macyard” section of their menu, with items such as the O.G. (sharp cheddar, parmesan cheeses and breadcrumbs), the NOLA Mac (white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, Andouille sausage, jumbo gulf shrimp, onions, bell peppers and breadcrumbs) and the Viet Mac (white cheddar cheese, fresh ginger, garlic, basil and marinated flank steak with a drizzle of sriracha and breadcrumbs). But they have more to offer on their eclectic menu, including other unique dishes like their Korean Pork Cracklins (crispy pork-belly deep fried and tossed in Korean spices served with hot honey sauce) and Saigon Steak Tacos (grilled flank steak, cabbage, pico de gallo and sriracha crema, served with grilled lime). They also have unique soups such as their Arbol Corn Chowder as well as salads and a kids menu. Popular with their regular customers, the wings are such a big hit, they will soon be offering wing flights so guests can mix and match their wing orders to include a variety of flavors. “Our rotating taps of craft beer selections have played a major role in our success so far and we will be expanding the tap wall to include even more selections in the near future,” said owner Jared Klein. Although they keep customer faves like Saloon Door’s Tasty AF on tap at all times, typically when a keg is done, a new, different craft beer selection replaces it, so there is always something new on tap for customers to enjoy.
They also have plenty of options in cans and bottles, ranging from Karbach’s Crawford Bock and Montucky’s Cold Snacks to imports and domestics. Ask about their daily bucket specials during happy hour and during games. Speaking of sports, the large HDTVs behind the bar always play the big games, and they have plans to add TVs outside in the near future.
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THESCENE
— > LOCAL MUSIC
Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris brings BRITISH LION to Scout Bar By John Ennis
Steve Harris, best known as the founder, bassist, primary songwriter, composer, lyricist and only constant member of the world-famous heavy metal band Iron Maiden, is bringing his first-ever side project British Lion to Scout Bar on January 22 to support the release of the band’s second album, “The Burning.”
Spazmatics
Friday, Jan. 17 SCOUT BAR
Every ticket to this Scout Bar show will include a digital download of the new album.
After a successful Winter tour of Wednesday, January 22 @ Scout Bar Europe where the band has honed its live show performance, British Lion will be arriving in the United States for the first time ever in conjunction with the release of “The Burning” on January 17, 2020 in digipack CD, double gatefold vinyl and digital download formats via Explorer1 Music (E1).
"It's great for us to finally come to America to play some shows around the release of the new album through Explorer1 Music,” explained Harris, cited as one of the greatest heavy metal bassists of all time and known for his signature "galloping" playing style.
Bert Wills
Wednesday, Jan. 22 KATIE’S BAR
Joining Harris on the record and also on stage at Scout Bar will be vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists David Hawkins and Grahame Leslie and drummer Simon Dawson. - Continued on Page 37
Jonas Lorence Band to play Railean Distillery’s Buccaneer Bar Fri. Jan. 10
Local Clear Lake High School product and Austin-based singer/songwriter Jonas Lorence returns to the area with his band for an intimate live performance at the Railean Distillery & Buccaneer Bar Craft Spirits Tasting Room on Friday, January 10.
Blaggards
Friday, Jan. 24 T-BONE TOM’S
Not quite Jimmy Buffett and not quite Southern rock, the Jonas Lorence Band has created a strong following in a short time with their unique sound that has been very well-received on the Trop-Rock charts. But what exactly is Trop-Rock?
“There’s still elements of the beach, and of the coastline, and even margaritas, too, but is definitely distinct in that there’s a definitive Southern, sometimes bluesy quality to it,” said Jonas Lorence, who formed his current band in 2018 with Matt Bongirno on drums and Tim Casterline on bass.
The Slags
Saturday, Jan. 25
- Continued on Page 37
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