Photos by Mary Alys Cherry
State Reps. Dennis Paul, left, and Dr. Greg Bonnen are greeted by Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership President Theresa Rodriguez as they arrive at the Marriott South to speak at BayTran’s Legislative Breakfast.
Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, left, talks with Col. Len Waterworth, executive professor at Texas A&M-Galveston, during the BayTran Legislative Breakfast.
BayTran Vice Chairman Bob Robinson, left, updates League City Councilman Larry Millican on his recent trip to the Far East as they await the start of the Legislative Breakfast.
BayTran gets legislative update By Mary Alys Cherry
B
ayTran members were in for a treat when they held their first breakfast meeting in a number years – a rundown of what was going on in Austin by two area legislators – Rep. Dennis Paul of District 129 and Rep. Greg Bonnen of District 24 during the break between the two sessions. After they were introduced by Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership President Theresa Rodriguez and Treasurer Karen Coglianese, Dr. Bonnen quickly turned to the topic on everyone’s mind, transportation. “Transportation actually came
out quite well with the Legislature dedicating several billion to the Highway Fund,” during what he thought was “a productive but sometimes confusing session.” Also, “TxDOT went through the sunset review without any significant changes,” he said, later adding that while trying to pivot away from debt, the Legislature made a commitment to transportation.” Rep. Paul gave a rundown of some of the Legislature’s work and listed some of the bills that had passed. “We made sure education was fully funded,” he told the crowd at the Hobby Marriott. “We did away with straight ticket voting, provided protection for veterans and widows of first
UHCL Bayou Theatre unveils its 2017-18 musical season By Mary Alys Cherry
U
H-Clear Lake’s Bayou Theatre launched its 2017-18 season with an Aug.31 Bach and Piazzolla concert by Mercury – the Orchestra Redefined that merged Bach’s precision and Piazzolla’s passion -- much to the delight of the audience. Besides four concerts by Mercury, the theatre will present both blues and bluegrass performances, along with programs saluting Texas artists. Season tickets are available by emailing bayoutheater@uhcl.edu as are tickets to individual shows ranging in price from $10 to $13 for students and from $18 to $26 for adults. The next Mercury concert, pairing Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 with
40
Bay Area Houston Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017
responders, voted to help provide vests for police, and spent an enormous amount of time working of the Houston Pension Fund, making lots of concessions all the way around.” He said they also passed a resolution asking the U.S. to move the African Command here. When asked about help with the proposed Ike Dike or Coastal Spine, he suggested that the public write or call their representatives in Washington. “Any pressure you can put on politicians helps,” both legislators agreed. Port Commissioner John Kennedy, right, chats with Bob Robinson’s grandson, Anthony Robinson, at the BayTran Legislative Breakfast.
Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 will be Friday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Later, on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m., the Bayou will present the Texas New Music Ensemble, which is dedicated to the performance of contemporary music created by Texas composers and performed by Texas musicians, and will feature duets, trios and quartets, as well as a piece for bass clarinet and computer. Riyaaz Qawwali will represent the diversity of Texas with South Asian music on Friday, Nov, 3 at 7:30 p.m. The Houston-based ensemble hails from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and combines traditional works with poetry of multiple linguistic and religious backgrounds to create a message of oneness. Then on Jan. 11, to start the new year, the six members of the Bumper Jackson will combine Appalachian folk music, New Orleans jazz and Texas swing to create an evening of powerful music. Other events include the unique sound of The Quebe Sisters on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, Dailey & Vincent offering up bluegrass tunes on Feb. 21, Mercury providing a program on the Italian Baroque Masters April 13, and Brave Combo bringing a Texas flavor to the stage on April 27.