Public News #51 by Public News

HOUSTON’S ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DIGITAL PRESS

#51 | MAY 16 - 29, 2018 | FREE

PUBLIC NEWS www.publicnewsonline.com

JAY & AMANDA REMY INTERVIEW

KIKI MAROON

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BAYOU CITY BURLESQUE & CIRCUS FESTIVAL page 10 NEWS THEATRE FILM

MARK’S MUSICAL MUSING

AMERICA’S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE page 14

MUSIC DINING ART HUMOR POP CULTURE LETTER RIP

WHERE THE HELL DID WE GO? page 3

FOOD + DRINK

DREW’S PASTRY PLACE & THEIR AMAZING CHEF page 17

HOME OF THE 28” PIZZA!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COLUMNS

LETTER RIP .......................................... ANDY SINGER ..................................... BEST BET ................................................ PUBLIC NOISE ...................................... LIVE MUSIC LISTINGS ...................... CRAMPTON’S MUSICAL MUSINGS FOODIE ................................................ NETFLIX ..............................................

...or Pizza by the slice!

3 4 5 9 13 14 17 19

NEWS ........................................... 5 - 7 MUSIC .......................................... 8 - 9 EVENTS........................................ 9, 18 COVER STORY ................................. 10 BULLETIN BOARD ........................... 20

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LETTER RIP

WHERE THE HELL DID WE GO? Well hello there stranger! We hope you didn’t think that we went into that good night, did ya? We came close, but we’re still standing better than we ever did. Thank you Elton John. I guess I should explain our 5-month absence. For those of you with really short attention spans, I’ll make it brief but exciting. Back in November I was still living out of Ken Petty my rather small car after Harvey. Most available apartments and rooms were taken up in the north metro area (where I hung out most). Because of a divorce. most of what I owned was still in storage. I got lucky. The waters never got that high even though my storage unit was less than 50 yards from a retaining pond. I spent November building staff for the Public News to take her to the next level. Through that process I met a lot of interesting and talented people as well as some people that made me want to just shake my head #shm. Fast forward to December. I got very sick. I had been dealing with being ill most of 2016 and for the beginning of 2017. By December I was so ill that I was quickly admitted to a Woodlands hospital for two weeks as doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with me. They were not successful. but left me a present: two tubes extending out of my back out of

each kidney. Yuck! After being ejected from the hospital, my family in Missouri asked me to be close to family as I recuperate. I put the Public News in the capable hands of one of our music writers, Robert Castro, naming him managing editor and then moved to Missouri. In Missouri, I began to work on what you are reading now. Most of the stories may seem dated, but this is why. This issue has been in the can, out of the can, rewritten, reformatted almost every couple of weeks as we kept missing deadlines and I kept getting sick, again!. In March I was in the hospital again. This time I was in for three weeks. The doctors in St. Louis finally dicovered what what wrong. On May 9th, I’m putting the finishing touches on PN #51. I never thought it would take this long, but it has. The delays have been out of my control although I was working hard to get the paper out. All this was frustrating the hell out of a freshly annointed Managing Editor. Sorry Robert. However, while I was out and the paper was on ice*, Robert Castro was building a roster of writers who were bringing fresh ideas to the table. I think we are in good hands going forward. Be nice to them, after all, they had to deal with me! (*I refuse to equate ‘on ice’ with ‘life support’)

PN NOW HIRING! WRITERS / REPORTERS ARTISTS COLUMNISTS PHOTOGRAPHERS REVIEWERS CONSULTANTS

send your resume to careers@publicnewsonline.com

EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY

Letters to the editor can be emailed to us at: editor@publicnewsonline.com

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EDITORIAL CHAIRMAN: Ken Petty MANAGING EDITOR: Robert Castro MUSIC EDITOR: Mark Crampton FOOD EDITOR: open position FILM EDITOR: open position ART EDITOR: open position EVENT CALENDAR EDITOR: open position

TALKING ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS IS OUR GREATEST ADDICTION. BREAK THE HABIT. TALK ABOUT YOUR JOYS. Public News is a free news, arts & entertainment fortnightly published on Wednesday and distributed via Issuu.com and Press Reader.com (... and coming soon in print) We welcome community news, press releases, and article ideas; sent by mail or email. Deadline for calendar items and advertising is the Friday prior to our publication date. Letters to the Editor and filtered Hate Mail are always encouraged. www.publicnewsonline.com Contents of Public News are the sole property of Public News Co. and are protected under copyright. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher... he does check things out from time to time. You are encouraged to share as many copies of the Public News to as many friends as you’d like! Feel free to share on any and all social media outlets. #PublicNews DUE DATE FOR ALL SUBMISSIONS IS 5pm THURSDAYS AND FOR ADVERTISING IS 5pm FRIDAYS PRIOR TO PUBLICATION DATE

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Bailey Rea Biersack, Mike Baxter, Robert Castro, Parish Conkling, Mark Crampton, Roxanne Davis, Susan Love Fitts, Cindy Groover, Vicki Nash, Anna ‘Pinion’ Pena, Jay Lambs Remy, Amanda Remy, Lisa Newton Rohus, Andy Singer, Margie Taylor, Matt Vernon, Arvin Vohra PHOTOGRAPHY Ken Petty, Mars Simons GRAPHICS/LAYOUT: Ken Petty ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Cori McLaughlin, Ken Petty DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS: Issuu, Press Reader FAKE CELEBRITY INTERN: Gina Davis

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BEST BET

HONKY TONK CHILI CHALLENGE BRINGS HOT PICKS AND CHILI PEPPERS TO TOMBALL MAY 19 Tomball’s Honky Tonk Chili Challenge will stir up some hot picks and chili peppers on May 19th as the 7th annual festival fills the downtown depot plaza. Old-style honky tonk tunes from the days of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams will be performed throughout the afternoon by Jeff Woolsey & the Dancehall Kings, Palomino Moon, and the Country All-Stars. KStar 99.7 FM will be hosting a Texas style two-steppin’ dance contest, too! Chili cooks from across southeast Texas will be competing in this CASI sanctioned Chili Challenge. Points are awarded to the winning cook teams as they vie for a place at the Chili Appreciation Society International Championship in Terlingua, Texas later this year. There will be a category for local businesses and organizations to find out who makes the Best Chili in Tomball and a margarita “pour-off ” open to teams registered in the cook-off. Cooking at this year’s event is CASI’s 2017 Terlingua International Chili Champion, Brent Allen of George West, Texas. Brent is on the road 35 weekends

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a year competing in chili cookoffs throughout Texas, so be sure to stop by his cook site for a little advice and maybe a taste of some award winning chili. There’ll be festival foods and merchandise vendors, and a kids zone, too. The Tomball Honky Tonk Chili Challenge is sponsored by H-E-B and K-Star 99.7 FM. The festival surrounds Tomball’s historic 1907 downtown Depot at 201 South Main Street, 77375. Gates open at 11 am. Admission and parking are free. Be sure to stop by the nearby Tomball Farmers Market before the festival, recently named Best Farmers Market in the Houston area by Edible Houston. Tomball is just 28 miles northwest of downtown Houston on FM 2920 at State Highway 249. Call 281351-5484 or email mbaxter@tomballtx.gov for more information, or to register a cook team. The City of Tomball is a member of the Texas Festivals & Events Association, Texas Travel Industry Association, and Visit Houston & Beyond.

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

THEATRE

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS HOLDS AUDITIONS FOR OKLAHOMA! AND THE WIZ HOUSTON — Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) will hold auditions for two productions from its upcoming 50th Anniversary Season, Oklahoma! and The Wiz. OKLAHOMA! AUDITIONS TUTS’ production of Oklahoma! will be directed by Dallas Theater Center’s Artistic Director, Kevin Moriarty. The production, which is an artistic collaboration with Houston Ballet, will be choreographed by Stanton Welch AM, Artistic Director of Houston Ballet. Broadway conductor Kimberly Grigsby will be conducting the show. Joining them on the production are Andrew Harper as Sound Designer, Jason Lyons as Lighting Designer, and Karen Perry as Costume Designer.

HOUSTON AUDITIONS Alley Theatre and the Hobby Center May 31: Principal Call: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.), The Alley Theatre located at 615 Texas Avenue June 4: Local Chorus Call: Singers - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Male Dancers - 3 p.m.; Female Dancers - 4 p.m., the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Administration Building, 800 Bagby Street. Currently Seeking: Aunt Eller - Female, late 40’s/50’s. Runs a farm in the Oklahoma Territory. She is tough, resourceful, earthy and strong. A single woman with a flinty sense of humor and big heart. Strong actor who sings and moves well. Voice: Mezzo (G3 to F5)

Ado Annie - Female, early 20’s to mid 30’s. Funny, good-natured, energetic, and a bit wild. Enjoys her sexuality. A bit naïve – or perhaps it’s just an act? Either way, she’s good hearted and great fun. Strong comic actor. Strong mover/dancer. Voice: Mezzo/belt (C4 to F5) Jud - Male, late 20’s to early 40’s. Skilled farmhand. Quiet, brooding and solitary. Emotionally imbalanced, volatile and dangerous. Struggles with his desires and relating to others. Strong actor. Strong bass/baritone. Voice: Baritone (D2 to D4) Ali Hakim - Male, 30’s to 40’s. A peddler from Persia (present day Iran). Romantic, but not interested in settling down. Smart and quick witted. Strong comic actor. Voice: Baritone (D2 to F#4)

strongly encouraged to audition. THE WIZ AUDITIONS Houston auditions for The Wiz will be held on June 5 and 6 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in the Administration Building. The Wiz will be directed by Robert O’Hara and choreographed by Byron Easley. Joining them on the production will be Darryl Ivey as Music Director, Alex Jainchill as Lighting Designer, Andrew Harper as Sound Designer, Dede Ayite as Costume Designer, Aaron Rhyne as Projection Designer, and Jason Sherwood as Set Designer.

A hip re-telling of L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz tells the story of thirteen-year-old Dorothy, who lives Houston auditions will be held for OklaCarnes - Male, late 40’s to late 50’s. Ado Curly Male, 20’s-30’s. Young, strapping homa! on May 31 at The Alley Theatre Annie’s father. A tough, pragmatic farmer. with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and her cowman. Charming, flirty and sexy, but located at 615 Texas Avenue and on June Protective of his daughter and good with dog, Toto. After a cyclone hits her house, hasn’t yet been ready to commit. Engages Dorothy is transported to the magical 4 at the Hobby Center for the Performa shotgun. Strong singer/good mover. in witty sparring with Laurey. He’s got a land of Oz where she meets the Scareing Arts in the Administration Building Voice: Tenor (F3 to F4) strong sense of ethics and decency. Strong crow, the Tin Man, and the Lion who help located at 800 Bagby Street. baritone. Voice: Baritone (C3 to F#4) Cord Elam - Male, late 30’s to 50’s. Cow- her on her journey to defeat the wicked The first collaboration between Rodgers man. Federal Marshall. Tough. A leader in Evillene, and find her way home. Laurey Female, early to late 20’s. Attrac& Hammerstein’s, Oklahoma! remains, in the community. Principled. Strong singer Rehearsals begin in Houston on October many ways, their most innovative, having tive, strong, quick witted farm-owner in and mover. Voice: Baritone (G2 to A4) the Oklahoma territory. Skilled, no2. Previews will be October 23 and 24. set the standards and established the rules nonsense farmer. Romantic but sexually Opening Night is October 25, and the of musical theatre still being followed Male Ensemble - Males, strong dancer/ inexperienced, she’s grappling with comshow closes on November 4. today. Set just after the turn of the censingers: Slim, Fred, and additional male plicated desires that she doesn’t yet fully tury, the high-spirited rivalry between the ensemble members. (low bass, baritones, understand. Ready to embrace life. Legit HOUSTON AUDITIONS local farmers and cowboys provides the tenors) Soprano (C4 to A5) colorful background against which Curly, The Hobby Center for the Performing a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winFemale Ensemble - Females, strong Will Parker Male, late 20’s, mid 30’s. Arts, Administration Building, 800 Bagby some farm girl, play out their love story. dancer/singers: Vivien, Kate, Virginia, Cowman in the Oklahoma Territory. A St. Ellen, and additional female ensemble terrific horseman but not an intellectual Rehearsals begin in Houston on August members. (altos and sopranos) June 5: Local Principal Call: 10 a.m. to 6 21. Previews will be September 11 and 12. thinker. He is madly in love with Ado Annie, though unskilled with women. Strong p.m. (lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.) Opening Night is September 13, and the This production will be cast with actors comic actor. Very strong dancer. Voice: show closes on September 23. of all races and ethnicities in leading roles Baritone/Tenor (D3 to F4) June 6: Local Chorus Call: Singers - 10 and in the ensemble. Artists of color are a.m. to 2 p.m.; Male Dancers - 3 p.m.;

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

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Female Dancers - 4 p.m. (lunch from 2 to 3 p.m.) For more information about the auditions, please visit TUTS.com/auditions.

complete mess of a person. Probably the First few letters of her name says it all. Probably medicated and/or missing her medication. Nice but a Train wreck.

Scarecrow The BEST DANCER in the Cast. And a singing powerhouse. Male or Female. In fact the Scarecrow may very Dorothy She should be 16. And if she isn’t well have had a Drag Show. Serving Sylactually 16 then she certainly should look vester with Kicks. Can sing his face off... closer to 16 than 30. Dorothy has to be and incredibly lovely. the youngest soul in the play. Bright eyed and bushy tailed. A Voice for the Gods. Tinman Initially Stiff and robotic. But Girlie and Frilly but totally a powerhouse. once oiled up, he is as slick as a 1970’s Someone who looks like the world of Oz Pimp. Straight out of a Dolomite Film. A is right behind her eyelids. Which indeed stone cold fantastic Singer. Can tap dance. it is. Carries an Ax. ‘Nuff said. Currently Seeking:

Aunt Em/Glinda/Evilene 30’s-40’s... Loving, caring but a bit Harsh at the same time. Someone whose worked with her hands for most of her life and has decided her little piece of Kansas is enough. / The Epitome of Empowerment. A Vocal powerhouse. As well as Evil incarnate. Ugly and knows it. Can’t stand people. Especially pretty girls. Voice for the Gods.

Lion A Beast of a Singer. Male or Female. Throws their weight around but on the inside is all gooey. Stays Horny and Hungry. Completely selfish and yet loyal.

ENSEMBLE plays everyone else. They must all be able to SING Soulfully. They must ALL be able to Move. half of them to be FANTASTIC DANCERS. But all of them must be transformational. Lots The Wiz/Uncle Henry/Messenger of stamina and sense of humor. Imagine 30’s-40’s... Dutiful and Honest. / Outrathem as the back up singers and dancers geous and natural born Comic. Also a to Tina and Ike Turner. Energy Energy complete trickster... Charming and danEnergy. They must give everyone LIFE. gerous. The one you don’t want to bring Would love more than a few with Achome to meet the parents. It would help if robatic/Tumbling abilities. They are the he was sexy as hell as well. Great Voice. lifeblood of the show and must be strong physical Performers. Addaperle/Kalidah Queen 30’s-50’s. A

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LIVE MUSIC REVIEWS PN: What influence do you draw from?

JOSHUA: I draw many of my influences from current events. I had actually put my musical aspirations away for years following the completion of 428, an album that I never really pushed, promoted, or supported. I simply completed it and performed a single show at The Engine Room in Houston before turning my full attention on education, primarily on finishing my bachelor’s degree and finding work. I honestly thought this part of my life was behind me, but years later, While attending graduate school in pursuit of my Masters in Sociology I developed the itch to write music again. As we began researching and discussing various social issues, I felt the need to express myself musically. I noticed right away that my music was much more aggressive than it was in 428, primarily because the way the issues I was writing about made me feel. Musically, my influences are all over the place. You see, I came into story and photos by Lisa Newton Rohus industrial music very late. There was a point I actually thought I was creating a regards to the highly anticipated release of new genre! (lol) I went through various crash of an electric buzz saw pierces (WWIII:REFUSE) would be released following the completion of his degree. WWIII:REFUSE, Houston Industrial Co- phases (Beach Boys, 80’s thrash, pop, and the night followed by the voice of hip-hop, 90’s grunge and nu-metal, etc.) alition Night ( the album release party), urgency ushering you into the brain With this announcement, they were left to lye in wait and anticipation. After 10 additional projects in the works, his influ- and, although I knew of many popular inchild that is The Joshua Project. years, the long anticipated wait was over ences, and the road that paved the way to dustrial artists, I always thought of them Welcome to the mind of Joshua Lowry, as experimental electronic rock or metal The Joshua Project’s founder of this visu- and the online release of WWIII:REFUSE WWIII. bands. I was completely ignorant of the ally and intellectually stimulating musical was March 1st. Slightly different from the debut, this album focuses on his studies PN: What is the difference between Resist genre. I think that helps with my sound a art project. With its industrial sound, and Refuse? It it a continuation of the last bit though, because when I come up with The Joshua Project attempts to tear down in graduate school, which concentrated on issues of social justice and civil unrest. one or is it going to be a double album of a sound that is similar to another big inconventional thinking to reveal new dustrial artist, its not because I am trying With it’s controversial statements, this consistency? layers. First beginning as a side project to rip them off or anything....hell, I might album has already gained a massive folwhile on hiatus from the Houston local not even be influenced by them directly music scene during the days of Myspace, lowing, so much so that Joshua created a JOSHUA: Hmmmm....I see them as 2 The Joshua Project began creating a small band page in support of his music (www. sides of the same coin or as 2 parts of the on that particular song. My influence may be coming from somewhere totally difthejoshuaprojectmusic.com). On the page same story. The story is WWIII and is following, which led Joshua to reach out he asks you to join his fan club which he based on recent, current, and possibly fu- ferent. Performance-wise, I would say my to fellow musician Mike BBQ for asdubs “the revolution,” and as a result you ture events. WWIII:REFUSE is Act I and influence comes from my love of theater. sistance on the first album “428,” which receive notifications of any and all events, each song is telling a story within a story, I’ve been a Thespian for as long as I can was released in 2008. The album was a remember. CD releases, and merchandise, but of all tying into the main storyline, which huge success online, gaining even more course the biggest buzz on the site was the is WWIII. WWIII:RESIST is going to be followers, however Joshua felt the need PN: How many days, months, weeks did it CD release party on April 29th, as well as Act II and once it is complete will allow to focus on a more traditional career. In an announcement that a bonus track will us to see where the story takes us, which take you to create the 1st album, the 2nd, doing so, he put his musical aspirations be performed for the first time that night. even I don’t know at the moment. You can and what’s your projection on the release on hold until after returning to school I managed to catch up with Joshua and almost say WWIII:REFUSE ends at the to pursue his Master’s. While doing so, continues on page 19 talk with him about the exciting news in climax of our story. his fans received news that a new album

THE JOSHUA PROJECT A

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

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EVENTS

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Water Ecology, Snakes, and Bats at Jones Park National Trails Day: Creek Bash Saturday, June 2 at 9 a.m. Nothing ruins a scenic waterway faster than litter. Join Jones Park staff and volunteers to help clean up the creeks and ponds around Jones Park and improve the environment for future generations. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for wet and muddy conditions. All ages welcome. Ages 16 and up only for canoeing clean-up. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, May 23. Water Ecology Workshop Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m. Are you curious about what lives in Jones Park’s waterways? Join Program Coordinator Jason Naivar for an aquatic adventure investigating the creatures who live in Jones Park’s creeks, ditches, and ponds. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for wet and muddy conditions. Ages 10 and up. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, May 23.

A NIGHT OUT WITH BLACK VEIL BRIDES by Bailey Rae Biersack

ver since I first heard the rocking music of Black Veil Brides, I was hooked. The rock style mixed with metal set my heart on fire. At Warped Tour 2015, I got to see them play for the first time. Andy Biersack became my biggest influence as a musician that day. On February 16, I got to meet Black Veil Brides and even show them my video of me covering their song In The End. This was such a huge milestones me in my career. One night filled with nothing but metal. Crown The Empire from Dallas Texas started out the night. They brought the energy to this sold out show and set the

tone for the evening. Pumping up the crowd leaving us all wanting more.

Hailing from Hollywood, they brought that Cali energy and completely rocked the house down. Andy’s phenomenal Asking Alexandria coming from York stage presence and his energetic vocals in North Yorkshire, England,followed, completed the night for me. With Jinxx bringing the energy level even higher. and Jake Pitts on guitar, Ashley Purdy on Opening their set with their new single, bass and Chris Coma on drums, Black Into The Fire, the crowd was soaking it Veil Brides delivered in every way that a up. Danny Worsnop really delivered with true rock band should. I think the most his stellar vocals. Ben Brice and Cameron epic part for me was the song they closed Liddell both shredding on guitar, San Bet- with. They played my favorite and most tley on bass and James Cassells on drums influential song, In The End. This truly really hyped me up and left me wanting was the best night of my life and I would more. do it all over again.

Gardening Daze Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 8:30 a.m. Join Horticultural Coordinator Matt Abernathy Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. for native plant landscaping and habitat restoration in the park. Volunteer duties include gardening outside the Nature Center, tending plants in the greenhouse, removing invasive species, and assisting with habitat restoration. Park staff and volunteers also work in the heritage garden at the pioneer homestead after 10 a.m. Closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended. Tai Chi Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 9 a.m. Interested in trying a new healthy outdoor activity? Doug Ebeling, volunteer Tai Chi instructor, leads this class based on the 24-step Yang form of T’ai Chi. The onehour class includes low-impact stretching, breathing, and range of motion exercises held in the outdoor classroom near the Nature Center.

Then Black Veil Brides took the stage.

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MAY 16 - 29, 2018

COVER STORY to Houston’s own internationally award-winning burlesque performer, standup comic, and festival producer- KiKi Maroon. Maroon’s life as a touring performer has given her a unique advantage when curating talent, “I get hired to perform all over the world, from tiny bars and massive theaters, meeting new artist every day. I’ll see an act and know instantly, I need to bring that to Houston!” Maroon considers the festival a yearin-review, “It’s a living yearbook. My showgirl, circus, freak-show melting pot.” Every major city has their own burlesque festival, the most distinguished events being held in Las Vegas, New Orleans, and New York City. Maroon and her team intend on making Houston’s event just as renowned. To accomplish this, they’ve booked over 40 local and touring artists including: -Vivacious Miss Audacious: The Hula Hoop Hottie (Grand Rapids, MI) Burlesque and circus collide with the hooping strip tease that’s been featured at The Ibiza Burlesque Festival, Amsterdam Burlesque Awards, and Toulouse Fest (France).

JAY & AMANDA REMY INTERVIEW

KIKI MAROON

THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BAYOU CITY BURLESQUE & CIRCUS FESTIVAL crobats from San Francisco! Burlesque from Montreal! Trapeze from Austin! And a chorus line of “H-Town Clowns”! You don’t have to be a jet setter with an unlimited budget to catch them all in one night, you just have to be in Houston. The International Bayou City Burlesque

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

& Circus Arts Festival returned to Warehouse Live in Houston. The festival brought together two timeless and titillating performance styles to give the audience a one-of-a-kind experience. The event’s world-renowned acts range from Vegas style burlesque to bizarre sideshow stunts to death-

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-Meezee: The Klown Prince (San Francisco, CA) proving that clowns can be sexy, Meezee is a chairstacking acrobat who has performed with Vau de Vire Society, The Hubba Hubba Revue, The Theatre Bizarre.

defying aerialist that will leave you on -Brian “BC” Carrion: The One Man the edge of your seat. Band (Houston, TX) Musician, songwriter, and vocalist known for his The Bayou City Burlesque and electro-soul hooks and dance floor Circus Festival, BCBC Festival for antics, fresh off his 6 month Europe/ short, is now in it’s fourth year. The Asia tour. festival has developed a reputation for featuring top-notch talent thanks -Sugar Vixen: The Rock star of

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Burlesque (Montreal, Canada), who’s fiery energy has put her on stages around the world, even sharing the stage with burlesque legend Dita Von Teese. The festival has grown every year. Can this show compete with last year’s record breaking event? Burlesque has been teasing and tantalizing the American shores since the 1840’s and still is going strong. The art of seduction combined with the beauty, confidence and charisma of each girl is cemented in the performances of the past yet highlights the uniqueness and personality of those who dawn the crown and own the stage with each performance. Letting audiences know who they are little by little and keep them wanting more.

KIKI: On top of being a burlesque performer, I am a standup comic and storyteller. My (current) number one goal is to get my story-telling show into The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s the world’s largest arts festival and looks just amazing! PN: What are your career goals? KIKI: I love burlesque, but I’m heavily pursuing comedy right now. One of my comedy mentors summed it up best; “You’re used to be naked, now you’re learning to be exposed”. My goal is to keep my monthly burlesque show, KiKi Maroon’s Burly Q Lounge, running in Houston while touring comedy clubs and festivals around the country. It’s kind of hard. There isn’t really a ‘burlesque performer, standup comic, producer, podcaster’ path to follow. I’m just trying to find my own way.

KIKI took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few question for us to get to know a little nit more about here and her production

PN: What is your opinion about ‘live’ entertainment and performance?

PN: What do you enjoy most about being a Burlesque performer? KIKI: I love to travel! Before becoming a producer, I looked into a career as a flight attendant. I want to see the world and being a standup comic and burlesque performer has allowed me talent is slinking on stage looking calm and sultry when you’ve spent to do just that. the previous 4 hours in a manic state! PN: What are you thinking pre-show But once you’re on stage, it all floats away. It’s the only time I feel comand during the show? pletely present. There are no to-do KIKI: Pre-show my mind is like a la- list, no inner dialog, nothing exist but ser beam. Everything else fades away the moment. I think it’s why I have such an intense relationship with and nothing but the performance my audience. They give me somematters. We are running around like thing I’ve never had before and I’m glittery chickens, franticly trying overwhelmed with gratitude each and to get the show ready having meetevery time. ings with the sound and light guys, getting dressed, fixing last minute costume emergencies, and squeezing in a last minute rehearsal. The real

PN: Where have you performed so far?

Kiki Maroon @ The Improv

KIKI: I’ve performed all over the country, too many places to name! My favorite show would probably be The Hubba Hubba Revue in San Francisco. Internationally, I’ve performed in Milan, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo. Tokyo was INSANE! I am making it a personal goal to get booked there again in 2018. Burlesque is fairly new there, but they are so passionate about it! PN: Where else would you like to perform?

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KIKI: There’s nothing like live entertainment. The performers feed off the audience, the audience feeds off the performers, and that energy exchange makes each show a completely unique experience. I think it’s difficult to get people out these days; Netflix has thousands of hours of entertainment that you never have to leave your house for! BUT, once people come to their first show, they almost always become regulars. Kiki Maroon at the Improv [Ocanas Photography] PN: What do you think determines the success of a stage performer? KIKI: If you really want to make it in entertainment, you need drive. You have to want it more than anything.

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

Dance can be learned, stage fright can be overcome, and marketing can be polished. But no one is going to do it for you. Social media has made it so that there are no gatekeepers. No bigwig you have to impress to be a full time performer. But with that freedom comes a huge cost. You are now expected to do everything. You are your own web designer, booking agent, and marketing department. You can bitch that it takes time away from your creative process or you can wake up earlier and get to work! PN: What’s the basic concept for the show? KIKI: The BCBC Festival is my biggest show of the year. We open applications and hundreds of performers from around the world submit for a chance to perform in Houston! After watching literally hundreds of hours of burlesque and circus acts, we narrow it down and bring Houston a one-night-only, world-class show.

Naomi Goodwin (Wynter Harlow)

lesque performers has given us views Festival. It’s now in its fourth year, any different than anyone else. so while I always work hard to make it amazing, it’s established. The PN: What inspired you to start Burfirst year, it was a giant gamble. I lesque? had only produced small bar shows KIKI: The selection process is before that, the audiences being beintense. The first viewing of acts, KIKI: I was originally a costume de- tween 20-150 people. we separate the acts into styles. I signer. I worked for theaters, includThe BCBC Festival was my first like to showcase a little bit of every- ing The Alley and Cirque du Soleil, time producing on a main stage. I thing so things get categorized into as well as free-lance to individual had no idea if we cold fill that room, “Class Burlesque”, “Aerial Circus”, artist. I began making burlesque cos- I was TERRIFIED that no one would “Ground Work”, “Sideshow”, and tumes for performers in Austin and come and I’d be $15,000 in debt. But “Comedic Burlesque”. After that, we started to bring them to Houston for I worked my butt off and we sold re-watch every single video and rate small events. It looked like so much out! I will never forget walking out them with in their category. From fun, I started performing my self! on that stage and seeing the sea of there, we select to top of each style I still make my own costumes but people. I had a live mic in my hand and start to work on the set list and haven’t worked in theater in years. and the very first words out of my show flow. It takes about a month for Burlesque and standup comedy took mouth were a teary-eyed, “F**K…. us to finalize the set list each year. over my life and I couldn’t be hapThere’s a lot of you here.” pier about it. I don’t know if anything I achieve PN: As burlesque performers in 2017, will ever feel as good as that! have there been any recent events PN: What are the standout moments that you think has kicked feminist NAOMI GOODWIN (WYNTER HARfor you from your shows so far? discourse up a notch? LOW) KIKI: I will never forget walking KIKI: I don’t think that being burThe Public News wanted to get a out on stage at the very first BCBC PN: Tell me a bit about how you chose the cast and what their acts are like.

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

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feel for what it was like to dance for KiKi at one of her shows so we sat down with Naomi Goodwin (Wynter Harlow) to see what all the hype is about … PN: What got you into burlesque dancing? NG: I have wanted to get into this for a good 6 years. When I saw that Kiki Maroon was looking for showgirls, I knew I had to take a chance and apply! Being a part of such an amazing community of strong, uplifting people, who want to see one another succeed is what gave me the push to do my first act! Once I debuted, I was hooked! 2018, I plan to do another act. PN: What’s your idea of sexy as burlesque has evolved so much in the modern times? NG: I think sexy is what you just feel

with each time on stage. Burlesque has always been classic and tasteful- and to have a variety of women, all shapes/sizes, and different ideas in dance- to me, being comfortable in your own skin, and the confidence that is projected- that is sexy! PN: Who was an inspiration to you? NG: Oh my! There are so many out there who inspire me. Kiki is one for sure- not just because she’s my showgirl boss, But because she runs a tight ship. She has amazing ideas, and knows what she’s doing- and her shows, her followers are the proof of what magic she produces! Another inspiration to me- Chola Magnolia. She exudes sexy, and if you have never seen her performyou must! She is the one I watchher confidence, her energy- how she works her audience. Her energy just draws you in until the very end! Chola is an amazing burlesque performer. PN: What’s the main thing you want to bring attention to while dancing?

13 NG: Work on more performances!! My debut in October told me a lot. I fell in love with being so connected to the audience, and being on stage. Everyone was super supportive and the energy that I received back- that meant so much to me! PN: Do you have a message for young women who are looking to perform as you do? NG: Do it! My thoughts are, if you never go for something that you want to do, or try- you will never know what could be. I wished I did so much more earlier on. But I’m doing it now and loving every moment being part of Burly Q Lounge. The bonds I’ve made and the support from one another is beyond amazing! PN: Is there any drawbacks or challenges in the burlesque world? NG: I can’t really say there is any personally. I have seen nothing but love in this community for one another.

LIVE MUSIC LISTINGS

CONROE Backwoods Saloon 230 Lexington Ct., 936-273-0203 www.backwoodssaloon.com The Corner Pub 302 N. Main St., 936-788-2390 www.thecornerpubinconroe.com Game On Sports Bar 1717 N. Fraiser 936-788-6209 www.gameonsportsandmusic.com Bingo, Beer and Bands! Kat Daddy Bar 463 FM 1488, 936-273-9342 www.katdaddysbar.com Live Music Sunday Afternoons Pacific Yard House 101 Metcalf www.pacificyardhouse.com Red Brick Tavern 119 Simonton, 936-539-2000 www.theredbricktavern.com MAGNOLIA Genuwine Tasting Room 6503 FM 1488 #401 832-934-2675 www.mygenuwine.com NORTH SPRING 19th Hole Grill & Bar 202 Sawdust Rd #118, 281-363-2574 www.19th.cc [$10 cover on all shows] Hard rock and metal bands Thursday through Saturday Dosey Doe Big Barn 25911 I-45 N., 281-367-3774 www.doseydoe.com Great dinner/music venue in a rebuilt barn CYPRESS CREEK Acadia 3939 FM 1960 W., 281-893-2860 www.acadiabarandgrill.com BFE Rock Club 11528 Jones Rd. (281) 894-1811 www.bferockclub.com The Concert Pub North 2470 Cypress Creek Pkwy., 281-583-8111 www.theconcertpub.com Great cover band venue

NG; My goal, is to involve our audi- PN: What was your best experience ence. they are what makes a perform- in this field of entertainment? ers energy bigger- so having that connection is so important. NG: Right now I can say ALL OF IT! I’m having an awesome time, and PN: What are you goals for your loving every show! future in burlesque? OLD TOWN SPRING

Blue Giraffe 417 Gentry St, Spring (281) 288-4233 www.thebluegiraffeetc.com Open mic from open to close Jailhouse Saloon 310 Preston, Spring 281-288-0255 www.jailhousesaloontx.com Great pub rock on the weekends Puffabellys 100 Main St, Spring 281-350-3376 www.puffabellys.com Best known for their open mic events weekly

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins, 281-210-1105 www.woodlandscenter.org The largest venue for live music in North Houston TOMBALL 403 Eats 403 East Main (281) 330-7828 www.403eats.com live music Fridays & Saturdays Brautigams Bar & Grill 106 Market St, 832-698-4461 www.brautigamsbarngrill.com Main Street Crossing 111 West Main St., 281-290-0431 www.mainstreetcrossing.com WEST HOUSTON Shakespeare Pub 14129 Memorial Dr, (281) 497-4625 www.shakespearepub.net DOWNTOWN HOUSTON Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. (713) 226-8563 www.lastconcert.com THE HEIGHTS Dan Electros 1031 E 24th St (832) 831-2553 www.danelectroshouston.com Fitzgeralds 2705 White Oak Dr., www.fitzgeraldshouston.com Iconic Music Venue, Host to some of the worlds best touring bands Rudyards 2010 Waugh Dr (713) 521-0521 www.rudyardspub.com Live local music - Public News recommended April (all shows free unless otherwise noted) McGonigel’s Mucky Duck 2425 Norfolk St (713) 528-5999 www.mcgonigels.com Live Music Nightly KINGWOOD Nico’s Bar & Grill 22610 Loop 494 (281) 358-6653 www.nicosbarandgrill.com The Sterling Room 22250 Hwy 59 (281) 446-2202 HUMBLE Shamrock’s Pub 228 W 1st St (281) 446-0407 www.shamrockspubhumble.com

SPRING Mak’s Place Sports Bar & Grill 5200 Louetta Rd., 832-698-1611 www.maksplacesportsbar.com That One Bar 4660 Louetta #100, 832-562-3942 www.thatonebar.com THE WOODLANDS

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MAY 16 - 29, 2018

CRAMPTON’S MUSICAL MUSINGS

White Christmas, America’s Favorite Christmas Movie by Mark Crampton I doubt there is an American of ANY age or any background who does not watch the classic 1954 holiday movie White Christmas https://youtu.be/ zH4g_PANunI during the holiday season. I think it is even ahead of the 1964 animated Burl Ives chldrens’ classic movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in all-age popularity! https://youtu. be/0tmFkIKYKso . Which is something, since this holiday classic starts out with a bunch of muddy, sad, lonely and homesick WW II GI’s at a USO show in war-ravaged Europe! https://youtu.be/IT5qeyAY1_k . Nevertheless, I know that MY whole immediate family – four adult children with two spouses and one fiancée, four grandchildren, and the ex – and I all watched it together at OUR family gathering last Christmas, and watch it every year! What many people don’t know, is that for various causes, “White Christmas” the song was almost NOT written and White Christmas the movie was almost NOT filmed! The White Christmas saga all started in 1935, on the set of the Fred AstaireGinger Rogers’ movie Top Hat https:// youtu.be/XPdIWk097ls . Irving Berlin wrote the melody as a prospect to use in a future Astaire film – but the movie’s director didn’t like it, so the melody was canned at that time.

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

BING CROSBY, DANNY KAYE, ROSEMARY CLOONEY

On to New Year’s Day 1940, where Berlin was visiting a friend in Banning, California. When he awoke to snow on the desert that morning, Berlin immediately penned the first words to “White Christmas” because of his surprise!

Truly, the song “White Christmas” was actually FIRST heard by the public in 1941 on Bing Crosby’s Christmas Day Radio Show (just three weeks after Pearl Harbor), to great public acclaim and requests for radio play.

Berlin then combined the unwanted melody with his new words, and pitched it as a stand-alone holiday song to business partner Bing Crosby. Crosby himself had no particular emotion for the song, he just felt they could sell it easily!

[NOTE: The ONLY copy of the recording from that program is owned by Crosby’s estate, and has only been released once – for a 2011 TV Special.]

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“White Christmas” was next heard in the 1942 Crosby-Fred Astaire-Berlin movie Holiday Inn https://youtu.be/

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feuRB5QTqK4 , for which it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song – although it was neither new, nor original to the movie! In Holiday Inn’s original script, co-star Marjorie Reynolds sang the song as a solo, but it was changed to a duet with Crosby, though her voice was in truth dubbed by singer Martha Mears. Mears was the off-screen singing voice for numerous female Hollywood actresses: Reynolds, Rita Hayworth, Lucille Ball – come on, surely you didn’t think SHE could really sing, did you? – Claudette

or cartoonish as he was in many of his starring roles https://youtu.be/LChYFEw5s70 .

Colbert, Loretta Young, Hedy Lamarr, Veronica Lake and Eva Gabor, among others. https://youtu.be/PDMxGl6bktY .

[NOTE: I just wonder, though, how Gene Kelly would have done as Phil?]

Holiday Inn was the first of a threemovie contract package to feature Irving Berlin songs (both new and old). Berlin was NEVER beyond re-treading songs for new productions, as particularly proven in the second CrosbyAstaire-Berlin movie, the poorlyreceived 1946 Blue Skies https://youtu. be/FuJmmPZPMr4 . In fact, several of the songs for White Christmas (suitably revised by Berlin) came from OTHER movies: “Snow” from Call Me Madam, “What Can You Do With a General?” from Stars on My Shoulders (never produced), “Abraham” (as an instrumental) also from Holiday Inn, and, of course, the title song! So White Christmas, the third CrosbyAstaire-Berlin installment, was slated to begin filming in 1951 – except that Fred Astaire did not like the script of his part as side-kick Phil Davis, and spurned it!

offered to hoofer Donald O’Conner – who had just come off as male co-star in the successful Gene Kelley movie Singing in the Rain, and who had previously co-starred with Crosby in 1938’s Sing You Sinners https://youtu.be/x6Jvyk8r08 . Unfortunately, O’Connor became seriously ill right as filming started (ironically, an illness he had contacted from ‘Francis the talking Equus mulus’ – YOU look it up! – his co-star in 7 movies), and he in turn had to drop out of the production.

In Holiday Inn, Crosby and Astaire With two (or maybe three, counting shared top billing over the female stars Crosby’s original departure) strikes and had fairly equal parts/screen time, while in Blue Skies Astaire had top bill- against the movie, Astaire’s part was ing and the lion’s share of screen time. then offered to Danny Kaye, an upcoming actor, singer, dancer, comedian, and musician – although at that time, But in the original White Christmas he not as popular as either Astaire or script, Astaire had second billing and O’Conner. much less screen time to Crosby, and NO solo song-and-dance scenes – so Regardless, the studio was desperate Astaire refused to do it and left the to salvage the movie, enough to pay project! Kaye’s asking price of $200,000 cash up front and pledge 10% of the movie’s Right after Astaire left the project, net to him, and production resumed in Crosby’s wife Dixie Lee passed away, and he too dropped out. After burying September 53 – two years late! his wife and spending time with his children, Crosby returned to the studio. [NOTE: In 2017 dollars Kaye’s cash payment was equivalent to almost $2 Production on White Christmas finally Million, and the movie netted $12 milresumed in 1953, and Astaire’s part was lion ‘54 dollars its FIRST year – which

made his take OVER $12 million in 2017 dollars.] As Producers/Partners Crosby and Berlin each got nothing up front and a MERE 20% of the movie’s net profits, after the studio got 50% and Kaye got his 10%. [NOTE: Which in 2017 dollars was almost $25 million each JUST the first year – poor them! And just think about 60-plus years of residuals!] Personally, I think the studio made the best decision for the movie’s success in finally casting Kaye as Phil Davis. I think Astaire absolutely was NOT right for the character of Phil – too urbane and cold (okay, I always loved his dancing, but, too, I always perceived Astaire as what he so often portrayed – TOTALLY upper class snobbish and patronizing – in his roles!) He just wasn’t RIGHT for Phil! And while O’Connor surely COULD have pulled the part off with his trademark puppyish clowning, I still don’t think he was just exactly RIGHT, either! To me Kaye just brought a feeling to the character of Phil that worked! He played Phil with heart and warmth, and was funny without being as clownish

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Rosemary Clooney was chosen as White Christmas’s female lead, and since she was strictly a chanteuse, not a dancer, she only performed (extremely!) simple dance steps with Crosby or as part of a show ensemble. Her single major dance number (repeated twice) was a song/dance duet with Vera-Ellen, who, if you pay attention, was dancing the lead. In contrast, Vera-Ellen, the second female lead, was one of the most sought after dancers in Hollywood https:// youtu.be/meO3ims3GvU , having previously partnered in earlier movies with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Danny Kaye, and Donald O’Connor, all before White Christmas. Vera-Ellen had several song/dance duets and several more show ensemble dance scenes. Regrettably, while Vera-Ellen had a delightful speaking voice, her singing was notoriously dreadful! Her singing was dubbed in EVERY movie she appeared in – by Trudy Stevens in this movie. [NOTE: This movie was one of the last films Vera-Ellen made – she made one more British production, and three TV show appearances, then retired. Of course, her retirement may have been because she married Victor Rothschild, the RICHEST man in the world!] The “Sisters” song and dance routine https://youtu.be/PG7x8HWbDzU performed by Clooney and Vera-Ellen was Clooney’s only major duet song/ dance number, although there was just a short bit of it repeated in another scene.

continues on page 16 MAY 16 - 29, 2018

CHRISTMAS

from page 15

[Verse] I’m dreaming of a white Christmas Just like the ones I used to know Plus, all the original recordings were What Crosby DID finally release was destroyed in a fire, with only one Hi-Fi Where the treetops glisten and children the 1947 re-recording of his original 1942 “White Christmas”, which is still Mono master (made for the internation- listen Of course, who can NOT laugh at the version heard today. The ‘42 master al markets), and a ‘working master’ that To hear sleigh bells in the snow Crosby and Kaye’s comedy act when also had all the dialogue, sound effects they substituted for the missing sisters tape was too damaged to copy further, and lip-synched to their record? https:// so Crosby assembled ALL the original and stage directions. These were com- [Verse] participants – the Trotter Orchestra and bined by Criterion for current releases. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas youtu.be/DDyybi7t634 . With every Christmas card I write the Darby Singers to replace it. He faithfully duplicated the original record- In 1961 Paramount re-released White “May your days be merry and bright Or the final stage song/dance with And may all your Christmases be white Christmas for another theatrical run, Crosby, Kaye, Clooney and Vera-Ellan ing session – with TWO exceptions – the ‘47 version added FLUTES and a and in 2000 the movie was finally rehttps://youtu.be/i4c6AwTrUcg . leased on DVD, and in 2010 on Blu-ray. BUT – these are ACTUALLY the CELESTA. second and third verses! Berlins FIRST As for the movie’s soundtrack, verse was NOT used in the movie. “White Christmas” the song is listed White Christmas was the first movie there was never an OFFICIAL White Remember, he wrote it in California. It as the biggest-selling single song of Christmas soundtrack released! Crosby ever to be filmed in Paramount’s goes like this: VistaVision with color by Technicolor, ALL TIME, EVER, WORLDWIDE, was signed to Decca Records, who with over 50 million copies sold! And which became industry standard. controlled the soundtrack rights, but The sun is shining, the grass is green, it is also the most recorded Christmas Clooney was tightly contracted to rival The orange and palm trees sway. Unfortunately, the movie was also the song of ALL TIME, EVER, WORLDColumbia. first to use the new Perspecta direction- WIDE, with over 500 known recorded There’s never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A. versions. al sound system – which was actually [NOTE: the recording company ‘wars’ of the late 1040s-early ‘50s were monaural, panned to left, center and But it’s December the twenty-fourth – Oh, let me end with a bit of trivia – right speakers – and NOT in stereo. one of the issues that led to the downAnd I am longing to be up North – EVERYONE knows the lyrics Crosby fall of big bands and swing music – see The Perspecta system was a FLOP! sang: This recording made it impossible to my earlier article on the New Swing later remix the films’ soundtrack in Music Movement of the 1980s.] But, because of Vera-Ellen’s voice, for that song Clooney double-tracked the recording and sang both sisters’ parts.

releases from the rival companies!

either stereo or SuroundSound 5.1.

Columbia DID bend enough to allow Clooney to make the movie, but refused to release her to make a soundtrack album with Crosby for Decca. So she recorded “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” late in ‘54 for Columbia, singing all the songs – no matter WHO sang them in the movie! The “Sisters” duet was sung by Clooney and her real sister Betty Clooney (a recording star in her own right, but not in Rosemary’s class!) Her album was a moderate commercial success. Crosby himself never released a soundtrack for the movie, but Decca did release “Selections from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” without Crosby’s active participation. Peggy Lee sang Clooney’s parts on this album. Berlin was big enough – even bigger than Crosby at the time – that NO recording company dared tell him NO or cross him – so his name was on both

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

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FOODIES

CHEF ANDREW ROGERS IS THE PASTRY CHEF AND MANAGING PARTNER OF DREW’S PASTRY PLACE

DREW’S PASTRY PLACE by Matt Vernon

Chef Andrew Rogers owns and operates Drew’s Pastry Place. Drew grew up with two Italian parents in New Jersey. He says when you grow up in an Italian family, something is always cooking. Since he was small he’s loved cooking and baking and says he’s always wanted to be a pastry chef. He intially landed a job with South-

western Bell doing direct mail marketing (isn’t that how all these stories go?) On his 40th birthday, when his kids were young, his supporting wife asks him, if money were no object, what would he like to do. They went together and toured the Culinary Institute of Alain and Marie Lenote. Drew says his wife saw stars in his eyes and knew this was

his dream coming back to him. He enrolled and attended class from 5:30 until midnight 5 days a week for 51 weeks, all the while holding down his day job. After graduating as a chef, he took a job working at a country club under Houston’s only master Chef Fritz Gitschner, the 12 th rated master Chef in the world. Chef Andrew says he learned

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more from that experience than he did at school. In 2008 he opened Drew’s Pastry Place with the help and support of his family. I met Drew at a Houston Restaurant Weeks event, giving back to the community. HRW is Houston’s largest fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank and Chef Andrew gave the participants (that helped raise over 2 million dollars last year alone) some of his famous homemade cannoli. He gives back to his community, to local churches and cancer events as well. Chef Drew shows up to his dream restaurant between 2-3AM. He makes all his pizzas, pastries, cookies and cannoli fresh every morning. He imports his flour from Sicily, his bagels from New York and his Cannoli shells from New Jersey. He takes great pride in having the premier Italian bakery in Houston. In 2010, Drew won best bakery in Houston’s “A-List” awards. In 2014, he was featured in an episode of TLC’s show. “Bakery Boss” with Buddy Valastro. Buddy gave Chef Drew high marks and his popularity and business grew. Chef Drew told me on his 25 th wedding anniversary, he and his wife went to the Amalfi coast in Italy to meet his grandparents. He had the papers he got from his parents to know where to go and found a taxi driver who spoke English to take him. He found out through asking around that he may be able to find his grandfather at Saint Andrew’s church. Which is who his parents named him after. He got to the church and met his nono, who was the monsignor! He showed him the papers and they had an amazing moment. He said his grandfather showed him where St. Andrew was buried and they spent the day together. He even renewed his vows to his wife. It was an incredible trip. In addition to food, Drew says family, love, charity and faith are also important to him and he brags about his 2 kids, whom he’s extremely proud of. Please check out Chef Andrew and his amazing food at Drew’s Pastry Place

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

18 EVENTS Houston Artist Ann Marie Vancas to Showcase Collection at Sawyer Yards Events Houston art campus Sawyer Yards will host Ann Marie Vancas, a local artist specializing in a type of abstract surrealism called “sensuism”, at the Come Together: A Sawyer Yards Collaborative Exhibition beginning May 12, 2018 through August 12, 2018. Vancas has a style of her own despite coming from a family of artists, using the artistic style of fauvism and abstract surrealism to create her own coined term “sensuism”, which draws from sensory processes and emotional feelings. Due to a condition called synesthesia, which results in Vancas seeing colors upon hearing music, she uses music and mood to bring colors and feelings to a story on canvas. Her paintings most often feature bold and bright colors, images and shapes. Her art is found primarily in pastel, acrylic, oil, water color, charcoal and graphite. In the studio, Vancas refuses to put any clocks on the walls and paints on the floor to immerse herself into her art without being constrained to time and structured ideas. The Spring Biannual Art Stroll event will give guests, collectors, designers, art patrons an opportunity to view and shop thousands of original works from more than 300 Houston artists in different disciplines. Participating studios will be donating a portion of the evening’s sales to support the Glassell School of Art Scholarship Fund. Vancas will also take part in Come Together: A Sawyer Yards Collaborative Exhibition, an art exhibition that fosters a spirit of togetherness and inclusion in a time of change and growth. The exhibition will feature tenant artwork created in pairs, especially for the show. Vancas

MAY 16 - 29, 2018

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will be collaborating with abstract artist Angela Rose Walling for the exhibition. WHEN: Come Together: A Sawyer Yards Collaborative Exhibition Saturday, May 12, 2018 – Sunday, August 12, 2018 Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. WHERE: Sawyer Yards 2101 Winter St. Houston, TX 77007 Cost: Free to the public About Ann Marie Vancas: Ann Marie Vancas is a Houstonbased artist whose art has been predominately displayed throughout Houston, and in numerous art shows and exhibitions. She has a devoted following for her art through her online website, and her collectors are from throughout the United States. Her artistic style is predominately abstract and surrealism with a slight emphasis on fauvism, which has resulted in her unique version she termed as “sensuism.” Her works include paintings, home furnishings, photography, poetry, and books. Her artwork most often features bold and bright colors, images and shapes. They are done primarily in pastel, acrylic, oil, water color, charcoal and graphite. She has numerous commissioned works of all sizes on a variety of materials in her portfolio of work. For additional information, please visit www.annmarievancas.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

JOSHUA

from page 8

COMING IN MAY

date for the next? JOSHUA: The 1st album took me close to a year to write, simply because it was an experiment. I actually started writing music for it in between bands (when I thought I was creating something entirely new....lol), got back together with an old metal band and put it on a shelf, went through yet another break up with said band, took my music back off the shelf, and picked up where I left off. For that reason, it was in the works for about a year, but I “really” wasn’t. WWIII:REFUSE “almost” has a similar explanation. I wrote the first 3 songs pretty quickly back in 2015, whereas some of the other songs were written in pieces around the same time, but not finalized until recently. I got real busy with grad school and had to put The Joshua Project on a shelf again. The difference this time though, is that I knew it would only be temporary. I had to focus on finishing my thesis, which became a major influence to my music, but I told myself I had to return to the music. I would not allow it to fall by the wayside again; It was just too much a part of who I am. As soon as I finished my grad work over the summer of 2016, I picked up where I left off, but I had a new distraction this time. You see, I really enjoy performing live and well....it gets difficult to write music when you’re always booking shows. I was booking performances EVERYWHERE....meanwhile, trying to write music on the side. Not only was I writing music, but each new song required me to figure out a performance piece. I had to work on choreography, build costumes, props, stage scenery, etc. I may not have HAD to do that, but I sure felt like I HAD to.... I don’t wanna overuse the metaphor of “2 sides of the same coin,” but again... that’s how I view the performance aspect of my music. Sometimes I have an idea of the performance and write the music and lyrics around that, sometimes I write the music and and build the lyrics and performance around that, and other times I build everything around the lyrics...it really all just depends...in the end though, there gets to be a point where I can’t even tell which part (performance, music, or lyrics) is being influenced by the other. As far as the next album...I can tell you this much. I’m a very driven and

goal oriented person. Sometimes it can take me awhile to find a direction, but once I do...I’m stubborn as Hell. That being said, the concept behind WWIII is not complete – WWIII:REFUSE is only the first half and RESIST will not be getting shelved. The release date for WWIII:REFUSE is not even here yet (3/1/18) and I am already working on the 3rd song of the album...with parts of the other songs written as well. Of the 3 songs written, 2 are already recorded, mixed, and waiting for the rest to be complete before being sent for mastering. My personal deadline for WWIII:RESIST, which I see as the 2nd half of WWIII, is fall of this year...more specifically - October. It should be similar to REFUSE, in the sense that it is a continuation of the story, however many of the songs on RESIST will be collaborations with new artists and friends I have never worked with before, so they add their own unique style to things. I have always enjoyed playing off of others and collaborated with fellow musicians on my prior albums, but this will be my first time with some of them, so I’m really excited. One of the songs, which is already mixed, includes vocals by Monika Cassella, who has a beautiful singing voice and posts many of her own renditions of popular hits online. Another features synth and beats by Jose Domenaz of The Dread Pixels, while yet another song in the works includes music by Collin Travis (formerly of DKBBQ). Throughout it all I will continue to lean

heavily on the production efforts of Mike BBQ of DETHKULTUR BBQ and would not be honest with myself if I did not acknowledge the fact that I draw inspiration from them all. PN: How many hours do you clock in the studio? JOSHUA: Oh my God...I honestly do not know where to begin. Too many! lol He said the project has grown since conception and right now there was a huge CD release party onApril 29th at Numbers as part of Houston Industrial Coalition Night. It was a great night with Dethkultur BBQ, Dreaded Pixels, and Erasethevirus. He also said he was hard at work in the studio producing the follow up album WWIII:RESIST, set for an October release date. It’s been a long road getting to this point, but of course with clarity, understanding, and a solid support system from friends and family, he has managed to create a very thought provoking art piece that is intriguing and entertaining. With school and responsibilities it’s been really difficult for Joshua to produce this highly anticipated album. Thousands of hours clocked in the studio and weeks of work turning into months and years, this amazing album is finally here and available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Bandcamp or via your favorite online music service. It does not compare to owning your own copy.

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MUSICIAN ADS Seasoned hard rock/heavy metal/ thrash guitarist looking for a band. Email me with song samples, I will do the same. Email: alex@descentintomadness.com I been playing drums for about 15 years and looking to start something fresh. My style varies from metal to jazz. I have a positive perspective on life in general. And I’m able to work with others to create music or follow pre-written material well. Some of my influences are: The Mars Volta Jimi hendrix Between the buried and me He Is legend Yowie Here is a short video of my playing https://youtu.be/ wv3_0k5779A If interested, I have my own jam space with bass and guitar amp setup. Send me a text or call, 713-502-0553 Email: Kadhir_alvarado@yahoo.com I’m just looking for a band to collaborate with. I play strings. I’m hungover as Fuck today. Lol I just want some people to create & play music with. Phone: 281-763-5089 Email: Chrisenglert79@gmail.com Rehearsal Hall on Sawdust Road.For bands and entertainers. North side conveniences. Plenty parking,roll door access. Slamming PA, house drums, discounts daily before 12:00 pm.book in advance through January 1st 2018. We rent pro backline and instruments for your events. D.J. services by appointment only. Phone: 832 403 5099 Email: Learndrumset@yahoo.com I’m just looking for a band to collaborate with. I play strings. I just want some people to create & play music with.

Phone: 2817635089 Email: Chrisenglert79@gmail.com Looking for a Drummer and a Bassist (Houston Texas) Band presently working on new songs. We presently consist of two Guitarists. We are presently looking for a Drummer and a Bassist. Extreme Metal Band - all original reply for details Email: all.metal.musicians@gmail. com Hello... I am an Audio Engineering student. Need a band to record in school studio this weekend... (Sat) 11/4 11-3pm or 3pm-7pm or (Sun) 3-7pm.. 3-4 songs... Drums are available. Call or text for more details... Phone: 281-642-3496 Email: superm22@sbcglobal.net Looking for a guitarist and bassist to complete a Post Hardcore Rock band. We are currently in the process of completing a solid project. We miss the heck out of music and this time we want to do things right. Right now, We have a drummer and a guitarist. I am a singer but right now I play guitar or bass just to fill in rehearsals until we find the other two (guitar and bass) to fill in . Everyone has solid gear and a professional mindset. All in all we want to have fun playing music and if it goes somewhere, that’s even better. There are many influences but I’ll name a few. A Day To Remember (homesick record). Four Year Strong (2015 self title record). Story of the Year City Sleeps Anberlin (Cities album). Hit the Lights (summer bones record). There’s still many influences but it all ties into the Alternative Press

type bands. Although this is fun, we want to remain as professional as possible (solid gear, solid look, stage presence and absolutely drama free. No egos or arrogance.) just all out positivity. Please text at 832-3436344 I’d love to chat more about it. Cheers! Email: Ironfighter83@yahoo. com______________ Temple of Perdition is looking for Black Metal specialist on lead guitars to join our ranks. MUST have gig experience and sample work. We are in need of someone to help finish writing our Album. We are a mix of American and Finnish members with ties to major bands. Listen to our music here: https://soundcloud.com/ templeofperdition Text Me ASAP! Phone: 713-979-6772 Email: info@nextgeninks.com SONGWRITER FOR HIRE My name is Cecil Ivey, but my family and friends call me Head or LimonHead. You may do the same. I’ve just moved to Houston with no money and no job. I’m not a singer, nor a rapper, nor do I play an instrument. What I am, thru and thru, is a writer. I don’t want to be famous. I’ve no longing for the limelight or the glitz and glamour. I simply want to live a om stoner jam band is looking for a guitar player. We are writing songs and riffs so there is no better time to jump in. Think Belzebong and Electric Wizard playing in D tuning with extended compositions. We have a full studio. We are not looking for a shredder -

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