2306 Brazos. Everybody knows about Little Woodrow’s Turtle Races on Thursdays but have you ever asked about The Big 50 Club? Find out how you can get your name on a plaque. Wednesday Steak Nights, too, and Trivia Night.2900 Travis. No wonder appetizers are so good at The Alley

Kat Bar & Lounge, they’re prepared by the next door neigh-bor, Julia’s. How about some slow smoked sticky ribs or empanadas?2616 Louisiana. Your

choice of Bratwurst on a pretzel roll topped with sauerkraut, plus hot or sweet mustard, and it’s not even October. It’s the $10 Bratwurst Combo on Mondays at Bar Münich where every day is Oktoberfest. 2415 Main. Now that

you’ve marked all the Thursdays of the month for steak, key in Capitol Bar Midtown for Tuesdays. Their rib-eye and baked potato goes from the plate to your mouth for $14. Food Trucks like Capitol Bar, too. Names like Big Daddy Z’s, Pho-Jita Fusion and The

Golden Grill. 2204 Louisiana. Did you ever see Cheers serving boiled crawfish?

Of course not. That’s why Midtown’s Coaches Pub is better, the same friendly atmosphere where everybody knows your name and where mud bugs are served everyday while in season. Sorry, Diane won’t be there. 3701 Travis. You’ve probably heard the kitchen and cookbook side of

Sparrow Bar+Cooktop but have you been to Vinyl Nights on Thursdays? Aurora Baca promises to play everything in her collection—60s thru the 90s, Sinatra to Journey to Stones, from 5-10 p.m. Your can even BYOV—Bring Your Own Vinyl.2303 Smith. Three flights of stairs and a tiny elevator might be unique

in themselves but 3rd Floor patrons agree, the view from the top deck is well worth the climb, confirming that the big city is not so bad after all.1011 McGowen. Take your literacy to a new level the Second

Monday of every month with the Reading Series at Mongoose versus Cobra. On April 27th, the popular ivy-covered establish-ment will add their first in a series of readings of short plays featuring the best work from the University of Houston’s playwriting program. And don’t forget their County Fair every Sunday at 8 p.m.

Just a Drink

Houston’s best nightlife is defined in one word: Midtown. And just like everything else in this pedestrian-friendly, art-centric area, the bars, clubs, lounges and sports bars provide much more than a well-made drink. Here’s a sampling of good eats, discounts, cultural hours and out-

of-the-ordinary activities you’ll find happening in a Midtown bar. 2808 Milam. Dominoes

and darts and sometimes a party on the roof. Grab a drink or a cup of coffee—sweet Vietnamese or Community’s Cajun chicory. Owners Khon and Ashley’s support of artists—both music and canvas—make Khon’s Wine Darts Coffee Art one of Midtown’s “feels like family” kind of place.114 Gray. Double

Cross Lounge is revamping its style for the people of Midtown. Chef Johnny Wesley and Chef Patricia Burdette from Mr. Peeples are taking the lead in a series of Chef Appearances and Menu revamps that will revitalize the quaint bar. Food and looks aren't the only thing that's changing: "We are look-ing to get a dog permit for the patio, so you can have a great meal, a drink, with your dog by your side on a sunny day," said Johnny Wesley. 514 Elgin. The Maple Leaf Pub may be known as “Houston’s

Home for Hockey” but have you heard about Bingo night, the last Monday of every month? Add them to your list for Thursday Steak Night. Settle into the weekly rib-eye and a baked potato for $15 each Thursday at 6 p.m. 2913 Main. A current ticket stub from an area art gallery or theater

performance will get you a free drink at Nouveau Antique Art Bar where owner Clark Creasey displays one of the largest private collections of reproduction Tiffany lamps, all under a 4,500 square foot roof. 502 Elgin. Pick up a glass and a brush on Wednesday nights at Saint

Dane’s Bar & Grille. The Paint Nite instructor provides the 16X20 canvas, paintbrushes and fashionable unisex smocks. You provide yourself and $45; no experience necessary. Start time is 7 p.m. and you might want to take in 8 or 12 of their 35¢ wings before you begin. 2303 Smith. Beef lovers have grown fond of Tuesday Steak Nights at

Pub Fiction (14 oz NY Strip, $16, starting at 8 p.m.) but are willing to share their affection when crawfish season comes around. Pull some heads and twist some tails on Sundays, 12-6 p.m.

midtownPAPER

clothes articles, usually of cloth, designed to cover, protect, or adorn the body. So many choices, so little time at EM&Lee Midtown on Gray Street.

jew•elry ornaments such as rings, brace-lets, brooches, necklaces, etc., collectively. Houston Center for ontemporary Craft’s Asher Gallery, The Tinderbox, My Flaming Heart and The Place Upstairs can help add to your collection.

luxu•ry car a vehicle that provides desir-able features beyond strict neces-sity. A 2014 BMW 428i from Advantage BMW Midtown, a restored 1986 300SDL from Ronnie Jackson Mercedes or a 2014 Escalade from Stewart Cadillac.

2in & about list of happenings in midtown

3 mark your calendar midtown meetings and events

who do i call

4 focus on midtown midtown art spaces share

international event...

CounterCurrent inaugural art festival includes midtown...

5 beyond boundaries helping hands in midtown...

food trucks are here! midtown lunch-goers love mobile menus... houston... we have a zipcar!

6 midtown dining • cook & collins

• the dogwood

7 arts calendar a list of midtown art events

8 music world enter-tainment complex

what’s inside

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1st qtr 2014A PUBLICATION OF MIDTOWN MANAGEMENT DISTRICT • houstonmidtown.com

Chain GangS

ure, Midtown has a long list of award-winning chefs and savvy sommeliers but let us not forget those dedicated, franchise-related restaurateurs that satisfy our palates when there’s only pocket change and gum wrappers roll-

ing on the floorboards of our cars. One of these fast food friends a favorite of yours?

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar • 510 Gray

Chipotle Mexican Grill • 2625 Louisiana

Church’s Chicken • 4200 San Jacinto

Jack in the Box • 4403 Fannin

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches • 2505 Bagby

McDonald’s • 2017 Main

Potbelly Sandwich Shop • 2625 Louisiana

Quizno’s • 2101 Smith

Starbucks Coffee • 2101 Smith • 2225 Louisiana (2nd Floor) • 2625 Louisiana

Subway • 2220 Main • 2315 Bagby • 1101 Holman

Wendy’s • 4701 Main

Which Wich? Superior Sandwiches • 510 Gray

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in&aboutNeed a social media

cheat sheet for Midtown? Here you go... thanks to

Midtown’s District Coordinator, Elizabeth Powell. (1) Facebook.com/houstonmidtown (2) pin-terest.com/houstonmidtown (3) youtube.com/user/midtown-houston (4) twitter.com/midtown_houston or @midtown_mid-town or #midtownHOU (5) linkedin.com/company/midtown-man-agement-district.

Damian’s $10 Tuesdays get you $10 off every bottle of wine ordered during your April lunch or dinner—now

add their can’t-be-imitated Spaghetti & Meatballs and life will be complete. There’s a table waiting for you at 3011 Smith Street. (A hearty Midtown welcome to Johnelle Storenski, Damian’s new Events Manager.)

Spring is in the air—time to clean out the closets. Big Tex Storage has climate-controlled storage to help you with the tasks plus money

saving specials. Stop by 2405 Jackson or call 713-655-7867 and mention midtown paper for a discount.

Congrats to Mongoose Versus Cobra, named by DRAFT Magazine as one of “America’s 100

Best Beer Bars 2014” Hours are Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Sat-Sun 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

The MET Dance Studio Summer Intensive pro-gram is designed for dancers ages 9-18 to

study and train in a highly con-centrated curriculum at MET’s new

studios in Midtown, 2808 Caroline St. Each day includes two technique classes, a lunch break then two additional after-noon dance classes. June 16-20; June 23-27; July 28-30; August 4-8; August 11-15. Entry into the program is by audition only. For more information, go to METDance.org as well as check out the Arts Calendar this issue for more MET Dance events.

It’s B.Y.O.B. at Luigi’s Pizzeria Midtown, 3700 Almeda, so gather your friends and family for

a taste of the Old World. Maybe add a caprese salad and Tiramisu cake. Feel like soloing at your place? Free delivery for orders over $20.

There are no boring committee meetings in Midtown—some are held at cool places like galleries and museums. Work all day and can’t make a morning Cultural Arts & Entertainment Committee meeting? Maybe you could

make the Public Safety Committee that meets at 6 p.m. Check out Midtown Meetings (page 3) and see where you can add your two cents.

Houston Fire Museum’s (HFMI) long range plans to raise an estimated eight-figure sum for a new facility unfortunately

failed to yield major donors, resulting in HFMI’s selling of the undeveloped property across from the museum in October 2013. The end result suggests a strong future for the firehouse’s long time home on 2403 Milam. The Fire Museum of Houston is open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Are you signed up to receive the Midtown’s eNews? Distributed every Thursday, exclud-

ing holidays, eNews is simple,

easy and free! Email epowell@houstonmidtown.com and say, “Sign me up!”

Parkmobile’s taken away the pain of paying for parking (say that 3X!) with their Pay-by-Phone and Park and Go app. Register your license

plate at Parkmobile.com then download the mobile app or call 877-727-5953 when you’re ready to park. Next, select the amount of time you need. A digital receipt is sent to your mobile device plus an alert 15 minutes before your time expires. Don’t worry... your parking transaction is transmitted real-time to the handheld devices used by the police officers so they’ll know you paid. Don’t try to get by without paying at an inoperable meter. You park, you’re responsible—meter working or not!

The Texas Co-Op, a special section of Lawndale’s Design Fair 2014 Learn. Shop. Connect, features individual Texas-based designers offering one-of-a-kind products. These new and emerging product lines currently are in small-scale produc-

tion and represent innovations in industrial and object design today. For more info on your sneak peak, see Art Calendar, page 7.

Houston Community College Northwest President Dr. Zachary Hodges recently joined Houston Technology Center (HTC) Board of Advisors. HTC, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, is a business accelerator advanc-

ing the commercialization of emerging technology communities in the greater Houston area and has been named by Forbes as one of “12 Business Incubators Changing the World.” (Of course, they’re located in Midtown!)

HANDS-ON HOUSTON is a free craft-activity open house on the first Saturday of every month at Houston Center for Contemporary

Craft (HCCC). A teaching artist demonstrates a craft related to the current exhibition while HCCC pro-vides the materials. No registration required. Same time each month—11 a.m-3 p.m. Come be crafty, no matter what your age or skill level.

Central Bank’s Board of Directors recently announced the election of Mr. Bert Baker as Senior Executive Vice

President, Lending and Mr. Carlos Alvarez as Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending. Central ‘s Midtown address, 2217 Milam, is one of four locations in Houston.

Proof Rooftop Lounge, along with the American Heart Association hosted former cast members from The Bachelor—Zak Waddell, Ben Scott and Drew Kenney—for their “Party Your Heart Out” event, a post Valentine’s

bash to raise aware-ness for heart disease. Guests enjoyed compli-mentary bubbly and a sweets bar. Proof’s publi-cist Tiffany Halik enlisted florist Glenwood Weber Design to provide lovely and intoxicating paperwhites throughout the venue.

Now there’s even more reason to practice good den-tal health. Smiles of Midtown is making a dona-

tion to their patients’ charity of choice when they check in on their facebook page while in the office. Happy patient! Happy charity! Dr. Brian Martinez has been bringing smiles to Midtown for 30 years, 3600 San Jacinto.

His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Catholic Charities president/CEO Cynthia Nunes Colbert, MSW, unveiled the social services organization’s 2014-2017 Strategic Plan to “move mountains” and welcomed new

Board of Directors offi-cers and members at its recent Annual Meeting. Volunteers like Jim and Jan Townsend were also honored for their dedi-cation and community service.

Midtown Meetings are held, unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby , 3rd floor Conference Room. Metered street parking is available as well as the

BlackFinn parking garage. Please call ahead (713-526-7577) to con-firm time and dates or visit: houstonmidtown.com

Midtown Management district Board MeetingFirst Wednesday of the month. April 2 @ 11 a.m., May 7 @ 6 p.m.; June 4 @ 11 a.m.

Midtown Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting Last Thursday of the month @ 12:30 p.m. April 10, May 29, June 26

Cultural Arts & entertainment district Committee Cultural Arts Focus Group. Tuesday, April 8, 5:30. -7 p.m. (The Ensemble Theatre, 3535 Main Street), Tuesday, May 13, Tuesday, June 10. Time and location for May 13 and June 10 meetings will be announced, check houstonmidtown.com.

Public safety Committee Third Tuesday of the month @ 11:30 a.m.April 15, May 20, June 17 @ 6 p.m.

Marketing CommitteeThird Tuesday of the month @ 4 p.m.April 15 (Mr. Peeples), May 20 (HOD Media Center), June 17 (TBA)

Urban Planning Committee Third Thursday of each month @ 4 p.m. April 17, May 15, June 19

services and Maintenance CommitteeAs needed. Please check online.

Baldwin square Homeowners Association (HoA)Second Wednesday of each month @ 4 p.m. April 9, May 14, June 11

Meetings offsiteHPd – Positive interaction Program (PiP) East side of Louisiana3rd Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m.April 15, May 20, June 17Held @ HPD South Central Division, 2202 St. Emanuel @ Hwy 288Officer J. Sanchez. 713-238-2282

West side of Louisiana1st Tuesday of each month @ 7 p.m. April 1, May 6, June 3 Held @ HPD Central Division, 1602 State St. Officer Wayne Pate. 713-284-8604

Therapy is good, p a r t i c u l a r l y when it’s in the kitchen

with Chef Monica Pope. Join the farm-to-table guru as she shares her best ingredients, tech-niques and recipes during an interactive cooking lesson at her Sparrow Bar+Cookshop. Tickets available at sparrowhouston. ticketleap.com for Tuesday, May 13-Tuesday, June 17-Wednesday, July 23. All classes 6:30-9 p.m., 3701 Travis.

Marketing 101 returns with Blue Sky Marketing’s Michelle LeBlanc

for a listen and learn for those in the field of restaurants and retail. Not your category? Come anyway for an insight into social media. Class begins at 2 p.m., April 16 at the Bank of America building, 2302 Fannin, Suite 200. Parking is free across the street. Class is free, too.

Intro Ballet is being offered at MET Dance Center—your

choice of two days. Classes begin on

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Emergency calls: 9-1-1 Non-Emergency Houston Service Help Line: (Traffic signals & signs, potholes, broken curbs, water leaks, etc.) Be sure to request a reference number. 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 Midtown Management District 713-526-7577City of Houston – Animal Control 713-229-7300City of Houston – Public Works City of Houston – Public Utilities City of Houston – Solid Waste City of Houston – Curbs & Ditch City of Houston – Code Violations/ Neighborhood Protection City of Houston – Fire Marshall Enforcement 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 www.houstontx.govCity of Houston Environmental Investigations 713-525-2728CenterPoint (gas) 713-659-2111Reliant Energy (electric) 713-207-7777 Non-working street light. Provide the 6-digit pole num-ber (6-7 ft high on the pole)

AT&T (telephone) 1-800-464-7928 (new service) 1-800-246-8464 (repair)

Comcast 713-462-9000METRO Light Rail/Bus Schedules & Routing 713-635-4000 Police Dispatch (concerns along the rail/bus stops & HOV) 713-224-CoPs (2677)Houston Police Department (HPD) (Non-Emergency) 713-884-3131 HPD Central Station 713-247-4400 HPD South Central Station 832-394-0200Harris County Sheriff’s Dispatch 713-221-6000Harris County Precinct 7 Dispatch 713-643-6602Crime Stoppers 713-222-8477Texas Poison Center Network 1-800-222-1222Mayor’s Citizens’ Assistance Office 713-527-4002 mayor@cityofhouston.netEllen Cohen, City Council District C 832-393-3004 districtc@houstontX.govDwight Boykins, City Council District D 832-393-3001 districtd@houstontX.gov

whodo i call?

It’s time to clean out your clos-et with the intention to find something uniquely weird to wear. Save the date—Sunday,

May 25—to don your selection and help celebrate Mongoose ver-sus Corbra’s Second Birthday.

Lawndale is pleased to announce the 2014-2015 Lawndale Artist Studio Program. The program provides three artists with non-residential studio space on the third floor of the Lawndale Art Center at 4912 Main Street in the heart of

Houston's Museum District. Application deadline is May 31, 2014, midnight, CST.

Studies have found that kids really do want to keep busy over the summer so why not intro-duce them to

Asia Society’s weeklong ExploreAsia: Culture Camp for Kids, June 9 thru June 13, each morning at 9 a.m. Week 1 will delve into Constructing Ancient and Modern Asia. Asia Society is located on the southeastern edge of the Midtown district at 1370 Southmore. For details, go to asiasociety.org/texas.

D espite its emergence from backward isolation into a dynamic world economic power, a quarter-century after the People's Army crushed unarmed protestors—labeled anti-revolutionaries—in Tiananmen Square on

June 4, 1989, the defining event of China's modern history remains buried. Though the consequenc-es of Tiananmen Square are visible everywhere throughout China, what happened there has been consigned to silence. Join Louisa Lim on June 19 at 7 p.m. for an enlightening lecture, The People’s Republic of Amnesia: The Legacy of Tiananmen Square. The speaker takes the podium at 7 p.m., Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd. For more information, please visit http://asiasoci-ety.org/texas/events/authors-asia-louisa-lim-peoples-republic-amne-sia-tiananmen-revisted.

April 14 and again on April 17. Intro Jazz begins on April 16. For more details, METDance.org.

Ever thought of doing a Zodiac Nail & String Art workshop? If your answer is “Never” or “Sure I love it!” then sign up at The Tinderbox at Mid-Main for a class on April 15. Come back in two days for Jewelry Making on April 17. Workshops

are most affordable. tinderboxcraft.com.

First Evangelical Lutheran’s What do you Believe? religious debate

brought 600 curious attendees to the HBU campus last year. The next in the series, the April 26 debate, Is God Necessary? promises an equally lively dis-cussion as the topic is bounced between local Christian apologist Eric Hernandez and HCC Northwest Professor of Philosophy Dan Flores. Admission is free with a start time of 7:30 p.m. at the Church, 1311 Holman. More information at felchouston.org/index.html

Cool art and free music, food and drinks—so why are you still sitting at home? It’s First Thursday with the Mid-Main “family”—

The Continental Club, Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top, Tacos A Go-Go, Sig’s Lagoon, My Flaming Heart, Double Trouble, The Tinderbox, The Place Upstairs, the Alley Kat and Natachee’s—are all donating 5% of their sales for the evening to help Bike Houston, 5 p.m. to midnight on May 1. June 5 is the next date and a different non-profit will benefit from your attendance. Do your part—be there.

My Table, the culinary magazine of Houston, is celebrat-ing the beginning of its 20th anniversary in April with two of Midtown’s most popular restaurants. Stop by Sparrow Bar + Cookshop every Wednesday, between

April 1 and June 30. Enjoy a salad, choice of burger and dessert for $20. There’s a delicious three-course Saturday brunch waiting for you at Brennan’s of Houston throughout the month of June; must mention “My Table 20th” when making the reservation. Your $20 meal includes soup du Jour—made fresh daily using the freshest seasonal ingredients, Eggs Brennan—traditional eggs Benedict and one artichoke bottom Sardou with poached eggs, hollandaise and spring asparagus and Froberg Farm Strawberry Parfait—Alvin, Texas berries, buttermilk shortbread, Chantilly cream and Imperial powdered sugar.

At the International Day School, 4115 Caroline, children from diverse races,

religions and cultures—ages 3-months thru 5 years—share in the joy of learning. Owner Deane Aquil invites parents to stop by the Open House on May 1, 3-6 p.m. and learn more about the HighReach Learning curriculum. The school is not a daycare but rather a year round safe and fulfilling environment filled with love and nurturing for young minds. To schedule a visit or learn more about Summer Camp, phone 713-533-0480.

On May 1, Suzanne DiMaggio will speak on The U.S. & Iran: A Breakthrough Moment? in collaboration

with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, at Asia Society Texas Center. Discussion begins at 7 p.m., 1370 Southmore Blvd. More informa-tion at asiasociety.org/texas/events/us-iran-breakthrough-moment.

Shop The Market at Mid-Main on May 4. The popular outdoor market is held the first Sundays in spring and fall. Independent artists and other purveyors will be happy to share their cre-ativity with you. Free admission in the Art Garden, Main at

Winbern, 10 a.m-4 p.m.

MET Dance Studio Summer Intensive Registration and Audition begins on May 18. A second Summer Intensive will be offered beginning June 29. See the website for times and age levels. Audition fee. METDance.org.

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Capital Improvement Projects

By Marlon Marshall

Glover Park The Glover Park project is now complete and open with several new ameni-ties available to the Midtown community. The new improve- ments at Glover Park, located at the intersection of Elgin Street and Austin Street, include a dog run, landscaping with lawn space, seating, an exercise platform, and cultural exhibits.

Midtown Park Renovations in Midtown Park are nearing completion. Lighting has been installed to illuminate the iconic “midtown” signage. The new water feature is in the final stages, and tenant improvements will begin soon at the much anticipated food kiosk. The renovated Midtown Park will add new energy to this signature node at Bagby and Gray Street.

SuperBlock Park Midtown Redevelopment Authority would like to thank the community for its participation in the public engagement process to assist in the development of the SuperBlock Park. The feedback received has been valuable in helping to shape the design of the SuperBlock Park as a premier urban parkspace which will become a focal point for the community and act as a catalyst to attract new development along the Main Street corridor.

The SuperBlock Project will be developed on approximately 3 acres located adjacent to the McGowen Street METRORail Station. Improvements will consist of an urban park with restaurant pads and an underground 400-space (approximate) parking garage. The northern park parcel will be located on a half acre site adjacent to McGowen Street with visual access to Main Street and Travis Street. This parcel will include an upscale restaurant, a food and beverage kiosk, and public open space next to the rail station. The larger approximately 2.5 acre park will be located on the southern parcel adjacent to a private multi-family residential development. This new green space will accommodate a variety of uses and provide open space and recreational amenities. Public art will also be visible throughout.

stories&+focus on midtownF

otoFest’s Fifteenth International Biennial of Photography and Photo-related Art is on exhibition through April 27. Shining even brighter are the Participating Spaces in Midtown with their collective honor as a Texas Commission on the Arts State Cultural District. Grab the opportunity to stop by these stellar

museums, art galleries, non profits, educational institutions and retail establishments that have chosen to participate in this international exchange of art and ideas, some of which are still exhibiting through August 17.

Khon’s Wine Darts Coffee Art2808 Milam, Ste. H. Thru May 31. Lokey Photography: Photo Enforced

DiverseWorks4102 Fannin • diverseworks.org. Thru May 10. Moved by the Motion – Wu Tsang (see art calendar p. #7).

Station Museum of Contemporary Art

1502 Alabama • stationmuseum.orgThru August 17. Collective Reaction. Features the seven solo exhibitions of

Democracia, Adel Abidin, Hito Steyerl, Mohammed Al-Shammarey, Prince Varughese Thomas, Maura Sheehan, and Steve Staso. Each artist deals with a serious subject such as displacement, propaganda, privacy, war, corporate and government agenda

in journalism, and self-exploration. Stationmuseum.com.

Inman Gallery 3901 Main • inmangallery.com. April 5. Linarejos Moreno: Fragmented Past/

Reconstructed Present and Amy Blakemore: More Pictures. Artist talk between artist Linarejos Moreno and writer Rachel Hooper, 1-1:30 p.m.

Lawndale Art Center4912 Main • lawndaleartcenter.org. Thru April 12. CURB APPEAL Krista Birnbaum. Thru April 12. Safe Distance Galina Kurlat. Thru April 12. Love Letters in a Tree Otis Ike & Ivete Lucas. Thru April 12. Friends in Low Places Spike Johnson

Mixed Emotions Art95 Tuam • mixedemotions.com. Thru April 27. Beer, Bait & Ammo. Michael Loyd Young. Thru April 27. Scenic Photography. Dan Jacobs.

Kinzelman Art Consulting3909 Main Street • kinzelmanart.com. Thru April 28. Rania Matar. Deserted Spaces and Ordinary People. Organized for Fotofest 2014 Biennial by Kinzelman Art Consulting on behalf of the owners of Bank of America Center, M-M Properties and an affiliate of the General Electric Pension Trust. On

view at Bank of America Center Lobby, 700 Louisiana. M-F 9-5 p.m.

Midtown aRt spaces shaRe inteRnational event...

1. Michael Loyd Young, Beer, Bait & Ammo. 2. CURB APPEAL, Krista Birnbaum. 3. Rania Matar, Hanging Towel, Aita El Chaab, Lebanon, 4. Prince Varughese Thomas, Peter Arnett (on Returning from Baghdad) video. 5. Linarejos Moreno, Stalker: Cuadrado Negro (Stalker: Black Square),

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CounterCurrentI

t’s only fitting when a bold experimental art festival chooses to make its debut, that the city would be Houston, and the headquarters, Midtown. CounterCurrent, presented by the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, is set to nudge our preconceived view of contemporary art, performances and commissions. A variety of interdisciplinary works—audio and visual instal-

lations, live performances, lectures, theater, film and par-ticipatory events—are planned throughout the city for this five-day inaugural event.

“I’ve always liked Midtown and thought it had the perfect lineage connection with the University of Houston, just down the road. Not only is this area very accessible with the light rail, but it has a real ground swell of opportunity—there’s just a great energy in Midtown,” explains Karen Farber, executive director of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts at the University of Houston. Farber also serves on the Advisory Board for The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH), the new performing and visual arts building planned to break ground early 2014 at Main and Holman.

DiverseWorks is collaborating with CounterCurrent bringing in artist Wu Tsang as part of the exhibition Moved by the Motion. The award-winning filmmaker and per-former Wu Tsang creates a multi-media installation and performance that explores the relationship between self, identity and the narratives. The film runs thru May 3 with a live performance, Moved by the Motion, (featuring boychild) on April 12, 9 p.m.,

at DiverseWorks, 4102 Fannin. Two additional CounterCurrent installations—Piano Concerto-Houston and Uncanny

Sensing (Texas Prototype) will be debuting at a newly created exhibition space in Midtown—the Bermac Arts Building. Kerry Inman (Inman Gallery) acquired the 23,000 sq ft two-story office building at 4101 San Jacinto at Cleburne in December

2012 and has converted it into artist studio spaces as well as an exhibition space. The Bermac Arts Building is open April 9-13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. These and all CounterCurrent installations are open to the public at no charge.

For CounterCurrent’s recent kick off party, Mongoose versus Cobra reached into their mixology bag and created a list of signa-

ture cocktails to celebrate the festival. Several drinks remain on the menu leading up to the festival. Ask for the CounterCurrent menu and bartenders Andy Charlton or Stacy Gouty will be happy to create for you.

For a detailed schedule of the citywide event, go to countercurrentfestival.org.

inauguRal aRt Festival includes Midtown...

Piano Concerto–Houston, Byron Au Yong + Susie J. Lee

Mongoose versus Cobra’s “Light Play” inspired by Miwa Matreyek. Photo courtesy of the UH Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts

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EntErtainmEnt/Food 1. 3rd Floor 832-384-1960 2. 13 celsius 713-527-8466 3. Alley Kat Bar & Lounge 713-874-0722 4. Artisans Restaurant 713-529-9111 5. Bar Munich 713-5231008 6. Barbarella Houston 512-470-7407 7. BlackFinn 713-651-9550 8. Boba Café 713-521-0088 9. Brennan's of Houston 713-522-9711 10. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 813-650-0002 11. Café Helene 713-529-1100 12. Cali Sandwich 713-526-0112 13. Capitol Bar Midtown 713-487-6854 14. Celtic Gardens 713-900-2500 15. Charivari 713-521-7231 16. Chipotle Mexican Grill 713-231-1353 17. Christian's Tailgate Bar and Grill 713-527-0261 18. Church's Chicken #4327 713-529-3951 19. Coaches Pub Midtown 713-751-1970 20. CoCo's Crepes 713-521-0700 21. Cook & Collins 832-701-1973 22. Crave Sushi 713-527-8744 23. Cyclone Anaya's 713-520-6969 24. Damian's Cucina Italiana 713-552-0439 25. District 7 Grill 713-751-0660 26. Dog House Tavern 713-520-1118 27. Dolce Delights 713-807-7575 28. Double Cross Lounge 713-526-3423 29. Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails 13-874-0096 30. Glitter Karaoke 713-526-4900 31. Gloria's Restaurant 832-360-1710 32. Gotham Pizza 713-659-2222 33. Gyu-Kaku 713-750-9520 34. Howl at the Moon 713-658-9700 35. Ibiza Food and Wine 713-524-0004 36. Jimmy John's 832-767-0707 37. Julia's bistro 713-807-0090 38. Khon's Wine Darts Coffee Art 713-523-7775 39. La Baquette French Bakery 713-520-5475 40. Leon's Lounge 713-659-5366 41. Les Givral's Sandwich 713-529-0462 42. Limelight 832-443-5781 43. Little Woodrow's Midtown 713-522-1041 44. Luigi's Pizzeria 281-793-3333 45. Magic Wok 713-521-7722 46. Mai's Restaurant 713-520-7684 47. McDonalds 713-650-0426 48. MidMain 832-259-6787 49. Midtown Drinkery 713-522-0118 50. Midtown Mobile Cuisine 713-896-8425 51. Mongoose vs Cobra 713 650 MVSC (6872) 52. Mr. Peeples 713-652-0711 53. Music World Complex 713-772-5175 54. Natachee's Supper 'n Punch 713-524-7203 55. NEO Market & Bakery 713-718-6325 56. Russo's New York Pizzeria 713-533-1140 57. Nit Noi Taste of Thai 713-652-5855 58. NOUVEAU Antique Art Bar 713-526-2220 59. OTC Midtown Pizza Grill & Patio Bar 713-518-2132 60. Pho Saigon 713-524-3734 61. Piola 713-524-8222 62. PL Teahouse 713-874-1466 63. Ponzo's 713-526-2426

64. Potbelly Sandwich Shop 713-469-4718 65. Proof Bar Houston 832-767-0513

66. Pub Fiction 713-400-8400 67. Quizno's 713-739-0400 68. Red Door 713-256-9383 69. Red Pier Asian Bistro & Bar 713-807-7726 70. Reef 713-526-8282 71. Saint Dane's 713-807-7040 72. Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge 713-529-9666 73. Shot Bar 713-526-3000 74. Simply Pho 713-677-0501 75. Sparrow Bar + Cookshop 713-524-6922 76. Spec's Wines Spirits and Fine Foods 713-526-8787 77. Starbucks 713-528-2204 78. Starbucks 713-654-2180 79. Starbucks-Randall's 713-331-1042 80. Subway Sandwiches Midtown 713-807-7976 81. Subway Sandwiches & Salads 713-528-9688 82. Tacos a GO GO 713-807-8226 83. the breakfast klub 713-528-8561 84. The Continental Club 713-529-9899 85. The Dogwood 281-501-9075 86. The Fish Sushi 713-526-5294

87. The Gaslamp 713-301-6209 88. The Maple Leaf Pub 713-520-6465 89. The Red Door 713-256-9383 90. Tiff's Treats 713-343-1400 91. Van Loc 713-528-6441 92. Which Wich 713-654-9424

CULtUraL artS 1. Art Palace 281-501-2964 2. Art Square Studios (26 studios) 713-652-5028 3. Art Square Studios on Fannin (15 studios) 713-652-5028 4. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 5. Asia Society Texas Center 713-496-9901 6. Bermac Arts Building 713-239-0446 7. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum 713-942-8920 8. Carrithers Studio 832-270-1402 9. Community Artists' Collective 713-523-1616 10. David Shelton Gallery 832-538-0924 11. Devin Borden Gallery 713-529-2700 12. DiverseWorks 713-223-8346 13. Eyeful Art Designs and Murals 832-767-6644 14. Gallery Sonja Roesch 713-659-5424 15. Harambee Art Gallery 832-496-8898 16. Heinen Theatre 713-718-6570 17. House of Deréon Media Center 713-772-5175 18. Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts 713-529-4848 19. Houston Community College Art Gallery 713-718-6570 20. Houston Fire Museum 713-524-2526 21. Houston Museum of African American Culture 713-526-1015 22. Inman Gallery 713-526-7800 23. Kinzelman Art Consulting 713-533-9923 24. Lawndale Art Center 713-528-5858

B11. Midtown Management District 713-526-7577 B12. Mid-Town Surgical Center 713-691-6000 B13. Randalls Food & Pharmacy 713-331-1042 B14. Rossonian Cleaners 713-524-3134 B15. Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods 713-526-8787 B16. Stewart Cadillac 713-874-0900 B17. Tiff’s Treats 713-343-1400 B18. TSO Museum District 713-523-5109 B19. Urban Oasis Day Spa 713-521-9990 B20. Zebra Girl – Amy Lynch Kolflat (iBuy Realty) 713-239-8985 FinanCiaL inStitUtionS D1. Central Bank 832-485-2360

ParKS / PUBLiC SPaCES P1. Elizabeth Baldwin Park P2. Elizabeth Glover Park P3. Houston Fire Station No. 7 P4. Midtown Park P5. Peggy’s Point Plaza Park

HoUSES oF WorSHiP / nonProFitS E1. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston 713-526-4611 E2. Holy Rosary Parish 713-529-4854 E3. South Main Baptist Church 713-529-4167 E4. St. John's Downtown/Bread of Life 713-659-3237 E5. San Jose Clinic 713-228-9411 E6. SEARCH Homeless Services 713-739-7752 E7. Trinity Episcopal Church 713-528-4100 E8. The Salvation Army Family Residence 713-650-6530 –– CORE Church Midtown 832-492-7791

(multiple locations)

midtoWn LiVinG oPtionS F1. 2016 Main 713-659-1801 F2. Camden City Centre 713-651-0350 F3. Camden Midtown 713-652-9944 F4. Camden Travis Street 713-521-0620 F5. Chenevert Commons 832-356-6645 F6. Midtown Arbor Place 713-874-1313 F7. Midtown Grove 713-590-0615 F8. Post Midtown Square 713-739-7678 F9. RISE Lofts 713-523-5700 F10. The Calais at Courtlandt Square 713-520-8300 F11. Ventana at Midtown 713-550-9600

EdUCation / tECHnoLoGy G1. Houston Academy for International Studies (HAIS) 713-942-1430 G2. Houston Technology Center 713-658-1750 G3. Houston Community College – Central 713-718-6000 G4. The International Day School 713-533-0480 G5. UH Small Business Development Center 713-752-8444

LodGinG / BEd & BrEaKFaSt I1. La Maison in Midtown 713-529-3600

25. Main Street Art Projects 832-244-5469 26. Masters of Representational Art Meetup 832-671-3826 27. MET Dance Company & Center 713-522-6375 28. Midtown Art Center 713-521-8803 29. Mixed Emotions Fine Art and Framing 713-861-8666 30. My Flaming Heart 713-533-1147 31. Paul's Art Frame Gallery 713-527-8495 32. Sig's Lagoon 713-533-9525 33. Station Museum of Contemporary Art 713-529-6900 34. Tango Cielo Dance Studio 713-319-4330 35. Tea Room Gallery 713-521-8803 36. The Art Project @ Bread of Life 713-650-0595 37. The Ensemble Theatre 713-520-0055 38. The Julian Collection 713-855-4103 39. The MATCH (coming soon) 713-874-5875 40. The Place Upstairs 713-294-0245 41. The Tinderbox 713-524-2858 42. Theatre One 713-718-6570

SErViCES / rEtaiL B1. Advantage BMW 713-289-1216 B2. Art Supply on Main 713-652-5028 B3. Barbara King Dance 713-667-3890 B4. BCP Veterinary Pharmacy 713-771-1144 B5. Big Tex Storage 713-655-7867 B6. Brian Martinez, DDS – Smiles of Midtown 713-523-6848 B7. Dunn, Neal & Gerger, LLP 713-403-7400 B8. Houston Acupucture & Wellness 832-477-7887 B9. iBuy Realty 1.888.870.4289 B10. Massage Heights Midtown Houston 832-706-4241

newest annexation by TIRZ #2

midtoWn HiStoriC marKErS H1. DePelchin Faith Home H2. Houston Fire Museum H3. First Evangelical Lutheran Church H4. Holy Rosary Church H5. C. L. House Building H6. Houston Light Guard Armory H7. Temple Beth Israel H8. The Sheridan Apartments H9. Benjamin Apartments H10. Isabella Court H11. Trinity Episcopal Church H12. 13 celsius H13. Lawndale Art Center H14. Kirby Mansion

= METRORail stops

= B-Cycle Stations

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= Zipcar Station

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®

302 Gray StreetHouston, TX 77002

713.739.7678

WWW.POSTPROPERTIES.COM

Studios, 1- and 2-Bedroom Luxury Apartments

Fine Finishes Beautiful Amenities

On-site Retail & Conveniences

•

Midtown Meetingsare held, unless noted, at Midtown Management District Offices, 410 Pierce @ Bagby, 3rd floor

Conference Room. Metered street parking and the BlackFinn garage. Call ahead 713-526-7577 to con-firm time and dates.

TUTS’ Leading Ladies

The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation

tutsunderground.com713.558.tuts

april 17 – 27

8th annual art in the parkMidtown’s art in the park gets bigger every year and this year’s 8th annual boutique art show promises to keep the tradition. Amazing art, great music and fabulous food trucks return to where the event premiered—the winding paths and century-old oaks of Elizabeth

Baldwin Park. Join the fun, on Saturday, April 12 at 1701 Elgin, beginning at 10 a.m. Picnic benches, game tables, a Heritage gazebo, a puppy kissing booth and colorful new playground equipment are just some of the many extras. Midtown’s 8th annual art in the park is free and open to all. (No glass allowed, thank you.)

Don’t forget to check out Midtown on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

RegisteR to receive the Midtown enews! Distributed every Thursday, excluding holidays, it provides you with valuable District information

stories&+beyond boundariesH

omeless, in a strange country. It is a frightening combination for those who make their way to the U.S., many in search of the opportunity to express their religious beliefs. Thankfully,

for the Oromo immigrants, there was a loving pastor and a giving Midtown congregation that offered a welcoming solution.

Largely agricultural and nomadic, the Oromo people comprise the largest ethnic group—30 million members—throughout Ethiopia, northern Kenya and parts of Somalis. Political unrest and persecution for their religious beliefs have forced many to flee their native country.

Pastor Kamiso Boru came to Houston in 2011 with a mission to develop a Bible study and prayer group yet available and

affordable space for worship became an ongoing problem. First Evangelical Lutheran’s Damon Capps presented Boru’s situ-ation to the Church Council with a proposal to help. The Council met and agreed to offer space within their his-toric Midtown church for Boru’s grow-ing congregation.

“The Oromos are the epitome of discipleship,” says Capps. “They are the sweetest and most giving people I’ve ever met. Their prayer service is amaz-ing as they preach in their own native language.”

Pastor Kamiso Boru and the congrega-tion of Oromo Evangelical Church meet at 1311 Holman, in the Great Hall of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Their joyful and music-filled Sunday prayer and workshop service is held from 3-5 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

helping hands in Midtown... Midtown chuRch oFFeRs woRship space FoR the oRoMo congRegation

Pastor Kamiso Boru First Evangelical Lutheran Church

houston...we have a zipcar!Find youR caR, hold youR ZipcaRd oveR the windshield sensoR and you’ll be Ready to hop in and Roll down the Road...

Yes, Virginia. There is a Zipcar. In fact there are three Zipcars, right here in Midtown. The pay-as-you-go car sharing is smart, simple, afford-able and kind to the planet, whether you need wheels for a meeting in Katy or seven days in the Hill Country. There’s also Zipcar for Business

that offers discounted driving rates Monday through Friday.

Here’s how it worksGo to zipcar.com and reg-

ister. It only takes a few min-utes and within 3-7 days, you’ll receive your very own Zipcard that unlocks the car so you can slip into the driver’s seat.

Reserve the date, time and Zipcar location you’d like to use. Reservations can be made on the website or with your free iPhone® or Android app™. Zipcars are parked

throughout Houston in Midtown, Greenway Plaza/Upper Kirby and Downtown. Find your car, hold your Zipcard over the windshield sensor and you’ll be ready

to hop in and roll down the road. And best of all, gas and insurance is included. It’s that easy.

“Galveston”, a Toyota Corolla; a handsome Nissan Frontier Pickup named “Humberto” and “Hattie Mae” a bright red MINI Cooper Clubman are located in Midtown at Mid-Main, at the intersection of Main and Berry.

Go to zipcar.com and find a car sharing plan that works for you.

food trucks are here!Midtown lunch-goeRs love Mobile Menus...

Food truck lovers, rejoice! No need to “search and find”, each week you can check out one of your favorite mobile menus right here in Midtown. Houston Press is sponsoring Food Truck Fridays every Friday at their new office, while Midtown quiets your hunger on the second Thursday of each month with Truckin’ Thursdays on the Super

Block. Lawndale Art Center’s getting into the act on Saturdays through August 9. And look who’s new on Almeda—Midtown Mobile Cuisine (Midtown's Food

Truck Park) complete with umbrella picnic tables and tents for convenience, even a small stage for performances. Find out more at their website, midtown-mobilecuisine.com or email ren@midtownmobilecuisine.com.

Trucks arrive at all locations at 11 a.m. and roll away at 2 p.m. Catch ‘em if you can!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS • 2603 LaBranchApril 4 Yummy Dog, LLC • April 11 It’s a Wrap! • April 18 POCKet to Me •

April 25 Coreanos • May 2 Happy Endings • May 9 Bare Bowls Kitchen • May 16

It’s A Wrap! • May 23 POCKet to Me • May 30 Yummy Dog, LLC

TRUCKIN’ THURSDAYS • 2800 MainApril 10th Truckin’ Thursday includes Koagie Hots, St. John’s Fire, Monster PB&J, Porch Swing Desserts and St. Arnolds BreweryCheck Midtown’s Facebook for a listing of May and June food trucks.

LAWNDALE ART CENTER • 4912 MainMoon Rooster onsite every Saturday. (Owner Julio de la Cerda (brother of Ladybird Food Truck’s Adrian same-last-name) was born on the day of the lunar landing (July 20, 1966) and the year of the Rooster—hence, Moon Rooster!)

MIDTOWN MOBILE CUISINE • 4002 AlmedaExcellent food in a vibrant, safe and diverse urban backdrop. (Specific trucks TBA) Fashion and Food Fridays, Saturday Market, Saturday Nite Headlights, Sunday Live Brunch—a perfect place to enjoy good food, friends and family.

5

eatsdrinksfooD & Drinks to enjoy in miDtown

6

Cook & Collins eat+drink

Jared Estes’ keen sense of pri-oritizing is no doubt reflective of his four years in the US Air Force. The Chef Partner of Midtown’s newest eatery, Cook & Collins, is quick to

acknowledge the joy of family, be it the welcome home at the end of the day or the family members that continue to inspire his creative menu.

Grandmother’s preserve recipe tops the Gingersnap Waffles for Brunch; the Cobb “Louise” is named for his Grandmother Louise Cook, as well. The filet mignon (“The Hugh”) he’s mastered for his Grandad Hugh Gene Cook while his grandad’s bourbon makes the Melted Onion Soup with its garlic puree and three cheeses unbeatable.

Estes also salutes Cook & Collins support for the healthy, fresh and high quality “honest food” they obtain from local producers – Wild Rose Ranch for their grass-fed buf-falo (C&C’s Buffalo Chili Burger and comforting Buffalo Meatloaf), Black Hills Ranch for C&C’s handcraft-ed burgers and Amaize Artisanal Flatbread Co.’s organic corn tortillas that cradle the Duck Tacos, are just a few. And speaking of duck, you’ll find Estes’ long-long-simmered bird on the Party Fowl Flatbread that includes candied bacon, pickled shii-take, bleu cheese and arugula.

“We wanted a serious neighbor-hood eatery, that’s done right,” says Estes.

GM Chris Payne, Executive Chef Joshua Shobe and Michael Paolucci’s IronCress Hospitality Group have accomplished that tall order quite well. Welcome to Midtown, Cook & Collins!

Get to know your neighborhood restaurant, Cook & Collins. As a Midtown resident, receive a Complimentary FlatBread. Text MIDTOWN to Cook & Collins at 832-564-3444. Valid for all Midtown residents Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. til 9 p.m. Dine in only. Valid through 5/31/2014.

Cook & Collins eat+drink

2416 Brazos • 832-701-1973 cookandcollins.comMon-Thu 11a.m.-10 p.m.Fri 11a.m.-11 p.m.Sat 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.Sun 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Dogwood outdoor entertaining concept

It’s all about choices at The Dogwood and luckily for the hungry and thirsty ones, the choices are more than ample. Indoor patio or out, there are options on several levels and

yes, each gets a little crowded as the night lingers on, but isn’t that a compliment?

The menu reads “Starters” and “Closers” but feel free to inter-change. What’s wrong with beginning with Street Tacos, your choice of fish or shrimp (fried or grilled), pork or steak—all with jicama cabbage slaw and then end with Grilled Jalapenos stuffed with goat cheese, cream cheese and chorizo. Or maybe begin with The Dogwood Black Angus burger and end with the Fried Pickles. See? It works. (Reminder: There are seven burger options with fries on Monday Burger

Night—$6 to $8).

Happy hour specials like BBQ bacon-wrapped shrimp and Cajun chicken fritters go for $6 from 4- 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays lets you choose any hour of the day or night for Happy Hour with Deep Eddy Sweet Tea on tap.

Great selections, per GM/Operations Manager Tony Schultz, on the new Brunch Menu that launches April 13. Look for a stack of three buttermilk pancakes stuffed with peanut butter and housemade jam, topped with tequi-la lime syrup and fresh whipped cream. Need another favorite? Try The Dogwood Bennies-Black for-est ham, fried egg, goat cheese stuffed jalapeños and bacon served on a jalapeño cheddar bun, topped with chorizo hollandaise.

Thanks Brad Womack, Chad

Womack and Jason Carrier for nurturing our decision-making skills.

The Dogwood outdoor entertaining concept

2403 Bagby • 281-501-9075 thedogwoodmidtown.comMon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m.Sat & Sun 2 p.m.-2 a.m.Brunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

ongoing ______

Thru April 30. Fire Houses of Houston. Historical exhibits of each fire station from the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area. Fire Station 10 on

exhibit thru April 30. The Houston Fire Museum. 2403 Milam.

T hru April 14. By The Way, Meet Vera Stark. A seventy-year journey through the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong African American maid and

budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star grasping to hold on to her career. The Ensemble Theatre.

T hru April 26. Gilbert Hsiao Exhibition Vortex. Features perceptually-based abstraction painted on shaped wooden panels. Gallery Sonja Roesch.

T hru April 28. Rania Matar: Deserted Spaces and Ordinary People. See “Focus on Midtown” on page 4.

T hru May 3. Moved by the Motion (featuring boychild). A 2-channel film installation by award-winning artist-filmmaker Wu Tsang who looks at

the role that fantasy plays in representing social move-ments. DiverseWorks.

Thru May 11. Dark Light: The Micaceous Ceramics of Christine Nofchissey McHorse. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

Thru May 11. Spectra: Work by Adrian Esparza. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

Thru June 1. Optimus Primative: Research Lab, an exhibition created by artist Michael K. Taylor, opens Friday, April 11, with a reception from 6 to

9 p.m. at the Community Artists’ Collective. Taylor has used games, maps, found objects, sculpture and poetry to tell mythological and historical stories about Houston and its inhabitants for the HAATX established artist grant exhibition. The Collective, located in the Midtown Art Center Tea Room Gallery, 1413 Holman at LaBranch, is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information contact The Collective at 713-523-1616 or visitthecollective.org.

T hru August 17. Collective Reaction. Station Museum of Contemporary Art. See “Focus on Midtown”, page 4.

T hru January 10, 2015. The People’s Plate. Created by Otabenga Jones & Associates (a grouping of four artists) on Lawndale Art Center’s

north exterior wall, envisioned by The Collective. The mural begins a yearlong commitment to health educa-tion. A project of Creative Capital, generously spon-sored by Kinzelman Art Consulting. Viewing is free.

april ______

04An Evening of Music and Poetry. Saint Julian Press presents Aliki Barnstone, Leslie Adrienne Miller, Melissa Studdard, John

Hardesty and guest Donna McKenzie. 7 – 9 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, Morrow Chapel, 1015 Holman Street.

04–May25. Topsoil. Exhibition of work by three artists who harvest their creative sustenance from the mathematics, science,

and aesthetics of the planet’s waters and terrains. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

09–13. CounterCurrent14. A five-day festival of contemporary art, projects, interven-tions, journeys, performances, commis-

sions, collaborations, and connections, produced by the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts. Includes late night events and happy hours cel-ebrating the festival. All festival events are free. See “CounterCurrent” on page 4.

11–June 1. Optimus Primative: Research Lab. Artist Michael K. Taylor has used games, maps, found objects, sculpture

and poetry to tell mythological and historical stories about Houston and its inhabitants. Reception April 11, 6 – 9 p.m., Midtown Art Center Tea Room Gallery, thecollective.org.

11& 12. #womenfordance. An introspective pro-gram connecting the strength, emotion and humanity of the feminine manifest. Tickets

$15-$45. Wortham Center—Cullen Theatre. 501 Texas Ave. METDance.org or explorehouston.org/ticketing.

12Art in the Park 2014. Midtown’s boutique-style fine art festival returns to Elizabeth Baldwin Park (2701 Elgin Street) featuring a

variety of artistic mediums, musicians, food trucks and more. The 8th annual family-friendly event begins at 10 a.m., closes at 6 p.m. Come early and spend the day. Free admission. Pets not permitted, please.

1215th Annual Midtown Visions Cultural Arts Tour. Grab a B-Cycle, Zipcar or the METRORail* and take to the streets, hop-

ping from art venue to art venue—museums, gal-leries, Art in the Park and more. For a list of venues, check midtownvisions.com or artsupplyonmain.com. *METRORail closings vary, check before departing.

12Moved by the Motion (featuring boychild). Live performance. See “CounterCurrent” on page 4.

15–29. Spring Juried Student Art Exhibit. Reception, April 15 6 – 8 p.m., awards at 7 p.m. The Fine Art Center Gallery, Houston

Community College Center — 3517 Austin at Holman.

23In Praise of Man-Made Nature. Lawndale Art Center’s Design Fair 2013 kicks-off with a free lecture by Karrie Jacobs, founding edi-

tor-in-chief of Dwell Magazine. 6:30 PM. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Brown Auditorium.

23–27. Design Fair 2014. Learn. Shop. Connect. Curated items highlight cutting-edge contemporary design along with vin-

tage modern objects of the 20th century. Shopping days April 26 and 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., General Admission $5. Lawndale Art Center.

24–27. 3rd Annual Houston Improv Festival. Five big shows with 15 improvised acts including troupes from Houston, Austin,

New York, Chicago and LA. Midtown Art Center. Houstonimprovfestival.com.

25Malta Kano, Texas Premiere and Performance presented by Asia Society Texas Center at Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, 2311

Dunlavy St, 7:30 p.m., asiasociety.org/texas.

25Preview Party & Sale for Design Fair 2014. Shop early while nibbling on CULINAIRE’s treats and Saint Arnold’s best.

Contemporary Cocktail attire. Tickets at the door or in advance. Sponsored by Saint Cloud. 713-528-5858. Lawndale Art Center.

25& 26. CDE 4 Central Dance Ensemble in Concert. With guest artists, Hope Stone and choreography by Jennifer Salter and Maggie

Lasher. Tickets: $7, $10. Reservations: 713-718-6570. Heinen Theatre, Houston Community College—Central, 3517 Austin at Holman.

26Houston Improv Festival Workshops. Guest instructors Dianah Dulany, Jet Eveleth, Holly Laurent. Each workshop 3 hrs, $40/each. 10

a.m. – 2 p.m. Reservations at Brown Paper Tickets. Max enrollment: 20. Midtown Art Center.

27First Evangelical Lutheran Church Dedication Concert. The historic Midtown church dedicates their new handcrafted

organ built by Martin Pasi, regarded as one of the finest organ builders in America, at the leading edge of organ building in historical style. Organist Sebastian Knebel of Dresden, Germany will play. 1311 Holman.

may ____

01 Swing, Jive and Pop into Dance. The com-pany dances through music from the 30s to day. 11 a.m., Free. 6000 Herman Park Drive.

METDance.org or milleroutdoortheatre.com.

02 –June 30. Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine. Exhibition opening and Night Market cel-

ebration. 6 p.m., Asia Society Texas Center. asiasoci-ety.org/texas.

02–28. Young Performers Program—First Summer Session—Theatre Arts & Sciences. 8 a.m. – 4

p.m. Download registration form at EnsembleHouston.com. The Ensemble Theatre.

03–June 1. The Old Settler. In World War II Harlem, two spinsters take in a young male roomer who has come to search

for his girlfriend, all of which exposes a thirty-year old wound between the sisters. Previews May 3, 4, 7; Opening night May 8. Runs: May 8 – June 1. The Ensemble Theatre.

15Luck of the Draw. Attendees try their luck at winning original artworks from over 200 local, national, and international artists made

specifically for DiverseWorks. This event is perfect for the advanced and beginner collector. Exhibition continues through June 14. DiverseWorks.

15 Contemporary Class with Steven Vaughn. Call 713-522-6375 to register. Limited space available. $20. 7:30 – 9 p.m. Houston

MET Dance Center. METDance.org.

25Preview Party & Sale for Design Fair 2014. Shop early while nibbling on CULINAIRE’s treats and Saint Arnold’s

best. Contemporary Cocktail attire. Tickets at the door or in advance. Sponsored by Saint Cloud. 713-528-5858. Lawndale Art Center.

30-July 26. Young Performers Program—Second Summer Session—Theatre Arts & Sciences. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Download regis-

tration form at EnsembleHouston.com The Ensemble Theatre.

30-September 7. Texas Masters Series: Sandie Zilker. Solo exhibition by Houston metalsmith and educator, Sandie Zilker.

Opening Reception – Friday, May 30, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

30-September 7. La Frontera (The Borderlands). An international exhibition of contemporary jewelry from 90 artists

from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Latin America whose works explore the underlying currents of the border environment. Opening reception, Friday, May 30, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft.

Julia Turner, (Mourning Brooch), 2013. Photo by the artist.

calendararts

Christine Nofchissey McHorse, Black Swan, 2006. HCCC. Collection of Bill & Sara Morgan. Addison Doty Photography.

exhibitions | theatre | orchestra | Dance

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Luck of the Draw, 2013. DiverseWorks.

Rania Matar: Deserted Spaces and Ordinary People, Bank of America Center Lobby. Sarah House. Water Study 1, Topsoil. HCCC. The Peoples Plate. Lawndale Art Center.

Midtown MAnAgeMent distRiCt

william R. franks Chairman of the Board

Matt thibodeaux Executive Director for Midtown Management District & Midtown Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ #2) mattt@houstonmidtown.com

Cynthia Alvarado Managing Directorcynthiaa@houstonmidtown.com

elizabeth Powell District Coordinatorepowell@houstonmidtown.com

Midtown RedeveloPMent AUtHoRity And tAX inCReMent ReinvestMent zone #2 ( tiRz #2)

Robert sellingsloh Chairman of the Board

Kandi schramm Administrative Manager kandis@houstonmidtown.com

Marlon Marshall Senior Project Manager marlonm@houstonmidtown.com

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artists&+

creditsSenD InformaTIon To:Design & Production: Quantum/sUR 12818 Willow Centre Drive, Suite BHouston, Texas 77066281-955-2449www.quantumsur.com

editor Mary Chavoustie, mary@quantumsur.com

Publisher/art Director Leonel E. Mejía, leo@quantumsur.com

Contributing WritersMarlon Marshall

accounting manager Marta M. Mejía, marta@quantumsur.com

The Midtown Management District (MMD) and Quantum/Sur do not knowingly accept false or misleading information or editorial, nor do they assume responsibility should such material appear in the paper. Views expressed in the midtown paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher, or the MMD. Every effort has been made to ensure accurate information at the time of publication, how-ever, this cannot be guaranteed. Publishing of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service offered. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher or the MMD for loss or damage.

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RegisteR to receive the Midtown enews! Distributed every Thursday, excluding holidays, it provides you with valuable District information

music worlD

entertainment complexnew look and bRand FoR well-known Music headquaRteRs...

Mathew Knowles was in love with The Rice Mansion long before he had keys to the front door. For years, the well-known music mogul and philanthropist would drive by the stately three-story home with his daughters, Solange and Beyoncé, admiring the work-manship. Though he

often wished he could be on the inside looking out, he never envi-sioned the 8,000 square foot house would one day be the headquar-ters of Music World Entertainment, with record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide.

The Rice Mansion was built in 1910 for Benjamin Botts Rice, a nephew of William Marsh Rice, one of the original founders of Rice University. Knowles purchased the house in 2000. His major renova-tions this past year have added a modern yet non-intrusive touch to the historical home. And with its rebranding as Music World Entertainment Complex, the man-sion and the adjacent buildings open their doors even wider to a mix of fledgling

and GRAMMY® award winning art-ists, festivals, private parties, wed-dings, quinceañeras, bar mitzvah’s, rehearsals and executive seminars.

Guests welcome the newly built veranda – hardwood floors and wooden staircase are both original to the mansion – all together, creating the perfect setting for a wedding dress. On the second floor, a conference table made of Egyptian golden wood is accented by Knowles’ private collection of masks, tapestries and other worldly finds that line the wall as well as the new addition on the third floor of an intimate bridal suite to be completed in April. Corporate executives as well as visiting musicians take advantage of the daytime meeting rooms and the available video conferencing technology Knowles has added to the package.

The entrance to the multi-level House of Dereon Media Center faces Crawford, with ample street and in-lot parking for a premier event venue. Interior neon lighting, a staging area, a dance floor, multiple bar areas and ultra-modern décor has wowed many a party planner, accommodating up to 500

within its walls. A lighted courtyard adds space for another 150 while the addition of an expanded bal-cony adds an unobstructed view of the downtown skyline. And as would be expected, the sound sys-tem is some of the finest.

Tom McKinney, “the #1 vocal coach in America” according to Knowles, can vouch for the tech-nology available at Music World Studios onsite. Educational institu-tions like Berklee College of Music utilize the technology as well as the 972 square foot Music World Rehearsal Hall to conduct their pre-admission auditions and inter-views.

Music World Gospel (currently the #3 Gospel record label in the country), Music World Kids and Music World Country/Compadre proved successful expansions for the President and CEO. His upcoming book, The Ten Traits of Successful People, tells of his energy and pas-sion for success through building a brand.

And though business often takes the public speaker around the globe, he is quick to tell you he loves Houston (his sixth year as college professor at Texas Southern University) and particularly, Midtown, an area that he claims has “an unmatched energy.”

“Midtown is a destination in itself,” said Knowles. “We have so much to offer—the arts, the music, the wine bars, the upscale restaurants. We have it all.”

Obviously, the man with the keys knows what he’s talking about.

Music World Entertainment ComplexThe Rice Mansion • 1505 HadleyHouse of Dereon Media Center & Music World Studios • 2204 CrawfordFor rental information, please go to MusicWorldEnt.com

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Congratulations!The Midtown Redevelopment Authority received the Parks and natural Areas Award from the Houston-Galveston Area Council for the renovations at Midtown parks.

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