Here’s a quick Sports Brief: In soccer news, the Houston Dynamo will have their fan-fest as they march to the start of their 2013 season this Saturday, March 2. The event will be held at the BBVA Compass Stadium, located on the east side of downtown Houston, from 12-4pm. Thirteen of the Dynamo Players and the Dynamo girls will be present, and the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Conference trophies will be on hand for fans to get autographs and take pictures. There will be interactive games and prizes given away to the fans. On the field, the Dynamo will prepare for their season in a pre-season ... Read More »

Rugby makes a return to Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium, this time for the second stop of the first annual International Rugby Board’s Women’s Sevens World Series. This series hits four global destinations: UAE (Dubai), USA (Houston), China (Guangzhou), and the Netherlands (Amsterdam). The inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympics in Rio in 2016 adds national interest in the sport. Rugby sevens is similar to the traditional 15 side rugby, but is played with seven players rather than 15, each playing seven minute halves. These numbers can lead to some exciting rugby, which is exactly what we got here in Houston ... Read More »

By: Rad Rich Hello– here’s another week in sports with a lot going on. In Major League Soccer news, yesterday was the start of training camp for the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo are looking to get everybody on the same page since being one game away from winning last year’s MLS Cup against the LA Galaxy. This year brings lots of hurdles, as there is World Cup Qualifying, the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, and the CONCACAF Champions League play. During the off season, the Dynamo were able to keep most of the players intact. During the 2013 MLS Super Draft, ... Read More »

By: Erin Dyer Free Press Houston spoke with Jordan Pannell, a young, influential Houstonian making advancements in discovering, representing, and promoting local arts and music by means of Local Live (including Local Live Media, L.L.C, LocalLiveMedia.com, LocalLiveHouston.com, and LocalLiveRadio.com). If you are unfamiliar with Local Live, do yourself a favor and check it out. Like, right now. After all, awareness and involvement in our city will ultimately emanate continuous growth of Houston as a prominent art community as we reinvest in ourselves and our cumulative, raw talent. FPH: So, you are the founder of Local Live– tell us a little about ... Read More »

Hands across Texas (HAT), an organization dedicated to helping fellow Texan communities with unforeseen life changes, reaches out to those that are in need to provide relief and help rebuild lives of those affected by unfortunate events. Hands Across Texas will join Newtown Youth & Family Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit group, in hosting a Sandy Hook Memorial Benefit Concert Saturday, January 27, from noon to 10pm at Papa’s Ice House in Spring, TX (314 Pruitt Road). Every cent raised by the fundraiser will go directly to the Newtown Youth & Family Services, in consideration of the recent Sandy Hook Elementary ... Read More »

Houston Symphony will pay homage to Louis Armstrong, who, to this day, remains one of the most eminent and influential musicians following his death more than 40 years ago and is arguably the Greatest Jazz Musician that Ever Was. Tribute to the talented New Orleans musician with the unique vocals will be recognized through Houston Symphony performances of timeless Louis Armstrong masterpieces in a concert at Jones Hall Jan. 18, 19, and 20. Classics such as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Bourbon Street Parade” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” along with many others, will be performed for the concert, What a Wonderful World: ... Read More »

IKEA Houston Silver Screen presents a free screening event of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) on Thursday, January 17. The movie will be oriented towards the ICE rink at Discovery Green at 630pm. Feel free to watch while skating, or bring your own chairs and blankets. The screening is free, but normal skating fees do apply.  Food, beer, and wine will be available at the Lake House. No glass containers or outside alcoholic beverages, please. Get out of the house and enjoy some free, local entertainment! Discovery Green Conservancy 1500 McKinney Houston, TX 77010 Willy Wonka & the ... Read More »

One of the largest locations of the Macy’s Department Store chain, downtown Houston’s 791,000 square foot store, at 1110 Main Street, is set to close its doors this spring. This Macy’s is one of six stores across the country that the department store is planning to close by spring this year. Macy’s downtown Houston location is only using half of its current space and is interested in reopening its doors in a smaller, nearby location. Houston Mayor Annise Parker announced that Macy’s lease has run out, and the property owner– 1110 Main Partners LP– has plans to demolish the 10-story ... Read More »

You have been told a million times, and I’ll tell you again: New Year’s Eve is a dangerous night for being out and about on the streets. Considering tonight is a No Refusal night in many towns, we need to take extra steps to not get behind the wheel after drinking. Here are a few ways of finding a FREE!!, safe, sober ride home tonight while still being able to get a little crazy. You can also always ask a friend or family member to be your D.D. (Designated Driver) or P.A.S.S. (Person Appointed to Stay Sober), as I think they’re calling ... Read More »

DiverseWorks– a non-profit art center dedicated to presenting new visual, performing, and literary art– announces exciting, upcoming events in store for 2013. Tony Feher, Liz Magic Laser, and Nora Chipaumire are among the artists featured in the first few months of the new year. Tony Feher: Free Fall (Jan. 19 – March 16, 2013; Opening Reception: Fri., Jan. 18, 7-9pm) Currently living in New York, native Houstonian artist Tony Feher, is known for his playfully dramatic abstract, minimalist sculptures and installations formed of consumer products. Feher’s project at DiverseWorks is an interactive, performative installation that combines music, dance, and sculpture. Feher worked ... Read More »