With all the stress of daily life in the city, it helps to take a moment or two to sit still and breathe. At the beginning of March, the community will draw together for an opportunity to relax and reflect with The Rothko Chapel’s 12 Moments of Spirituality and Healing. The Rothko Chapel is described by Michelle Ashton, Public Programs Director, as, “a tranquil meditative environment inspired by the mural canvases of Russian born American painter, Mark Rothko.”  ”This program is part of a larger monthly series for us, which is usually very popular and well attended,” explained Ashton. This ... Read More »

“Voices and thoughts will be expressed and it’s going to be a poetic, acoustic twist,” said Kris Smith, curator of the Poetic Park event held at Emancipation Park this Saturday February 23rd, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. “The purpose of this event is to give every poet a chance to shine, especially, those who have never performed for Counter-Crawl,” Smith explained. Counter-Crawl is a multiple venue community building event for artists that anyone can be a part of. Poetic Park is a poetry event being held in anticipation of the Counter-Crawl event held by the community every four ... Read More »

“Shit! Fuck! Shit!” was Professor Derleth’s boisterous outburst in the beginning reel and the later act. Cthulhu: A Puppet Play presented at 14 Pews, was a humorous yet grotesque play that incorporated live instruments, sound effects and  film in addition to the puppet and puppeteers. In the beginning, Professor Derleth purchases an object that he then researches intensely as the power of the object unfolds. On the brink of insanity, the perceptions of reality become distorted as the beckoning of Cthulhu begins to consume him. This tale combines both elements of dark humor and a dreadful fear of the unknown. ... Read More »

  “They smashed out the lanterns and burned down the barns…” Goofy and morbid “thrash-grass” is one way to describe Days N’ Daze, a local Houston band holding a record release show on Saturday, February 2 at Ballistics Skate House featuring eight bands and one poet. A table will also be set up for individuals to stop by and learn more about Houston Free Thinkers. Some of the performances to anticipate in addition to Days N’ Daze include: Dead Rabbits, Always Guilty, Alimanas and Lion Among Men. Look forward to side projects of Days N’ Daze Decathect, an electric  by ... Read More »

“I’m addicted to Oi!” Bones cries out to the crowd with sweat pouring down his face. The crowd ignites and the floor begins to move. Described as “insane punk rock n’ roll and a pit of unbridaled chaos,” Lower Class Brats, an underground street punk rock band from Austin, will be performing live this Friday, February 1 at Fitzgerald‘s with Negative Approach and Power Trip. “We sing about unity, disenfranchised youth, and just plain ol’ having a good time,” said Bones, the vocals of the group. With songs like, “Ultra-Violence,” “Just Like Clockwork,” “New Seditionaries,”and “Rather Be Hated Than Ignored,” ... Read More »

“We aren’t going away and we want to make sure the mayor knows it.” -Derrick Broze, Fluoride Free Houston In an effort to move away from the preconceived ideas and conspiracy theories associated with fluoridation of the water system, Fluoride Free Houston is inviting the community out for a potluck and a screening of the documentary “The Fluoride Deception” by author Christopher Bryson at The Real School Friday February 1 at 7:00 p.m. Just under a year ago, Derrick Broze and other activist members of the Houston Free Thinkers and Occupy Houston formed FFH to specialize in educating the public ... Read More »

Like weird and twisted  horror/mystery stories by the likes of H.P. Lovecraft? Hell yea! Explore the original puppet play based on the dark stories of Lovecraft, called “Cthulhu: A Puppet Play”. The play is an alluring tale of deception and the fine line between delusions and reality. “A professor purchases an object on one of those auction shows and becomes obsessed with its mysterious powers. He begins to find out that the object is of interest to others, too, possibly not in a good way,” said Matthew Carter, who plays the professor puppet in the production. The production was conceived ... Read More »

An artistic expression of images that capture the native perspective of the Mexican war on drugs will begin on Friday, February 1 at Fotofest. Cronicas will feature seven contemporary artists using their art as a voice speaking against the violent and devastating conflict. The exhibit will reference and uncover the decades-long battle,the effect it has on the people of Mexico, and how that, in turn, affects the Houston area due to its proximity to Mexico and the trade of drugs and guns. Jennifer Ward, curator of the exhibit, says, “The drug war has become part of contemporary Mexican life. This artwork reflects this ... Read More »

“Every human being is creative–it’s not a gift; it’s not a luxury; it’s an integral part of our cognitive make-up.  Because we call “creativity” by so many different names, we don’t always fully appreciate the full extent of its presence in our lives.  The arts belong back in schools because they’re among the effective, efficient, and powerful ways to nurture creativity.” According to Dr. Anthony Brandt, the integration of arts into school curriculum has become a modern-day civil rights issue. Dr. Brandt, Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, will be presenting the knowledge ... Read More »

Best described as mathematical, chaotic control with classic ska rhythms and soulful horns, The English Beat is explosive and methodical in their live performance. Audiences will be indulging in the caressing sounds of The Beat with local ska-punk band Always Guilty this Thursday, January 17th at Warehouse Live. Formed in 1978 out of Birminghamin, England, The English Beat quickly rose to stardom for their innovative and progressive cover of Smokey Robinson’s ‘Tears Of A Clown’. With messages of peace, hope and thoughtful insight into social and political subjects, The Beat not only exudes positivity and freedom through their musical performances, ... Read More »