'SPA' No More: Here's the Org's New Name — and Showstopping Lineup

Chris Becker

NOW HEAR THIS! As of April 12, the Society for the Performing Arts shall be known as Performing Arts Houston. The organization revealed the new name at its April 2 gala, The Kaleidoscope Ball, which raised close to $600,000 to support its education and community engagement programming and always high caliber concert multi-genre performance series. The rebranding, which pointedly drops the unintentionally contentious word “Society,” is meant to reflect the range and quality of the now 55-year-old organization’s vision as well as the “depth and breadth” of its upcoming 2022/23 season.

Small Steps, Big Gains! Nonprofit Raises a Glass — and a Record-Breaking $850K for At-Risk Preschoolers

Evan W. Black

IN RECENT YEARS, the importance of a quality education beginning with preschool has been made abundantly clear. One organization in Houston seeks to provide not only education but holistic support for at-risk preschool-age children in the Fifth Ward and Gulton/Sharpstown communities. The Small Steps Nurturing Center raised nearly a million dollars to further its mission at its annual Wine Classic, chaired by Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and Carolyn and Garry Tanner.

This Artist's Astroturfed Window Display Will Compel You to Dance!

Chris Becker

ARTIST, ANTHROPOLOGIST AND Rice University fellow and lecturer Lina Dib traces her interest in making art back to early childhood. At age three, while drawing, she would get frustrated that the pencils “weren’t doing what I wanted them to do,” and throw them across the room. “I was very adamant about using things in a way that I imagined,” laughs Dib, who is now the mother of a 17-month-old girl and expecting a boy in May.

Leadership in Action: Clothiers Murry and Karen Penner Celebrate Family Business’ 50-Year Anny

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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Kathryn Lott, Guy Hagstette and Barry Mandel

EVERY TWO YEARS, some of Houston's best-known names and most generous patrons descend upon Downtown's Discovery Green park for a night of dinner, dancing and art-admiring.

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Parties

Brasserie 19

THE RODEO OFFICIALLY opens on March 4, but Houston restaurants have already started saddling up with specials! So boot-scoot on over to one of these restaurants to savor the Texas tradition.

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Food