A Folk Night at the Menil

Screen Shot 2020-02-17 at 1.15.24 PM
Screen Shot 2020-02-17 at 1.15.24 PM

The Menil is an architectural marvel, filled with a world-class art collection. But on Feb. 24-25, it transforms into a one-of-a-kind concert venue, hosting folk performers Avi Avital and Bridget Kibbey for two evening shows.


The “Folk Inspirations” concerts are part of Dacamera’s 2019-2020 season, which was curated specifically with intimate, unique settings, such as the Menil, in mind.  Avital, who has previously performed with Dacamera, is the only mandolin virtuoso in the world, and the Grammy-nominated musician has brought the instrument back into the mainstream. Meanwhile, harpist Kibbey makes her Houston debut, collaborating with Avital on a program that includes classical tunes by Back and Tachaikovsky and Middle Eastern folk music alike.

Dacamera returns to the Menil in April, with singer Davóne Tines (April 7) and two nights of pianist Jeremy Denk (April 27-28).

AT TOP: Avi Avital; Photo by Harald Hoffmann

Dispatches

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

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How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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