culture

Cowboy Calling

In 2016, Neil Holmes was bucked off a bull named Rodeo Time, landing lifelessly in the dirt. Some thought he might actually be dead. No stranger to concussions or broken bones, the 32-year-old professional rider — a two-time Professional Bull Riders World Finals qualifier — has spent the months since cultivating physical and mental toughness, and looks forward to proving his strength at this year’s Rodeo Houston. But in addition to healing and training hard, this dad of four has prioritized time to give back: He teamed up with fellow cowboys during Harvey, traveling by boat through North Houston to rescue stranded folks, and is helming a PBR effort to teach inner-city children about rodeo sports and Western culture. Holmes, who stands at just five-foot-six, hopes to show kiddos — including his own — that with faith and confidence, anything is possible. Even bucking death.

Phoebe Rourke
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Art+Culture
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Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

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Food
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H-Town Style Play: A First-of-Its-Kind Texans Capsule Collection Debuts at Chic Luncheon

Kristi Ison, Rebecca Pritchard, Nora Jarrard, Katie Tsuru, Ronda Carman

H-TOWN FOOTBALL JUST got a fashion upgrade. The Texans teamed up with Houston’s own Christy Lynn to debut a first-ever capsule collection that swaps jerseys and hoodies for silk sets, chic dresses, and elevated knitwear — all in the team’s signature colors.

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Style
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Houston Ballet Salutes Jim Nelson and Celebrates Margaret Alkek Williams’ 90th Birthday

Dave Rossman

Sonja Kostich, Margaret Alkek Williams, and Jim Nelson

HOUSTON BALLET’S 2025–2026 season opened in high style with a double celebration. After the curtain fell on Onegin — John Cranko’s tale of love and rejection — more than 220 patrons gathered on stage at the Wortham for the annual Opening Night Onstage Dinner, one of the company’s most anticipated traditions.

The evening paid special tribute to Jim Nelson. Nelson, who took the helm as Executive Director in 2012, guided the Ballet through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the challenges of COVID. During dinner, Nelson was honored with a proclamation from the City of Houston. Even Nelson’s mother attended and received a special shout-out during his dinner toast.

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