music

Swing Fiddler/Violinist Ellen Story Drawn to ‘Incredibly Talented’ Houston Music Set

Ashkan Roayaee
Swing Fiddler/Violinist Ellen Story Drawn to ‘Incredibly Talented’ Houston Music Set

TENNESSEE NATIVE Ellen Story, 28, has spent almost her entire life making music.

Featured in the new issue of Houston CityBook, Story got her start in her family's gospel-bluegrass band before leaving to study classical violin at a conservatory, eventually snagging a spot at Berklee College of Music to study the groovy and loose folk style of the fiddle. After a relationship brought her to Houston, Story put down roots.

"There are some incredibly talented and good people here to work with," says the busy fiddler, who's continued to offer private lessons via FaceTime and plays in a bevy of projects, including swing outfit Western Bling (her main project), bluegrass band NewVintage, and oldie-country group the Broken Spokes.

She also has material for several albums that she's ready to record. "I'll let everyone know when it's ready."

Story's new portrait and comments appear in the spring edition of CityBook, which is the magazine's fifth annual Music Issue. Queer hip-hop artist Nate Drop, Houston Grand Opera bass Cory McGee, busy singer-guitarist Andy Mac, retro crooner Marley Moon, R&B standout Tia Gold and Tejano starlet Amanda Solis are also featured in the annual portfolio, photographed by Ashkan Roayaee, with styling by Todd Ramos and hair and makeup by Edward Sanchez.

From Your Site Articles
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

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.

Keep Reading Show less
theater

Kitchen Confidential! Director Weinbrenner’s Hot and Tasty ‘Seared’ Extended at Alley

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel
parties

Amid Chamber Music and Priceless Art, ‘Impact’ Winners Honored at Posh MFAH Dinner

Flora Choy, Vanitha Pothuri and Blanca Beltran-Robinson

IT WAS A memorable evening for art lovers, to be sure. Connie Kwan-Wong and her independently published CKW Luxe magazine hosted an elegant event amid priceless works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties