Culture

Hear and Now

The H-Town music scene, Third Coast hotbed of hip-hop and longtime outpost of outlaw country cool, is increasingly influential and, like the city itself, diverse. Meet the rising stars of the most fascinating tune town in America today.

Julie Soefer
Portrait

Editors’ Note: CityBook’s fourth annual musicians portfolio hits next week! This is how the tradition began, at White Oak Music Hall, back in 2017.

Shot on location at White Oak Music Hall in the Heights

Text by Evan W. Black and Daniel Renfrow, with Chris Becker

Styling Support by Molly Jodeit

Makeup by Jennifer Aronson

Women’s Hair by Travis Player and Brandy Perez for Tease Color & Style Bar

Men’s Hair by Destiny Sebreth for Estilo Salon and Spa

Photography Assistance by Dylan Aguilar

Listen to the artists featured in the May issue:

Even after a busy few months, The Suffers frontwoman KAM FRANKLIN, 29, says the famous Houston soul act is not slowing down anytime soon. The 10-piece band, which releaes a new album this fall, returned from their first European tour this spring only to quickly repack their bags and head to Australia for a series of shows at the Byron Bay Blues Festival. “It was very exhausting,” says Franklin of their time in Europe, “but at the same time, it was the time of my life. All of the crowds were super responsive.” The Suffers’ new album is, appropriately, about what its many members have learned during the transitions from corporate jobs to the life of full-time, touring musicians. “It’s a lot about living your life off the clock,” she says, “and just living your life the way you want to live it.”
Art+Culture
promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

Fall Philanthropy Report: Children’s Assessment Center Touts ‘Healing’ for Child Abuse Victims

What is your mission? The Children’s Assessment Center (The CAC) provides healing services to over 6,300 child sexual abuse victims and their families each year. We offer forensic interviewing, family advocacy, mental health services, medical care, and court services at no cost. We facilitate community outreach and prevention training to raise awareness about child abuse in our community and how to keep children safe. Last year, we provided prevention training to over 35,000 community members, including 23,500 children in schools.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

With Olympic-Champ Keynoter, Annual Luncheon Goes for the Gold — and the Pink!

Debbie Festari, Ann Carl, Alicia Smith and Edward Sanchez (photo by Jacob Power)

A FABULOUSLY FASHIONABLE crowd of more than 650 turned up at the American Cancer Society’s annual Tickled Pink luncheon at the Post Oak Hotel. All wearing pink, because of course, they came to raise money for breast cancer research, and also to support some of Houston’s most generous and beloved ladies — chair Sippi Khurana and honorary chairs Leisa Holland-Nelson-Bowman, Donna Lewis, and Beth Wolff.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back
beauty

Touting Minimalist Facials with Maximal Results, Thompson Houston's Spa Is a Peaceful Retreat

AHH, A TRIP to the spa. What are you thinking about now? Therapeutic aromas, relaxing music, inventive hydration... The Thompson Houston's new spa has it all, plus absolutely stellar views from its sixth-floor perch overlooking the greenest swaths of Buffalo Bayou Park.

Keep Reading Show less
Style