Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)
CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.
"At Chapman & Kirby, we are dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for our guests beyond great food and drinks. The Spring Music Series is a testament to our commitment to hospitality from every angle, and we’re excited to show off incredible talent" said Mazen Baltagi, co-owner of Chapman & Kirby.
In partnership with Gulf Coast Entertainment, the Spring Music Series lineup will feature a diverse array of musical talents. Each Friday night will offer a unique, interactive experience for guests, via music, food & beverage and local vendor pop-ups. Doors will open at 6pm, with performances starting promptly at 7pm. Purchase tickets here. The schedule includes:
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Stages Gives Shakespeare a Hip-Hop Twist with Off-the-Hook ‘Othello: The Remix’
Claire McAdams
May. 3, 2024
ONE OF THE many amazing things about William Shakespeare is how well his comedies and tragedies communicate when reimagined in contemporary settings. Shakespeare’s language may be highfalutin, but the Bard always had his ear to the street — and always gave audiences a healthy dose of grand guignol (i.e. blood and more blood) along with the poetry.
So it makes sense that one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, Othello, totally works as Othello: The Remix, which opens tonight and runs through June 9 at Stages.
Created by award-winning theater artists The Q Brothers, Othello: The Remix is an 80-minute, non-stop, immersive experience blending old school drama with street-smart beats, and using the language of hip-hop to tell the story of a man (a.k.a. “The Moor”) whose alienation and jealousy (“the green-eyed monster”) leads to one of the most frightening and heartbreaking endings in the European canon.
Throughout the performance, the dialogue and monologues are recited by four rappers, each taking on multiple roles, save for the doomed Desdemona, Othello’s devoted but hapless wife. She appears not onstage in the flesh, but as a bed of colored lights that respond in luminescence to the meter and cadences of her offstage voice. Adding to the stripped-down, underground vibe, the show’s original beats and musical cues are provided by an onstage DJ. And like any concert or club gig, there is plenty of audience participation.
That said, The Q Brothers keep the original plot intact, even though the setting is very ’90s. Othello rises from his humble origins to find success as a stellar MC who tells the stories of the people in his neighborhood. As he rises to the top of the music industry, Othello decides to release his homeboy Cassio’s next album to expand and reach a wider audience. This pisses off the quintessential “every brother ain’t a brother” Iago, who preys incessantly on Othello’s insecurities, and slowly convinces him both Cassio and Desdemona are not to be trusted.
Othello: The Remix is directed by Houston’s very own Eboni Bell Darcy, and former Houston Poet Laureate Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean is on board as musical director. Upcoming special performances include a Sunday Sit Down (May 5), where you can meet the Join the cast and designers for a free, behind-the-scenes conversation after the 2:30pm matinee; a student matinee on Friday, May 17, at 10am.; and an ASLI performance Saturday, June 1 at 2:30pm; and a Sensory Friendly performance on Saturday, June 8, at 2:30pm. Word!
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Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson
NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.
Intrigued by the legacy of Vichy's wellness traditions, serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson founded and aptly named her very first spa Pure Vichy, knowing she wanted to incorporate the healing powers of water into her offerings. Drawing inspiration from a visit to France and her passion for water-based wellness, LeBrina aimed to bring the essence of Vichy's healing waters to Texas, creating a sanctuary where clients could experience the revitalizing benefits of hydrotherapy that she had fallen in love with.
Today, LeBrina's dedication to Vichy's legacy lives on at her Escape Spa in Cypress, just outside of Houston. Offering a range of Hydrotherapy services, LeBrina’s treatments seamlessly integrate Vichy practices with contemporary spa techniques to stimulate circulation, aid in relaxation, and promote healing and wellness. Water therapy has proven beneficial for a variety of health conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, cardiovascular diseases, and sports injuries, making the spa’s treatments perfect for anyone seeking an overall boost in their health and wellbeing.
“I read years ago that in Latin SPA stands for ‘solus per aqua’ or ‘health by water.’ Water has always held almost sacred space when it comes to healing,” explains LeBrina. “Then after experiencing the healing power of natural geothermal hot springs around the world as well as visiting Vichy, France, I realized I always felt like I pushed a hard reset button on my personal renewal. It became clear that if I wanted to offer authentic wellness therapies in any spa I would create, it was essential to incorporate water-based treatments into the service menu."
Among the spa’s signature treatments is the Nourishing Glow Wrap, a standout service that combines exfoliation with a luxurious volcanic clay mask. As warm water cascades over the body, detoxification and relaxation intertwine, leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and radiant. Similarly, the Vichy Recovery Massage melts away stress under eight shower heads, followed by a full body massage and a body scrub — a synergistic blend that relieves tension. Additional signature treatments include the Sleek and Slim and Illuminating Vichy Body Peel, also designed to harness the power of water to boost relaxation and rehabilitation.
These offerings not only pay homage to the rich heritage of Vichy's spa culture, but also reflect Escape Spa's commitment to modernizing traditional wellness rituals.
Book a service at Escape Spa to experience the magic of Vichy hydrotherapy and expand your self-care regime.
LeBrina Jackson
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