April 26, 2008 Houston weekend

A very unexpected weekend. Saturday morning had to attend the program the the Houston Library has at their Heights branch on the history of the Houston Heights and Woodland Heights "Houston Heights Lecture Series. A nice research put together by staff of the library and presented by the author of A Tale of Two Heights Margaret Culbertson, Connie Rose from the public library who spoke on "Houston Heights: The Way We Were" and Leta Fae Arnold who at 79 years old gave a lively talk on what was life growing up in the Heights.

Not intending I ended up visiting a good friend Jay Hamburger at the Winter Street Studios. It was a fab number of studios open to the public, a show case of art and also had an exhibit on China from Fotofest. Had the chance to see some fun art work, in particular Jay's, Richard, Becky's.

And all lead to visit a gallery with a good friend so he can pick up a new art work he purchased from Sue Burke Harrington. Below is the art that my friend purchased:

After that was Da Camera to listen to some jazz, some unique jazz by Vijay Iyer and his quartet. The last couple compositions were superb.

As usual Sunday started with a walk around Memorial Park with friends and the topic of politics. The surprise was to find a group of people practicing samba at the local park. Good idea to check with their activities because they named me their official photographer at the Houston International Festival and had the pleasure to spend the afternoon exploring an energetic and cross cultural festival. Starting with my samba friends. Candice the smiley girl on the right was the quick thinker and asked me to take their photos. They were the life of the festival. So glad they get to practice close to my place every week. I am looking forwards to spending time sharing their happy dancing.

Interesting surprise to experience the art of The Renegades and Their Collection of Carnies. There very creative and talented belly dancer. Doing the belly dancing thing at the tunes of Edith Piaf?
And here is Luna. I think she was born to be on stage doing theater. Very talented.
Luna and Jessie. Now Jessie is a pleasant surprise. Of the stage she is shy and coy. On stage she is another Jessie. Luna is the more expressive one, she is a reflection of what she sees and feels. Nice photo of the two, more together than separate.
Have not see the sensuality that the three express before. They have an inner balance with their art, sensuality and with each other. YET on the photo below expresses more of her inner self than externalities. She indicated that she is also a painter.
One of my favorite photos. I find Jessie the most intriguing and the one with the most kind heart. She does not open to the world but creates a bond between her self, her performance and her dancing mates. A very gentle and sensual spirit. Looking forwards to seeing more of their art.

A very interesting gentleman whose name I cannot remember. Originated in Louisiana and a promoter of African culture/history. Glad had the chance to visit with him and I am enjoying the licorice root he game me.