Every concert is an artistic escapade when it comes to the programs of classical music presenter Musiqa Houston. As such, it was fitting that its 11th anniversary social be titled "Passport to Adventure."
Chaired by Christine Hanson, the assemblage recognized FotoFest founders Wendy Watriss and Fred Baldwin for their international contribution to the field of photography. Minnette Boesel, Mayor Annise Parker's assistant for cultural affairs, seized the opportunity to give an official stamp of approval and proclaimed May 2 Wendy Watriss and Fred Baldwin Day in Houston.
Enticed by hors d'oeuvres and wine courtesy of Houston Wine Merchant, guests pored over a silent auction that included art, photography, wine and a week-long stay at a historic home in Isleboro, Maine. Crowning the fundraiser was a high-decibel performance spotlighting the University of Houston's Percussion Ensemble directed by Blake Wilkins, who's seen regularly on the Musiqa stage dancing around a myriad of instruments de batterie.
Sipping and mingling alongside interim director Joe Wilson and artistic board members Anthony K. Brandt, Rob Smith, Karim Al-Zand and Marcus Maroney were Houston Symphony CEO Mark Hanson, Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg, Michael Epstein and Janice Poplack, Mimi Kilgore, Kim Clark Renteria, Sandra Tirey and Jan van Lohuizen, Bill Joor, Viviana and David Denechaud, American Century's Jennifer Barron, Sue and Roger Hochman, Barbara and Don Ostdiek, Karen Arnold and Alison and John Bieser.
Legendary rockers Styx and Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon, will team up to co-headline the “Brotherhood of Rock” tour in 2025, which will include a stop at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands on Friday, June 6.
The large, 40-city tour will take place over three months, starting in Greenville, South Carolina on May 28, and wrapping up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 24.
In addition to Houston, the tour will go to Austin on June 4 and Dallas on August 1. It will include special guest Don Felder, former lead guitarist for the Eagles, at all dates.
Fans can expect some of the greatest rock anthems of all time, including “Renegade,” “Keep On Loving You,” “Come Sail Away,” “Can't Fight This Feeling,” and “Hotel California.”
Styx and Cronin (as part of REO Speedwagon) first toured together in 2000 and in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, coming together to form the Rock to the Rescue 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This will mark their sixth time joining forces on the road.
2022 was the 50th anniversary of Styx's self-titled debut album, but they have yet to slow down. The band released their 17th album, Crash of the Crown, in 2021. Of course, not everyone is a fan, as this classic clip from The Simpsons illustrates.
REO Speedwagon's recording days appear to be done, with their last album coming out in 2009, but the main group of five has been together since 1989. On this tour, Cronin will be joined by REO's lead guitarist Dave Amato and drummer Bryan Hitt.
General tickets for the tour will go on sale starting on Friday, December 13 at 10 am at LiveNation.com.
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning on December 9 at 10 am through the Citi Entertainment program.
Styx and Kevin Cronin will be offering VIP packages via their own exclusive pre-sales beginning on Tuesday, December 10 at 10 am, as well as at LiveNation.com.
