The National MS Society's fourth annual Chalk the Walk contest drew a record number of student participants at Marshall Academy of Fine Arts, where 14 teams created elaborate sidewalk art projects imagining a world free of multiple sclerosis.
Basing their work around the theme "Every Connection Counts," more than 70 sixth, seventh and eighth graders squeezed under a large overhang to avoid Wednesday morning's rainstorms. In spite of the inclement weather, art students crafted some of the best designs in the competition's short history.
For the third year in a row, CultureMap had the honor of serving on the judges panel, which this time included Houston Chronicle features writer Alyson Ward and Melanie Rial from the National MS Society. Top designs were selected based on creativity, presentation and an understanding of a debilitating disease that afflicts 2.3 million people across the globe.
Following a challenging judging session — remember, these are trained art students — Team All Stars was crowded champion, taking home a $150 gift certificate to Texas Art Supply for a detailed design inspired by graffiti art. Click through the slideshow above for a look at the winners.
During the awards ceremony, Marshall Academy surprised the MS Society with a whopping $1,000 donation collected during an impressive student-run fundraising effort.
Those interested in raising their own funds for the MS Society can take part in two Walk MS events this month — one in Houston on Nov. 10 and another in Kemah on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.
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.
