culture collecting

Dazzling downtown art showcases rock star Houston and Texas talent

Houston's prolific Gonzo247 is one of the showcased artists.

Houston’s art scene has taken a step back due to the pandemic, but an annual show is leaping forward with an impressive array of artisans. “Collect It for the Culture III” is a massive new show boasting 30 Texas artists, opening on Friday, January 29 at 1201 Main St.

The impressive array of artists span the realms of sculpture, photography, painting, film, and installation.

First-time exhibitors will occupy the space alongside accomplished and veteran professionals, creating opportunities for both budding and established collections, according to a press release. The show runs through February 28 and is curated by artist Robert Hodge.

A VIP reception on January 29 kicks things off from 5pm-7pm, followed by general admission at 7 pm. Limited tickets are available and masks are required for entry, according to organizer Black Buddha Creative Agency.

This year, the exhibition promises limited-capacity, socially distant special events in a 23,000-square-foot gallery space to “activate and engage Houston’s vibrant performance arts scene in the face of a world-wide pandemic,” a release notes.

The roster of Lone Star State artists includes:

Katy Anderson
Rabéa Ballin
Mathieu JN Baptiste
Joanna Booth
D.C. Boson
Hannah Bull
Tay Butler
Christopher Cascio
Jamal Cyrus
Colby Deal
Dual
Alicia Eggert
Tim Glover
Gonzo247
Gao Hang
Pedro Henrique
Veronica Ibargüengoitia
Input Output
Billy Baccam
Alex Ramos
Ann Johnson
Rick Lowe
Jehnifer Malone
Tierney Malone
Israel McCloud
Patrick Medrano
Bárbara Miñarro
Kate Mulholland
Riot Muse
David ‘Odiwams’ Wright
Romeo Robinson
Mich S.
Tra Slaughter
George Smith
Benji Stiles
Felandus Thames
Brandon Thompson
Lanceia Rouse Tinsley

More information can be found at the event site.

openings galleries

taking center stage

Stage adaptation of iconic Black movie Jason's Lyric to debut in Houston

Courtesy of Jason's Lyric

Most of the movie's cast will appear in the play.

Next year, Houston writer/producer/director/promoter Je’Caryous Johnson will be bringing another beloved Black movie to the live stage.

Jason’s Lyric will join New Jack City and Set It Off in the lineup of ‘90s Black-movie favorites that Johnson has adapted for the stage. The 1994 made-in-Houston drama stars Allen Payne and a pre-Will Smith Jada Pinkett as young lovers trying to maintain a relationship as conflicts and obstacles keep getting in the way.

Jason’s Lyric Live will go on a nationwide, 22-city tour, premiering right here in H-Town on Thursday, February 13 — just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Houston is my home, and bringing Jason’s Lyric Live to life here first is my way of paying homage to the city and its people who inspired this story,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is more than a play; it’s a love letter to the community.”

Payne will reprise his role as Jason, with actress/model Eva Marcille stepping in Pinkett’s role as Lyric. Naughty by Nature rapper Treach, who played Lyric’s criminal big brother Alonzo in the movie, will also return to the role for the stage production. Tyrin Turner (Menace II Society), K. Michelle (Love & Hip Hop), and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter) will round out the cast.

"Jason’s Lyric is one of the films that defined my career as an actor,” Payne said. “To bring it to life on stage for audiences who loved the movie — and a new generation experiencing it for the first time — is an incredible honor."

Marcille is also psyched for the show, taking on the role that Pinkett memorably brought to life. "Lyric is a character who embodies resilience and hope, and I’m honored to bring her story to life on stage,” Marcille said.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, December 13, at 10 am. For a full list of dates and ticket information, visit the website.