cocktails with the artist

Beloved Houston arts festival shakes up new virtual happy hours

Colorful Houston artist Gonzo247 kicks off the happy hour series.

As Houston arts fans are aware, the beloved, 49-year-old Bayou City Arts Festival is pivoting to an online experience this year, in lieu of its popular, stroll-worthy outdoor event originally scheduled for October 10-11.

Now, the festival is drawing up a new way to stay connected to some of the city’s most innovative players. Art Talk is a new happy hour series that spotlights a different artist each week and kicks off Thursday, August 20 at 6 pm. The series comes courtesy of The Art Colony Association, Inc., the producer of Bayou City Art Festival, and Frost Bank.

Local award-winning, internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, Gonzo247, kicks off the event. Gonzo247 has been a fixture in Houston’s graffiti and street art movement and has evolved into a splashy ambassador for the city’s cultural scene.

The Art Talk Virtual Happy Hour will be streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. Organizers suggest a donation starting at $10 to Bayou City Art Festival. Text Save Our Art to 243725 or donate online.

“We are thrilled to kick off the happy hour series with Gonzo247 and host an interactive conversation about art and the impact it has on our lives and the community,” said Kelly Batterson, executive director of Art Colony Association, in a statement. “While Gonzo247’s art speaks volumes, we invite everyone to join us for each artist presentation, pour themselves a drink and soak up the inspiration and joy that art brings.”

The Happy Hour Series is part of the festival’s “Save Our Art” fundraising campaign. Each virtual event will feature a celebrity artist who will discuss their process and inspiration, according to a press release.

The artist may also provide a live demonstration and auction a donated piece of art during the happy hour. The one-hour happy hour program will include art trivia for chances to win prizes and take questions from the audience during a Q&A segment.

Here is the rundown of artists appearing on the virtual happy hour:

Thursday, August 20, at 6 pm featuring Gonzo247
Thursday, August 27, at 6 pm featuring Amanda Bennett
Thursday, September 17, 6 pm featuring Jennifer Lashbrook
Thursday, September 24, at 6 pm featuring Tony Paraná
Thursday, October 15, at 6 pm featuring DonkeeBoy

happy-hours

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.

cocktails with the artist

Beloved Houston arts festival shakes up new virtual happy hours

taking center stage

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

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