Upping street cred

Inside Steel Lounge Underground: B-boys and b-girls breakbeat at CAMH's raw artbash

Video artist Pablo Gimenez-Zapiola presented video installations in which hejuxtaposed moving street images with poetry.
Photo by Max Fields
The line wrapped around the corner past The Jung Center, some having to wait aslong as one hour to join the carouse.
Photo by Max Fields
Answering the call to party was a mob of more than 2,100.
Photo by Max Fields
Thankfully, Bernie's Burger Bus was on the scene; no doubt the food truck made akilling.
Photo by Max Fields
Omari Tau jamming at Steel Lounge Underground.
Photo by Max Fields
While the raucous party was in the basement, the main gallery was pleasant forthose taking in the curatorial debut of CAMH's Dean Daderko in It Is What It Is.Or Is It?
Photo by Max Fields
Photo by Max Fields

The bells hadn't yet tolled 8 p.m. and there were more than a handful of cliques lingering outside the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston in anticipation of the yearly Steel Lounge Underground raw bash, the rave that ups the museum's street cred.

Answering the call to party was a mob of more than 2,100. The line wrapped around the corner past The Jung Center, some having to wait as long as an hour to join the carouse. Thankfully, Bernie's Burger Bus was on the scene; no doubt the food truck made a killing.

The promise of CAMH morphing into an after hours club thump-thumping with experimental tunes by a lineup of local DJs enticed a mishmash of denizens, from fashionistas who wouldn't be caught dead in anything off the rack to Gen Y-ers in shorts and graphic v-necks.

Answering the call to party was a mob of more than 2,100. The line wrapped around the corner past The Jung Center, some having to wait as long as one hour to join the carouse.

In gathering Suraj K. of Gritsy, Esteban Torres ofSoular Grooves and DJ Baby Jae as the entertainment, party presenters Derek Jones and Josh Zulu took advantage of the atypical setting to meddle with guests' expectations.

The talent moved away from spinning Top 40 hits and opted for avant-garde dubstep, trance and house that dialogued with video projections by Pablo Gimenez Zapiola, who juxtaposed poetry atop quickly moving footage of inner-city Houston, London, Paris, Italy and Buenos Aires.

While b-boys and b-girls tore up the dance floor taking turns showing off breakbeat moves, others imbibed Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. suds; among the sips was a Belgian Wit cocktail fused with blood oranges nodding to the date, Friday the 13th.

All that plus the bar was kept in the basement, leaving the main gallery more hushed for those taking in the curatorial debut of CAMH's Dean Daderko in It Is What It Is. Or Is It?

Beating up the beat were Lynn Lane, Tina Zulu, Grace Rodriguez, Andrew Karnavas, John Bradshaw Jr., GONZO247 and Carolyn Figueroa, Jennifer Ford, Darryl Sharpt, Oscar Valverde, Yeoshina Pillay, Justin Bantga, Lane Smolen, Emily Middleton, Jonathan Jardin, David Nguyen, Chris Nguyen, Umi Grigsby, Byron Garner, Lynn Birdwell, Bita Forotan, David Carter, Kocayne Givner, Jeremy Walker, Rick Zepeda and Mallory Hawley among countless others.

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Party Watch

Distinguished Houston gents gather for Brioni’s grand opening

What: Brioni Grand Opening with Men of Distinction

Where: Brioni Boutique in River Oaks District

The scoop: Italian menswear designer Brioni celebrated the grand opening of its Houston flagship at River Oaks District with a luxurious evening that merged high fashion with philanthropy. The November 7 event featured a private preview of Brioni's Bespoke Trunk Show, spotlighting the brand’s tailored craftsmanship. Men of Distinction, a nonprofit honoring Houston's community leaders, took the opportunity to recognize its esteemed researchers and honorees, celebrating milestones in raising funds for critical medical research at Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Michael A. Belfort of Texas Children’s Hospital delivered remarks that highlighted Men of Distinction's contributions to pioneering medical procedures, such as life-changing surgeries for spina bifida. Guests enjoyed Italian prosecco, old-fashioned cocktails, and tastings from The Macallan’s 12- and 15-year single malts, along with Italian bites by Bari Ristorante. Attendees left with luxurious parting gifts, including a Brioni crocodile leather keychain and a spa experience at The Post Oak Hotel.

Photo by Gary Fountain

A.J. Williams with Andi and Ballard Infante.

Who: Jesse Tudor, Gary Peterson, Mike Linn and Carol Linn, Keith Mosing and Alice Mosing, David Wurthrich, Tom Perich and Debra Perich, Dancie Ware and Jim Ware, John Serpe, Molly Crownover, Kevin Gilliard and Frank Billingsley, Tracy Dieterich, Robert Bernard, A.J. Williams, and Andi and Ballard Infante.

brioni river oaks district fundraisers men of distinction