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    Even Shelby couldn't decipher this invite

    Dressing like an oil spill? My night rockin' with Tar Balls

    Jennifer Patterson
    Aug 31, 2010 | 1:17 pm
    • This dress would have come in handy.
    • Nick Gaitan & The Umbrella Man, at the Continental Club for the Tar Ball.
      Photo by Jennifer Patterson
    • At The Continental Club, Runaway Sun with Andrew Karnavas on vocals, rhythmguitar and harmonica; Daniel de Luna on lead guitar; Brian del Castillo on bass;and Marshall West on drums
      Photo by Jennifer Patterson

    How does one dress like an oil spill?

    I had two ideas: wear trash bags — you know, because they’re black and shiny — or cover myself in baby oil. Luckily for everyone at the Continental Club for a recent benefit, I chose neither and instead opted for all black even though the event’s invitation encouraged costumes.

    I was relieved to see that the other patrons had simply donned black as well. (The only thing worse than being the only person in an outrageous costume is being the only person not in an outrageous costume.)

    J.R. Cohen, a smiling man in a cowboy hat, met me at the door and shook my hand, “You’re just in time for Runaway Sun."

    Cohen of Support Local, Grow Together (SLGT) teamed up with the Social Media Club and Jim and Emily Connor to sponsor The Tar Ball. This Citizen Effect charity event was scheduled near the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and featured three local Houston bands.

    It was one of many fundraisers planned around the country for Citizen Gulf’s National Day of Action with the goal of raising money for fishing families affected by the BP oil spill. Ticket sales and donations were given to the Citizen Gulf Education Program to provide children with school supplies as well as after-school tutoring services and activities.

    I sat to the side of the stage next to two young-looking guys with matching buzz cuts. “You’re going to like this band,” one said to me. I smiled and nodded but thought, “Am I?

    Because I’m a strictly into indie pop ... well, plus maybe the occasional apocalyptic neo folk album as a guilty pleasure

    Though Runaway Sun certainly wasn’t indie pop, frontman Andrew Karnavas won me over with his weathered, bluesy voice and songs chronicling a life of whiskey and heartache. Daniel de Luna’s explosive guitar work had the heat of a sultry summer kiss, and a wa-wa pedal added sad longing to his intricate solos. Brian del Castillo played warm bass and Marshall West kept time with jazzy drum beats.

    All combined for a decidedly sexy sound. Perhaps the highlight of their set was Clory Martin. A petite brunette with hair piled in a bun took the stage and belted out the soulful “Sweetheart.” The awed crowd stayed silent except for one stunned man who shook his head and whispered, “That girl, my God she’s good.”

    Following Runaway Sun were Continental Club regulars Umbrella Man. The music began as a guy playing mariachi-style accordion emerged from the crowd and joined two guitarists (steel and electric), drummer and, stand-up bassist Nick Gaitan who recently won “Local Musician of the Year” and “Best Bassist” in a 2010 Houston Press poll. One band member brought new meaning to the term “washboard abs” when he strapped an actual washboard to his torso to play rough, folk-y percussion.

    The band’s sound was at once wholly Texan and wholly foreign. Songs that started out as Chicano rock transformed into bootscootin’ country. If this band were a food it would be chips and queso and I’d eat all of it.

    At the end of the night hosts announced that donations and ticket sales amounted to more than $1,000— a great help for families suffering from the after effects of the oil spill. Though the crowd had gathered in response to a tragic environmental and financial disaster everyone left the night looking quite happy.

    unspecified
    news/society

    Comedy for a Cure

    Mike Birbiglia brings heartfelt laughs to sold-out Houston fundraiser

    Joel Luks
    May 12, 2025 | 4:00 pm
    Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research 2025
    Photo by Priscilla Dickson
    Gildy Lang, Mike Birbiglia, and Dr. Frederick Lang.

    Laughter met legacy at the 13th Annual Stand-Up for Brain Cancer Gala, held at the River Oaks Country Club. Hosted by The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research, the evening welcomed award-winning comedian Mike Birbiglia back to Houston, where his singular storytelling style had guests roaring with laughter — and perhaps shedding a few meaningful tears along the way.

    Birbiglia, known for acclaimed shows like Sleepwalk With Me and The Old Man and The Pool, brought his signature blend of humor and heart to the sold-out gala. Fresh off a 2024 Emmy nomination, he weaved relatable tales that ranged from awkward moments to poignant reflections, showing why he's a master at making life's absurdities feel profound.

    The Broach Foundation, founded in memory of James Broach, honors his resilient spirit. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2011, James and his wife Jamie Broach Byrd transformed personal struggle into a passionate drive for progress.

    The night proved their efforts are far from in vain, as the gala raised more than $750,000, pushing the foundation’s total impact past $6.5 million since its inception.

    More than 450 guests filled the room, among them Jeff Byrd, Parker, Harrison and Oliver Broach, Deanna and Bryan Kotrla, Jan Bres, Kate and Steve Gibson, Chuck Yates, Jennifer and Farzad Askari, Ilona Carson, Amy and Wynne Snoot, Patty Biggio, Sally Holzinger, Megan Davis and James Kalick, and David and Cory Le Norman.

    Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research 2025
      

    Photo by Priscilla Dickson

    Gildy Lang, Mike Birbiglia, and Dr. Frederick Lang.

    fundraisersbroach foundation for brain cancer research
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