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    houston love

    Houston in the spotlight as Samantha Brown's Places to Love premieres

    Marcy de Luna
    Jan 5, 2018 | 6:10 pm

    Houston is making waves beyond Texas once again, as world travel guru Samantha Brown showcases the Bayou City in the first half-hour episode of her new PBS series, Samantha Brown's Places to Love.

     

    Via 13 weekly episodes, Brown, a Travel Channel alum who has hosted such shows as Girl Meets Hawaii, Great Hotels, Green Getaways, and Samantha Brown's Asia, takes viewers to both well-known, and little-known spots around the globe, hitting on topics including food and drink, art and design, music, and culture and adventure.

     

    Houston is the star of the first episode of Places to Love. While it airs elsewhere on Saturday, January 6, Houstonians will have to wait for an air date of January 13, due to a holdup at local PBS station, KUHT, caused by a post-Harvey mold problem.

     

    Texans will also want to save the date for February 17, when an episode about the Texas Hill Country airs across the nation.

     

    Destinations featured this season span the globe, from the Lone Star State to several other U.S. cities, including Huntsville, Alabama, and Brooklyn, New York, to the Bern region of Switzerland to Shanghai, China.

     

    Brown was in Texas earlier this year to gather material for the series. CultureMap recently caught up with her to talk about what to expect from her new show.

     

     CultureMap: What can you tell us about Samantha Brown’s Places to Love?

     

     Samantha Brown: Places to Love is about discovering the destinations, experiences, and most importantly, the people, that make you feel like you’re part of a place.

     

    There’s a tremendous move for travelers to experience more local types of things — going where locals go, doing what locals do. The show zeroes in on the locals, connecting the traveler’s experience to the effort it took to create a piece of art or a piece of music.

     

     CM: Why showcase Houston, and why for the premiere episode?

     

     SB: Right away, Houston hit so many marks on why we should go there. I was interested as soon as I found out it’s one of the most diverse — if not the most diverse — cities in the United States, and also the No. 1 refuge city in U.S. Of course, it has a very different reputation for oil and gas, big money, and medical. I love it when a place is a surprise and we have to reboot our understanding of it.

     

    Even though Houston is so diverse, there’s a really strong synergy and it’s palpable. I fell in love with your city and the people there, and the show reflects that.

     

     CM: Where did you visit in Houston and how did you choose the locations?

     

     SB: Being in the travel industry for 15 years, I have a lot of good friends that have visited Houston. You just start talking. They gave me a few things and then I certainly do my own research of what’s happening, from food to art to music.

     

    I really wanted to incorporate more music in my series because I feel like it’s something that’s left behind when people do travel shows. We got The Suffers, which is an amazing band. We went to one of their concerts at the Continental Club and featured them and (lead singer) Kam Franklin. We talked about what it took to go from being a weekend band, with people who had real jobs, to becoming a professional band, dedicating themselves to make it happen.

     

    Another person we focused on is (James Beard Award winning chef) Hugo Ortega and his incredible journey from dishwasher to where he is now.

     

    One of my favorite things we did in Houston is visit The Community Cloth. It’s a wonderful microenterprise initiative that helps refugee women create the arts and crafts from their own country, giving them a strong identity and sense of purpose here in a new country.

     

    Everything I did you can participate in. With Community Cloth, you can buy the goods. With The Suffers, you go to their concerts or buy a record. With Hugo Ortega, you can go to his restaurants. It was important to me that throughout the entire series, everything I do is accessible to the traveler. I am not having VIP experiences. It’s all available to anyone right now.

     

     CM: You also visited the Texas Hill Country. Can you tell us about where you visited?

     

     SB: It's always been my dream to go to the Texas Hill Country during the wildflower season. Americans think that beauty is elsewhere, so we go to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. We go to Amsterdam to see the tulips. And yet we have something just as amazing right here in the United States. It’s tough to time a show around when the wildflowers are going to blossom, let just me tell you that!

     

    We featured John Thomas who owns Wildseed Farms outside of Fredericksburg. He's one of the few farmers to have figured out how to grow wildflowers. He has fields and fields of beautiful flowers. And we just talked to him. He’s a fourth generation Texas farmer. He’s a man who makes something possible that seemed impossible.

     

    We also wanted to show what’s changing in the area. We went to a great restaurant called Otto’s. It’s an upscale European-German bistro owned by a young couple. You have traditional German fare, which you can get a lot of in Fredericksburg, but they’re bringing more of a European twist and it’s very fresh.

     

    Then we featured Pontotoc Winery. Carl Money, the owner, is growing grapes that introduce new flavors. He has a weingarten on the main square of Fredericksburg. There’s a sense of community you have just walking in there. Places to Love is really about these types of places, which make you feel like you belong to the area.

     

    On that note, we ended the show at Gruene Hall. We talked to (co-owner) Mary Jane Nalley. Going to a dance hall in Texas for someone like me, who lives in New York, is another world. A wonderful world!

     

    I was born in Dallas, Texas. Even though only lived there a year of my life, I still feel like I have a bit of a connection. And getting asked to dance with a cowboy … there’s nothing better.

     

     CM: Where else do you take viewers this season?

     

     SB: We go to the U.S, China, Canada, and Europe. In Canada, we went to Montreal and Vancouver. In Europe, we went to the Bern region of Switzerland. We also did Donegal and Northwest Ireland. In China, we did Shanghai and Xi'an.

     

    We spread it out and mixed it up in that not all of the destinations are well known. With Houston, it’s just beginning to see the benefits of being on the travel map. It’s is not on everyone’s radar for a great city, and it should be. The people of Houston know it, and other people are just waking up to it.

     

     CM: Any travel essentials and tips you can share with our readers?

     

     SB: Yes, one piece of advice I give is: whatever the main drag is in a town, always go one to two blocks over and peruse those streets. You’ll find something interesting! Otto’s was not on my scout list and that’s how I found it. I walked in and had an amazing meal. You discover more about the culture of what’s happening now when you’re on a side street.

     

    Another tip is to create a ritual wherever you go. Try to do the same thing every single day at the same time. I go to the same local coffee shop every day. You get the feel the ebb and flow of locality better.

     

    And I like to tell people to slow down. You’ll get a lot more from that.

     

    ---

     

     Samantha Brown’s Places to Love airs in Houston Saturday, January 13, on PBS.

     

     

    Brown paid a visit to chef Hugo Ortega at his downtown restaurant, Xochi.

    Houston, Samantha Brown, Places to Love, January 2018
      
    Courtesy photo
    Brown paid a visit to chef Hugo Ortega at his downtown restaurant, Xochi.
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    Here are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 9, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Kesha
    Photo courtesy of Kesha
    Kesha

    People will be getting hella proud of the city this weekend. All over H-Town, folks will be celebrating 713 Day with everything from food and drink specials to full-fledged parties (stay tuned: our picks are coming soon).

    But, of course, there are other things popping off in Houston this weekend. The Dude Perfect gang will be in town to do some sports-related trickery. Many local artists will show off their work at several group exhibits. GreenStreet will throw a game day block party. And Kesha will be performing live – and that’s on period!

    So, shall we dance?

    Thursday, July 10

    Dude Perfect: Hero World Tour
    Dude Perfect will present an exciting blend of sports, comedy, and incredible stunts on their Hero World Tour. The group, featuring members Tyler Toney, Cody Jones, Garrett Hilbert and twins Coby and Cory Cotton, entertains with trick shots, challenges, and audience participation. Fans get to enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive content that give a fun peek into the group’s creative journey. 7 pm.

    Kesha in concert
    Pop singer Kesha is known for a lot of things: suing producer Dr. Luke for sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse; getting hug-rejected by Jerry Seinfeld; appearing on the cover of Black-music magazine Vibe as “hip-hop’s guilty pleasure.” She’ll be coming to The Woodlands as part of The T**s Out Tour in support of her new album, . (yes, Period is the name!). She'll be joined by special guest Scissor Sisters and opening act Slayyyter. 7 pm.

    Lone Star Lyric presents Séance on a Wet Afternoon
    Séance on a Wet Afternoon is a psychological thriller in which Myra, a mentally unstable medium, convinces her husband to kidnap a child so she can help the police solve the crime and achieve renown for her abilities. Myra’s plan to achieve fame in the psychic community is perfect until… Lone Star Lyric presents the three-night regional premiere of the opera, followed by a reception with composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz. 7:30 pm.

    Friday, July 11

    David Shelton Gallery presents “Emerging From Where?” opening reception
    When we last spoke to artist Robert Leroy Hodge, he said he’d be taking a break from showing off his own artwork and curating shows featuring the artwork of others. He’s already assembled this exhibit, featuring 11 dynamic artists who push the boundaries of form, identity, and narrative. Artists include Saj Baldwin, Crystal Coulter, Xavier Gilmore, Morgan Newton, Jake Otto, and Anthony Rundblade. Through Saturday, August 16. 6 pm.

    Houston Center for Contemporary Craft presents "In Residence: 18th Edition" opening reception
    Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s annual exhibition celebrating the Center’s Artist Residency Program features works in clay, copper, and found objects by HCCC’s 2024-2025 resident artists, including Prerata Bradley, Stephanie Bursese, Gbenga Komolafe, Gabo Martinez, Preetika Rajgariah, Jamie Sterling Pitt, Adam Whitney. Visitors can enjoy refreshments as they explore the exhibition, and visit with current resident artists Atisha Fordyce, Nela Garzón, Macon Reed, and Dongyi Wu. 6 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Shall We Dance?
    Shohei Sugiyama (Koji Yakusho) has a high-paying job, an exquisite home, and a caring wife and daughter he loves dearly. However, he feels something is missing in his life. One day while commuting on the train he spots a beautiful woman staring wistfully out a window and eventually decides to find her. His search leads him headfirst into the world of competitive ballroom dancing. This 1996 crowd-pleaser from Japan is presented in a new 4K restoration of the original film, available uncut for the first time in North America. 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

    Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston and Laura Moreno present Crabs in a Bucket
    This Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Winner for Best Writing will have its Houston premiere this weekend. Inspired by Mexico-born, Houston-bred playwright Bernardo Cubría’s experiences in the Latinx theater community, this satire focuses on the impact of “crab mentality.” Bitter crabs Amargo and Pootz spend their days talking about the crabs that got out and the losers who haven’t. When a new crab arrives filled with optimism and hope for change, can it help them achieve their dream of getting the shuck out? Through Saturday, July 19. 8 pm (2 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, July 12

    Cactus Music presents Rick Mitchell with Dr. Robert Morgan and the HSPVA Jazz Combo
    Former Houston Chronicle music critic Rick Mitchell will sign copies and read from his book Jazz in the New Millennium: Live and Well, Revised Edition. The book includes 84 profiles of the leading 21st-century jazz musicians, including several from Houston. Mitchell will be joined by Dr. Robert Morgan, retired director of the HSPVA jazz program, and the HSPVA student jazz combo (under the direction of James Westfall). They will discuss the role Houston-bred musicians have played in the creative renaissance of jazz in the current century. 1 pm.

    GreenStreet Game Day Block Party
    GreenStreet will be throwing down with a Game Day Block Party, in honor of the Silver Boot Series between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. Come and enjoy a block party that’s all about team spirit, Texas pride, and full-throttle fun. Expect live grooves from a band and a DJ, a mechanical bull, a bedazzler station, food, drinks, and something called “good trouble.” You’ll also get free parking and free shuttles to the game with your RSVP. 2 pm.

    Archway Gallery presents 17th Annual Juried Exhibition opening reception
    Archway Gallery will present the opening of their 17th annual showcase of Houston's artistic voices. Prizes are awarded at the discretion of the juror and include cash awards for first, second, and third place winners. The first-place winner also receives guest artist privileges for one month at Archway Gallery. The exhibition is juried by Project Row Houses founder Rick Lowe and benefits Brave Little Company. Through Thursday, July 31. 5 pm.

    Alley Theatre presents Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd
    Miss Marple, Agatha Christie's iconic sleuth, takes center stage in The Mirror Crack'd, a gripping, glamorous mystery based on Christie’s 1962 novel, making its U.S. premiere. When the filming of a star-studded movie in a quaint village leads to a chilling murder, everyone becomes a suspect. Miss Marple untangles a web of jealousy, ambition, and hidden truths. Can you solve who is behind it all? 8 pm. Through Sunday, August 17. (2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

    Sunday, July 13

    Improv Houston presents Pete Holmes
    Close the weekend out on an hilarious note by checking out Pete Holmes, during his final night of his three-night stint at Improv Houston. Perhaps the only aspiring youth pastor-turned-comedian-turned-talk-show-host-turned sitcom star in existence, Holmes was the creator and star of HBO's Judd Apatow-produced Crashing and TBS' Conan O'Brien-produced The Pete Holmes Show. Along with having comedy specials available on HBO and Netflix, he also hosts the long-running You Made It Weird podcast. 7:30 pm. (7:30 and 9:45 pm Friday; 7 and 9:30 pm Saturday).

    Mei Semones in concert with Lionmilk
    Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones will be performing at Asia Society Texas this weekend, in support of her recently released debut album, Animaru (the Japanese pronunciation of the word “animal”). With sophisticated declarations of non-romantic love — love of life, love of family, love of music and her guitar — Animaru exemplifies Mei’s enchantingly wide range as a songwriter and musician, including some of the most challenging and most straightforward songs she has ever written. 7:30 pm.

    Smart Financial Centre presents Disney '80s-'90s Celebration in Concert
    Disney '80s-'90s Celebration in Concert features the best Disney and Pixar hits from two iconic decades. Broadway-star vocalists flashback through a defining generation of music, with show-stopping performances, rock-concert lighting and larger-than-life animation. Guests can go from "Zero to Hero" until they're seeing it "I 2 I" with fan-favorite moments from Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, Tarzan, The Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Disney Afternoon, and more. 7:30 pm.

    Kesha
      
    Photo courtesy of Kesha

    Kesha performs in The Woodlands on Thursday.

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