Live Music Movement Foundation is excited to invite you to a special evening with renowned bassist Marcos Varela, who will be performing live at the Houston Piano Company on November 1 at 7:00 pm. One night only. 

On the last Saturday evening in July, Live Music Movement hosted a concert featuring Houston’s hidden gem, vocalist Henrietta Robinson. 

This summer provided a wonderful opportunity for travel, music, and entertainment. After the remarkably busy time in DTH, I had the opportunity to travel to Punta Cana Dominican Republic for a destination wedding. I experienced various delicious meals while enjoying the sun and waves on the beach.  

 An unscheduled trip allowed me to visit New York City to experience the Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The exhibition explored "the comprehensive and far-reaching ways in which Black artists portrayed everyday modern life."  There were more than 160 works of painting, sculpture, photography, and film that explored the new Black cities that took shape in the 1920s–40s in New York City’s Harlem and nationwide in the early decades of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans began to move away from the segregated rural South.   
  
After the museum visit, I had the awesome pleasure of seeing three Broadway shows in three days.   
  
- Home was the revival of the late Samm-Art Williams' 1979 play originally produced by the Negro Ensemble Theater. The current production was directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon. Three actors—Tory Kittles, Brittany Inge and Stori Ayers--portray over 40 characters in this richly poetic tale of a North Carolina farmer who travels to the city and back all while holding true to his values, spirit and his long-lost love.  Tory Kittles is known for his role as Dante in The Equalizer starring opposite Queen Latifah. 
  
- The Wiz on Broadway told the story of Dorothy, a farm girl in Kansas who gets transported in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. The Wiz, an all-Black retelling, transforms the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz into a musical with pop, R&B, jazz, and soul music and dance. In Oz, Dorothy makes new friends, seeks the help of the mysterious Wiz, and battles evil witches. This version of the story still celebrates friendship and overcoming adversity while also celebrating Black culture. I could not decide if the Tin Man, the Lion, or the Scarecrow was my favorite character. The Wiz is a must see when it comes to Houston. 
  
- MJ the Musical Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. His unique and unparalleled artistry arrived on Broadway in 2022 in a spectacular musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, MJ goes beyond the moves and sounds of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson to legendary status. 
  
The long weekend concluded with worship at Marble Collegiate Church, one of the oldest churches in New York dating back to 1628. Worship was enhanced with hymns, an anthem, and a performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow featuring solo soprano, violin and piano. The message and music were inspiring. 
 
Though I did not make it to any jazz clubs, the visit was wonderfully full and musically rich. New York is a great city to visit but Houston has its share of concerts, museums, and theaters. Don't miss the upcoming Houston events this week and beyond. 
 
Best regards, 
Kathy Drayton