Singer and songwriter Eli Prier sees themself and their music as an instrument of change. “My message is that you can be powerful and change the world,” Prier says. “To do that, you must find the power inside yourself, focus it, and use it to create change. I see music and performance as a platform for change and I try to get my messages across through the songs I write and the performances I give.” …
On Saturday May 4, the Denton, Texas–based musical group Spectrum Ensemble made their debut with their specially curated show, A New Light, at Denton’s Black Box Performing Arts Center. “The energy in the room was magnetic,” Jaime Esposito, co-founder of the group, says of the intimate show, which had about 60 people in attendance. “It was exhilarating and the most fun performing I had ever experienced.”…
Ask Jason Davila if he’s a Houston Roller Derby (HRD) super fan, and he’ll respond “no.” “I don’t consider myself a super fan because all I think of when you say ‘fan’ is someone who just goes to games and cheers on their favorite team,” he says. “I would say I am more of a super friend of Houston Roller Derby. I think that is what differentiates me from everyone else. Not only do I attend every game ([with the…
In December, my nearly two-year long journey balancing graduate school with building my career as an arts leader will come to an end as I walk across the stage with my fellow University of Houston grads. It has been a long and hard but rewarding journey, full of late nights attending class only to wake up early for my full-time job as an educator at the Children’s Museum of Houston. And while I’m proud of achieving this personal academic milestone,…
After taking a two-year hiatus from roller derby to pursue her career as a firefighter, Sarah Harford, aka Mad Cap’n Cap, is ready to return to the rink. “I love the teamwork and comradery of the sport,” says the former Houston Roller Derby Psych Ward Sirens jammer. “I had to retire from skating for a short period time, but I never lost my passion for and love of derby. Even though I couldn’t skate for the team, I still was…
When Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker Jessica Julien, aka 2xForce, rolls onto the skate track, everything melts away and the competition of the game begins. “For me, roller derby is an addiction,” she says. “I love competition, which is why I have been with the team for nine seasons and have been captain of our travel team for the past three years."…
Equal parts social justice and rock ‘n’ roll, TOMBOi is not your average indie electronic band. Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, bandmates Paige McMullen (guitar), Alex E. (vocals/beats), and Summer Wood (drums) use music to share their personal experiences as queer women in the South, promote social equality, and to give back to their community through volunteerism. …
Crowded around a makeshift table in the middle of the gallery, we began to pour wine and feast on spaghetti. Surrounding me were seven other students who, like myself, had chosen to study abroad in Athens, Greece, as well as eight local elders. The night marked the last of our semester-long traditional marble carving class and celebration was in the air. Towards the end of the night, our instructor, Demetris, asked us to share the marble carvings we had each…
