We are excited to welcome the Houston Public Library’s Mobile unit this month!
The Houston Re-Market is an innovative monthly market whose goal is to foster responsible consumerism.  The market features approximately 10+ very affordable vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their craft.  In addition there are garage sales, a free swap (bring gently used, unwanted items and taking something new home), recycling drop off (plastics 1-5 & 7, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard), and live music and entertainment. Come out and be a part of Houston’s original green flea the 4th Saturday of every month.

Time: 11am-5pm

Cost: free

The Houston Re-Market is an innovative monthly market whose goal is to foster responsible consumerism.  The market features approximately 10+ vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their craft.  In addition there are garage sales, a free swap (bring gently used, unwanted items and taking something new home), recycling drop off (plastics 1-5 & 7, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard), live music and entertainment, and food. This month’s market will feature recycled arts and crafts activities for everyone to enjoy. Come out and be a part of Houston’s original green flea the 4th Saturday of every month.  This month we celebrate our 2 year anniversary featuring an amazing musical lineup, food by Oh MY Gogi!, and beer by St. Arnold’s!

http://www.houstonremarket.com

Feb. 25 Toby Keith
Feb. 26 Gary Allan
Feb. 27 Alan Jackson
Feb. 28 Zac Brown Band
March 1 Mary J. Blige
March 2 Brantley Gilbert
March 3 Demi Lovato
March 3 Austin Mahone
March 4 Styx
March 5 Lady Antebellum
March 6 Dierks Bentley
March 7 Bruno Mars
March 8 Tim McGraw
March 9 The Band Perry
March 10 Julion Alvarez
March 10 Los Invasores de Nuevo Leon
March 11 Jason Aldean
March 12 Kenny Chesney
March 13 Jake Owen
March 14 Pitbull
March 15 Blake Shelton
March 16 Luke Bryan
March 17 George Strait
March 17 Martina McBride
March 17 Randy Rogers Band

The Houston Re-Market is an innovative monthly market whose goal is to foster responsible consumerism.  The market features approximately 10+ very affordable vendors who use recycled and reused materials and other sustainable practices in their craft.  In addition there are garage sales, a free swap (bring gently used, unwanted items and taking something new home), recycling drop off (plastics 1-5 & 7, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard), live music and entertainment by Luke Lucas, The Moths, Lisa E., and Anton Guzman, AND some cider to warm you up. Come out and be a part of Houston’s original green flea the 4th Saturday of every month.

http://www.houstonremarket.com

Just when you think the beats are simmering for a while, the boys of Positive Disturbance flare up again with a new track that speaks to every soul who’s walked the edge between heaven and hell.

And we’re not talking about that wild phase in college, we’re getting real: the inevitable purgatory that plagues us all somewhere in life.

They recently took to the stage along Cypress Hill Monday, Nov. 19 at Scout Bar to immortalize their new track along with their older ones and crowd favorites.

“It was absolutely incredible and humbling to play to such a large crowd, but more importantly, to open up for Cypress Hill. They’re legends in the hip hop world,” said Braden Navarre, lead guitarist for the band.

Following that performance, the boys of PD were invited to play at Little Woodrow’s Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 4-6 p.m. The Cook-Off starts at 11 a.m. and of course Little Woodrow’s will be open until 2 a.m.

Let me ask you though:
What on earth is better than cold beer, good food, live local music and Midtown?  

If you’re unfamiliar with Little Woodrow’s, it’s that place you always hear about that does the turtle races on Thursday nights (on Brazos Street). Yes, they always grab some hot chick out of the crowd to… ahem, lean over and pick up the bucket for the race.

 I haven’t heard anyone complain though… yet. They also have plenty of inside and outside seating for your whole party, shuffle board, corn hole, and lots of “loungy” booths outside that make you and your top five favorite friends super comfy. Oh, and a selection of 100 beers, with at least 30 on tap.

With that said, let’s take a few moments to appreciate some hometown production by turning up our speakers and getting caught between the righteous and devious flows of some PD rhythm:

Bow Your Head – Positive Disturbance

Every artist today claims to be the perfect mix or blend of two genres, two walks of life ripping holes into the convention of what we already heard to give us something fresh. Truth is, like fashion, today it’s all about the twist.

From the name to the sound they produce, no one intertwines music and lyrics like Positive Disturbance. It all started with a rapper who put a live band behind his music, and the crowd that was drawn at their first performance laid to rest the idea of ever separating.

Christopher Martinez, mid-performance at Scout Bar

The first performance for what would become Positive Disturbance was in 2010 at the Benz Club in Baytown, TX. The goal was to show off Christopher’s rap skills but with live music. That first night was so successful that everyone knew they wanted to perform together again. “Everyone brought something to the table. We fused together well, we had different backgrounds, but one thing we all had in common was we came from a church background,” said Chris of the members.

When asked about the band’s name, the guys responded with three answers.
-Energy. “There isn’t a CD, there isn’t an album and there isn’t a demo. Just one song recorded. Word of mouth got us to where we are,” and it was all derived from that southern fire we have in Houston- the passion that takes you somewhere because you live and breathe it.
-Power. “A unity kind of power. A movement kind of power. A revolution. All of the diverse people who come to our shows.” The guys want everyone who comes to their shows to feel the power, and feel empowered.
-Love. “Because without it, you don’t have anything.”

The goal became to start a revolution, send out a Positive Disturbance over the air waves, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. The band has picked up awards such as Best New Artist and Best Live Performance at the 2010 Texas Buzz Awards. Their song, Revolutionary Culture, has even been in rotation Sunday nights on The Buzz this summer.

They’ve now played at House of Blues, Fitzgeralds, Scout Bar, Warehouse Live and Mocha Lounge in Houston as well as various locations in their hometown of Baytown.

So what brought this dynamic group of seven together? 

“The people have changed a lot over time,” said Braden Navarre, who has always played lead guitar. “But regardless, a lot of people believe in the purpose of what we’re doing. The name says it all.”  The band now consists of Karl Gaines, Braden Navarre, Christopher Martinez, Peter Huysmen, Chris Harris, Kerry Mike and Naite Ebow.

“I’ve known Karl the longest,” said Chris, “but Braden, Karl and I have been here since the beginning. It’s grown into more than playing music, we’ve developed a brotherhood.”

“It’s true,” said Karl, “Chris is deep with his lyrics and I’ve always been his biggest fan. I never really thought I’d find a spot for myself– but I did with this band. I’ve always heard this music in my mind, and that’s what we play. That can only be God.”

They’ve been in and out of the studio, hoping to get a CD out.

How do they write their music?
Everyone writes their own part and then comes together. They all agreed that usually only a few tweaks are needed here and there and that’s it. The average time spent on getting it put together: 15-20 minutes a song. It seems fast, right? When asked how they did it, and what makes their music different, they said: Thinking like a drummer when playing other parts. 

They also don’t try so hard to conform to anything and just let the music speak for itself. “I’ve always put a lot of family into it, too” said Chris.

Chris doesn’t monopolize the microphone though; sometimes he stands back and lets the elegant vocals of Naite shine through, and if you’ve never heard her sing, you’re missing out.

Naite Ebow; First performance at The Dirty Bay Beer Company- June 23, 2012

They describe the future in one word: Revolution. And their single, Revolutionary Culture, raises up some powerful truths and even pokes a little fun at the Occupy movement.

If you wanna see a change,
Make a change inside of you.
…
This is the movement
Occupy all street, my street, your street,
Bring it back to Wall Street.

Of course, there’s a shout-out to H-town in there as well. Listen to their single and give these hometown boys some love–because without it, you don’t have anything.

Follow Positive Disturbance on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

http://www.houstonremarket.com

paloma@houstonremarket.com

832-721-3571

For sports fans in Houston, football season can’t start fast enough. The Astros are destined to finish as the worst team in baseball for the second season in a row, the Rockets are in complete disarray and are praying that Linsanity will still be a thing come Halloween, and the Dynamo, well not enough people care about the Dynamo yet (which is a shame because they’re actually winning).

Houston is a bandwagon town when it comes to sports, our fans are front runners, we shine brightest when our teams win. There just hasn’t been any bandwagons to jump on lately. Come Sunday though, football is back and the Houston Texans are Super Bowl contenders. Welcome back to sports relevancy Houston!

So to celebrate the start of the 2012 Texans season here are my Five Bold Texans Predictions For 2012.

1. One of the Texans young receivers will claim a starting spot by Week 6.

Depth at the wide receiver position was arguably the greatest concern for Texans fans this offseason. Never mind Matt Schaub’s foot, Arian Foster’s opposition to meat and Andre Johnson’s… well… head, shoulders, knees, and toes — the fans wanted new receivers!

After losing AJ for most of the season last year and the overall disappointment that was he-who-sha’ll-not-be-named (Jacoby Jones), the Texans drafted two receivers in Ohio State’s DeVier Posey and Michigan State’s Keyshawn Martin. The team also brought back talented youngsters Lestar Jean and Jeff Maehl, both of whom showed promise last season before being lost to injuries.

Image courtesy of ESPN.com

After a strong preseason from both Martin and Jean, the two young receivers will be expected to immediately contribute to the Texans’ already potent offensive unit going in to the season. In fact, despite both Andre and Kevin Walter being firmly entrenched as the starters, one of the two young receivers’ performance will allow them to claim a starting spot near mid-season.

It’s hard to say which of the two receivers will be the one to take that leap into the starting lineup but for the sake of making a pick, I’ll go with Keyshawn Martin, simply because of his explosiveness and versatility.

2. Andre Johnson will NOT play all 16 games this season.

This could be the main reason why one of the Texans’ young receivers will be a starter at some point this season.

No lie. This one pains me. Andre Johnson IS the Texans.

Andre Johnson is also 31 and hasn’t played an entire season of football since 2009. For the longest time, the Texans’ superstar seemed invincible — I’ve stood next to the man, he’s a beast (also ask Cortland Finnegan ha!) — but in recent seasons, Texans fans have held their collective breath every time number 80 goes over the middle or takes his time getting off the field.

Image courtesy of ESPN

When he is on the field though, Johnson is still one of the best receivers in the NFL but unfortunately for us, Andre Johnson will NOT play in all 16 games this season. He’ll play in more games than last season, but not all 16.

Simply put, hamstring, groin, and knee injuries linger. There’s no question Dre has played hurt in years past but this year the Texans won’t risk losing him for long stretches of the season. Expect the Texans to sit Johnson at any sign of injury in hopes of having him at full strength when it really matters… the playoffs.

3. Matt Schaub will be a Top 5 Quarterback at the end of the season.

There’s a popular belief floating around Texans fans and football pundits alike that if Matt Schaub hadn’t gotten hurt last season, the Texans would’ve made it to the Superbowl. As well as TJ Yates hung in there at the end of last season and into the playoffs, this team is going to go as far as Schaubie’s right arm and brain can take it.

Image courtesy of Houston Texans

Schaub may never be mentioned with the likes of Brees, Brady or Rodgers, but by the end of the season Matt Schaub will again be a Top 5 Quarterback in the NFL. Just in a pure statistical sense, when healthy, Schaub has put up numbers to rival any of the “elite” quarterbacks in this league. Before his season-ending injury last year, the Texans were 7 – 3 and Schaub was on his way to a third straight 4000+ passing yard season.

Last season’s injury was a freak accident. Schaub was injured in a dog pile when his foot was rolled on by a 300 lb defensive lineman. Yeah, you let Albert Haynesworth put all his colossus weight on your foot and tell me how you’re feeling after! This year Schaub has more offensive weapons then he has ever had and is playing for a new contract, he’s ready to go.

4. The Texans will go 12 – 4 and win the AFC South.

Yes, I know. Predicting the Texans will win the AFC South is not very bold, but I’m saying it anyways. The Texans will win the AFC South and here are my game-by-game picks.

1. Dolphins vs Texans — WIN — Expect to see Trindon Holliday’s coming out party. Holliday will take back at least one punt or kick off return for a touchdown and give the Texans great field advantage all game long.
2. Texans vs Jaguars — WIN — A rusty Maurice Jones Drew and a shaky, second year quarterback? Winning.
3. Texans vs Broncos — WIN — This one scares me. Why? Two words: Peyton Manning. For long time Texans fans, ’nuff said. Texans get the win  but this game is the best candidate for an early loss!
4. Titans vs Texans — WIN — Picks galore! Texans defense will intercept an inaccurate Jake Locker at least three times this game.
5. Texans vs Jets — WIN — Texans first primetime game of the season, Monday Night Football. Tim Tebow can’t perform miracles on Monday.
6. Packers vs Texans — LOSS — Texans suffer first loss of the season in game six thanks to Mr. Discount Double Check himself. Aaron Rodgers is gonna eat up Kareem Jackson. Just sayin’.
7. Ravens vs Texans — WIN — Texans finally get some revenge on the Ravens. Here’s hoping for a shootout though… Joe Flacco is my Fantasy QB.
8. Bills vs Texans — WIN — Mario Williams brings his fat new contract back to Reliant Stadium. He will leave with a loss.
9. Texans vs Bears — LOSS — If the Chicago O-line hasn’t settled in yet and the Texans can pressure Cutler, this could be a win. I get the feeling it will be a tough loss though.
10. Jaguars vs Texans — WIN — Texans bounce back from tough loss in Chi-town by beating the Jags. Again.
11. Texans vs Lions — WIN — Turkey Day game will be a win for the Texans. Dre’s performance will rehash the Andre Johnson vs Calvin Johnson for best wide receiver in the league debate. That is if Megatron makes it this far into the season without injury. Madden Curse Alert!
12. Texans vs Titans — WIN – This game has the same feel as the Carolina game last season — a game the Texans should win but don’t due to a little too much patting-ourselves-on-the-back. This team should be passed that type of focus loss though.
13. Texans vs Patriots — LOSS – I WANT the Texans to beat the Patriots. I really do! Too much Brady and too much cold weather though. Texans will get their revenge though… in the AFC Championship Game!
14. Colts vs Texans — WIN — Andrew Luck should be pretty good at this point of the season but it won’t be enough. Game will be closer than it should be though.
15. Vikings vs Texans — WIN — Adrian Peterson will be locked up in Houston for the SECOND time in 2012. Hahahahahahahahaha!
16. Texans vs Colts — LOSS — The Texans COULD win in Indy for the first time. Then again, the Texans could rest their vets and prepare for the postseason. Yeah, let’s do that instead, this game won’t matter.

5. The Texans will NOT win the Super Bowl this season.

I hope I am wrong.

I am a homer. I root for the Texans.

BUT. The home team will fall short in New Orleans. The Texans will NOT win the Super Bowl this season.

They will get there but they won’t win. I know. It hurts.

I hope I’m wrong.

Texans will come up short to the Packers.

Really, Sunday cannot get here fast enough. I need some winning football in my life. It’ll be interesting to see how far this talented Texans team can go and of course how many of my predictions will come true (here’s hoping they go better than my Astros predictions). What do you guys think will happen this Texans season?

See you all at Reliant on Sunday! Go Texans!