05/13/2026
"The library itself reflects how much public libraries have evolved beyond shelves of books. Inside the renovated building is a maker space equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters and a podcast studio built with equipment purchased by Howard Hughes. "
Why this Texas library wants people to check them out
A former Randalls is now home to one of Montgomery County's busiest libraries.
05/12/2026
"World premieres, avant-garde programming, and a city that keeps showing up for new music."
Houston’s Classical Music Scene Is More Exciting Than You Think
The city’s classical music scene is rewriting the score.
05/11/2026
"Charlotte Barker, director of film preservation and restoration at the studio, says, "I’ve found that when people don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, they tend to assume the worst."
100-Plus Years of Paramount History Are Under the Care of This Archivist
Charlotte Barker, director of film preservation and restoration at the studio, says, "I’ve found that when people don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes, they tend to assume the worst."
05/08/2026
A quote from this gnarly article in which our colleague Christian Kelleher, Director of Exhibitions and External Relations, was interviewed by the Houston Chronicle about the Houston Blacklight Poster Company Collection, which is currently preserved at UH Special Collections
05/07/2026
"Broadway’s second-biggest day is here, with nominations for the 79th annual Tony Awards unveiled Tuesday in New York. (The biggest day comes June 7, when the winners are revealed)."
Tony Award Nominations 2026: All The Nominees
Nominations for the 79th annual Tony Awards highlighting the best of Broadway are being revealed May 5, 2026.
05/06/2026
"The composer created her own symphonic fable that weaves Andean cosmology with the natural world"
Gabriela Lena Frank wins music Pulitzer for 'Picaflor: A future myth'
The composer created her own symphonic fable that weaves Andean cosmology with the natural world.
05/05/2026
From the blog's author:
"Mexico is an intensely musical place; it is the home of a wonderful range of musical styles and forms, in both popular and “formal” styles. In the spirit of today’s holiday, allow me to share some recommendations of works in a more classical vein."
A Classical Playlist for Cinco de Mayo
Happy Cinco de Mayo! It’s a curious holiday with a curious history—it commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, between the Mexican army and invading French forces sent by Napoleon III, who…
05/04/2026
"Now 76, Sandoval boasts a history that includes being mentored by Dizzy Gillespie, winning 10 Grammys and a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and collaborating with towering figures like Stevie Wonder and the "Queen of Salsa" herself, the late Celia Cruz.
But on his 49th studio album, "SANGÚ," Sandoval turns inward, with a little help from his family. His son, Arturo "Tury" Sandoval III, and daughter-in-law, Melody Lisman, helped conceive and produce the album."
On "SANGÚ," Arturo Sandoval reaches back and pays it forward
For more than 60 years, this maestro of magic has collaborated with towering figures. Now on a new record, he turns to family.
05/01/2026
Congratulations Graduates on receiving your class rings! You are this week's !
04/30/2026
"In Texas, a long-forgotten series of prison albums offers a rare way to hear what incarceration sounded like decades ago."
When Texas prison inmates recorded music behind the walls | Houston Public Media
In Texas, a long-forgotten series of prison albums offers a rare way to hear what incarceration sounded like decades ago.
04/29/2026
"Hamilton’s Grant Avenue Studio has recorded Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot and is still makes music"
Hamilton studio that recorded Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash and many more celebrates 50 years of music | CBC News
Grant Avenue Studio was founded by legendary Canadian record producer and musician Daniel Lanois and partners in 1976, and has been helping make Canadian music history since then. Current owner Mike Bruce says the charm that brought Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot and more to the studio lingers 50 yea...