August VIP

7/27/2019 August VIP

1/52

volume 2 issue 4 | NovemBeR 2009 | thVIPVOLUME 6 ISSUE 10 | August 2013 | theVIPmag.

complimenta

o f s o u t h e a s t t e x a s

Still ourIdolComing off a second-place nishon American Idol, SoutheastTexas Kree Harrison looks aheadto a promising music career

ThatEntertainmen

hw dr lik

rck r ... vrydt r ppiz

M ympnynw cncrm

VIP 2013-1liv r gid

a lk br nrinin

acr KrinBc


2/52


3/52

Treat yourself.Freeze the fat.

No downtime. No anesthesia. Proven Results.

Call Today for a Complimentary Consultation

409.835.9500 - www.prevityclinic.com


4/52

EaEditor

DAVID [email protected]

Contributing WritersCATHLEEN COLE

LArENA HEAD

grACE mATHISjANE mCbrIDE

HOLLI pETErSENCHEryL rOSE

Editorial AssistantLAurEN mCgEE

PapContributing Photographers

SCOTT ESLINgErLACIE grANT

rEN SHEppArDLEE E. STINSON

Graphic DesignDAVID CONSTANTINE

AveTo advetise in VIP,

409.880.0700

Cac UVIP of Southeast Texas

380 main Steetbeaont, TX 77701

to sUbsCribE

pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbEONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm

to disPlAy thE mAgAzinE

AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION,pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821

sUbmissions

TO SubmIT AN EVENT, OrgANIzATION Or pErSOfOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE,

SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or [email protected] by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE.

A dv f hea newpapePublisher

mArK ADKINS

jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK!.aceook.co/thevia

on the coverBorn in Port Arthur and raised in Woodville, singer Kree Harrison rose tostardom this year as a day before her 23rd birthday, 29.4 million viewerstuned in to see her nish second in the 12th season of American Idol.While preparing for a nationwide tour, Kree took a moment to speak withVIP about her Idoladventure and whats next.

Cover photography: Dan Hallman/Invision/AP

c o n t e n t s

vip magazine

07 vi hoe07 A dream lake house

15 vi stle15 How to dress like a

rock star everyday

20 viesonalit20 American Idols

Kree Harrison

24 Actress/model

Katherine Boecher

28 Symphony of SE Texas

No. 2: Matt Detrick

30 vi oth30 Studio 33: Beaumonts

rst pro theater group

33 vi leise33 2013-14 SE Texas live

theater guide

40 vi sotliht40 SE Texas events

43 ood&dink43 Creating the perfect

hors doeuvre

47 vi advise47 5 great datesthis month

48 Calendar

49 Crossword puzzle

50 vi voices50 Creating memories for

the next generation

inside august33

15

43

4 August 2013 | theVIPmag.com


5/52

the only hospital to bring

advanced robotic surgeryto southeast texas.

CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth is proud to be the frst and only hospital in Southeast Texas to oer advanced robotic-assisted,

minimally invasive surgery. Guided by the hands o our skilled surgeons, the sophisticated da Vinci Si Surgical System

eatures our robotic arms and enhanced high-de, 3D vision enabling them to perorm delicate and complex procedures

requiring the utmost precision. In addition to smaller incisions,

patient benefts include aster healing with less pain, minimal

scarring, shorter hospital stays and better clinical outcomes.

No wonder physicians and patients welcome this amazing new

surgical technology with arms wide open.

To learn more about our da Vinci Si Surgical System, visit christushospital.org/news


6/52


Galveston Furniture& Flooring

Galveston Furniture& Flooring

Specializing in

Furniture, Flooring, Remodels,

Draperies, Shutters, & Blinds

Delivery to Crystal Beach forOnly $9500

4214 Broadway, Galveston

GalvestonFurniture.com

409.762.3213

Custom SofaStarting @ $899

Call Us Today

(409)755-3099

Creating Dreams

Building

Futures

www.GrantzHomes.com

McManus Company

Fine Lighting...

Furniture...

Beds and Bedding...

Accessories...

Art and More...

Our Design Team Can HelpYou Achieve The Exact

Look You Desire

820 N. 11th St. Beaumont, TX 77702409-833-4393 www.mcmanusco.com


7/52

text by CHERYL ROSEphotography by LEE E. StinSOn

Sammy Christian of Lumber-

ton loves to sh. He shes

30 to 40 weekends a year.

For years, he would camp

in a small travel trailer in

the woods to support his shing habit.

However, for his wife, Melissa, and his

teenage son and daughter, the rustic camp-

er had lost its appeal and no one wanted to

go to the lake with daddy any more.

Our big dream was to have a lake

house, Melissa said. It started as a small

project, but it grew and grew into this big

house.

texures adaural maeralsdomae hsgrad lake house

l a k e h o u s e

vp home

Casleby heLake

>>

theVIPmag.com | August 2013


8/52

Dramatic and unique

At 10,000 square feet on eight acres, the Chris-tians house in Tiger Creek Estates at Lake SamRayburn is a dramatic and unique culmination oftheir dream. As the owner of Absolute EleganceBuilders, Melissa designed and built the thor-oughly customized home in 2010. She said that inthe initial plans, the space for the boats and waterequipment was making the garage bigger than

the house, so the house got bigger, too. As theyplanned the design, if she found a special piece offurniture or art, she would add a niche to showcaseit. Also, because the house essentially has twofronts the driveway faade and the lake faade she was particular that the architecture on boththe front and the back be equally attractive.

When it came to the interior, husband and wifereached a compromise. My husband wanted thisreal rustic Colorado ranch, but I didnt want to gothere thats not my style, Melissa said. I sug-gested we mix in some medieval elements and hesaid, This is going to start to look like a vampirehouse. I like the vampirish castle thing rich,

plush textures and gothic elements with a little bitof the Colorado thing in there, too.

Ultimately, Sammy asked for only a few things space for his hunting trophies, a big garage, slotmachines and a stued raccoon and Melissahonored them all. Working with her interior de-signer friend and partner, Regina Young of ReginaYoung Designs in Lumberton, Melissa indulged herlove of textures, natural materials, curvy lines andplush fabrics.

Tile, travertine and faux nishes

As a builder, Melissa often has extras andoverruns on materials. She repurposed many ofthose high-end materials in the lake house. Sheused travertine pool coping on the stairway, forexample.

We wanted the house to speak for itselfwithout lling it with furniture and window treat-ments, Melissa said. We built in all the decora-tions. We put in all the faux work. We wanted tokeep the theme of the natural products.

A mlange of tile, wood, stone, brick and gran-ite creates depth and variety in every room. >>



9/52



10/52



11/52

Regina and Melissa also created some textured ceilingand wall dcor by using anaglypta wallpaper, faux paint-

ing and framing. They even created a faux headboard outof these materials. In Sammys oce, they used a fabricthat looks like alligator hide to decorate a wall and theceiling, along with some iron elements Regina found.

Melissa travels frequently in her work and is alwayson the lookout for quaint or unusual home dcor shops.She has picked up pieces all over the state for the house,but all of her bed linens come from a designer in Dallas.

One thing she found was that stued raccoon Sammywanted. She was not thrilled, but he had asked for veryfew things and now the raccoon has become a familymascot of sorts. Its gotten to a point where we x itup for the holidays, she said. We put wings on him forChristmas, for example. Since were stuck with a rac-

coon, we might as well have fun.

Entertaining

The house has four bedrooms, with 2,200 feet ofunnished space intended for another three bedroomand a big game room. With two daybeds with trundlesthe current game room, the house can hold quite a fewfriends for weekend retreats and holidays.

Visitors particularly praise the view from the livinroom, which is Sammys favorite space in the house. Henjoys the two-story replace and the windows lookinover the land and water, where they often spot wildlifincluding bald eagles, deer, foxes and raccoons (still liing and without sporty holiday gear.)

Other than his oce, Sammys main domain is thefully-equipped outdoor kitchen. My husband loves >



12/52

to cook, Melissa said. We have a lot of friends onthe lake and he will invite them to come eat dinnerand it turns into a little gathering. The rst holidaywe stayed at the house, Sammy was grilling fajitas,eggs and apjacks on that grill for everyone.

Sammy often cooks for his shing buddies, espe-cially on tournament occasions. Sometimes sh ison the menu, but its mostly barbecue, he said.

Relaxation Retreat

Melissas two favorite spaces in the house areboth relaxation retreats. I love my master bath-

room because its so big and spacious and has thecolors that I love, she said. On the back porch, wejust got that hammock and I love that hammock.

The outdoor coee table near the hammock tellsan interesting story and is a frequent conversation

piece. Melissa took copies of old family photos andcovered them with resin to create the table top.

She still has many projects left at the house andis always adding new items as she comes acrossthem in her travels. Shed like to nd a cigar storeIndian and a roulette table for the game room. Shedlike to cobblestone the driveway. And of course,there is still all the unnished space to eventuallynish out.

For now, during their weekend retreats Sammygets to pursue his favorite pastimes of shing andcooking while Melissa relaxes and acts as hostess tothe company, taking rides out on the pontoon boatand enjoying the amazing views.

People tell us they would never leave it if theyowned it, Sammy said. VIP



13/52



14/52



15/52

How to Dress Like a

... everyday

Rock Star

Y

ou may never have a Top 10 hit or a mantle full o

Grammys, but that doesnt mean you cant relea

your inner rock star. Elements of metal, fringe an

animal print, mixed with plenty of black will give

an edge. Take clues from the mistresses of rock

roll and be a star everyday.

f a s h i o n

vp style

text and styling by Grace Mathis andLarena heaphotography by scott esLinGermodeled by shanna hawa

Its girls night, so dont worry about

sticking to man-friendly styles. Let your

rock star shine with plenty of metallic

sheen and accessories, as well as animal

print and fringe. The nishing too-cool-for-

school touches are the headscarf and fun

eyeshadow.

girls night glam

From YaYa Club: Animal

print denim, $38; FringeTiger tee, $35; Glitterankle bootie, $49; Brassand stone bangle, $20;Set of wire stretch

bracelets, $16; Lily andLaura stretch bracelet,$12; Silver beaded cuff,$24; Gold beaded pullbracelet, $15; Silver

hammered cuff, $19;Mesh clutch, $58. FromThe Purple Door: Crosschain bracelet, $13; Wavystackable bracelets, $6;

Silky print scarf, $15



16/52

Arock star may not always be dressed to the nines,

but you can be sure they keep it cool and casual,

even when running around. Comfortable and

effortless pieces allow you to chase after the kids or run

a million errands, while a touch of unexpected air keeps

you in rock star mode.

From The Purple Door: Chambray shirt, $29; Gold disc

headband, $43; Wavy stackable rings, $4 each; Yellow roundsunglasses,The Purple Door, Beaumont, $9. From YaYa Club:Denim shorts, Lucky Brand, $70; Navy crochet Toms, $63.

rock of

errands



17/52

For those times when you

want to look extra special

for the one you love, stay

elegant in all black with hints of

gold. Balance a sheer top with

modestly covered legs and his

eyes will be on you all night. So

will everyone elses, but well,

youre a rock star.

From YaYa Club: High-low tunic,$35; Black bandeau, $14; Blackskinny jean, Citizens of Humanity,$184; Platform bow pump, $20;

Lion hoops, $12; Black and goldclutch, $65

datenight

diva



18/52

Sometimes, a rock star just does she wants. If

that means wearing a tube-top with overalls

and crazy wedges to pick up milk and bread

at the grocery store, then so be it. Just make them

say What was she thinking?

From YaYa Club: Denim Overall, $57; Purple bandeau, $14;Statement necklace (sold with earrings, not shown), $40;

Bird print orange wedge, $43.

grocery

grunge



19/52

Whether its a plane or

limousine ride, or a lazy

Sunday afternoon, when

you have to take it easy, just ask,

What would a rock star wear? She

would keep it owing and attering,

with a bold pattern and touches of

black. Always, always black.

From YaYa Club: Sheer oversized jacket,$35; Black and gold hoops, $15; Gold

mesh cuff, $33. From The Purple Door:Black tank, $14; Mocha linen pants, $25;Black sandals, $21.

peace

pop



20/52

LETKREED

k r e e h a r r i s o n

versonality

Tlete Woovlle

tve looks to solcreer ost AmericaIdolveture

text by CHERYL ROSE

K

ree Harrison has been sing

her heart out since she was

3 years old. Twenty years

later, the day before her 23

birthday, 29.3 million view

tuned in to see her become

the runner-up in American

Idols 12th season.

Born in Port Arthur and raised in

Woodville, Harrison has been the home-

town sweetheart for Southeast Texas this

year since the American Idolreality singin

competition premiered in January. Harris

auditioned for the show in Oklahoma City

Okla. in the fall of 2012 at the urging of h

sister. Though Harrison had some early

breaks into show business, such as ap-

pearing on network television on the Ros

ODonnell Show when she was only 10 yeold, she has struggled for the last decade

stand out from the crowd of other hopefu

singer/songwriters.

Locals may remember the pint-sized H

rison singing all over the Golden Triangle

the 1990s at any opportunity churches

rodeos, ball games. Her vocal talent and

stage presence was out of the ordinary ev

then and led to opportunities to sing with

music celebrities including Percy Sledge a

photography by LaCiE gRanT, RandY EdWaRdS, ap and fOx



21/52

MRINGThe Doobie Brothers.When Harrison looks back on those years,she doesnt remember needing particular

courage to perform. Whenever I was on

stage, I felt like I was where I belonged, she

said. I felt more at home on stage; felt more

myself.

Early struggles

Harrison has a large extended family in

the Woodville area, but she has lived in Nash-

ville, Tenn. the last 13 years. But Texas will

always have my heart, she said.

Harrison and her family moved to Nash-

ville to pursue her singing career, having

secured a recording deal when she was 10.

Within the year, her father died in a planecrash and, a year later, the record deal fell

through. Harrison kept performing and writ-

ing songs through her teens amid the teem-

ing Nashville wannabees. Then her mother

was killed in a car crash when Harrison was

19.

With each emotional setback, Harrison

kept moving forward, determined to choose

hope over self-pity. When the idea of trying

out for American Idol came up, she was ini-

tially lukewarm to the proposal, but decided

it would be worth a try. The whole reason

I tried out was to get a following, she said.

No matter where I placed in the contest, if Icould get some TV time, if I could just get a

following, I could maybe sell some records. I

feel real good about my journey. I feel thank-

ful.

American Idol

Though ultimately Harrison nicknamed

Kreedom was the runner-up to winner

Candace Glover. Considering the career of

seventh place Idol contender Jennifer Hudson

in 2004, who has gone on to win an Academy

Award, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors

Guild Award, nal rank has not always indi-

cated solo success for Idols nalists.

At the end of June, Harrison began a

40-city tour with other American Idol 12th

season contestants. Shes genuinely happy

to be spending the summer singing with her

new friends. For the most part, the whole

Idolfamily, especially the girls, we are all

so close, she said. Everything that hap-

pened on that show was real. Before, when

I watched it I thought it was so put together

and staged, but what you see is what you get.

People ask me, Are you faking it? but I cant

act. You will never see me in a movie. You

should just know that is me.

Dreams

Shortly after American Idol wrapped up,Harrison got to fulll a lifelong dream of

singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Being on the

Opry stage was such an honor, she said. I

couldnt believe I was in that theater sing-

ing to those people, in that circle that is so

special. I kept asking the people whove been

there for years the ladies cleaning up and

the announcers surely this never gets old

for you because this is such a magical place.

With so many dreams coming true so

Everything that happened on

that show was real. Before,

when I watched it I thought

it was so put together and

staged, but what you see is

what you get.

>>



22/52

suddenly, Harrison is setting some

new goals. In June she released her

rst single, All Cried Out, which

she performed on the American

Idolnale episode. My next goal

is to make a great record and go on

my own tour, she said.

With the Idoltour, promoting

the new single and developing

material for an album, Harrison

is so busy its hard to look too

far into the future. However, she

said shed like to settle in Texas

eventually with another place in

Nashville. Id love to have a familyone day, she said. Im probably

going to have four kids. Whoever

I marry, God bless him, because I

love kids.

For now, she is excited to be

young and on the cusp of great

opportunities. Im holding on to

my youth as long as I can, she

laughed. I already feel 33 instead

of 23, like Ive lived a few lives

already at this point. Every single

day in this industry is hard work,

but its something that I love, so

feel like its play.

Often praised by colleagues

reviewers as genuine, Harriso

is not letting all the sudden fam

push her into being someone sh

not. Im not going to be anythi

other than myself and I think

thats what fans like about me,

she said. Im a pretty laidback

kind of person. Im very social,

and feel like theres always a tim

and place to be silly. I think I ha

a dry sense of humor. Im a go-

with-the ow person. OnIdol

oany chaotic situation, my chara

ter is to become calmer.

If she can be silly, she can

also be serious and is prepared

work hard to take advantage of

her eorts and fan support so fa

To be successful at any point i

anyones career, you just have to

work your butt o, she said. A

its not just about being selsh.

about giving back your God-giv

talent. VIP



23/52


24/52

Beaumonts Katherine Boecher creditsher modeling and acting success to a

mixture of hard work, God and luck

k a t h e r i n e b o e c h e r

vipersonality



25/52

text by CATHLEEN COLE

When Katherine Boecher

played the role of an

evil Russian opera-

tive in The Spy Next

Door with Jackie Chan, she kept the

accent even o the set so shed be sure

to have it right when the cameras wererolling. Her distinctive speech was so

convincing that people who didnt know

her thought she was from Eastern Eu-

rope. More like Eastern Texas, shed tell

them Beaumont specically.

A little girl called Pippi

When Boecher was a little girl in

Beaumont, she acquired the nickname

Pippi. I used to look like Pippi Long-

stocking when I was a kid, she said,

referring to the ctional childrens book

character who wore her hair in pigtails,donned colorful socks and loved pets. I

was always collecting animals.

She attended St. Anthony Cathedral

Basilica School for pre-school and St.

Anne Catholic School for kindergarten

and rst grade where both her parents

were teachers. Her father, Barry Boecher,

still lives in Beaumont and still works at

St. Annes. She was 7 when her parents

divorced, moving with her mother, Sher-

ry, and her sisters to Kansas City, Kan.

Models at the mall

Boecher started her modeling career ata young age. It was sort of a uke, she

said. When she was 10, she entered a con-

test at the local mall to win a professional

photo shoot and she won. Her mom gave

her permission to have her picture taken

but she warned the little aspiring model

that she wasnt going to buy any of the

photos. To her mothers surprise, the

photos turned out very well and plenty of

photos were purchased.

Soon after, her mother enrolled her

in a program at a modeling school that

was also an agency. The school put on

a fashion show at the end of the course

and scouts from big agencies came. The

place was packed, Boecher remembered.

It was one of those dening moments,

she said of the fashion show. Suddenly,

everything changed.

She won several awards given by the

modeling scouts, one of which was Best

New Face.

After the show, a scout from Ford

Models asked her to go to New York.

Mom said absolutely not because I was

10, Boecher recalled. But, at 14, she

did sign with Ford. She was only 5 feet

4 inches tall at the time. She grew two

more inches, but 5 feet 6 inches is still

considered short in the modeling busi-

ness. I was very determined, she said.

I was kind of the underdog. I wasnt

going to take no for an answer.

When she came home from a shoot,

she tried to be a normal teenager.

I stayed enrolled in high school, she

noted. Her teachers and the schools ad-

ministrators were accommodating and let

her take her school work when she went

out of town for a shoot. She also kept her

grades up. My mom was very strict, she

remembered. My moms big thing wasthat I had to have a chaperone. She even

lived with agency founder Eileen Ford in

New York City from age 14 to 15.

Career change

When Boecher was 18 in 2000, she

moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

By then I was ready for a new chal-

lenge, she explained about wanting

to leave modeling. I had been doing it

long enough that it had kind of lost its

sparkle.

Ford has an acting agency and the

From the girl next door

to The Spy Next Door

>>



26/52

MOVIES TV SERIES

Her (2013)

Post (2011): Kristin

The Spy Next Door (2010): Creel

Twice as Dead (2009): Heather

The Last Word (2008): Clara

Whos Your Monkey? (2007): Angi

ShadowBox (2005): Ginny May

Just Hustle (2004): Ofce Worker

Trash (2003): Luna

Crossroads (2002): Dylans Other Girl

Shop club (2002)

Scream at the Sound of the Beep

(2002): Amber

Perception (2012): Olena Marchenko

Prentice

Past Life (2010): Jenny Stafford

Supernatural (2009): Lilith

Heroes (2009): Alena

The Closer (2008): Callie Rivers

Mad Men (2007): Annie

CSI: NY (2005): Nicole Jordan

The Tracy Morgan Show (2003): Sparkle

CSI (2003): Red Rider

Malcolm in the Middle (2002): Greta

ER (2001): Jenny

Undressed (2001): Bobbi

Thats Life (2000): Student #1



27/52

Los Angeles oce called and asked her to come for the

television series pilot season to be available for auditions.

The door opened and I walked through it, she said. I

came here and started working right away.

She admits there were some lean times in the 13 years

shes been an actress. But overall, she feels her career is

on track. She credits her success to a mixture of hard

work, God and luck.

In 2009, she played the demon Lilith on the television

series Supernatural. For such a nice person, she does

evil well. Thats where training comes in! she empha-

sized.It was really fun. The thrill of being an actor, she

believes, is playing people not like yourself and pulling

it o.

In 2010, she played evil Russian spy Tatiana Creel

in The Spy Next Door. Even though she had a stunt

double, Boecher did all her own stunts. We had a few

mishaps, but he was very kind, she says of Chan.

She worked with a dialect coach and stayed in char-

acter even when she wasnt being lmed. I committed

to never breaking from the Russian, she said. People

thought I was from Eastern Europe. It was so important

to prove myself. Doing that movie was a big break for

me.

Boechers Russian accent later helped her land thepart of Olena Marchenko on Perception. That Russian

accent has come in handy! she conrmed.

Recent projects

Boechers most recent lm project is Spike Jonzes

Her, which is scheduled for a November release.

Joaquin Phoenix plays a lonely writer who develops a

romantic relationship with his computers new female-

voiced operating system. I play her, the actress said.

But being a mother is her newest role. Married to

actor Lukas Behnken, she had their rst baby on April

5 at their home in Los Angeles a boy named Sterling

Thomas. Behnken was on the television series Mad

Men and the ctitious ad agency is called Sterling

Cooper, so they thought of Sterling for a baby name. Imsure there will be another at some point, she said about

future siblings for Sterling. She knows shell want to get

busy acting again, but, she says, As of right now, I am

enjoying mommyhood.

Best and worst

The best part of being an actress, Boecher believes, is

the schedule. She likes being able to work really hard for

long hours and, when shes not working, its like being on

vacation.

The critics are the worst aspect of acting, she con-

tends. Its hard not to take it personally, she admits, and

she tries to shut it out. It can take its toll, she said. I

dont read gossip magazines. Its hard to have your life

picked apart. It makes me sad.

Making progress

Its really important that with everything I do its

better than I did before, Boecher said of her acting. Id

like to win a Golden Globe win some awards.

She also strives to be a better person. I want to know

that Ive always made progress, she said. I want to

know that I left a better person than I came. Its all about

progress. VIP


medspa & laser centerskinologie@ baptist hospital, 810 hospital dr., suite 100409.833.0342 www.skinologie.com

laser tattooremovalschedule your FREEconsultation today!

nothings permanent.

follow us on facebook at facebook.com/skinologiebeaumont


28/52


29/52



30/52

text by JANE MCBRIDE

The smell of the

greasepaint and the

roar of the crowd

have lured many a

wide-eyed young girl

to the stage. Some have been able to turn

talent and determination into success.

Others struggle before nally giving up.

Ashley Burton Riley, whose big per-

sonality and self-assuredness charmed anaudience of family and friends at age 3and won her a regular slot on the CharleyPruitt show at the Jeerson Theater a fewyears later, believes she has what it takes.It helps that shes not easily intimidated,whether its singing, dancing, acting orforming a professional theater company.

Stage fright? Never. Not even duringher rst multi-role appearance in TheUnsinkable Molly Brown at age 12.

It was invigorating pure excite-ment and anticipation. I absolutely lovedbeing on stage. When I was trying todecide on a college major, my mom said,Youve always loved this. Why not pur-

sue theater? I thought of it as a hobby. Isaid, you can do that?

Ashley attended Lamar on a scholar-ship for music and theater, pursuing adouble major. Her junior year she wasspread too thin, so she decided to placemore emphasis on theater, earning hermasters.

I found such a passion for it. I haddone only musicals until then but discov-ered I loved plays and character work.

At 19, she performed summer stockat the Texas Outdoor Musical Drama inthe Palo Duro Canyon State Park, amazed

Nothingbut pros

s t u d i o 3 3

vip worthy

Area hepian eabih reiden acin rp

T

photography by sCott EslINgER andJosE D. ENRIquE



31/52

that someone would pay her to do the threethings she most loved: act, dance and sing.

My mom and I stood there looking upat the giant stage with the beautiful canyonwall in the background and I had tears in myeyes. She said, What? I told her, Ive alwaysset goals and my highest goal was to be paid

for doing this. What will my next goal be?Between her undergrad and grad degrees,Ashley worked in a professional theatersetting. After graduation, she performed as amusical theater actress across the U.S. whenKeith Cockrell, Professor of Speech and The-ater and Director of Theater at Lamar StateCollege-Port Arthur, called and asked if shewould do a one-woman show based on herthesis for her masters.

They were opening the small Black BoxTheater at Lamar University Port Arthur inAugust of 2007. (My thesis) was one of myfavorite shows, so I said yes. It was then I

met my husband-to-be, Je Riley. I was sup-posed to be in Chicago in January of 2008. Iknew I couldnt leave. I wanted to stay withJe. I havent regretted it for a moment.

Ashley and Je have a 2-year-old daugh-ter, Roxy Star. Yes, its a theatrical name,Ashley said, laughing.

Ashleys mom had wanted her to do themusical, Always, Patsy Cline. While con-sidering it, Ashley had a thought: why notcreate her own professional theater companyto produce it? She turned to friends withtheater backgrounds.

Our long-term goal is to have a residentacting company. Well need more funding,more stability and a venue of our own. And agrant writer, which we dont have.

The biggest challenge is day jobs thatcompete for time. That, and the money ittakes to support a professional group.

We pay the actors and directors and

Studio 33 upcoming eventsThe Gary Garrison Playwriting Festival

Saturday,Aug. 10: Lamar Theatre at LamarUniversity, Beaumont, $5 per play or $25 for anall-day pass. Shorts and plays by local playwrights

Speakeasy Fundraiser & Silent Auction

Friday, Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m.: No admission, silentauction and donation table, The Gig on CrocketStreet, Beaumont. Song/dance numbers by Studio33 members, Music by DJ Andrew Fison

Top left: Studio 33 founder Ashley Burton Riley and Board President Donny Avery. Other photos fromthis summers production of I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change at The Gig on Crockett Street.

>>



32/52

technicians. Its a small stipend, but wewant to build that up to a full payment,Ashley said. When people come to oneof our productions, they can expect tosee professional-caliber acting, singing,directing and performance elements.

Studio 33 has presented three pro-ductions, Always Patsy Cline at PortArthur Little Theater, Doubt, a Parableat The Art Studio in Beaumont, and ILove You, Youre Perfect, Now Changeat The Gig on Crockett Street. They also

perform at Dickens on the Strand inGalveston each year, where they put on aplay and beg for change from the crowdfor the theater department at Lamar Uni-versity. The Galveston Historical Societyhas donated to the group and invitedthem back each year.

Donny Avery of Groves, President ofthe board of Studio 33, began performingas a child. When he took his rst theaterclass in the sixth grade, he got it.

Thats when it hit me.Donny went to college in New York

City and worked on a cruise ship for sixmonths. He moved to Dallas/Ft. worth asa theater company intern, staying on as

a production assistant. He moved back toSoutheast Texas in late 2011.

Ashley asked if he wanted to be in-volved with Studio 33.

Ive always loved theater and used itto express myself as an artist. It opened

me up to a world where I could be myand be happy. Some people will try itout and stop, but I cant leave it, Donnsaid. Its hard to nd paying work, bu

I still want to do it. It means that muchto me.

While Ashley prefers being on thestage, Donnys degree is in theater witconcentration in directing. He will dirhis rst play for Studio 33 next spring

Studio 33s latest venture is launching the rst of what they hope will be annual festival celebrating new works local playwrights. This years short anone act plays are written by locals BethGallaspy, John Lara, Cody UnderwoodKeith Cockrell, Ashley Richard and AnCoughlan. The festival is named afterLamar alum and NYC playwright GaryGarrison. Shows will be anywhere from

10 to 60 minutes.We are hoping for great response

to continue this on a yearly basis so thlocal playwrights can show SoutheastTexas what theyve got, Donny said.

V


B O U T I Q U E

Best Womens

Clothing

4036 Dowlen Rd

409-239-5561

L U X ERegisteR Now foR fall Classes!Classes BegiN aUgUst 26th

Ive earned a degree and saved

$2,000 a semester.DYLAN GOOD

GRADUATENederland High School

MAJORAA Drama

LAMR STATE COLLEGE

PORT ARTHUR

409.983.4921 | 1.800.477.5872www.lamarpa.edu

1500 Procter Street | Port Arthur, Texas

NOTICENew Students must have their Bacterial MeningitisShots up to date before registering for Fall Classes.

MEMBER THETEXAS

STATEUNIVERSITYSYSTEMTM


33/52

Entertainment!

VIPs 2

013-1

4 thea

tergui

t h e a t e r g u i d e

vip adviser

Thats



34/52

Y

ou dont have to

go far to enjoy

quality theater in

Southeast Texas.

Just look in your

backyard, down

the street, or maybe head to

Houston for an evening. Check

out our source for whats going

on in community and profes-

sional theatre for 2013-2014.

How To Succeed In Business

Without Really Trying

Beaumont Community Players

Sept. 6-7, 13-14, 19-21

A hilarious satire of big business

in the sixties and all it held sacred,

this musical follows the rise of J.Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little

handbook called How To Suc-

ceed In Business Without Really

Trying to move from lowly window

washer to high-powered executive.

A Band Called Honalee

Lutcher Theatre, Orange

Sept. 7

A tribute to the music of Peter, Paul

& Mary, and their friends in the folk

movement of the 1960s. Musically

accomplished, interactive and ener-getic, the show features the music

of Peter, Paul & Mary, as well as Bob

Dylan, Simon and Garfunkle, Pete

Seeger, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell,

The Mamas And The Papas, The

Weavers and Judy Collins.

September>>

November>>

Musical, comedy

Musical, drama

Play, comedy

Play, drama

Concert, music tribute,

dance, other event

VIP picks

text compiledby grace mathis

Boeing Boeing


Oct. 18-19, 25-26, 31-Nov. 2Parisian lothario Bernard, who

has Italian, German and Ameri-

can ances, each beautiful

airline hostesses with frequent

layovers. He keeps one up,

one down and one pending

until unexpected schedule

changes bring all three

to Paris and Ber-

nards apartment at

the same time.

Almost, Maine

Lamar University

Oct. 24-Nov. 2Almost, Maine is a play by John

Cariani, comprising nine short

plays that explore love and loss in

a remote, mythical almost-town

called Almost, Maine. It premiered

at the Portland Stage Company

in Portland, Maine in 2004 where

it broke box ofce records and

garnered critical acclaim.

Beyond Glory


Nov. 5Hear the voices of eight veter-

ans from World War II, Korea

and Vietnam,

rendering rst

hand accounts

of valor, which

resulted in the

nations highest

military award,

the Medal

of Honor.

Stephen

Lang, awardwinning

playwright,

stage

and screen star,

brings these men to life in a one-

man show that reaches into your

very soul.

Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat

Orange Community Players

Nov. 7-9, 14-17

This Andrew Lloyd Webber mus

is based on the coat of many c

ors story of Jos

from the Bibles

Book of Genesis.

show has little spo

dialogue; it is com

pletely sung-throug

Its family-friendly s

ryline, universal the

and catchy music ha

resulted in numerousproductions.

The 39 Steps


Sept. 19-21, 26-29

The 39 Steps is a melodrama

adapted from the 1915 novel b

John Buchan and the 1935 lm

by Alfred Hitchcock. The playsconcept calls for the entirety of

the 1935 adventure lm to be

performed with a cast of only fo

One actor plays the hero, Richa

Hannay, an actress (or sometim

actor) plays the three women w

whom he has romantic entangl

ments, and two other actors pla

every other character in the sho

heroes, villains, men, women,

children and even the occasion

inanimate object. This often re-

quires lightning fast quick-chanand occasionally for them to pla

multiple characters at once. Th

the lms serious spy story is

played mainly for laughs.

t

ts

h

e

st

d,

tar,

s ase on

d

p

Its

ryl

an

respro



35/52

Shakespeares Much

Ado About Nothing

Port Arthur Little Theatre

Sept. 20-22, 27-29, Oct. 4-6

A classic Shakespearean comedy

thought to be the blueprint for the

modern romantic comedy. Claudio& Hero are deeply in love & plan to

marry, but the villainous Don John

sets out to thwart them with his

sullen attitude and a terrible prank

at Heros expense. Yet, as with any

good romance, everything ends

up happily ever after. Filled with

wit, a faked death and wonderful

plot twists, theres enough here for

Shakespeare lovers & Shakespeare

novices alike.

VIP says: An annual Shake-

speare play keeps the doctoraway. Well, not necessarily, but

laughter is surely good for the

soul, and if youve never seen a

Shakespeare comedy, then dont

pass up this opportunity.

Disney Live! Three Classic

Fairy Tales

Beaumont Civic Center

Oct. 18

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald

Duck and Goofy as they bring the

timeless fairytale adventures ofCinderella, Beauty and The Beast,

and Snow White and the Seven

Dwarfs to life. Featuring dynamic

storytelling, award winning music,

stunning costumes and glittering

special effects, audiences will be

captivated by the humor, fun and

adventure of these spellbinding

stories. Dream with the prin-

cesses, cheer for the heroes as

they conquer evil villains, and

marvel as these classic tales

are brought to life in atheatrical experience thats

pure magic.

Beauty and the Beast


Oct. 22-23

Youve seen the classic Disney

movie. Now see it reinterpreted on

stage. The kids will love it.

A View From the Bridge

Lamar University

Director: Steven Hoffman Jr.

Sept. 26-29

Eddie Carbone, an Italian American

longshoreman, lives with his wife

Beatrice and his orphaned nieceCatherine. Eddie has an improper

love of, and almost obsession with,

Catherine. His attachment to her

is brought into perspective by the

arrival from Italy of Beatrices two

cousins, Marco and Rodolpho. They

have entered the country illegally,

hoping to leave behind hunger and

unemployment for a better life in

America. The play ends tragically,

and is lled throughout with emo-

tion and drama.

October >>

S

Memphis


Nov. 22-23From the underground dance

clubs of 1950s comes a hot new

Broadway musical that bursts off

the stage with explosive dancing,

irresistible songs and a thrilling tale

of fame and forbidden love. Winner

of four 2010 Tony Awards including

Best Musical, Memphisis about

a radio DJ who wants to change

the world and a club singer who

is ready for her big break. Come

along on their incredible journey to

the ends of the airwaves lledwith laughter, soaring emotion and

roof-raising rock n roll.

Annie


Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 12-14Leapin Lizards! The popular comic

strip heroine takes center stage in

one of the worlds best-loved mus

cals. With equal measures of pluck

and positivity, little orphan Annie

charms everyones hearts, despite

a next-to-nothing start in 1930s

New York City. She is determined t

nd her parents, who abandoned

her years ago on the doorstep of

a New York City Orphanage run by

the cruel, embittered Miss Hanni-

gan. With the help of the other girlin the orphanage, Annie escapes

to the wondrous and magical world

of NYC. She nds a new home

and family in billionaire Oliver

Warbucks, his personal secretary

Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt

named Sandy.

I Do! I Do!


November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24Its Michael & Agness wedding day

and with the vows behind them,

they (and the audience) embark on

their life journey together. Following

the couple through their wedding

day, raising a family, indelity and

mid-life crises, the show touches

on themes of love, forgiveness and

reconnection.

Dr. Seuss How the Grinch

Stole Christmas


Nov. 16

The record-setting Broadway

holiday sensation based on the

original animated special, makes

its Lutcher debut. Max the Dog

narrates as the mean and schem-

ing Grinch, whose heart is two

sizes too small, decides to steal

Christmas away from the Holiday

loving Whos.



36/52

The Miracle Worker


March 7Produced by Montana Repertory

Theatre, The Miracle Workertells

the story of Helen Keller, deaf and

blind since infancy, who nds her

way into the world of knowledge

and understanding with the help

of Anne Sullivan, her gifted tutor.

In some of the most turbulent

and emotion-packed scenes ever

presented on the stage, Helen

overcomes rage and confusion

to triumph over her physical dis-

abilities.

VIP says: There is nothing like

seeing an emotionally impactful

stage production. Do yourself a

favor and dont miss this play

that will give you a whole new

perspective on the life of a

signicant historical gure.

Cabaret The Musical


Jan 17-18, 24-

30-Feb. 1

An aspiring

writer name

Cliff Bradshahas traveled

Berlin in searc

of inspiration

when happens

upon Sally Bow

at a cabaret call

the Kit Kat Klub.

ends up moving i

with him in a boa

ing house run by Frulein Schn

der and her suitor, Herr Schultz

a Jewish fruit-shop owner. As th

Nazis grow stronger, everythingthrown into disarray. Musical nu

bers include It Couldnt Please

More, Willkommen, Cabaret, Do

Tell Mama and Two Ladies.

American Idiot


Dec. 16

The New York Times calls Ameri-

can Idiotthrilling and emotionally

charged, as moving as anything on

Broadway! Based on Green Daysground-breaking rock opera of the

same name, this daring new musi-

cal tells the story of three lifelong

friends, forced to choose between

their dreams and the safety of

suburbia, and features the smash

hits Boulevard of Broken Dreams,

Holiday and 21 Guns.

Four Stand-Up Dads


Jan. 3

Forget your troubles

for a while and laugh

at life. The Four

Stand-Up Dadsareso funny they bring

tears. Comedians

Dan St. Paul, Tim

Bedore, Kelly

McDonald and

Milt Abel turn

their wit and

nutty observa-

tions about family life into a show

that keeps the audience laughing

almost from beginning to end.

Each comic performs a routine

infused with good-spirited humor,along with a little tenderness about

parents, wives and cherished but

maddening children.

A Soldiers Play

Beaumont Community Players/

Common Ground Performing Arts

Feb 21-22, 28-March 1, 6-8

In a Louisiana army camp in 1944

Capt. Taylor, the white C.O., has a

problem. He commands a black

company whose sergeant has been

murdered. He is worried the mur-

derer may be a white ofcer or the

local Klan. A black captain, Richard

Davenport, is assigned to investi-

gate. Taylor tries to discourage him

because he feels the assignment

of a black investigator means the

case is to be swept under the rug.Capt. Davenport perseveres and,

as he probes deeper, he nds the

black soldiers are as corrupted

with hatred as the whites. Each

one had a motive for the killing.

Davenport solves the case and the

truth is even more shocking than

the murder itself.

Uncle Vanya

Lamar University

Feb. 27-March 2This play by the Russian playwright

Anton Chekhov was rst published

in 1897 and received its Moscow

premire in 1899 in a production

by the Moscow Art Theatre.

VIP says: With the re-workings

of theatre instructor Joel Grothe,

this production will be thought-

provoking and give you a unique

theatre experience. It is Russian

after all.

Parsons Dance


March 14Savor the sexy athleticism,

exuberant personality and joyou

movement of Parsons Dance, th

internationally renowned contem

porary dance company under th

artistic direction of dancer/chor

ographer David Parsons. Parson

Dance is committed to building

new audiences for contempora

dance by creating American wo

of extraordinary artistry that are

both engaging and uplifting to

audiences.

March >>

A Christmas with Shoji

Tabuchi


Dec. 14

Celebrate a new holiday tradi-

tion with us as we welcome back

Shoji Tabuchi and friends. Fortwo decades, Shoji Tabuchi has

presented the hottest must-see

show in Branson, Missouri and he

returns to us again holding the re-

cord for the most sold-out Lutcher

performances. Experience the joy

and music of the season along with

Shoji favorites, including Broadway,

movies, classical, country, pop,

rock and western music.

U T

December >> January >>

Jan

h

B

of

wh

upo

at a

the

ends

s

h



37/52

West Side Story


April 11-12More than fty years ago one mu-

sical changed theater forever. Now

its back and mesmerizing audi-

ences once again. From the rst

note to the nal breath, West Side

Storysoars as the greatest love

story of all time. This revival, base

on Tony Award-winning librettist

Arthur Laurents Broadway direc-

tion, remains as powerful, poignan

and timely as ever. The Bernstein

and Sondheim score is considered

to be one of Broadways nestand features such classics

of the American musical

theatre as Something

Coming, Tonight,

America, I Feel

Pretty and Some

where.

The Ten Tenors


Jan. 30

Bringing rock and classical music

together, and having created a

sound that is uniquely theirs, Aus-

tralias Rock Stars of the Operareturn offering a special treat for

Broadway fans consisting of a

wonderful collection of Broadways

greatest hits. Expect the contrast of

raw power and soothing beauty in

this special evening of the best of

Broadway presented by Australias

hottest tenors.

Million Dollar Quartet


Feb. 14-15

Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony

award-winning Broadway musical,

inspired by the electrifying true sto-

ry of the famed recording sessionwhere Sam Phillips, the Father

of Rock n Roll brought together

icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash,

Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins

for one unforgettable night. Savor

timeless hits including Blue Suede

Shoes, Fever, Thats All Right,

Sixteen Tons, Great Balls of

Fire, I Walk the Line, Whole

Lotta Shakin Goin On, Who Do

You Love?, Matchbox, Folsom

Prison Blues, Hound Dog and

more.

Sweet Charity

Lamar University

April 10-13Charity works at a dance club

where she has seen only the dark

side of life through bad relation-

ships. One day she meets Oscar

and believes her luck has changed.

When things turn sour, Char-

ity stays sweet and hopeful that

someday her ideals will materialize.

Legally Blonde:

The Musical


Feb. 14-16, 21-23, 28-March2

Based on the popular movie, the

relatively new Legally Blonde: The

Musicalbrings the charm of ElleWoods & company to the modern

Broadway stage. Elle Woods ap-

pears to have it all, but her life is

turned upside down when her boy

friend dumps her for Harvard Law

School. Determined to win her ma

back, Elle nds herself enrolled

at Harvard as well and struggles

with peers and professors alike.

But, with the help of friends, Elle

realizes her potential and sets out

to prove herself to the world.

Hello Dolly


March 26-27Winner of ten Tony Awards includ-

ing Best Musical, Hello Dollyis one

of the most enduring Broadway

classics. Emmy-award winning

Sally Struthers (All In the Family,

Gilmore Girls) stars as the strong-

willed matchmaker Dolly, as she

travels to Yonkers, NY to nd a

match for the ornery well-known,

unmarried half-a-millionaire

Horace Vandergelder. Featuring an

irresistible story and an unforget-

table score, Hello Dollyhas beencharming audiences around the

world for nearly 50 years.

A Streetcar Named Desire


March 28-29,April 4-5, 10-12Steamy and strong, A Streetcar

Named Desireis Tennessee Wil-

liams most celebrated work. The

play introduces Blanche du Bois,

a fragile Southern Belle, who has

retreated into fantasy because of

harsh life experiences. She comes

to live with her sister, pregnant and

married to the loutish Stanley, in

a squalid section of New Orleans.

To her brother-in-law, Blanche is

an unforgivable liar. Crudely, he

unmasks the lies and delusionsthat sustain her, until her frail

hold on reality is shock-

ingly severed. A Streetcar

named Desireis a

modern tragedy, which

ranks as one of the

greatest in American

Theatre.

April >>

February >>

and Sondheim s

to be one ofand featur

of the

theat

Co

ly, he

usionsfrail

Tuesdays with Morrie


Feb. 7-9, 14-17

The autobiographical story of

journalist Mitch Albom and Morrie

Schwartz, his former college profes-

sor. Sixteen years after graduation,Mitch happens to catch Morries

appearance on a TV news program

and learns that his old professor is

battling Lou Gehrigs Disease. Mitch

is reunited with Morrie, and what

starts as a simple visit turns into a

weekly pilgrimage and a last class

in the meaning of life.



38/52

A Christmas Carol

The Book of Mormon

Chicago

Communicating Doors

Elf, The Musical

Evita

Freuds Last Session

Good People

Ghost The Musical

Green DaysAmericanIdiot

The Hollow

The Little Mermaid

Never the Sinner

Other Desert Cities

Peter & the Starcatcher

Priscilla:Queen of Desert

Vanya,Sonia,Masha& Sp

Venus in Fur

War Horse

WeWill RockYou

Wizard of Oz

You Cant Take it with Y

Ticket and show informa

tion: www.thehobbycent

org, www.alleytheatre.o

Beaumont Community Playersbeaumontcommunityplayers.com(409) 833-4664

Lamar Universitydept.lamar.edu/cofac/depttheatre/(409) 880-2250

Port Arthur Little Theatrewww.palt.org(409) 727-7258

Orange Community Playersorangecommunityplayers.com(409) 882-9137

Lutcher Theaterwww.lutcher.org(409) 886-5535

How to buy tickets

T

Houston bound?Looking to spend a weekend in Houston. Houstons Hobby Center and ATheatre offer a large selection of shows this season, including:


Dreamgirls

Beaumont Community Players/

Common Ground Performing Arts

May 9-10, 16-17, 22-24

Dreamgirls is a musical based on

the show business aspirations an

successes of acts such as The Su

premes, The Shirelles and JamesBrown.A young female singing

trio from Chicago gets their big

break at an amateur competition

However, things begin to spin out

of control when their agent, Curti

Taylor, Jr., makes Deena and not

Efe, the star of what will become

known as The Dreams.

VIP says: Combining the efforts

and respective talents of two

local theatre groups is bound t

result in a top-notch produc-

tion, in terms of acting, vocals

and staging. Be sure to get you

tickets early.

Murder On the Nile


April 25-27, May 2-4, 9-11

A classic murder mystery. A pad-

dle steamer churns down the Nile.

On board are newlyweds Simon

Mostyn and Kay Ridgeway, Kays

guardian Canon Pennefather,Kays maid, Simons spurned lover

Jacqueline, a strange, young Ger-

man man with a grudge to bear,

and an ill-tempered old woman

and her niece. When Kay is found

shot in her bunk, the

Les Miserables


May 1-3, 8-11

Les Miserablesis a sung-through

musical based on the novel of the

same name by French poet and

playwright Victor Hugo.Winner of 8

Tony awards, it is the story of JeanValjean and his quest for redemp-

tion. Along the way, Valjean and a

slew of characters are swept into

a revolutionary period in France,

where a group of young idealists

make their last stand at a street

barricade. Full of epic songs, ro-

mance and heartbreak, this is sure

to impact all who see it.

VIP says: This musical epic

is one of the longest-running

Broadway musicals in history.

For those who love the stage,

this show contains roles of a

lifetime, so you can be sure

there will be a strong cast of

local talent.

Jeanne Robertson


April 17

In her positively hilarious style,

62 humorist Jeanne Robertson

captivates audiences with her

stories of friends, family and life

with her husband,Left Brain.Her clean comedy with class will

have you rolling in the aisles.

Heard daily on Sirius/XM Radios

Family Comedy Channel.

May >>

DL

conspiracies

begin.

2290 IH-10 S

@ Washington

Beaumont, TX

409-842-0686

DINNER SPECIALS MONDAY-SUNDAY

www.floydsseafood.com

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-7pm


39/52


40/52

s e t e x a s e v e n t s

vip spotlight

Excellence in Media Awards

Pat and Patti Calhoun

Karen Gilman, Mary Williams

Nick Vikos, Melanie Lanuza

Josh Reeter, Kelsie Wilson OBrien Stanley, Gordon Williams Heather and Gabriel Pruett

Morline Guillory, Bill Sam

Kevin King, Virginia Villanveva

Darren and Katie ErwinMary Meaux, David Coleman, Cody Edgerton, Morgan Jones

Matt Billiot, Chris Moore, Harold Mann

Kiear Moffett, Coti Matthews, Rebekah Richardson, Tonya Moffett,

Macy Matthews, Beth Richardson, David StarnesRush and Louise Wood



41/52

SETx WakeboardingTournament

Kacy and Crisesth Compton

David and Emily Leger Sharon Prejean and Doug Combs

Joe Isbell and Dawn Hall

lee e. stinson


Box Fan Bash

Clay Choate, Brett Maida Rosie Kelly, Kaylynn Borges

Ashley Timms, Randi Paine Brittany Carrell, KC Shay

Jane and Scott Burns Chrissy McIntosh, V eronica Alford

John Hartel, Dylan Lundy, Jacob Lopez

Phyllis Richardson Gary and Melissa Gallien

laciegrant

Experience the resort feeling without the price!

Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

Beaumont Plaza

Te Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

Beaumont Plaza

Let us share in planning your next event!Contact our professional sales department.

3950I 10 South @ Walden Road

Beaumont, TX 77705

Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810

www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza


42/52

Tim McGrawconcert

First Thursdayon Calder

Hannah Prince, Sydney Olsen and Tracey Prince

Stephanie Montes and

M.C. Carrington

Karen and Sean Philip, Darryl and Chad Nequent Katherine and Rob Santos

Barney and Libby Mitchell

Robin Moore, Tyler Lewis

Renee and Carson Melanson

Brad Huckabay, Sandra Hammerling

Janet Danniels and Charnel le Tevis Gary and Mona Chalmers

Ted and Amy Harp, Beverly and Gary Bernard Lynn Fazio,Amelia Hebert

Andrew Messina, Shelby Price,

Rebecca Higginbotham and Leah Trevino

Jon Price, Amy Richard, Jamie Scott and Chrystal Farris

scott eslinger



43/52

W

hether they comprise the main meal

or just a whet-the-appetite snack, hors

doeuvres provide the opportunity to shine

with presentation and unusual avors.

While there are many tried and true favor-

ites of hostesses everywhere, appetizersshift with seasons and trends. Two trends in Southeast Texas that are

gaining popularity are small vessel servings and gluten-free options. On

the following pages, three of the areas most popular caterers share their

insights about customer favorites, seasonal options and hostess tips.

ArtfullyAppetizing

h o r s d o e u v r e s

food dining

text by CHERYL ROSEphotography by LaCiE gRant


Whenthe job isoaspecializednature,itpaystocallinanexpert. Its justsmartbusiness.

Butwhenitcomes tocateringorbusinessunctions, toootenthosedecisionsare letuntil thelastminuteornot seriouslyconsideredatall.Withsomuchridingonthechoicesthatyoumakeinyourbusiness, thesedaysyoucantaford tomakeabaddecision.Dont letcatering

beoneothose.Calltheexperts.CallMonclas.

When itstime to cater,

dont wait tillater

call Monclas

right now!

Monclas Catering family ownedand operated,serving

the GoldenTriangle since 1918.

(409)840-90512530W.CardinalDr.

www.monclas.com


44/52

BandosDebbie Bando, Owner

Using small serving vessels for appetizers has made

its way from the professionals to home cooks, Debbie

Bando has noticed. In the catering business, small,

shapely glassware as a vehicle for hors doeuvres is very

popular.For example, instead of serving boiled shrimp, we gussy

it up and call it shrimp shooters, she described. Well take a

two ounce, skinny, tall glass, add a bit of sauce at the bottom and

a perfectly boiled shrimp. A shrimp shooter has more nesse; its

more visual. At a recent pool party, we served shrimp and grits in

tiny margarita glasses no more than three inches high. Everything

is mini.

Though crab cakes and bruschetta are perennial favorites

in Southeast Texas, Bando also has limitless ideas for the more

daring. Take the traditional English cucumber and ll it with

anything tasty lets say smoked salmon, dill and Boursincheese, she said.Then for the more adventurous, wed make

that sashimi salmon, cured and thinly sliced with fresh dill.

Another favorite method is to use skewers for meats, cheeses,

fruits and vegetables. Bando said there are a variety of pretty

skewers available, making the appetizer visually attractive while

also helping to apportion foods into bite-size bits.

Summer avors and dishes she likes include avocado, mango,

cold soups, tabouleh and layered cheeses. She also recommends

offering gluten-free options when possible, having both crab

cakes and crab salad, for example.

The biggest compliment for me is that someone saw some-

thing we did and they try to reproduce it, she said.



45/52

Katharine & Co.Katharine Carmichael, Owner

Though there are many favorites requested by custom

ers consistently over the years, Katharine Carmichae

likes to add some new avors while being responsiv

to changing tastes. Shes always practiced a farm-

to-table approach using the local farmers market in season

but now she is also adapting to the requests for gluten-free

menus.

So many dont people eat bread now, she observed.

Crostini was popular and universal, but now a big per-

centage of people are gluten-free, so we are using more

vegetables as a base.

Some customer favorites include Roquefort cheesecake,

maple-bacon wrapped apricots, basil-Parmesan pate on

crostini, herbed goat cheese and sundried tomato salsa,

grilled shrimp and remoulade and cold avocado soup. Awatermelon gazpacho shooter is one of the most popular

choices for the summer, she said.

Estimating quantities is always tricky, even for the profes

sionals. Carmichael said to consider if there is a meal to

follow and how long before the meal is served in determinin

appetizer options. Advance preparation is also desirable.

Something good for the home cook is a coated or spiced

nut that can be done ahead, or a baked pt or terrine

with crackers, hummus or baba ghanoush to serve with

vegetables, she suggested. Even if you use really simple

ingredients, present it beautifully and with garnish. >>



46/52

The Beaumont ClubChristina Delgadillo, Owner

To Christina Delgadillos mind, the critical difference between memorable ap

petizers and the ho-hum is using fresh ingredients. You can do shortcuts,

it wont taste the same, she said.

As an example, she described spinach dip, a party staple that can be

bought pre-packaged at any grocery store, but when made with fresh ingredients

seasonings by their chef, Rodney Ellis, is so popular that customers will book whol

events based on tasting the dip.Another simple hors doeuvre that depends on fresh ingredients is a bruschetta

with olive oil and tomatoes.People cant get enough of it, Delgadillo said. Some

thing else very popular for us recently is macaroni cups and bars. She also named

teriyaki pork skewers and cucumber canaps with shrimp.

The type of event is inuential in choosing appetizers to serve, Delgadillo pointe

out. What is good for a football party is different f rom a bridal shower, she said.

key advice to home cooks is to pre-prep all ingredients and to use fresh whenever

possible. She also recommends setting appetizers in multiple places throughout th

home rather than having one food table.

What you can see is the guests racing for the food table, but what you want to

encourage is snacking, mingling and conversation before the meal, she advised. V


Integrity from the Ground Up

DETAILSWEUSEADVANCED BUILDING SCIENCE

TOCONSTRUCT COMFORTABLE,HEALTHY,AND ENERGY EFFICIENTHOMESTHATWILL REQUIRE LESSMAINTENANCEANDOPERATING

COSTS DOWNTHE ROAD.

DISTINCTIONYOUR HOME ISAN IMPORTANT

INVESTMENT FORYOUR FAMILY.YOUDESERVETHE BEST. OUR PROVENEXPERIENCE,OUR EXCEPTIONAL

HONESTYANDOUR DEMONSTRATEDCOMMITMENTTOOUR CLIENTS,

CRAFTSMAN,AND SUPPLIERS SETS USAPART FROMOTHER BUILDERS.

DESIGNWEDESIGN SPACESTAILOREDTO

OUR CUSTOMERS.WE CREATE IDEALENVIRONMENTS FORHUSBANDS,WIVES,CHILDREN,ANDGUESTS.

INTHESE HAVENS,ARCHITECTUREAND INTERIORARENEVER PURELYAESTHETIC, BUTALWAYSHAVEAFUNCTIONAL ROLE,HELPINGTO

MAKE LIFE MORE ENJOYABLE FORTHEPEOPLEWHO LIVETHERE.

7770 Gladys, Beaumont 409-860-3133

AndersonCustomHomeBuilder.com


47/52

Humane Society ofSoutheastTexas BikeRide andWine TastingAugust 1747-mile and 30-mile ride beginningat 8:30 a.m., and 18-mile routebeginning at 9 a.m. from Bruno andGeorge Winery in Sour Lake. Routeswill be marked and maps provided.Rest stops will be set up along theroutes. Lunch provided followed by

a wine tasting. Register at the KickStand Bike Shop, Beaumont, or 6-9p.m. Aug. 16 at Sertinos CoffeeCaf, Beaumont, or 8-9 a.m. Aug.17 at the winery. (409) 833-0504or www.petsforpeople.org

great dates in august

VinceNeil, GreatWhite and SlaughterAugust 17Legendary Motley Crue lead singerVince Neil joins with Great White

and Slaughter for this night of rock.Ford Park Pavilion, Beaumont.Gates open 5 p.m. Tickets $38.50,$28.50, $18.50 at the Ford ParkBox Ofce and all Ticketmasteroutlets. www.ticketmaster.com orcall (800) 745-3000.

Larrys Old TimeTradeDaysAugust 9-118 a.m.-5 p.m., Winnie. Antiques,collectibles, arts, crafts,home decor items, plants,clothing, jewelry, purses andmore. (409) 296-3300 orlarrysoldtimetradedays.com.

Tasting forSomeOther PlaceAugust 20More than 56 churches, civic andreligious organizations, businessesand manufacturers are preparing awide selection of food and beveragfor the self-proclaimed worldslargest covered dish dinner. Theannual fundraiser for the work ofSome Other Place will offer freeparking and shuttle service to theBeaumont Civic Center from FirstBaptist Church, First Methodist UniChurch and Saint Marks EpiscopaChurch from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Ticketsare $10 per person and availableat Some Other Place, the CivicCenter Box Ofce and both JasonsDeli locations and all participatingcongregations. Event is 5 to 7:30 p

(409) 832-7976.

Event SubmissionsDo you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us detailsdates, times, location, contact phone, web address

and a brief descriptionto [email protected]. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.

AUGUST 1

First Thursdays on Calder Avenue

5-9 p.m., starting at the Mildred

Building, Beaumont. Monthly even

featuring food, live music, sidewalk

vendors oering clothing, jewelry,

art, photography, recycled and

handmade items and more. (409)

833-9919.

AUGUST 2

Spice of the Season

Food, entertainment, 6 p.m., the

Event Centre, Beaumont. Attendee

are encouraged to wear attire in

accordance with the theme, Famo

TV Couples. Tickets $75 per perso

Fundraiser for Leadership Beaumo

(409) 838-6581 Ext. 102.



48/52

AUGUST 3

Mud Races Birthday Bash Barbecue

Cook Off

8:30 a.m.-midnight, the Mud Farm,

Sour Lake. Entertainment by Shawn

Newell and Straight Six. 409) 769-

5714, (409) 880-6356 or go to www.

theMudFarm.com.

AUGUST 5

Lunch at the Lake11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Event Centre,

Beaumont. Every Monday.(409) 8 38-

3435.

AUGUST 8

Pioneering Women 2013 Shattering

the Glass Ceiling Honorees

Luncheon

11 a.m., Holiday Inn and Suites,

Beaumont. (409) 842-1577.

Cody Johnson

7 p.m., Honky Tonk Texas,

Silsbee. (409) 386-1995 or www.

honkytonktexas.us.

Jazz Night at Raos Mid County

6:30-8:30 p.m., Raos Bakery and

Coee Cafe, Nederland. (409) 880-

7984 or [email protected]

Dick Dowling Sesquicentennial Art

and Photography Exhibition

The Texas Artists Museum, Port

Arthur. Reception 7-8 p.m. Free.

www.texasartistmuseum.webs.com.

AUGUST 10

Family Arts Day

10 a.m.-2 p.m., Art Museum ofSoutheast Texas, Beaumont. Explore

the current exhibitions, childrens

activities, refreshments. Free. (409)

832-3432 or www.amset.org.

Texas Country Music Show

7:30 p.m., Palace Theater, Kirbyville.

Adults $7, children 7-12 $3, free for

children younger than 6. (409) 423-

3319.

Spindletop Roller Girls

7 p.m., Ford Exhibit Hall, Beaumont.

Advance tickets $10, $15 at the door,

children 2-12 $5. (409) 951-5400 or

www.spindletoprollergirls.com

AUGUST 13

Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club

Hope for Tomorrow Luncheon and

Style Show

11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Event Centre,

Beaumont. Tickets $75. (409) 896-2363, (409) 350-1268 or michael_

[email protected]

AUGUST 15

Real Food Feast

Vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan

meal, 6 p.m., Nutrition and Services

for Seniors, Beaumont. Cost $15. Due

to limited seating, reservations are

required. (409) 892-4455.

Movie Night

The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer,

6:30-8:30 p.m., McFaddin-Ward

House Visitor Center, Beaumont.Complimentary popcorn and

refreshments. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Free. (409) 832-1906.

AUGUST 16-18

Orange Trade Days

9 a.m.-5 p.m., Orange Trade Days

grounds, Orange. Flea market,

farmers market, food and music. Free.

(409) 883-434

AUGUST 17

Lot party

11 a.m.-3 p.m., Cowboy Harley-Davidson, Beaumont. Music, food,

games, door prizes and more. (409)

842-1478.

Neighbors and Concerts in the Park

Magnolia Park, Beaumont. Family

activities, snow cones, popcorn,

drinks, cotton candy, door prizes,

jump stations, vendor booths, blood

drive and more, 2-6 p.m. Movie will

be Madagascar 3: Europes Most

Wanted; concert, 4-9 p.m. featuring

Brian Jack, Solid Sounds and the

Flava Band. (409) 838-3613 or www.

beaumontrecreation.com.

Arts and Crabs Fest

4-8 p.m., Lake Charles Civic Center

exhibition hall, Lake Charles, La.

Food, music, handcrafted items and

art. www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org.

(337) 439-2787.

Fishing For Our Future

Annual Sabine Lake Fishing

Tournament presented by the

Beaumont A&M Club and the

Southeast Texas A&M Foundation,

6 a.m., Sabine Lake and S.A.L.T.

Clubhouse, Pleasure Island, Port

Arthur. Weigh-in 12:30-2:30 p.m.,

lunch 1-3 p.m., door prizes and silent

auction. (409) 835-4212 or (409)

718-8668.

AUGUST 23

Justice is Served and CASA

Volunteer Recognition Gala6:30-10 p.m., Brown Center-Lamar

State College-Orange, Orange. Local

judges, attorneys, law enforcement,

school ocials and business leaders

serve as celebrity wait-sta. Event

includes dinner, a live auction and

entertainment. Tickets $100 per

person, $150 per couple. Sponsorship

tables available. Proceeds go to CASA

(Court Appointed Special Advocates).

(409) 880-5876.

Visions of Vintage Style Show for

Single Moms

6-9 p.m., Calder Baptist Church,Beaumont. Tickets $10 (meal

included). Bring a guest and your

ticket is $5. Childcare for ages

six months through fth grade.

Reservation deadline Aug. 16. Hosted

by SMORE for Women. Reservations:

(409) 721-5953. smoreforwomen.org

Love, Loss and What I Wore

Readers theater production of the play

by Nora and Delia Ephron, 6:30 p.m

Logon Cafe, Beaumont. The event

includes an exhibition of art work

by Andy Coughlan. Cover $8. (409

832-1529.

AUGUST 23-25

Kountze Trade Days

7 a.m.-7 p.m., Big Thicket Trade Da

Grounds, Kountze. More than 250

vendors, shows, childrens activitie

food booths and more. Free, parkin$2. (409) 246-3413 or (409) 880-56

AUGUST 25

Lamar Cardinals Football Kick Off

Celebration

Meet and greet, 6 p.m. with NFL H

of Famer Earl Campbell, dinner an

program 7 p.m., Montagne Center,

Beaumont. (409) 880-8303.

AUGUST 30

LaborFest

7 a.m., Sabine ATV Park, Burkevill

Food, show-n-shine contest, ATV

races, Jason Cassidy concert. (409)

697-1330.

Den of Thieves

Musical gospel play, 7 p.m., Julie

Rogers Theatre, Beaumont. Advanc

general admission $12; $30 at the

door; groups of 10 or more $10 eac

Tickets at Ticketmaster outlets, on

at www.ticketmaster.com or call (4

838-3435 or (800) 745-3000.

AUGUST 31

Band NightMad Anthony and Cat Bag, 7 p.m.,

Studio, Inc., Beaumont. Admission

(409) 838-5393 or www.artstudio.o

Triangle Trade Days

9 a.m.-6 p.m., Lakewood Shopping

Center, Vidor. Free lemonade, iced

and cookies. Drawing for a basket o

goodies. For booth rental, call (409

673-8982.


With over 20 years of statewide professional

moving services, Cardinal Moving LLC is a full-servicemoving company that will take care of all your

moving needs:

Commercial Residential ApartmenContact us for a free moving quote! Online quotes available.

www.cardinalmovingllc.com 409-347-8697


49/52


50/52

g u e s t c o l u m n

vp voices

text by Holli Petersen

Tucked away in the south-

western corner of Tennes-see, is a little town calledMemphis. Probably mostfamous for the Gracelandhome of Elvis Presley, thisbeautiful southern city is

the birthplace of some of the best musicand barbeque in the world.

Memphis is also the home of my mostprecious memories because I spent themajority of my teenage years in a quaintsuburb just outside of the city limits.

My memory is cast in a golden glowwhen I picture my old hometown. Thesidewalk parades that commemorated justabout every holiday on the calendar, thebeautiful churches dotting every corner

and the wooded parks, heavily populatedwith families of every variety, are sweetreminders of some of my happiest years.

The hub of my hometown revolvedaround the Square a block of restoredbuildings, anked by old trains, datingall the way back to the Civil War era. Onweekends, my mom and I would eachbrunch before touring the antique storesthere. And, it didnt hurt that one of mybest and most generous friends worked ata little chocolate shop on the corner. Whenno one was looking, shed sneak trues toher friends.

You could meet most of your neighborsand friends on any given day at the Square.Everyone knew just about everyone. And,

even perfect strangers still oered happygreetings as you passed.When small-town life got too stiing,

there were always the bright lights of Mem-phis to dazzle an eager teenager.

Beale Street was a playground. Localteens knew all the sympathetic bouncerswho would look the other way for a coupleof ID -less youth, just innocently lookingto dance in the street to the roadside soulsingers or frequent the fortune tellersand odd little voodoo shops that left yourclothes drenched in the stench of patchouliincense. It was a magical, wonderful place,even for a nave young girl who was alittle too oblivious about the world and itsdangers.

I wax poetic about Memphis and thesuburb I once called home because I nd somany similarities between that beloved cityand my new hometown in Southeast Texas.

The cobblestoned streets of Calderhearken back to the roads where I rstlearned to drive. There is a sincere sense ofcommunity in Southeast Texas that is dif-cult to duplicate invisible threads thatconnect everyone to one singular sense ofpride. Our family calendar revolves aroundlocal events the fairs and festivals, thefree family arts days, the annual ChristmasTree lighting and the reworks celebrationon the 4th of July. Like Memphis, South-

east Texas is rich in culture, diversity andunbelievably delectable food!

Yet, some may argue that if you scratch

the surface of Southeast Texas, you can ndplenty to be dismayed about. Adulthoodhas a way of awakening you to the truth ofwhats around you.

Sure, there are bad people, with badintentions. There is crime and povertyand seedy behavior. Theres corruption ofpower and dishonesty. Simmering conten-tions and public tirades sometimes cast anundesirable light on our community. Attimes, it is easy to feel discouraged aboutthe only home my children will ever know,particularly when I want them to cherishtheir memories as I have mine.

But, Im one of those people whobelieve that the good always outweighs thebad. After all, just when Im most dispirit-

ed, something happens that strengthens myhope. There are the gentlemen that holdthe doors open for passing ladies, librar-ians who welcome my children with hugs,neighbors who wave hello, good Samaritanswho stop to help change tires. There aregood teachers and loyal friends and honest,admirable leaders.

All I can do all anyone can do is toaspire to be a part of the web of contribu-tors who strive to make our community alittle better for everyone. I hold out hope and I hope you will, too that there willbe plenty of happy memories to go aroundfor all of our children. VIP

The Glow of Fond Memories



51/52


52/52

Date post:	02-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	beaumontenterprise
View:	220 times
Download:	0 times

August VIP

Documents