A Late Christmas Gift: The Live Lights

By: LucyRock

‘Twas days before Christmas and before we kept going to more and more posadas and other Christmas parties, we decided to finally and gladly go check a local Houston act that has been making a lot of commotion, not only here in Houston but, also in the city of Monterrey, N.L., Mexico! This local band that has named itself The Live Lights was formed in 2008 by Bryan Khatib and Bryan Higginbotham and later with the additions of Vik Montemayor and Martin Rios, it became the and that we know today an awesome but rare mix of keyboarding new wave indie rock. The Live Lights have participated with local Texas acts like the Caterpillars and international acts like Peter Hook; this last one was their first performance in Monterrey, Mexico. Not only have they played in the big metropolitan cities, but they have also made themselves known in others like Brownsville and San Benito, Texas.

The Live Lights are heavily influenced by British rock among those bands, are my personal favorites The Cure and Radio Head. If you digg bands such as; The Killers, Zoe, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Interpol, then you pretty much need to go and check out this band. The Live Light live are pretty much beyond awesome and go far beyond the three songs LP, which leads us to believe that very soon some new songs and a new LP will be coming out soon (fingers crossed!), but in case you don’t even have this LP you need to get it asap! Go get it now in iTunes, listen to it and let us know what you think, and check them out!

Thanks to our fashion editor: Lizz Flores for tagging along, you rock chick!

Upcoming Shows:

ene 16 2010 8:00p	Jet Lounge w/ Ideophonic	Houston, Texas
ene 29 2010 8:00p	Galeria 409	Brownsville, Texas
ene 30 2010 8:00p	Escenica	Monterrey, Nuevo León
may 8 2010 8:00p	The V	San Benito, Texas

For more info on The Live Lights:

http://www.myspace.com/thelivelights

Holiday Dranks!

By Zuleny

We've already talked about holidays and how we always like to throw parties on a holiday and what not so here's one more drink to your list for those parties.

Provided by Kahlua

Kahlua White Russian

Ingredients

2 parts of Kahlua

1 part of Volka

Add cream or milk, soy milk or skim milk.

Directions

Pour over ice in a rocks glass. Try with Kahlua Hazelnut, French Vanilla or Mocha. For a skinny white russian, add skim or soy milk.

Enjoy!

She puts passion in fashion!

From the first time i saw Lizzie, she's always left me stunned with her style, thoughtfulness and cleverness on everything she wears as well as carries herself , so we so wanna introduced you all who's gonna be the sense of fashion in this blog. Boys and Girls meet Lizz.

By Lizz.

When I first read the questions for this article about 2 weeks ago, I have to admit, I read the questions at least 10 times before answering, why? well this was not a myspace survey or a gossip questionnaire you make boys fill out in middle school, this is an article about me my life in less than 20 questions wow, I thought “What do you do? (In the fashion Industry)?” this question made me realized that I’m nothing but a fashion junkie, I thought of this question for about two days, and honestly I’ll do pretty much anything for fashion flx, let’s see, a Vogue and a Nylon magazine over milk and eggs, or a month on Instant noodles for a pair of shoes from Barney's or Topshop.

I do have goals and aspirations I'd like to accomplish as I shop my life away such as having my own clothing line and become a Fashion Consultant/Stylist, but right now I'm just having fun.I think I was 12 years old when I bought my first magazine and I've been Infatuated with fashion ever since, It wasn't until I got out of High School that I realized that my obsession with shoes and clothes could also be somehow a career choice for me and that perhaps I could make money doing what I love; SHOP!

Last summer my boyfriend and I started our own clothing line for boys and girls called FORSa PINK, we had a lot of fun doing so, he came up with designs and I shopped for all the accessories to complement the whole 80's vibe. We put together 3 fashion shows within a year and had an online store where people from all over the world shopped our products, the line was doing really good but it required a lot of work and time, time which neither one of us had at that point in our lives so it became really difficult to continue with it and with hole in our heart we decided to close the site down for a while. Now I spend a lot of time looking at the runway shows on style.com, this season I'm loving everything from Balmain, Herve leger by Max Azria and Alexander Wang to name a few. My favorite designers the ones I will always go back to are Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson, I love everything that man does and Betsey J can do no wrong in my book.

It's really inspiring seeing the models walking down the runway with their designs, I can only imagine what that must feel like, which brings me to the next point, I'm working on getting products for a Japanese Inspired clothing line something like Betsey Johnson meets Sonia Rykiel, dresses, shoes, bags and all the good stuff. I am also taking jewelry making classes my lifelong dream is to start my own jewelry line, classes can get hard but while blasting The Strokes always relaxes me any music really, it all depends on my mood.

Apart from having my own line I'd love to be a Style consultant for guys and girls, It’s really important for me to answer girls’ doubts on their appearance, I mean people from all over the planet express who they are through their clothes, so it would be nice is I can help people do so as well . I wanted to be a style consultant ever since I can remember. . I don't want to pick out dresses for girls and tell them what they need to wear or what they should buy. I want to help them find their personal style and develop an eye for fashion, educate them so they don't feel overwhelmed with all the trends out there. Like a little Miss Sex in the City said "Fashion Is not a Luxury Is a Right”

Speaking of fashion, I personally think every girl should have the perfect LBD a great pair of black pumps and a well tailored black jacket, the things one can never (and should never) have enough of are black shoes and jackets. The colors I love the most on myself are black, black and more black, some navy, gray and nude, a punch of color here and there. But you know every one is different and what works on me may not work on someone else. Everyone is entittled to their own style and look, however I’d love to see less Juicy Couture, sweat pants and flip flops and more high heels and edgy outfits on the streets of Houston, TX.

Overall I am really excited about everything in the fashion world and as soon as my line comes out, I will have a website where you can shop and see my work so you can check it out and hopefully give me some feedback.

I would love to see what you all think, for all your fashion questions and for more tips, you can reach me at lizzflores@aol.com I am beyond excited!!

Meet Stephanie Guajardo!

By Zuleny

I first heard of Dia de las Chingonas by Lupe, the owner of Bohemeo’s, he showed me all the art that was exposed that day which we have showed you before. “Chingonas” means “Bad ass” in this case used as a feminine gender in Spanish that is why they called The day of bad ass girls, which would be the closest translation to Dia de las Chingonas, a day where Lizbeth Ortiz, Julie Zarate and Stephanie Guajardo had an expo showing their work and having some of their pieces on sale. We have now come to show you the work of last but not least Stephanie Guajardo.


Stephanie Guajardo, originally from Dallas, Texas is a self-taught artist who has been drawing off and on since she was a little girl. The majority of her art is graphite and watercolor on watercolor paper.“I love graphite and graphite loves me.” She says.

Most of the art she has on sale at http://stephanieguajardo.etsy.com/ is from her Frida Kahlo series originals and giclee prints that come in two sizes for six different drawings.
“I use the images of Frida Kahlo in her famous photographs. I create a detailed foreground and background that is influenced by Frida’s facial expression, her clothing, the way she carries herself or by what I think she may have been experiencing in her life at the time the photograph was taken” She says.


Her favorite artists or performers are Frida Kahlo, Trent Reznor, H.R. Giger, Diego Rivera, Luis Jimenez, M.C. Escobar and Benito Huerta. She likes MECA as her favorite Visual Art Space.
“Working with my hands is what i do best” She tells us and you can also see crafts, draws, sculpts and jewelry done by her. She uses watercolor on some of her drawings and plan to try painting on canvas sometime soon.

She plans to add more pieces over time to shop as she creates them or decide to sell work she already has on hand.

Check out http://arteabla.ning.com/profile/StephanieGuajardo?xg_source=activity or http://artshouston.ning.com/profile/StephanieGuajardo to purchase Stephanie’s work, be her friend on MySpace here http://www.myspace.com/blue_azul_baby and follow her on twitter http://twitter.com/StephGuajardo .

Xmas goodies!

Little details that count

By Zuleny

When I saw this recipe for Orange rum hard sauce on the book of treats for Christmas I said to myself here is how I can make my Christmas be a little different, some people really look forward to Christmas and look carefully what the menu will be, shop for all the ingredients necessary to cook every meal and succeed! Other people stick to what they know and just cook what’s traditional. If so you wanna dip whatever your eating (turkey, Chicken, etc) in this sauce which is super easy to make, it only takes 10 minutes.

Orange rum hard sauce
Ingredients
4 oz/115 g unsalted butter or substitute (smart balance 50/50)
Brown sugar
1 Finely grated rind orange
Pinch of all spice
3 tbsp of Rum

Cream the butter in a bowl until it is very smooth and soft. Gradually beat in the sugar, orange grind, and all spice. Add the rum, a little at a time, beating well after each addition and taking care not to let the mixture curdle.
Spoon the orange rum hard sauce into a small serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let chill until required.

Natural artist.

Meet Julie Zarate!

By Zuleny

Julie Zarate is one of our Houstonians we are proud to present ya’ll her work is exquisite and it can only get better!

Julie Zarate was born on November 17th 1970 her favorites artists are Diego Rivera, George Yepes, Gustay Klimt, Erte, Aubrey Beardsley, Paul Gaupin, Edgar Degas, Jack Vettriano, Juarez Machado, Edward Hopper, Vincent Van Gogh, Michael Viner, Alexander Calder, Maxfield Parrish, Henri Matisse, Leonardo Da Vinci, Patrick Nagel and Tamara de Lempicka.

Julie is a natural artist and composer of art on paper.
“Since the day I picked up a pencil, I was drawn in. The feel of the lead against paper, being able to create worlds from nothingness, it was a very powerful feeling.” She says.

Mostly self-taught, she’s gathered books on other artists and copied their work,
“When I was younger, I based my success on how accurate I could portray their work. As I grew older, I realized success lay in my finding my own way, my own style, forever my worst critic, I feel I have to yet succeed, but rather than expressing my humility, you be the judge” Julie says.
Within her galleries, you will find the culmination of many hours, weeks, years of her work. Whether influenced by Gaugin, Nagel, Rivera or any artist she’s come across her journey. Enjoy!

Check http://www.etsy.com/shop/six06?page=1 for more of her work which is also available for purchase.

Thanksgiving Super Foods!

Cranberry Berry Healthy Berry Yummy!

By: Killer Chef

Hello, hoping you had a very nice Thanksgiving here a quick recap of what my favorite part was! Hope you like it! Introducing you all. CRANBERRIESSS!!!

Cranberries are glossy and red. They grow on trailing vines in marshes or bogs. The berries are at their pick in Fall and early Winter. Cranberries are a very good source of fiber, as well as vitamin C and other cancer-fighting antioxidants. Eating them regularly may support the immune system, promote digestive and urinary tract health and raise the body’s levels of HDL, otherwise known as good cholesterol. Buy them fresh whenever possible, or fresh frozen. Dried Cranberries are rich in nutrients but often are sweetened to offset their tartness. Choose deeply colored plum berries that feel firm. At home pick on the Cranberries and get rid of any mushy ones, store the rest unwashed and wrapped in plastic and the refrigerator, where they’ll last for up to 2 months. If well sealed in plastic, Cranberries will last for up to a year in the freezer. Try in quick breads, muffins and coffee cakes, or simmered in autumn fruit chutney with apples and pears or in sorbets!


CRANBERRY AND VANILLA BEAN SORBET
1 12- ounce package fresh or frozen cranberries about 3 cups.
2 ½ Cups of water
2 Cups of sugar
½ Teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise
¼ Cup fresh lemon juice
Combine cranberries, 2 ½ cups water, sugar and coarse salt in large pan heavy saucepan. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean. Add bean to mixture and bring to boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low; simmer until cranberries pop and are soft, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Remove vanilla bean from cranberry mixture. Working in batches, puree cranberry mixture in blender. Strain into large bowl; discard solids. Stir in lemon juice. Refrigerate cranberry mixture until well chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Transfer cranberry mixture to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer sorbet to container; cover and freeze.
For more log on to http://www.bonappetit.com/

Have you heard about Los Hijos de Manuela?

By: LucyRock

A few days ago, we went to check out the local band "Los Hijos De Manuela" and to tell you the truth they are pretty rad, they play their own music in which they include a nice balad named "Claro" which we totally recomend you hear asap, and even came out to play two covers one of them the very well known "Suena Mi Esqueleto" by famous ska band Vicitmas Del Doctor Cerebro. If your into listening to a quality good pop rock local band, make sure you are on the look out and come out to their next show. This are just a few pics of what you missed!

Check their music and upcoming shows in their myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/loshijosdemanuela

Thank you to RockenHouston for the access!

Houston's got art!

By: Zuleny


Hello friends! As everyone is now getting ready for Thanksgiving break (and so are we) we’d love you to check out this weekend’s cultural art event in the Houston Area, Music, Poetry, Theater, Dance, Film and Visual Arts will be some of the ingridients, we are sure you don’t wanna miss out. One of our favorite one is Lizbeth Ortiz, we do love her work and we are sure you all are gonna love it too. Check it out son!

Lizbeth Ortiz is a Houston-based artist born in Mexico City but moved to the U.S when she was only 2 years old, she later moved back to Mexico as she learned more about her culture and traditions. Lizbeth attended to High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX and she majored in Visual Arts and graduated in 1994. Some of her work is themed around phases of love as a result of witnessing the September 11th terrorist attack. Lizbeth’s first solo show was in October 2001 which would become the first of many “Dia de los Muertos” exhibit for her to create.

Lizbeth is a member of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and has worked with artists such as Amalia Mesa-Bains and Delilah Montoya.
Today Lizbeth continues to collaborate with various oriented organizations as Teatro Bilingue de Houston and The Houston Institute for Culture.

More info on Lizbeth Ortiz’s work log on to http://www.lizbethortiz.com/

Don’t miss the chance to meet her at Chiahui Nahui a show in honor to Native American History Month at The Ripley House on 4410 Navigation, Houston, Tx 77011. Other artirts will be there as well such as, MJO, Jesus Navarrete, Tony Briones, Skees 181, Abidemi Olowonira, Stephanie Guajardo (one of our favorites and friends of Kinetic) and Robert Castillo. Music by Tres Alacranes, Tribe of Anga, Los Pistoleros and El Tlazho. Performers such as Danza Azteca, Kuumba Kids, Colombian Orchid Ballet, Rhythm Soldiers and Cafu Capoeira plus the’ll be having World tianguis vendors and poetry reading by Poets around the world tour. Don’t miss it!

El Arte de Nueva America

LatinTron DJ's: Zuleny Garcia and Edson Sanchez

By: LucyRock

So could have thought it? In one of our favorite chill spots Bohemeo's the Latintron Dj's hosted a massive musical listening party! Listening party that we not only went to distress over final projects time, but also and most importantly to hear some awesome quality good music!

We got to hear first hand:

Quiero Club - Nueva America

If you haven't heard them you need to, these crazy techno rock kiddos are one of the best bands coming out of the Monterrey Indie Scene. They play in either and both English and Spanish without any accent problems; and can make you boogie more than any song done by Ricky Martin or any other commercial Latin American artist. This particular band has played alongside to Kinky, Paramore, The Kooks and The Flamming Lips and even opened up for Depeche Mode.

For more musica and see their upcomign events check their website: http://yotambienquieroclub.com/

Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - El Arte De La Elegancia

One of the biggest bands in the Latin Alternative Music World, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs have managed to do it again, and have decided to release a bunch of pop covers of their own B-side tracks, if your a die hard core fan, you'll probably start wondering by the second song and scream why did LFC went pop? But if your like me and adore them no matter what, specially that song "Matador" you'll like it; not their greatest work but I still dig it!

for more info on this crazily good original ska band go to their own website! http://www.fabulosos-cadillacs.com/

and the New cd releases of: Morrisey and Nirvana

Fun fun fun fest recap!

By: Zuleny

Hellow peeps! As we try to recover from the Fun Fun Fun Friggin’ Fabulous Fest and after parties (which actually we made it to a couple of them after we finished writing this quick recap!) Here is a little something, something from Austin to wherever you might be reading this.

Austin never stops jammin’ as proof of that is Fun Fun Fun Festival ’09 at The Waterloo Park, two days filled with awesome music , 90 artists sharing 4 stages, Ramps to skate and a VIP full of free booze, (in which we thank FFF crew for letting us be part of that)FREE Frito pies and veggie kabobs which we think is kinda cool .

Crystal Castles Photo by Stefan Covert from The Austinist.

To be honest with you all i had not seen any of these artists before they amazed the hell out of everyone in the crowd with songs like Sid and Seth by Les Savy Fav and Street Jizz by Ssion.

Cool Kids were seen at the Beauty Bar later on that night in which they had a guest dj set.

Day 2, Sunday also began at noon with The Roller on the Black Stage followed by one of the most awesome Austinities and of course friends of Kinetic, also one of our favorites Peligrosa All-Stars, who usually play at Creekside and pack it crazy everytime (hopefully we’ll have more about them later)on the Blue Stage and following the others according Sunday’s schedule.
Favorites on Sunday were Peligrosa All-Stars, Health, the King Khan & BBQ Show, Buraka Som Sistema which started kinda late they still played power jams!, Crystal Castles was amazing and of course “Crime Wave” was a must!, Of Montreal and with no doubt Kid Sister closing day two on the Blue Stage with an awesome set. It ended about 10:00pm both days.

Mix Hell had an after party at The Beauty Bar, King Khan was at Red 7, The Trail of Death at The Mohawk and Discotronix at Plush, unfourtunately we didn’t get to go to all of them but heard they were a blast!
We’d like to thank the Fun fun fun fest crew and The Austinst for all the help!

We feel USED and love it!!!

By Lucia M

According to Bert Mc Craken, lead singer of the U.S. band The Used, 11.06.09 Friday night inside the House of Blues and in front of 1,300 fans “Houston ---- did it!.” Coming out of a small town in Utah, The Used has been the American rock band to follow since; their debut album “The Used” raised them to fame in June of 2002. Now 4 albums, and even though their original drummer recently left them, this emo-punk-alternative rock band has managed to remain strong, fact that was proven in their concert when their fans went basically nuts with every single song; they played oldies and nuevecitas like “The Taste of Ink” “Buried Myself Alive” “Blood On My Hands“ “On My Own” the last one in Acoustic… yes guys, these hardcore machos can pull out an acoustic guitar and still be awesome! Every single person sang, jumped, mashed and ran against each other the whole time, it was bananas! We will definitely go back and see them when they fulfill their promise of coming back!!
Two smaller bands opened up for them, the punk band “Brand A” http://www.myspace.com/drivea from Los Angeles, California; whose influences are some of our favorite punk bands “Green Day” “The Misfits” “MXPX” and whose singer Bruno decided to crowd surf during one the song “Can’t Sleep It Off” while the audience flicked them off at their request.
“The Almost” the rock band from Florida built and made by Under oath drummer Aaron Gillespie, now promoting their sophomore album “Monster Monster” is a Christian band, that was able to hype the Houston crowd just like “Drive A” minus the cursing and flicking of.. que monos!
All in all, this was a concert that anyone fan or not, would have love to be in; I personally not until a month or two liked their music and their show is a must see for any rockero. Next time they come, make sure you check them out you really do not want to miss them!

Here's a few picks of what you missed:






Ps. We love them even more, because they brought a 12 yr old fan to the stage with her older brother, and took them backstage, chulos!!

Halloween week the yummy part!

Halloween Goodies!!!

By: Killer Chef and Fat Kid loves Cake

We all love Halloween season for the costumes and parties and these lead to our favorite part which is drinks and food!! As you might not know Fat Kid is of the hispanic heritage bringing to the table the flavor and since i'm Irish i bring nothing but drunkeness, We decided to be fair and get you all something we both love! Candy Corn!! but wait this is our gourmet Candy Corn. Enjoy!

Candy Corn Cordials da Drink!!!

Ingredients

For the infused vodka:
1/2 cup candy corn
1 1/2 cups vodka
For the cordials:
2 ounces orange liqueur
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 large egg white
Candy corn, for garnish

Directions
Infuse the vodka: Combine the candy corn and vodka in an airtight container; set aside for at least 3 hours, then strain.
Make the cordials: Add 4 ounces of the candy corn vodka, the orange liqueur, lemon juice and egg white to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Strain into 2 chilled martini glasses and garnish with candy corn. Drink and get crunk!

Halloween week!

Happy Belated Halloween!



By: Tiger goes grrr!



Good afternoon! After a long week and lost of drinks too, we are trying to put this together for you guys! Hoping you all had a safe Halloween and for some Dia de Muertos. We celebrated both because we just love to celebrate hollidays.







Last October 29th Mexican alternative band group "Plastilina Mosh" in which Jonás and Alejandro Rosso are the lead, blasted the Escapade. This awesome band has achieved, since the release of their 1997 single-debut 'Niño Bomba', both critical and commercial success. The group often mixes several music styles like rap, dance and rock while often switching between English and Spanish and several other languages in the same song.



They played sets of 3 songs alternating with Venezuelan band "Amigos Invisibles" which we have to talk about too! for more info on their music check out http://www.pmosh.com/ Don't let any language be a barrier!! Besides they have tons of songs in English.

Amigos Invisibles was also a part of these event, making theis panas sing along with them to "Mentiras" and "El Barro" these guys just won the Latin Grammy for the Best Alternative Latin Album. Amigos Invisibles is a Venezuelan band that plays a blend of disco, jazz and funk mixed with Latin rhythms. For more on the their wonder go to www.amigosinvisibles.com

Also our fellow friends from www.rockenhouston.com will be posting soon interviews on them.

Kinetic on the works!

KINETiC the zine

evolving worlds.

Hello fellow bloggers and readers! It's a pleasure to have you all here on this blog we as a team based in the beautiful city of Houston, Tx are currently working to bring you all a taste of the worlds best (to our opinion) side of Fashion, Arts, Films, Music and more. We'll keep you updated as this projetc grows.