View Full Version : Houston or Dallas?
justwrite
May-19-2004, 7:09pm
I've got a couple of good job prospects, and I'm trying to do as much research as I can to weigh the pros and cons of each. One job is in Houston, and the other in Dallas (actually so far north in Plano that we could live in McKinney). Of course I'll want to find some people to jam with who have fun and don't take themselves too seriously. Any thoughts on which city has better jam opportunities?
Bobby Brite
May-20-2004, 8:20am
I live about 35 miles southwest of Dallas and there are plenty of bluegrass functions to attend within a 150 mile radius. I don't know about Houston that much so I'll leave that to someone else.
The BABA (Bay Area Blugrass Association) has a couple of monthly jams in Leauge City and Clear Lake City, about 25 mi. south of Houston (toward Galveston). I haven't been to one before, but that's the only regular public BG jam I know of near Houston. Check out their website for more details. BABA Website (http://www.bayareabluegrass.org)
other than that...
If you like hills, Houston ain't your kinda town, but if you like lots of humidity it sure is! You'll never need a humidifier. (Just thought I'd throw that in, case you needed some help in that direction...)
Doc
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Bowzette
May-20-2004, 6:34pm
I lived in dallas 27 years. I have spent lots of time in Houston and now live 70 miles north of Houston. The "feeling" and styles of each city is very different. The climates are very different. Many people love one and hate the other. As to "jams" are your meaning bluegrass, Celtic, Old Time or all the above? I think if you are intested in bluegrass you will find jams in either city's area. I suggest that you pick the city that appeals to you the best and you will find a music venue.
justwrite
May-21-2004, 5:38am
Well, I wouldn't actually use jams to decide the issue, but it's nice to know. Thanks for the input.
One of the Houston jobs looks like it's not going to pan out, which is probably just as well. But I also got a call from Memorial Hermann, which probably would be a good place to work. My husband is from West Texas and seems to believe he would eventually melt in Houston's humidity. This one Dallas job is actually in way north Plano, so we could live in McKinney or some place closer to the country and to where my family lives. But, we'd REALLY like to be in Austin (which inherently means less money and a higher cost of living). I've had a lot of job interviews there, too, but I'm not as close to getting an offer I think. Good news is the job market is picking up. I've been looking for about eight months, and this week I've had four job interviews and heard from a fifth place.
PCypert
May-21-2004, 8:38am
Glad to hear things are looking up for you. If you end up in Austin that's a good excuse to get a Collings http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . Seriously it is though. In fact being from Texas is a good reason to get a Collings. Support local talent. I think I'll go talk to my wife...
Also, if you have a varnished mando might want to stay out of Houston. I've lived in both and prefer Dallas just a little bit. Actually prefer Ft Worth to Dallas. Much better community feel over there. Dallas is a place everyone comes to make some money and move on somewhere else. Get a job in the mid cities area and live closer to Ft Worth if you get the chance. Great jams in Grapevine, North Richland Hills, etc. There's a Texas BG group that lists all the jams in the North Texas area. There are a lot. Old Time, Celtic, BG, Praise Music, etc.
Paul
John Ely
May-21-2004, 10:51am
Houston is a great city in which to live. It's a very big small city in feel.
Houston is a great city in which to live. #It's a very big small city in feel.
Nice compliment John!
Mike,
Ya'll still gettin together over at SHSU every month? I'd like to do some pickin again with the gang sometime.
Sorry bout the off topic post, justwrite.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Doc
justwrite
May-21-2004, 7:20pm
Paul, I have a t-shirt that says "Keep Austin Weird: Support Local Music." I lived there for six years and would love to get back.
I like the weather in Dallas better than Houston, but I think Houston has a better personality as a city. I agree that Fort Worth beats both.
After four job interviews this past week, I've got another in Austin first thing Monday morning and one in Houston late afternoon Monday. Wish me luck, so I can get a job and afford that gig bag http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
Bowzette
May-22-2004, 7:54am
Doc, we be picking today. we start at 4 or so and go until 10 or 11. we have moved from SHSU to the Old Log Exhibit Hall on the Sam Houston Museum grounds across from SHSU. the entrance is off 19th St. come join us.
mike
hewlett
May-22-2004, 8:19pm
Every Saturday night in the square in downtown Garland (NE Dallas suburb), a bunch of pickers come together and break into groups playing country, bluegrass, and the like. #I went a few weeks ago and there were maybe 50 instrumentalists - quite a group. #Groups start forming at around 7pm.
For more info on this and other Garland cultural activites, see Garland Cultural Organizations (http://www.nmls.lib.tx.us/Home/Departments/Recreation+and+Cultural+Services/Garland+Arts/PA9+Local+Arts+Groups_landing.htm)
Km1000seth
May-24-2004, 6:52am
BABA rules, thats my all time favorite place to jam. as a matter of fact next time any of yall see em, tell Cowboy and Steve, that Seth say hi.
justwrite
Jun-05-2004, 10:23am
Well, looks like Houston it is. The Austin job and the Plano one didn't work out, and I turned down one that would have required commuting into downtown Dallas for a lot less than the Houston job pays.
So, are there any precautions I should take to protect my instruments from Houston's heat and humidity?
ahollan
Jun-07-2004, 9:38am
Don't leave them in the car.
Otherwise, the weather here is great. You need do nothing for your instruments, other than play them . . . and you will not need a humidifier.
Albert Hollan
weather (http://weather.chron.com/US/TX/Houston.html)
Blind_Cowboy
Jun-07-2004, 11:04am
Welcome to Houston!
Where is the job and where will you be moving? (My next door neighbor just moved out of a large 4 bedroom they were renting. The owner is totally remodeling the house. Great neighborhood, quiet, close to the water, and you'll have a fellow picker next door.. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )
I'm down in Clear Lake, we'll have to get together sometime...
As far as Houston. Prepare to test every sweat gland to the fullest extent. Looks to be a hot summer. Humidity is not a problem. We've got it in spades. Temperatures in cars can go from 70 to 130 within minutes, so NEVER leave an instrument in the car. We've got Rockin' Robins guitar on Shepard and Alabama downtown, Fuller's Vintage Instruments near the north 6-10 loop. Two must see places. I-45 is called the Gulf Freeway, Beltway-8 is called the Beltway. 6-10 is called the loop. Traffic sucks. Worst traffic is the evening rush hour going north on 45 to the Woodlands from 3:30 to 7:30. I would avoid this at ALL COSTS.
Give me a shout when you get in town. I'll take you around and show you some good places to eat...
Blind Cowboy...
Bowzette
Jun-07-2004, 11:08am
forget the instruments-save yourself!
we have an Old Time jam the 4th Saturday in Huntsville-an 1 1/2 hour north on I 45.
Blind_Cowboy
Jun-07-2004, 11:19am
Bowzette,
Sorry I haven't been able to make one of your jams yet. Every darned time that Saturday comes up, I have to go out of town, or something blows up.
Bowzette
Jun-08-2004, 12:11pm
B.C. you can redeem yourself this month. our numbers get a bit thin in the summer, but it's still fun and better than not playing.
justwrite
Jun-12-2004, 6:23am
Well, we just got back from Houston, and we have a contract on a house in Sugar Land. I will be working for Memorial Hermann doing PR. I'll be working at the administrative building at 59 and Bissonnet, so that will be a shortish commute from Sugar Land. Sometimes, however, I'll have to work at the Medical Center. We've got a kid, so we wanted good schools, and I think I've got him in a good district.
I may be starting my job as soon as next week. It may take a couple of months before I can make it to that 4th Saturday jam, but I'll try to make it up there.
Thanks for all the info. Look forward to meeting some of y'all.
mando-in-kingwood
Jun-12-2004, 7:11am
Try these :
Southeast side: http://www.bayareabluegrass.org/
Attend their jam and you will be plugged into the local bluegrass scene.
North side: http://www.springcreekbluegrass.com/
Ditto.
Ask Mike Fuller at http://www.fullersguitar.com/
If you are willing to explore beyond bluegrass:
Houston, TX (3rd Saturday old-time club and jam): http://www.houstondulcimer.com/nhcdsFR.htm
Huntsville, TX (4th Saturday old-time jam): http://www.shfotm.8m.com/
Local acoustic music festival in July: http://www.sam-fest.com/
Houston Area Acoustic Music Society: http://www.peggycarter.com/events.htm
Rosenberg, TX: Every Thursday night at Wessendorf Middle School
Don't forget to check out Danny D's Music on Nasa Road 1 in Clear Lake. They have a huge assortment of acoustic instruments, at least they did a year or 2 ago. Fuller's has a great asst of mando's but they're all either cheap or expen$ive, like the Gibsons. Nothing in the $1k-2k range. Last time I was at the Robin, they only had a couple of cheap mandos. Don't let anyone scare you about the traffic. It's nothing compared to the LA area! Allergies seem to be a big problem with some folks around here too. Let's all get together sometime and do a little pickin!
Doc
Bowzette
Jun-12-2004, 7:26pm
I just got back from New Orleans and when I got off the plane at Bush Airport it felt hot and dry by comparison-I take back my nasty Houston comments!
the site reference above to Sam Houston's Friends of Traditional Music needs to be updated, rather the material on the site does. we meet at the Old Log Exhibit Hall at the Sam Houston Museum not the SHSU Music building. I have two good music buddies in Sugarland you need to meet.
justwrite
Jun-12-2004, 8:19pm
Rosenberg's just down the road from Sugar Land, ain't it?
Blind_Cowboy
Jun-14-2004, 4:24pm
Ah, please don't get me wrong. I LOVE this town, and love the weather, most of the time. I mentioned those two music stores because they're fun to walk around in.
Danny D's has moved from Highway 3 and Nasa 1 to Highway 3 and 518 in League City. His new place is called Guitar Hacienda. Very nice place, and again, fun to walk around in.
We should all plan to go up to Huntsville one of these last Saturdays. Crash the party.
solerydr
Jun-14-2004, 8:24pm
Hi,Im the new guy.Theres a jam on the square in Denton (20 or 30 mins north of Dallas)saturday morningish.Ive only been once and that was just to watch, but my band played the first annual Denton wine festival a couple of weeks ago and we recruited a pretty good fiddler out of the pack to sit in with us. It was pretty cool, he was in his 70s but the music made the gap irrelevent.Pinebox Serenade (http://www.soundclick.com/pro/?BandID=141079)