May 2009 Archives

As many of you may know, UTMB's graduation was yesterday.  It was an exciting day for many of our med-school buddies as they began a new journey as physicians but also a little bittersweet for many of us who will be sad to see them leave our Island - that so many of them have too come to love.

Yesterday was also Michael's birthday.  We've always celebrated his birthday with friends and yesterday was no exception.  Our good friend Neisha (one of those brand new physicians mentioned above) is Portland-bound today and, true to Neisha form, wanted to leave Galveston with a bang, and in her case, that's means a dance party - plain and simple.  What better place to celebrate the time we've shared with our UTMB friends than the new shop and soon-to-be future home of Nautical Antiques & Decor?  (And also ensure a nice healthy dose of "good juju" for our new beginning in a new spot at 2202 Mechanic!)

Jason Newby, the white-browed gentleman shown above, and his bride Andi are also a few days away from a new beginning.  In a week, they'll be moving to Maine where Newby's next stint in the USCG will be - burr - looks like we'll be visiting in August, eh? 

So, cheers to everyone - it's not the end of anything - it's just the beginning.
  

Another summer.  Another hurricane season.  Another opportunity for the Gulf to forsake us.  On June 1st, Islanders will wake up just like any other morning.  But the air will float a little warmer than May allowed it too.  The days will seem forever indebted to the sun.  It's light out when most of us wake up.  And for some of us, it's light out when we go to bed.  The beach crowds get larger and larger.  Shorts and flip flops becomes the Island's religion.  But we all keep a quietly intense focus to the murmur over our shoulder.  It's always there this time of year.  But this summer is different.  We may pay a little more attention to weather coverage and take it a little more serious.  After all, we don't want to get kicked when we're down.

Hurricane season will be upon us like the uninvited guest.  So Islanders, it's time to make sure you have plans in place.  Do you have your hurricane survival kit?  Did you learn anything from last year?  If you need help planning your strategy, be sure to attend the City's town hall meeting June 3rd.  It'll be all about hurricane preparedness.

Here's the details:

What - Hurricane Preparedness Town Hall Meeting
When - June 3rd, 2009; 6 p.m.
Where - Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall

There'll even be free hot dogs, cake, and drinks.

We might as well prepare ourselves.  None of us want another storm to ruin our summer.  But we need to be aware and prepared if such madness occurs again.

Here's to a "major"-storm-free summer and hurricane season.
 

Okay, don't forget that Bud Clay Thomas's closing reception is coming up this Saturday at Artwalk/Re-Birthday extravaganza and the [Surface Tension] will end on June 2nd!  (Read all about it on Mondos' post here!)

Also, hold on to your hats because this Saturday's CHOCKED FULL of heady funness with the Re-Birth Day Celebration!  This fine event is being coordinated by the good folks of the Historic Downtown Strand Seaport (old-schoolers might know them as the DRC, or the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership most recently!) who are constantly advocating business owners, residents and good stuff in general for downtown...  The event is sponsored by Mitchell Historic Properties (Happy Birthday Mr. George Mitchell - where would G-town be without his dedication to the Island??!?!) and will even feature tours of the fabulous Tremont House from 2-4!

Check out the entire list of activities online at http://www.downtowngalveston.org/re-birth-day_celebration.html but basically it starts at noon on Postoffice Street between 21st and 23rd and ends at the "Pier 21 party zone" (21st and Harborside) at 8pm.

Stay tuned for the newest official Beach Revue pics as well!!!.....

First up: the hard facts (courtesy of Farmer John's fiance Katie)

Farmer John Ray's banjo was stolen several weeks ago. To replace the beloved banjo, we are having a Benefit Show next Wednesday at the Old Quarter. If you have enjoyed his music over the past 4 years, please come out and show your support!

Broken Spoke's last show with John Ray, plus the musical stylings of Kristy Mitchell Wednesday, May 27th,  9 - 12pm Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, 20th and Post Office

Now onto the story behind the story...

John Ray and Katie were neighbors of mine a few years back when I lived on 10th and Ball. They both lived in the houses 2 and 3 doors down from me and after some missed BBQ invites they soon became regulars at my Sunday Supper Clubs and I at their great big backyard BBQ's.

Aside from John Ray's departure for his residency, and that of some other very dear friends over the next few weeks, it also marks his last show as a part of one of my favorite local bands, Broken Spoke.



For anyone that has spent any time around me at all, my love for music shouldn't be a shock to anyone. Broken Spoke's music has always struck me as unique and well placed. Their original songs are well crafted and cover songs always appropriate. I'm sure the fact that they play the Old Quarter with frequency doesn't hurt. Nor does Kevin, Clark and John Ray's great knowledge of music. Also of note is a guest appearance by Kristy Mitchell (aside from being a salty poker player, she is a very talented musician in her own right).

I run into a lot of people that have yet to experience the Old Quarter and although that could (and should) be a post on it's own, you can get a little taste for it over at the Houston Press.

For anyone with the free time (and please also note the other reason for this concert - the replacement of John Ray's stolen banjo) I encourage you all to come out and join us for a night of great LOCAL music and all around good causes.
 

Last night IBC had the privilege of attending the premiere event of Ball High School's advanced media and technology class' Ike: A Documentary, The Story of a Torn City Rebuilt by Everyday Heroes.  Calling themselves the Hurricane Story Tellers, the film makers took on the task of exposing the wrath and devastation Hurricane Ike brought upon our part of coastal Texas.

The opening of the film may be one of the hardest things I've had to sit through since sitting through lumbering news coverage of our Island as Ike circled ever closer.  The emotions that squeezed me as I watched the beginning scenes made me feel like running away.  I wanted to leave.  Be alone.  I didn't want to watch anymore.  Instead I fell into the comfort of thinking that most of the audience may have found themselves with similar circumstances.

The Ball High students, along with their teacher Mr. Weiss and student mentors, put together a film that needles deep into the fabric of Islanders.  The documentary included interviews with many different people, including Dan Rather, George Mitchell, the Mayor, and a woman who survived the storm surge along with her cat.  In between interviews, scenes of Ike's approach flashed on screen as the sea exploded into the Seawall in addition to the damages from the storm.  Viewers found soft giggles in the bashful comedic glances of footage and narration by Christian Dierlam.  And the film's roots penetrated the audience in the narrative spoken and written by Mamie Aoughsten.

I'm honestly amazed by the dedication of this group of "young people."

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and realized something.  The Ball High students call themselves the Hurricane Story Tellers, or "HST" for short.  What I realized is that they're actually Hurricane Ike Story Tellers.  Or "HIST" for short.  An anachronym or shortnening of history or historical, or even historian  I believe they captured another piece of Galveston Island's unique and frightening history.

The group continues to accept donations.  Funds are needed to continue the exposure of the documentary, which in turn extends Galevston Island's story.

Visit www.ikedocumentary.com for more information on the film and students behind it.

 

It has been an insane whirlwind since, well, I guess since IBC announced that we were resurrecting Galveston's legendary Bathing Beauties contest back months ago.  The last couple of days have been no different!

So, back to the rest of the Island now . . . 

We mentioned in an earlier post that we were invited to the Pachyderm Club to talk about IBC bringing back the Beach Revue.  The coolest part  - aside from meeting some really nice folks and the ginormous Bathing Beauties panoramic when you walk in - was getting to meet a couple of the Ball High School students & the teacher who created the Ike documentary. 

(Please.tell.me.you.know.exactly.what.I'm.talking.about).

Aside from getting all mush-faced watching the documentary preview again (I so cried watching it the first time), we at IBC were so honored to meet these guys.  They are incredible people, Islanders, and brilliant to boot!  Seriously, Ball HS gets no props! 

Aside from buying an ad in the movie premiere brochure, IBC decided to donate a portion of the Bathing Beauty proceeds to this endeavor.  You know why? 

Because this project rocks.  The students rock.  Mr. Weiss rocks.  Our Island rocks.  The message of the film is about hope - and that rocks.  They are trying to go to The Big Apple and get on some talk shows.  Oh, and they are submitting this puppy into a bunch of film festivals.  Sweet Action!!!  

And all of us here at IBC love our Island and support all people getting involved in our community - particularly young people. 

So, tomorrow, we hope to see all of you at the world premiere!

Tomorrow, Thursday May 21, 2009, Islander By Choice  - and probably as much of the Island that can fit in The Grand 1894 Opera House - will watch the world premiere of Ike: A Documentary The Story of a Torn City Rebuilt by Everyday Heroes!  BYOH (Bring Your Own Hanky).

In case you haven't been witness to their insane media coverage (hurrah!), the documentary was done by some of Gtown's own Ball High School students and their teacher, Robert Weiss!  For full bios on these phenomenally talented and incredible human beings - visit the website and read "Our Story."
 

"In a parade of beehive hair-dos, demure, frilly one-pieces and coquettishly-brandished parasols, and catcalls of "hubba-hubba" and "va-va-va-voom," the ghosts of Bettie Page and Galveston's glorious past were brought back to life Saturday. After a 77-year absence, the Galveston Bathing Beauty Contest, a.k.a. "the pageant of pulchritude," returned to the seaside. Yours truly bit the bullet and signed up to serve as a judge." - John Nova Lomax

Click here to read one of our celebrity judge's review of our Bathing Beauties contest!
 

"In pin curls, polka dots, leopard prints and knee socks, the bathing beauties of the 1920s resurfaced Saturday to parade their style and reinstate a long-ago beach tradition." - Galveston Daily News

Swing by the Galveston Daily News for their feature on this past weekends Bathing Beauties Contest!

View entire story online here.
 

Also, Mondo and I just picked up the custom designed beach cruiser for the silent auction tomorrow and it's unbelievable. Everyone coming out tomorrow is in for a real treat. We've got two great emcee's, PHENOMENAL (that's for you fellow IBC'ers) auction items and best of all, a great roster of people ready to come have a great time with us.

See you tomorrow everyone, let's kick summer off in true Galveston style!

EDIT: I couldn't leave you all without a little sneak peak!


 

This time tomorrow, IBCs will be down on the beach setting up for the 2009 Galveston Beach Revue!  I can't believe it's finally here!

Important FYI:  The weather on the Island is gonna be "top notch" (to quote WillThing at City Council yesterday)!  And remember, just because rain is forecasted for Houston does not mean we'll have rain here on the Island.  Usually, if we have any rain, it blows right in and right out!  So get your sunglasses, big floppy vintage hats, & sunblock ready to go!

Here's an update:  we are so excited to announce that the vintage category is now full!  We are, however, taking alternates just in case some of the lovely 2009 Bathing Beauties do not show.  (knock on wood that everyone will make it) 

We still have quite a few slots open in the contemporary/modern category, so give us a call or shoot us an email to enter.  To get details and to register, go to the event website and visit the Registration Tab.  We will be on the beach early tomorrow, so if you still want to register, give Adrienne a call at 409-770-7360 to register on Saturday. 

IBC's have spent this week getting last minute items taken care which included a marathon of shirt tagging.  We've also been out talking to media and the community - the Culpepper's are at Fox 26 news studios this morning and as I type are waiting to go live!  We stopped by City Council last night to invite the council and the entire Island out to the event.  We'd also like to thank Charles Killebrew for inviting us to talk about the Bathing Beauties Contest at the Pachyderm Club yesterday.

We'd also like to thank all of our sponsors, judges & emcees, media supporters, friends, and contestants for their support and excitement!  Without your support and encouragement, we couldn't have made it this far without you.  This has definitely been a labor of love for us here at IBC.

And last, but most certainly not least, I'd like to thank our official Event Coordinator, Adrienne!  Dude - you are a rock star and most definitely without you, we'd still be trying to get sponsors!  Thank you for taking the bull by the horns!  Much love to you our fellow IBC!

See all of you on the beach tomorrow!

2009 Galveston Beach Revue: Bathing Beauties Contest
Saturday, May 16
2p to 4pm
Seawall Blvd & 33rd Street on the sand

Official Event Afterparty & Auction
Float Pool & Patio Bar
2828 Seawall Blvd
Head on over after the Revue
IBCs & Bathing Beauties will arrive shortly thereafter
* Drink specials from 5pm to 7pm

p.s. Hope you'll stop by Mod Coffee & Teahouse today as they have re-opened!
 

For those that missed it a few weeks ago, our good friends at 1540 KGBC just sent us over a copy of our IBC Radio Hour for your listening enjoyment.

No word if they gave us the only copy in hopes of it not returning. We're optimistic that's not the case though.

All in all thought, we each had a great time getting to do something that none of us have had the chance to do and hope you all enjoyed it (or for those new ones listening that you enjoy your first listen).

We've talked about returning to the airwaves again soon for another installment, our question to our faithful followers, should we?

Click here to launch the player and be sure to tune into 1540 KGBC on your radio dial.

Six days - count 'em 6 Days - until the 2009 Galveston Beach Revue: Bathing Beauties Contest! Woo-hoo!  All of us here at IBC are so excited to be bringing back another incredible part of our Island's history!

Hope to see all of you out there at Seawall & just east of the 33rd Street jetty (basically, across from The Spot).

We still have some slots open in both the vintage & modern swimwear categories - so please, give us a ring, send us a message, and send in your entry form.  Registration/entry forms are available on the event website at www.galvestonbeachrevue.com  Also, for you Facebookers, the event was posted this morning. 

Reminder that the event is free to attend & is $10 to enter.  Join us for the official event afterparty at Float Patio & Pool Bar where we will also be auctioning off some awesome items including a specialty package unlike you've seen before including a specialty surfboard, concept bicycle, and tourism package!!!

See you there!!!

Just want to remind everyone of GHF's Preservation Awards Reception - the "Sally B. Wallace Historic Preservation Awards" -  is tonight, May 8th from 6:30pm to 8pm at Ashton Villa. 

The reception is free and open to the public.

GHF has updated its preservation awards for this year. New award categories include the Galveston GREEN Award for companies or individuals that integrate sustainable materials and technology in retrofitting historic properties and the Post-IKE Recovery award for individuals/companies that have made significant progress in rehabilitating their respective properties.

Special guests will include the CEO and employees of Arcadia Press, publishers of Galveston: A City on Stilts, the story of Galveston's reconstruction after the Great Storm of September 8, 1900. The book contains 200 vintage photographs from the Zeva B. Edworthy collection that document the rebuilding of the city in the early 1900s. Books will be available for purchase. Authors Jodi Wright-Gidley and Jennifer Marines will also be available to sign copies.

For more information, you can visit http://www.galvestonhistory.org/2009SallyWallacePreservationAwards.asp

Yah for making national media!!!  Gtown is on the homepage of MSN!

Unless you've been living under a rock here lately, I'm sure you've heard that Galveston's downtown cast iron architecture has been named one of the "11 Most Endangered Most Endangered Places" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation!!! 

Mad props goes to the Galveston Historical Foundation for their yeoman's efforts in recovery of our historic properties, their support of all neighbors and communities over the years & particularly post-Ike, and for striving to keep Gtown in the spotlight!  I heart you GHF!!!

And, since I called the National Trust out a while back, I'd like to now say thank you very much for supporting our beloved historic Island and recognizing that Galveston Island Matters!  I guess I heart you too.  :0)

Check it out:  "The assemblage of late-19th century Greek Revival and Italianate buildings with elaborate cast-iron storefronts in Galveston's 12-block Strand/Mechanic National Historic Landmark District is one of the largest collections of historic commercial buildings in the country. This is a photo of the Galveston Arts Center before Hurricane Ike."

P.S. Brian &  Denise - kudos for getting your photos out on the giant World Wide Web!

We are so excited to be getting closer every day to reopening the Nautical shop in our new location at 22nd and Mechanic Streets downtown.  The major stuff was finished on Tuesday and that meant Wednesday we were rollin' up the sleeves!

(above): Nearing the end of day 1 demo - it's pretty dirty in there! Two trips to the dump - ahem, I mean "transfer station" - and counting...  (note the brick wall in the back left...  it's days are nearing an end!)

And today...  Trip four to the "TS" and counting....  Athough Mikie is an avid brick collector, we won't be sorry to see these go! 

 

Hello all! Check it out - IBC was on Great Day Houston this morning pump'n our phenomenal Island & the 2009 Galveston Beach Revue: Bathing Beauties Contest!

Today we were invited to accompany GHF's Preservation Services Project Coordinator, known to us as Matt (aka "Team Farragher" post-Ike), on a biking tour through some of the Island's historic neighborhoods, specifically to see a number of formerly- or currently-owned GHF Revolving Fund properties and some that were involved with the Paint Pals program. 

The weather was perfect - the Historic Homes Tour (it's weekend #1 - don't worry, you can still make next weekend's tour if you missed this one!) visitors were out and about and overall, Galveston traffic was very kind to us!

Is there a particular Galveston Island home or property that YOU'D like to learn more about - perhaps atop a bicycle on a beautiful Sunday afternoon? 

We are pretty stoked. Our brother Dave and his wife Charlotte just had their first baby - yesterday! We can't wait to meet you, Ledger Wayah Culpepper! Congrats D&C! (Picture to follow!)