The Sounding of Two Canons

Performing Arts Center: West Texas Gem To Arrive in 2012

Cory and Chris — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:02:43 +0000

Anyone who has made the 30-minute drive to Odessa lately or driven to the airport has noticed a very tall and sweeping structure coming out of the desert, almost exactly between Midland and Odessa that you just can’t miss. For those of you who are wondering what that structure is going to be, it is to become our new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, a great example of what the two cities can accomplish when they work together.

This may shock all of our readers, but Midland and Odessa, the home of Friday Night Lights, are not necessarily places known for their commitment to the arts. But like most stereotypes, looks can be deceiving. I know from personal experience that the music education I received growing up here was top notch, and I have no reason to believe that years later it does not remain so to this day. I know that in Midland alone we have the impressive Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, Midland Community Theatre, Arts Assembly of Midland, Midland Arts Association, Museum of the Southwest, the Midland Festival Ballet, not to mention various dance studios, local bands, and the improv groups who perform at the Yucca Theatre. Midland herself is the home to two world-famous and accomplished opera singers (Susan Graham and Heather Johnson Watts). Every year, Midlanders can look forward to the Celebration of the Arts, Septemberfest, Midland City Limits, and the Summer Lawn Concerts at the Museum. Just 3 weeks ago we went to a museum exhibit gallery opening here, something I never quite managed to get around to doing when living in D.C., or Houston, or Austin. That’s not to even mention what Midland’s neighboring area and West Texas towns have given to the world: Buddy Holly, Bob Wills, Roy Orbison, just to name a few; the art communities of Alpine and Marfa; the fantastic Globe Theatre replica in Odessa. We even count, just among our own Midland friends, a fantastic writer, an accomplished photographer, and a talented painter.

Unfortunately, while uninformed and ignorant stereotypes will always be a part of life, finally we West Texans will be able to show the world that yes, we do care about the arts, and we are proud of it. Thanks to those people who have made this Performing Arts Center a reality, and we are looking forward to 2012.

Information provided by UTPB:

The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center will be a landmark for the entire region, and is certain to become the venue of choice for a wide range of activities from community and regional events to Broadway and other theater, to symphony, ballet, opera, and traveling commercial entertainment. Construction of the $66 million Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center has begun, and completion is scheduled for early 2012. The Center will be part of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) and is located midway between Midland and Odessa at the intersection of State Highway 191 and FM 1788 north of the Midland International Airport. The Center will include an 1,800 seat performance hall, a 200 seat multi use recital hall, and space for an expanded music department at UTPB. The two balcony performance hall will offer excellent variable acoustics and high quality theater systems and design finishes. The eight-story structure will include state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and theatrical features which accompany stage and back-of-house areas. The recital hall is being designed to accommodate small group and ensemble performances as well as lectures, receptions and seated meal functions in an acoustically treated space. The grand lobby will be a vast open area rising three stories and containing a grand staircase, elevators, fixed and movable concessions, ticket windows and coat check area.

Ground broken on Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/04/04/news/top_stories/performing_arts_center_groundbreaking.txt

http://www.utpb.edu/media-1/groundbreaking-for-wagner-noel-performing-arts-center/

Honor Our Troops in Downtown Midland TODAY

Cory and Chris — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:55:44 +0000

As I was walking through the lobby of First National Bank of Midland today, I was greeted by a table set up by Honor Our Troops (or H.O.T.), an organization who sends care packages to our soldiers overseas. If you’re like me, it’s one of those things that I’m always “meaning to do,” or “will do in the future.” In any case, they asked if I wanted to send a care package for $25.00, and I promptly said yes. It was so convenient! They had the package ready to go, I wrote a handwritten thank you note to the soldier, and they gave me an ID bracelet to take home with the soldier’s name on it. The contribution is still so miniscule (an understatement) in comparison to what these soldiers give for us every day.

I had heard of this organization before, as I believe I have seen them set up at the County Annex on A Street. I was told they also have a full-time store in the Odessa mall, which I did not know before.

This organization is in Downtown Midland TODAY! Just stop by the bank lobby (FNB of Midland) at lunch, it’s that building on the corner of Big Spring and Wall, across the street from Luigi’s. What could be more convenient than that? The man who started the organization is a father who began this effort to support his son, and the other sons and daughters who serve overseas. Cheers to the two men I met this morning who are responsible for 10,000+ care packages being sent to our brave soldiers. Truly amazing. We can all hope to make that sort of difference in this world someday.

Honor Our Troops (Send care packages online!)

http://www.hot-honorourtroops.com/INDEX.html

Brooks Barbecue is BACK!!!

Cory and Chris — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:28:08 +0000

Boy were we out of the loop on this one…. For months we were wondering when this Midland mainstay would re-open, and we finally quit asking our friend Natasha Brooks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Brooks who have owned the Mr. Brooks Barbecue for 30 years in Downtown Midland.

Natasha will always have a special place in both of our hearts. As one of the first people I (Cory) met when I moved to Midland, she was constantly trying to set me up with a certain guy on a blind date and I always refused (“I know this guy Chris, he would be perfect for you….”) Needless to say, she was right, and though we eventually met on our own she still takes credit for us meeting, and rightfully so. HOWEVER, Natasha, you most definitely dropped the ball on keeping us updated on the restaurant’s reopening! We read the great news on Monday in the paper, and I promptly called her and asked her, what good is it to know a famous Midland BBQ family if she is not going to keep us in the loop on these things??? Doesn’t she know we have a very important blog to write? J He he. She said they actually opened a week earlier than they expected, and that OF COURSE she was going to call me and Chris and tell us about it. All kidding aside, we are so pumped and excited for the Brooks family that they have recovered from the malicious fire that burned down their restaurant last August. The arsonists were never caught, which is terribly disappointing, but we are hoping more security measures will be taken this time to prevent anything from happening to the beloved restaurant again.

And – MOST importantly — don’t worry, Mrs. Brooks’ enormously popular pies are back. Settle down people, it’s all going to be okay.

C&C

Back Cookin’ Again:

Mr. Brooks Barbecue opens today for first time since arson destroyed business

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/03/07/news/top_stories/for_monday_brooks_barbecue_arson_fire_re-opening.txt#ixzz0hn971SWZ

Mr. Brooks Barbecue is located at 501 E. Texas Ave. and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday night until 9 p.m.

Not much to do in Downtown Midland this month

Cory and Chris — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:39:58 +0000

We’re sure you’re wondering, why haven’t Cory & Chris posted lately? (At least we’re hoping you were wondering that). The reason is, there has been nothing going on in Downtown Midland. True Story! Nothing, or very little. When we were asked to blog as volunteers on this site, we agreed in the hopes of raising awareness for the many citizens who would like to see more in Downtown Midland. We were also told that they really wanted us to be honest, and we always try to do so, while trying to remain optimistic as well. In any case, we are sorry to report, there was nothing going on last weekend, or next weekend, or the weekend after that (that we know of) in Downtown Midland, which is unfortunate. We wish there was. However, being the optimists we are, we’ll just blame it on the fact that it is Spring Break next week, and we are hoping that that is the reason. In any case, you may see us getting creative, and branching out into non-Downtown Midland, or Midland proper, this month of March (so as not to waste perfectly good blog space). At least April looks more promising.

All is not lost, however, as Gary P. Nunn is performing at the end of the month at the annual Buckshot Bash Downtown at the Midland Center on Friday night, March 26^th. Additionally, a great lineup was announced last week for the street concert at Celebration of the Arts (we do love when there are street concerts Downtown). Performing in Centennial Plaza on Saturday night, May 15^th, will be Asleep at the Wheel and Stoney LaRue, with special guest Seth James (Celebration of the Arts 2010 is set for this year from May 14-16^th; Street Concert will be seating on plaza grounds, with stage on Wall Street). Looking forward to it.

C&C

Spring Fling 2010 in Downtown Midland at Midland Center

Cory and Chris — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:15:13 +0000

Girls Night Out Preview Party

Midland Center

February 25 6-10 p.m.

Appetizers, Drinks, and Silent Auction

Ladies Luncheon

Hilton Grand Ballroom

February 26, 11:30 a.m.

Featuring Speaker Emory Austin

The Princess Tea

Hilton Grand Ballroom

February 27, 10:30 a.m.

Featuring a performance by Midland Festival Ballet

Shopping

Friday, February 26 - Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Price: $5.00

Saturday, February 27^th - Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Price: $5.00

Sunday, February 28^th - Time: Noon - 4:00 p.m., Price: $5.00

More info at: http://www.jlweb.org/midland/npo.jsp?pg=home

Midland Festival Ballet Presents Cinderella: Tonight!

Cory and Chris — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:56:44 +0000

Nothing to do in Midland tonight? Looking for something to do? Spend a night at the Ballet in Downtown Midland!

Don Victor Tacos

Cory and Chris — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:00:29 +0000

One day Chris calls me and says, Cory, I went to the best place for lunch today. It must be new, just waiting to be discovered, you have to go! So I went with a friend a couple of days later, and he was RIGHT. The food was delicious. It is a mom-and-pop family restaurant, owned by a married couple, and the place was very friendly, clean, open and inviting. The service was great, and I could not believe we hadn’t eaten there before! After all, it was right by Downtown Midland, very near the Taste of Chicago.

As I was checking out, I asked the owners how long they had been open. Two years. That’s right, open two years, so no this is not a brand new restaurant that we have “discovered.” Oh well. Just in case there are more of you out there who have never heard of it, we highly recommend you try the original home-style cooking. I recommend the chicken fajitas, Chris recommends the nachos, and my father-in-law likes the smothered burrito, for what it’s worth (we didn’t say it was health food). Enjoy. C&C

Don Victor Tacos

310 South Terrell Street Midland, TX 79701-5353 - (432) 218-9155

Midland Animal Lovers Unite: Save the Midland SPCA

Cory and Chris — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:33:14 +0000

Both of us are animal lovers, and 2 out of 3 of our dogs are rescue dogs, so we were very concerned when we heard that the Midland SPCA is danger of closing.  For those who are not familiar, the Midland SPCA is a no-kill shelter which has given homes to the homeless pet population in Midland for 62 years. As you may have heard, or read in the paper, without money donations, adoptions, and/or supplies, there is a real chance they may have to shut their doors forever.

We spoke to an employee of the Midland SPCA yesterday who told us they have been receiving donations, and that if they continue to do so there is a good chance the shelter may be able to remain open. For those of you who are interested in helping, by making a donation or adopting a pet, the information is below.  It is our hope that the shelter will not shut down; but if it does, we really hope that Lone Star SPCA or private citizens will step in to save the homeless animals that are currently in their care.  For more information, please see below, or call the Midland SPCA at 684-7582.

DONATION INFORMATION: Donations can be made (1) on the website through Pay Pal, (2) by mail, or (3) by going by the shelter.    ONLINE: http://www.midlandspca.net/  Click “DONATE”
Please mail donations to: Midland SPCA, 2701 South County Road 1206, Midland, Texas 79706

Midland SPCA works to keep its doors open
http://surveys.relevantview.com/sbox/asandboxdev.sbt/928454,2694,12,1,0/http/www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/10/news/top_stories/midland_spca_dogs_midland_animal_services.txt
Midland SPCA desperately needs financial assistance - Letter to the Editor Sunday February 14th
http://surveys.relevantview.com/sbox/asandboxdev.sbt/928454,2694,12,1,0/http/www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/15/news/opinion/letters_2-14.txt

Canon Pets, from left: Sadie (Cavalier KC Spaniel), and Duke & Buddy (our two Labs)

Check out the Josh Grider Band in Midland Tonight

Cory and Chris — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:55:08 +0000

Two years ago we went to a wedding in Downtown Fort Worth of two friends of ours (the groom was a friend of mine from law school, and the bride was a friend of Chris’ from growing up in Midland; it is such a small world we can’t even tell you). The band that played at their wedding was a good friend of theirs, Josh Grider. We would like to take a minute to invite all of you Midlanders to brave the cold weather tonight, stop by The Ranch and check out an Austin band on the rise, the Josh Grider Trio, opening up for the Josh Abbott Band tonight.

It never ceases to amaze us the musical acts, mostly Texas country music acts, that come through town and perform at The Ranch to little or no fanfare: Reckless Kelly, Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen, Roger Creager, Cory Morrow, Jack Ingram, Charlie Robison, Eli Young, Honeybrowne, Asleep at the Wheel, and the Bellamy Brothers, just to name a few. We ourselves rarely go to the Ranch, if ever (we’re either boring or old, take your pick) but we applaud the many years of live music and major acts, along with those yet-to-be-discovered, that they have brought to town. Pretty impressive for a small-town live music venue. Thanks to The Ranch for the live music…. and welcome to West Texas Josh!

Wednesday is Fajita Day at Romie’s

Cory and Chris — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:54:51 +0000

As my co-worker and Chris’ friend Pat remarked to me today that our blog has “gone downhill” (That’s a bold statement…. You may be one of only two readers of this blog, but Chris’ Nana would definitely not agree with you), I have decided to let out his beloved lunch secret, that Wednesdays are FAJITA DAY at Romie’s Restaurante.

That’s right, I want all of you who work Downtown and are looking for hot, quick, and delicious fajitas to start frequenting this restaurant on Wednesdays like Pat does. It really is a great special, and the fajitas are brought almost immediately to your table for just $6.99. And now that the secret is out, maybe Pat will have a harder time finding a table….. J

Romie’s really is a Midland institution. We mentioned Romies back in 2008, cheering the restaurant owners’ generosity in offering a free lunch for the needy on Thanksgiving. Still a class act, and a fantastic place to go for lunch. Enjoy.

Class Act - Romie’s Mexican Restaurant

http://livemidlandtexas.com/the_sounding_of_two_canons/2008/12/01/class-act-romies-mexican-restaurant/

Romie’s - lunch done right near downtown

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/04/life/top_stories/doc4b6af20c5065e389122174.txt

Romie’s Mexican Restaurante, located at 701 S. Marienfeld St., is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.