Visual artist, musician, and Kinder HSPVA consultant Lisa Harris (Vocal ’98) was awarded the inaugural “Houston Regional Affiliate Fellowship” by the University of Houston. As a fellow, she’ll spend the spring 2022 semester at the American Academy of Rome.
Mandy Kung (Instrumental ’99) serves as the Director of “SOFA,” the St. Andrew’s School of Fine Arts, which just won the Houston Chronicle’s “Best of the Best” in the Learning Center/Tutor category.
Chandra Wilson (Theatre ’87) joined The Actors’ Fund Board of Trustees. About the Fund, she said, “Now more than ever, we know that a home is a precious right that must be protected and affordable, that mental health care is crucial, and that as a community we must look out for and take care of one another.”
Michael Reid (Vocal ’76) has been appointed Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer of Flushing, NY Hospital. According to retired faculty (and current HSPVA Friends Board Member) Pat Bonner, he continues to sing at New York area churches and synagogues.
Petyon Booker (Vocal ’17) was profiled by Rolling Stone as one of Houston’s rising stars: “Her upcoming album, due this summer from Stones Throw Records, is a lush collection of soulful ballads that could have only come from Houston.” She was also interviewed about her debut album by Real Street Radio.
Jamal Cyrus (Visual Art ’91) was profiled by Texas Monthly for his two, simultaneous exhibitions currently on view through September 19th at both the University of Houston’s Blaffer Museum and at Texas Southern University.
Dequina Moore (Theatre ’98) starred as Billie Holiday in Stages’ recent production Lady Day at the Emerson Bar & Grill. The production was extended past its original run-date, with glowing reviews: “[…] the showstopper is HSPVA graduate and Broadway veteran DeQuina Moore, who gives us a stunning performance as the brilliant, brassy, and vulnerable singer.”
Visual Arts Faculty member Ellen Phillips (Visual Arts ’11) and Departmental Chair David Waddell (Visual Arts ’95) both exhibited work this summer. Phillips’ work was part of “Works on Paper 2021” at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, and Waddell’s work was part of “The Big Show” at Lawndale, on exhibit until August 14.
Marcos Verela (Instrumental)will open for the “Series Spectacular” showcase performance of the Jazzy Sundays in the Parks for Mavis Staples on Sunday, October 15th at Discovery Green. Learn more at his site: http://marcosvarelamusic.com
José-Miguel Yamal (Instrumental ’95) will kick off the HOUSTON SUMMERJAZZ Festival put on by DACAMERA, at Cezanne on August 20th.
Marcus Pontello (Theatre ’06) screened their documentary Friday I’m In Love, about Houston’s iconic nightclub Numbers, at the end of July and beginning of August. Both Marcus and the film were the cover story for OutSmart Magazine in July.
Kiera Boyle (Visual Arts ’17) published her (playable!) senior game design thesis from the Maryland Institute of Visual Art.
Molly Rice (Theatre ’89) was interviewed about her new play, The Birth of Paper.
The Kinder HSPVA Music Ensembles were featured on KPFT Encore Houston. You can listen to the program online here.
