Play On

Helen-Sung-Pianist5_photo by Kat Villacorta
Helen-Sung-Pianist5_photo by Kat Villacorta

While pianist Helen Sung’s upcoming Houston performance with the Mingus Big Band is billed as a “Jazz Homecoming,” Sung was actually last here in December, when she was inducted by her alma mater into the HSPVA Jazz Hall of Fame. Her parents still live in Houston, and it was her first trip home since Harvey. “It was an emotional visit,” says Sung, who was relieved to see how much of Houston had recovered. “I want to be part of the continuing effort to bring assistance and relief.”


Though she studied classical piano at HSPVA, Sung turned to jazz in her college years, and has since performed at every major jazz fest across the U.S. and released five albums. Based in New York, she also plays with the Mingus Big Band, which performs the politically charged music of Charles Mingus, who died in 1979. “He was also fully engaged with the time in which he lived, and called out injustice and evil in its various manifestations,” she says of the iconoclastic bassist. “I hope I too can, in some way, inspire what is is good, true and life-giving.”

With a new album Sung With Words scheduled for release this year, Sung — whose own music spans the genres of classical, Latin and bebop — is set to make good on that goal. And no matter where her career takes her, she says, “I’ll always be proud of being from here.” March 24, 8pm. UH Cullen Performance Hall, dacamera.com

Art+Culture
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep Reading Show less

Paella Valenciana at Mi Luna

THOUGH IT'S BEEN in Houston less than a decade, Sof Hospitality has made major inroads with foodies and critics alike. Its concepts include Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Badolina Bakery, all of which deliver the rich flavors of Israeli cuisine in complex, photogenic and delicious dishes. Its newest, Októ, opened earlier this year, one of several energetic restaurants to bow in the Montrose Collective, just in time for the holidays.

Keep Reading Show less
Food