Email me at veronica@mycityrocks.com with the following information:
Date of the show
Name of venue/ address
All bands playing/ doors open/ when music starts
Cover/ ages welcome
If you have a jpg of the flyer send that as well

**shows must be for the Houston (greater Houston/ North Houston/ Galveston area).

The shows need to be sent at least 1-2 weeks prior to the date in order for them to possibly get in the newsletter. There are no promises that every show sent in will get in the newsletter but we will do our best. So the sooner you send it in the better! If you want us to come out to your show we need at least 2 weeks notice prior to the show.
 
We will also try to post pictures from shows we make it out to each month.

MyCityRocks was invited out to an event this past Tuesday evening out at The Houston Children’s Museum to show off how they have changed and wow have they changed it! For those of you who have children, take are of children, nieces, nephews etc… this place is really a fun, cool place for kids of all ages. They have everything from banks and TV studios to a kid’s café, and tons more. They can choose jobs that they can do and there is a science lab and an awesome rock wall and climbing structure too. You can check out photos of what everything looks like at the website below. It is something worth checking out!

Check out their website at www.cmhouston.org

It was one hell of a year! Thanks to everyone who got involved in making HOUSTON rock in 2006, and all the wonderful venues that hosted these events!

Enjoy!

December 2006: New Year's Eve with Comedian Jon Reep and Dipstick: Free Press Houston Holiday Bash: Pancho Claus/Jugates Para el Barrio Christmas Toy Drive: Vertigo Blue and Mike-Synth: Aids Foundation Houston Camp Hope Benefit and Fashion Show: November 2006 Westheimer Block Party No. 2: Dominion Goth Fashion Show: Santomojo Music Festival: October 2006 Blue Man Group: More photos from this event using this link. Houston Women's Festival featuring Patrice Pike: September 2006 Labor Day Music Festival: Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows: More photos from this event using this link. MyCityRocks Fall Frenzy: Yellow Umbrella Tour / Cervical Cancer Awareness Benefit: Rockin for Rise Battle of the Bands benefit for children with disabilities: More photos from this event using this link. August 2006 Citizens for Animal Protection Festival: Hoobastank and Nickelback: More photos from this event using this link. July 2006 Rock Safe Benefit: More photos from this event using this link. Dollars For Devon Leukemia Benefit: Funk tha' Heat Festival: June 2006 MyCityRocks Summer Blastoff: Rock N' Blues Festival: Houston's Funniest Person Competition: Look Good, Feel Good Benefit for Women Helping Women: More photos from this event using this link. Houston's Fantastic Shoe Event Benefit for Women Helping Women: More photos from this event using this link. May 2006 Chant and Vertigo Blue: Westheimer Block Party No. 1 with Million Year Dance: April 2006 Comedian Gilbert Gottfried: March 2006 Rae kicked off our expansion into new cities with this shot representing NEW ORLEANS: Scott of the rock group South represented HOUSTON in a performance: Texas Rock Festival: Comedian Greg Giraldo: ROCK OUT for Hunger Benefit and Fashion Show: February 2006 Valentines Day with DJ Red: Performance art with the Dominion: Mardi Gras Galveston with The Hunger and Blue October: January 2006 And we started 2006 off with the United Music Alliance at the Throwdown Festival: (Above photos courtesy Cliff Kurtzman, Jordan Chan, and Paul Ellis.)

We asked our members to tell us which Mexican restaurants in Houston ROCK Hardest, and we had a ton of great suggestions ranging from well-known establishments to hidden gems. Many thanks to MyCityRocker Dani for editing and compiling all the reviews, including her own, which is first:

MyCityRocker Dani Recommends: Las Palomas 14614 Woodforest Blvd, Houston, TX 77002 (East Houston) [View Map] This is the BEST Mexican food in Houston in my opinion. I have been going here for over two years and have always enjoyed not only the food, and margaritas..but the service ROCKS too. I highly recommend the Fajitas, they are always a popular hit with the patrons...not to mention the perfect combination to go with your margaritas!!!!

 

MyCityRocker Sarah Recommends: Taco Milagro 2555 Kirby, Houston, TX 77019 (West Houston) [View Map] I actually voted this the best Mexican Restaurant in town for its laid back atmosphere, occasional salsa dancing evenings, fun happy hour crowds, and comfortable outdoor seating area!!

 

MyCityRocker Sharon Recommends: Adobe Cafe 2111 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77098 (West Houston) [View Map] Upstairs patio is a lot of fun for happy hour and the food downstairs is really good!! Just be careful with the Margaritas!!!! They are sooooo strong, but really drinkable. It's easy to finish 2 and stagger out of there! Usually good service and great atmosphere!!

 

MyCityRocker Libby Recommends: Fajita Flats 11853 Wilcrest Dr., Houston, TX 77031(South West Houston) [View Map] I have never had a meal here that I did not absolutely enjoy. The service is excellent, the drinks are strong. It's a family establishment, but it gets pretty rowdy. Birthdays at Fajita Flats end up involving pretty much the entire restaurant. Definitely get the fajita sampler!!!

 

MyCityRocker April Recommends: Dos Hermanos 8126 Broadway St., Houston, TX 77581 (South Houston) [View Map] They have the best food...the atmosphere is great the music is hot and the drink specials are the best!!!

 

MyCityRocker Matthew Recommends: Spanish Flowers 4701 N. Main, Houston, TX 77009 (North West Houston) [View Map] For starters, 24 hour service! Great thick home-made tortillas.. superb margaritas made from real fruit with chunks of strawberry etc. True Mexican food that can't be found in any of these Tex-Mex shacks!.. Hands down the best damn place in this city!!!! Go check'em out.. tell'em Matthew sent ya'!!

 

MyCityRocker Shelby Recommends: El Pueblito 1423 Richmond, Houston, TX 77006 (Midtown Houston) [View Map] El Pueblito is more Guatamalan-Tex-Mex, but the food is excellent. There are the regular Mexican dishes like burritos and tacos, but there are also many fresh fish dishes that are delicious. I believe there are $2 margaritas for their regular happy hour and all day Mondays. (You'd have to check on when though.) Also their patio atmosphere is unbeatable. The service is a little lacking, but overall it is hands down the best Mexican food in Houston!!

 

MyCityRocker Monica Recommends: El Palenque 10803 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77042 (West Houston) [View Map] There menu is more authentic than Tex-Mex. The food is delicious and the margaritas are even better. I have never been and had bad service. I live in the medical center and I have no problem driving all the way there. There is a great patio to enjoy the nice weather. I am not affiliated with the restaurant, I am just a very loyal patron!!

 

MyCityRocker Russell Recommends: Molinas 7901 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77063 (West Houston) [View Map] I have been going to Molinas for years and have tried almost everything on the menu with very few disappointments I would recommend it to anyone going on a date or otherwise. It wont hurt your pocketbook too much and it will definitely fill your stomach !!

 

MyCityRocker Cynthia Recommends: Bravos Mexican Restaurant 5101 Bingle, Houston, TX 77092 (North West Houston) [View Map] Truly authentic Mexican food. Everyone is always friendly. You don't just have one waiter, everyone is always trying to serve you right. Handmade flour and corn tortillas. Fresh lemonade. Excellent service. Food takes less than 15 minutes. The food is delicious.. I recommend it with my eyes shut.!

 

MyCityRocker Will Recommends: El patio (Club no minors) 6444 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057 (West Houston) [View Map] The food is good not the best, but you come to El Patio for the drinks and atmosphere. The blue margaritas are killer so make sure you have a DD because two of these is all you'll need. The place is always packed on the weekends, so valet if you can!

 

MyCityRocker Elizabeth Recommends: Doneraki 300 Gulfgate Center, Houston, TX 77087 (South East Houston) [View Map] I love this place!! The food and service was great!!!

 

MyCityRocker Makenzie Recommends: Lopez 11606 Wilcrest, Houston, TX 77099 (South West Houston) [View Map] This place has the BEST hot sauce ever!!! (I could eat it everyday) The staff is very friendly and you can walk in sit down and be served fast.....don't make you wait! This is one place everyone should try...I promise you will love it!!

 

MyCityRocker Stephanie Recommends: Chapultepec Mexican 813 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006 (Midtown Houston) [View Map] Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even for those of us getting out of the club at 2 am, can roll through here for a bite to eat. This restaurant is open 24 hours a day!! It's a small little place and can easily be missed. It's one of those "secret" places we go eat. Prices are so low you'll look twice at your ticket... Not to mention happy hour and the margaritas are to die for!! You'll feel like "Abuela" is in the kitchen... Dine like the comfort of sitting in your own home...Leave with a full stomach and a full wallet!!!

 

MyCityRocker Kimberlee Recommends: Los Cucos 5851 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77070 (West Central Houston) [View Map] Los Cucos is absolutely the best. If it wasn't, chains of the restaurant wouldn't have spread like wildfire in Houston and surrounding communities throughout the last 10 years. They've come a long way, I worked at the first one when I was only 15 years old. The green sauce is DEFINITELY THE BEST ever made! It's addicting. Their seafood is surprisingly awesome, considering Mexican Restaurants don't have the best reputation for the greatest seafood. The "El Panchito" is my favorite dish, fried eggplant topped with a cheese sauce with crab meat, shrimp and scallops....and of course I top it with the green salsa too. The happy hour is great, cheap margaritas and draft beer. Service is always perfect, no matter which location I go to (and I've been to MANY). At the Westheimer location there is one waitress (I'm hating myself for forgetting her name!), who is the sweetest most helpful waitress....and she works the bar area. From prior experience I've got to say, that's impressive. It seems anyone I mention Los Cucos to also rants and raves about it. You've got to try it.....stop by for happy hour and get a little taste of what Los Cucos is all about.

 

MyCityRocker Ingrid Recommends: Las Alamedas 8615 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 (West Houston) [View Map] Las Alamedas is the best Mexican restaurant in Houston because it's got the best AUTHENTIC Mexican food around. No Tex-Mex business served here, just the real thing (and I know because I'm Mexican!). The food tastes delicious and it is not too expensive, though it is a bit on the upscale side. The architecture and interior design of the restaurant itself is fabulous, like being in a Mexican "hacienda." The bar is super chic and chill and the restaurant is beautiful, with windows looking out into the forest instead of walls. The environment is relaxing and the best part of all is the music. They feature an incredible guitarist on weekends at the bar, and a traditional "trio" on the restaurant side. What else can I say? It's the best place for Christmas, New Year's, graduation, and birthday parties,...or simply for a Saturday night out on the town. It's my favorite place in Houston!

 

MyCityRocker LeighAnn Recommends: Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen 12637 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77077 (West Central Houston) [View Map] You can be sure to find Sylvia there every night, making sure your food is amazing. Very family friendly but also great for dates, girl's night out, etc etc. I love this place!

 

MyCityRocker Sara Recommends: El Tiempo 3130 Richmond, Houston, TX 77098 (Central Houston) [View Map] This is my favorite Mexican Food Restaurant because its perfect for a night out with the girls, excellent margaritas and fajitas. It's also a perfect place for a nice romantic dinner or a first date. The ambiance/environment is great...the bar is always happening on Friday and Saturday nights, but they also have tables away from the bar to have a more intimate dinner. Over all...the environment, food, and good looking crowd is what keeps me going back!

 

MyCityRocker Mandy Recommends: Los Cucos 5535 Memorial , Houston, TX 77007 (West Houston) [View Map] So many Fajita choices!!!, Chicken enchiladas with cream sauce, healthy menu options . . . black beans mmmmmm, best guacamole, fast service, cheap prices.$1 margaritas on Mondays!

 

MyCityRocker Zoraya Recommends: Rio Verde 5502 Telephone Rd. , Houston, TX 77087 (South Houston) [View Map] The homemade flour tortillas are excellent, along with their fajita meat. I think it's the best restaurant in this neighborhood and it's reasonably priced. The service and atmosphere are decent. I would recommend the "Super Quesadilla Plate." Yummy!!!

 

MyCityRocker Lindsay Recommends: La Tapatia 5551 Richmond , Houston, TX 77056 (Central Houston) [View Map] Everything's delicious; their salsa is nice and spicy, great burritos and fajitas, plus they're open late, so it's perfect for drankin' munchies. Service is good, drinks are nice and cold. Overall the best Mexican food I've found in the Houston city limits. (Go to Rosenberg if you want THE very best Mexican food though)!!

 

MyCityRocker Jim Recommends: Doneraki 7705 Westheimer , Houston, TX 77063 (West Central Houston) [View Map] Great food, highly recommend the Doneraki Tipico. Great drinks and the Mariachi band add a nice touch as well!!

 

MyCityRocker J.R. Recommends: Cafe Adobe 7620 Katy Fwy , Houston, TX 77024 (West Houston) [View Map] It has an almost Mexican-Nuovo cuisine along with some very authentic Mexican sauces and spices. There hasn't yet been a time that I've gone to Cafe Adobe and had a bad experience. The atmosphere is great and sometimes they have a semi-mariachi band walkin around while you eat. What I mean by that is that they're not in mariachi attire and they don't only play Mexican folk music. They also play some rock!!

 

This article just came out in the Social Networking Weblog: MyCityRocks Is All About Community. Below the end of the story there is a place where you can rate/vote on the article... be sure to cast your vote! Note added February 3rd.... two more articles: MyCityRocks, where the Audience Works -- in Qviews Business and MyCityRocks -- in the Social Networking Weblog

I was invited to be the guest speaker at the American Marketing Association Houston Chapter Luncheon in January... Below was the speaking announcement. I've created a special web site with supporting materials from the presentation at http://www.kurtzman.biz/ama/ if you want to learn more.

Marketing to the "MySpace Generation"

How are online social networks changing the marketing landscape, and how can they benefit your bottom line?

When:
Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Where:
The Junior League of Houston
1811 Briar Oaks Lane

Parking Information:
Parking in the Junior League garage is complimentary.

Schedule:
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration and Networking
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Speaker and Lunch

Speaker:
Cliff Kurtzman, Ph.D, CEO of ADASTRO Incorporated and Executive Director, MyCityRocks

Program Description:
Over the past two years, a new generation of tens of millions of consumers has started living, playing and buying online in new ways that were not feasible even a few years earlier. Enabled by tools known as blogs, online social networks and "Web 2.0 technologies," this is the fastest-growing consumer marketing arena in the world. Dr. Cliff Kurtzman will discuss how these technologies are changing the marketing landscape, and how can they be used to create opportunities that will benefit your company's bottom line.

As CEO of ADASTRO Incorporated and Executive Director of MyCityRocks, Cliff Kurtzman (http://www.kurtzman.biz) has been using the Internet to build valuable brands and create groundbreaking online communities for the past 11 years. He was one of the original founders of the online marketing industry, and he has received the Texas EComm award from the Texas Electronic Commerce Association, recognizing him as one of 10 Texans that has played a key role in driving the State's business and economy.

Admission & RSVP:
Advance registration: $25 for AMA Members, $40 for Non-Members, $18 for Students (student ID must be presented at the door).
At the door: $35 for AMA Members, $45 for Non-Members
PLEASE NOTE: Walk-ins will NOT be assured seating.

Register online at
http://www.regonline.com/87630

Pre-payment will be accepted online. Please RSVP by Monday, January 9th. No reservations will be accepted after 5:00 p.m.

Cliff

2005 was a great year... and we certainly ended it in style with an incredible party at Joia. We launched the MyCityRocks testbed here in Houston during April, and have made many thousands of new friends. Yet we recognize that we are still a long distance from fulfilling the potential of what MyCityRocks can become, and we look forward to working with you in 2006 to continue to expand and evolve the concept. We've learned a lot along the way, and plan to continue to improve. We welcome your feedback -- what can we do for you that will help you rock harder, and help you get involved in making the Houston scene something which you take pride in being a part of? Feel free to hit reply to this message and give us your ideas on how MyCityRocks can become more valuable to you.

We owe our success in 2005 to many people who have been so supportive along the journey. Photographers Cecelia Johnson, Brandon Holley, and Jordan Chan are tremendously talented individuals who contributed significant effort to helping bring the beauty of the Houston music scene to our readers. Our street team gang, including Apryl, Julie, Rae, Eli, Dominique, Matthew, Jamie, Amber, Vanessa, Jessica, Scott, Christine, Kelsia, Christina, Cassye, Rhonda, Cat, Danny, Britt, Chris, Makenzie, Brittany Jade, Kenneth, Jared, Kelli, and Paul, all were instrumental in helping us make Houston ROCK.

Sean Carnahan at 77002.com, Alex Lozano at United Music Alliance, Stephen Skrehot at Fox 26 and Hellfire Revival, Connie Parker at the Houston Band Coalition, Cheryl Gerdes at Extreme Signs and Graphics, comedian Nick Aluotto, Veronica Butler at the Rise School and Camino, and Angie Choueifati at Elite Promotions have not only been exceptionally supportive in helping MyCityRocks grow--they have also been real friends. Dozens of others made exceptional contributions to the Houston ROCKS for Hurricane Katrina Relief effort as well as our summer beach party in Galveston.

In all, we were privileged to take part in many dozens of events during 2005. Those which helped our local charities included:

JAM 4 THE CURE benefiting breast cancer research and awareness
Rockin for Rise Benefit (young children with disabilities)
Pro Players for Youth Charity Affair benefiting Plex Foundation
Jori Zemel Children's Bone Cancer Foundation Benefit
Lotion in Motion Benefiting Boys and Girls Harbor (disadvantaged youths)
Pride Parade benefiting Pride Houston (alternative lifestyles)
Houston Premier of MAESTRO benefiting the Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts
Houston ROCKS for Hurricane Katrina Relief
Laugh to Love Katrina Relief Comedy Benefit
Groove Girlz Party benefiting Pride Houston (alternative lifestyles)
Bringin' Back the Big Easy Katrina Benefit
VIP Celebrity Katrina Relief Benefit
Celebrity Golf Tournament benefiting American War Heros
Paul van Dyk Katrina Relief Benefit
Fashion for Katrina Victims Party
Beauty and the Beat Shriner's Hospital Benefit

But the most important contributions of all have come from our readers and members that came out to support and have fun at these events. It is your support that enables MyCityRocks to continue to work to improve the Houston scene.

We thought we would start 2006 off with a photo essay of highlights from 2005, including a dozen shots from the year-end New Year's party. Enjoy!

Kenneth, Jared, Cliff, and Danny greeted guests at a Shriner's Hospital Benefit at Joia;
DJ Tamara Sky (left) and DJ Colleen Shannon (right)
spun the beat while Houston model Brooke (center) posed for the cameras

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At our very first event, MyCityRocker Apryl represented HOUSTON at
JAM 4 THE CURE benefiting breast cancer research and awareness.

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MyCityRockers Rae and Cecelia rocked out with us in Galveston
at a concert benefiting the Jori Zemel Children's Bone Cancer Foundation

---

MyCityRockers Dominique, Tina Lynn, and Rae pitched in at
a Seabrook benefit for Boys and Girls Harbor
(photo my Amber Anstead)

---

MyCityRockers Julie, Tracy, Cliff, Cat, and Vanessa
REPRESENTED at a MyCityRocks Houston event

---

Brittany Jade helped emcee and Arthur Yoria and Hellfire Revival sang their hearts out
(along with 14 other groups) at the MyCityRocks Katrina Relief Benefit

---

MyCityRockers Scott and Christine helped out at a
Katrina Benefit featuring Paul van Dyk

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MyCityRockers Cecelia, Julie and Rae had a blast helping out backstage when
Perfecto On Tour with Paul Oakenfold, JunkieXL and Liquid Todd
came to Houston (photos courtesy Cecelia Johnson)

 

 

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MyCityRocker Makenzie danced the night away and
DJs Kares and Baby Anne spun the beat at a "Funky Divas" party

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Cliff and Comedian Jon Reep (The HEMI Guy) hammed it up at the LaffStop

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MyCityRocker Danny helped out at the Bringin' Back the Big Easy Benefit

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SHARK ATTACK and FACEPLANT rocked the surf and the crowd at the
first ever MyCityRocks HOUSTON Summer Beach Party, and Rae demonstrated
exceptional creativity in collecting donations for more beer :-P

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Scott REPRESENTED as Ferry Corsten came to spin from the Netherlands
at a party at MBAR (photos courtesy Cecelia Johnson)
 

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MyCityRocker Christina spread the cheer and Too Tall Jones hit the links
at a Celebrity Golf Benefit supporting our war heros
 

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There were ghouls galore and a KISS tribute band as we celebrated Halloween with the City of Houston

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Cliff and Billie Jean King discussed how to make World Team Tennis ROCK!

---

Santa's little helpers were everywhere as we celebrated Christmas with
MTV's Ryan Dunn (that's MyCityRocks Street Teamers Jessica
on the left in the first photo and Cassye in the second photo)

---

And on New Year's eve we rocked out at Joia with DJ Red and hundreds
of partiers to say farewell to 2005 and welcome in 2006!

---

All the above photos are by Cliff Kurtzman and Jordan Chan unless otherwise indicated.

It seemed fitting to recognize some of those that we felt had made a real difference during 2005 in the Houston night life scene. We've been to a lot of events at a lot of great clubs, and we've had the pleasure to work with a number of fantastic promoters. In the end, there were a handful of five people and organizations that we felt stood out above the crowd in terms of providing quality, consistency, and passion to improving the Houston night life scene this year, and we wanted to provide them some recognition for their contributions. And the winners are:

Best large club of Houston 2005 unquestionably goes to The Meridian. Bob Fuldauer and Gary Katz have spent the year bringing diverse and interesting talent to the stage, including popular DJ/electronic dance events like RENT and the 77002.com shows, along with a host of live music performances. They've worked to build relationships within the community, they've taken chances on bringing in interesting performers, and they've steadily supported a stream of important charity benefits throughout the year, ranging from Rockin for Rise to the Tim McGlashen tribute to Bringin' Back the Big Easy. The club isn't fancy in the least... think warehouse. But it would be a mistake to let the decor put you off. The Meridian ROCKS!

Liviya Compean rocking at Bringin' Back the Big Easy at the Meridian

Best new small club of Houston 2005 goes to Joia. In just one year of operation, Joia has managed to carve out a special niche in the Houston party scene. With owner Johnny Weisman hosting the party and DJ Red spinning a great beat, Joia packs in oodles of beautiful people looking to have a wild evening. And Johnny has used online tools like MySpace very effectively to reach out and build relationships with those that love the club. Right after New Year's, Joia closed its doors for a month of remodelling, and will be back in February with a new look and a new name (Touch). Joia ROCKS!

DJ Red spinning at Joia

77002.com's Sean Carnahan

Best DJ/Electronic Dance community of Houston 2005 goes to 77002.com and Sean Carnahan. Sean has again and again brought top DJ talent to the Houston market, producing dozens of great events this year including Paul Oakenfold, Paul van Dyk, the "Funky Divas," Ferry Corsten, and Bad Boy Bill. Sean delivers consistency, attention to detail, and a passion to orchestrate and promote terrific events that never disappoint. 77002.com ROCKS!

HBC Fest 2005

Best live music community of Houston 2005 goes to the Houston Band Coalition (HBC). In a city where live original music from local talent gets virtually no respect, HBC is a beacon of light that has built a strong organization around supporting Houston's local bands. HBC has evolved into a thriving online and offline community working to improve the Houston live music scene. HBC ROCKS!

Photographer Jordan Chan

And in our final category, the best individual contribution to helping communicate the beauty of the Houston music scene for 2005 goes to photographer Jordan Chan. For the past six months, Jordan and his camera have seemingly been everywhere, capturing stunning photography of the Houston music scene in publications ranging from the Houston Press to MyCityRocks. And in the process, he has built a strong reputation with many of our local bands as someone to turn to when they need professional commercial photography for an album cover or web site. Jordan Chan ROCKS!