Our guests today are Carla Capetillo and Vanessa Brown with the Allegro Academy of Dance and Allegro Ballet of Houston.

Allegro Ballet of Houston was founded in 1951 by Emmamae Horn, and celebrates it's 72nd anniversary this year. The Artistic Director is Vanessa Brown. Allegro hosted Regional Dance America/SW Festivals in 1981, 1991, 2001, and in 2011 in celebration of its 60th Anniversary. Allegro has been "Setting the Barre" for over 70 years! We had the lovely opportunity to sit down with Carla and Vanessato learn all about the Allegro Academy and their upcoming performance of The Nutcracker. Enjoy.

For tickets and more information please visit: Tickets | Allegro Ballet of Houston presents The Nutcracker 2024 | ShOvation

Shaun Gray is a native Texan. He moved to Houston in 2011 and began a wedding and event planning career. Prior to moving to Houston, he was in non-profit and political management where he was first introduced to event planning by producing press events and charity galas for a wide array of causes.

Over the last decade, Shaun has been named “Houston’s Best Wedding Planner” by multiple Houston media outlets and has received regional and state-wide awards for tablescape design, non-profit event planning, social event-planning, and more. We had the lovely opportunity to sit down with Sean to learn all about his work. Enjoy.

Thanks for joining us this week, on the Synergy Corridor. We live in this community and love highlighting all of the good there is out there. If you have a local story, individual, or upcoming event that you would like to be featured on the Synergy Corridor podcast be sure to email us at show@synergycorridor.com. We would love to hear from you. Don’t forget to write us a review on Apple Podcasts and share the show with your friends and neighbors. This week’s Synergy Corridor podcast has been brought to you by the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra in collaboration with the Outreach Center of West Houston, and produced by Podastery LLC. Our executive producers are Sarah McDonner and Beau York, our guest this week was Tim Stroud and we’ve been your host Sarah McDonner and Natalie Lerner. Stay cool out there Houston, we’ll be back next time.

Emanuelee Bean, also known as "Outspoken Bean," stands as a dynamic artist and influential mentor, with an impressive range of accomplishments in the world of poetry and performance. His pioneering spirit was vividly showcased when he became the first poet to grace the revered main stage of Houston Ballet during their production "Play," solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer. Born in New Jersey and nurtured in the vibrant culture of San Antonio, Texas, Outspoken Bean currently wears the prestigious title of Houston's Fifth Poet Laureate. This recognition was further affirmed with the distinguished Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship in 2022, a testament to his exemplary contributions.

With an unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging talents, Bean has dedicated 14 years as the Head Coach of Meta-Four Houston. This dedication culminated in their remarkable success at the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam in 2023. Beyond his poetic endeavors, he extends his expertise to public speaking, mentoring individuals in effective communication. Notably, he has graced the esteemed halls of Carnegie Hall, cementing his reputation as a distinguished performer on the global stage. We had the lovely opportunity to sit down with Outspoken Bean to learn all about his work. Enjoy.

Welcome to Synergy Corridor podcast: Your Front Row Ticket to Houston's Art, Culture, and Entertainment Hub. Powered by the Energy Corridor Orchestra of Houston orchestra in collaboration with the Outreach Center of West Houston. We are your host’s Sarah McDonner and Natalie Lerner and we’ve got an excellent show for you this week featuring the music of Mozart performed by the Energy Corridor of Houston Orchestra and our featured guests will be Kathy Musick Wood and Jorge Casco with Fly Dance Company.

FLY is what happens when street dance and classical music meet, but that’s not all.

Based in Houston, Texas, FLY Dance Company offers a full range of performances as well as community outreach through edutainment), dance workshops, demos and residencies.

FLY’s performance style is called “theatrical hip hop” — “theatrical” because acting is an essential element of the style. FLY has been spreading their infectious “theatrical hip hop” around the world since 1992. We had the lovely opportunity to sit down with Kathy and Jorge to learn all about the Fly Dance Company.

The Bayou City Art Festival is Houston’s iconic art festival showcasing the works of 300 artists in 19 different categories. The Festival takes place at Memorial Park this weekend, that’s October 11th through the 13th. And we had the lovely opportunity to sit down with Kelly Batterson, Executive Director for Art Colony Association, Inc. who are the producers of the Bayou City Art Festival, to learn all about it. Enjoy….

Kelly Batterson serves as the Executive Director of the Bayou City Art Festival. She is the former festival director for the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and served as the sponsorship development and coordinator for Bayou City Art Festival in 2017. She has recently worked as an assistant to the co-producer for the “Apollo 11 50th Live” show at Space Center Houston. Batterson has also worked with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Spectrum Catering Concessions & Events. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in La Crosse, WI. In addition to the arts, Batterson supports nonprofits such as the Pink Ribbon Project, American Cancer Society, Kids Meals, and Child Advocates.

Bayou City Art Festival will showcase the works of 270 artists in 19 different categories in Memorial Park from Friday through Sunday, October 11-13, 2024, from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. As one of the top outdoor art festivals in the nation, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park benefits local nonprofits and features something for everyone.

Patrons can take a walk through the park and personally meet the artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, prints, jewelry, sculptures, functional art and more at all price levels.

This year’s featured artist is Ash Beheshti, a mixed media artist from Los Angeles. As a visual storyteller, Beheshti voices his stories through his figurative collages that celebrate the female form and portray women in a strong, positive, and inspirational light.

The crowd at Houston’s largest and oldest art festival will enjoy live entertainment stages, numerous food trucks, a craft beer and wine garden, a VIP Hospitality Lounge, and entertainment throughout Memorial Park.

In the Active Imagination Zone, Bayou City Art Festival’s nonprofit partners will host art activities for all ages and include an interactive area for all attendees to enjoy.

Online tickets are available at www.bayoucityartfestival.com for $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. VIP Hospitality Lounge tickets are $75 and include admission to the festival. Online pre-purchased tickets are required to enter the festival. Tickets will not be sold at the gate and can only be purchased online.

Since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival more than 50 years ago, now known as Bayou City Art Festival, the Art Colony Association, Inc. has raised more than $3.6 million for local nonprofit programs from the proceeds of its festivals. Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the fall and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the spring has provided a venue for more than 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. The festivals are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support, and volunteer assistance.

For more information about Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park or to purchase tickets to the festival, visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com.

Featured Event: Bayou City Art Festival | Houston Texas

Music Selection: George F. Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 1 performed by the Energy Corridor Orchestra of Houston

Sponsor: The Outreach Center of West Houston - visit www.oc-wh.org today

Navigating Houston’s Nightlife: Challenges for Millennials with Sarah McDonner & Natalie Lerner

In this insightful episode, we’re joined by Sarah McDonner of the Energy Corridor Orchestra of Houston and Natalie Lerner from the Outreach Center of West Houston to discuss the unique challenges millennials face in finding a fulfilling nightlife in Houston. From millennial parents seeking family-friendly outings, to singles looking for vibrant social scenes, and those balancing the responsibilities of aging parents, Sarah and Natalie explore the complexities of navigating Houston’s nightlife. They share personal stories, explore hidden venues, and offer solutions for how Houston’s nightlife can better cater to the diverse needs of its millennial population. Whether you're searching for a night out with friends or a way to unwind after a long day, this episode provides fresh perspectives and ideas for making the most of Houston’s ever-evolving social scene.

Debunking the Myth: 'There's Nothing to Do in Houston' with Sarah McDonner & Natalie Lerner

In this lively episode, we’re joined by Sarah McDonner of the Energy Corridor Orchestra of Houston and Natalie Lerner from the Outreach Center of West Houston, as they take on the oft stated misconception that "there’s nothing to do in Houston." Together, they dive into the city’s vibrant cultural scene, from hidden gems in the arts to community-driven events. Sarah sheds light on the dynamic world of Houston's music scene, sharing stories from her work with the Energy Corridor Orchestra, while Natalie highlights the many impactful programs and activities the Outreach Center offers. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this episode is your guide to uncovering all the exciting opportunities Houston has to offer. Tune in to discover why this city is brimming with life and creativity!