First time for Houston

[I Am Paula]

I need some advice from Texas girls. My good friend called, and needs a guitar player in the worst way (no good guitarists in Texas!!!). I've never been to Houston before, and need to know what the 'vibe' is like for a full time gurl. Not looking for recommendations on where to go, but more like safety, and acceptance.
I was in Austin once, went in drab, and really missed the boat on that one. Austin is freak central. I want to get this one right. I'll be busy whole time I 'm there, but I would prefer to stay femme the whole time. Any advice? -Celeste

[Rogina B]

Just do it! Are you expecting an angry mob with torches and pitchforks? Not gonna happen...You're a big girl and can handle the oilfield rednecks,no problem!

[kimdl93]

I go out everyday in Houston. Never had a problem. Come enjoy yourself!

[CynthiaD]

Houston is like any big city. (It's the third biggest city in the US.) Do what you like. Nobody will care. Last time I was in Houston, I went to a restaurant and was served by a guy wearing false eyelashes and eye shadow. No problem.

[Beverley Sims]

Houston is like any big city. (It's the third biggest city in the US.) Do what you like. Nobody will care. Last time I was in Houston, I went to a restaurant and was served by a guy wearing false eyelashes and eye shadow. No problem.

Yes I was surprised at the spread of the city when I was there.
I wondered whether it was larger than La.
I did not feel it was all that accepting though.

[Keri L]

Everything inside the "Loop" (the 610 loop around the city) is pretty cosmopolitan. Outside the loop (essentially the Burbs) is kind of a crap shoot. The Montrose and Heights areas are definitely TG friendly.

[Jenny Green]

"(no good guitarists in Texas!!!}"

:eek:"What?????", was my first reaction. Then I realized that, probably unintentionally, the OP was correct.

There are GREAT guitarists in Texas!!!

* Stevie Ray Vaughan
* Willie Nelson
* Gary Clark, Jr.
* Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)
* Eric Johnson
* Jimmy Vaughan (Fabulous Thunderbirds)
* Carolyn Wonderland
* Ray Wylie Hubbard
* T-Bone Walker
* Junior Brown
* Joe Ely
* Freddie King
* Johnny Winter
* Ian Moore
* Albert Collins
* Lightnin' Hopkins
* Buddy Holly
* Roy Orbison
and the list goes on...

I'm just sayin.

-- Jenny

[Lorileah]

Houston is like any big city. (It's the third biggest city in the US.)

After New York L A and Chicago :)

[sandra-leigh]

Jenny, "alive" was implicit in the original posting. The people in your list are lacking a bit in vitality.

[michelleddg]

Houston, our nation's fourth largest city, is very cosmopolitan. Hardly anybody, it seems, who lives in Houston is actually from Houston. My favorite things include eating out and hanging in the Galleria, Houston's famous fu fu mall. Lots of shopping both dolled up and "I'm shopping for me" dude mode. Have never been hassled. Hugs, Michelle

[TxKimberly]

I've been out there a few times and never had a problem. Oh, Michelle mentions the Galleria - beautiful mall but you better take your check book with you. Oh, and your spouses check book. Grab your kids wallets too. Might even wanna ask your manager for a loan before you go too. (In other words, it's EXPENSIVE to shop there!)

[michelleddg]

I've been out there a few times and never had a problem. Oh, Michelle mentions the Galleria - beautiful mall but you better take your check book with you. Oh, and your spouses check book. Grab your kids wallets too. Might even wanna ask your manager for a loan before you go too. (In other words, it's EXPENSIVE to shop there!)

Miss Kimberly speaks the truth. However, do note the Galleria has a terrific MAC standalone store (complete with privacy booths for girls who don't want their makeovers in the middle of crowded malls) and a Nordstroms which is famous for carrying large-sized shoes. And $600 shoes. Hugs, Michelle

[I Am Paula]

Jenny, I think you missed the sarcasm. MOST of my favorite guitar players are from Texas. You forgot Stephen Stills, one of the GREATS. There seems to be something in the water that causes regular folks to mutate into guitar gods in Texas. My comment was only to laugh at the fact that a Canadian was going to Texas to play country music.

Billy Gibbons is as close to God as I know.

Thanks for all the responses girls-Celeste

TxKimberley- My kind of stores. I DO speak Prada.

[TxKimberly]

Jenny, I think you missed the sarcasm. MOST of my favorite guitar players are from Texas. . . .

Most places where I've lived, when you tell people that you play guitar it gets some interest, but here:
"Yeah, I play a bit of guitar." says I.
"Yeah, so? Doesn't everyone?!" they reply. . . .

[Jenny Green]

Celeste - You're quite right - I didn't catch the true meaning in your words :-) , but either way I just enjoyed listing some of the Great Ones. I still want to learn to play the guitar someday - I'm envious of those who can.

Sandra Leigh - Sorry for the delay getting back to you. It took a while 'cause many of them are on the road, but Willie, Gary, Billy, Eric, Jimmy, Carolyn, Ray, Junior, Joe, Johnny, and Ian all said they're doing just fine. And Jerry Jeff says Hi, too.

Lol! :D

Celeste, I hope your gig goes great!

-- Jenny

[Barbara Maria]

Hi,Celeste. Welcome to Texas. I live in Austin and play the steel guitar. I've played around Houston alot but never spent much time there otherwise. I've found Austin to be a very accepting town. Though I haven't worked up the courage to go out dressed yet,I've seen others do it without problem. Hope you enjoy Texas! Have a good gig.