Dish-Houston

Most of us know Richard Grieco as an actor who's big start was on 21 Jump Street with Johnny Depp. He's earned his chops as an actor and a musician but most people don't know he is an accomplished painter and has been for almost 20 years.

My Emptiness by Richard GriecoOver the weekend Grieco's passion hit a new height. One of his pieces landed the highest bid at ART PROJECT LA. Not only did his creation land the highest bid of the night, it beat out a Picasso and a Warhol.

Although his work is most often categorized as Abstract you will also see a bit of expressionism, surrealism and cubism to name a few. Combining the greatest qualities of many art styles has resulted in him pioneering a style of art in it's own right that he has coined
 "Abstract Emotionalism".

Grieco sums is up this way:

“My work is capturing lighting in a bottle. It’s a pure unbridled emotion. I am a painter who puts his emotions on canvas and honestly my work is as much part of my life as breathing.”

Celebrities and art lovers gathered this weekend for Art Project Los Angeles – the third annual red-carpet art auction and gala event benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA). The event raised over $180,000 for APLA, which provides direct care services and HIV prevention programs to more than 11,000 Angelenos. 

The evening began with a slew of celebrity guest arrivals on the “red” carpet, which was actually a grassy trail that served as the first introduction to the “California” theme of the evening. Celebrity guests included Richard Grieco (21 Jump Street / Booker), Kathy Griffin, Robert Herjavec (Shark Tank), Alex Lombard (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), Alfred Molina (Chocolat, Raiders of the Lost Ark), Mark Ordesky (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring), Judy Tenuta, and Marni Wing.

All proceeds benefit APLA, one of the nation’s largest AIDS service organizations, which relies heavily on private support to operate a range of HIV care, prevention, testing, and advocacy programs.

Since DISH only focusus on the local the question is begging to be asked, why would we write about this??

Because, Richard Grieco will be having a show here in Houston in September as a kick off to his very first Las Vegas November 9th solo art exhibition at Planet Hollywood. His friend and art advisor and DISH Lover Reyne Hirsch is putting together an invite only viewing of his art to launch the Vegas event. If you are lucky enough to attend the Houston event, which Grieco himself will be attending, you will automatically be invited to the Vegas red carpet event. One ticket in fact buys two! WOOHOO!

More details to come on the Houston event...it's being planned as we type!

For more information on Richard's art CLICK HERE

It's also Friday the 13th week! =) coincidence?? DISH thinks not!

Anywho...enough with our DOWN With Love thoughts Here are some fun things for you and your sweetie to do this weekend.

You can start tonight with Chai Exchange's first ever event! Get your business cards ready because South Asian Chamber of Commerce is unraveling a series of networking events called Chai Exchange.They are partnering with South Asian Bar Association to bring Sheriff ADRIAN GARCIA, District Attorney PAT LYKOS, and Police Chief HAROLD HURTT for conversation over chai and light refreshments. Become a member now for $75 and get into all Chai Exchange events free. Non-Members--$25.

Then head over to So Vino for the monthly SoSip Mixology 101 | Classic Cocktails: Sidecar!
Officially declared SoVino's Girls' Night Out with SoVino resident bartender Carlos Ballon. Join him as he continues to increase our prowess in mixology. The pouring starts at 8:30 pm, so don't be late!
Grab your girlfriends for a night of fun, light bites and a Sidecar. $10.  Reserve your space at  713...or sovinowines@gmail.com.  SoSip occurs every 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Here's a fun thing to do while you are waiting for the passing of the economic stimulus bill.
Thanks to Spacetaker ...

FROM NOW UNTIL MIDNIGHT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH, There will be a discount on Individual Gala Tickets to $50.00 (regularly $85.00).

During that time, Artist Registry Member Tickets (already $50.00) will include a complimentary Artist Culture 365 Membership, affording artists access to enhanced promotion through Spacetaker and discounted rates on a variety of services. (Artists must sign up for the Artist Registry.)

...and ALL (artists and art fans alike) may utilize the link for the $50.00 "Artist Registry Member Tickets."

FABOOOOO!

To Tivo or DVR, or if you are totally funky and old school vcr Earnie Manouse's new show "Houston 8"!!

We are so excited for him and can't wait to see it! The big premiere is tonight and it will be on every Friday at 8 pm! Make sure you never ever miss an episode!!

Ernie’s brand new series premiers this Friday at 8pm only on HoustonPBS - Channel 8

HOUSTON 8 Beyond the Headlines - Impacting our Community (isn't that an impacting tag line??? LOVE IT!)

Hey DISHIES!!! It's finally friday!! That means the Rice professors are getting trashed at Kelvin Arms, one of DISH'S most loyal fans Sarah's B-Day is tomorrow and tonight is the night to let out our TRI-Curious nature! Yes, we said TRI!! We will have out GU and Bodyglide on hand for viewing.

* If you want to see, head over to the Red Lion in the Fireplace room until 8 tonight. It's for tri-athletes. Crazy kids! You thought we were talking dirty!! It's usually a closed group, but tonight is to get to know some athletes in the area! Go, enjoy, meet a new running buddy! It's happening til 8!

* After mixing with the healthy people, go get your real drink on at the Amalfli at Herman Park. It's their grand opening celebration!That party starts at 7 and goes til 11 or so. There will be food, drinks and spectacular skyline at Houston's most pet friendly address This heated roof top event kicks off at 7PM till 11PM. Benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection. A donation of $10, kitty, puppy, dog or cat food is requested. (don't forget though DISHIES...CAPS is not a humane shelter so to give money to them is giving a pet a home for about a week then they kill it...FYI)

* If you are not into killing animals, you can head over to DiversWorks at 1117 East Freeway. They are installing a new exhabition and performance piece called House of Mind. The installation for House of Mind will be on view during gallery hours. Admission is free and open to the public. It closes Feb 21.

* Looking at art not for you? The perform!! Tonight is Rockstar Karoake at Sammy's! 2016 main street. Here's the kicker about Rockstar Karoake...you are performing with a real band not a tape or computer and you don't have to play air guitar! It's a real band and you!!! Head over around 9 or so and get that party started!

* If you prefer the Opera to rock music that can be arraigned as well, SoVino is the official after party spot for Houston Grand Opera's Opening Nights for Young Professionals. Members receive a complimentary glass of wine after the performance. Valid only for O.N. members during the Opening Night post-performance mixer on 1/30/09. (don't you feel like you've been lawyered??)

* How about getting to be on TV?? Bravo at that!! You can do just that by hitting up Hotel Zaza after 10. Shaun and Bubba are having their "Funky" Cabaret!! FUN FUN FUN!!! BRAVO TV will be there filming the best entertainment in town! So come hang out and support Shaun and Bubba! This show always promises to be over the top! AND IT IS FREE!!!!

WOW! DISH is tired just thinking about all of this...now what to wear...hhhmmm

See you out DISHIES and remember! HAVE A DD or get a cab!