Downtown Houston Texas

[bamacrazy]

I'm heading to Houston next week for a conference. I will be staying downtown at the Hyatt Regency on Louisiana St. I would be grateful for any suggestions regarding nearby music stores, venues for live music, dining, ect. I don't plan to rent a car while I'm there, so I'll be limited to walking or public transportation. Thanks in advance for any advice...

[LarryH in Texas]

Fuller's Vintage Guitar 713-880-2188 116 North Loop West

Rockin' Robin 713-529-5442 3619 South Shepherd

Mike Fuller has many, many Gibson, Epiphone, Fender, quite a few Taylor and Martin, some Santa Cruz. Other brands ranging from entry-to-mid-level on up to "take out a second mortgage on your house". Probably more electric than acoustic, but (as a guess) at least 35 to 40% acoustic.

Rockin' Robin is predominantly electric, but they do have a few acoustics (at least they did the last time I was there, probably a year ago).

Neither are within walking distance. You don't want to be walking around downtown after dark anyway. You'll need to check the Metro web site ( www.ridemetro.org ) for bus schedules and routes.

[bamacrazy]

Thanks for the info!

[singingstone]

McGonigel's Mucky Duck, on Norfolk, is a premier acoustic music venue/restaurant/bar in the Upper Kirby area. It could be accessed by bus from Downtown onto Richmond and returning by cab at night. Check their calendar at www.mcgonigels.com for the artists playing next week. There is an open mike Mon. night, and Irish session Wed. and performers every other night of the week. If you like folk music the Houston Folklore Society meets at the 1st Unitarian Church on Fannin this Monday. Everyone sits in a big circle and shares songs and stories when it's their turn. That is a quick ride on the new train from downtown. I could even arrange to be there with a spare guitar for you (a Taylor no less) if you are open to that type of gathering. It would be a good place to meet some local people also.
Anderson Fair, off Montrose, is a short cab ride from dwntwn and has a great songwriter's night on Thur. plus performers on Fri. and Sat. Check their website for details.
PM me for more information.
Steve

[SongwriterFan]

Those are the two I'd visit first.

There's also a Guitar Center out west on Westheimer that has a lot of nice Taylors, a few Rainsongs, etc in their acoustic room. One of the nicer Guitar Centers I've seen.

[bamacrazy]

Ok,
I'm packed and ready to leave in the AM. Hope to at least get by Fuller's and McGonigel's for Greencard. Thanks for the help!

[Hondo]

Sorry, I just saw this thread. While you're downtown, be sure to eat lunch at Treebeards. They have about three locations downtown and the food is excellent.

They're only open for lunch on weekdays, though.