Rachel Johnson

A&E 11/9/21 11:35pm

Rice Cinema reopens, welcoming viewers to Sewall Hall

By Rachel Johnson

The Rice Cinema, or the Rice Media Center, reopened in Sewall Hall 301 on Oct. 1 after shutting its doors in June. Demolition of the Media Center began on June 28 to make room for the new Sarofim Visual and Dramatic Arts Building, which is projected to be finished between Aug. 2023 and Jan. 2024. 

A&E 3/16/21 8:54pm

Historic River Oaks Theatre at risk of permanent closure

By Rachel Johnson

The River Oaks Theatre, a historic art deco cinema from the 1930s located at 2009 West Gray Street, is at risk of permanent closure after being unable to pay rent to Weingarten Realty for a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two Houston organizations, Artists for Artists and the Houston Film Critics Society, are working to prevent the cinema’s closure. 

NEWS 3/4/21 10:28pm

President Biden visits Houston following disastrous winter storm

By Rachel Johnson

President Biden visited Houston last Friday, Feb. 26, following the disastrous winter storm that affected millions of Texans. During his visit, Biden traveled to the Harris County Emergency Operations Center, the Houston Food Bank and the Federal Emergency Management Agency  COVID vaccination site at NRG stadium. 

A&E 2/23/21 8:54pm

Houston Symphony partners with visual artist to bring music to life

By Rachel Johnson

Last weekend, valentines and palentines alike joined visual artist Topher Sipes and the Houston Symphony as they performed “Music Illustrated: Virtual Reality in Concert” at the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. 3D digital art drawn live by Sipes with Google Tilt Brush software and orchestral music conducted by Ming Luke combined to create a mesmerizing experience for viewers.