In the spring of 2003, John Nova Lomax (Music Editor for the Houston Press) started a weekly gathering at the Volcano which he dubbed the "Houston Music Roundtable". Over the following months, this gathering saw hundreds of members of Houston's music community pass through its doors, get to know each other, and put a face on the "Houston music scene".
In July of 2004, due to a busier-than-usual schedule, John decided to take a hiatus from his weekly gathering. But he said: "It is my hope that someone takes over the reigns, that the institution, young as it is, will prove bigger than its founder."
So rather than let it go the way of the Satellite lounge, a few folks who were present agreed that keeping this informal gathering alive would benefit the community. Ian Varley, a Houston keyboard player, took charge of the group, organizing several new events.
The group now has big meetings on the first Tuesday of each month, at The Volcano (2349 Bissonnet). Ian lives in Austin these days, but a crew of several core folks (including entertainment attorney Mary Jane Hancock and band manager Mary Lee, among others) maintain the group as a great resource for the local music community.
Interested in helping out?
