This month is Halloween, and that, by far, is the Queen’s favorite holiday. I asked Gina Rotolo of Elmore Public Relations what was in store for the Main Event and she said this Halloween will be the 1-year anniversary of the Downtown Entertainment District, so there will be a huge street party on Friday, October 29th. Come in costume and join the fun. For details, see www.deda.org. The Ambassadors' Club 8th Annual Halloween Gala is on Sunday, October 31, 2004 beginning at 8:00 at Champps Americana Restaurant at Uptown Park Visit the website for details www.theambassadorsclub.org. Another Halloween party is "Haunted Hollywood" at Slainte Irish Pub and the Ruby Room on October 29th, 30th and 31st www.rubyroomhouston.com. That sounds like a frighteningly good time. Email me to report the best costumes, best parties or funniest Halloween adventures you experience and if I publish your submission in next month’s QOC issue, you’ll receive a gift certificate for a tab at a downtown venue. Free booze for telling a funny story, it doesn’t get much better than that!

I think it’d be a nice addition to feature where all your favorite staffers are now working so if you move jobs in the industry, notify me, so I can keep our readers informed. If you’re looking for waitress Lara Bauer, you’ll find her at Jefe Bar on Main Street. Celise Keller recently got promoted to Assistant Manager at Slainte Irish Pub and the Ruby Room. Maith thú, Celise (that’s the Irish term for "way to go!") DJ Rocky B. is at the brand new, Bartini at 1318 Westheimer where she hosts "the Powder Room" on Sundays featuring no cover and $2.00 domestics and $2.00 frozens. Sweet. Stop by M Bar to welcome new Director of Events, Jenny Green to the downtown scene. Marc-Eric Cerda and his sexy South African Accent have moved to Slider’s Bar, and DJ Thumpa now spins at the Ruby Room for their Luscious Thursdays which boast the low priced $1.75 well drinks and $1.75 domestic drafts.

Don’t forget October 16th is National Bosses Day. Bosses are people too, even yours, so show him or her some love and treat them to a cocktail at your favorite bar. There are two great "must go to" festivals this month. The Greek Festival returns October 7-10 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 3511 Yoakum Boulevard. If you’ve ever been to this festival, you probably return every year. Insider tip, there is no admission fee on October 8th before 5:00PM. For more scoop on the event, visit www.greekfestival.org. The Renaissance Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary from October 2 through November 14th in Plantersville. Details can be found on www.texrenfest.com.

Rock Star Mondays are the latest craze at the Social (3730 Washington @ Yale www.thesocialinfo.com.) The party starts at 8PM each Monday. It is hosted by several people, but produced by Joe Applewhite, Ryan Echiverri, Curtis Monroe, and Bobby Stark, all legends of Houston’s Nightlife. DJ Andy Kogut will be spinning nothing but rock, and only the best ROCK, spanning over the past thirty years! Throw in $ 3.00 U-CALL-ITS and Monday Night Football and it’s sure to be a hit. "Our goal is to spin the hits of today and the songs that are linked to memories from the past. We want everyone bobbing their heads and remembering good times," stated creator, Joe Applewhite of Vinyl Pimp fame.

There are many other great resources to keep up-to-date on all of the "goings-on" around the Bayou City. Here are a few of my favorites, so be sure subscribe to receive newsletters about events. I recommend www.gochgazette.com, www.vinylpimp.com, www.clubsinthecity.com and be sure to join the email lists available on www.hypermail.cc, the beloved sponsor of this newsletter. I look forward to hearing from all of you. If you want to read about more than just nightlife, maybe sports, movies, fashion, restaurants, art, whatever…let me know. If you like the newsletter, tell your friends. If you don’t, drop me a line and tell me how I can improve on it or unsubscribe yourself, if you choose. I cater to the readers, so your opinions matter. Also, should this be once a month or every two weeks? You’re in the driver’s seat, so tell me what your interests are and how often you want to receive news.

A parting word of advice for all of you, remember to drink responsibly, because what happens in those DWI commercials on television REALLY DOES happen when you get stopped by the police, so be smart and call a cab. Always, THINK when you drink.

Until next time...

the Queen