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Missed Houston Connections at Radio Tave

After four months of taving, this Houstonian reports on the Texas-flavored gems found around Radio Tave.

Deep in the heart of the historic Fifth Ward, the site of the former Moncrief Lenoir Tin Manufacturing Warehouse has become a hotbed for multiversal activity. After four months of taving, this Houstonian reports on the Texas-flavored gems found around Radio Tave. Transmission events, radio towers, and interdimensional dive bars are just the beginning. Here are some helpful tips to guide you on your next taving expedition.

CELL
Abstract art installation in a room with glowing grids on walls and floor. Floating shapes and numbers in vibrant colors create a surreal, futuristic atmosphere.
CELL inside Meow Wolf Houston. Designed by Houston duo Input Output Creative Media Lab. Photo by Atlas Media.

Let me catch you up: Our community radio station has undergone a big change recently with a transmission event transporting us to, well, somewhere outside of Little Thicket. Since that event, (what we lovingly refer to as the “poppening”) everything has been a little different. ETNL Radio Station has been transported in to this multiversal glen and our bathroom has been transformed into…well, it’s hard to explain. What once was a bathroom for our ETNL staff has been transformed into a window of unknown dimensions. CELL will envelop you with ambient sounds, lights, and curious cubes. Are you ready to tave in the realms of absurdity?

Taving Tip: The break room bathrooms aren’t out of order, per se.

Meet Marcel
Furry bat creature with large ears and headphones holding a coffee mug, wearing a Numbers shirt, sitting in a soundproof booth under green light. The scene is whimsical and cozy.
Artist: Emily Link. Photo by Atlas Media.

Now that we’re live on air, ETNL Radio has become a home to all manner of interdimensional beings. Marcel, our late night disc jockey, has found himself new comfy digs, thanks to the ever resonating disturbance that transmission events bring upon ETNL. Houstonians may appreciate Marcel's preferred night club, Numbers.

Taving Tip: Late night DJ is a rough job, Marcel is happy to do it. Right after this nap. Cozy on the couch? Get some rest for the next part of your taving journey.

Liquid Analog
A vibrant mural depicts a blue car parked near a store called "Screwed Up Records & Tapes." Three figures in casual attire stand nearby, with towering cassette tapes to the left. The scene conveys a lively urban atmosphere.
Artist: El Franco Lee II. Photo by Kate Russell.

Any good Taver knows that it is vitally important to learn the local customs. Radio Tave is a great place to explore Houston’s chopped & screwed history. You may stumble upon a creation by Fifth Ward’s own native son, El Franco Lee II, son of late Harris County commissioner El Franco Lee. Tave deep in the Bailiwick and you’ll find a hallway featuring images of DJ Screw, the Astrodome, the Rockets, and other Houston icons. For Houston, by Houston.

Taving Tip: Can you spot all the Houston legends? Take that inspiration down to Pickle Boy Records and create your own demo to broadcast into the multiverse.

The Bringbacks and the Beguiling Bringbarrow
Colorful room with vibrant cartoon wallpaper featuring black and white striped creatures. The room reflects chaotic, whimsical imagery on pink flooring.
Artist: Trenton Doyle Hancock aka Torpedo Boy. Photo by Kate Russell.

Taving is not without its risks and this reporter feels it is important to call out the dangers that you may encounter on your explorations into the Glen. Seeping into our world are the Bringbacks and the Bringbarrows. Bringbacks do the bidding of Junior, a Mound, and Junior wants your childhood toys. They’ve got a pretty amazing collection already, so unless you’ve got an offering, I suggest you continue moving on. 

Taving Tip: Bring your hopes and dreams to feed Mound and help the Bringbackrobats manifest your childhood desires. That’s the only way we’ve found to appease them thus far.  

Cloud Mural
A wall with large, white, abstract floral shapes on a dark background. In the distance, colorful and playful columns add to a whimsical atmosphere.
Cloud Mural by Grapevine Artist Liaison Will Heron. Photo by Sandra Peck Ramsey.

Heading to a dance party? Making a withdrawal at the FishATM? Visiting Bella Durmiente? Theta Theatre serves as the multiversal hub for all Tavers and travelers on their busy multidimensional journeys. Don’t forget to slow down and observe the unnatural phenomena all around you.

Taving Tip: Take a deep breath and focus in. The Glen may weave your frequency into The Real Unreal if you know what you’re looking for.

Cockroach Poker Game
Cozy miniature bar scene with roaches inside a cylinder, featuring tiny chairs, a decorated table, and patterned walls. Background shows a dimly lit bar with stools.
Artist: Caitlin Casselli. Photo by Sandra Peck Ramsey.

By now, you’ve heard about Cowboix Hevvven, the multiverse’s favorite interdimensional dive bar. Every day is Friday night around these parts. What you’ve probably missed is the longest running poker game in the multiverse. The roaches will play nice, as long as you’re playing fair.

Taving Tip: Wanna bet high? You gotta get low. In Cowboix Hevvven, that’s the only way to go.

Bubba Stories
Colorful surreal mural featuring abstract faces and hands against a starry night. Vivid pinks, blues, and greens create a dreamlike, whimsical tone.
Artist: Thomas Tran. Photo by Kate Russell.

After your errands, visit Bubba in Only World, a maximal and wistful, dreamscape created by Alief Artist Thomas Tran. A magic eye meets storybook meets the multiverse. Take a moment to consider the chaotic but calming atmosphere.

Taving Tip: Keep your eye out for the Swangas.

Hecho en Tejas
Neon-lit room with vibrant graffiti, including "Hecho en Texas" text and car image. Brightly colored crates and hubs patterns adorn the walls
Artist: Jamie Dimas. Photo by Sandra Peck Ramsey.

Here’s a space that all Texas-based Tavers can enjoy: Hecho en Tejas. This space celebrates Chicano art culture of Houston - lowrider cars, graffiti, murals of vibrant color. A great photo opportunity as the Houston world seeps into the Multiverse.

Taving Tip: Make yourself at home and stay awhile.

The Beer Can Basement
A collection of colorful vintage cans on green shelves, featuring bold labels like "Texas Ego" and "Orange Show," creating a nostalgic retro vibe.
Artist: Bill Davenport. Photo by Sandra Peck Ramsey.

Between three portals hides a craft beer lovers fantasy: the Beer Can Basement. Some may be familiar with the Houston folk art legends: Beer Can House and Radio Tave houses our own unbelievable collection of hundreds of absurd, hand created beer cans.

Taving Tip: Please tave responsibly.

Graffiti in the Multiverse
Vibrant graffiti decorates a dimly lit hallway with bright colors and playful designs. "Caldo de la Calle" is prominently written on the wall in graffiti.
Photo by Sandra Peck Ramsey.

At large: Gonzo247 is a familiar presence for the Houstonians in the house. His colorful work can be seen on beer cans, showcased on the streets, and in the community, encouraging the next generation of street artists. In his taving expeditions, Gonzo serves as Meow Wolf Houston’s artist liaison, but initial reports suggest that graffiti in Gonzo247’s signature style has begun appearing in the multiverse. Be on the lookout for a cowboy hat, Houston swagger, and notify authorities with any information of the rifts in the multiversal tapestry.

Taving Tip: Soup of the Street now available at a Middling Market near you!