by Harold McMillan

Greetings, Happy Valentines Day, Happy African American History Month.

Welcome to our passion issue. What a concept. The idea was to have folks write about whatever they happen to think expresses passion, what they really love -- or hate. For the most part, this issue actually does allow some space for passionate expression. Some space for the usual fare of Austin Downtown Arts. I hope you find something here that rings your bell.

For me, the whole passion idea was a stretch for my own writing. Lately I tend to translate everything into an opportunity to talk about my son. I won't do that here, this time.

After not sleeping for a couple of days and still not getting to press when we wanted to, it finally struck me that what I'm passionate about is this. This work. This little magazine and the relationships I have that come with the territory. I don't know of any other reason that explains why we would continue to do this. We must like it. We must really believe that doing cultural work, that doing work connected to your heart, if not your pocketbook, is really a passion for us. I am passionate about providing avenues for folks to express their selves. Whether the avenue is here in this little magazine, on our walls in the gallery, or on stage at one of our shows, the totality of the experience is, really, all about passion.

The Victory Grill and Johnny Holmes

Johnny Holmes was an Austinite who too was passion about providing a venue for expression. He for years provided a stage for local jazz and blues stars and those who would go on to be international music legends. Johnny opened the Victory Grill over fifty years ago, entertained and fed thousands of patrons, and provided an anchor for the East 11th Street Cultural District. This past weekend Johnny Holmes died. He was 83. He will be missed, but the funk will live on at the Victory forever.