Dustin McLaughlin
Abraham Alexander | Reader Pick: Best Musician
When Abraham Alexander first entered the music scene with the 2017 single, “America” — a song Abraham wrote in the wake of the killing of five Dallas police officers — he didn’t expect this anthem to be just as relevant 3 1/2 years later. And it’s something he finds disappointing.
“I don’t want people saying, ‘Man, this song is so relevant,’” Abraham says. “Hell, no. I want it to be a Sam Cooke song that people listen to and say, ‘Man, this is beautiful.’ If the song is relevant, it means nothing has changed.
“Love is always going to be relevant. Pain is always going to be relevant. But I don’t want police brutality or inequality within my people to be relevant. It hurts that it is, and I’m praying for a day that the song is not looked at as relevant.”
The days of being a backing vocalist on Leon Bridges’ first album have long been in his rearview, and it’s become clear that Abraham has something unique and powerful to say. Having released a bevy of songs in the past year that have received regular rotation on local airwaves, there’s little doubt Abraham is forging a path to potential stardom.
As of press time, Abraham’s song, “Stay,” is creeping up on 3 million Spotify listens, and he’s teaming up with Lauren Childs of Fort Works Art on a project to help local musicians. Inspired by Abraham’s partnering with old friend Leon Bridges to raise money for Near Southside businesses in the wake of COVID-19, the project (called Sounds of Resilience) will raise money and grant funds to 36 different Fort Worth musicians. He’ll also be releasing an official music video for “America.”
“We asked for video submissions of people protesting and being the voices of the movement, and we’re putting a compilation together. I thought that would be a really cool way to unite everyone together.
“I saw more white people marching in Fort Worth than I did people of color. That was beautiful to see because I truly believe these issues will no longer be issues when people who don’t deal with racism are just as enraged as those who do, and I saw that in Fort Worth.”
Laura Lape | Reader Pick: Best Influencer
Laura Lape’s reason for moving to Fort Worth might strike some as unorthodox. It wasn’t the amazing food, friendly people, subtropical climate, or amazing real estate — though she would soon learn all of these things about the city after her arrival — that drew her to the city. No, instead, she and her husband simply pointed their fingers on a map — the fingers landing on Cowtown — and said, “Yep, that’ll be good.”
The pair then packed their things and left Vancouver a mere 10 weeks before having their first child. Since arriving and giving birth, Laura’s found the perfect balance of making friends, being active in the community, and also being a parent.
She’s also managed to grow a massive following on social media via her blog, the aptly titled lauralape.com.
The website, which she proudly describes as a hodgepodge of all of her favorite things — food, TV, fashion, health, beauty, etc., etc., etc. — is something she initially started as a creative outlet, but it soon evolved into a lifestyle.
“Whenever I started actually putting effort into [my blog], I kind of realized that what had been just a fun, creative outlet, it was really kind of a major component of my identity outside of a mom and a wife,” Laura says. “It was just my own thing.”
And, for now, Laura likes the diverse, splattering of content she provides.
“There might be a time in my life whenever I start to narrow in on certain facets of my life that become more involved in my content,” Laura says. “But for now, my life is all over the place, and my blog kind of reflects that.”
Museum | Reader Pick: Kimbell Art Museum
Monet, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso — just to name a few. The collection at the Kimbell can impress even the haughtiest of art snobs. And, surprising to some, these priceless works of art are right in our own backyard. In addition to the art and awe-inspiring architecture, the Kimbell is also on the cutting edge of how one experiences museums, offering mobile apps for art students, teens, and kids alike; virtual tours; and family guides.
Nic Lehoux
Radio Personality | Reader Pick: Corks in Cowtown
A bong of champagne leads to a lively conversation on each episode of Corks in Cowtown, hosted by the dynamic duo of Robyn Risenhoover and Barton Fluker. Listeners may submit questions via social media for the two to discuss, on topics ranging from dating to current events.
Artist | Editor Pick: Daniel Blagg
Daniel Blagg first served as a combat artist for the Army during the Vietnam War. He’s since been painting for over 50 years in Fort Worth — his politically infused American regionalist art is unmistakable in its jarring effect — and founded Artspace111 with his brothers in 1981.
Mariel and Joey Lifestyle Photography
Photographer | Reader Pick: Mariel and Joey Lifestyle Photography
Who better to photograph a wedding than a couple who’s been there, done that, lived it, and loved it. In case you couldn’t already tell, the business is owned and operated by Mariel and Joey, a married couple, who have clearly been successful in providing our readers with a bit of know-how — the pair keep up a photography blog, too.
