October 2014 by BOBCATFANS

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Contents | OCTOBER 2014 |

BOBCATFANS

SMTX

10. HAPPENINGS

06. TIDBITS

12. HAPPY HOUR

08. SO SAN MARCOS

14. SWIMMING PROFILE

10. COMEDY CLUB

16. FALL FASHION

12. POWER HOUSE

18. COSTUMES

14. ELECTIONS

20. BACK STAGE

18. RENT

COVERS

22. HUNGRY GAMER

20. MAKERS

BOBCATFANS Photo by Sam Hickey

24. SMTX AFTER MIDNIGHT

27. CHEWED & BREWED

SMTX Photo by Will Bowling

30. BUS IT 32. Q&A W/ AFTERDARK

bobcatfans.com 6

@bobcatfans

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bobcatfans

smtxmagazine.com

@smtxmag

smtxmagazine

PUBLISHER Rick Koch

ART DIRECTOR Will Bowling

PHOTO EDITOR Ashley Haguewood

COPY EDITOR Pam Bowen

FOOD EDITOR Katie Ogletree

DEVELOPMENT Steve Huskey

CONTRIBUTORS Xander Peters Sam Hickey Tiffany Matthews Eric Morales Jordan Gass-Poore Brodie Corinth Heather Yzaguirre Devin Glenn Aaron Gadberry Brandon Thompson Amber Ross RayC

ADVERTISING 512.619.0494 bobcatfans.com/advertise

FEEDBACK smtxmagazine@gmail.com bobcatfans@gmail.com

Copyright 2014, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. SMTX | BOBCATFANS Magazine is not affiliated with Texas State University.

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TAILGATE WITH GRINS SERVING UP BOBCAT PRIDE SINCE 1975

VOTED BEST HAPPY HOUR PROUD PARTNER OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS

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GRINSRESTAURANT.COM • 512 392 4746 • 802 N LBJ

Events & Happenings | OCTOBER 2014 |

Dia de Tejas: LBJ Street Party October 18

At last, LBJ Dr. will be open! And with this feat comes a Texassized community block party welcoming us all to the newly constructed street scape. Local businesses will host “tailgates” and shopping sales on their brand new sidewalks. Get there at 6p to be a part of a historic panoramic photograph being taken on the corner of LBJ. Saturday, October 18 @ 6-10p @ Downtown 200 Block of LBJ Dr., San Marcos

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Double Dose of Bobcat Football

October 3-5 and October 10-12

October 4 and 14

For those lucky enough to have already purchased tickets, the Austin Parks Foundation presents Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) and it’s a back-to-back weekend package for the second consecutive year. So feast your ears and eyes on some of the biggest names in live music, such as Pearl Jam, Outkast, Foster the People, Lana Del Ray and many more.

The Texas State Bobcats gear up for not one, but two, home game helpings as the Idaho Vandals and the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana-Lafayette come to town this month. And if tailgating isn’t your fancy, then both games will air live on ESPN networks.

Friday - Sunday, October 3-5 and 10-12 @ Zilker Park 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin

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Saturday, October 4 @ 6p Texas State vs. Idaho Tuesday, October 14 @ 7p Texas State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette @ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos

RENT (Musical) October 7-12 The university’s Department of Theatre and Dance brings to you Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awardwinning rock musical, “RENT,” one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. See for yourself just how much the plot thickens between a group of young artists and musicians living in New York City’s Lower East Side underneath the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Tuesday - Sunday, October 7-12 @ Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre 601 University Dr., San Marcos

Sacred Springs Powwow October 11 In celebration of the Native American culture which has been deeply rooted in San Marcos for thousands of years, the local nonprofit Indigenous Cultures Institute presents the annual Sacred Springs Powwow on the shores of Spring Lake. In part, a 32-foot teepee with Native American exhibits and presentations will be open to those in attendance. Saturday, October 11 @ the shores of Spring Lake 923 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos

5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk October 18 Brought to you in sponsor by the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, this events offers an opportunity to give back to the community by just going for a trot or even a brisk run. Prices start at $20, plus a signup fee, until October 11, after that date, prices go up to $30, plus fee. Get in shape while contributing to a good cause. Saturday, October 18 @ 8p @ Five Mile Dam Park San Marcos

10th Dam Chili Cookoff October 25 Benefiting for the San Marcos Youth Service Bureau, this annual celebration invites friends and family alike out to grub down one of many Texan dish favorites. Live music will take place from 12-9p, a silent auction will take place between 122p, as well as chili and hot sauce contest winners to be announced at 3p. Saturday, October 25 @ 7a-9p 204 Main St., Martindale

Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hollow 2nd Annual Halloween Bash October 31 The Texas renown Cheatham Street Warehouse brings to you their second annual blowout Halloween party featuring the blues band Devils Hollow. Get spooked in the heart of Texas as this Southern funk quintet wakes up the Hill Country spirits. Friday, October 31 @ 10:30p @ Cheatham Street Warehouse 119 Cheatham St., San Marcos

Oktoberfest October 24 Enjoy authentic bratwurst, German potato salad, strudel, sauerkraut and more in a buffet style, cash only setting for just $25 at the local and second annual Oktoberfest. Traditional music by the band 3rd Generation begins at 8p, and the food lasts until the shindig is over. Friday, October 24 @ 5-10pm @ San Marcos Activity Center 401 E. Hopkins, San Marcos

Shows at The Marc October 16 and 25 As always, The Marc and AfterDark Entertainment bring to you several quality live music exhibitions, featuring electronic music duo DVBBS on October 16 and GTA on October 25. Get your tickets online before they sell out. Both events are 18+. Thursday, October 16 @ 9p Saturday, October 25 @ 9p @ The Marc 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos

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Happy Hour Specials | OCTOBER 2014 |

HARPERS It’s the “CHEERS” of San Marcos. Everyone goes there to watch the games, take advantage of amazing drink specials and chat with the friendly staff. Now with the addition of an authentic New York Brick Oven (opening this month) the friendly faces will soon have pizza and wings to fill their pie holes.

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139 E Hopkins Street San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 878-2448

| Photos Ashley Haguewood |

RESTAURANTS LOUIE’S BEER GARDEN

BOBCAT NATION

$.50 Chips & Salsa $2 Wells & Domestics Daily @ 3pm – 6pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393

$3.99 Street Tacos $1.50 Ritas (All Day) $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Liquors Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862

CHIMYS CERVECERIA $2 Ziegen & Cans $3 Fireball $3 Cuervo $4 Special Shots Everyday Specials 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175

SEAN PATRICK’S

$3 Off Select Appetizers $1 Off ALL 100 Drafts $1 Off Specialty Drinks $3 Off All Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 E. San Antonio St. (512) 392-7310

GRINS

$.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm - 10pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746

GUMBY’S

VODKA ST.

$1.50 Ziegenbock (All Day) $4.20 Ziegenbock Pitchers Mon-Wed @ 9pm-11pm 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629

Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260

BARS BLACK RABBIT SALOON SHADE ROOFTOP $2.50 Pints PATIO BAR Every Monday 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313

BARFISH LOUNGE $2 U Call It’s Every Tuesday 141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399

HARPER’S PUB

$2.50 Wells $2.50 Dom Bottles Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448

$1 Off All Liquor $2 Off Craft Cocktails Daily @ 5pm – 9pm 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313

TAXI’S PIANO BAR

Various Daily Specials Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm

202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031

TRIPLE CROWN

$1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells

Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm

206 N. Edward Gary St. (512) 396-2236

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BO BCATFAN S | ATHLETES

Profiles

VI C K I MUNS ON Clad in a skintight one-piece swimsuit, waiting on the edge of a pool looking into the cool, clear water, there’s nothing to hide… not even nerves. Munson said she still gets “so nervous” before a swim meet and that mid-race, without fail, her legs feel like they’re going to fall off. And that’s after almost a decade of swimming competitively. DIVING IN At 11 years old, an age that Munson admits is older than the average swimmer, she began swimming through her Chicago neighborhood’s summer league, not because she had any interest in learning the difference between a backstroke and a heatstroke, but because her friends were participating.

When you’re swimming your head’s underwater, you’re not talking to anyone, you’re just within your own thoughts. It’s just you and your mind.

Home Town: Chicago Degree: Health and Fitness Management

Munson went wherever the competitive tide took her, and that was a location where there actually is a tide: Florida.

changed when she found and joined the Texas State Swim Club on her own— the “perfect balance” of relaxation and competitiveness. Texas State no longer has a collegiate swim team, a fact that Munson, health and fitness management senior, attributes to how little money the sport brings in and how much money it costs to participate.

TURNING THE TIDE

As Southwest Texas State University in the 1990’s, Munson said there was a “real” swim team, whose “I thought Florida sounded member and team records really cool,” said the former are immortalized on a University of Tampa board, and have since undergrad, where she been broken by the 30 swam on scholarship. It member, co-ed Texas was cool, weather wise, State Swim Club. Postbut the mental and season Munson said the physical stress of swimTexas State Swim Club ming competitively soon broke seven of these title got to her. records, including one for men’s relay, three for relay and three individual records BIG MOVE she broke. When Munson’s family Since joining the Texas relocated from Chicago to State Swim Club, Munson Houston, she saw it as an said she has noticed the opportunity to transfer difference between club universities and transfer and collegiate swimmers: more of her time to “They’re there because academics. Last fall they want to be.” She Munson enrolled at Texas added that many of the State, still wanting to swim university’s club members competitively but on her are former high school own terms. Her whole varsity athletes or particiswimming career had been pated in similar summer “extremely competitive,” leagues that she did as a she said. The tide had child. | By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photo Eric Morales |

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BO BCATFAN S | FASHION

FA LL FA SHI ON Leave the summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neons behind and opt for solid colors with blasts of wild patterns or textured fabrics. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finally time to start incorporating actual pants, sweaters and cardigans into your wardrobe. With Central Texas breezy days and crisp nights, stock up on light cover-ups that can be boldly accessorized. Vintage and handmade items that are intricately embellished are beautiful this time of year.

High-low knit button down top in geranium $24.90 Skinny military pant in charcoal $29.90 Lace-up ankle boot in black $29.90

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Textured velvet babydoll dress in chocolate $29.90 Platform Mary Janes in black $29.90

Color-block bodycon dress in green/black combo $24.90 Denim chambray pearl snap shirt $22.90

| Clothing courtesy Langford Market | Photos Ashley Haguewood |

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BO BCATFAN S | DRESSING UP

G et t i n g I n to Characte r When it comes to Halloween costumes, you get out what you put in. The “Best Dressed” put in planning, creativity and aren’t scared to spend a few bucks. This year Halloween falls on a Friday, which means the spooky celebration in San Marcos will officially kick off on Thursday night. The question is, what are you going as?

TTREONDPIMNGES U

COST

WONDER WOMAN

BACK STORY A classic comic superhero, she is an Amazon warrior princess and one of the most powerful women in the DC Universe. BEHIND THE COSTUME Amber, 33, a Sale Rep at Jimmy Jacobs Homes. WHY “She’s a symbol of power. I see so many insecure women nowadays, and it’s important to find peace and strength from within by loving yourself.”

HARLEQUIN JESTER

BACK STORY The harlequin was born of the Commedia Dell’Arte theater movement in Italy during the 1500s, typically known for brightly colored diamond-patterned costumes with tight legs, black half-masks and ruffles. BEHIND THE COSTUME Lina, 20, a nursing student at Texas State originally from Arizona. WHY “Dressing uniquely is sexy, and it’s the one day a year I’m not shy.”

According to Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween store in the country, the most popular Halloween adult costumes for 2014 are characters from hit movies and television. If that sounds too generic for you, remember, there is more than one way to skin a black cat - think about how many different sexy looks there are for Dothraki Queen Daenerys Targaryen. You best get your hands on these costumes and the allimportant accessories before they sell out.

“Game of Thrones” “Frozen” POCAHONTAS

BACK STORY A Virginia Indian born in the late 1500s, her current romanticized image has been made popular Disney. BEHIND THE COSTUME Jeanette, 22, student at Texas State. WHY “Why not?”

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SEXY COP

BACK STORY Police impersonation is an act of falsely portraying oneself as a member of the department, for the purpose of deception. No worries here, this is clearly not standard uniform. BEHIND THE COSTUME Ericha, 33, is a proud mother of three, believe it! WHY “When you fight the law, the law always wins, and I don’t hesitate to bust ass!”

“The Walking Dead” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” “Guardians of the Galaxy”

| Costumes courtesy Spirit Halloween | Photos Will Bowling |

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BO BCATFAN S | BACKSTAGE

“Their dynamic sound could be described as something along the lines of “power folk,” mixed with quicktongued rap verses.”

“I hope to bring people back to their roots while also singing lyrics that hold weight both for myself and the listener.”

Tex a s Ba n d p u ts th e He ar t i n T e xas From the outskirts of Dallas comes Shane Smith and the Saints: a band with roots in folk music and a heart in Texas. Their sound is a mix of modern-catchy country and power pop-rock, the highlight being the swooning violin. There’s something really classic Texas about the swinging sound of a violin, something that makes you wish you were driving on a country road or sipping sweet tea on a picnic bench.

Many times in the music industry you see a clear trade off: really cool, social music with watered down lyrics, or really dramatic slow tunes with deep poetic meaning. If there’s a way to combine both those things, you can really create music that’s meaningful, truthful and powerful.

Frontman Shane is the sole writer of the lyrics and strives to bring to light the little things in life that sometimes we don’t pick up on. That is, after all, the essence of music: tiny moments in life that are elaborated upon to reflect and relish in. One of the major challenges lyrically is to create that balance between deep, reflective poetry and fun, upbeat melodies. Shane Smith seems to strike that balance very well, with lyrics that are able to paint a vivid picture for listeners and give them a situation that resonates within them.

Using music to take people back to their roots and giving them a chance to reflect upon the intricacies and conundrums of life in a positive way is an admirable aspiration for musicians and one not often seen in mainstream music industry. Although it’s not a mystery having bands like Shane Smith and the Saints in this area isn’t uncommon in this area and it’s no mystery that they fit right in.

“I hope to bring people back to their roots while also singing lyrics that hold weight both for myself and the listener.” One of their primary aspirations every time they make new music is to connect that dot between fun upbeat music with really meaningful songwriting and something different than they’re used to hearing over and over.

shanesmithmusic.com 20

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Download on iTunes

@shanesmithmusic

They’ve been touring various cities across Texas and Oklahoma, and find themselves at the historic Cheatham Street Warehouse from time to time. Their popularity has grown immensely as they set goals for themselves musically and professionally. Making the lineup at the Steamboat Music Festival in January has been their most recent major accomplishment, where they will play alongside other Texas and Americana musicians at Colorado’s beautiful Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.

shanesmithmusic

| By Heather Yzaguirre | Photo Ashley Haguewood |

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| Words & Photos Eric Morales |

BO BCATFAN S | LO CAL “I come as a gamer who likes sandwiches rather than a chef who likes games.”

Hu ngry G am e r Since the Super Mario Brothers first took the world by storm, many have dreamed of a day when sandwiches and avid video gaming would live in harmony together outside of a close relative’s basement or co-ed dorm room. But at last, tucked away in the convenience of San Marcos, there’s hope with Pete Thompson’s downtown business venture, Hungry Gamer. The savory splendor of Thompson’s creative combination goes far beyond any of the various menu items served between two slices of bread, though. HDTVs with an abundance of Playstation 3’s, Nintendo Wii’s, X-Box 360’s and almost any other system to meet your gaming needs deck the walls in a way that the retro arcades of the past never could. Not to mention the large, inviting game library—including the classics and greatest hits, as well as the latest and most high-tech new releases—all of which can be played in the Hungry Gamer’s theatre style, surround sound room designed with the capability to plug into an HD projector for when your headphones are not quite cutting it. Then there’s the menu: a selection of breaded treats stuffed with a quarter pound of the highest quality meats, cheeses and vegetables. None of which contain fillers, chemicals or preservatives, and the vegetables are freshly cut upon order. (The menu provides a well articulated selection for vegetarians and the health conscious, too.) “Eat. Play. Connect.”—the new one stop sandwich and gamer shop’s motto is simple. But in the same way in which many

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other men’s eureka moments have occurred, the Hungry Gamer was born out of simplicity. “Really, part of the inspiration came from the idea of when my wife and I were teaching high school,” Thompson, who was then working 70-80 hour weeks as a high school band director, says. “I’ve lived in the area for around nine years. And one thing I noticed is that there really isn’t a lot to do for those who are either too young to drink or not interested in drinking, especially the students.” Around that same time, a pivot in Thompson’s life—call it an epiphany—took place one evening when he and several friends were gaming up an appetite. With their thumbs practically worn to the bone and eyes red with exhaustion, they all agreed with how “it would be really great if someone could just bring us food.” From there, the ball began rolling. After two years, a significant amount of effort and approximately $200,000 invested in the startup between himself, family, friends and loans, the Hungry Gamer opened its doors for the first time on Valentine’s Day | By Xander Peters | Stephen Ramirez |

earlier this year. By then, Thompson had contributed his entire amount of retirement money, including all of which he saved as a teacher. “No business ever expects to be profitable that first month open,” he says. “So you have to have that help along the way.” As for now, business has been gradually increasing as time goes by. A few changes have taken place. Several parties have been hosted. And Thompson is “chewing” on the idea of BYOB nights. (Then again, high dollar electronics and drunks don’t usually have a tendency to mix well.) Nevertheless though, Thompson—who started his video game craving as a kid with an original Nintendo, a plastic pistol and a Duck Hunt game—continues doing what many of us could only wish for by living out one of his favorite hobbies while making a living. Or, as he says, “I come as a gamer who likes sandwiches rather than a chef who likes games.” Buy a sandwich. Earn the cafe’s free Wi-Fi. Bon appetite—and game on.

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San Marco studious a s has a reputation. n C one of the d mischievous, the c aught somewhere m b it across the ost enthused, as well y have topped the etween c nation’s co a llegiate com s entertaining, plac harts as beaming m e the midnig inds of tomorrow fo munities. But don’t s to live o le h l same co-ed t hour, like with an you. Once dusk se t those ttles into y yout s and lo streets like cals alike make theirhful population, tho se a pack of w olves howli way through the city ’s ng at the m oon.

After Midnight

By Xander Peters

| Photo Sam Hickey |

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Enjoy It Live

Your friends are tired of listening to your lame Bon Iver records. So rally the crowd and hit a live show instead. Cheatham Street Warehouse

Behind the weather worn walls of this countr y western and blues haven rests the beginning of many great Texas music folklores—Stevie Ray Vaughn, Townes Van Zandt and George Straight to name a few. The time and elbow grease invested by owner Kent Finlay since 1974 is all to thank, too. See for yourself and perhaps you will have a story to tell someday, as well. 119 Cheatham St. 512-353-3777 cheathamstreet.com

Triple Crown

Coined as the “live music capital of San Marcos,” Triple Crown has hosted over 6,000 consecutive nights of live shows over the past few years. That being said, expect to pay a slight cover at the door during the weekends. It is worth the extra change, though, because the music is always solid no matter the night. 206 N. Edward Gary St., 512-396-2236 triplecrownlive.com

The Marc

The fact that an evening special in the middle of the week is called “$2 TwerkIt Tuesdays” is enough proof to say that The Marc is never too short of a wild night. If EDM and Hip Hop music are your niche, then do not be shy when it comes to this venue. And for the sake of tradition, the joint formerly known as Texas Music Theater even hosts a bit of rock and roll and countr y western, too. 120 E. San Antonio St. 512-757-5443 themarcsm.com

Good Times Charlie’s After dealing with yet another week’s harsh reality, stop by one of those places where everybody knows your name. Showdown

Since 1977, many bearded men have swung open the front door of Showdown saying, “That’s the best damn Bloody Mary I’ve ever had.” Although, the bar’s signature drink aside, this hometown favorite maintains its status quo as a reputable spot for taking the edge off amidst a Cheers episode aesthetic. Staying true to the Amusement Bar tradition, expect to see vintage Budweiser memorabilia hanging above pool tables, cheap beer and the company of hearty people. Tip well and the bartender may even ring the bell, too.

129 E. Hopkins St. 512-392-9824 taproomsanmarcos.com

Harper’s BRICK OVEN

207 E. Hutchison St 512-392-7282 showdownsanmarcos.com

The Den

Conveniently located in a shopping center on the outskirts of campus, The Den is the kind of relaxed joint where you can enjoy a cold one while venting about your Fantasy Football team. With a friendly staff behind the bar to listen, too, try your luck elsewhere with a game of shuffle board, darts or possibly just ordering one of their well-poured, reasonably priced drinks.

Taproom Pub & Grub

A back alley beer joint since opening up shop in 1994, Taproom has remained faithful to its creed, to serve brews from all around the world. With enough time (and money) you too can earn the thirst quenching recognition of becoming a member to the World Traveler Club, as well as your name and favorite quote on Taproom’s wall of fame.

The sports headquarters of the square, equipped with plenty of big screens, it also boasts an avid nightlife to boot with a shot bar selection that will make your eyes pop. Sharing space with Back Alley Comedy Lounge and The Veranda, it recently remodeled the first floor to house a true New York Brick Oven to feed its hungry guests.

139 E Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448

700 N. LBJ Drive 512-392-3700

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Get Ethnic

In a college town like San Marcos, diversity is never too hard to come by. And the same goes for the local bar scene. Chimy’s Cerveceria

Even though this hybrid cantina occupies a steady mixture of students, locals and family alike, Chimy’s is not your typical Tex-Mex grub spot. Be sure to mind the deceptively strong frozen margaritas, too. Because as a wise man once said, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, salsa bar, floor.” 217 E. Hopkins St. 512-216-6175 chimys.com

Girls

Sean Patrick’s

A beer lovers dream, offering more craft draught than anywhere in Hays County. Only in the Lone Star State will you find the infusion of an Irish Pub and Texas Grub. Push a puck, bank a shot or simply have a seat at the bar as the staff accompanies you with a huge “Cead Mile Failte,” or “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes.” 202 E. San Antonio St. 512-392-7310 seanpatrickstx.com

Zelick’s Icehouse

To say the least, the atmosphere within the confines of this renovated 1930s gas station screams “Texan and Proud.” And yes, as far as some are concerned, “Texan” is so very much an ethnicity. 336 W. Hopkins St. 512-757-8787 zelickssm.com

Coming Soon STonewall Warehouse

It’s about time! The first bar to openly welcome everyone to dance, drink and have a fun opens this fall above Barfish Lounge. 141 E. Hopkins St. 866-620-6667

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Just Want to Have Fun

Put down that bucket of ice cream and take off your yoga pants, ladies. The Veranda Patio Bar

Local Vibes

It is simple enough—keep your beer drinking local with the locals’ favorites.

Barfish Lounge

Simply put, this is one of those relaxing atmospheres designed specifically for locals and co-eds to congregate at religiously. With a shot bar for the up and at ‘em kind of nights, as well as couches for those evenings where you just want to kick back, the Barfish Lounge provides a comfortable atmosphere for any sort of evening. 141 E. Hopkins St. 866-620-6667 barfishlounge.com

Jack’s Roadhouse

“Just a beer joint,” the bar’s sign says. But to those who have long occupied San Marcos, this place is a home away from home. And don’t be surprised if you start shooting the breeze over a beer with a couple of old wise guys at the bar and one of the men turns out to be ole Jack himself. 1625 Hunter Road 512-392-3340

Saddle up the gals and make a trip to the third floor of San Marcos, (above Harper’s Public House), for an evening of girl talk and cocktails while you let the 360 degree view of the city sink in. 139 E. Hopkins St. 512-878-2448

Taxi’s Piano Bar

No city is complete without a piano bar. Easy enough. Gather your girlfriends for an evening of karaoke in the back room lounge, improv comedy and singing your hearts out. Just remember your song request can jump to the top of the list with a little tip. 202 N. LBJ Dr. 512-392-3031

Date Night

Strong impressions go a long way while on a date. But don’t expect it to go anywhere if you two are in a noisy room. Check out these down tempo hangouts for your more intimate evenings.

Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard During happy hour enjoy a few of Palmer’s cheap, but every bit of luscious, cocktails. The pleasant backdrop offered in the courtyard, it is a convenient place to start your evening before making the short walk downtown. 218 Moore St. 512-353-3500 palmerstexas.com

Louie’s Beer Garden & Oyster House

The best place to enjoy oysters on the half shell in town. Not to mention delicious soups, seafood, burgers and a well brewed beer. The roomy, free to roam outdoor atmosphere makes the $1.50 margaritas taste just that much better. 119 E. Hutchison St. 512-878-8862

Black Rabbit Saloon If you are a fan of whiskey, then the Black Rabbit Saloon is a friend indeed with 40+ varieties and counting. On top of that, there is not anything that goes better with a good rye than a high scoring skee ball game. If you want to feel a little more “grown up” may we suggest their Old Fashioned, mixed with Buffalo Trace whiskey it’s the best in town. 127 E. Hopkins St. 512-667-6313

blackrabbitsaloonsmtx.com

Grin’s Restaurant

For almost 40 years now, Grin’s has been every bit of successful by—well—making the restaurant’s customers do just as the name suggests. With a happy hour that is continuously agreed upon as one of San Marcos’ best, this treehouse

turned evening escape provides the opportunity to date on a budget with its all-day dollar margaritas. Just try not to flirt with the cute waitresses in front of your girlfriend. 802 N. LBJ Dr. 512-392-4746, grinsrestaurant.com

Shade Rooftop Patio Bar

Sometimes out of sight, out of mind works out for the best. And that is easily the case when it comes to Shade and its perch atop the Black Rabbit Saloon. Set the night off on a romantic note as you and your date enjoy the view’s ambiance over expertly crafted cocktails while the sun sets over the Central Texas scenery. 127 E. Hopkins St. 866-620-6667 shaderooftop.com

Dudes’ Night Out A sausage fest goes best with beer, whiskey, sports and food.

Bobcat Nation Sports Bar & Grill

Round up the crew for a few crisp brews after class at the only Texas State themed sports bar and grill in San Marcos. “Eat ‘em up and drink ‘em down,” as the bar’s slogan says, and don’t miss a minute of the big games on Bobcat Nation’s 25 big screen TVs. 700 N. LBJ Dr. Suite 109, 512-667-6393, bobcatnationsportsbarandgrill.com

Gumby’s Pizza

Owned and operated by proud Texas State alumni, Gumby’s recently expanded their late night pizza delivery menu to include in-house beer deals. Order one of their specialty pizzas, like the “stoner pie,” and a pint to wash it down with the boys. 403 N. Guadalupe St., 512-754-8629, gumbyssanmarcos.com

| Photos Ashley Haguewood |

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Post Pre-Game

The Saga of Sagewood

Ending the night strong.

For those who have already spent their fair amount of time in San Marcos, you are most likely aware of what Sagewood Trail consists of—open garage doors spilling college students into the streets and half floated kegs. Essentially, it is the mecca for local house parties. Sagewood Trail

Vodka Street Bistro

A favorite at any hour. Push through the crowd’s boney elbows and make your way to the bar for one of Vodka Street’s delectably strong cocktails. However, you may want to order two while you are there, because the bar line never seems to get shorter during weekends, which speaks for itself. 202 N LBJ Dr. 512-396-4260

Rooftop On the Square

Kowabunga

The first of the rooftop establishment to change the nightlife scene, it offers a 6th Street vibe. Get down and prepare to have a conversation that consists of yelling in each other’s ears over loud music in an upscale atmosphere.

A sunburn, a hangover and a good time are just three of the most important factors in regards to the local apartment complex’s pool parties.

126 S. Guadalupe St. 512-805-0135

The Vault

Known as a college co-ed hot spot, The Vault is the place to go for cheap drinks and good dance music in a small space. 100 W. Hopkins St. 512-553-8707, thevaultsm.com

Nephews

A longtime staple for the college crowd, Nephews seems to have been around as long as the square itself. The multi-room venue is a maze of young energetic dancing at every turn. 100 Guadalupe St. (512) 558-2337 nephewssanmarcos.com

The Midnight Voyage

Under the Radar

Sometimes a few of the best spots in town to spend those relaxed evenings fly underneath the radar.

Tantra Coffeehouse

Since Nathan and Jamie Todd founded the coffeehouse in 2006, Tantra has continued to support the local artistic cultural both professionally and recreationally speaking. Stop by for their mini-pitcher specials, or “mini-minutes,” as well as for bluegrass night on Tuesday evenings. 217 W. Hopkins St., 512-558-2233

Stratosphere Lounge

After almost a decade in the making of what the hookah hangout is today, the Stratosphere Lounge has offered all ages (18 years and up, at least) a place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing smoke. Grab a six pack of beer on your way in, flash your ID to the staff and you will be free to enjoy this unique

hookah bar atmosphere atop the comfortable couches lining the room.

If you are not afraid of the dark, grab a few glowsticks and tubes before taking a quick float down the river once the moon is overhead.

235 N. LBJ Dr., 512-393-5001, thestratospherelounge.com

Wake the Dead Coffeehouse

This Tim Burton-esque coffeehouse has contributed to San Marcos’ alternative culture via live music, comedy, exhibitions for local artists, as well as a strong selection of imported and domestic beers and wines since its opening in 2008. Kick back in their fenced in courtyard while you sip down a stout IPA brew and vent about the tough week ahead. 1432 Old Ranch Road 12, 512-754-9253

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WHEN THIS BUS IS A ROCKIN’... Every once in a while everyone gets that itch to “go all out” and be a star.

Five Star Entourage

Lone Star Party

Red Star Party

These party buses put a little bit of a modern flare on the yellow school bus, with silver and black exteriors, and sport some of the nicer decorated interiors, with plush leather seats lining both sides, a table for bottle service, a chic auxiliary station for music, and the standard stripper pole and picturesque led lights.

Owned by a Texas State graduate, Lone Star Party Buses will give you everything you’re looking for on a budget. All bus interiors are designed to provide the clublike atmosphere, with led light systems, dancing poles, perimeter leather seating, and ample room for dancing. The ones without a/c can be great on a cool night, and with a huge group of up to 50 people, the split cost is probably cheaper than even a cab. And this is much more fun.

Offering buses that range from high-end to luxury, featuring things like granite bars, color changing dance floor, marble floors, state of the art bluetooth sound system, 55-inch flat screen televisions and ultra-chic HGTV style interior design, Red Star Party Buses sits on the much higher end of the party bus scale.

Their VIP wristband includes complementary drinks and riders also receive discounted drinks at select bars and clubs. Their shuttles to Austin or San Antonio pick up locally and run from Wednesday through Saturday. Wristbands range in price from $10-15 and are first-come-first-serve. Make a reservation by going to their website. fivestarentourage.com

Prices range from $350 for a more simplistic chic take on the yellow school bus, to $600 for the high end charter buses complete with leather seating, wood floors, and state of the art surround sound. Their newest addition is a breast cancer awareness bus that features leather seats, wood floors and all upgraded interior. A portion of the fees from this bus goes to a breast cancer foundation, and they’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau. lonestarpartybuses.com

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| By Heather Yzaguirre |

They have four unique bus models and specialize in Central Texas trips to places like Lake Travis, The Salt Lick, San Marcos Tubing, Wine Tours and specialized events like bachelorette parties and corporate events. Their prices range from $130-170 hourly, not including add ons like bottle service, VIP wristbands, shots, and more. redstarpartybus.com

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FROM WATCHING HIS FATHER BEC OME A SUC CESSFUL D OWNTOWN BUSINESS OWNER , TO SET TING SAIL FOR HIS OWN VENTURE, HE INVESTED IN THE POTENTIAL OF THE CIT Y HE WAS RAISED IN. NOT ONLY DID HE START HIS OWN ENTERTAINMENT C OMPANY WHILE STILL IN C OLLEGE, BUT DAWOUD ALSO DEDICATED HIS TIME AND EFFORT TO CREATING HIS OWN VENUE ON THE SQUARE.

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Now that AfterDark Entertainment has been up and running for some time, what’s the current status of the company? AfterDark Entertainment has been around for going on 6 years now. We started out promoting bars on the square and creating parties from scratch. Seeing the extra money come in from doing what we love, and the enjoyment we were providing, we naturally wanted to do it bigger and better. When my three partners graduated, I took a leap of faith and transitioned our company to concert production around 2010. Along with our Austin and San Marcos branch, we now have an incredible Dallas division, and recently created a counter-part in Lubbock, who celebrated an astonishing 1st year the same weekend as The Marc’s one year anniversary. What originally encouraged you to start The Marc? Mainly, the strong support and motivation I had from family and friends. We were already booking successful shows at the venue and had something really good going in my hometown, so it only made sense. Though, from the moment I was approached about purchasing the business, I had exactly two weeks ‘till the deadline to sign the papers. Also, there were only three weeks following to create a new brand, learn the bar business, hire new staff, build a unique business model, and have our grand opening. So, you can say the initial encouragement came from gut feeling, knowing I couldn’t pass on the opportunity. But none of this would’ve happened without my family and friends.

< Dawoud on stage during a

What would you say have been your most special moments at The Marc? It’s an honor bringing world reknown artists to San Marcos for their first time, especially hearing a top tier act speak highly about the venue and crowd. As for specific shows, Morgan Page with the 3D technology was mind-blowing. Carnage on Halloween night was one for the books. Two sold out Blue October concerts back to back was an unforgettable episode. If I had to narrow it down, though, our grand opening and the one year anniversary are moments that I’ll always remember—so many close friends from all over came together and helped celebrate such important chapters for The Marc. After a year of The Marc’s rebranded opening, what positive change has the new venue brought to downtown?

Our current focus is to continue growing The Marc and the local scene by bringing in bigger and better artists, and showcasing local acts. With that being said, expansion is undeniably our goal. I’m always open to new things that make sense. This is my hometown. If there’s an opportunity that I believe would lead to success, and that San Marcos could benefit from, I’m all for it. As for music festivals—will AfterDark be bringing any festivals to town in the coming future?

“We’re bringing acts that would’ve never even looked at San Marcos in the past—we’re putting San Marcos on the map in the live music scene!”

Diversity. We do it all—country, hip hop, dance music, salsa nights, weekly church service, weddings, sporting events, live television show tapings, et cetera. The list goes on. On top of that, we’re bringing acts that would’ve never even looked at San Marcos in the past—we’re putting San Marcos on the map in the live music scene. On top of that, we hold some of the most exciting and unparalleled weekly parties in town. All the above separate us from the rest, which brings a positive light and uniqueness to downtown San Marcos.

packed out show at The MARC

Do you see AfterDark acquiring more music venues in the coming years?

industry?

Most definitely. We’re constantly working on bringing in new and awesome experiences that this town deserves, that are often focused in the bigger surrounding cities. What would you say has been the key to your success so far in the music

There’s a lot of components that play part in our success. Our GM, Hector Garcia, is a genuine leader who goes above and beyond. Our bartenders, cocktail servers, security, and production team consist of innovative, hard-working individuals. The same goes for our AfterDark family—a collective of driven, multi-cultural, marketing trendsetters who continue to push the boundaries. We have people like Grant Montagne, (aka Gamma), a Texas State alum and partner of mine who’s not only considered the hottest DJ in the Texas, but someone who strives in making our vision a reality. On top of all that, we’re fortunate to have some of the best partners in the nation. ScoreMore, Oh

| Interview by Xander Peters | Photo Sam Hickey |

Bleep, Disco Donnie Presents, and Texas Music Scene have been key players in bringing talent to our small town. In what other ways have you seen downtown evolve over the years? A variety of great new businesses are coming along and thriving, as well as out of town favorites, such as Blacks BBQ and Torchy’s Tacos. We also still have our downtown classics that keep our original roots intact, like Cafe On The Square, Valentino’s, et cetera. This is a special time in San Marcos; our town is flourishing. Considering how both you and your dad are business owners downtown, how does it feel to keep the square in the family? It’s a blessing. My father is my role model and mentor. I’ve learned everything from him and my amazing mother. Nothing is more special than following his footsteps and trying to be half the man he is. The square and San Marcos are very near and dear to my families’ hearts. We’ve been here for 20-plus years. Where would you like to see AfterDark go from here on out? Everywhere. This is just the beginning. There is a much bigger picture to it all. We don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. How exactly would you describe your company, and what makes it stand out in comparison to other entertainment companies in the area? Fresh. Diverse. Innovative. We’re fans of the music before everything. Our team is a product of our consumers. We love what we do. But more importantly, we love the music. And the most important question: Are you having fun with it all? Absolutely.

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P.10 VOTE FOR... Elections Are Coming, Meet The Candidates

OCTOBER | 2014

P.12 FARMING BODIES

So San Marcos, So Creepy, So Gnarly

P.14 “RENT”

The Award Winning Play Opens October 7th

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SM TX | TIDBITS

Pop for Pink So San Marcos Creepy

October 1 marks the start of the very first “THINK PINK” program at Texas Cinema. Starting this month they are offering pink 44oz plastic cups, as well as pink popcorn tubs in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On top of simply “joining the charge” to raise awareness, they are donating a portion of our proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Join with Texas Cinema’s fight against breast cancer and help them “pop for pink” while you enjoy the show.

Night At The Improv A Gorgeous View

Drone Aerial Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6_rWCW2spY

If you were one of the 30,000+ dedicated fans attending the sold out NAVY game on September 13 to witness the second largest crowd ever at Bobcat Stadium, you might have noticed something in the sky. Thanks to the help of Texas State Athletics and From Above TX, we teamed up to capture the best stadium views of the night. Watch our 30 second video featuring music courtesy TXST alumnus RayC. We like to keep it in the #BobcatFamily.

Back Alley Comedy Lounge brings to you yet another option in the growing comedic community, the HarshMellow Improv. Watch unscripted comedy unfold before your humored eyes. Thursdays at 9pm.

Wine and Wassail Walk Tickets will officially go on sale for the second annual Wine and Wassail Walk, hosted by San Marcos Main Street Program and United Way of Hays County, for participants ages 21 and up. Only 350 tickets will be available for this evening of wine-tasting and wassail sampling, so pre-sale purchases are encouraged. For more information, smtxwinewalk.com The event takes place Friday, November 14.

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SM TX | SO SAN MARCOS

“BODY FARM” Hey, determining the postmortem decomposition processes for human remains can be a little tricky. That’s why Texas State’s Department of Anthropology has a 26-acre outdoor human decomposition research laboratory – officially referred to as FARF (The Forensic Anthropology Research Facility) – helping researchers answer the question, “When did they die?”

Sun Bathers The facility hosts approximately 40 bodies at any given time. Each staying for six months to a year and then processed and kept in perpetuity by the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection to be utilized for ongoing scientific research and education.

Waiting List Gifting your body contributes to the advancement of forensic science long after you check-out. TXST accepts body donations under the Universal Anatomical Gift Act. Going back to college is as easy as filling out the forms. There are roughly 200 folks who’ve already made arrangements.

Climate Change To better understand the decomposition processes for time since death, human remains are studied under various topographical and climate conditions – developing methods for determining rates, patterns, and sequences of human decay.

Great Outdoors The Texas State FARF facility is the largest of its kind in the world. The outdoor human decomposition research laboratory is located at the university’s Freeman Ranch and is one of only five in the country.

Medico-Legal Forensic Science research often relates to both medicine and law. FARF research is used to aid and train law enforcement agencies in methods for searching, recovering, gathering and examining human remains to reveal answers about the past.

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Tours If The Meadows Center’s glass bottom boat rides aren’t enough and you’d like to see the body farm for yourself, tram sightseeing tours are held daily from...hey, we’re joking... just the thought of it gives the willies. | By Brodie Corinth | Illustration Devin Glenn |

SM TX | LAUGHS

The Sq u a r e’ s N ew H o u se of Com ed y

Jermaine Warren

It’s getting harder to decide

“Tough audiences help you tighten up jokes, and really great audiences help you find new material. So there’s a lesson to be learned every time you go up.”

how to spend your nights in town, but most everyone is always up for a good laugh. Back Alley Comedy Lounge is the newest addition to the SMTX Square, located on the upper level of Harper’s Hall.

Tim Mathis David Tobey

The venue is a cozy little space suited perfectly for stand up comedy. The walls are dark, and the spotlights draw your attention directly to the front of the stage, with of course red classy comedy candles sprinkled throughout on the tables. (What’s a comedy club without them?) It’s an ideal spot for stand up comedy, relaxed and small yet with a spacious feel. They have an array of events throughout the week, including an open mic night where first timers are welcomed along with those who pursue comedy as a hobby and those who may be interested in pursuing it more seriously in the future. Their premiere event, though, is Weird Kids, hosted by Richard Watson. It consists of two shows, back to back, featuring professional comics from in and around Central Texas. David Tobey, who started doing stand up 6 years ago, had his first visit to the San Marcos comedy scene at Weird Kids, and although the show was a little smaller than he was used to, he

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Richard Watson seemed to really enjoy the quaint atmosphere. “Tough audiences help you tighten up jokes, and material. So there’s a lesson to be learned every time you go up.” A comedy scene is a great addition to a community, especially one with such a growing artistic population. Going there feels more like going to hang out with friends; the chill, friendly atmosphere can actually make for a great date. Live comedy events have a distinct vibe,

@backalleycomedy

and well performing comics are funny as well as introspective and truthful. Stand up comedy at this level is such a fun, intimate experience that cannot only be a great night out, but it can help strengthen the bonds between you and your friends, and the community as a whole. Laughter is, after, the greatest of medicines. Check out the current lineup of Weird Kids and other shows at Back Alley Comedy Lounge on their Facebook page.

backalleycomedylounge

backalleycomedytx

| Words and Photos By Heather Yzaguirre |

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SM TX | BEYOND SAN MARCOS

The “Baylor Line” sits directly behind the visitor’s bench stretching from goal line to goal line.

The $266-million McLane Stadium on it’s opening day in August.

Pow e r Hou se If football is religion is Texas, Baylor built a cathedral.

VIDEO: ROARING CROWD AT MCLANE STADIUM ON OPENING NIGHT

Texas is privy to a plethora of football tradition. I know it’s hard but if you can put your college allegiances aside for just a bit, fans of the game will appreciate the newest gridiron gem added to the Central Texas landscape. Opened on the last Sunday in August, the oldest university in Texas sold out their brand new $266-million McLane Stadium with over 45,000 screaming fans.

bridge that connects the campus to the stadium. Midway across, the impressive beauty of the stadium serves up a picture worthy backdrop as people stop to take selfies and soak up the feverish gameday atmosphere. On the other side of the river, another larger-than-life bronze statue of Robert Griffin III greets you at the entrance, paying tribute to the other man who unofficially built the stadium.

Right from the start the visitors were greeted with familiar faces. VIP’s like Governor Rick Perry shook administrator’s hands; Mike Singletary talked with reporters; former President George W. Bush executed the perfect coin toss in home team’s favor; and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III returned to lead the faithful crowd in prayer and thanks – ending his midfield invocation with one word, “WOW!”

Gentle breezes come off the water flowing into a brightly lit, open-air, three-tier horseshoe structure that is alive with energy from top to bottom. The shallow and steep stacking of each tier allows for all seats to feel close to the action on the field – it becomes loud. Baylor seemed to be channeling Cameron Indoor Stadium from Duke basketball, reserving some of their best seats for The Baylor Line – a tradition dating back to the 70s honoring each new freshman class with a rambunctious run onto the field to start the game. The loud and boisterous group of teens then take their position closest to the field directly behind the visitor’s bench stretching from goal line to goal line. Truly unique in college football.

Have you seen it? It’s one of the most beautiful settings in college football, and if you’re a fan of the game, it is without a doubt worth the short drive to Waco to experience the pageantry of Baylor Football. From the stadium’s location nestled next to the Brazos River, where boats dock on the shores for “sailgating,” to the illusion of grandeur the structure creates with fewer than half the seats of the typical “football power” school, it’s a sight to see.

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=ZZYWIWEOLQU&FEATURE=YOUTU.BE

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The experience begins outside with a walk past the statue of Baylor’s beloved 1970’s head coach, Grant Teaff. The plaza leads hordes of fans to the mouth of an elegantly designed, pedestrian

And then the game begins. On opening night the then Top 10 ranked Bears destroyed SMU. From the old to the new, McLane Stadium represents the shift of the Baylor football experience. It’s clear Baylor built a new “Power House” to aid in the university’s intentions to build a college football powerhouse. All you college football fans check it out...during your favorite team’s bye-week of course.

| By Brandon Thompson & Rick Koch | Photos Aaron Gadberry |

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S a n M a r c o s M ayo r

Patrick Montgomery Challenger

Daniel Guerrero

Jonathan Sorenson

Incumbent

Challenger

Daniel Guerrero, City of San Marcos mayor, remembered when he was a Southwest Texas State University student worker in the J.C. Kellam building and his former boss-now-campaign treasurer, Richard V. Cruz, told him that he was too young to run for mayor and that he should wait until the time was right. Guerrero said he had been approached in 1999 by several community leaders about running for the position but decided instead to heed his then-boss’s advice.

Jonathan Sorenson, a 27-year-old business manager at San Marcos Rehabilitation and Healthcare, hopes to get the City of San Marcos back on its feet. If elected the city’s mayor in November, Sorenson said he’ll accomplish this through initiatives that will help balance multi-and-single family development; this is an issue he said is at the core of the city’s future. If the city isn’t bringing in single-family development, then new families and businesses won’t move here, he said.

Now that Guerrero’s a little bit older and a little bit wiser, he’s on track for a third term as mayor. (He first took office in 2010, after previously serving on the city council from 2004-2008.) Public transportation, including the muchtalked-about Lone Star Rail, has been an ongoing issue for him during his tenure. But it’s not all about him. Guerrero said city accomplishments are very much the product of people’s willingness to listen and collaboration. “It’s a community accomplishment; it’s a council accomplishment,” he said.

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Sorenson has seen the city walk tall and stumble on its budgetary decisions. The Texas State alum, who moved to San Marcos in 1994 with his family, said “the small things are important,” and that when city employees get these things right, then it’s easier to accomplish the big picture. “There’s so much more we can do, but we definitely have to protect what we already have,” Sorenson said. He emphatically believes that council members need to work hard to get residents on their side to earn their trust. With hand sanitizer in hand (a tip Sorenson said he recently received), he’s going door-to-door and having conversations with residents to garner support for his mayoral campaign. But even if residents don’t vote for him, he wants them to “get excited, get energized” about the election and, most importantly – vote. “You need to get in that voting booth regardless (if you vote for me),” Sorenson said.

| Interviewed by Jordan Gass-Poore | Photos courtesy candidates |

San Marcos-based musician, real estate consultant and self-described “eternal student,” Patrick Montgomery, AKA P-Martian, is running for mayor in an effort to help solve and prevent some of the issues facing the city. Montgomery, a Texas State alum, promoted a petition through his campaign Facebook page that opposed the “Preferred Scenario Map” for the Alamo Street area – proposed further development “designed for university students” that may “lead to a decrease in the quality of life” for those families living here. “The mayor’s role should be to address the concerns of residents,” he said during last month’s San Marcos Area Board of Realtors debate.

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da Vinci Robotic Surgery General Surgery, Gynecological and Weight Loss Procedures Find a list of daVinci surgeons at www.ctmc.org 10.14 | SMTX | BOBCATFA NS

City Council Place 4

City Council Place 3

Wayne Becak

Jane Hughson

John Thomaides

Mike Davis

Incumbent

Challenger

Incumbent

Challenger

Wayne Becak, a retired San Marcos banker who’ll turn 66 on election night, said he decided to initially run for the City of San Marcos Place 4 council spot in 2011 because he finally had the time to devote to the position.

Jane Hughson, a Texas State University business process analyst running for the Place 4 spot on San Marcos’ City Council, said although she was born in Buda, she got to San Marcos as soon as she could.

The natural beauty of the San Marcos River drew John Thomaides, who’s seeking reelection to city council, but it’s been the “welcoming nature” of its residents that has kept him here.

A successful self-made man who started his business out of the trunk of his car in San Marcos, Mike Davis has been a part of the community and local volunteer efforts for nearly 40 years.

“The community’s given me so much, I wanted to give back to the community,” Becak said. This is a community where he, his wife (the “love of his life”), grandchildren and stepdaughters live. The decisions he’s made as a city council member reflect his dreams for San Marcos: to create more sustainable employment opportunities so that residents can have a high quality of life. Balancing growth and development, as well as development and the environment, has self-admittedly been a challenge for Becak. He cited San Marcos’ “shortage” of single-family houses as just one aspect of these challenges. “I want to see a San Marcos where everyone’s children and grandchildren have an opportunity to have a nice home to live in, to have a good job…” Becak said.

And, despite a five year stint in Dallas, Hughson hasn’t left. The Southwest Texas State University alum has spent the majority of her life playing by the numbers. Hughson has previously served as a university assistant registrar, a community college data processing coordinator and was on the 1995-1996 city master plan commission. It was when she served as campaign manager for former mayor Billy Moore that Hughson said she decided that she would one day run for a city council seat. “The people that get to implement (the city master plan) sit in those seven seats,” she remembered. She’s ready to sit in one of those seats and help implement the city’s current master plan.

Thomaides’ city council tenure began in 2003 and includes being selected four times by the council to serve as its mayor pro tem. Protecting the environment and defending neighborhoods by not being a “rubber stamp” for every apartment complex development is paramount, he said. Thomaides opposed the Cape’s Camp apartment development along the San Marcos River. For those residents who desire to live here, he said he has “used common sense to achieve common ground so that this housing demand” can be met. “We must apply and enforce our environmental ordinances on new developments,” said Thomaides. “However, the direction of development is ultimately up to the city council. That’s why this election is so important.” Job growth, housing options, reliable, long-term sources of water and maintaining low property taxes are also important issues to him. “Employers locate where talented people live and talented people live where there’s a good quality of life,” Thomaides said.

Now with his only daughter in college, Davis said he has time to devote to his second love: San Marcos. “Today I have the resources, energy, knowledge, experience and common sense to give back at a crucial time,” he said. A driving force behind Davis’ run for San Marcos City Council Place 3 is the belief that neighborhoods build communities. When given the right tools and opportunities, like purchasing affordable permanent housing, “young families grow into hometown leaders,” he said. Davis has witnessed San Marcos grow and change firsthand since he initially moved to the city in 1975 to attend Texas State. He wants to help foster this growth and change by ensuring that the voices of all San Marcos residents are heard and that there’s ever-changing city council representation that will listen.

G OTIN V Y L EAR

S T R A ST 20 OCT

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GLOBAL BISTRO AND BAR Come for the food, stay for the drinks (512) 396-4230 202 N L B J Dr

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t took nearly 525,600 minutes for Texas State to bring, for the first time, the theater production of "Rent" to the stage of Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre. Peeking from the doorway into the rehearsal room, disembodied feet, some bare, others guarded in socks, could be seen moving from side-toside in unison to “What You Own,” one of the catchy tunes from the former, long-running and awardwinning Broadway musical “Rent.” This rehearsal, and the ones prior and after, would help set the tone for the university’s ambitious production. The play follows the trials and tribulations of a group of Bohemian 20somethings in 1990s New York City.

“Usually I hide the day after the cast list goes up,” said the production director and head of Texas State’s Musical Theatre Program Kaitlin Hopkins,“I really admire these students.”

Regula, as Joanne, maneuvers around a romantic minefield, deciding whether to leave her character’s girlfriend, Maureen, played by Shelby Acosta, a musical theater senior.

With the cast set, rehearsals for “Rent” followed throughout the summer and continued for four hours Mondays-Fridays. On opening night, the cast will have spent a year as these characters on stage.

“The music is phenomenal,” said Acosta, who at the time was anxiously awaiting her fitting for Maureen’s famous (infamous?) catsuit. “It hits kind of close to home: weird people rocking out.”

“If you’re not exhausted, you’re not doing it right,” said Hopkins, to cast members during a weeknight rehearsal.

Before auditions for the Texas State production of “Rent,” hopefuls were asked to conduct and submit research to gain a better understand- One of those cast members is Helen ing of the play’s characters and plot. Regula, Texas State musical theater junior, who plays Joanne, a lesbian The hours’-long casting process, lawyer. equated to a cattle call by some theater students, required to deliver She admitted she had never been involved with a musical theater memorable monologues of their production that had music and choosing. Those who were called “intense storylines” like this. back then auditioned with showspecific material. It wasn’t always easy for the cast to As auditions for the play’s 26-stage member cast, including eight principle roles, proceeded, the stage manager continuously updated the call list that would let the actors know who made it to the next round. On the final night of auditions actors were mixed and matched to see if they had chemistry together -- until their fates were sealed.

get into character during rehearsal.

This meant not only imagining, but embodying someone who either is HIV positive or whose close friend or lover has the virus; someone who’s either breaking up with a lover or is on the receiving end; someone who’s either being discriminated against or who has to watch this act.

Kissing a woman didn’t bother her, Acosta explains. She was gunning for the role of Maureen because “she’s so open and free. (Maureen’s) kind of crazy, nutty. And I am too.” As a cast member continued to belt some of the lyrics of “What You Own,” Hopkins kept rhythm by pounding a table with the palm of her hand. Acosta really admires Hopkins, whose vision, she said, “sold her” on Texas State’s musical theater program as a Michigan high school student in 2011. They met while attending the National Unified Auditions in Chicago. “Rent” will be Acosta’s first “leading” role in a Texas State production, if there are leading roles in the play’s ensemble cast, she said. Whether the cast and crew measured their year of preparation in minutes, hours or months, they were on borrowed time. When the curtains go up, it’s time they pay the rent.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR Kaitlin Hopkins, director of Texas State’s production of “Rent,” tells her students what it was like in early 1990s New York City, a time when most of the cast was busy being born. Hopkins has been in the biz for more than 35 years, receiving awards and accolades that have garnered her national and international spotlight. Her theater roots run deep: her mom is Tony-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress Shirley Knight; her dad was awardwinning theater and film producer Gene Persson; and her stepfather was award-winning writer John R. Hopkins. Hopkins is helping light the way for Texas State’s Music Theatre program to become one of the best in the country by providing opportunities for students to work with some of the top Broadway teams.

SEE the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical SHOW TIMES

TICKETS

SPECIAL DINNER SHOW

October 7-12 @ 7:30p Additional 2 p.m. matinee on October 12.

Starting at $15 for adults and $8 for students. Purchased at (512) 245-6500 or txstatepresents.com

The October 11 performance features a 5:30p pre-show dinner in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets for this event are $150 with a limited number of seats available.

| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photos Ashley Haguewood |

“RENT is one of those shows that, if encountered along one’s life journey, changes you. The subject matter is challenging and controversial.” 10.14 | SMTX | BOBCATFA NS

Creativity inspires reality. These local Texan artisans use their hands to sharply craft works of art.

Stout Knives

Johnny Stout has been making knives for over 30 years. He offers one-on-one personal knifemaking courses for all levels for those who have the desire to start making their own knives at his shop. | By Heather Yzaguirre | Photos Eric Morales |

1205 Forest Trail, New Braunfels stoutknives.com

Stout Knives Years ago Johnny Stout would wander the plains of West Texas with his Grandfather and watched as he used his knife day in and day out as if it were an extension of his own hand. As a trapper for the state, there was a constant need for them. When they would finally break, he would hand over it over to Stout, who was left to excitedly find a way to bring it back to life. He would find ways to tie sticks on the end as makeshift handles and use them to whittle away the larger branches of trees with their sharp blades.

Each knife starts out as a pile of raw materials, his own two hands working away at them until they become a work of art.

These memories stuck with Stout throughout his life and manifested a lifelong love and enthusiasm for knives that eventually led him to open his own shop and create them on a level that perhaps he had never even dreamed of. He opened his first knife shop in his backyard with a few tools in Odessa, Texas, after a knife maker took him under his wing and showed him the basics of knife-making. After years of working on them as a hobbyist, he eventually retired from his career at Southwestern Bell and decided to give his passion a full on go. He ended up with a lovely shop located in New Braunfels, where he continues to reside today.

Stout Knives are prized possessions for collectors and enthusiasts.

The knifes he creates range in style, from simple classic to exquisitely complex.

However, it’s no backyard shop anymore. He makes primarily high-end knives made from premium and sometimes even rare materials. His work flow begins with a pencil drawing, which is then turned into a pattern to transfer to a bar of steel. From there, it’s cutting, shaping and grinding until the blade is just right. The holes are drilled for handles and pivots, and voila. Although there’s nothing simplistic about it. Every cut, curve and grind is done intricately with a sharply trained eye. Craftsmanship like this is rare and appeals almost exclusively to collectors and knife enthusiasts, who won’t likely take

them out for actual use, as the minute they’re scratched, they diminish in value. A lion’s share of his business, seventy to eighty percent, is custom made knives. He works with clients from all over the globe to come up with personalized designs. He offers the highest grade materials such as fossilized mammoth ivory, turquoise and mother of pearl, with elaborate embellishments like engravings, precious stones and gold. His most elaborate piece of work was for a client out of Moscow, Russia, with whom he contacted solely through email throughout the entire process. He called it The Raptor, and it was made with a beautiful dark green fossilized mammoth ivory handle, a delicate turquoise twist pattern, damascus blade, gold engraving and red rubies set into the spine. After working an entire career as an 8-5er, Stout recognizes the rarity in his ability to wake up every day and do what he loves and that he’s been able to hone his skills to become one of the masters of his craft. Every time he finishes a new piece he relishes in that moment, where he looks at it and sees his own sweat and blood, taking great satisfaction in seeing what his own two hands were able to do with what were once just pieces of raw material. Preserving this type of workmanship is such a passion for Stout that he offers classes to those who show an interest.

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Texas Carpet Baggers Ladies, someone has finally made a bag that’s not only sturdy and organized but also beautiful to boot. All women have been there - in line elbow deep in what seems like a black hole looking for a pen or I.D. card or that quarter that will save you from having to use your debit card. Your face gets hotter as you rustle around, hearing every aggravated sigh coming from behind you, an array of random personals spilling to the ground. Ladies, it’s time to leave those days behind you, because someone has finally made a bag that’s not only sturdy and organized but also beautiful to boot. Although not technically a carpetbagger herself, owner and chief operator at Texas Carpet Baggers, Becky Feeley was born and raised in Texas and was a nurse before she decided to go all in on her passion. Since then she has waged an all out war on cheap, flimsy purses by creating lines of high end purses that range in size and occasion from a night out on the town to a weekend getaway. All her bags are made using the highest quality materials. Beautiful, multi-textured fabrics and textiles for the linings, soft fragrant leather embossed with beautiful patterns and colors, hand-carved oak for handles and her signature wood bottom. This part protects everything in the purse and prevents it from tousling around into chaos. Since relocating back to her roots here in Texas, she’s found opportunity to build a brand for her merchandise in the abundant outdoor market circuit in this area. However this month she’ll

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be settling into her new roots at a new shop in the small quaint town of Bulverde just outside of San Marcos. Surrounded by a winery and local eatery, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. One of the more special things she does are her custom bags. She welcomes any textiles you bring, perhaps ones that hold sentimental value, and will sit down and design a bag for you right there in her shop while you enjoy a glass of wine. One woman brought in a vintage WWII female flight jacket that belonged to her cousin and asked Becky to make a bag out of it for her, it turned out to be truly one of a kind. Projects like this are the heart and soul of what Becky set out to do when she founded this business, and it’s what makes small businesses like hers special. They facilitate the creation of art, not mass production. That’s all fashion is, really, functional art, and spending hundreds on a Prada is much less of a statement. For something unique and truly special, check out Texas Carpet Baggers on Facebook, on their website, or better yet pop into their new store in Bulverde.

Texas Carpet Baggers

Becky has been making her wood and leather bags for 4 years and has just opened a beautiful new shop at 2347 Bulverde Road, Ste #1, Bulverde texascarpetbaggers.com

| Photos Eric Morales | Photo Ashley Haguewood |

If I can keep manufacturing the bags in Texas, then I can be a part of building communities up, instead of tearing them down.

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La Bestia Metal Shop Angel Martinez is the owner and operator of La Bestia, and his passion for metal has taken him far beyond the hum drum of any typical welding shop. Metal working requires an intricate juxtaposition of strength and skill that results in something that’s both beautiful and robust. La Bestia Metal Shop is a one of a kind metal shop in San Marcos. They do everything from commissioned functional structures like railing, gates and doors to custom items like furniture and sculptures.

“The timelessness of the metal, the heat, the angry and deafly sounds it creates when it’s being transformed into something.”

La Bestia Metal Shop

Angel Martinez has been working with metal for 15 years and specializes in everything from simple welding to artistic statues. 934 Sycamore St, San Marcos @ LaBestiaMetalShop

(Below) Projects are typically one-of-a-kind. The vision is half the fun.

Working with metal is a very unique medium that requires a lot of skill, strength, and vision. It’s a medium that’s less common and may seem clunky and because of its lack of obvious intricacies, it’s difficult to interpret the artistic vision. It’s a passionate medium, saturated with emotion just as any painting or photograph as Angel describes, “The timelessness of the metal, the heat, the angry and deafly sounds it creates when it’s being transformed into something.” He began experimenting with metal nearly 15 years ago while working at a place called Good Guy Recycling, where his first metal-related accident occurred. He endured days of agony and tears until a piece of metal was finally flushed out of his eye by the San Marcos River current while swimming.

While most would be put off by this kind of incident, Angel says from that point, “I knew me and metal were gonna be more than just enemies.” The art of sculpture is actually one of the oldest forms of expression, going as far back as 30,000 years, and we’re not unfamiliar with traditional forms of sculpting, metal sculpting feels like a much more modern interpretation. Its sharp and serrated edges, rusty patches and even the glistening Texas heat radiating off it, gives off this intimidating presence. Given these visual traits, metal sculptures can have a powerful effect on any given space. La Bestia specializes in any kind of welding or metal work. Nothing is too small, nothing is too big, and nothing is too bizarre. In fact, the more eccentric the better, for Angel. He enjoys the process it takes of improvising and configuring and creating to complete a unique design. His finished works include bicycles, fencing, signs, and door fixtures. Rest assured, if you’re looking for something unique that will have a strong sturdy presence, look no further than La Bestia Metal Shop.

INSPIRATION Angel takes inspiration from the practicality and beauty of daily life: bikes, music, his dogs, the vibes of San Marcos.

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| Photos Ashley Haguewood |

Accent Lighting Designs Light effects your life. It can manipulate your mood, it can make you feel anxious or at ease, it can help you work more efficiently. Accent Lighting Designs is a lighting company that strives to make innovative, superior professional lighting more accessible to the public. They specialize in custom interior and landscape lighting. Every employee at the company goes through rigorous field training that lasts 3-5 years, meeting the standards of the American Lighting Association and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. This type of training includes focus on lighting design, efficiency, and installation procedures, keeping them up to speed on the newest lighting applications and technologies. So what does that mean to the average customer? They’re designers and artists who create unique products that won’t just light your house or business but will become a presence. They’re pieces of functional art that will wow guests and customers and entice them to come back. Jim Lehman, owner of Accent Lighting Designs, learned light’s value as an artistic medium in addition to its universal necessity and became determined to master the craft. His work can be seen inside and outdoors in a variety of communities, his passion pushing him to expand throughout all of central Texas. He approaches each client as an individual entity, assessing both their individual needs and aesthetic potential. His designs help veer the world away from the cold corporate look and feel of our communities, making the world literally a much more beautiful place.

Accent Lighting Designs

Jim Lehman has been a professional lighting designer for over 20 years and is a member of both the American Lighting Association and the Illuminating Engineers Society of North America. 114 E San Antonio St, San Marcos accentlightingdesigns.com

Their showroom is packed to the point of almost feeling cluttered with various styles of lights, from traditional to experimental. Their use of contemporary design to transform objects like sewing machines to fans into lights is stunning. It also has a lighting lab, for clients to use and personally experience the effects of their lighting fixtures. One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to light is purchasing the cheapest kind of light bulb available. Although it makes sense, sometimes it’s difficult for customers to grasp that higher quality light bulbs will emit higher quality light. The innovators at ALD use light as a medium, and their fixtures reflect that. Purchasing pieces from their studio isn’t just buying a lamp, it’s an investment into a passionate local business that’s attempting to bring the delicate balance between creative artistic vision and functional ambient beauty to you. Repurposing vintage tools into lighting fixtures gives them a new life with modern artistry.

| Photos Eric Morales |

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Chewed & Brewed | ASIAN FOOD |

San Marcos Roll @ Jin’s Sushi Cuisine Jin’s Sushi Cuisine is the newest grub spot in the same shopping center as Bobcat Nation and features a delicious assortment of fresh sushi and Korean cuisine. When you go, make sure you start with their inspired San Marcos roll, hand crafted to order, featuring spicy crab and avocado, topped with cooked shrimp and eel sauce. The combination of textures and flavors are insane, and each bite explodes with savory, spicy and sweet deliciousness. The roll is beautifully presented and comes with a piping hot bowl of salty and aromatic miso soup. There’s just something so special about this San Marcos namesake roll. 700 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos (512) 667-7903

The Good Grub Guide highlights the dishes and neighborhood favorites in the area’s food scene. They are reviewed and selected by the editorial staff.

| Dish Reviews By Katie Ogletree |

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SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE

Green Curry @ Thai Thai Cafe What Thai Thai may not have in awesome ambiance or excellent service, they more than have it in their food. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authentic, fresh and delicious. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something borderline magical about the spicy and mouth watering green curry, made with creamy and sweet coconut milk, hot chilies, and crisp vegetables. Bright, light, hot, sweet, sour and perfect every time. Spoon it over some of their perfectly steamed and fluffy white rice for a hearty, warm and delicious meal. 829 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos, (512) 395-8424

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KOBE Steakhouse

Japan Latino

Hibachi grill for Steaks and Seafood, terrific sushi, happy hour and Asian cuisine all in one! KOBE serves up any combination you’re craving. Lunch and dinner daily.

Those choosing not to judge a book by its cover enjoy some of the best tasting sushi Hays County has to offer. Don’t know what to order? May we suggest the off-menu Sunshine Roll. YUMMY!

515 Springtown Way, San Marcos (512) 396-7200

Hays County BBQ & Catering With excellent reviews across the board, and a TEXAS MONTHLY TOP 50 pick, this is pit BBQ done with true central Texas tradition. The house made cheddar & jalapeno sausage is simply amazing. Their slow smoked brisket, turkey, ribs and chops satisfy every time. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.

1328 N IH35, San Marcos (512) 878-1455

Italian Garden With just a short walk from campus, this little restaurant has become a local staple. They’re serving up consistently delicious dishes that are easy on the pocketbook. Lunch and dinner daily. 415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-8730

1612 S. IH35, San Marcos (512) 392-6000

Gill’s Fried Chicken

The Root Cellar

A San Marcos original, Gill’s serves up crisp, golden, and super juicy fried chicken. While you’re there, sink your teeth into the southern staple: fried okra. It truly is something to rave about. Lunch and dinner daily.

Root Cellar Cafe is proud to be a part of San Marcos culture. Opening its doors for business in February 2005, they strive to create a great experience for their customer, whether you are touring the city, preparing for a hard day’s work, or taking a break from your typical day.

2550 Hunter Rd, #1112, San Marcos (512) 353-3113

215 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-5158

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MARDI GRAS

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on the

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SMTX | GOOD GRUB GUIDE

Drunken Noodles @ Prik Nam Pla If authentic, delicious and craveable Thai cuisine is what you are after, then Prik Nam Pla is where you need to go. Not only do they have the best Thai food, but they also just added an Asian market so you can take the flavors you love home to your very own kitchen. While you’re there, order up some of their spicy and savory Pad Kee Mao, also known as “Drunken Noodles.” The flat rice noodles soak up the mouthwatering sauce, and the crisp veggies explode with flavor in your mouth. Garlicky goodness cloaks the protein of your choice with joy, and you will find yourself thinking about this dish during work, while asleep, all the time, it’s that delicious.

1917 Dutton Dr., San Marcos (512) 396-9919

Grins Grins is a true San Marcos icon that continues to be enjoyed by several generations of students and locals. Head on over and order a juicy burger or mouth-watering chicken fried steak. Don’t forget to grab a frosty margarita and dine on their outdoor patio. Lunch and dinner daily. 802 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-4746

Vodka Street Conveniently located on The Square, this classic bistro and bar serves up amazing tapas, burgers, and Sunday brunch. The food is beautifully presented and along side the more elevated and inventive dishes, they serve up old-fashioned favorites. Dinner daily. Sunday brunch. 202 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 396-4260

Kung Pao Beef @ Koy Chinese and Sushi Sometimes there’s little better than a good old-fashioned ChineseAmerican meal. You know the stuff: pork lo mein, beef and broccoli, egg rolls, hot and sour soup. Koy Chinese and Sushi in Kyle, TX serves up these delicious classics every day, paired with exceptional service and a warm atmosphere. If you like a little heat, order the Kung Pao Beef and enjoy the deep flavors of spice, salt and that fifth basic taste, umami. Their most popular dish, General Tso’s chicken, is booming with complex spicy and sweet, and the textures are spot on. The food is fresh, delicious, and priced well. Kyle is not too far away when you’ve got food like this to look forward to.

5695 Kyle Pkwy Ste 800, Kyle (512) 268-3336

Louie’s Oyster House Serving up oysters on a half shell and fresh seafood with sides that are just as scrumptious. The street tacos satisfy diners who like the taste of beef as well as fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 119 E. Hutchison Street, San Marcos (512) 878-8862

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