Eguide December 2014

December 1, 2014 • Issue 12, Volume 2

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.”

- Harlan Miller

Daniel Boone’s Restaurant: Home Cookin’ And Much More

DJ Shane Payne:

Spinning More Than Just Music

True Vine Brewery: Three Men on a Mission

The Rose City Celebrates: There’s Holiday Spirit Everywhere

2 • EGuideMagazine.com

FIRE

MOUNTAIN

Open Weekends February thorough November

EGuideMagazine.com • 3

Gourmet Popcorn That Will Make You Smile

The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas December 1, 2014 • Issue 12, Volume 2

Contents 5-6 Dining

» “Daniel Boone’s: Good Ole Home Cookin’ Plus More”

by Barbara King

» “Traditions Restaurant Makes the Holidays a Little Easier”

by Barbara King

7 Movies: by Dustin Chase, Film Critic

Gift Central!

» Reviews for “The Imitation Game” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingbird Part 1” by Dustin Chase » “Cafe” at Old Firehouse in Edom » “A Nostalgic Christmas” Month featuring the classic movies, “A Christmas Story,” “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Liberty Hall, downtown Tyler

8-13 Music

» “DJ Shane Payne: Spinning More Than Just Music”

by Amanda Main » Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays, Dana Cooper at Old Firehouse Acoustic Cafe, Musician’s Swap Meet and more » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music

14-18 Things to Do

» “The Grand Piano Bar and Supper Club” by Barbara King » Card 53 Birthday Bash, “A Christmas Carol” Radio Show at Liberty Hall, Downtown Tyler Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, “The Nutcracker,” Brick Street Stroll, Turkey Drag, Museum Night in Downtown Tyler, 5K Reindeer Run, Life with Pets Holiday Photos, Holiday in the Pines Tour of Homes, Superhero 5K, Holiday in the Park & Bazaar, Pineywoods Christmas Lighted Drive-Thru, “Wine, Roses & Murder” at McClendon House, Decembersongs and more » “True Vine Brewery: Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love and Community” by Barbara King » Hundreds of Events and Things to Do Around Tyler

Order Online for Free Shipping Nationwide!

Located in Macy ’s Plaza 4744 S. Broadway Ave , Tyler Texas 75703 903.534.1188 www.popcornjunctiontx.com

19

Art

» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Chris Stewart - A Working Artist Working Hard” by Derrick White » Exhibits, Events and Galleries around Tyler

20-21 Theatre

» “Lindale Community Theater: A Passion for the Craft and What it Provides to the Community” by Lynn Dark » The Complete Theatre Show Guide

22 Family

23 Books

Family owned and operated for over 15 years.

Remember to book our private room for holiday parties!

Come in and enjoy our distinctive Italian cuisine with many dishes to choose from.

Whether you are in the mood for chicken, veal, seafood, or our home made lasagna you can experience the most delicious Italian food. Plus enjoy some fine wine from our great selection.

Located at 3320 Troup Highway, Tyler, Texas 903-533-1000 Hours of Operation Monday – Closed ◊ Tuesday – Thursday 11am till 10pm Friday – Saturday 11am till 11pm ◊ Sunday 11am till 10pm 4 • EGuideMagazine.com

» “Be An Angel for Someone This Christmas: Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive and Angel Tree” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » The Tyler Library Celebrates Its Recent Renovations

Staff Publisher

Tena Jerger

Sales Manager Louie Jerger Copy Editors

Dana Khan, Gini Rainey Editorial

Dustin Chase, Lynn Dark, Kelly Griffith-Fields, Barbara King, Amanda Main, Gini Rainey, Derrick White

» “A Few ‘Can’t Put Down’ Books This Month” by Gini Rainey » Book Drives, NaNoWriMo Writing Clinic and Ben

Wheeler’s Library Reopens

“EGuide Magazine” is an eventdriven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas. We are published once a month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 360 locations in Tyler, Whitehouse, Bullard, Flint, Gresham, Edom, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, Jacksonville and Rusk.

We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necessary information should be included such as date, time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number for the public, website address, photos - the more the better. Submit your event at EGuideMagazine.com.

Distribution

Robin Butt, Louie Jerger, Barbara King, Sarah Payne

Deadlines

PO Box 130133 Tyler, TX 75713 (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine@gmail.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

On Stands Deadline EGuideMagazine.com January 2nd.......................December 15th February 2nd..........................January 20th March 2nd............................February 20th April 1st.................................... March 20th We are currently looking for freelance writers.

May 1st........................................April 20th If you have a love for writing, send samples to: June 1st......................................... May 20th July 1st..........................................June 20th Eagerness trumps experience every time. Therefore, experience August 1st..................................... July 20th is not necessarily needed. If you want to gain experience and get samples for your portfolio, e-mail us.

September 1st......................... August 20th

Attn: Writers

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

Dining They’ll Feed Ya, and Feed Ya Good!

Daniel Boone’s Grill and Tavern Written and Photographed by Barbara King

Take a much deserved break from the frantic Christmas season and pay a visit to Daniel Boone’s for a old country meal that will fill you up and keep you going.

Daniel Boone’s has been feeding Tyler and East Texas mouth-watering, made from scratch, country cooking for over ten years. From the minute you walk in the door, the home cooking aromas will compete with the visual cornucopia of collectibles and memorabilia everywhere you look.

The walls are filled with country frontier memorabilia that will evoke lots of childhood memories from John Wayne film posters to old film reels from the Fess Parker Daniel Boone TV show.

Why do loyal customers keep on coming back? According to owner Daniel Boone (and yes, that is his real name!) it’s the unrushed family atmosphere, good food and good service. This is no buffet, but down home friendly people serving hearty, large portions of food like your mother used to make.

“We are home to the free bean bar (pinto and chili) and free Blue Bell ice cream desserts. We usually have at least ten different flavors to choose from,” explains Boone.

The huge main dining room features tons of table space with comfy, padded booths to enjoy your meal and a no pressure, just stay and visit atmosphere. You can start with choosing from over 40 menu items starting with “Appetizures-Starters ‘n stuff” with creative country names like “Basskit of Fried Taters” to “Stuffed Hallipeners”.

Then dig into one of “Dan’ls Countryside Dinners” featuring selections of “Chicken Fried Stake,” bone-in pork chops, or one pound hamburger steak or a rib eye. The portions are large, and every entrée comes with a choice of two sides and Texas Toast.

The meat is always fresh at Daniel Boone’s, and there is a great selection of “Burgers and Dawgs” on the menu, including the new spicy pepper-bite ranch cheeseburger or the “Yankee Dawg” topped with sauerkraut.

The price is right for families, and kids can enjoy “Young’uns Vittles” featuring kid’s freeto pie, dawg on a stick or a “Kiddie Kat” which is two pieces of catfish filets, fried taters and hush puppies. Boone says a family of four can eat at the restaurant for about $35.00. Kids under 12 eat free Monday and Thursdays 5-9pm and Saturdays 11-5pm and all kid’s meals include a small drink.

Speaking of catfish, Wednesday is all you can eat catfish for $10.95 from 5-9 and both Friday and Sunday all day long. Saturday night features smoked pork ribs “starting at 5pm until we run out!” says Boone.

The “Grazin’ and Taters Pasture” presents the lighter side choices of a taco salad, frontier chicken salad, grilled yard bird salad (grilled chicken breast) and big stuffed taters. Danl’s cornbread meal is a one-ofa-kind taste treat of 3 cornbread muffins and a trip to the bean bar to fill the bowl to the brim.

Monday through Friday they feature Blue plate specials for only $7.95, with a choice between two entrées, two veggies, and of course, the bean and ice cream bars. For the young at heart ,over 60 crowd, the restaurant features Pioneer plates, all for $7.95 with choices including chicken fried steak, grilled chicken, pork chops, and the infamous catfish.

The Priddy family were enjoying a hearty lunch at the restaurant “where we have been eating forever,” said Samuel Priddy. “The service is great, from the chefs to the waitresses, and we love the all you can eat catfish.” Amy Priddy and her daughter Haylee, a TJC student, raved about the Yard Bird salad, while Mr. Priddy settled in to tackle his second helping of catfish.

Wanting to book a special event, corporate get-together or larger dining party? Or, as Daniel says “Got a herd of hungry people to feed?”

The frontier dining room is ready and waiting and Daniel Boone’s can host your private party or come to you for a special event. They also accept reservations if you’re worried about seating a larger group.

Tucked away in the back of the restaurant is the tavern part of the experience, a fully stocked bar, with big screen TVs and even more memorabilia…a juke box and a collection of over 500 matchbox racing cars. There is full service available in the tavern area, and you can enjoy a chicken fried steak, a drink and watch your favorite sports.

Long-time friends, Esther Rightmyer and Mary Buckalew were finishing up their meal and commented on the fact that they never felt rushed or hurried and the atmosphere was “super friendly and we had great table service“ the ladies agreed. Mrs. Buckalew added that her high school- aged grandchildren from Houston love to visit Daniel Boone’s “because of the ice cream.”

You won’t leave hungry and you might even leave with a quote or two from Daniel Boone himself, “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks.”

Go online at www.danielboones.net and join the VIP club for the latest specials sent directly to your phone or email. Gift cards are also available and make great gifts. Daniel Boone’s is open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm and Sunday from 11am to 8pm. The restaurant is located at 1920 ESE Loop 323. For more info, call (903)595-2228. You can also find them on Facebook at Facebook.com/danielboonesgrill.

Traditions:

Made From Scratch Holiday Fare

By Barbara King This Holiday Season…enjoy your family and stay out of the kitchen!

Stressed to the max with the thought of all the holiday food preparation? There is an alternative that will please everybody in the family, especially the ones slaving away in the kitchen.

All your Christmas cooking angst will vanish with the help of Traditions Restaurant & Catering. A longtime Tyler “tradition” established in 2000 under the watchful eye of owner Robert Owens, they can literally cater to all your holiday feasting.

“We know that your time is priceless around this time of year,” says Owens, “and we can help with everything you need for your special meal.” Every Traditions selection is made entirely from scratch, from the cornbread dressing to the giblet gravy. Holiday special dinners serving 8-10 guests include a 12-14 pound whole roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce and two pies for $84.95. Other packages are available, including the famous and delicious Heartland honey-glazed spiral ham available only at Traditions.

Another added holiday menu item is sliced meats by the pound, and you can serve them up with your favorite sides, including mashed potatoes, squash casserole, candied yams and much more. The mouthwatering desserts will be the true finale to your festive meal and choices include pumpkin pie, sweet potato and pecan pies, and their much sought after pumpkin roll.

“We will be open Christmas Eve to fill orders, and folks can pick up their meals hot and ready to go,” explains general manager Jon Bush. “We have something available for every budget, whether you want us to do the entire meal or just run in for a pie or some sides or rolls. Our Heartland Honey-Glazed Hams are a huge seller for Christmas, as people want something different from the turkey they had for Thanksgiving.”

Holiday gift boxes are a great way to share the festive season,and they can be shipped anywhere in the continental US, usually within two days. The restaurant offers many different options to mix and match your unique gift box including jalapeño and cheese sausage, hickory smoked peppered bacon, whole smoked chicken, jalapeño stuffed chicken breasts and whole smoked turkey breasts.

Don’t forget that you can also bring the family to dine in the upscale cafeteria-style restaurant itself, with the efficient table service, beautiful Christmas décor and roaring fireplace. Owner Owens takes

pride in the service, quality and freshness of all the menu options and the reasonable prices.

Catering is another specialty of Traditions, and they will travel anywhere in the East Texas vicinity within a two hour radius. Corporate and holiday parties are their specialty and their attention to service shines at larger events. “What makes us unique,” says Owens, “is that we have a large, dedicated staff that have been loyal employees for many years. When you attend one of our catered events, those are our own staff serving you.”

The restaurant also has two large rooms for private parties, one can seat up to 40 and a larger, piano room holds up to 90 guests.

In a holiday hurry? Pull up to the drive-through for entrées such as the meat loaf like your mother used to make. Add a side and a fresh roll and you still have time to finish your shopping. You will have your dinner in about five minutes but it’s definitely not a fast food experience. You can also order family-sized meals to go too, including chicken spaghetti, king ranch chicken, and lasagna.

Start a new family tradition and invite your friends and family for a home-cooked, old-fashioned Christmas dinner prepared the Traditions way. Call (903)534-1111 to place orders. Traditions is open seven days a week for dining, Monday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm and is located at 6205 South Broadway, Tyler.

Holiday menus and more information is available at www.traditionstyler.com and on Facebook at “Traditions-Tyler.”

EGuideMagazine.com • 5

Benefiting The Children’s Village Of Tyler And Local Area Children Meet on the Tyler Square, Downtown Tyler, Texas Sunday, December 7th 2014 @ 12PM Group Leaving Promptly at 2pm For The Longriders Christmas Party Refreshments provided by AJ’s Place, Troup, Texas Please Bring A Donation of $5 In Cash, Toys, Can Food For more information contact Robert @ (903) 360-4206 Toy Run Open To All Riders - Free to Participate

6 • EGuideMagazine.com

Movies

by the numbers. That will make this “agreeable” film a difficult sell to represent the year’s “best film.” “The people no one thinks anything of are the ones that do things no one can imagine.” It’s that beautiful sentiment that should echo louder than any award it receives; thankfully, it’s quoted in the film.

Final Thought – Cumberbatch gives a performance that will stay with you after the last frame.

Grade B

Movie Reviews By

Dustin Chase

www.texasartfilm.com Dustin is a Member of the “Houston Film Critics Society” Film Critic/Assistant Editor for “Texas Art & Film” (texasartfilm.com) Film Critic for “The Daily News” (Galveston) Entertainment Reporter for “Galveston.com” Film Critic for “Island Guide,” (Galveston) & “EGuide Magazine” (Tyler) and Online Air Entertainment News Commentator at “News 92FM’s Livin’ Large”

“The Imitation Game”

Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Mark Strong, Charles Dance On Screens December 17th Winning the Toronto International Film Festival award proved to be a good omen for “12 Years a Slave,” “The Kings Speech” and “Slumdog Millionaire,” as they went on to win best picture at the Academy Awards.

“The Imitation Game” is based on the extraordinary true story of mathematician Alan Turing, whom Winston Churchill acknowledged contributed more than any other individual to winning the war. It isn’t just a story about how one brilliant man created a decoder to help stop Hitler, it’s also about the “shameful, disgraceful part of our history,” said Cumberbatch, who will likely be up for a best actor nomination. What “The Imitation Game,” distributed by The Weinstein Company, won’t get is a best director nomination, which might just lose it the Best Picture game.

Things were bleak in 1939; Britain was losing the war to Germany, largely because of its inability to crack the Enigma code the Nazis were using to communicate via radio. Alan Turing explained to the War Department that he didn’t need them; it was the war itself that needed him. He was unpopular the moment he met with Commander Denniston (Dance), who worked under Churchill; but Turing was eventually put in charge of building an enormous machine that he believed would decode the messages and help England win World War II. Turing was also a homosexual which, during that time period, was illegal. Stewart Menzies (Strong) said to Turing that he wished the spies in his department were as good at keeping secrets as he.

Don’t let the similarities between “A Beautiful Mind’s” Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly performances detract from what Cumberbatch and Knightley do here, although there are many comparisons.

“The Imitation Game” isn’t an agenda film, but it does have a point to make, a pledge to offer, and, as Cumberbatch points out regarding Turing’s Royal Pardon decades after his death, “The only person who should be pardoning anybody is him” (Turing). Cumberbatch’s performance might not be able to rival that of Michael Keaton’s showy “Birdman” or the body and facial contortions of Eddie Redmayne’s Stephen Hawking—two who will certainly be his fellow nominees. However, Cumberbatch’s popularity, his consistently great work and this being his best performance will certainly land him in the race.

Cumberbatch gives a detailed, subtle and often internalized performance as Turing, who suffered with a deep, inner struggle and lifelong pain. He dedicated himself to a country that turned on him after they got what they needed from him. It’s a powerful role and Cumberbatch (“August Osage County,” “The Hobbit”) quietly devours every scene and frame. Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (“Begin Again,” “Laggies”) also turns in another terrific performance. In one scene, her character delivers a beautiful and almost heartbreaking–speech about the type of marriage she and Turing might have; seconds later her mood has changed, and she calls Turing a monster. It’s a scene-stealer for the actress and should land her a supporting actress nomination. Director Morten Tyldum doesn’t inject the type of creative cinematic ability into this pretty standard script that it might have deserved; this one is

“American Sniper”

Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller On Screens December 25th The tragic story of the man who became the greatest American sniper in US history comes to light with director Clint Eastwood’s steady hand at the helm. Eastwood, a believer in the right to bear arms, certainly uses this compelling story of Chris Kyle, not only to showcase his skill with a weapon, how many lives he spared, but also the effect seeing that much “evil” can have on a man. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Hustle”) has, in the past two years, become an actor I,for one, never expected him to be. His version of Kyle, while physically accurate, doesn’t give the viewer much insight into the man behind the weapon. Of course that isn’t Cooper’s fault, that’s the screenplay which is partially adapted from Kyle’s book.

“You’re a Texan, patriot, and you’re pissed off, sign here please,” the recruiting officer says to Chris Kyle (Cooper). He gave up being a cowboy to serve his country, and through training, it became apparent this guy had an eye on the gauge unlike anyone else. Before the first tour he marries Taya (Miller), a woman he rescued in a bar, promising to return and fulfill all her dreams. By the second tour, Taya has given birth to their first child and Kyle has become the most wanted man in Iraq, the bounty on his head from the insurgents is 180,000. They call him ‘The Legend,’ and by the third tour, two kids, everyone knows who he is. By the 4th tour, Kyle continues to chase Iraq’s own legend and finish this cat and mouse chase he started.

I can’t help but feel that after the success of “Lone Survivor” last year, (another film that was mistakenly campaigned as an Oscar film early on,) this pattern of hyping a film that has no business in the awards race is a detriment to an otherwise decent film. “American Sniper,” due to the prestige of its director and star, is attempting to break into an already crowded awards race and its unfair pressure put on a film that would have fared better in the spring or summer. Cooper gives a stern, unrecognizable, physically altered performance, but the script never digs into what made this guy tick. We know even less about Taya; everything is focused on the manhunt and Kyle’s warfare experience. Its gestures instead of dialogue, silence instead of exploration.

“American Sniper” looks fantastic, the sound mixing and effects are incredible and top notch, Eastwood always knows who to hire for the right job. The decisions Kyle must make, pulling the trigger on a woman, a child. We see and understand that it isn’t done without moral and internal repercussions; that doesn’t need dialogue. Kyle and his unit are out to stop a man nicknamed The Butcher whose weapon of choice is a drill. In one of the most intense sequences we have too many bad guys, not enough good guys and Eastwood crafting it all together seamlessly with his right hand editor Joel Cox (“Invictus,” “Letters from Iwo Jima”). Compared to another war film like “Fury,” “American Sniper” lacks the emotional impact it needs, it hits the target but misses the bull’s-eye.

Final Thought – Forfeits emotional character depth to focus on high quality scenes of war.

Grade B-

“1000 Times Goodnight” Starring Juliette Binoche, Nicolaj Coster-Waldau

Night” tackles what films like “Veronica Guerin and Fair Game” only skimmed the surface of. ​The first time we see Rebecca (Binoche), her face is covered in a shroud as she is allowed to photograph chosen women as they prepare to have explosives fixed to their bodies. Deep in the confines of Kabul, Rebecca has an untamable instinct that nearly gets her killed as she fights for the photograph that she hopes will cause ‘newspaper readers to choke on their morning coffee’. After barely escaping with her life, Rebecca returns home to face the distraught faces of her husband Marcus (Waldau) and their two impressionable young girls. She is faced with leaving her high risk, world-renown photo journalist profession or losing her children. ​“I hope the photograph was worth it,” Steph, the eldest daughter says to her mother. The turning point of a good movie into a great film occurs when the eldest daughter is looking through mom’s photos of pre-teen girls being mutilated and raped in 3rd world cities. At that moment she understands the purpose and part of the driving force behind what Rebecca believes to be important work. What Steph will face later is dealing with the fact that her mother will choose the work over family. “1000 Times Good Night” explores why some individuals choose to have families in the first place. “I hope one day when you are older that you understand there are things inside us we cannot change,” Rebecca offers up as some explanation for her actions. ​This is another film about difficult choices; the lines of right and wrong are not existent. It’s moral obligation versus the idea of changing the world. Binoche’s portrayal and Poppe’s screenplay truly tear into the heart of the issue, as the audience and the family sway from varying sides of the issue. The film is a slow build and a never ending burn after it’s over. Binoche exudes strength, not always in her words, but she conveys what she is thinking with strong inner dialogue. Poppe understands that observing this type of struggle is best done without talking about it so much, he would know since the film is largely based on his own experiences. Would we question a man in this role, leaving his wife to take care of the children? The film asks that question also.

There are no easy answers.

Final Thought – Binoche delivers a powerful, resonating performance in one of the best films of the year.

Grade A“Cafe” at The Old Firehouse in Edom

On Saturday, December 27th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm), The Old Firehouse Cinema Independent Film Series will present “Cafe” which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Daniel Eric Gold, and Jamie Kennedy.

For the colorful patrons of West Philly Grounds, life is about to get surreal. Greeted every morning by sweetnatured Claire (Hewitt), the cafe regulars converge upon her counter with hopeful smiles and sad stories. Claire has her own issues to contend with, including a love-struck co-worker (Gold) and a suspicious new customer (Kennedy). But even the neighborhood’s favorite hangout has a dark side. And soon everyone will discover the world they live in may not be real. “Cafe” is written and directed by Marc Erlbaum.

This film is rated TV-14.

Tickets $8 in advance (+service fee), $8 cash at the door. www.theoldfirehouse.net, (903)852-ART1 (2781).

Movies, Movies, Movies!

This month the Tyler Library will host a bunch of free movies for the entire family. Here is the schedule for December: Saturday, December 20th “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” 10am

“Guardians of the Galaxy,” 2:30pm Monday, December 29th “Disney’s Sleeping Beauty,” 10:30am Tuesday, December 30th “Maleficent,” 10:30am Wednesday, December 31st “Dolphin Tale 2,” 10:30am The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323, library.cityoftyler.org.

On Screens December 25th ​Throughout 2014 I have heard, read, and been witness to endless reports, articles and topics on the lack of the female roles concerning awards season. However, I look around and see roles like Jessica Chastain in “Miss Julie,” Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night,” Juliette Binoche in “Clouds of Ils Maria” and now, yet again, Juliette Binoche in “1000 Times Good Night.” Perhaps you have to dig a little deeper since these are international films, but there are women doing extraordinary work in cinema that no one is paying attention to. Acclaimed director Thursday, December 4th Erik Poppe takes a look at a woman torn between her family and the Thursday, December 11th Thursday, December 18th call to bring awareness to war with photographs. “1000 Times Good

“A Nostalgic Christmas”

Liberty Hall, located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin St., and offers entertainment through film, theater, comedy and music. Most movies are $5-$7 and begin at 7pm.

“A Christmas Story” “White Christmas” “It’s A Wonderful Life”

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Music

and estimate [or guess or decide even] what type of music is going to please them. Then you play that song and you see them start tapping their feet, or you see the crowd start smiling, or they’ll start to bob their head a little

By Amanda Main and Gini Rainey bit, and sometimes they’ll get up and start dancing.

Tyler-based DJ — or “musical entertainer,” as he puts it — Shane That’s the ‘cool’ part. But Payne, has been spinning tunes for people since 1986, when he had a not every event is a dance party and picked the music to play for his friends. Shortly after, he was party, so when you can hooked up with opportunities to play professionally for events such as pick a song that has made school dances where he played music that was popular on the radio at someone react positively the time. Since then he has played thousands of events and venues. because you’ve figured EGuide recently sat down with him to discuss his love for music out what it is they want and the business. to hear - that’s a very rewarding moment. It’s nice to know that people from all different age groups and all different musical preferences can EGuide: So how did you get started, I know you say, “I really enjoyed what you played tonight,” because you’re not just said it started with a party, but you must have had going out and playing the same 50 songs over and over and over. You’re some kind of a background before that, right?

Shane Payne: The very picking from an enormous library of music, and particularly now with earliest that I can remem- the Internet, the access to almost any song that anybody wants to hear ber even thinking of doing is very simple. You still have to kind of read the people and figure out what it is they want to hear - or what it is you think they want to hear something like this really - so the reward of picking the right song is a nice payoff. That’s what was that party where we keeps me enjoying getting to DJ for people. had some friends over, EGuide: What can people expect at your shows? and it was basically turnPayne: I think they’re going to expect to be happy at an event. I ing up the stereo system think [they can] expect that someone really was trying to pick music and picking the songs that they felt was going to please every member of the crowd at some that were being played, point. so it wasn’t so much of a For the most part, when people come to an event where I’m the one DJ gig. I was just the guy responsible for the music providing the music, they’re going to feel like someone really paid attenthat night… and the back- tion. I try to take requests whenever possible. ground for doing that EGuide: What equipment do you bring to your came from a really genuine events? love of music. This was, Payne: Really, that’s hard to answer, because it’s all over the map. like I said, in ’86, and I There are some places where I play that already have a sound system. couldn’t get enough of new So in those instances, all I really need to bring is a laptop. I have some music. That’s when the hardware controllers that plug into my laptop that control the DJ softBritish, New Wave, roman- ware that I use. tic, electronic music scene Then there’s other events where the venue doesn’t have any sound, started happening, and so and in those situations, I’ll bring a PA speaker system as well. there was just a really large Then there are other events where, in addition to just playing the influx of music going on at music, I’m also the sound engineer for the event. In those situations, I’ll the time. Because of that, I bring a larger audio-mixing desk. enjoyed getting my hands Sometimes I’m prepared for live music to be played as well. Someon as many new records as times it’s a corporate event, and they need to have some microphones on I could. I had a friend that the podium. So really, the equipment that I bring is as broad a range as owned a record store and I you can imagine. hung out there all the time.

It’s as simple as an iPad on some events, where I’ve built a playlist We would kind of DJ in and I’m just plugging in and as broad to a full sound system for other the store basically, so that events. I like the variety though, so it’s all fun. was his way of promoting EGuide: Do you have any other musical talents? the new music - he would Payne: No, and I’ll tell you why, it’s an interesting story. My day job play it in the store. The is a video producer, so I write, shoot and edit videos, and do that kind background for that was of stuff, so I’m very familiar with the craft of editing. What happens now much more of a musicwhen I go see movies in the theater is that a lot of times I’m distracted appreciation background than a technical background and I guess that by things that I would’ve done differently if I were shooting or editing is how it started. it, or if I had written it. So unfortunately, that has kind of, I don’t want EGuide: What is it that you love about being a DJ to say ‘ruined,’ but has diminished the impact of a good film, video or that made you want to keep doing it?

TV show for me in way. The enjoyment that I get out of seeing someone Payne: It’s a really exciting thing when you can look out at a crowd else’s work is diminished because I’m distracted by things that I would

DJ Shane Payne:

Spinning More Than Just Music

do differently. It’s the catch-20 of the trade, I guess.

So, to the point of ‘do I do any other musical stuff?’ not really. The reason is because I don’t want to learn how to play an instrument. Then I think when I would hear music, I would think “oh, they should have done it this way,” or “they didn’t do that part very well,” or whatever. It’s the way my mind works. Instead of just getting to enjoy the song as a complete product, I’m afraid that I would start mentally nitpicking parts of it that I thought should’ve been performed differently or whatnot. So I’ve really tried to not spend any time learning how to play an instrument so I can still enjoy music as a music-lover and not listen to music as a music-performer.

EGuide: That is an interesting answer; I’ve never heard that theory before.

Payne: Well, it’s happened in a broader sense also. Like I said, with the live staging that I do sometimes your passions become confused. A lot of times I’m hanging video projectors and screens, or I’m putting up lighting systems for events and that sort of stuff. So now when I go to an event like that it’s hard for me to sit down and strictly enjoy the production because I’m noticing all the little details. I’m thinking “oh, they could have moved that fixture over here so it wouldn’t cast that shadow,” or “they’ve got a hotspot on the stage up here because they’ve got too much light and not enough on the other side of the stage.” This makes it hard to go just watch a live production anymore because I know the fundamentals that go into putting on a production and I can’t stop seeing those things. I’ve spent years perfecting this. Years! So, like I said, I’ve really tried to shield myself from letting that happen with music by not learning how to play a song, not learning how to play a particular instrument, and not learning how to read music. I try to keep a fresh ear and, by not having any extra expertise on any one particular instrument, or vocal style or whatever, I think it makes me a little bit more of an effective mixer. At the same time, I think it makes me a more effective DJ because I don’t let my personal preferences get in the way of what I think the event needs.

EGuide: So, there is a ton involved in being a DJ, a lot more than is on the surface, right?

Payne: Yes. I’d really like to try and expand what people think a DJ is, to tell you the truth. It’s a really diverse skill set that covers a lot of areas and so I think to try to help better define what that role is would help other people. Because sometimes, a DJ is an on-air DJ — that’s a person who makes announcements, they’re an on-air personality. They hardly ever are the person who actually presses ‘play’ and plays the CD or plays the turntable or plays the computer-generated music, but that person’s considered a DJ. Some people think a DJ, and this is in the last seven to 10 years or so, with the rise of the DJ-producer-type person with dance music making such an explosion, is somebody who creates music and plays at large festivals. Those people are also DJs. Then some think that a DJ is just a mobile DJ — somebody who carries a sound system into a building and sets up and plays a wedding reception or some other kind of event.

Then some people think a DJ is this bedroom-type DJ who never plays in public but creates these really great mixes and people enjoy hearing the stuff that they’ve created.

So, I’d like to try to help expand and maybe better define people’s understanding of what a DJ is, vis-á-vis those examples that I gave. All of these things are variations on the idea of a DJ. I think most people are aware that the letters “DJ” came from “disc jockey,” someone who was in charge of playing the discs or playing the records, as they were.

So that was the person on the radio who, at the time, would go to their programming storage vault and pick the records they were going to play for their on-air show. Maybe it was the records that they felt like their listeners wanted to hear. So, to try to help people better define these different types, I think would help when someone says, “Oh, you’re a DJ,” or “Oh, I’ve heard of him, he’s a DJ,” if people could say “he’s a certain type of DJ,” like has a certain skill set that would be cool. It’s a better way

Steaks - Burgers - Seafood - Crawfish......Karaoke Saturday Nights......2 Locations - Hwy. 155 South, Flint & Highway 64 East in Chapel Hill - 903.825.1975 ~ 903.565.6262 8 • EGuideMagazine.com

to describe what they do, because right now a lot of people will hear the [DJ] phrase and it’s sort of a pejorative term. Sometimes it minimizes what they think that person does.

As I said, I’m a video producer during the day, and I’m also an event producer, during the days and nights and weekends, so a number of those skills kind of overlap each other. I’m afraid to be pigeonholed into just one thing, because it kind of minimizes not only me, but any other people who have broader interests and broader abilities than just one thing.

So, I like to say “musical entertainer,” or “musical entertainment.” The reason that I say that is because there are a lot of times where I’m mostly mixing sound for a band at a live event, but I also play some intermission music. Or there’s a corporate event when I’m playing some background music before the keynote speaker comes up, because I’m also running sound for the event. So in that sense, I’m picking the songs that get played which are appropriate for the crowd. So because of that, I like to describe myself and what I do as “musical entertainment” or “audio specialist,” or some other types of words along those lines that are a little bit broader and maybe lend a little bit more understanding.

In Tyler, Shane tends to play special events such as the Texas Equestrian Gala, Mistletoe & Magic Preview Party, and the Boo Ball (put on by ARC of Smith County), but this month, on December 19th, he will provide music at Juls Restaurant Lounge & Café during a one-hour set between 9pm and midnight. He also enjoys performing at Absinthe Lounge in Dallas.

Visit ShanePayne.com for information or call him up to book an event at (903)521-7544.

session! Come out to Circle of 10 Education & Event Center at 201 E. Commerce in Jacksonville (this is where they have the Music Mondays, Jam Sessions, Pickin’ Circles and Open Mic nights). This will take place at 12 noon-6pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Circle of 10 gets 5% of proceeds of sold items from the swap meet to use for their Education & Event Center building. For more info call (903)393-2400.

Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays with special guest Cecile McLorin Salvant at Cowan Center, 7:30pm

December 13th - Channel 8 at Jake’s, Downtown Tyler, 8pm

December 20th - TJ Broscoff at Republic Ice House, 8pm

The stage is the place that TJ feels most comfortable with his ability to shine as both a top notch player and a singer with a very distinct voice.

Couple that with the stories and a main character that he knows all too well and you have yourself a show with determination and conviction that most national acts would kill to possess.

After the success of “Ready to Fly,” TJ was ready with a whole new set of stories and observations that he knew he was ready to share. “The Break” was recorded and produced in the same studio that had brought forth his last project with Bill Green at the board and is as solid as a rock. With broader instrumentation and intelligent lyrics, “The Break” stands as a natural successor to its freshman counterpart, “Ready To Fly.” Both of these projects are proof that musical ideas can be new and fresh and can also be coupled with lyrical content that does not insult the listener’s ability to understand more than a back road and a tailgate. In two words you can describe TJ and his music: smart and talented.

Playing his music in nearly 200 shows a year proves that he was ready to fly and that all he needed was the break. Come enjoy TJ Broscoff - if for no Events other reason than he is smart and very talented. This December 9th - Jazz at Lincoln Center is a show you do not want to miss!

Enjoy a festive complimentary dessert reception before the concert and bring the whole family! Witness the world famous big band that jazzed up the globe at the Cowan Center this holiday season. Hailed as “an extraordinarily versatile orchestra” by “The Los Angeles Times,” the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO ) is composed of 15 of jazz music’s leading soloists under the direction of legendary trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis. JLCO draws from an extensive and festive holiday repertoire that includes original arrangements of your favorite Christmas tunes in swingin’ style!

This event is sponsored by Michelle & Tim Brookshire. Cowan Center will present this performance Tuesday, December 9th at 7:30pm. Tickets range is $37-$62. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, by calling (903)566-7424 or at uttyler.edu/cowan.

December 13th - Dana Cooper at Old Firehouse Acoustic Concerts, 7:30pm

The Old Firehouse Acoustic Concert Series presents Dana Cooper on Saturday, December 13th at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). In the heartland of America, stomping grounds of Truman and Twain, “powerhouse” troubadour Dana Cooper dedicated himself to a life of music over 40 years ago. This song poet engages and inspires audiences around the world with his quick wit, insightful stories and commanding presence. Cooper eventually moved to Texas, writing, performing and recording with Shake Russell in the late ‘70s and with his own power trio, DC3 during the early ‘80s. Returning to his roots as a solo performer, Cooper relocated to Nashville in 1988. He has become an integral figure in the Music City songwriting community, collaborating with renowned writers such as Tom Kimmel, Sally Barris, Kim Carnes and Don Henry. Cooper has been invited to participate in songwriting workshops from Belfast to Copenhagen to Austin. His return to The Old Firehouse is welcomed!

“This veteran song poet is a self-contained road warrior - a man of many tunes and tunings, and a right hand few guitarists will ever know. His music is vital, and live you see him channel all his energy into the song. The songs are smart, but they come from his heart.” —Frank Goodman, puremusic.com.

“He’s clever, deep, crafty, poetic, melodic, ironic, and hilarious - in short, the best.” —Kate Wallace Trinity Backstage “...the kind of idealistic Whitmanesque songs of experience that not many people are singing these days. Put all this together and you have something that sounds suspiciously like wisdom.” —James M. Manheim, “Ann Arbor Observer” Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. For more info, go to www.theoldfirehouse.net, (903)852-ART1 (2781), www.danacoopermusic.com.

Saturday - Sunday, December 13th 14th - Musician’s Swap Meet

Try it before you buy it on our open stage jam

Entertainment Specialist

Formed in 2011, Channel 8 is a two piece garage rock group consisting of Casey Coomer and Patrick Saikin. Patrick is known for being the guitarist and powerful vocals behind local band ‘The Problem Preachers,’ while Casey is known for his funky rock beats with ‘Man & Knife.’

Channel 8 is a live vivacious band ready to entertain and jam for whoever wants to rock out.

This is a great concert for anyone that wants to rock.

December 12th - ill Doots at Stanley’s BBQ, 9pm

Ill Doots mixes elements of jazz infused with the roots of hip hop to give life to their eclectic and energized sound. The eight plus piece band’s vibe is organic because the band draws from a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds as individuals but maintains a shared musical consciousness. Ill Doots strives to collaborate with artists from all disciplines; a cross-medium collaboration has been a constant source of inspiration. ‘It’s not just Ill Doots, it’s a whole #ILLMOVEMENT.’ Come see this great funky concert at Stanley’s!

December 31st - New Years Eve Party with Shrimp Creole and the band, Dazed

Robyn’s annual infamous Shrimp Creole Dinner is guaranteed to not be the only hit at this NYE party.

Tyler’s favorite band, Dazed, will rock the night away.

For a mere cost of $15 per person, this will include dinner and the band. There will be tons of food with shrimp creole, black-eyed peas, corn bread, cabbage, desserts, a champagne toast at midnight and many party favors.

A rockin’ good time is promised at this party!

Saturday, February 14th - UT Tyler Presents Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band at Cowan Center

Ringo Starr, former drummer for the legendary group ‘The Beatles,’ is coming to The Cowan Center.

“Hosting the first-ever appearance of a Beatle in Tyler, Texas, is an honor we share with all of East Texas. Our generous sponsors have enabled us to reach out beyond our wildest dreams and bring Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band. We hope everyone will join us for a ‘Peace and Love’ welcome to Ringo and the band,” said Susan Thomae-Morphew.

“Having it on a Saturday and on Valentine’s Day is a bonus to reach across the region and remember all we need is love. We’ll be giving out peace and love window decals and hope everyone joins the campaign to welcome the ‘British Invasion’ fifty years later.”

Sponsored by the Owen Family, Richey Family and Anderson Vukelja Family, the musical icon will take the stage at 7:30pm, Saturday, February 14th.

Media sponsors are East Texas Radio Group, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, KETK56 and Fox 51.

Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased at the UT Tyler Cowan Center box office by calling (903)566-7424 or online at www.cowancenter.org.

Box office hours are 9am-4pm, Monday - Friday.

Public ticket sales begin Monday, December 1st and can be purchased by phone, online or in person.

EGuideMagazine.com • 9

BANDS FOR DECEMBER:

903.504.5860 3807 University Blvd.

Tyler, Texas 75701 www.republicicehouse.com 9'x16' HD Projector Screen Largest in East Texas!!!

18 HD Flat Screens for All Sports

Football Watching Headquarters College and Pros

Open Christmas Day at 4pm LIVE MUSIC: Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

6th - The Sultans 13th - Magnolia Brown Band 20th - Ally Venable Band 27th - The Blacksmiths 31st - DAZED

Dec. 4th - Cody C. Norman Dec. 5th - The Bigsbys Dec. 6th - Truck Stop Gamblers Dec. 12th - Jay Johnson Dec. 13th - The Jack Nelson Band Dec. 19th - blacktopGYPSY Dec. 20th - TJ Brofcoff Dec. 24th - DJ LL Dec. 26th - Ally Venable Band Dec. 27th - The Kid Icarus Project Dec. 31st - DJ LL

New Year’s Eve Party:

Shrimp Creole Dinner and DAZED - $15 cover Champagne, Party Favors, Rockin Live Music

This is the Place to be for NYE!

Open Every Day at Noon 2109 E. Fifth Street, Tyler - 903-535-7956 - www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall 10 • EGuideMagazine.com

Bored? Looking for Something Fun To Do?

Check Out Our Day-To-Day Calendar

Gig Guide Monday, December 1st

Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, December 2nd

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, December 3rd

Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Sports Zone – DJ Cicero, 9-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, December 4th

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Click’s Live – The Foundation, 9-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Eric Moseley Duo, 7-10 Half Moon – DJ Rufas, 8-12 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Cody C. Norman, 5-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 6-9 Friday, December 5th

Belcher Center, Longview – Lonestar Cowboy Christmas, 7pm Circle M Crawfish – Live Music, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Taylor Heard, 7-10 Jake’s – Quentin Moore, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – DJ, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – The Bigsbys, 8-12 Ricks – Mayday By Midnight, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Graham Wilkinson, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, December 6th

Breakers – Linda Heatley, 8-10 Click’s Live – Rivethead, Silver Loves Mercury, 9-1 Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Boogie Butts Karaoke, 8-12 Cork - DJ, 10-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Dazed, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Dunn & Cherish Lee, 7-10 Half Moon – Lager & The fatties, 8-12

Iron Horse – Hubcap & The Loose Nuts, 9-1 Jake’s – Live Music, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-12 Liberty Hall – ETSO “The Polar Express”, 3-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Looking Back Texas, 9-1 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Truck Stop Gamblers, 8-12 Rick’s – Elegant Few, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Live Music, 9-12 XLN – The Sultans, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, December 7th

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Jingle Jam, 9-12 XLN – Karaoke, 8-12 Monday, December 8th

Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, December 9th

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cowan Center – Jazz at Lincoln Center With Wynton Marsalis, 7pm The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, December 10th

Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, December 11th

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Click’s Live – The Foundation, 9-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Brian Grace, 7-10 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 6-9 Friday, December 12th

Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live acoustic music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Jay Johnson, 8-12 Ricks – Electric Circus, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – ill Doots, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, December 13th

Breakers – Grady, 8-10 Click’s Live – The Project, Switch Bach, Edge Of Misery, 9-1 Crawdaddy’s, Flint – Boogie Butts Karaoke, 8-12 Cork - DJ, 10-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little & Matt Bradshaw, 7-10 Iron Horse – I20 Band, 9-1 Jake’s – Chanel 8, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Brandon Rhyder, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Nickel Draft,9-12 The Old Firehouse – Edom – Dana Cooper, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – the Jack Nelson Band, 8-12 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Live Music, 9-12 XLN – Magnolia Brown Band, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Wrights BBQ – Todd Renlee, 7-10 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, December 14th

Belcher Center, Longview – Shoji Tabuchi, 3pm Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 XLN – Karaoke, 8-12 Monday, December 15th

Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, December 16th

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, December 17th

Circle M Crawfish – Live Music, 7-10 Click’s Live – Heartsease, Adakain, Sleep Juilet, 9-12 Cork – Senor Gringo, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jimmy Bailey, 7-10 Half Moon – Sam Cox Band, 8-12 Jake’s – Little Man Zac, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Bigboy Swagger, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Doug Moreland

Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Thursday, December 18th

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Van Darien, 7-10 Iron Horse – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Half Moon – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stanley’s – BBQ & Blues, 6-9

Friday, December 19th

Click’s Live – Night Lights, 9-1 Cork – DJ, 9-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Matt Hillyer, 7-10 Half Moon – Austin English Band, 8-12 Jakes – Rusty Honeycutt, 8-11 Juls – Shane Payne, 9-12 Lago Del Pino – Funky Fried, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – DJ, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig - Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Blacktop Gypsy, 8-12 Ricks – Overdrive, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Uncle Lucius, 9-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, December 20th

Cork – DJ, 10-1 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Live Music, 9-1 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Heather Little & Matt Bradshaw, 7-10 Half Moon – The Texas K.G.B., 8-12 Iron Horse – Anthony Riley Band, 9-1 Jakes – Jordan Bradshaw, 8-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chris Colston Band, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – TJ Brofcoff, 8-12 Rick’s – Big Mouth, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Live Music, 9-12 XLN – Ally Venable Band, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, December 21st

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 The Old Firehouse – Edom – Amy Speace, 3-6 XLN – Karaoke, 8-12 Monday, December 22nd

Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, December 23rd

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, December 24th

Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Open Mic, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-9 Iron Horse – Southern Comfort Karaoke, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Open Mic, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Republic Ice House – DJ LL, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Haggertys, 7-10 Friday, December 26th

Cork – DJ, 9-12

Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kid Icarus, 7-10 Jake’s – Joe Snyder, 8-11 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – DJ, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Purple Pig – Live Acoustic Music, 6-9 Republic Ice House – Ally Venable Band, 8-12 Rick’s – Safira, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – Boogie Butt Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12 Saturday, December 27th

Breakers – Joe Snider, 8-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Frio River Band, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Jimmy Wallace & Jerry Branch, 7-10 Jake’s – Bobby Edwards &The Blue Cats, 9-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Finding Shade, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6:30-9 Republic Ice House – Kid Icarus Project, 8-12 Ricks – Live 80, 9-1 Stanley’s BBQ – Live Music, 9-12 Where’s Rufus DJ, 9-1 Wrights BBQ – Patrick Freden, 6-9 XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1 Sunday, December 28th

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 5-9 Click’s Live– Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 XLN – Karaoke, 8-12 Monday, December 29th

Stanley’s BBQ – Ramoth Gilead, 7-10 Tuesday, December 30th

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Stanley’s BBQ – Dustin Becker, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 Wednesday, December 31st

Click’s Live – Rockett Queen, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 7-9 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Fyzical Address, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ginny Mac Band, 9-12 Half Moon – Something Blue, 8-12 Iron Horse – Todd Freeman, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Elegant Few, 9-12 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 7-11 Ricks – Electric Circus, 8-12 Republic Ice House – DJ LL, 8-12 Sports Zone – DJ Cicero, 9-12 XLN – Dazed, 8-12 To list your band here, send your schedule to:

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

ATHENA Family Restaurant

Pottery Cafe' Paint Your Own Pottery & Canvas & Cork Studio

1914 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, 903-535-9393 www.potterycafetyler.com

Everything Made From Scratch American along with Traditional Greek Food Variety of Salads, Sandwiches, Gyros & Subs Now Serving Beer & Wine Lunch Specials Starting at $4.95 Daily Homemade Chef’s Special along with out traditional Greek Favorites 1593 WSW Loop 323, Tyler 903.561.8065 athenagreekrestaurant.com Mon-Thur 11am-9pm, Fri-Saturday 11am-9:30pm, Sun 11am-9pm

EGuideMagazine.com • 11

12 • EGuideMagazine.com

2013-2014 Small Business Of The Year

EGuideMagazine.com • 13

To Do The Grand:

Piano Bar and Supper Club

By Barbara King The Grand is a sultry combination of fine food and upscale elegance with a focus on the music. This unique piano bar and supper club will take you back to the days of Garbo and Bogie with the candlelit grey and silver decorated dining room, dominated front and center by the grand piano bar. Open since May, the owners’ vision was to offer Tyler a “Grand musical experience” comparable to no other.

“The Grand musical experience is truly like nothing else in East Texas,” explains general manager and musician, Danny Burgess. Burgess and his wife, Jonni Kay Campbell have created a stylized re-creation of an old time piano lounge, but have paid meticulous detail to every aspect of the restaurant, from the lighting, to the sound, to the coffee cups emblazoned with black and white piano keyboards.

The Grand will surpass your expectations; it’s not a raucous dueling piano bar, but an elegant, nostalgic glimpse back to the sounds of the great music of our past.

It’s the perfect backdrop to an incredible evening of talent, with musical selections running the gamut from Broadway show tunes to Beatles selections and Sinatra oldies like “My Way.” Take a seat up front at the piano bar, make a request or take a spin on the dance floor. This Grand experience can be as interactive or private as you want to make it. The cool vibe runs through the entire restaurant, from the vibrant artwork of keyboard motifs by local artist Robin Boney lining the walls to the Grand piano logo lighting the dance floor.

“Our vision was always about the music,” explains Campbell, and as the “chill time” continues, a server who has just put down plates of enticing appetizers is now the entertainer, warbling out a jazz number. Burgess accompanies on the state of the art digital piano, joined by a drummer and guitarist. Theater- type lighting, cameras that show the action on the stage and the dance floor, enhance the experience.

The Grand showcases their own, and servers are students studying vocal performance or musicians Burgess has performed with for years.

“Our dining room manager is a music major and we encourage and promote talent in our community,” Burgess says.

“This is a studio-quality production,” explains Burgess and the sound is perfect anywhere you are in the restaurant. Burgess controls lighting and sound quality from an iPad as he sings and plays the Grand.

The Grand is a business casual dining experience and is the perfect backdrop for a ladies night out, special birthday or a corporate get together. Campbell describes it as “a sophisticated spot where a more mature audience can enjoy everything from jazz to big band selections to classic rock.”

Friday nights are theme nights, with a recent evening including theme music from TV shows. “Fridays take on a life of their own,” explains Burgess. “We start out with everyone around the piano from 5-7:30pm, as a kind of sing along. We take requests and no two nights of music are ever the same.”

The classy revolving light, full service bar handles specialty drinks too, including an extensive wine list as well as a full listing of martinis for the ladies.

But the experience doesn’t stop there as the dining menu is a treat in itself. When was the last time you indulged in fondue? ‘Fondue for Two’ include the classic style cheese fondue or beef fillet or chicken breast options. What could be more decadent than bananas foster fondue or chocolate cappuccino fondue - all while being serenaded with a selection from the “Phantom of the Opera?”

Card 53 Birthday Bash!

Liberty Hall Takes On Some Funny Business

Come to downtown Tyler December 5th at 8pm to see a great comedy production presented by Card 53 Comedy.

In 2009 Aaron Smith met Jamey Whitley in an acting class on the campus of The University of Texas at Tyler. Both were just trying to survive college while trying to figure out life. They quickly became friends - both were interested in theater but the program at UTT had recently disbanded. They started “Patriot Act,” a student organization devoted to raising theater awareness on campus. This is where the art of improv comedy in their lives began. They instantly found a love and a desire to start their own troupe. Since then they have been performing all over East Texas and the Metroplex.

Card 53 Comedy started, has grown and now five years old both physically and mentally. Come and celebrate this milestone birthday with an all new show of “Make-em Ups,” based off our talented and clever audience suggestions.

This night of fun stars Aaron “Smitty” Smith, Jamey Whitley, Brad Johnson, R. J. Norman, Erfan Vafaie, Jason Folks, Steve Hargrave and Austin Day. Tickets are $15 online at LibertyTyler.com and $20 at the door and VIP Boxes are $120.

Liberty Hall, located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin St., and offers entertainment through film, theater, comedy and music.

Scrooge is Back!

Grand potatoes, beef tenderloin and pork tenderloin, grand stuffed peppers, and gruyere bacon baked mushrooms are other delectable menu options.

The Grand is a ‘stay a while’ atmosphere where you can enjoy a drink and relax while sharing a “slate for two” of imported cheeses. You can also dance or sit right up at the piano and sing along! Its a Grand night of fun all the way around.

The Grand also has a private party room that can host up to 40 people that is perfect for corporate lunches with state of the art recording and Skyping capabilities.

You can also enjoy some music over lunch because the Grand is open from 11am-2pm, with the Grand lunch for $9 with choices including chicken salad, tuna salad, tuna melt and the Grand salad, comprised of apples, bacon, pecans, tomatoes and hard boiled eggs over a bed of greens.

During December, Burgess will lead some boisterous caroling sessions, and New Year’s Eve will be heralded in with a one price all-youcan-eat menu and champagne.

Back to the reason for being...this place is all about the music. One can experience Burgess breaking into “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on the grand piano, while guest artist Crystal Beltran’s clear voice plaintively yearns for the land far away. There is nothing to compare with the memories and feelings music can evoke…at the Grand and this is typical of most nights here - simply Grand!

The Grand Piano Bar and Supper Club is located at 5524 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler. Call (903)266-9118 for more info.

They are open Monday 11am-2pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, 5-11pm, Friday 11am-2pm, 5pm-12am, Saturday 5pm-12am, and closed on Sundays.

Find them on Facebook at “thegrandpianobar” or online at www.thegrandpianobar.com.

After last year’s success, Texas Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the return of our unique holiday production of Charles Dickens’ world-famous story, “A Christmas Carol,” downtown at Liberty Hall at 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, December 12th-13th and at 2pm on Sunday, December 14th.

This radio play version will be presented as an on-air radio show, featuring Texas Shakespeare Festival actors, live music and sound effects, and will be re-broadcast on the QXFM radio.

Performances will take place at the historic Liberty Hall in Tyler, Texas. This 1930’s movie house was refurbished in 2011 and is the perfect location as the hub of performing arts in Tyler’s Arts & Culture District. Don’t miss the return of this fun-filled twist on a classic tale that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

For tickets and more information call Liberty Hall at (903)5957274 or visit LibertyTyler.com.

Tickets are $15- $30 and VIP Boxes are $150.

There will be a Radio Play Reception Saturday, December 13th at 8:45pm. Join the cast for an exclusive reception after the 7:30pm performance at the historic Patterson House in Tyler. This special event, hosted by Ted and Eileen Kosnik, includes gourmet food, wine and holiday beverages, and lots of festive merriment. Tickets are $50 and limited to 50 guests. To make a reservation for the reception, call (903)983-8119.

The Patterson House began as a dog-trot cabin erected before 1854

by John Lollar and later owned by pioneer doctor J.C. Moore. It was sold in 1871 to John M. Patterson (1817-1894) and acquired in 1880 by his son, John P. Patterson (1847-1911).

In 1882 the second floor was added and the exterior decorated with Victorian detailing. The house was then the center of a large 1,300 acre plantation owned (1975) by Pearl Patterson.

It has housed the Patterson family for over 100 years.

Available for Rental College Students Welcome!

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event shopping experience in the quaint Historic Brick Saturday, December 6th - 17th Annual 5K Reindeer Run - Come join the fun at this annual Fun Streets of Tyler. You can walk to several local shops features Chris Run starting at 9am for the 1/2 mile Family Fun and enjoy lunch and lattes right in the neighborVan Run and at 9:30am for the 5K Reindeer Run. All hood. There will be horse drawn carriage rides Allsproceeds support the scholarship program. Regisavailable as well. A wall-sized Christmas mural, burg’s trations from December 1st-6th is for adults $25, decorations and professional photo ops will and students are $10. Family Fun Run is free to encourage the holiday spirit. There will be refresh- holiday classic watch and attend, bring cans of food or a $10 donaments, music, giveaways and demonstrations to told tion. Register at the Tyler and Whitehouse YMCA. add to this family-friendly event. The Stroll has by a no charge, but the carriage rides are $25 for up to Saturday, December 6th - Life With Pets Presents six people. Brick Street Village is located at S. Bois special Holiday Photos - The photographer to the star’s guest D’Arc St., S. College St., W. Rusk St. and W. Phildogs, Miranda Lambert’s babies, will be at Life narrator with live music performed by conductor lips St. in Tyler Azalea District. For more info call With Pets on Saturday, December 6th from 12 Richard Lee and members of the East Texas (903)330-4663. noon until 4pm. The $5 donation for your photo Symphony Orchestra. It is a holiday treat for the Saturday, December 6th - Come to the Rambling entire family. Tickets are $10. Liberty Hall is located will go to Circle Star/Homeward Bound’s training program for rescue dogs. Life With Pets is located Roses Square Dance as part of the Winter at 103 E. Erwin, downtown Tyler. For more info 4007 S. Broadway, Tyler, www.alifewithpets.com, December WonderLand Ball, 7-9:30pm. The admission is a call (903)526-3876 or visit www.ETSO.org.

(903)714-2172. donation of $6 per person, and spectators are free.

Every Wednesday - Line Dance Classes are held Saturday, December 6th - The 10th Annual Turkey This is held at the Fairwood United Methodist 7-9pm at Stone Country Dance Hall in Lindale Saturday, December 6th - AAUW 2014 Holiday Church, 1712 Old Omen Rd., Tyler. For more info Drag 2014 - Come out to see this truck, car and with Michael Martin. For more info go online to In The Pines Tour of Homes - The Tyler branch of bike show that is a site to see starting at 8am. call (903)566-4538 or visit www.SquareDancingwww.stonecountrydancehall.com. the American Association of University Women This great event will be fun for the entire family.

EastTexas.com.

First and Third Saturday of each month - Free Spectator fee $5 and vehicle registration is $30 for (AAUW) is thrilled to sponsor our 45th Holiday in the Pines Home Tour 10am-5pm. This year our C&W Dance Lessons will take place at TASCA from Saturday, December 6th - ETSO Presents The Polar the two day show. This will take place at SkyVue 5:30-6:30pm. Join instructor Hugh Wallace for Theater on Hwy. 69N in Tyler.

Express in Concert at 3pm. This special concert Cont. on page 16 some great Country & Western dance tips and steps.

Then stay to practice your new skills during the C&W dances the same nights, 7-9:30pm. For more info call (903)871-3217. TASCA Activity Center Ballroom is located at 10495 CR 2167 (Jim Russell Rd.) in Whitehouse.

Every Saturday - Beth’s Little Farm Market is held 8am – 1pm at the Lindale Community Theater, 109 West Hubbard, in the rear parking lot behind the Lindale Candy Company. Here at this small farm, they use sustainable and regenerative techniques to grow a diversity of crops in harmony with nature.

All of the produce they offer is grown, harvested and processed right there on the farm. They offer organic produce, cut and dried flowers, CSA programs, and jams, jellies and pickles. Dr. Tyler Cullender is the farm manager. For more info call (817)714-4350, www.bethslittlefarmmarket.com.

Third Saturday of the Month (Saturday, December 20th) - Picker’s Market - Tyler’s very own flea market is open every 3rd weekend of every month. This is located in the old Trade Day Pavilions at 10707 Hwy. 69 N., Tyler. They are currently looking for vendors. Call (903)600-5554 or go online to www.PickersMarketTyler.com.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout December - A Haunted Christmas - Held nightly 6pm and 9:30pm, these tours have been rated as some of the best America has to offer and are sure to entertain everyone this season. Ride along in a comfortable touring van as your host tells you of Saturday, December 6th • 1:30 – 6PM the macabre and spooky happenings that go on in Tyler at night. Get out at some locations and enter Sunday, December 7th • 12 – 4PM the creepy atmosphere of a haunted Christmas.

You won’t believe this is a Scary Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 13th • 1:30 – 6PM Tickets are $15 adults, $7 for kids (12 years and under). Tours of Tyler is located at 315 N. Broadway, Sunday, December 14th • 12 – 4PM downtown Tyler, (214)621-6071 or visit online at www.ToursofTyler.com.

Thursday, December 4th - Annual Christmas Parade and the 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 6pm downtown Tyler. There will be lots of fun with live music performers and the magic finger to light the tree performed by the Miracle Child selected by the Trinity Mother Frances Children Miracle Network.

This is held at T. B. Butler Fountain Plaza, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)531-1214 or visit www.TylerParksandRec.com.

Friday, December 5th (7:30pm), Saturday, December 6th (2pm and 7:30pm), Sunday, December 7th (2pm) - The Nutcracker - Join the TJC Dance Academy and Dance Department as they perform this Christmas tradition. General admission tickets are $15, senior citizens, TJC students, and children under 12 are $10. This is held at Wise Auditorium on the Tyler Junior College campus, 1400 East 5th St., Tyler. For more info or tickets call (903)5102672 or log on at www.TJC.edu/info/2004311/ performing_arts/703/the_nutcracker.

CHRISTMAS ORDERS DUE (903) 747-3512 FRESHbyBrookshires.com DECEMBER 20TH. Saturday, December 6th - Annual Brick Street Stroll – An Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village will take place with the Stroll 10am-6pm and Carriage Rides 1-5pm. The Stroll is an old fashioned, unique EGuideMagazine.com • 15

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enjoy and a great outdoor event for entire family. The Texas Rose Park is located at 14078 State Hwy 110 N., Tyler. For more info tour includes five homes decked out in their holiday finest, including Horse call (903)882-8696 or visit www.TexasRoseHorsePark.com. the home and shop of The Gipson Girl, Cynthia Gipson who has Saturday, December 13th - Jubilee Christmas Tour 2014 will feature supported this tour for many years. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. AAUW three of Gospel Music’s most popular artists: The Booth Brothers, Tyler is one of the largest branches in Texas and is active in a number Greater Vision, and Legacy Five as they come together for a unique and unforgettable concert experience. The concert will feature each of educational projects. This event is a major fundraiser for AAUW, and the proceeds support their scholarship and educational projects group’s Christmas recordings, as well as music from each artist, in the community. The tour is designed to provide a bit of something combining to present one of the greatest Gospel/Christmas concerts you will ever hear. Prices vary for tickets depending on location of for everyone, but most of all to give our visitors a unique and fun holiday experience. Tickets may be purchased for $12 in advance at seats. To purchase tickets, call (800)965-9324 or go to visit itickets.

The Gipson Girl, The Potpourri House, or on their website at tyler-tx. com/events/ Tyler_TX/Jubilee_Christmas.html. This concert starts at aauw.net. Tickets are also available at each of the homes on the day of 7pm with the doors opening at 6pm. This will be held at Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College Ave., Tyler. the tour for $15. Please see the website for home locations.

Saturday, December 13th - Pineywoods Christmas Lighted DriveSaturday, December 6th - Superhero 5k Fun Run & 1 Mile Kids Thru opens 5-9pm. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Pineywoods Walk/Run - East Texas CASA is planning their 3rd Annual SuperChristmas on foot or in your car. The park will be decorated with hero 5K race, kids’ run, and children’s area. Please join the fight by Christmas lights and campers are encouraged to decorate their campsponsoring a morning of running and family fun to help the advosites. Refreshments cates be the voice of abused and neglected children in need. Many children can’t run from abuse. We dare you to move, to get involved, will be served. Entry to make an impact, and help change your community for the better. fees are waived for participating visitors.

Every Child needs a hero, but abused and neglected children need Campers who agree to a superhero! For questions e-mail Shelly@easttexascasa.org or call participate will be able (903)753-8093. camp for free in Thursday, December 11th - A Victorian Christmas at the Goodman to select loops. will be held 4-8pm. Get in the Christmas spirit at the seventh annual Pleasecamping call park office ‘A Victorian Christmas,’ which will take place at the 1859 Goodman- in advance to reserve LeGrand House & Museum, downtown Tyler. Come enjoy the site; participating beautiful vintage-type Christmas decorations during this joyous time acampers may begin of year, and help us celebrate the season during their open house one arriving Thursday, December 11th. Admission is free and held at Tyler night only. Remember the old-fashioned Christmas traditions, as you State Park, 789 Park Rd. 16, Tyler. For more info call (903)597-5338 tour this 154 year old historic landmark delightfully decorated for or go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/tyler/park_events. the holidays. This event is sponsored by the Tyler Parks & RecreSaturday, December 13th - Wine, Roses & Murder: A Live Action ation Department and is part of the Downtown Museum Alliance’s Murder Mystery at McClendon House - Tours of Tyler presHoliday Open ents another classic night of murder mystery fun at the historic House celebraMcClendon House. Set in the 1980’s, this crime caper is filled with tion. Admission suspects and motives but only one did the deed. Can you figure it out is free. The and win the prize? Just 1859 Goodman$20 gets you an evening LeGrand Museum of fun and mischief that is located at 624 will live in your memoNorth Broadway, ries forever. Costumes downtown are optional, the fun is Tyler, (903)531not! Tickets are very 1286 or visit limited, so don’t wait www.GoodmanMuseum.com. This is part of the Downtown Tyler to get yours. Wine and Museums Holiday Open House Celebration. Seven of downtown snacks will be provided.

Tyler’s museums and historical buildings will open their doors free Come out and mingle to the public at this celebration of the season. Come out and enjoy with our professional the season with these fun features such as music, carolers, reenacactors and see if you can decipher which one is the culprit. It’s a hoot! tors, refreshments, special exhibits and more from 4-8pm at the McClendon House is located at 806 W. Houston St., Tyler, (903)592Goodman-Legrand Museum, Cotton Belt Depot, The Discovery 3533 or (214)621-6071 or go to McClendonHouse.net.

Science Place, Gallery Main Street, Smith County Historical Society and the McClendon House.

Sunday, December 14th (9:45am and 11:15am) and Monday, December 15th (7pm) - Hallelujah, Light Has Come! This annual Thursday, December 11th - A Very McClendon Christmas will be Choir and Orchestra Christmas presentation will take place at Green held 4-8pm. Welcome to a beautiful Christmas Past as costumed Acres Baptist Church, 1607 Troup Hwy., Tyler. This is a Christmas docents and happy carolers guide you through this Victorian home and share warm moments of holidays gone by. This is history with a tradition for many in the area. Call (903)525-1100 or go online to www.GABC.org for more info. This is free to attend. heart! The whole family will be in for a treat as we add a tour of the historic Bonner Home next door to the festivities. Light refreshments Sunday, December 14th - East Texas Youth Orchestra - The orchestra and Christmas cheer will make the event a memorable one. Admisperforms under the director of Dr. G. Moon at First Presbyterian sion is free. McClendon House is located at 806 W. Houston St., Tyler, Church, 230 Rusk St., Tyler at 4pm. This is free to attend.

(903)592-3533 or (214)621-6071 or go to McClendonHouse.net.

Saturday, December 20th - WOE Christmas Charity Gala - Women Thursday, December 11th - A Cotton Belt Christmas - Alllll of Elegance (WOE) presents it’s 1st annual Christmas Charity Gala with Aboooard the Christmas event at the Cotton Belt Depot, 4-8pm. proceeds benefiting Inspiring Minds Mentoring Program. Come help us Partake in a delightful family Holiday event that will delight kids and celebrate our 1 year anniversary while giving back to our youth. Your adults alike. Live music, historic tours, refreshments, and running ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, buffet, dessert, and access to a cash bar. model trains will make for an evening of memories to treasure There will be door prizes from Walmart, Ivan Smith, Solar Nail Spa, forever. Christmas at the Depot is true magic. Admission is free and Applebee’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Razzoo’s to name a few. Tickets will be held at 210 E. Oakwood, downtown Tyler. For more info call are $30 for individuals or $50 for couples. Reserved tables are available (903)595-7232 or visit www.CottonBeltDepotMuseum.com. for $200 for a table of 10 with a complimentary bottle of wine. This will be held at Hollytree Country Club, 6700 Hollytree Dr., Tyler.

Thursday, December 11th - Behold the Lamb of God - Christmas Concert - Andrew Peterson, Andy Gullahorn, Jill Phillips, and others Sunday, December 21st - Decembersongs - This holiday concert have been doing the ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ tour for years and featuring songs from Amy Speace, Rod Picott and Wild Ponies will be they’re bringing it back to East Texas. The concert tells the Christmas held at The Old Firehouse in Edom, 8241 FM 279, Edom, starting at story in a way you’ve never heard it before, incorporating the whole 7pm. For tickets go to jeffreylancephotography.com/theoldfirehouse.

Bible, showing how Jesus birth is the centerpiece of all creation. This is a Christmas tradition you don’t want to miss. This will be held at KE Bushman’s Celebration Center, 1565 FM 2493 E, Bullard. Tickets January are available at bethelbible.com. This is hosted by Bethel Bible Church. Friday-Sunday, January 23rd-25th - 19th Annual East Texas Gem& Jewelry Show - Hosted by East Texas Gem & Mineral Society, Friday-Saturday, December 12th-13th - Holiday in the Park and featuring demonstrations, exhibits, educational displays, a fluoresBazaar will highlight the Snow Hill and Kid Zone (Friday, 4-8pm and cent mineral display, silent auction, and the nationally renowned Saturday 11am-7pm) and Bazaar (Saturday, 10am-5pm). The Ninth Rock Food Table Display. The finest dealers offering everything that annual event will feature local entertainment while you shop at the concerns the lapidary arts, from Jewelry, Gemstones, Works of Art, Bazaar for gifts, plus you can ride down the snow hill or play in the Beads, Mineral Specimens, Fossils, tools, supplies, and more. For snow. This is fun for all ages! The Snow Hill is free, and there will be more information go to www.etgms.com. This will be held at the Rose a concessions and Kid Zone for a fee. This is held at Bergfeld Park, Garden, 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler.

1510 S. College Ave., Tyler. For more info call (903)531-1214 or visit Get Your Tickets Now! January 15th - Ballroom With a Twist 2 www.TylerParksandRec.com.

Watching the cha-cha rattle on the television screen is one thing, but Saturday, December 13th - The Ho Ho Ho Run will begin at 8:30am. getting up close and live beneath the fringe, sequins, and booming At this Christmas 5K, everyone gets a full Santa suit when they partic- sounds of Rumba bass is quite another. Ballroom With a Twist 2 ipate. Costs to participate are $15-$30, depending on which race you brings a frenzy of sizzling dance moves by professional international choose, and the races will be held in Old Downtown Tyler. For more dancers spanning the hot moves of Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, info or to register call (817)706-0368 or visit www.hohohorun.com. and Jive. Two of your favorite professionals from “Dancing with the Saturday-Sunday, December 13th-14th - Interscholastic Equestrian Stars” will perform. Expect perfect scores! Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at Association will be held 8am-5pm. This is a Hunt Seat equesthe Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at uttyler.edu/ trian event to introduce students in private and public middle and cowan. secondary schools to equestrian sports. It is free for spectators to

Cont. from page 15

True Vine Brewery:

Three Men on a Mission of Integrity, Love and Community

By Barbara King You won’t find a big flashy sign on the front or any glimpse of a thriving small business inside. Just off the beaten path in a warehouse district just west of downtown Tyler, is a full-on tiny beer factory with a difference.

You will find three young, dedicated men with a mission, hence the aptly named True Vine Brewing Company. As co-founder Ryan Dixon explains, “we began with the three of us and a silent partner. As Jesus said, ‘I am the true vine, apart from me you can do nothing.’” The three friends in life and in business have taken the bull by the horns, and with vision and purpose have begun a growing partnership centered on God, beer and family. It might seem a strange combination, but the trio brings all the core elements of integrity, love and community to the crafting and distribution of their one-of-a-kind brews.

Ryan Dixon, Stephen Lee and Dan Griffith have a unique partnership grounded in faith, family and hard work. Each of them have their own “real pay-the-bills” full time jobs and originally considered opening a brew pub with food service, deciding instead to concentrate on their passion to open as a production brewery.

In April of 2013, they established the brewery in a warehouse Ryan describes as “a derelict, unloved space full of old wood and dust” that now houses the tiny beer factory consisting of a one barrel system and three barrel fermenters, but as Ryan says “this is just the beginning of our branching out to Phase II.” Recently purchasing the building, the men have big hopes and plan to “add equipment and grow the brewery to double its size,” explains Dixon.

With a world-view on beer, the end result is to “never settle, and keep producing a product of excellence,” Dixon says. The history of beer throughout the ages is a fascinating look at a drink that equalizes, bonds and brings people together in times of joy and sorrow. The labor of love that is True Vine Brewery includes a vow to produce the best quality hand crafted brews, to educate and to promote the sense of the “cool community and to bring a piece of Tyler to our beers.”

Crafting beer is a painstaking and arduous process, but the results can be incredible. With the smell of wheat and hops filling the warehouse space, the brewing process is in full swing. Recipes are in constant flux, with taste-testing, changes and tweaks throughout the process. “The three steps in brewing always consist of combining water, some kind of cereal grain, hops for balance and, of course, yeast,” explains Dixon.

Dixon is taste-testing a new batch of sour beer, while proudly explaining the virtues of True Vine’s flagship beer, the Rose City Pale Ale, a homage to the city they call home. The citrusy brew appeals to

all genders, and is a mellow smooth ale.

Also on the shelves is a unique collaboration with a neighboring business, Porch Culture Coffee Roasters, resulting in a coffeeinfused porter accurately monikered, the “True Culture Coffee Porter.”

The trio released a Belgian strong blend, The Promised Land, paying homage to the land flowing with milk and honey. This creamy blend also adds the sweetness of milk, sugar and local East Texas honey.

Kip’s Pumpkin Ale pays homage to one of Ryan’s personal heroes, his late father-in-law. Part of the “Hero Series,” this seasonal favorite is a spicy malt, based on the classic Octoberfest/Marzen style. Pumpkin ales are noted back in history as one of the first ales brewed in America by the early settlers and still very popular today.

Yearning for a beer while out and about in Tyler? You can savor one of True Vine’s specialties featured on tap at Stanley’s, Juls, Soju, Fresh

by Brookshire’s, BJ’s Brewhouse, Wasabi, or Breakers - so literally in all areas of town.

Building community is core to the expanded vision of the enterprise and a walk out the back door will give you a look at what the next step is all about.

Currently, the trio hosts a “cool community Open Taps event the last Saturday of every month,” explains Dixon. Bring a chair and a friend (or 20) and join the vibe at the brewery. Every Open Taps night is chock full of music, food, local art and, of course, beer. The fun starts at 5pm and it is a family event, with root beer made on-site for the kids. For a mere $10 in advance, guests can enjoy two different beers, go home with a unique True Vine Brewing Company glass and be part of a vibrant, fun community.

“Last month we had over 350 people join us outside with live music, a food truck and great beer to taste,” says Dixon. “Our monthly Taps just keeps growing and growing and we are so honored to be a part of the Tyler community and make people aware of what’s happening in other areas of the city.”

Plans for the backyard include an expanded patio, additional seating and a stage to host some of the local artists who love being part of the event. A tap room and outside beer garden are part of the Phase II dream for the beer trio. Food and fellowship make these Taps nights unique to Tyler.

The tiny brewery ‘that could’ is growing…but with a purpose.

True Vine’s passion is to give back to the community, grow in faith and vision and continue to distribute a product to be proud of.

True Vine Brewery is located at 219 S. Englewood Ave., west of downtown Tyler, just off Front St. Come early to get a parking spot close by.

For more information about the brewery, Open Taps night or about beer in general, visit them at truevinebrewing.com or on Facebook at truevinebrewing.

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Art

Inside the Artist’s Studio:

Chris Stewart, A Working Artist Working Hard

By Derrick White

“Making the beginning is one third of the work.” – Irish Proverb I believe I have the greatest day job in the world as an art professor at Tyler Junior College. A big part of what makes it such a great gig is my colleagues. We are good friends, a family, and working professional artists sharing ideas and insights with students and each other daily. Chris Stewart and I conversed recently about what it takes to be prolific in art, the answer we arrived at is hard work. Chris Stewart is our art department chairperson and he leads us by example. He simply gets the job done, taking care of business not only at school, but as an artist in his studio and as a summer study abroad chaperon.

Chris Stewart is a remarkable and accomplished artist and a patient, edifying professor. Don’t let his Scots-Irish demeanor fool you, this guy loves his job and loves sharing art history and the techniques of printmaking with his students. Chris received a BFA degree in painting from Texas Tech University and his MFA degree in printmaking from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

“I work primarily in prints and images on paper. Recently I have been making linoleum block prints. I draw, work with collage and found objects,” says Stewart. When I asked what inspired him to become an artist, he replied, “I was always interested in creating, and expressing visual ideas. I thought I’d end up in a graphic design career, I began my education in design and worked in the field, but I was lured more towards the fine arts and decided it was my real passion and interest.” When discussing the importance of visual art to the human condition Chris states, “I think the never-ending opportunity to develop and explore ideas and materials is important. Artists want to convey their views of the world. People have the need to create and connect. I think it’s a noble and challenging endeavor. I also think we have an obligation to communicate something to viewers at whatever level we can. As artists we express ideas, arrange materials in a visual manner and invite the observer to pause for a moment.”

Chris and I discussed some of the frustrations that come with a creative life; it’s not all wine and cheese, patchouli oil, and rubbing elbows with the wealthy who throw money at you because you’re brilliant.

Stewart affirms, “In many ways the frustrations can be the same as the rewards. The frustrating aspects of being an artist continue to feed my need to make art. I get motivation from the self-imposed guilt I feel when I’m not making enough. One is never done artistically. There is always something to investigate and expand upon which ultimately is a good frustration.”

Who are the artists inspiring Chris Stewart’s artwork? “Right now I’m looking at Leonard Baskin, (an American printmaker) his woodblock prints are incredible, and Joseph Cornell, (an American sculptor of assemblage - grouping found or unrelated objects) his work is engrossing. Cornell’s pieces have a power and intimacy to them that few artists achieve. I wish I could make art like that! And Andy Goldsworthy, (British sculptor and environmentalist constructing site-specific land art) my work does not reflect his, but I think what he does is very significant.”

Chris also looks at art from the past and teaches art history at TJC. The history of art provides an endless source of inspiration. Surfaces, colors, textures, patterns and imagery nourish his fascinations. Chris taps into these influences and attempts to create something new and personal. When you get the opportunity to view Chris Stewart’s artwork make sure you seize it, you’ll be glad you did. Chris Stewart currently has some of his art on view and for sale in a group show hosted

by Cork Food and Drink (5201 S. Broadway Ave./Times Square Center, Tyler) through December 13th.

My family and I live with several of his art pieces in our home and we constantly find new surprises within his compositions. He is a master of the woodcut and linocut printmaking techniques. He uses powerful colors, patterns, configurations and symbols to enthrall the viewer

9am-7pm with a reception, Thursday December 4th, 1-2pm. These works include a variety of media including painting, printmaking, drawing and mixed media. These three TJC students were awarded a 2014 – 2015 art performance grant. The student showcase exhibition allows artists exposure as well as the experience of creating exhibitionready artwork. Students display their art at a professional level and are integral in curating, promoting and installing the exhibition. The Art Gallery at Tyler Junior College is located in Wise Auditorium Fine Arts Building near South Mahon across from the Tyler Museum of Art. December 6th-7th Holiday Art Market will take place from 12 noon8pm at the Spirit Halloween location on S. Broadway, Tyler. This event will feature holiday items by local artists and artisans as well as local businesses. If you are looking for special holiday decorations or a unique gift, you’ll find it here. Spirit Halloween is located at 3717 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler. For more info go to artistnation.com.

Through February 1st - “Flow into the Mystic” - The Lone Star State is home to phenomenal artists who create work that excites, challenges, and expands the minds of their audiences. Some of the most accomplished Texas artists live and work in East and North Texas.

Just like the rest of us, they sometimes fall in love and marry. When two artists marry, the art they produce either together or individually can be amusing or spiritual, vibrant or serene, but always connected in some way. “Flow into the Mystic” features the work of six married couples – twelve artists who open their lives for us to share. The artists spotlighted are Jack and Vera Barnett, Gary and Daphne Hatcher, Sedrick and Letitia Huckaby, Benito Huerta and Janet Chaffee, Dewane and Alexis Serio Hughes, and James R. and Philana Oliphant Pace. Admission is free. The Tyler Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Jr. College campus. For more info call (903)595-1001 or go to TylerMuseum.org. Tyler Museum of Art is Events open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm.

All Month - “Against All Odds” will continue thru January 8th.

Gallery Main Street features a new exhibit of original art approxiDecember 19th - February 15th - “Between the States: Photographs mately every eight weeks. Each exhibit opens with a Saturday evening of the American Civil War from the George Eastman House Collecreception that features live music, an opportunity to meet the artists, tion” will open for exhibit. There will be a Members’ Preview & refreshments and more. They are free and open to the public. Gallery Reception, 5:30-7pm on December 18th. Admission is free. The Tyler Main Street is located at 110 W. Erwin, downtown Tyler. Admission Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Jr. College is always free. The next exhibit, “Remixed,” has a deadline of Friday, campus. For more info call (903)595-1001.

December 5th. A prospectus and entry details are available at www.cityoftyler.org/Departments/MainStreet.

To list your events in EGuide (it’s free), December 2nd-11th - The TJC Wise Auditorium Art Gallery go to “Submit an Event” at.... presents the Tyler Junior College Art Student Showcase exhibition featuring the works of three selected Tyler Junior College Art Students: Andres Breffitt, Kailan Counahan and Jessica Sanders. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Hours are Monday-Friday from an initial interest to profound contemplation.

Each summer Chris Stewart takes a group of Tyler Junior College students on a tour through a real life art history book with a study abroad course in Italy. Students travel with Mr. Stewart and stay a month in Italy with access to an art studio and their own apartments in Florence. They receive studio and art history college credit while experiencing masterworks firsthand and creating art of their own. They tour around Florence, make day trips to Siena or Pisa and have an overnight stay in Rome. I asked him about the inspiration behind the annual TJC Italy trip. He answered, “I’ve always enjoyed travel, I believe traveling to new places and immersing yourself in different cultures is the best form of education and enrichment. Italy is an extraordinary place, obviously in art history, but it is also an incredibly rich culture in many other ways. Italy offers so much and in a relatively small geographical location. I believe many of the world’s masterpieces are located in Italy, a center of the classical and Christian world, they had an illustrious medieval period, and the works of the renaissance and baroque periods, one must experience in person.”

“I want to create the opportunity for students to encounter a different culture, participate in the opportunity of a lifetime, live in Italy for a month and study the art, history and culture of an amazing place.

Other schools and universities do a traditional study abroad program like this, but we are really the only 2 year school that is able to do this for our students. The self-awareness that comes from an extended travel experience is truly unique.” Chris Stewart’s sacrifice and hard work are the students’ reward.

Recruitment for the upcoming summer 2015 trip is wrapping up.

For more info visit www.tjc.edu and search Italy study abroad or contact (903)510-2234. To see more of the wonderful prints and artwork of Chris Stewart visit christopher-stewart.com.

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Theatre Lindale Community Theater:

A Passion for the Craft and What it Provides to the Community

By Lynn Dark A great movie or song might pull on our heartstrings, but nothing makes us feel more connected to our fellow man than when an actor on a stage is able to affect us. They might make us laugh, cry, or turn to a place of personal reflection. In any case, it is something that stays with us. The Lindale Community Theater (LCT) provides a special venue for just such an experience.

Tim Mitchiner is the LCT’s Executive Director. When I showed up to interview him for this article, I was immediately impressed. Though the LCT has been around since 2009, it moved to its new location at 109 W. Hubbard St. about a year ago. The configuration is something most theater goers are not familiar with.

In remodeling its new location, the LCT has brought an older form of live theater to East Texas. The stage is located in the center of the auditorium with seating for the audience on three sides. The fourth side serves as the play’s backdrop. This playhouse set up is known as a thrust configuration, which is the way the ancient Greeks did it.

Thrust Theatre is a very different experience than the “normal” set up in which the entire audience faces the stage from the same general direction. The actors have to be aware of where they are on the stage and which side of the audience they are playing to. The result is that each section of spectators leaves with the feeling that they got a little something extra that the other sections missed out on.

Mitchiner was kind enough to give me a tour of the building during our meeting. I was struck by his passion for the craft and what it provides to the community. He keeps the doors open when he’s around during the day and welcomes people to stop by and visit.

Parts of the building remain works in progress, but the auditorium itself is very much in operational order. It is equipped with state of the art lighting and sound equipment. The seats closest to the stage are about five feet away, but no seat is more than 30 feet away. In other words, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The building also has dressing rooms, a green room, a music/ rehearsal room, a tech room, a concession, and a loading area. The lobby is a warm and welcoming area where you will find the work of local artists on display. The entire place has a vibe that can only come from the love and energy being poured into it.

The theater’s catch phrase is, “We love to act, and it shows.”

Mitchiner says that they don’t hope for the best, they plan for the best.

The goal is for each production to be better than the last one. The LCT as a whole strives for the best quality in every aspect of everything they do, and it definitely shows.

Mitchiner quips that theater is the only thing that has been dying for the last 2000 years, and yet it isn’t dead. He understands the challenge of getting people to commit to live performances. In order to lure people to step away from TV, Netflix, and other modern distractions, the LCT is constantly working to attract a younger audience, while continuing to appeal to its traditional patrons. Mitchiner gives high praise to the teachers and other theater folks around East Texas for their part in bringing a new generation to live theater.

A big part of Mitchiner’s love for what he does comes from giving people their introduction to the stage. He understands the importance of live theater in our culture, and what a difference it makes in the lives of the individuals who dare to overcome their fears by getting up on the stage. His raw emotion on this subject is both deep and sincere.

Over the years, Mitchiner has watched many people’s lives be transformed through the acting experience. He spoke of people who had always been told that they ‘couldn’t.’ Maybe someone made fun of their weight, or their looks, or had simply told them that they would never amount to anything. Once the performer finally takes the stage and gets the first laugh, or the first applause, their lives are changed forever.

What greater gift can you give to another person?

The LCT typically puts on four major productions a year, though smaller productions are put on occasionally. The 2014 season is over, but there are exciting plays to look forward to in 2015. “Kitchen Witches” starts on January 30th and runs through February 8th. “The Glass Menagerie” begins in April, “Pump Boys and Dinettes” is coming in July, and “These Shining Lives” wraps up the 2015 season in late September and early October.

Plays are performed on Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday afternoons for two weekends. Prices are generally $15 for adults, $12 for students and $8 for children 12 and under. Tickets for some performances might be slightly higher, depending on production costs. Season tickets are $45 for all four shows. The theater can accommodate an audience of up to 170 people per performance.

Most shows have open auditions for acting roles, though this is left to the discretion of the director. Many of the actors come from Tyler and Lindale, but people have been known to come from Whitehouse, Winnsboro, Mineola, and Van. Anyone interested in a behind 20 • EGuideMagazine.com

the scenes role is also welcome. As Mitchiner puts it, he is always looking for people who are interested in walking the path, and enjoying the journey.

In addition to its own productions, the LCT rents its space out for live music performances in order to raise additional money. It also relies heavily on advertising, sponsors, and the generosity of those lovingly referred to as ‘Friends of the Theater.’ Small community theaters can’t survive on ticket sales alone. When you add up the mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc., it turns out to be an expensive enterprise.

The Lindale Community Theater is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and relies completely on volunteers. Mitchiner is the LCT founder, and he can’t say enough about the wonderful people who help make it all happen. He wants people to know that they are a group of amateurs who have no intention of being amateurish. Even though everyone on his team is working without financial compensation, they put forth a tremendous amount of energy and effort to entertain and expand the horizons of their audience, as well as provide the experience to the production participants.

Lindale, Texas is located just a few miles north of I-20, and everyone knows how we measure things in minutes around here. If you live in Tyler, it’s about 20 minutes away on Highway 69 north. When you reach downtown Lindale, take a left on Highway 16, and you will see the theater on your right. In addition to the LCT, Lindale is home to Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol store, and the Lindale Candy Company.

For more information, please contact the Lindale Community Theater by e-mail at tim@lindalecommunitytheater.org, by phone at (903)638-0402, or visit their website at lindalecommunitytheater.org.

E-mail is the preferred method of contact.

Events

December 4th- 6th –“A Christmas Carol” will be on stage at the Pollard Theater Center. “A Christmas Carol,” a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ famous short story with songs from a famous and much-loved animated Christmas television special, will be a fun family event for the 2014 Christmas season. Pollard Theatre Center is located at Founders’ Center on Pollard’s campus. Seating is limited.

The Founders’ Center is located at 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. For more info or tickets go to www.pollardumc.com or call (903)597-2571.

Tickets start at $8 December 5th-7th and December 13th-14th – “White Christmas” will be in production at the Cherokee Civic Theatre.

Celebrate the season with a family favorite. Two Broadway stars decide to help their former WWII commanding general make a success of his failing Vermont Inn. Show biz bigwigs can sing, dance & put on a show but can they make it snow? Their efforts are further complicated by mistakes, miscommunication and two very pretty misses. Based on the Bing Crosby movie musical with all the familiar songs and characters, “White Christmas” is sure to warm your heart for the holidays.

Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 West 5th St., in Rusk. For tickets or more info call (903)683–2131 or log on to www.cherokeetheatre.net. All tickets are reserved seats with member prices of $9 adults, $6 students and general prices of $12 adults and $10 students. All at the door tickets are $15.

December 5th-7th and December 12th-14th – “A Christmas Carol” will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson. Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his Christmas Eve visits from the ghost of Christmas past, present and future, adapted for younger performers and audiences. Henderson Civic Theatre is located

at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson. For information call (903)657-2968 or www.hctonline.org. The theatre is located on Heritage Square in downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House which was built in 1885.

December 5th-7th and December 11th-14th –“A Tuna Christmas” will be on stage at the Tyler Civic Theatre with Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. “A Tuna Christmas” is a broad comedy set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. The plot centers on the town’s annual Christmas Yard Display Contest, won 14 times in a row by Vera Carp. A mysterious “Christmas Phantom,” known for vandalizing the yard displays, has the contestants on edge. Among the subplots are Stanley Bumiller’s attempts to end his probation and leave Tuna, Bertha Bumiller’s trying to hold her family together at Christmas time, and Joe Bob Lipsey’s struggle to mount successfully his production of “A Christmas Carol” despite the town controller of the electric company threatening to turn the lights off. The play is both an affectionate commentary and withering satire of small town, Southern life and attitudes. “A Tuna Christmas” is the second in a series of comedic plays set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas. (The play is preceded by “Greater Tuna” and followed by “Red, White and Tuna” and “Tuna Does Vegas.”) Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

December 8th-9th (7pm) –Auditions for “The Man Who Came to Dinner” will be held at the Henderson Civic Theatre in Henderson.

Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St. in Henderson.

For information call (903)657-2968 or www.hctonline.org. The theatre is located on Heritage Square in downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House which was built in 1885.

December 8th-9th –Auditions for “Children of Eden” will be held at Pollard Theater Center. Seeking ages kindergarten and up. Pollard Theatre Center is located at Founders’ Center on Pollard’s campus.

Seating is limited. The Founders’ Center is located at 3030 New Copeland Rd., Tyler. For more info go to www.pollardumc.com or call (903)597-2571.

Tuesday, December 9th (7:30pm) - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holidays with special guest Cecile McLorin Salvant will be on stage at the Cowan Center. Enjoy a festive complimentary dessert reception before the concert. Bring the whole family. Witness the world famous big band that jazzed up the globe – jazz it up at the Cowan Center this holiday season. Hailed as “an extraordinarily versatile orchestra” by “The Los Angeles Times,” the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is composed of 15 of jazz music’s leading soloists under the direction of legendary trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra draws from an extensive and festive holiday repertoire that includes original arrangements of your favorite Christmas tunes in swingin’ style. Sponsored by Michelle & Tim Brookshire. Tickets go on sale November 3rd. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the UT Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)5667424 or online at uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $37.

December 12th –14th (7:30pm) - The Texas Shakespeare Festival will present Charles Dickens world famous story, “A Christmas Carol” as a live radio play on stage at Liberty Hall. This radio play version will be presented as an on-air radio show featuring Texas Shakespeare Festival actors, live sound effects and music (along the lines of “A Prairie Home Companion”), and will be re-broadcast on the radio. A holiday classic comes alive right before your eyes. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin. For more info call (903)595-7274. For production info go to www.Libertytyler.com.

Sunday, December 14th (3pm) –Shoji Tabuchi will be in concert at the Belcher Center. Tickets go on sale September 22nd. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Sunday, December 14th (2pm) – Christmas Concert by the Lake Country Symphonic Band at the Select Theater Mineola. For more information call (903)569-2300 or log on to lakecountryplayhouse.com.

Concert tickets are $5 for adults and children 11 and under are free.

The box office opens 30 minutes before curtain.

December 15th-16th (7pm) –Auditions for “Treasure Island” will be held at Tyler Civic Theatre. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com.

Tuesday, December 16th (7:30pm) –“Christmas at Home with Neal McCoy” featuring the Longview Symphony, local choirs, and members from the Longview Area Youth Symphony Orchestra, this concert of holiday favorites will feature guest conductor Howard Hudiburg.

They will ring in the holiday season with music that is both festive and sublime; Join them for Christmas cheer. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $40.

Tuesday, January 13th (7:30pm) - SAXsational featuring Rob Verdi will be on stage at Caldwell Auditorium. One of the most beloved

instruments in American culture takes center stage as Rob Verdi (“Side Street Strutters”) shares his rare and unusual instrument collection, along with five decades of jazz and pop standards of artists that have shaped the saxophone. The Robert E. Lee High School Concert and Jazz Bands will take the stage with Mr. Verdi, which will provide concert goers with a super concert experience.

TylerLive! presented by Tyler Community Concert Association is an exciting series of concerts geared towards the music enthusiast. To purchase tickets visit www.tcca.biz, call (903)592-6266 or purchase at the door. All concerts are held at Caldwell Auditorium.

Thursday, January 15th (7:30pm) – “Ballroom with a Twist 2” will be on stage at the Cowan Center, featuring two of your favorite professionals from “Dancing With The Stars.” Watching the cha-cha rattle on the television screen is one thing, but getting up close and live beneath the fringe, sequins, and booming sounds of Rumba bass is quite another. “Ballroom with a Twist 2” brings a frenzy of sizzling dance moves by professional international dancers spanning the hot moves of Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Jive. It is an evening of entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and breathtaking performances that push the boundaries of ballroom dance, infusing it with the energy and intensity of the latest contemporary and “hip-hop” styles. Expect perfect scores. Sponsored

by Mary & Bob Irwin. Tickets go on sale December 1st. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University of Texas at Tyler campus.

Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424 or online at uttyler.edu/cowan.

Tickets start at $22.

Saturday, January 17th (7:30pm) –“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” will be on stage at the Belcher Center. “Goin’ courtin” has never been as much fun as in this rip-roaring stage version of the popular MGM movie. Set in Oregon in 1850, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” tells the story of Millie, a young bride living in the 1850’s Oregon wilderness. Her plan to civilize and marry off her six rowdy brothers-in-law to ensure the success of her own marriage backfires when the brothers, in their enthusiasm, kidnap six women from a neighboring town to be their brides. Bursting with the rambunctious energy of the original film, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is all boisterous fun and romance that harkens back to the glory days of the movie musical. Sponsored by Carol & Richard Manley. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview.

For more info call (903)233-3080 or log on at www. belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are MondayFriday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at $30.

Saturday, January 17th – Dueling Fiddles will join the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle? You’ll learn the answer as classical and Celtic meet in this program featuring Celtic music superstar Natalie MacMaster and East Texas Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Mark Miller. This will be a lively evening of music making for the entire family. All East Texas Symphony Orchestra performances will be held at The University of Texas at Tyler Cowan Center. Tickets available at the box office, located at 3900 University Blvd., (903)566-7424 or online at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $10.

Friday, January 23rd (7:30pm) –John Berry will be in concert at the Belcher Center. Mention his name to just about any country music lover and the response will likely be, “What an awesome vocalist!” Between 1979 and 1990 John recorded and marketed six albums on his own Clear Sky Records label. Those early discs and John Berry’s strong regional popularity attracted him attention on Music Row. Capitol Records signed him in 1992 and it was there that he had a string of hits, including “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” “I Think About It All The Time,”

“Change My Mind,” “If I Had Any Pride Left At All,” “Kiss Me In The Car,” “What’s In It For Me,” and “You and Only You.” As John has grown in his walk with Christ, his calling has been to share God’s love with his audience. Moving into a new phase in his career, John’s tenor voice remains an instrument that is able to touch all our hearts. Belcher Performance Center at LeTourneau University is located at 2100 S. Mobberly, Longview. For more info call (903)2333080 or log on at www.belchercenter.com. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

Monday, January 26th (7:30pm) – “Mamma Mia!” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. A mother, a daughter, three possible dads, and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Over 54 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make “Mamma Mia!” the ultimate feel-good show. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives. Sponsored by Drs. Lawrence L. Anderson and Svetislava J. Vukelja and Dermatology Associates of Tyler. Tickets go on sale December 1st. Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on The

University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the Box Office, or by calling (903)5667424 or online at uttyler.edu/cowan. Tickets start at $42. These will go fast, get yours quickly!

January 26th-27th – Auditions for “Second Samuel” will be held at Tyler Civic Theatre. Tyler Civic Theatre is located 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info or for cast requirements, please call

(903)592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com.

Thursday, January 29th - Dave Carey draws from his experience as a POW for 5 & ½ years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton to remind his audiences of the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity. He has inspired audiences all over the world. Forced into a horrible and unexpected situation, his inner strength as a leader emerged, and he, along with his fellow prisoners, had to creatively re-channel their thinking and communication skills just to survive. Dave has been able to successfully weave these stories and lessons with humor and impact for living in today’s stressful world. This is part of the Texas Lecture Series. VIP tickets are available. Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin, Tyler. For more info call (903)595-7274. For production info go to www.Libertytyler.com.

To list your productions here go to “Submit an Event” at....

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EGuideMagazine.com • 21

Family Be An Angel for Someone This Christmas:

Salvation Army’s Kettle Drive and Angel Tree

By Kelly Griffith-Fields

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By now you’ve heard the jangle of bells ringing out through the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. Red kettles mark store entrances; collecting donations for a nonprofit that promises to be “doing the most good.”

The mission of the Salvation Army is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination. The ministry is motivated by the love of God and has become an international organization rendering aid worldwide.

Their Red Kettle campaign began in 1891. It has become one of the most recognizable fundraising efforts and a symbol of the Christmas season. The campaign is responsible for making up one quarter of the nonprofit’s annual budget. The money raised helps fund all of their various programs and assistance efforts. This includes food distribution, children’s programs, recovery and rehabilitation programs, disaster relief and more.

Chantel Millin, Community and Corporate Relations Coordinator, encourages the community members to come take a tour of the Salvation Army. “You are able to see it with your own eyes, where your money is going and the good it is doing,” Millin said. All of the money donated in Smith County stays here in Smith County.

The kettle campaign is staying relevant and exposing the need to this generation immersed in technology as well. At onlineredkettle.org you may donate to existing kettles or create your own. From there you can ring your ‘virtual bell’ to invite friends and family to donate to the cause.

Hashtags are also used across social media to spread the need and message of giving even faster. Challenge your friends to dance at a local red kettle or donate by using #danceordonate. Hopefully they will do both. Share the video to your account and share the hashtag to raise awareness. Use #redkettlereason to share your reason for giving.

By donating, you become a vital part of the Salvation Army’s Christmas efforts and help ensure that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.

Because of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program thousands of Americans will find gifts under their Christmas tree this year when otherwise they would not. “Having nothing for children to open Christmas morning is a heartbreaking thought when families have fallen on hard times,” Millin said. “So many are blessed beyond abundance and able to make a wish come true.”

The program provides necessities and Christmas gifts for disadvantaged children and senior citizens. There are over 3,000 angels in Smith County. Paper angels representing each one hang on a tree at Broadway Square Mall in front of JCPenney. Each paper angel tag includes the name, age and gender of the person in need. The deadline is December 14th to adopt, shop and bring gifts for your angel. To adopt an angel remove the tag from the tree, purchase appropriate gifts and bring them to the drop off location in the mall or directly to the Salvation Army office on S. Broadway in downtown Tyler.

“I think it is fun to shop for an angel and it makes me feel good,” shopper Andrea Cercek said. “My family is fortunate enough to have the things they need so it feels like we are making a difference to help those that truly would not get anything else for Christmas.”

Volunteers are a critical part in the Salvation Army’s efforts of ‘doing the most good.’ To find volunteer opportunities and get involved, search keywords “Salvation Army” at www.volunteermatch.org or inquire at your local Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has also partnered with East Texas Refrigeration to hold a blanket drive this winter. New and gently used blankets, coats, gloves and toboggans are greatly appreciated and can be donated in Tyler at 633 N. Broadway, Building 1.

“I’m thankful for our community here in Smith County. They always go beyond the call and are so generous,” Millin said. “Through the Salvation Army they can give in confidence that it is going to help.”

For more information on the Salvation Army and these programs visit salvationarmyusa.org.

The Tyler Library Remodeling Is Nearing Completion After months of dust and noise, the Library renovation, funded by the estate of Joyce Kathryn Findley, is drawing to a close. Work began in August and a Renovation Celebration is planned for December 11th.

“We are so thankful for the funds, which are making these much needed renovations possible,” City Librarian Mary Vernau said.

The auditorium and children’s areas had a great amount of work done, with new fixtures, paint, lighting and carpeting. The restrooms on the third floor were also renovated, and a fresh face was put on the exterior of the first floor bathrooms. On the outside, patrons will see new signage, new art, and an enclosed patio.

Upcoming Children Events:

All story time programs will be on the first floor, to the right of our information desk.

• Toddler Time (children under age 3) is on Wednesdays at 10:30am • Read Aloud Crowd (children older than 3) is Thursdays at 10:30am

• Starry Time Story Time (family program) is on Thursdays at 6pm • Family Saturday Stories will be the 1st Saturday of each month at 10:30am • Read Aloud Club (children under age 3) is on Thursday at 10:30am • Child Care Story Share is on Tuesdays at 10:30am; registration is required for this program • Story Time at Jumpin’ Jack’s Party Shack will be held Fridays at 10:30am. Open jump is available from 10am-12 noon and is $6 per child + tax • LEGO® Block Party will be held the 1st Saturday of each month (November to May), 1:30-3:30pm. Donations of LEGO blocks and sets are always welcome Teen Events:

• Join the fun - join the T.A.C. - Teen Advisory Council will be held Saturday, December 20th, 1-2pm for ages 12 to 18. This is a group for teens looking to take a more active role in helping to conceive and plan Library events for them and their peers.

• American Girl Club will take place Saturday, December 6th, 10:30am - 12 noon. See the website for details about the speaker Adult Events:

• Club Read takes place the last Tuesday of the month at 10am • “Knot Just for Grandma” Knitting Class will take place the third Thursday of the month • Need a place to secretly wrap your presents? The Tyler Library has you covered! Fridays, December 12th and 19th, come to the Library Auditorium 10am-5pm. Bring your gifts and wrapping supplies. Refreshments provided while supplies last.

Movies, Movies, Movies!

This month the Tyler Library will host a bunch of free movies.

Here is the schedule: Saturday, December 20th “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” 10am

“Guardians of the Galaxy,” 2:30pm Monday, December 29th “Disney’s Sleeping Beauty,” 10:30am Tuesday, December 30th “Maleficent,” 10:30am Wednesday, December 31st “Dolphin Tale 2,” 10:30am For more information call (903) 593-7323 or stop by the Information Desk.

The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323, library.cityoftyler.org.

Christmas Toy Drive at the Whitehouse YMCA A Toy for a Child Toy Drive will take place December 13th, 4-8pm

at the Whitehouse YMCA, 301 Terry St., Whitehouse.

This event is all about collecting toys for donation to local groups.

You can come and donate a new toy worth $5-$15 and that is your entry fee for the event. You will receive a ticket you can use to put in for a door prize. If you bring 2 toys valued at $5-$15 then you get 2 tickets and so on. This is all about the kiddos so come get your workout on and help a child receive a gift. Classes are free with a donation.

Here is the event schedule: 4-4:30pm Pilates 4:30-5pm Zumba/Toning 5-5:10pm Break & Door Prizes 5:10-5:40pm Step Fusion 5:40-6:10pm Piloxing 6:10-6:20pm Break & Door Prizes 6:20-6:55pm Zumba 6:55-7:30pm Yoga This great fun event will benefit local needy families. Call (903)839-9622 for more information.

Events

Children’s Storytime at the ETMC Christmas Party

Saturday, December 6th at 5-7pm, come join the fun at the ETMC Olympic Center Pavilion, 801 Clinic Drive, Tyler, for a great time.

Come prepared to share your holiday favorite Christmas story and bring a covered dish. This will be a great time for the entire family!

To list your events in EGuide, go to “Submit an Event” at...

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Books

Some Great Books to Give and Receive

By Gini Rainey

“Taboo: A CSI Reilly Steel Thriller” by Casey Hill

It didn’t take me long to download this book to my Kindle after my daughter e-mailed me, saying “Mom, you need to get this book I just read about. It’s the first book in a series of books for people that like Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs!” I absolutely love the convenience of e-books, because in the time it took me to finish reading her e-mail, I now had in my possession another great book. Don’t get me wrong – I still love to hold the real thing and turn the real pages – but being able to have immediate access to a great read is very nice.

“Taboo” centers around Quantico trained forensic investigator Reilly Steel from San Francisco and a serial killer in and around Dublin.

Sent to Ireland to help drag the Garda forensic team into the 21st century, and to also keep an eye on her Irish born father who had returned to his roots, Reilly becomes entangled in a series of murders that are cryptically tied to Freudian precepts.

This book has enough blood and guts to keep those who enjoy that sort of thing interested, while also having a lot of the antiseptic work of modern day lab technologies to keep the techies happy. Reilly is savvy, not only in the lab, but also on the scene and in the squad room. Combining Reilly’s background with the forensic team members she is training, there’s not a whole lot that gets past the scrutinizing eye of one of the best investigative teams to hit the streets of Dublin.

Hill does a remarkable job of building the crime scenes into easily imaginable visuals that help to immerse the reader directly into the middle of the investigations. With characters that are so completely developed and identifiable, the intrigue of “Taboo” has all the makings of a great, page-turning read. This book was almost impossible for me to put down, as each page turn took me deeper and deeper into the middle of the intrigue of the plot.

Don’t think that there isn’t also a bit of romance in this book, as Reilly takes a nice liking to one of the members of the force, and a subtle, trusting relationship begins to build between the two. With Chris by her side, they make a formidable forensic team and bounce theories and ideas off each other that help to bring them closer and closer to the killer.

“Taboo” is well written and with plot sequences that quickly build at a steady pace, it will keep the reader coming back for more until the book is finished. Without a doubt, this is a book whose ending is not easily discerned until the last page is turned, making it a book well worth the read if you are a fan of forensics and crime scene investigation and enjoy a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2011 – Simon & Schuster “The Unholy Ghost Murder – A True Crime Tale, Texas Style”

by Sheriff J.B. Smith with Roy Maynard

The second in the Sheriff’s true crime series, this book has a tighter feel than his first book, “The Christmas Day Murders.”

Set in the sleepy little town of Troup, it deals with the grisly murder of the wife of a local minister. I chose to read this book mostly because I had briefly met the mother of the minister many years ago and also because it took place right down the

road from where I live.

When this murder occurred, I was absolutely astounded at the details of what happened. To quote Judge Diane DeVasto, who pretty much says what I was thinking at the time “…how can a man with an outstanding personal and religious background – a leader of his congregation – murder the mother of his children with such viciousness and rage and then conceal his crime?” That was pretty much the opinion of most everyone in the area.

Following the investigation of the murder by Smith County Sheriff’s Department forensics team of Joe Rasco and Pam Dunklin, Smith and Maynard skillfully retold the details of this case from the beginning to the end. Leaving no stone unturned, Rasco and Dunklin performed their thorough investigation in an exemplary way that led them almost immediately to the killer of the mother of two, Marla Tabb, in the parsonage just six short weeks after she and her husband Mike had arrived in Troup to serve the United Methodist Church.

Although all of the evidence of her murder pointed pretty much directly at her husband Mike, Rasco and Dunklin wanted to be sure that they hadn’t missed anything that would keep the prosecution’s case from being air-tight. Through interviews with members of the church, their families, and members of the military at Camp LeJune where Tabb had worked as chaplain, the team discovered that the Tabb’s marriage was anything but happy and that both Mike and Marla seemed to have many long-standing areas of conflict in their relationship.

If you enjoy reading about true crime and its ensuing investigation, this book will give you a great inside look at the step by step process of how an investigation can unfold and how one piece of evidence can be the lead to discovering more clues to the solving of a crime. Sheriff Smith and Mr. Maynard have done a commendable job of explaining how investigators approach a case and work together to solve it. I must admit that I couldn’t put this book down until I had finished reading it, and I bet you’ll have a hard time putting it down yourself.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2012 – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

the read, and although not available for purchase until March 2015, it can be pre-ordered now through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Rating: 5 of 5 Copyright 2015 – St. Martin’s Press

Events

Tuesday, December 2nd - Come Write in for NaNoWriMo - The Tyler Library will host this writing lesson 4-7pm weekly. Now is your chance to work on that novel you’ve always wanted to write. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is held throughout December, designed as a fun and creative way to bring writers together to work on a common goal. “NaNoWriMo helps people make creativity a priority in life and realize the vital ways our stories connect us. We are our stories,” Executive Director Grant Faulkner said. Established in 1999, NaNoWriMo is a nonprofit organization that believes stories matter. This year’s theme is “Your Boundless Novel.” Organizers expect more than 400,000 participants from 616 affiliated chapters across six continents. For more info visit www.TylerLibrary.org or www.nanowrimo.org. This is held weekly on Tuesdays 4 -7pm and Fridays 10am-4pm.

All Month - Holiday Book Drive for the Children of Tyler ISD Help give the gift of literacy this season by participating in Barnes & Noble’s Holiday Book Drive. Our goal is to get as many books as possible into the hands of children nationwide. Our store’s book drive will benefit the children of Tyler ISD. Barnes & Noble is located at 4916 South Broadway, Tyler, (903)534-3996.

Friday-Sunday, December 12th-14th - Bishop TK Gorman Book Fair never disappoints the community of Tyler. With a fun-filled three days of events. There will be orchestra performances, dance performances and the band will help you find your holiday spirit. TK Gorman promises to bring on the holiday right! Come and support Bishop TK Gorman. Events start at 9am daily. Barnes & Noble is located at 4916 South Broadway, Tyler, (903)534-3996.

“A Fireproof Home for the The Children’s Library of Bride” by Amy Scheibe Ben Wheeler - The Children’s Being fortunate enough to know the Library of Ben Wheeler is author personally (Amy is my niece), I made possible, in part, by received an advance readers’ edition of Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic this book last week. Mark this down as District Foundation and The another book I was unable to put down.

Half Pint Library program, a This is Amy’s second book, the first being book drive hosted each year “What Do You Do All Day” and I found

by Half Price Books to collect it to be a very interesting book about the and distribute children’s coming of age during the mid-50s in the books to those in need. mid-west. Filled with enough romance, intrigue, and racial prejudices, it’s a book Books donated through the Half Pint Library program provide an that will appeal to readers of all types of escape from the challenges faced by children, while helping to boost literacy skills outside of school. In many cases, children are getting literature. their first book through the Half Pint Library program. The program Centered around the life of main character, Emmeline, Scheibe does a wonderful job solidly creating characters that will either tear at is now in its 12th year and has collected more than 2 million books your heart or fill you with anger. This book is full of so many raw emo- for pediatric patients, community centers, special schools, and many tions it will leave you feeling the joy, pain, and anger of the characters. more children in need. Volunteers for the Library are always welcome In a time and space where one wouldn’t imagine arranged marriages, - become a part of something big! Library hours are Thursdays racial injustices, and social prejudices still existed, the characters of 2-5pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm. The inside of the library looks “Bride” find their lives ruled by the social mores of the day. a little bit different now. Volunteers have optimized the space and Although not an arranged marriage of the traditional sort, Emme- added more user-friendly library tables for your little readers. The line’s family basically assumed that she would marry Ambrose when library now has a paved parking lot! For more information, call the time was right, thus merging the land holdings of both families into (903)833-1070 or email richardwall2010@gmail.com. a much larger farm that would provide a more influential presence in the community. However, because of the expectations and pressures GET FREE of their families and a desire to know more about life before becomPUBLICITY! ing committed to just one person, 18 year old Emmy breaks off her engagement with Ambrose and moves out of the family home.

Submit your On her own, she discovers family members and their histories and productions and unpleasant facts about Klan activity in the community, but most impor- events to our Daytantly, she discovers herself and what she is truly capable of doing.

By-Day Calendar at: At a time when women were expected to get married and have children, Emmy finds her true calling in investigative reporting for the local newspaper. With the help of one of the reporters, she is able to uncover and expose the activities of some of the seamier residents of the community.

In a book that is as interesting to read as it is compelling, Scheibe has boldly hit on subjects often thought of as taboo and off-limits for people of the 50s, where such things didn’t exist (really?) or, if they did, certainly weren’t talked about. In my opinion, this book is well worth

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