Eguide February 2016 edition

February 1, 2016 • Issue 2, Volume 4

Burgers are the Best:

A Taste of Burgers Throughout the City

FRESH 15:

Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle

The Kid Icarus Project:

Taking Flight On A Steady Path To Success

Lorianne Hubbard:

Inside the Artist’s Studio: Something Greater

2 • EGuideMagazine.com

February 4th at 7 p.m.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

February 11th at 7 p.m.

“Pillow Talk”

February 13th at 8:00 p.m.

Newlywed Game

February 18th at 7 p.m.

“Grease”

February 20th at 8 p.m.

Monte Montgomery

February 25th at 7 p.m.

“The Princess Bride”

Girls Night Out - Date Night Private Parties - Corporate Events

February 26th at 7:30 p.m.

Texas Shakespeare Festival:

“Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits” march 4 at 8 p.m.

Bob Schneider

march 19 at 8 p.m.

Card 53 Comedy

march 26 at 10 a.m.

“Mary Poppins”

april 9 at 8 p.m.

Junior Brown

april 30 at 10 a.m.

“The Goonies”

Downtown Tyler 103 E. Erwin • Tyler, Texas 75702 A Department of the City of Tyler Tickets available at:

LibertyTyler.com

www.PinotsPalette.com/Tyler PAINT. DRINK. HAVE FUN. 322 ESE Loop 323, Suite 156 ● Tyler, TX

Box Seats Available for Most Productions - Student Discounts - Group Rates Available - Available for Rental

In celebration of beginning our 16th year in business, we are breaking “tradition” & inviting you and your special someone to our

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER EVENT

Limited seating – Call 903-534-1111 February 12th & 13th - 5 pm to 7:30 pm Reservations will be required for dinner in our elegant Grand Piano Room. You will enjoy a candlelit dinner in a private setting complete with full table wait service, romantic music, fresh flowers and complimentary red rose for your sweetheart.

Dinner will consist of:

6205 South Broadway 903.534.1111 www.traditionstyler.com

Strawberry Spring Mix with Toasted Almonds & Raspberry Vinaigrette USDA Choice Angus Tenderloin tips– grilled to perfection and topped with a Bernaise Sauce Shrimp Brochettes Garlic Red Mashed Potatoes Green Bean Bundle & Zucchini Roll Sliced Bavarian Wheat Loaf Dessert Trio to include: Pecan Rum Cake, Petit Fours & Chocolate Dipped Strawberries A delicate Red Rose for the Lady

$55.95 Dinner for Two EGuideMagazine.com • 3

THE OLD EGuideMagazine.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

Edom, Texas

February 1, 2016 • Issue 2, Volume 4

Contents

MUSIC Peter Mayer

5 Food

Feb. 12, 2016

(Sponsored by Jeff & Judy Gottesman)

8-10 Things to Do

Pierce Pettis

Feb. 20, 2016

(Sponsored by anonymous donors)

Dana Cooper

March 12, 2016

(sponsored by Ken Carpenter Jewelry)

Cherie Call

FILM

» “Burgers are Best: A Taste of Burgers Throughout the City”

April 2016

Saturday, February 6th - “Unbranded”

“Ain’t nothing we can’t do and damn little we won’t try,” was the motto during the Unbranded ride, an unprecedented adventure reminiscent of the western frontier. Ben Masters, a young Texas horseman, set out to inspire adoptions of the 50,000 wild horses and burros living in government captivity. He recruited three friends and hatched an outrageous plot to adopt, train, and ride a string of mustangs 3,000 miles from the Mexican border to Canada through the wildest terrain of the American West. The trip became an epic journey of self-discovery, tested friendships, and iconic landscapes that included runaway horses, a sassy donkey, perilous mountain passes, rodeo rides, sickness, injury, and death. Documented with spectacular cinematography, Unbranded is a soaring tale of danger and resilience, an emotionally charged odyssey that shines a bright light on the complex plight of our country’s wild horses.

» “Fresh 15: Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle”

by Holli Conley » A Night to Remember Benefitting Breckenridge Village » “The East Texas Food Bank: Fighting Hunger, Feeling Hope” written and photographed by Barbara King » The Jordan Circus Comes to Town » Cowboy Bill Martin & Chad Prather: Let the Laughter Roll » TJC Science Center’s New Dome Show, “Journey to Space” » Spring Festival Fun: There is a Lot Going On » “The History of the Azalea Trails: Tyler Prepares for Spring Flowers” by Holli Conley » “Lighten Up East Texas: 2016 Kicks Off With a Bang” by Zairah Wooten

11 Books

» “February Reading: Affairs of the Heart” by Gini Rainey

14-19 Music

8241 FM 279 - Edom, TX - 903.852-ART1 (2781) www.theoldfirehouse.net

» “The Kid Icarus Project: Taking Flight on a Steady Path to Success” by Johnny Griffith » T-Bone Walker Blues Fest 2016 Artist Line-Up Announced » Future Fest ‘16: A Rockin’ Music Festival » The Old Firehouse Hosts Peter Mayer and Pierce Pettis in Concert and “Unbranded” and “Experimenter” on Film » In Concert: Lecrae, 2nd Annual Rockin’ Valentine’s Festival featuring Bret Michaels, Monte Montgomery, “Saturday Night Fever,” Bob Schneider, “Vocalosity,” The Irish Tenors, The Hot Sardines, Junior Brown, John Fullbright and More » The Complete Music Gig Guide for Live Music

20-21 Art

AZIAN CUIZINE

» “Inside the Artist’s Studio: Lorianne Hubbard, Something Greater” by Derrick White » At the Tyler Museum of Art This Month: Chihuly Returns for TMA’s 45th Anniversary, “Embracing Diverse Voices” on Exhibit, Family Days, and First Friday Art Tours » Events and Happenings at Local Galleries, Museums, and Other Spaces

22 Theatre

» February & March offers Plays, Concerts, and More

23 Family

» “Texas East Gymnastics: A Family of Fun” by Kelly Griffith-Fields » Times Square Cinema Continues $1 Kid’s Movies » Studio Movie Grill offers Date Night, Girls Night, and Special Screenings

Staff INTRODUCING

LUNCH BOWLS

All dishes are $6.95 and served on a bed of steamed jasmine white rice.

Serving daily 11-3.

KFC Bowl: Strips of our sweet & spicy Korean Fried Chicken dressed out with Spicy Mayo and Azian Coleslaw.

BBQ Pork Bowl: Our Azian BBQ Pulled Pork dressed out with tangy Pickled Red Cabbage, fresh cilantro, and Spciy Mayo.

Vietnamese Meatball Bowl: Our Vietnamese Meatballs tossed with shaved Brussel sprouts in a sweet & spicy Hoisin glaze.

Quinoa & Edamame Salad: a cold salad of quinoa, edamame, shaved brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kohlrabi dressed with our citrus-honey vinaigrette.

MON-THUR 11 AM - 9 PM (HAPPY HOUR 11-7) FRI-SAT 11 AM - 10 PM (HAPPY HOUR 11-7) - SUN 11 AM - 3 PM (HAPPY HOUR 11-3) FIND US ON FACEBOOK/TWITTER/YELP OR AT: AZIANCUIZINE.COM 5201 S. BROADWAY, TIMES SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER TYLER, TEXAS 75703 - 903.525.9389 4 • EGuideMagazine.com

“EGuide Magazine” is an eventdriven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Publisher Tena Jerger Texas. We are published once a Sales Manager Louie Jerger month. We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 400 locaCopy Editor Jill Toft, Gini Rainey tions in Tyler, Lindale, Ben Wheeler, Editorial Edom, Chandler, Chapel Hill, Lake John Baggett, William Burge, Holli Conley, Palestine, Flint, Bullard, WhiteKelly Griffith-Fields, Johnny Griffith, Reid house, Rusk, and Jacksonville.

Kerr, Barbara King, Gini Rainey, Derrick We will list at no charge most events open to the public. All necWhite, Zairah Wooten essary information should be included such as date, Distribution time, ticket cost, description of event, phone number Mandy Allen, John Baggett, Louie Jerger, for the public, website address, photos - the more the Barbara King better. Submit event to:

Attn: Writers

We are looking for freelance writers. If you have a love for writing, send samples to:

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com Eagerness trumps experience. Therefore, experience is not necessarily needed. If you love to write, e-mail us and let’s talk about opportunities.

EGuideMagazine.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

PO Box 130133 • Tyler, TX 75713 • (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

Food Burgers are Best:

A Taste of Burgers Throughout the City Most humans love burgers. We all love a “good” burger especially.

Billions of them are consumed around the world every year.

Here are 10 facts about hamburgers that you may not have known about: • Hamburgers did not catch on in the United States until the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

• A Minnesota Casino set the world record for the largest hamburger ever made. It weighed just over a ton and was 10-feet in diameter.

• Americans alone consume approximately 50-billion burgers a year. The average American eats a hamburger three times a week.

• Nearly 60-percent of all sandwiches sold worldwide are actually hamburgers.

• The “Hamburger Hall of Fame” is located in Seymour, Wisconsin.

• The Hamburger is believed to have been invented in 1900 by Louis Lassen in New Haven, Connecticut.

• One of the most expensive burgers available in the US is served at the Fleur de Lys in Las Vegas. The FleurBurger is made with Kobe beef and topped with foir gras and black truffles. It also comes with a 1990 bottle of Chateau Petrus, all for $5,000.

• McDonald’s sells 75 hamburgers every second.

• Hamburgers were referred to as “Liberty Sandwiches” during World War I. • Hamburgers got their name from Hamburg, Germany where a cut of beef called the Hamburg steak is from. This evolved into what we now know as the hamburger.

Tyler has a good assortment of burger places, each with their own unique style and taste. Here are a few that we think are worth mentioning:

Daniel Boone’s 1920 ESE Loop 323, Tyler, (903)595-2228, www.danielboones.net Daniel Boone’s Grill and Tavern serves country style food in Tyler and boy, is their food good - especially their burgers.

The Bacon Cheeseburger Supreme is one of our favorites, with a close second to the Pepper-Bite Ranch Burger.

Both are half pound grilled burgers. The cheeseburger is topped with your choice of two cheeses and three slices of bacon. The Pepper-Bite Ranch Burger come with jack cheese and breaded, fried jalapeno slices with Ranch dressing.

The Chili-Cheeseburger is a classic - a half pound burger topped with tangy chili and cheddar cheese. You can add chopped onions as well as jalapeno slices if you are so inclined.

Last but certainly not least is the all-time favorite, the The Special, a smaller burger (¼ pound patty) all fixed up the way you like it, with fries and a drink for $7.99. On the other side of the spectrum, Boone’s offers “Big Burgers” (1 pound patty) too for

Now taking orders for your Valentine's!

5930 Old Bullard Rd. Tyler, TX 75703 903-561-9644 chezbazan.com

Celebrating 30 Years!

slightly more.

All burger baskets come with fries or chips and one trip to the bean bar and ice cream bar. You can substitute onions rings on any burger basket for a little more.

Boone’s offers Pioneer Plates which are smaller portions designed for people that are 60 years and older.

Monday and Tuesday 5-9pm, and Saturday 11am-5pm, kids eat free with an adult entree purchase (one free kids meal per adult entree purchase).

Burger Grind Location #1 - 15902 CR 165, just off Old Jacksonville, (903)630-7069 Location #2 - 1700 SSE Loop 323 #108, (903)630-7207 www.facebook.com/ burgergrindtx Now there are two locations of Burger Grind! Look no further than the Burger Grind to satisfy your cravings for a one-of-a-kind old-style burger right here in Tyler.

Burger come in various sizes, from ¼ pound, ½ pound or 1 pound.

Every burger is made to order and you can be as picky as you want by adding and subtracting toppings, like grilled onions, mushrooms, and cheese. “Specialty grind” burger options include Bacon Cheddar, Extreme Cheese, Mushroom Melt, Bleu Bomber, and Philly. The bun options are out of this world too, and include onion buns, sesame twists, gluten free, and wheat options.

Wait until you see the size of the hand-cut gargantuan onion rings, which are definitely a challenge to finish!

The made-to-order burger comes to your table, fresh, hot, and juicy, definitely without a trip to the heat lamps.

The Grind whips up old fashioned milk shakes, and has a recreation of an ice cream counter in the Old Jacksonville location, serving vanilla, peppermint, pecan praline, and cookies and cream flavors, to name a few.

Check their Facebook page for daily specials and giveaways. Great photos are at#BurgerGrind #getyourgrindon.

plus extra Mooyah sauce please!

The secret is in the sauce and we highly recommend the Mooyah sauce, but if you want something different, try a burger with Redhot Buffalo sauce, or Cholula mexican sauce made with a special blend of red peppers, piquin peppers, and spices.

You can also get your burger wrapped in lettuce, Mooyah’s calls it an Iceburger. We told you there was something for everyone, even those trying to cut back on all those pesky bread carbs.

Sides available are french fries or sweet potato fries. You can get salads too - the Loaded House Salad comes in Turkey, beef, veggie or chicken tender versions. They offer a small side salad as well.

The shakes are worth mentioning too. They come in 10 different kinds including Hersey’s Chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough, Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, mint chocolate chip, Oreo, M&M, banana, strawberry, or a combo of strawberry banana. Don’t even think you are going to share this with someone. A rich creamy shake would be a nice reward after a long day.

Not in the mood to make all those decisions? Order your burger “Mooyah” style, with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, and Mooyah sauce.

“There’s an app for that” at Mooyah which makes a grab and go dinner much easier.

Skyline Café

150 Airport Dr., Tyler, (903)593-7455 To find a real hidden gem, drive out to the Tyler Airport (turn in at the old entrance) and check out Skyline Café. You won’t regret getting a burger here plus, if you grab a window seat, you can watch the air traffic come and go. The Skyline Café is right under the control tower, and they share space with the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum. Get a great burger and check out some cool airplanes - old and new alike.

The quality of the food and friendly service are second to none at Skyline Café, and the menu is extensive with full blown comfort food, but let’s talk about the burgers.

We are very fond of their thick juicy Angus beef burgers, “hand made with love.”

Let’s start with the Southwest Chipotle Burger, which is one of the tastiest burgers we have ever had. They are formed into a round, juicy disc of goodness, then top that with a nice thick slab of pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo, lettuce, and tomato now that’s a spicy burger.

Mooyah Burgers, For a burger a little difFries, & Shakes ferent, the Black Bean Burger 4903 S. Broadway Ave, Wrap seems to be the talk of the town these days. If you are a vegetarTyler, (903)617-6116, ian, or you just want something a little on the healthier side, this is for www.mooyah.com you. They start with a jalapeno cheddar wrap, pile it high with lettuce Mooyah Burgers, and vine ripened tomato and chipotle mayo, then an organic black located next to Jason’s Deli bean hamburger patty - and roll all of that goodness up. Yum! in Tyler, is a great place to Spicy seems to be the theme for what we ate while we were there, dine if your family is the but trust us, they have a huge selection of burgers to choose from. kind that “can’t decide what Skyline Café’s philosophy is that “customers deserve the best quality they want to eat.” The menu food at the most economical price.” is simple but there is someWe are sure that a good burger will help cure what ails you durthing for everyone including ing these long winter months. Be sure to give one of these a try - you burgers, turkey burgers, and won’t regret it. even black bean vegetarAnd one last fun fact: The popular Jimmy Buffett song, “Cheeseian burgers. And hot dogs! burger in Paradise,” was inspired by a boat trip Buffett took. HamThere is something here pered by bad weather and tired of the canned food and peanut butter for even your picky eater stocked aboard, Buffett found himself continually craving a cheesebecause everyone can pick burger. When the boat finally docked on the island of Tortola, Buftheir own combination of fett was able to order the cheeseburger he had been fantasizing about. stuff to pile on top of their burger or dog.

Our favorite creation is a Double Burger with an artisan white bun, The rest is history for this classic all-time favorite song. blue cheese, bacon, and fried onion strings, all the normal toppings, Who knew!

Steaks - Burgers Seafood - Crawfish

Inside & Outdoor Seating Karaoke Saturday Nights Located on Hwy. 155 South, Flint EGuideMagazine.com • 5

To Do

AFriday, NightFebruary to Remember 26th 7-9pm

Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle

By Holli Conley While spring is always a busy time in Tyler, you might have noticed even more visitors descending on us the past couple of years because of the FRESH 15 - 15K, 5K and 1K, held at FRESH by Brookshire’s and set for March 5th.

FRESH 15 was created to provide East Texas with a world-class running event, and to inspire participants of all ages towards a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps what’s most unique about this race is that 100% of the money generated is given back to charitable organizations.

There were 2,800 runners in the inaugural race, which grew to 3,400 last year, and is anticipated to be more than 4,000 this year.

Approximately 40% of these runners are not from Tyler, resulting in a large economic impact to the local community and businesses, not to mention the charities that benefit from the donations received from race revenue.

“We are excited for the continued growth of FRESH 15,” said Trent Brookshire, Brookshire’s Senior Vice President. “Because we donate 100% of runner revenue to charity, every single registration makes a difference.”

Last year the event raised more than $140,000 for charity, which included Bethesda Health Clinic

and Team Red, White & Blue, and this year the goal is to top it.

FRESH 15 is a race the entire community can be proud to support, and there are many ways to do so.

From the athletes’ participation, to the pace team, to the volunteers, the opportunities are many to help make it a successful event.

According to race organizers, FRESH 15 would not be a reality without the support of community members.

“We have been excited to support FRESH 15 because we believe in the impact the event has on the community,” Shari Lee, General Manager of Visit Tyler said. “Not only do local charities benefit, but local businesses as well. With more than 40% of racers coming from out of town, this brings more people into the community staying in hotels, eating at restaurants, buying gas at the gas stations, and shopping at FRESH, among many other things they will do throughout their visit.”

One of the good things about FRESH 15 is the race is accessible to runners of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. The main event is the 15K, however, for those who prefer shorter distances, the event also features a 5K as well as a kids’ 1K for ages 12 and under.

According to Trent Brookshire, challenging runners of all skills levels is important because they believe that motivating someone to become or stay active can change a life. FRESH 15 also offers training plans, and an annual running clinic to help runners get off the couch and prepare for the big day.

The race course is a scenic view of South Tyler, which starts and ends at Brookshire’s

environmentally-friendly store, FRESH by Brookshire’s. Athletes will encounter a few hills along the route including the biggie, Heartbreak Hill, but there will be enthusiastic course cheerleaders from the community cheering runners on to the finish line.

“The support from the community was felt along the race course as people lined the course to cheer along the [runners],” Zach Ginnings, FRESH 15 runner said. “There were very few, if any, places where you couldn’t see someone ahead to cheer you on.”

The “Lil’ FRESHie 1K” is for children 12 and under and is held inside the FRESH parking lot. The race takes children on a route that is approximately 0.6 miles long.

In keeping with tradition, runners will be delighted to learn that the goody bag, or swag bag as runners say, will include grocery items, a technical running hat, dri-fit shirt, and all race day photos are provided at no cost to the participant. In addition, a post-race concert by The Voice’s Chance Pena, a local hometown star, will take place after the race.

If you are interested in running, registration is open until race day, but register early to save on the registration fee.

Not a runner? Not a problem! There are still plenty of opportunities to participate in the event.

FRESH 15 encourages everyone to get involved in some capacity. It takes several hundred volunteers from the community to come together to make this event a success; every person makes a difference. The easiest is to come watch the race and cheer on the athletes.

For more information on registering to run or becoming a volunteer, visit www.FRESH15k.com.

KE Bushman’s & Chick-fil-A present “A Night to Remember,” benefitting Breckenridge Village.

Join all your friends at the KE Bushman’s for BVT’s 7th Annual “A Night to Remember” as we present, “Great Gospel Music & Laughter for the Soul.”

This year’s show will feature Dr. Dennis Swanberg, affectionately known as “The Swan.” Dr. Swanberg is a seasoned communicator whose sly wit delivers life enriching truths to the heart on wings of laughter. He has won the hearts of audiences across the country and has been called “America’s Minister of Encouragement.” Through the funny side of life, he entertains his audience even as he implants a strong message, “We all have our flaws but we can always find a reason to smile.”

Joining Dr. Swanberg will be a very talented group of artists from the Dallas area, “Ransomed,” comprised of Chris Berry, Joe Gordon, and Steve Berry. Tony Black and fellow singers of the First Baptist Whitehouse Quartet will also be on hand to bless us with their amazing voices. And back by popular demand, we have Nashville finalist and East Texas’ own Casey Rivers. If you have not heard Casey Rivers, you are in for a real treat!

Don’t miss this incredible evening of inspirational music, saturated with laughter, and great family fun. Please know your support will make a difference in the lives of amazing individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Once again, Brookshire Grocery Company has chosen to partner with us. Thanks to their faithful support, everyone in attendance will receive a free bag of delicious popcorn, and we will be offering those famous 50’s soda pop bottles to enjoy with your popcorn at the concession stand staffed with BGC volunteers.

This will be held at KE Bushman’s Celebration Center, 1565 FM 2493 E., Bullard.

For questions, contact Linda Taylor at (903)596-8100 or ltaylor@bcfs.net.

Birthday Parties • Private Parties • Showers • Kid's Night Out Girl’s Night • Church Groups • Office Parties • Camps

903-535-9393 • 5380 Old Bullard Rd, Tyler potterycafetyler.com • “Like Us” on Facebook 6 • EGuideMagazine.com

The East Texas Food Bank:

Spend Valentine’s Day with us 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 at Portofino’s.

Plus, enjoy some fine wine from our great selection!

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

Written and Photographed by Barbara King The rafters are piled high with food in the 75,000 square foot warehouse, ready for distribution throughout East Texas to those in need. Since 1988, the East Texas Food Bank has been the crucial conduit for the distribution of donated and purchased food to more than 200 partner agencies located throughout a 26-county service area.

The statistics may be staggering to some; the East Texas Food Bank provided 18,500 meals to East Texans in 2015, serving 252,900 clients. As Chief Executive Officer Dennis Cullinane explains, “Families struggle and can face unexpected bills and hardships. We provide a safety net and assist in helping provide fresh, high quality nutritious foods.” Cullinane added that one of the main issues arising in their mission is the intersection of hunger and health. “Families that are struggling to stretch a dollar tend to gravitate towards inexpensive food items that are rich in calories, but poor in nutritional value. These choices can lead to increased health complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.”

The nutritious mix of product lining their shelves comes from a variety of sources including private donations from local and national manufacturers, distributors and grocers, farmers and food drives. The Food Bank works alongside 144 food pantries and 25 soup kitchens or on-site feeding programs.

The food is collected in many shapes and sizes, and a large part of the distribution involves the sorting and packing of anything that arrives in bulk form. On any given day you will see scores of volunteers in the warehouse, sorting, packing, and helping get the orders ready for distribution.

Rosann Blood, a longtime volunteer at the East Texas Food Bank for over 20 years, originally came with a church group, but now comes on her own to help make a difference. “I love to volunteer here and knowing it helps someone else be happy and healthy keeps me coming back.” Today she is bagging large quantities of pasta, and she says every time she comes, she helps with another needed project.

Karolyn Davis, Communications Director says, “Our success is built from the support of the East Texas community through a variety of ways such as time, donations, and food. We have over 10,000 volunteers a year come through our doors to help support our mission for a hunger-free East Texas.”

All volunteers are accepted as young as the age of six (with some adult supervision.) Volunteers are welcome Monday through Thursday from 8:30am12 noon, 1-4:30pm and from 5:30-8:30pm. Fridays are reserved for groups, and all requests can be made on the website with an online application at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.

The Tyler Junior College baseball team of 35 players and 3 coaches recently spent a morning bagging six pallets (40,000 pounds) of rotini pasta for distribution which will feed 33,750 folks in need. Head Baseball Coach Doug Wren said, “The team likes to try to volunteer every January before the season starts. The team learns that life is not all about baseball; it’s a teamwork project that impacts a lot of people in our community in a short amount of time.”

The East Texas Food Bank does so much more to support our community through programs which benefit a wide variety of people. Partnering with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Smith County Agricultural Extension office and the Flint Baptist Church, they operate two gardens on a combined ten acres of land. The Backpack program provides nutritious meals to low-income children who participate in school meal programs but face hunger on the weekends. Thanks to the BackPack program, during the 2014-2015 school year, the East Texas Food Bank provided more than 36,000 meals and nearly 129,000 snacks to needy school age children.

The summer food program provides free breakfasts and lunches to children who are at-risk of going hungry over the summer months. The Food Bank also partners with programs such as Meals on Wheels to assist seniors who receive meal assistance

Family owned and operated for over 15 years.

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

during the week, but also need help to avoid going hungry on the weekends. The Senior Servings program helps fill this gap.

The East Texas Food Bank also runs mobile pantries with their fleet of trucks, distributing food to clients in areas where there may not be an existing partner agency.

One of the main priorities of the Food Bank is to “educate and enlighten individuals about healthier, more economical food choices,” said Davis. “It may be surprising to some, but if you go to a grocery store, the exterior of the store with fresh produce and meats is where you should shop; the interior is full of packaged, inexpensive fillers that are not high in nutritional value.” The East Texas Food Bank provides nutrition classes that teach lowincome individuals the basics of food budgeting and good eating habits.

As part of their Outreach program, the East Texas Food Bank encourages clients to utilize all resources available to them, such as federal and state nutrition programs, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “In 2015, we helped more than 2,000 individuals submit SNAP applications,” Davis said.

“Individuals and corporations that make gifts to the East Texas Food Bank can be assured that 95 cents out of every dollar goes directly to programs and services,” explained Davis. “We encourage people to get involved at any level that is comfortable for them, including volunteering on site, hosting a food drive, or giving a donation through our secure website.”

See how you can make a difference in the lives of East Texans, visit the East Texas Food Bank website at www.easttexasfoodbank.org, call (903)5973663, or visit them at www.facebook.com/ EastTexasFoodBank.

The East Texas Food Bank is located at 3201 Robertson Road in Tyler.

MUSIC:

Every MONDAY night: Catfish Darrin Morris Acoustic, 7-9:30 Steaks Shrimp Every WEDNESDAY: Chicken Crawfish Clayton Jones Jam Session, 6:30-10 Sausage Oysters Every THURSDAY: Levi Kitchens, 6-9 Boudin Crab Every FRIDAY: Boom Boom Room Karaoke, 7-1 Tamales Lobster Burgers Saturdays, 7-11 Alligator PoBoys February 6th Dale Riley Gumbo Beer February 13th Blue Louie Etouffée February 20th - One More Silver Dollar Wine February 27th - Dale Riley

www.circlemcrawfish.com EGuideMagazine.com • 7

Jordan World Circus Comes to Town!

February 20th

(3 and 7pm) and February 21st (1 and 5pm) Producer Jody Jordan, has gathered a superb collection of artist and animals from around the world that are sure to amuse and thrill you at the same time. From aerialist, acrobats, rare white tigers, and of course funny clowns the Jordan Circus has them all this month. Plus, something every child is sure to talk about long after the circus has left: “the gentle giants,” the amazing circus elephants.

You won’t want to miss all the excitement!

For more info call (702)456-2642 or log on at eventbrite.com or www.facebook.com/ TheJordanWorldCircus.

Fifth annual ‘Love Under the Stars’ set for Women in Tyler Announce February 12th-13th at TJC Science Center Honorees for Upcoming Luncheon Throughout the ages, the poets and composers have been inspired by love and its relationship to the stars.

Valentine couples can enjoy an evening of “Love Under the Stars” from 7-9:30pm Friday and Saturday, February 12th and 13th, at the Center for Earth & Space Science Education (CESSE) at Tyler Junior College.

“This is our fifth year to host Love Under the Stars,” said Kim Lessner, TJC science center director.

“It has grown into such a popular event that we’ve added another night, and we’re bringing in a jazz combo to entertain the crowd.”

Couples now have two nights to choose from – Friday or Saturday – and the program includes a domed-theater show about romance and the constellations, with sweeping visuals set to a music score.

Admission is $85 per couple (ages 21 and older), and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages, a fulldome planetarium show, an outdoor, telescopic viewing (weather permitting), a gift basket, and a commemorative photo.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at tjc. edu/CESSE or at the CESSE ticket counter. The center is located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC main campus. For more information, call (903)510-2312.

Cowboy Bill Martin and Chad Prather:

Let the Laughter Roll World Comedy Tour Comes to Tyler

The Women in Tyler Planning Committee hosted a reception to introduce the 2016 honorees recently at the McClendon House in Tyler.

“The committee asked for nominations from the public in August that fit our 2016 theme, Women With a Cause,” said Tamma Isabell, event co-chair. “We received numerous nominations and the committee selected six deserving women.”

The 2016 honorees are Debra Davis, Regina Davis, Gayle Helms, Maxine Herbst, Gillian Sheridan, and Astilma Vargas “Women with a Cause identifies those women who have put feet to the causes they are most passionate about,” said Louellen Lowe, event co-chair.

“This year, they are women who have cared for our youth, energized women to get life-saving mammograms, provided for beloved pets of the elderly, restored significant pieces of history in Tyler, and challenged us all to consider adoption. They are our community’s all-stars, and we are excited for this opportunity to honor them.”

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, March 31st at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. The doors open at 11am and the program starts at 11:45am.

To make reservations, send a $25 check to Women in Tyler at P.O. Box 1432, Tyler, TX 75710. Please reserve seats early because the event sells out.

Women in Tyler was founded in 1999 as a way to celebrate Women’s History Month and to honor women who have contributed to the quality of life in our community. Each year, a planning committee has gathered to select women who are then honored at a celebratory luncheon held each March.

Valentine Pet Photos

Saturday, February 13th, 11am-3pm Get your dog’s professional photo taken for a good cause by 3 Dogs and a Cat Photography. Cost is donation to SPCA East Texas.

This will be held at Life the partnership “Kings of Cowtown,” and kicked off With Pets, 300 W. Rusk St., Tyler, TX, (903)714-2172 a comedy tour playing theaters and large country For more info go to www.alifewithpets.com. bars across the country, adding stops like the famed Texas Funny Men to Perform Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. at Tyler’s Liberty Hall “Cowboy Bill Martin & Chad Prather: Laughter Roll World Comedy Tour” will be at Liberty Hall Cowboy Bill Martin and Chad Prather broke Friday, February 5th, All Day Theater, Friday, February, 5th at 8pm. all the rules when it came to making it in show Heart disease kills 1 in 3 women but together, Tickets are $22 for general admission, $37 for business.

Martin built a huge stand-up following through VIP which includes seats in the front three rows, a we can save lives. The American Heart Associabackstage Meet & Greet, picture with the guys, and tion’s National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 19 years of endless touring on land in comedy a commemorative signed poster. VIP box seat for 4 5th. Raise awareness and show your support: wear clubs, at sea with Carnival Cruise Lines, overred and share on your social media profiles (tag people are also available for $154. seas entertaining our troops, and in concert with your pictures #GoRed). Visit www.goredforwomen.

They work hard; play harder! And oh, by the such acts as George Strait, Brad Paisley, and all four org/wear-red-day for FREE printable materials. way, they spend their afternoons delivering new members of the famed Blue Collar Comedy Tour. cowboy hats to kids with cancer as part of the CowThen in late 2015, hit it big with his self-financed boys Who Care Foundation. one-hour comedy special on CMT. For more information and to purchase tickets, Prather’s rise to fame came a little different. The in-demand humorist and host of a show on RIDE- please go to libertytyler.com or their official tour site Saturday, February 6th, 10am-2pm Enjoy free sampling of Fredericksburg Farms TV called “It’s My Backyard,” he has become one of kingsofcowtown.com. dips, sauces, salsas and cheeseballs available for Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at the most recognized personalities on the network purchase to make you the hostess with the easiest, and was named CMA Texas Personality of the year. 103 E. Erwin. most delicious party favorites on Game Day. DGE Cowboy Bill Martin But like Martin, in 2015 his stardom skyrocketed also carries gifts, handmade soaps, and classy fash• Cowboybill.com / facebook.com/cowboywith his hilarious and often poignant “rants in the ion apparel. A percentage of proceeds goes to Refbillmartin / twitter.com/cowboybill truck” on Facebook that garnered him millions of uge of Light to fight human trafficking. This will be Chad Prather fans where he became a household name. held at Daily Grace Effect inside Life With Pets, 300 • chadprather.com / facebook.com/ Proudly sponsored by Rank Rodeo Threads, W. Rusk, Tyler, (903)570-5143. chad.g.prather / twitter.com/watchchad together, these two entertainment mavericks formed Two of the most sought after acts in the country have teamed up together for the “Cowboy Bill Martin & Chad Prather: Laughter Roll World Comedy Tour.” Martin is a stand-up comedian veteran which one critic called, “Raucous, Rowdy, and Real” and Prather is the ultimate entertainer with words and songs that another critic called, “The Will Rogers of our time.”

National Wear Red Day

Tailgate Party

Tyler Public Library to host “Passport to Retirement” It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. Learn how with financial advisors Perry Conner and Adam Thompson of Martin Financial Group. Conner and Thompson will teach a series of classes called “Passport to Retirement” at the Library in February. This three-week course will cover a variety of topics to help you plan for retirement, such as budgeting, insurance, pension plans, and investing.

“While all of us would like to retire comfortably, building a successful retirement plan can be a daunting process,” said Access Associate David Broom.

These classes begin February 2nd and will continue February 9th and 16th. The time of the classes are 5:30-7pm and will held in the Library’s Taylor Auditorium. This series is free, but seating is limited. Please contact the Tyler Public Library to register.

For more information about this event, or any of the Library’s programs, please visit the Library at 201 S. College Ave, downtown Tyler, or call (903)593-7323 or visit www.TylerLibrary.com.

Great Decisions at the Library The popular annual lecture series, “Great Decisions,” is back at the Tyler Public Library. Taking place every Wednesday at 12 noon, the lecture series will go through March 2nd.

“The Great Decisions programs are an excellent opportunity for Tyler citizens to explore issues of major concern to U. S. policymakers and learn from our regional experts on these thought-provoking topics,” said City Librarian Mary Vernau.

This year’s series contains a plethora of current event topics ranging from “The Future of Kurdistan” to “The Rise of I.S.I.S.” Briefing books may be obtained from the Tyler Public Library’s Circulation Desk for $22. Participants are welcome to bring a bag lunch. Tables will be provided.

For a full list of speakers and topics, more info about this event or any of our programs, please visit the Library at library.cityoftyler.org.

Traveling East Texas Looking for something to do in 2016? The North East Texas Vacation Guide is a 30-county region promoting events for the year. These guides are now available at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce office located inside the Norman Activity Center at 526 E. Commerce or at Love’s Lookout Visitor Center, located on Highway 69N. Jacksonville is one of over 30 cities to promote North East Texas and “this booklet is one of the ways that we all work together to market the region on things to do and see.” Jacksonville’s events Mud Nationals at Mud Creek, River Run’s Mud Jam 7, Tops in Texas Rodeo, Tomato Fest, July 4th Fireworks on Lake Jacksonville, and the annual Christmas parade were included in the guide.

The vacation guides are distributed at Texas Travel Centers, travel shows, tourism center, chambers of commerce and mailings, distributing 25,000 per year. Check out www.NorthEastTexasGuide. com or www.VisitNorthEastTexas.com, or stop by any Chamber office to see what’s happening in North East Texas.

Unique Brands & Rare Finds;

special gifts for the one you love.

Gourmet foods from Fredericksburg Farms, Apparel, Accessories, Home Goods, and More 300 W Rusk St, Tyler, TX 75701 | 903.570.5143

8 • EGuideMagazine.com

• Antiques • Victorian • Furniture • Primitives • Vintage Toys

• Home Decor • Collectibles • Estate & Costume Jewelry

• Vintage Glassware & Pottery • Mercantile Items

Members: Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Heart of Tyler

TJC Science Center’s New Dome Show, ‘Journey to Space,’ Continues Through visually stunning imagery, and in collaboration with leading space experts, “Journey to Space” showcases the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on and the challenges they must overcome to carry out missions, once considered science fiction, such as landing astronauts on Mars.

The new, full-dome show continues this month at the Center for Earth & Space Science Education (CESSE) at TJC, located at 1411 E. Lake St., on the TJC main campus. “Journey to Space,” presented

by Austin Bank, is a family-friendly film showing at 3pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Single tickets are available at the front desk or online. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children, military, and seniors. Economical all-day passes and memberships are also offered.

Hours of operation are 9:30-11:30am TuesdaysFridays for children’s programs, and 12:30-4:30pm for the general public shows. Saturday hours are 10:30am-4:30pm. For more info, visit www.tjc.edu/ cesse or call (903)510-2312.

“Journey to Space” calls attention to the reality that the space program did not die with the end of the shuttle program in 2011. It is instead, vibrantly alive. With narration by noted actor and “Star Trek” captain Sir Patrick Stewart and extensive interviews with NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson and Serena Aunon, the film captures the spirit of human exploration and describes how it is at the core of our DNA. A human mission to Mars is in the planning stages, and major steps are being taken to make it a reality within a generation. The goal in making this film was to tie together the actual hardware being built with the tremendous planning under way that will make the next steps in space exploration the most far-reaching in our history.

The film introduces the new machines that will carry out these missions: • Orion is NASA’s first spacecraft designed to

Hello City of Tyler and Friends of the Parks “Happy New Year! The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has a great line up for the New Year. We have many new classes and activities such as a zoo education program for preschoolers, a Soccer Sparks program, and even a Seniors’ Follies event. We have many new Outdoor Adventure programs, like hunter safety and family trout fishing.”

The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department’s new Winter/Spring Activity Guide is online for your review at www.TylerParksandRec.com. You can also pick up a copy at the Parks office located at the Harvey Convention Center, the Glass Recreation Center, the Tyler Senior Center, or at the Rose Garden Center.

February’s special activities: • February 1st-29th - Spring Softball, Volleyball and Kickball league registration will be open; (903)531-1377.

• February 2nd - “Fur and Feathers,” a free zoo education program for preschoolers ages 2 ½ to 6 continues at the Glass Recreation Center from 10 to 11am. (903)595-7271.

• February 2nd - Cooking for Life Class II with chefs Jack Lewis, Jack’s Catering, and Danny Cace, Reinhardt Food, from 6 to 8pm at Harvey Convention Center. The theme is “Mardi Gras.” The cost is $15 per person; (903)531-1214.

• February 5th - Mother-Son Dance from 7 to 8:30pm at the Glass Recreation Center; $18 per couple or $9 per person in advance, $10 per person at the door; (903)595-7271.

• February 6th - Daddy-Daughter Dance at the Glass Recreation Center; two dance times; 6-7:30pm for ages 4 to 8; 8-9:30pm for ages 9 to 13; $18 per couple in advance and $20 per couple at the door; (903)595-7271.

• February 6th - Men’s Low Slow-Pitch Softball Tournament at Lindsey Park; $100 per team; (903)531-1377.

• February 10th - Second Annual Senior Artist Showcase at the Tyler Senior Center; $2 per entry; (903)597-0781.

• February 13th - E.T. Garden Lecture Series: James Wilhite, “Water Features and Bubbling Jars” at the Tyler Rose Garden, 9am. Cost is $15-$45 for a season pass; (903)590-2980.

• February 20th - Family Trout Fishing at Woldert Park from 10am to 12 noon; free for all ages; (903)595-7271.

• February 27th - Parent’s Night Out from 7 to 11pm at the Glass Recreation Center for children

carry humans on long-duration deep space exploration missions. Orion will take humans to interplanetary destinations beyond low Earth orbit and return them safely back home.

• Olympus, an inflatable transportation habitat, is an early concept 45- or 50-feet diameter module that would provide astronauts the work area and living space necessary for long-duration missions.

• The Space Launch System (SLS) is the giant rocket that will carry both of the previously mentioned spacecraft and provides the enormous lift necessary to send them on many historic missions.

SLS will also carry the needed Mars landers and ascent vehicles to get astronauts to the surface of Mars and back up to the Orion mothership for their return trip to Earth.

“Journey To Space” also gives a fitting tribute to the Space Shuttle Program and the 355 astronauts who flew on the 135 shuttle missions. This historical chapter in the film describes how the shuttle took many of the big steps that helped us understand how to live and operate in space. In fact, it’s the lessons learned during those steps that have enabled the future missions covered in the film.

The film also gives a strong overview of the Shuttle’s last major project – the launch and assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is a joint collaboration of 15 nations and is operating 24/7 providing a true home and science lab in space like no other. ISS crews’ tours of duty have averaged six months, and NASA began one-year duration missions starting in 2015.

Overall, “Journey To Space” provides a timely review of how NASA has been transitioning from the end of the Space Shuttle Era to a much more ambitious future that will forever change how we live and operate in space.

The Center for Earth & Space Science Education at TJC is a one-of-a-kind teaching, learning, and special occasion space located in the heart of East Texas. Open to the public for shows, stargazing events, field trips, and special events, the center reflects TJC’s commitment to quality education, a vibrant student life and service through educational engagement with the community.

Spring Festival Fun:

31st Annual East Texas Gusher Days

April 14th-16th The 31st Annual East Texas Gusher Days takes place Thursday-Saturday, April 14th-16th in downtown Gladewater. This event will have everything from a Chili Cook-Off to amusement rides, a car If you know of any upcoming festivals that you show and a street dance, and just about everything else in between that you can imagine. For more would like to see promoted in EGuide, give us a information visit www.gusher-days.com. heads up and we’ll be sure to include them!

Just send your information to eguidemagaThe Montage Festival (Funky Junk Round Up) zine@gmail.com, Attn: FESTIVALS. April 16th The Montage Festival (Funky Junk Round Jefferson Mardi Gras Up) will take place at Harvey Convention Center February 5th-7th in Tyler Saturday, April 16th, 10am-4pm. This is a From Friday, February 5th through Sunday, February 7th, you can get your Mardi Gras fix dur- one-day shopping extravaganza featuring a unique blend of vintage finds and inspiration, handcrafted ing the Krewe of Hebe Mardi Gras UpRiver Celebration Weekend. The 2016 Mardi Gras theme is items, antique decor, fabulous “Junktiques,” and “States on Parade.” Saturday evening at the Jefferson more. Admission is $5 (under 12 free). For more Transportation Center (305 E. Austin St.) a special info visit www.montagefestivals.com. party will be held with the theme “Jawbone.” For April In Edom more information about the events, parade routes, April 16th-17th and tickets, visit www.mardigrasupriver.com.

April In Edom will take place Saturday-Sunday, April 16th-17th from 10am-5pm both days. April The 7th Annual Western Swing Party in Edom is an old fashioned street fair for adults, February 11th-13th The 7th Annual Western Swing Party is sched- kids, and pets. Vendors from all over Texas will sell uled for Thursday-Saturday, February 11th-13th in a variety of unique, high-quality handmade items, along with food, music, a special children’s activCanton. Held at 800 Flea Market Road, this festival will feature western swing, classic country, and ity area, and a pet parade. This event is sponsored by the Edom Area Chamber. For more information traditional honky tonk music. The Canton Civic visit www.aprilinedom.net.

Center is the best place for this event which features a huge dance floor, table seating for 700+, full Far Out Fest RV hookups, and excellent food service on site. All April 23rd-24th shows, featuring top bands, start at 12 noon each The Far Out Fest will be taking place in Ben day and will take place rain, snow, or sunshine. For Wheeler, Saturday, April 23rd, 10am-6pm and more information visit www.swingcanton.com.

Sunday, April 24th, 10am-4pm. There are plans in the works for a Friday Night Preview Event on The Secret Codes of April 22nd. This groovy outdoor art show takes the Underground Railroad place under the beautiful trees of Harmony Garden February 17th Park in downtown Ben Wheeler and will showAt 11am at the Legacy Event Center, 122 East case extraordinary artists and craftsmen from all First Street in Hughes Spring, the Pleasant Hill over the state. Keep up to date on the event by Quilt Group of Hughes Springs will be hosting The visiting their facebook page www.facebook.com/ Secret Codes of the Underground Railroad. Durevents/1054817137874848. ing the early years of the Nation, the Underground Railroad was created and was a successful effort to OTT Rally & BBQ Off secretly transport slaves to Canada where slavery April 29th-30th was outlawed. Secret codes and signals were develMake plans to attend the 2016 OTT Rally & oped to guide the travelers through the hazards.

BBQ Off in Nacogdoches Friday-Saturday, April One was the use of bed quilts presumably hung out 29th-30th. This will be the 8th annual Oldest for cleaning. Each patch of the quilt represented Town in Texas Motorcycle Rally & BBQ Cook Off a signal to guide the escapees. The Pleasant Hill and will be a weekend filled with concerts, stunt Quilters have carried the tradition by educating the shows, custom bike show, vendors, bikini contest, community about how the historical signal sysparade, biker games, and much more. For more tem worked. In addition to educational programs, information, visit www.ottrally.com. There is a fee the group makes and sells quilts to the public. For to attend the festival. more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/505542972941741.

5th Annual Tatum Pecan Pie Festival April 30th The Lone Star Throwdown ages 5 to 10; $20 per child; (903)595-7271.

The 5th Annual Tatum Pecan Pie Festival will February 26th-28th take place Saturday, April 30th from 10am-4pm at On-Going Classes and Programs: A little bit further down the road, but definitely the Tatum City Park. There will be lots of vendor • American Karate Classes: Glass Recreation Center; worth the drive, Friday-Sunday, February 26thbooths, food, fun, and pecan pie.

(903)595-7271 28th, The Lone Star Throwdown will be taking • Clogging Classes: Tyler Senior Center; place. This event will be held at the Lone Star Expo (903)597-0781 Center and Montgomery County Fairgrounds, • Go Ju-Ryu Karate Classes: Glass Recreation Cen- 9255 Airport Road and will feature some of the best ter; (903)595-7271 show cars and conversions around. Spectators at • 50 Plus Pickle Ball: Glass Recreation Centhe event can purchase a weekend pass for $20. For ter; Tuesdays and Thursday from 9am to 1pm more info visit www.lonestarthrowdown.com.

(903)595-7271 • Line Dance Classes: Tyler Senior Center; TuesNacogdoches Music Festival days and Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30pm March 3rd-6th (903)597-0781 Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 Be sure to put the Nacogdoches Music Festi• Open Co-ed Adult Volleyball: Glass Recreation E. Erwin St., and offers entertainment through val on your calendar.

It will be taking place ThursCenter; Fridays from 7 to 10pm (903)595-7271 film, theater, comedy and music. day-Sunday, March 3rd-6th at The Liberty Bell, 422 • Open Pickleball: Glass Recreation Center; TuesStreet.

For more information visit www.facebook.

Tickets are available at the door for most events days and Thursdays from 9am to noon; Saturdays com/events/1078422988844261. and online at libertytyler.com. from 10:30am to 12:30pm (903)595-7271 • Over 30 Basketball: Glass Recreation Center; FEBRUARY 4TH AT 7 P.M. The 57th Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Wednesdays from 7 to 10pm (903)595-7271 March 25th-April 10th • Step Aerobics: Glass Recreation Center; MonHeld every year in Tyler, come enjoy over ten days and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm FEBRUARY 11TH AT 7 P.M. miles of flowering gardens & beautiful historic (903)595-7271 homes in the Azalea & Brick Street Districts. Other • Walking for Life: Glass Recreation Center; events include historic home tours, art & flower (903)595-7271 FEBRUARY 18TH AT 7 P.M. shows, living history tours, ‘Spirits of Oak-wood’ • Zumba Classes: Glass Recreation Center; Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; (903)595-7271 tours, Artisans & Flower Market, Arts & Crafts Fair & more! For more info call 1-800-235-5712 or Friday Night Dances each Friday at the Tyler FEBRUARY 25TH AT 7 P.M. Senior Center with live entertainers and bands from www.VisitTyler.com.

7-9:30pm. We have new bands in the line-up, so Bluebonnet Trails check out the monthly newsletter for details on March 26 at 10 a.m.

All Month of April special activities; (903)597-0781.

The Bluebonnet Trails in Ennis is just a short Please note that this is only a partial list of activhop, skip, and a jump towards the DFW area, and ities. For info on other upcoming events, please April 30 at 10 a.m. visit www.TylerParksandRec.com. Click the “Events will plant you smack in the middle of some of the most beautiful bluebonnets in our area. This year & Programs” tab for flyers and registration forms. marks their 65th year celebration of the Trails.

For more information on any of the events, please contact Debbie Isham at disham@tylertexas. Check with their website to stay on top of the CALL TO SPONSOR A MOVIE NIGHT! bloomings at www.visitennis.org/bluebonnet.htm. com. All events are open to the public.

EGuideMagazine.com • 9

There is A Lot to Do, And A Lot of Upcoming Festivals

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” “Pillow Talk”

“Grease”

“The Princess Bride”

“Mary Poppins” “The Goonies”

The History of the Azalea Trails: Tyler Prepares for Spring Flowers

By Holli Conley Brisk winter days will soon give way to one of the most beautiful seasons in Tyler: Spring. Spring brings with it an excitement and a lot of events to enjoy. It’s the perfect time of year to get out and be a “tourist” in your own backyard.

An annual favorite is the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail taking place this year March 25th-April 10th. While Tyler is mostly known for its roses, in the spring, the rose takes a back seat to azaleas. The Azalea & Spring Flower Trail features mile after mile of blooming azaleas, dogwoods, and spring flowers. This event has been described as a floral wonderland and a photographer’s paradise.

If you live in Tyler, it’s hard not to miss these springtime blooms as you travel around town, but many don’t know how Tyler became known as “a natural beauty.” It didn’t just happen overnight.

While oil booms gave Tyler an economic head start in the 1930’s, azalea and rose blooms gave the city its beauty. Azaleas were introduced to Tyler in 1929 by Maurice Shamburger, one of the city’s early nurserymen. Pleased with results of a test garden of azaleas, Shamburger shipped the colorful plants to Tyler by the boxcar loads from Georgia.

After completing his garden in 1929, Shamburger discussed the beautification potential of azaleas with Mrs. Sara Butler of the “Tyler Courier Times Telegraph.” Mrs. Butler not only encouraged Shamburger to promote azalea plantings in the city, but she personally supported the effort by planting a number of bushes around her own home on Charnwood Street.

That home site, along with several other gardens on Lindsey Lane, soon became springtime showplaces with their colorful azalea blooms, and Tylerites began buying the plants by the thousands.

Some of the thick, towering azaleas at older homes on the Trail date back to the ‘30’s and ‘40’s.

By 1960, the blooming azaleas were attracting much attention, and that year the Chamber of Commerce established a marked route.

The first Azalea Trail featured about 60 homes on a five-mile route.

The Trail was an instant success, and within two years it had expanded to include 75 homes and was attracting 15,000 visitors. By 1964, 25,000 people a year were coming to see the azaleas. In 1986, the Trail was expanded to two trails.

With the success of the Azalea Trail escalating and with more tourists coming to town, the Chamber of Commerce decided guests needed to be welcomed in true southern style. In 1964, the first Azalea Belles, wearing full antebellum dresses, were introduced to the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail. The first group of Azalea Belles were

VaporTastics Switch to Vaping & kick the Butts!

E-CIGS, MODS, TANKS, E-JUICE, HOME DECOR, JEWERLY, PURSES, NEW & RESALE CLOTHING AND MORE

1229 N. Pacific St., Mineola, TX Across the street from Brookshire’s

903.569.5450

T

In God We Trust

Installme nt Loans Up to $1340 Finance Corp.

A

&T

903.592.4353 214 W. Erwin, Tyler Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm 10 • EGuideMagazine.com

2016 Kicks off with a Bang

By Zairah Wooten The fourth annual Lighten Up East Texas regional weight loss challenge launched on Monday, January 4th at Broadway Square Mall and will remain open through Monday, February 29th. Participants who are 18 years and older, and reside in an East Texas county, may register for free. Eligible counties and entry locations are listed at LightenUpEastTexas.com.

Lighten Up East Texas first launched in 2013 and was created by the Fit City Tyler Coalition with a goal to create a healthier East Texas.

The mission of Fit City Tyler is to help residents of Tyler and East Texas become more aware of the national and local epidemic of obesity and to give residents the tools and knowledge with which to fight against it. Fit City Tyler’s ultimate goal is to make Tyler and East Texas the fittest city and region in Texas, and then the nation.

Tyler Morning Telegraph took a lead in the Fit City Tyler Coalition along with NET Health and the City of Tyler. George Roberts, CEO of Northeast Texas Public Health District, and Dave Berry, former Editor of the “Tyler Morning Telegraph,” became the co-leaders of Fit City and continue to be the leaders today. A steering committee was created, consisting of the most active participants in the first Fit City meeting, and from there, the coalition evolved. George Roberts and Dave Berry continue to lead the steering committee (which plans and implements the Lighten Up East Texas Challenge) but Terrence Ates, Assistant Director of Community Outreach at NET Health, currently serves as the point person for the project. Terrence acts as the main contact for participants. He sends out reminders, coordinates off-site weigh-ins, and more.

“When we established Fit City Tyler in 2010, our mission statement was to ‘make Tyler a Fit City one step, one bite, and one healthconscious decision at a time,’” said Dave Berry, co-chair of Fit City Tyler. “We wanted East Texans to join us in a conversation about weight loss that was not about fad diets, unhealthy or radical weight loss. We wanted something that all would agree was a healthy way for adults (18 and older) to drop pounds and get healthy.”

Individuals and teams consisting of two or more participants can compete to lose weight and improve their health. For every five percent of weight that is lost - calculated from an official starting and final weight - the participant will receive an entry into the grand prize drawing of a brand new 2016 Hyundai Elantra, donated by

made up of two chamber secretaries. These ladies made their own costumes by hand and distributed brochures to guests along the Trail.

Today, the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail consists of two trails winding through ten miles of historic homes and gardens that are bursting with the colors of spring. Last year, more than 100,000 people visited the event.

Over the years, the Azalea Belles have become a much beloved and anticipated part of the event and are always happy to visit with guests, as well as pose for photos along the Trail. Guests are taken aback by the local hospitality and the extra flare these ladies add to the overall experience.

The Azalea Belles are local Smith County freshman and sophomore girls who are interested in being ambassadors of the Trail.

During this time of year Tyler hosts city-wide events, including historic home tours, live entertainment, arts and crafts fairs, a flower market, and more.

“Visit Tyler” (Tyler’s Convention and Visitors Bureau) will once again be hosting the ever so popular Bunny Hunt and Azalea Photo Contest. Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to try their hand while enjoying the walk along the Trail. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Grab your camera, your family, and get ready Tyler, for the most spectacular flower event in East Texas - happening just outside your window. Watch the city you live in literally “come alive” this spring!

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the fun events happening all over town.

For more details about the Trail, an updated progress of the blooms, a list of the Azalea Belles, and more go to VisitTyler.com/ AzaleaTrail.

Allen Samuels Tyler. Fit City Tyler did not want a “Biggest Loser” style weight loss campaign. Everyone on the steering committee agreed that radical weight loss is unhealthy and generally leads to health problems and often to gaining that weight back.

“We hoped that by offering good prizes for a healthy level of weight loss,” said Dave Berry, “we could get Tyler and East Texans actively involved and working toward a personal weight loss goal, and it worked.”

Other prizes include five $50 Brookshire’s gift cards, gym memberships to Trinity Mother Frances and ETMC Olympic Center, and as the weight loss challenge final draws near, additional grand prizes will be announced. Winning teams will also receive prizes that are awarded to each winning team member. In addition, everyone who registers will receive one new, reflective, drawstring backpack.

Prizes will be given to those who do not lose 5 percent or more.

Residents who participate in the weigh-out period but do not lose 5 percent or more will be entered into a separate drawing. Weigh-outs will be held Monday, April 25th to Sunday, May 8th.

It is encouraged that participants take several “before” pictures on the day of the official registration for Lighten Up East Texas. Capture a full body photo of what you first looked like, then take on a weekly or monthly basis to track your progress. Share your “before” pictures with family members and trusted friends who can encourage and provide you emotional support on your journey. This system will document your personal change and can provide extra positivity and encouragement for yourself.

Along with Allen Samuels Tyler, several local businesses sponsor Lighten Up East Texas. Community sponsors include: Tyler Today Magazine, NET Health, Suddenlink Communications, Brookshire Grocery Company, and the “Tyler Paper,” City of Tyler, CBS-19 TV, 102.7/106.9 The Blaze, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, Neighbors Emergency Center, Cigna Healthspring, The Tyler/Whitehouse YMCA, UT Health Northeast, East Texas Medical Center, Tyler Junior College, Jazzercise Tyler, the East Texas Food Bank, and Broadway Square Mall.

“We are pleased to partner with Fit City Tyler to help every person in our community to have an opportunity to be the healthiest they can be,” said Tyler Mayor Martin Heines.

Over 8,000 East Texas residents have participated in the first three years and lost a combined weight of 21,864 pounds. In 2015 alone, 2,325 residents participated and 7,837.45 pounds were shed within the community.

“My hope for the future is that we keep attracting new people and repeat participants who come back each year and continue to lose weight,” said Dave Berry. “We hear their stories, and they proudly show us their beginning weights and progress from earlier years. The car, they say, would be a nice reward, but their real reward is that they are making progress. It’s not just a contest for most of them; it’s the incentive they needed to reverse their own personal struggle with weight. And that’s success enough for me.”

For more info visit www.LightenUpEastTexas.com or contact Terrence Ates with NET Health.

Books February Reading: Affairs of the Heart

By Gini Rainey

“The Depraved Heart – A Scarpetta Novel “ by Patricia Cornwell You knew it was coming – after all I’ve made yet another trip around the sun, so I’ve had yet another birthday, and I’ve received another one of my favorite gifts from my daughter – Patricia Cornwell’s latest New York Times Best Seller. “The Depraved Heart” picks up pretty much where her last one, “Flesh and Blood,” left off.

I must admit, that I was a bit disappointed in Cornwell’s latest book. It begins with the discovery of the body of a young woman, who initially appears to have fallen to her death from the top of a tall ladder while changing a light bulb. Of course, nothing is ever quite that simple with Dr. Scarpetta’s adventures, and she goes off chasing another mystery while her staff scrapes the poor woman’s remains off the floor and takes her back to the lab for further examination and testing.

I have to admit that it bothered me a bit that an unusual amount of the first two-thirds of the book was devoted to the rainy weather, worrying about Carry Grethen (one of Kay’s nemeses), and recounting what happened to her in “Flesh and Blood.”

Eventually, the plot all comes together, but it felt as though I needed to push myself past all of that to reach a point where I could finally become engaged in the book. Of course, then it was difficult to put it down, but I would have liked to have reached that point earlier on.

I miss the old Kay Scarpetta. The current Scarpetta has turned into a paranoid, complaining, and insecure person who seems to have forgotten her way back to where she works the best – the crime scene and the lab. The delightful interaction between her and her husband, Wesley Benton, has gone by the wayside, and her niece, Lucy, has turned into a self-centered automaton. Marino? He’s just Marino – I don’t think that will ever change. I have to admire him for taking the lead in this book when one of his fellow cops was in trouble.

However, once things got rolling, for the most part, the pieces of the puzzle started falling into place, and “Depraved Heart” became a much more interesting piece of reading. It’s just a shame that it took so long to get there, and I can’t believe Kay never even got back to her lab.

Will I read the Cornwell’s next book? Yes, probably so, because I’m a creature of habit, as well as an optimist. I have to believe that Cornwell has a few more good medical crime mysteries up her sleeve that she’ll be able to put down on paper and share with the loyal people who have read just about everything she’s written. For crying out loud!

I even have her (I use the term loosely) cookbooks!

Copyright 2015 – William Morrow Rating: 4 of 5

“Tree of Justice?” by Carroll Mart Sinclair Sometimes the families that we love dearly with all our hearts and from where our roots are deeply entrenched can give us some great fodder for inspiration. My family history is like this and so is Carroll Mart Sinclair’s. This book came to me for review by the author and is an historical novel set in 1919 Leon County, Texas. Written in the dialect of early 20th century deep east Texas, “Tree of Justice”

retells the story of the Dorsetts’ journey from Alto to Centerville to pick cotton. Their ultimate destination places them on the farm of Mr. Sinclair’s relative, Jim Sinclair, a hard-working landowner who also had sharecroppers who worked his land.

With a healthy respect for historical details, Carroll Sinclair recreated what it was like for a family to travel by wagon during the early 1900s. Meeting new people along the way, the Dorsetts shared good times with them as they camped out along the road, while picking berries, hunting dinner, and enjoying a fairly decent family life together. On a trip that would take about an hour and a half today, the Dorsetts spent 6 days in a mule-drawn, wooden wagon making their way to Centerville in order to make some money that would last them through the winter.

It was when they finally reached Centerville, though, that the story took on a whole new spin and became more involved with the lives of Sinclair’s friends and relatives. Without issuing a complete spoiler alert, just let me say that many dynamic events took place following the cotton picking season. However, considering the racial tensions that were prevalent during the early 1900s in the deep South, it should come as no surprise to the reader that the story line takes a nasty twist and culminates with a tragic ending.

Although well researched and written by Sinclair, I do have to say that reading a book written in dialect is not one of my favorite things to do, and I don’t think that having it written in a more updated, easier to understand text would have impacted the historical value by that much. The book does provide, however, an interesting and fairly accurate look into the trends, lifestyles, and mores of the people of that period in history and should provide an invaluable tool to anyone who studies that time in the lives of east Texans.

Copyright 2014 – Early Sundown Studio Rating: 4 of 5

Winter Fun at the Tyler Library

Adults

Adult Coloring is held every first and third Monday, 3-4pm. Come enjoy a relaxing and stress Come to the Tyler Library this month and see the many exciting events that are planned for young free session of coloring twice a month. and old alike. Events include: Origami Classes are held the second and fourth Monday each month, 3-4pm. Come and join the Children fun in the art of paper folding.

Storytimes Every Tuesday - Quilting Classes will he held All storytimes will be in Taylor Auditorium.

10am-1pm. Learn the art of quilting as class partici• Leeme un Cuento / Read to Me Storytime pants will complete individual and group quilting (children 3-6) is on Mondays at 10:30am.

Fabric and quilt patterns will be provided.

• Toddler Time Storytime (children under age projects.

Participants are asked to provide their own sewing 3) is on Wednesdays at 10:30am. machines, if you have them, scissors, and neutral or • Read Aloud Crowd Storytime (children 3-6 white thread. For more details and a complete list years old) is on Thursdays at 10:30am. of supplies, please contact the Library’s information • Starry Time Storytime (children 3-6 years old) desk. This will be held on the third floor, Internet is on Thursdays at 6pm.

Center Workroom.

Other Events Morning Meditation classes are held every American Girl Book Club is on Saturdays Tuesday (5-6pm) and Friday (10-11am). Come at 10:30am February 6th. Girls ages 5 to 12 learn the practice of Heartfulness Meditation with are invited to join us for a multicultural event Gayathri Kambhampati. celebrating the Chinese New Year and featuring American Girl Ivy, Friend of Julie. We will learn “Great Decisions” Lecture Series - Broaden your about Chinese New Year traditions and enjoy crafts, horizons with the Great Decisions foreign policy games, and snacks. lecture series. Please contact the library for a list LEGO® Block Party meets on Saturdays at 1:30pm. of topics and speakers. Great Decisions briefing Children ages 3 and up, bring your imagination for books are available for $22 at the Library’s circulaan afternoon of building and playing! LEGO® and tion desk. These are scheduled every Wednesday through March 2nd, 12 noon-1pm.

Duplo Blocks are provided. LEGO® Block Party meets the first Saturday of each month September Crochet Classes will be held every Wednesday, to May. 11:30am-12:30pm on the 3rd floor Internet Center Drive-In at the Library is held Saturday, February Workroom. These are free classes. Learn to crochet with Library staff and volunteers. All materials are 20th at 10am. Children will have the opportunity provided. All experience levels are welcome. to build their own cardboard car and watch a fun cartoons about cars from inside their new vehicle Game On is held every Friday, 3-5:30pm. while enjoying car side snacks. The building session Beginner Computer Classes - The Library now will begin at 10am with the movie beginning at offers computer classes for the beginner. A series 11am. Please contact the library or visit www. four classes, meeting every Saturday, will cover TylerLibrary.com for movie title, rating, and length. of basic computer knowledge, e-mail basics, job Regitration is required. search basics, and how to write a résumé. Seating is “A Wedding in limited to 10 participants. Registration is required.

December” by Anita Teens Sign-up at the Info Desk.

Shreve Teen Advisory Council will meet Saturday, ClubRead Book Discussions are held the last February 20th, 1-2pm. This is a group for teens Anita Shreve, Tuesday of the month at 10am. February selectionis looking for a more active role in library happenwho was deeply “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Steadman. ings for them and their peers.

This is open to ages inspired by Ethan This is open to all book lovers!

Frome’s “Edith Whar- 12-18. The Teen Advisory Council meets monthly “Blind Date with a Book” is held through February from September through May. ton,” writes in the 14th. See the article below for more details. shadow of her previ- Cake in a Cup will be held Saturday, February ous, highly success- 20th, 2-4pm. Tweens and teens in grades 6-12 will The Tyler Library is located at 201 S. College, ful novel “The Pilot’s learn how to make a personal cake in a coffee cup downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593Wife.” She once again using only a few ingredients and the microwave.

7323, www.TylerLibrary.com. Most events are free. demonstrates her skill at exploring the depths of love, heartache, guilt, and despair. This time, Shreve focuses on the wedding of Bridget and Bill, a pair of high school sweethearts who redisIntroducing a familiar program at a new time of year, the Library wants to inspire reading in the cover one another after spending many years apart. © Bridget is battling breast cancer, and this wedding is colder months and give its patrons another look at the ReadSquared online reading program software a testament to the couple’s fervent hope that Bridget used during the 2015 Summer Reading Program.

Starting Monday, February 1st, readers of all ages and will somehow be able to beat the odds. Comreading levels are encouraged to track their winter reading ing together to celebrate this occasion are some using the website tyler.readsquared.com. The website works of the bride and groom’s former classmates from like a game with a selection of avatars, badges and levels that their years at Kidd Academy in Maine back in the are achieved by earning points. Each minute read earns one seventies. point; points can also be earned by playing games and com“A Wedding In December” is a well written character study that in some ways feels like a fam- pleting challenges. Points move readers up to higher levels ily drama, as the seven former classmates attend the where they can earn a free book and have their name entered wedding of two of them while each ponders if they into a drawing for other great prizes from local businesses can regain paradise lost like Bill and Bridget are try- such as iJump, Jumpin’ Jacks Party Shack, Just Imagine Toys, Putt Putt Fun Center and Sonic Drive-In. ing to do.

New to the ReadSquared© online reading program are This book will leave you feeling awestruck.

Shreve definitely has a handle on writing. She man- missions or quests that readers can go on to learn more about ages, quite successfully, to draw her readers into her the City of Tyler, the Tyler Public Library and other subjects.

Also, teens and adults now have access to fun games such as stories slowly, but surely, while displaying various Tetris, 2048 Brain Teaser, Word Search Puzzles and more. characteristics of real life in each character.

The Winter Reading Club website will be active and available until Friday, March 4th. The website Although, on the surface, this book seems to is mobile friendly and the program is also accessible from Library computers on the first floor. A Library be simply a reunion of old schoolmates, Shreve manages to demonstrate that however complex life card is required to register, but the program is free of charge.

More information about using the site is available at the Library’s information desk or at www.TylerLimight seem to be, sometimes there really can be a brary.com. simple solution. This book also might encourage “We enjoyed using ReadSquared© last summer and wanted to give the public another chance to use you to wonder that perhaps, if you had taken a difit,” said Youth Services Librarian Linda Gray. “Please count any reading that is being done, regardless of ferent fork in the road, where you would be at midlife and beyond. Shreve actually has put into words the source.”

For more information about the Library’s activities and many other great services, call (903)593-7323 what few people will admit, i.e. that they are or have been attracted to others and would have liked or drop by. The Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S. College Ave. in downtown Tyler. a do-over in their life.

Copyright 2007 – Little Brown and Company “Rate Your Date” slip to be entered in a drawing at Rating: 4 of 5 the end of the program that features a nice prize.

“Last year, I unwrapped a book outside of my There is a saying that “variety is the spice of genre comfort zone and was surprised by how life.” Through Sunday, February 14th, the Tyler much I enjoyed it,” said Circulation Supervisor Public Library would like to spice up your literary Ashley Taylor. “I am looking forward to unwraplife by setting you up on a blind date with a book. ping another book this year.”

There will be an assortment of potential “dates” to For more info about this event, or any of our choose from – all wrapped in paper to keep up the programs, please visit the Library at 201 S. College mystery. Who knows? You may fall in love with a Ave. in Downtown Tyler or call (903)593-7323. new genre or author.

You can also find us on the web at www.TylerLiThe Entertainment Magazine for East Texas However you feel about your date, fill out a brary.com.

EGuideMagazine.com • 11

New Winter Reading Club at the Tyler Public Library

A “Blind Date with a Book”

EGuideMagazine.com

12 • EGuideMagazine.com

From Dallas

A classic rock-influenced, high energy affair!

Aaron Stephens

EGuideMagazine.com • 13

Music The Kid Icarus Project:

Taking Flight On A Steady Path To Success

By Johnny Griffith There is a story in ancient Greek mythology about a father, Daedelus, and his son, Icarus, imprisoned on the island of Crete. As the story goes, the father built two sets of wings for them to escape but, even after being warned of the dangers of flying too arrogantly or being too lazy, Icarus came crashing down after flying so high the Sun melted his wings.

The key to success had been to fly straight, steady, and with patience and when he didn’t, a hard lesson was learned. Flash forward a few thousand years and half a world away, there is an East Texas band that, although they might share a name in common with the ill-fated Greek, are demonstrating they aren’t about to make the same mistakes when it comes to their musical journey to success.

The Kid Icarus Project (KIP) is a hard-working area band that has been around in its current form since 2013, but has origins as far back as 2006 when founding guitarists, and former members of Tyler area band The Papers, Clint Alford and Ian Chandler, decided to start a band to have fun and play some “silly covers.” After adding percussionist Mike Hill and rounding out the quartet with Klint Killion on the fiddle, The Kid Icarus Project was ready to bring its particular brand of Americana to this area, along the way leaving no doubt that these guys are 100 percent East Texan. Clint, Ian, and Klint are all products of Rusk (the town, I was informed, not the hospital) and still live in that area, while Mike, originally from Kilgore, has lived in Tyler for the past 18 years running a local ad agency and DJ business. According to Hill, the band has embraced this region and their roots in it, focusing on “building momentum into a steady stream of bookings, both with local venues and private gigs” and counts that as one of the band’s biggest accomplishments to date.

Much of that momentum has been built playing small towns and even smaller venues in the area, but in no small part due to the reception they receive at those venues. “They are the most receptive. The patrons are regulars. They cheer. They dance. They tip well. They truly appreciate what we do.”

Clint Alford and Ian Chandler are the acoustic wielding frontmen for the band, and much of the appeal of their live set is brought out in the dynamic they share with the rest of the members on stage, as well as the audience. The sets can range from playful acoustic covers of everything from Van Morrison, Snoop Dogg, Metallica, and everywhere in between; to soulful, original ballads penned by Alford.

Killion’s artful fiddle melodies weave in and out of the guitar rhythms, creating a musical tapestry held together by the raspy bass of Hill’s percussion. They are part Tom Petty, part Dave Mathews Band, part Zac Brown Band, with a dash of Drive-By Truckers, sprinkled with some Counting Crows and served on the rocks.

A KIP show is a confluence of acoustic talent, skillful vocals, and laid-back attitudes reminiscent of coffee house jam bands of the 90’s.

With a lack of over-processed effects, flashy light shows, and amp stacks turned up to eleven, these gentlemen rely on rock-steady talent combined with creative takes on a wide variety of covers and originals to keep the audiences engaged over the course of the show. It’s pretty obvious that when the band takes the stage, they are completely in their element; relaxed, care-free, and surfing the wave of the gig wherever the crowd takes it. Hill states, “We play to the audience. We don’t build a set list and shove it down their throats. We shoot from the hip with no rules and nothing rigid. It makes our shows much more loose and, from what we’re told, that’s part of the draw. We do lots of medleys combining several songs. Those are always a hit and we get lots of requests for them.”

While the shows may purposefully have an unstructured feel to them, it is certainly not an indictment of the band’s approach when it comes to their source material. The Kid Icarus Project has built an extensive catalog of over 300 cover songs and 50 originals which can work their way into the set list as the mood dictates, and they are constantly working to improve the audience’s experience with new surprises. “Not long ago we came up with our own twist on the Phil Collins classic ‘In the Air Tonight.’ The crowd seems to love it and we do, too!” muses Hill. “Clint recently wrote a new track called ‘Rusted Strings.’ It’s a winner. No doubt. I would not be surprised to see it get some radio play.” In addition to the ever-evolving stage show, the band is currently working on a double album in response to longstanding requests from fans. “Folks have been asking for far too long,” Hill states, “and we really have made an effort to get that done. We laid down scratch tracks in the studio a week or two ago, and we are very excited about what’s coming.”

Fans will be happy to know that regardless of what the future holds, The Kid Icarus Project has no intentions of changing the way they approach their craft and will let success come naturally in whatever form it takes. “I think that’s the beauty of it all,” Hill confirms.

“For us, making it a mission would be a mistake. It would destroy the looseness and the fun. If it were to develop into more, we would of course be happy, but putting that on paper as a goal just doesn’t fit our personalities.” When asked what they wanted the fans to take from each show, Mike gave a parting thought. “Shows can be fun. Bands can be friendly, and bands can play covers without being labeled as ‘cover bands.’ Music is everything, so let that show through.” One can’t help but notice that it does when these guys take the stage, and perhaps if the Icarus of all those years ago had taken the same approach as his namesake, he’d have ended up on a beach sipping a beer at the end of the day.

Kid Icarus Project on the World Wide Web: • www.KidIcarusProject.com • www.Facebook.com/thekidicarusproject • www.reverbnation.com/kidicarusmusic Upcoming Shows: • February 5th - Half Moon Grill and Saloon, Tyler, 8pm • February 6th - The Cork Yard, Jefferson, 2pm • February 27th - Republic Ice House, Tyler, 9pm

T-Bone Walker Blues Fest 2016 Artist Lineup Announced Headlining the 11th annual event will be three-time Grammy

winner and visionary roots-music storyteller Keb’ Mo’ whose recent album “BLUESAmericana” was awarded the Blues Music Association’s Best Contemporary Blues Album of 2015. Keb’ Mo’ backed by his three-piece band, will cap the Friday night program.

Opening for Keb’ Mo’ on Friday night will be Toronto, Ontario blues guitarist, singer, music historian Danny Marks. Marks may be known to local blues fans as the host of acclaimed documentary series “Cities in Blue” that featured stories of numerous blues musicians, including many from Texas.

A fan favorite from the 2015 festival, The Eric Gales Band, will be returning for both Friday and Saturday night performances.

Artists new to the festival this year are: Roy Gaines and his Orchestra “Tuxedo Blues,” Andrew “Junior Boy” Jones with Kerrie Lepai, Gary “Whitey Johnson” Nicholson, Edwin Holt’s Red Clay Roadhouse, Miss Marcy & Her Texas SugarDaddy’s, and Robin and the Mystics.

A number of artists that played the festival during its years in Linden, prior to 2014 when it moved to Longview, will be returning for 2016. They are: Mel Davis & the Blues Specialists, A. J. and the Two Tone Blues Band, Rafael Espinoza Band, and Big Gus and Swampadelic.

Other returning artists, from the 2014 and 2015 events, will be Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Buddy Flett, Matthew Davidson Band, the Ally Venable Band, and Jimmy Wallace and the Stratoblasters.

The T-Bone Walker Blues Fest is named for the iconic musician Aaron Thibeaux Walker, who was born in 1910 near Linden, Texas, was a transformational figure in blues and rock music development, and is a member of both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

News and info on the festival, and blues artists, can be found on the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/T-Bone-WalkerBlues-Fest-Inc. The festival website is attbonewalkerbluesfest.com.

L I VE

Every Thursday

Todd Renlee

Every Friday

Paul Ruark

Every Saturday

Bobby & Ken

All Live Music is 6:30-9p.m. — No Cover Ever!

14 • EGuideMagazine.com

MUSIC

3320 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701

www.potpourrihouse.com

(903) 592-4171 Serving Steak & Seafood

Future Fest ‘16:

bee-bow) decided to use their family’s last name like Van Halen did. Bibeau has worked hard for the past five years to develop a large following via performance videos on YouTube, ReverbNation and Facebook. Bibeau

By Gini Rainey has spent the past two years at the #1 Future Fest spot on the East ’16 music festiTexas ReverbNaval will take place tion Rock (www.

Saturday, Februreverbnation. ary 6th at “Click’s com/bibeau) and Live!,” 1946 ESE Metal Charts and Loop 323 in Tyler. are consistently in With doors openthe top ten on the ing at 7pm and overall East Texas the show starting music charts. at 8pm, this event Within the last will give attendees month, Bibeau has a glimpse into the earned new fans future of music in from across the East Texas. This United States and event is open to all other countries. ages with a cover Further evidence of $3 and will feaof a growing story ture Reign, Bibeau, is the band is curJet Black Jade, and rently ranked in Sewerville. the top 500 overall Over the years, artists in America East Texas has on ReverbNation become synonywith over 5,000 mous with great demo song plays country music and 15,000 views. talent having the The band has Texas Music Hall also managed to rackof Fame in Carthage up over 20,000 video and having stars such views on their YouTube as George Jones, Neal Channel (www.youtube.

McCoy, Miranda Lamcom/user/Bibeau36) bert Kacey Musgraves, which features selfRay Price, Lee Ann produced homemade Womack, J. B. and The video clips of the band Moonshine Band, Whisperforming original key Myers, Brandon songs and cover verRhyder, Curtis Grimes, sions of songs by Rush, Johnny Horton, Tex The Beatles, Metallica, Ritter, Jim Reeves, and Free, Iron Maiden, among more, from this area carvothers. Recently, Bibeau ing out their own marks in stayed ahead of the proan extremely competitive verbial curve by launchmusic industry. ing a new Bibeau App for Although country the Itunes and Google music has been the prePlay marketplaces. dominant choice in this Forged with a firm area for many years for grasp of the lineage, some, the musical landspirit and history of the scape is undergoing a music they adore, Bibeau cultural shift with evolvunderwent two meming choices in music as ber changes at the end of the Millennial Generation 2015. The band now is becomes bona fide tastecomprised of Drew Theirmaking consumers. East ing on vocals, guitarists Robin Texas is bearing witness to the Bibeau and Alan Benek Hernánemergence of a new rock music dez, bassist Chris Ray and scene, ready to flex its musical drummer Peyton Bibeau. muscle.

Jet Black Jade will also be The band Reign will be at Future Fest ’16. Tyler natives, headlining Future Fest ’16. This the band features Will Lively, group recently made their East Tanner Lively, Tanner TankTexas debut to a huge response ersley, Douglas Lumpkin, and after a three-year absence from Chris French. Formed for a Batthe music scene. Formerly tle of the Bands competition at known as Magdalene, the band Robert E. Lee High School, Jet rose through the ranks over Black Jade is an alternative rock the past decade to become one band that prides themselves of the premier bands in East on a high energy show. For Jet Texas. Now, with the addition of new singer Ian Chandler, and new bassist Chuck Pierce, Reign has Black Jade, age ain’t nothing but a number. For truly evolved. Their song-writing has become more more information about Jet Black Jade, visit www. facebook.com/jetblackjade. aggressive and passionate, and their lyrics convey Also performing, Sewerville, one of only five intense emotions that span the spectrum. Rounded out by original members Peter Sirianni on lead gui- bands selected to perform at the Battle of the Bands tar, Mike Dick on rhythm guitar, and Mak Saigusa hosted by the Forge Bar and Grill in Ben Wheeler on drums, Reign’s new music has increased inten- last April, was chosen based solely on the strength sity while maintaining commercial accessibility and of their original material. Sewerville’s current repertoire features a balance of covers and originals sure crossover potential. For more information about to please a wide audience. They display a musicalReign visit www.reverbnation.com/reign7. ity and artistry well beyond their years and are defiBibeau, the main support for Reign at Future Fest ’16, can best be described as “a musical bridge nitely an up and coming band to watch. For more between the classic power metal from the ‘70’s and information, please visit www.revernation.com/ sewerville. the ‘80’s combined with the edge and attitude of For further information about Future Fest ’16, today’s modern progressive music.” Bibeau hails contact Paul Bibeau at paulbibeau@hyperactiveserfrom Whitehouse and is made up of Robin and His younger brother, Peyton. Bibeau (pronounced vices.com.

A Rockin’ Music Festival

The #1 Source for ‘Things To Do’ in East Texas

Daily Drink & Lunch Specials 12 Taps with Quality Texas Brews Texas Spirits The Best Margaritas in Town Designated Smoking Areas Outside 2 Patios - Pool Table Shuffleboard - Golden Tee MegaTouch - Pizza to Go

February 5th

The Blind Persuit February 6th

Something Blue February 12th

Michael Player February 13th

The Frio River Band February 19th

The Tuxedo Cats February 20th

Chris Colston February 26th

Texas Rebellion February 27th

The Kid Icarus Project

A huge 16 foot by 9 foot HD Projection Screen 19 HD TVs - NFL Sunday Ticket 903.504.5860 3807 University Blvd.

Tyler, Texas 75701 www.republicicehouse.com EGuideMagazine.com • 15

The Old Firehouse: Inc.

Danny Jackson “Finest Pre-owned Vehicles in East Texas 700 SSE Loop 323, Tyler TX 75702 Office - 903.593.8200 903.593.3413 Toll Free 877.593.8200

A “Coffeehouse” Hosting National Folk Musicians and Indie Films

The Old Firehouse is hosting an exciting lineup of Acoustic Music Concerts and Independent Films this month.

S P E C I A L

Advertise for 110 a month in print & online! $

EGuide Magazine is distributed at over 400 locations in Tyler, Lindale, Ben Wheeler, Edom, Chandler, Chapel Hill, Lake Palestine, Flint, Bullard, Whitehouse, Rusk, and Jacksonville.

EGuideMagazine.com The Entertainment Magazine for East Texas

(903)630-3030 16 • EGuideMagazine.com

Films All films start at 7pm and the doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $8 at the door and online. Old Firehouse is cash only.

Saturday, February 6th - “Unbranded”

“Ain’t nothing we can’t do and damn little we won’t try,” was the motto during the “Unbranded” ride, an unprecMusic edented adventure reminisConcerts begin at 7:30pm and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are cent of the western frontier. $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Old Firehouse is cash only.

Ben Masters, a young Texas Friday, February 12th horseman, set out to inspire adoptions of the 50,000 Peter Mayer Peter Mayer is coming to The Old Firehouse for Valentine’s Week- wild horses and burros living in government captivend! “We have been trying to get Pete back on our stage for years... ity. He recruited three friends and he’s finally here,” said Jeff Gottesman, and hatched an outrageous Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet—songs about interplot to adopt, train, and ride connectedness and the human journey; about the beauty and the a string of mustangs 3,000 miles from the Mexican border to Canada mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his through the wildest terrain of the American West. The trip became music breaks the boundaries of “folk”, and transcends to a realm an epic journey of self-discovery, tested friendships, and iconic landbeyond the everyday love song, to a place of wonder at the very fact scapes that included runaway horses, a sassy donkey, perilous mounof life itself. tain passes, rodeo rides, sickness, injury, and death. Documented with Peter began playing the guitar and writing songs when he was spectacular cinematography, “Unbranded” is a soaring tale of danger in high school. He studied Theology and music in college, and then resilience, an emotionally charged odyssey that shines a bright spent two years in seminary. After deciding that the priesthood wasn’t and light on the complex plight of our country’s wild horses. for him, he took a part-time job as a church music director for 8 years, while performing at clubs and colleges, and writing and record- Saturday, March 26th - “Experimenter” ing his music. In 1995, he quit his job and started touring full-time.

Starring Taryn Manning, Winona Ryder, and Peter Sarsgaard, Since then, Peter has gradually gained a dedicated, word-of-mouth “Experimenter” is based on the true story of famed social psychologist following, playing shows from Minnesota to Texas, New England to Stanley Milgram, who in 1961 conducted California. He has nine CDs to his credit, and has sold over 70 thou- a series of radical behavior experiments sand of them independently. that tested ordinary humans willing“Peter Mayer is a magician...[his] universe is full of metaphor and ness to obey by using electric shock. The meaning, story and symbol — everything contains more than meets audience follows Milgram, from meeting the eye.” — Bill Reed, music editor, “Colorado Springs Gazette” his wife Sasha, through his controversial “His guitar work is breathtaking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his experiments that sparked public outcry. singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the-ground optimism nothMilgram is trying to come to terms ing short of healing.” — Marilyn Rea-Beyer, music director, WUMB with the Holocaust. His experiment Radio, Boston is about conformity, conscience, and “I’m a huge Peter Mayer fan, but only when I don’t feel like killing free will. He doesn’t expect results, but him for being so good. I love Peter’s work, though it irritates me that 65% of the subjects deliver shocks that he plays so much better than I do. If I rocked half as hard as Peter may be fatal, obeying commands from does, I’d own the world by now.” — Janis Ian, Singer/Songwriter a lab-coated authority figure. Milgram For more info go to www.petermayer.net. This concert is sponis accused of being a monster. His next sored by Jeff & Judy Gottesman. experiments are more hopeful. He reignites controversy with his book, “Obedience to Authority.” Fortified Saturday, February 20th by the love of his family, Milgram carries on, exploring human nature, Pierce Pettis and fighting false perceptions.

Pierce Pettis, adored by both critics The film’s style is as playful and provocative as a Milgram experiand public alike, is one of this generament, showing how Milgram’s conscience and creative spirit continue tion’s most masterful songwriters. His to be resonant and be inspirational. music is distinguished by his uncanny About Old Firehouse ability to capture universals in human experience by drawing on the humor Concerts and films are scheduled each month from September and trials in daily life. Pettis’ music can through May and can be found at www.theoldfirehouse.net. simultaneously pull on our hearts and The Old Firehouse is an intimate, smoke-free, and alcohol-free keep us laughing. The beautiful harmo“Coffeehouse” which has made a name for itself by bringing national nies, inventive yet subtle percussion, folk musicians and their all-original music to Edom’s unique listening strong guitar, and Pierce’s rich vocals are a constant throughout his room and stage. The Old Firehouse Cinema offers a monthly viewing body of work. experience of first run independent films to Edom as well.

During his long career Pierce Pettis has been a writer at Muscle Information can be found by contacting The Old Firehouse at Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama, recorded for “Fast Folk Musical www.theoldfirehouse.net, info@theoldfirehouse.net or by phone at Magazine” in New York, won the prestigious New Folk songwrit(903)852-ART1 (2781). Both the concert and film series are laborsing competition at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, and was a staff of-love by owners Jeff & Judy Gottesman, as they don’t expect to songwriter at “Polygram/Universal Music Publishing” in Nashville. make any kind of profit from these endeavors, however sponsorships of the films and concerts are always appreciated.

“Pierce Pettis doesn’t write mere songs, he writes literature...end

Upcoming Concerts A D

to end the songwriting is brilliant...Pierce Pettis albums are events in my listening. His writing just gets better all the time and his singing is marvelous, wry and warm...” — “Sing Out!” Other upcoming concerts at Old Firehouse include: • Saturday, March 12th - Dana Cooper • Saturday, April 30th - Cherie Call

February 12th at 7:30pm

Lecrae

Lecrae is quickly developing into one of the biggest music stories of the year and his Cinderella rise has been noted everywhere from “Rolling Stone,” “XXL Magazine,” “Vibe Magazine,” “The New York Times,” “The Atlantic,” and the cover of “The Huffington Post Magazine” to industry trades such as “Billboard Magazine,” “Variety,” and “Vulture.” He’s performed at the BET Experience, co-hosted The Dove Awards, co-headlined the highest ticketed tour in the country (Winter Jam) and received a nomination for Best Impact Track at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards. Sway Calloway, MTV News Executive Producer and host of his own nationally syndicated radio show, “The Wake Up Show,” recently proclaimed Lecrae as the “Evolution of Hip-Hop.” And yet there’s still so much more on the horizon for Lecrae. Tickets start at $25. A VIP Meet & Greet ticket is available for $50. Get your tickets at BelcherCenter.com or by calling the Box Office at (903)233-3080. LeTourneau University Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. Longview, TX 75602.

February 13th at 8pm

This will be held at the Oil Palace in Tyler. Visit www.oilpalace.com for more details.

February 20th at 8pm

Monte Montgomery

Montgomery was named the best acoustic guitarist seven consecutive years at the South by Southwest music event in Austin, Texas. Montgomery appeared on PBS’s Austin City Limits program in April 1999.

Montgomery has authored music for the criminal drama “Arc” (2006) and music for the ABC TV series “Last Man Standing,” starring Tim Allen. In 2004, Alvarez Guitars created the MMY1 Monte Montgomery Signature Guitar, a model based on Montgomery’s 1987 Alvarez-Yairi DY62C Acoustic-Electric Guitar. At the age of 12 Monte moved to Texas to live with his mom, a singer/songwriter who instilled in him a passion for music and a taste for the life he was destined to lead as he sang and performed with her in Hill Country picking parlors. It was the eventual move to Austin where you could say he earned his musical baccalaureate from that city’s highly competitive music scene (earning him seven consecutive Austin Music Awards). That led to the current fulfillment of his musical destiny - a dedicated fan base, critical acclaim, and an ever growing touring circuit in the U.S. and Europe.

It’s no wonder that when Terry Lickona introduced him on that Austin 2nd Annual Rockin’ Valentine’s Festival featuring Bret City Limits’ stage some years ago he uttered these words, “Monte Montgomery blows people away. There is no other way to describe Michaels it.” Tickets can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is Featuring special guests Warrant and Lita Ford, the 2nd Annual Rockin’ Festival will host headliner Bret Michaels. Tickets start at $35. located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

February 26th at 8pm

“Saturday Night Fever”

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time has become a spectacular new production, “Saturday Night Fever.” It is the coming of age tale of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970s Brooklyn. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, “Saturday Night Fever” is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep is Your Love,” in addition to several new songs written especially for this production. Tickets are $42-$67. 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 www.uttyler. edu/cowan.

March 4th, 8pm

Bob Schneider

Tags don’t stick well to Bob Schneider. Renaissance man comes close, but is too pompous to consider for the insatiably curious, impossibly creative force who sees art everywhere he looks and hears music in the sounds of life unwinding around him.

Throughout 2015, Bob Schneider unveiled The King Kong Suite, a three EP series, beginning with Volume 1, an elegant and soaring collection of songs about love and loss. Volume 2 and Volume 3 will be released this summer and fall, each with its own sound and style. Schneider, a gifted visual artist who exhibits worldwide, will combine music and art in this limited edition run of vinyl and CD’s.

Following two concept albums, King Kong returns to the spirit of Lonelyland, his breakout solo album.

“The thing that I like about King Kong, and what it says about me as an artist is, it sounds like me, for whatever that’s worth,” says Schneider. “My music isn’t ever really just one thing. It’s quirky.

One minute it seems like it’s a joke and the next it’s deadly serious, and that’s in the same song. I’m not an easy person to understand or figure out, but and I hope I’m right, it keeps things interesting in the long run.” Bob Schneider isn’t looking to change the world, just maybe make it a little more engaging for all of us. Driven in ways most people can’t understand, he creates in ways we can’t miss.

Opening for Bob is Tyler’s own Dustin Becker.

Tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door starting

at 7pm (if still available - Mr. Schneider usually sells out). VIP Boxes are $150 (seat 4). Tickets can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

Tuesday, March 1st at 7:30pm

Center. Known as “New York’s hot-jazz darlings,” The Hot Sardines are indeed one of the hottest acts currently touring the country. The Sardine sound – wartime Paris via New Orleans, or the other way around – is steeped in hot jazz, salty stride piano, and the kind of music Louis Armstrong, “Vocalosity” Django Reinhardt, and Fats Waller used to make “Vocalosity” is on stage at the Cowan Center.

- straight-up, foot-stomping jazz. Literally – the “Vocalosity” is the all-new live concert event band includes a tap dancer whose feet count as two from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke members of the rhythm section! They manage to Sharon (“Pitch Perfect,” “The Sing-Off”) that takes invoke the sounds of a near-century ago and stay a cappella to a whole new level. This fast-paced resolutely in step with the current age. And while production features 12 dynamic voices singing their roots run deep into jazz, that most American some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new of genres, they’re intertwined with French influarrangements too incredible to miss. This produc- ences via their frontwoman, who was born and tion will offer the opportunity for local involvement raised in Paris (and writes songs in both languages). by way of a contest where each local a cappella The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University group may submit a video to the “Vocalosity” Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. website, and Deke will choose a winner. That Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/ winner will open the second half of the show cowan. with a 3 to 4 minute piece. Ticket sales begin February 1st. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 Saturday, April 9th, 8pm University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler Junior Brown campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by With his unique voice, more unique songwriting calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler. craft, and even more unique double necked “Guitedu/cowan.

Steel”, there has absolutely never been anyone March 24th at 8pm like Junior Brown. Born l952 in Cottonwood, The Irish Tenors AZ., Junior showed musical talent at an early age “The Irish Tenors” powerful vocal line-up of Finbar playing little melodies on the family piano before Wright, Anthony Kearns, and Ronan Tynan are he could talk. Curiosity led him to an old guitar in unquestionably the leading brand of this genre. his grandparents’ attic, thus setting the stage for a These classically trained singers have been touring lifelong interest in the steel strings. After settling in together since 1998, with sold-out shows at Radio Austin, Texas, with his wife and rhythm guitaristsinger, Tanya Rae, he began his weekly tenure at City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and major concert halls the legendary Continental Club where the band throughout the world. They’ve proven themselves successfully honed their craft leading ultimately gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with to a major label signing (Curb), a Country Music songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic), and Association Award (CMA), three Grammy nods, a “Fairytale of New York.” These songs live comfort- Bluegrass Music Association Award (IBMA) with ably in their repertoire alongside “Danny Boy.” This legend, Ralph Stanley, duets on record and video concert will sell out fast so get your tickets as soon appearances with everyone from Hank Thompson as you can. Tickets are $32-$67. Cowan Center is and George Jones to The Beach Boys and Stone located at 3900 University Blvd. on The University Temple Pilots. Lately Junior has been concentrating of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the just as hard as always on his songwriting skills Box Office, or by calling (903)566-7424, or online with his more recent material, which still references dry wit, serious sentiment and instrumental at www.uttyler.edu/cowan. prowess. Some of these new songs show a previThursday, April 7th at 7:30pm ously uncharted direction into modern technical The Hot Sardines jargon. Just one listen to selections like “Hang Up The Hot Sardines will perform at the Cowan and Drive” or “Apathy Waltz” and you will have

no doubt that there is more here than just simple Retro-Billy. These songs are about today and Junior is still performing them “Junior style.” Opening for Junior Brown will be local favorites The Magills.

Tickets are $20-$30 in advance and availabe at the door. VIP Boxes are $175 and seat 4 (only 3 available). Tickets can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

May 21st, 8pm

John Fullbright

It was just two years ago that Fullbright released his debut studio album, ‘From The Ground Up’ to a swarm of critical acclaim. The LA Times called the record “preternaturally self-assured,” while NPR hailed him as one of the 10 Artists You Should Have Known in 2012, saying “it’s not every day a new artist…earns comparisons to great songwriters like Townes Van Zandt and Randy Newman, but Fullbright’s music makes sense in such lofty company.” The Wall Street Journal crowned him as giving one of the year’s 10 best live performances, and the album also earned him the ASCAP Foundation’s Harold Adamson Lyric Award. If there was any doubt that his debut announced the arrival of a songwriting force to be reckoned with, it was put to rest when ‘From The Ground Up’ was nominated for Best Americana Album at the Grammy Awards, which placed Fullbright alongside some of the genre’s most iconic figures, including Bonnie Raitt.

With his new album “Songs,” he shares some new feelings and thoughts. “I Didn’t Know” is a song he premiered live at a concert hosted by Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, a story he tells still somewhat incredulously, while “When You’re Here” is a somber piano love song, and “The One That Lives Too Far’ is a raw account of the strain that distance can put on a romantic relationship. “All That You Know,” which features just voice and Wurlitzer, implores listeners to appreciate what’s right in front of them, and the finger-picked “Keeping Hope Alive” is a song of resilience through hard times.

To be sure, ‘Songs’ has its moments of darkness, tracks born from pain and heartbreak, but for a craftsman like Fullbright, there are few greater joys than carving emotion into music. Tickets are $20 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

&

SATURDAY, Feb. 6 - FREE WHISKEY SUNDAY, Feb. 7 - JEREMIAH JACKSON BAND SATURDAY, Feb. 13 - MATT BEGLEY & BITTER WHISKEY SATURDAY, Feb. 20 - SWEET PAIN ROCKS SUNDAY, Feb. 21 - JEREMIAH JACKSON BAND SATURDAY, Feb. 27 - BONE DANCERS Comfortable Casual Atmosphere Ladies Night on Wednesdays Happy Hour Noon ‘til 5:00pm

2109 E. Fifth St. Tyler 903.535.7956 www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall

EGuideMagazine.com • 17

EGuideMagazine.com GigGuide Monday, February 1st

Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Liberty Hall – Edwin Holt, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Justin Dean, 9-1 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Purple Pig – Eric Moseley Duo, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Something Blue, 9-1 Ricks – Elegant Few, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – David Allen, 12-3 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 XLN – Free Whiskey, 9-1 Yamato – Ramoth Gilead, 8-12

Wednesday, February 3rd

Sunday, February 7th

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Black Box, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Johnny Cooper, 9-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-10 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Owen Tiner, 7-11

Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Tyler Sorrells, Andrew Plan, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Acoustics, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Jeremiah Jackson Band, 9-12

C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, February 2nd

Located inside the Recently Completely Remodeled Holiday Inn!

EVERY THURSDAY, 6-9PM

Buy One Burger, Get One Free!

EVERY TUESDAY 7-11

Valentine's Day Package Includes Overnight Accommodations, Bottle of Champagne, Box of Chocolates, Breakfast Buffet for 2 on Sunday, Feb. 14th, served in Hotel Restaurant (Summerfield's) $159 + taxes

TYLER-SOUTH BROADWAY

5701 S. Broadway Avenue ~ Tyler, Texas 75703 903-561-5800 Holiday Inn Tyler - South Broadway...A New Star on Broadway!

18 • EGuideMagazine.com

Thursday, February 4th Circle M Crawfish – Levi Kitchens, 6-9 Click’s Live – Saliva, 8-12 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Kayla Ray, 7-10 The Foundry – Thomas Csorba, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – DJ Rufus, 8-12 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Blue Louie, 6-9

Friday, February 5th The Back Porch, Kilgore – King Richard & The Bayou Boys, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Click’s Live – Future Fest, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Patrick James, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Gus Samuelson, 7-10 Half Moon Grill – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-12 Liberty Hall – Cowboy Bill Martin, 7-10 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Jason James, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – The Blind Pursuit, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Shinyribs, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Monday, February 8th C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, February 9th Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, February 10th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Keith Rea, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Hurt, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 Eagles Bluff – Patrick James, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-10 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Steve Carpenter, 8-11

Thursday, February 11th Circle M Crawfish – Levi Kitchens, 6-9 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Vanessa Bussey, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – DJ LL, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Blue Louie, 6-9

Saturday, February 6th

Friday, February 12th

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Romeo Bush, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Dale Riley, 7-11 Clicks Live – Bibeau, Jet Black Jade, Reign, Sewerville, 9-1 Club 155 – Black Ice, 9-1 Dakotas Chop House – George Faber, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Junior Clark, 7-10 Half Moon Grill – Justin Bravo & The Kind, 9-1 Juls – DJ, 7-11 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 9-1

The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Click’s Live – Autumn Stay, 8-12 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – DJ Krash Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Sarah Hobbs, 7-10 Half Moon Grill – Something Blue, 8-12 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-12 Liberty Hall – Opera Amore, 7-10 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10

Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – East Texas Jazz Orchestra, 9-12 The Old Firehouse ,Edom – Peter Mayer, 7-10 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Michael Player, 8-12 Rick’s – Trajikly White, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – The Room Sounds, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus –Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Saturday, February 13th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Lady Chazz & The Tramps, 9-1 Click’s Live – Sleep Juliet, 9-12 Circle M Crawfish – Blue Louie, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Senor Gringo, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Erica Sunshine Lee, 7-10 Halfmoon Grill – Shane Watson Band, 8-12 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Wesley Pruitt, 9-12 Nine Muses – Blacktop Mojo, 9-1 Oil Palace – Bret Michaels, Lita Ford, Warrant, 8-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Frio River Band, 8-12 Rick’s – Good Question, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Casey Martin, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Keith Rea, 12-3 XLN – Matt Begley & Bitter Whiskey, 9-1 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1

Sunday, February 14th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – David Wilson, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Acoustics, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm

Monday, February 15th C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, February 16th Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11

Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, February 17th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Daniel Smalley, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-10 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Jopi Drew, 8-11

Thursday, February 18th Circle M Crawfish – Levi Kitchens, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – BlackTop Gypsy, 7-10 The Foundry – Jaden Farnsworth, 6-9 Half Moon Grill – DJ LL, 8-12 Juls – Open Mic, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Potpourri House – Todd Rinlee, 6-9 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Blue Louie, 6-9

Friday, February 19th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darrin Morris Band, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Click’s Live – The Blind Pursuit, 8-12 Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Mike Ryan, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – The Magills, 7-10 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Beyond The Pale , 7-10 The Foundry – Live Music, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Michael Player, 8-12 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – South Austin Moonlighters, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Chris Colston, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-12 Rick’s – Party Machine, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Folk Family Revival, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Saturday, February 20th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ally Venable Band, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – One More Silver Dollar, 7-11 East Texas Auto Show – The Magills, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Soloman Skiles Band, 7-10 Halfmoon Grill – Guadalupe Pirates, 9-1 Lago Del Pino – Texas Rebellion, 9-1 Liberty Hall – Monte Montgomery, 8-11

Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Brett Hendrix Band, 9-12 The Old Firehouse ,Edom – Pierce Pettis, 7-10 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Chris Colston, 9-1 Rick’s – Deja Groove, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Casey Martin, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12 XLN – Sweet Pain Rocks, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 9-1

Sunday, February 21st Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Acoustics, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Jeremiah Jackson Band, 9-12

Monday, February 22nd C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

Tuesday, February 23rd Coach’s & Cowboy’s – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 6-9 The Foundry – Open Mic, 6-9 MoJoes Coffee Café, Henderson – Open Mic, 7-10 The Shed, Edom – Pickin & Grinin, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Open Mic, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, February 24th Circle M Crawfish – Open Mic, 6-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Cork – Dustin Becker, 6-9 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Open Mic, 6-10 Leon’s, Longview – Blues Jam with Johnny & The Night Crawlers, 8-11 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Doug Kent, 7-11

Thursday, February 25th Circle M Crawfish – Levi Kitchens, 6-9 Eddy’s, Athens – Karaoke, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Straw Hat Society, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Acoustic, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – DJ LL, 8-12 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Karaoke, 8-11 Purple Pig – Open Mic, 6-9 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Summerfields Bar & Grille – Blue Louie, 6-9

Friday, February 26th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Doctor Doctor, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 7-11 Dick’s Cajun Grill, Mt. Selman – Karaoke, 8-12

The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ransom Rhodes, 7-10 The Foundry – Live Music, 6-9 Halfmoon Grill – Chris Wayne Band, 9-1 Holly Tree Country Club – Patrick James, 6-9 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Live Music, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Paradise Harbor, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Potpourri House – Paul Ruark, 6-9 Purple Pig – Live Music, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Texas Rebellion, 8-12 Rick’s – Time Machine, 8-12 Shoguns – DJ, 8-12 Stanley’s BBQ – Aaron Stephens, 8-12 Stone Country, Lindale – Karaoke, 8-12 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Saturday, February 27th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Captain Joe Band, 9-1 Circle M Crawfish – Dale Riley, 7-11 Click’s Live – Death Row Bodeen,The Veer Union, Bobaflex, Bridge To Grace, 9-1 Dakotas Chop House – The Tuxedo Cats, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Craig Wallace, 3-5, Devin Leigh, 7-10 Juls – DJ, 7-10 Liberty Hall – East Texas Symphony Orchestra, 8-11 Mario’s – Live Jazz 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler – The Loaners, 9-12 Potpourri House – Bobby & Ken, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Kid Icarus, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stone Country, Lindale – Anthony Riley Band, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Vintage Edom – Eric Moseley Duo, 12-3 Where’s Rufus - DJ, 9-1 XLN – Bone Dancers, 9-1 Yamato – Ramoth Gilead, 8-12

Sunday, February 28th Circle M Crawfish – Karaoke, 6-10 Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 Cork – Ramoth Gilead, 12-3 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Tommy & The Acoustics, 7-10 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm XLN – The Blacksmiths, 9-12

Monday, February 29th C10, Jacksonville – Open Mic, 6-9 Circle M Crawfish – Darrin Morris, 7-10

EGuideMagazine.com To be included here, send your gigs to:

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com

Instagram: AAVintedge

V I N T E D G E

5304 Old Bullard Rd. Tyler 903-617-8933 www.AAVintedge.com Facebook.com/aavintedge EGuideMagazine.com • 19

Art

Inside the Artist’s Studio:

Lorianne Hubbard Something Greater

By Derrick White The renowned, contemporary artist Chuck Close (American, photorealist painter creating large-scale and gridded-portraits) states, “The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. If you wait around for the clouds to part and a bolt of lightning to strike you in the brain, you are not going to make an awful lot of work. All the best ideas come out of the process; they come out of the work itself. Things occur to you.” Mr. Close emphasizes success in the art world comes from hard work, good networking, and just being in the right place at the right time. Talent is cheap. I personally instruct under a philosophy summarized by the following quote, “You tell them to find their voice and stay with it. You tell the ones that have it to keep at it. You tell the ones that don’t have it to keep at it too; because that’s the only way they’re going to get to where they’re going. Of course, it does help if you know where you want to go,” this is from the film “Wonder Boys” (2000) based on the 1995 Michael Chabon novel. I’ve seen non artists and bad artists transform into good artists through dedication and lots of hard work. I’ve also seen something rare and in no way cheap. I’ve seen artists with unmistakable, amazing, and gifted talent and through dedication and hard work they become…something greater.

Lorianne Hubbard is an extraordinarily, naturally talented artist. She also invests an extraordinary amount of time and effort into cultivating her abilities. Lorianne’s primary and most studied medium is charcoal and graphite on paper. Her drawings primarily focus on the representation of the human form, which she states, “I transform into symbols and vehicles to express my views and emotions. I am experimenting with mixed media as well. I have been marrying my drawings with embossments, found materials, fabrics, etc., to broaden the conceptual possibilities.” Ms. Hubbard is also a musician, playing mandolin, as well as a singer and songwriter. She has been playing live music with her family band (her parents and two sisters) for over 15 years. The Hubbard Family plays their blend of country, bluegrass, and gospel music all over the country and has even performed in the Philippines. I’ve seen them play, and they are wonderful. Lorianne says, “Our songs are personal testimonies of the joy we have found through faith in Christ and are driven by a love of family and the magic that is live music.”

Lorianne Hubbard has always been surrounded by art and music. Her parents were working musicians in California and her grandparents were singers and musicians. Her grandfather painted and her grandmother loved to draw. “Naturally I gravitated towards visual art and music. My parents always encouraged artistic expression and I lived and breathed it every day whether I was drawing, writing, or play-acting with my sisters. I never had any pressure on me to pick a more functional or practical career so it was not 20 • EGuideMagazine.com

even a question for me that I wanted to live and work as an artist and a musician,” asserts Hubbard.

Like all children, Lorianne created art as a youngster. She just never quit and she was never discouraged from doing so. Like John Lennon said, “every child is an artist until he’s told he’s not an artist.” Lorianne affirms, “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with drawing. I drew cartoon characters, dogs, and people all the time. I became especially fixated with drawing the human face, and it was something I worked on all the time. In high school I felt like visual art was something I loved and was good at, so I decided that I wanted to go to college for it. Even though I chose to study art in college instead of music, I still play and sing full-time in my family band, as well as write songs.”

While attending Tyler Junior College Lorianne was taught and encouraged by one of its most proficient art professors, Philana Oliphant Pace, and Lorianne’s ‘greater’ began to grow. “Professor Philana Oliphant Pace, has had the strongest impact on me and I adore her work. Her highly expressive, sensitive, and emotional drawings and sculptures really enlightened me as an artist and draftsman and literally redefined how I thought about drawing. She and her husband James Pace (University of Texas at Tyler art professor) consistently floor me with their bodies of work. I consider them my favorite artists and my mentors,” states the artist.

Lorianne loves the privilege of being able to make something with her own hands and from her own mind. “Taking a piece of paper, flat and bare, and using my hands and charcoal to create a form excites me. Drawing exhilarates and challenges me. My process is loose and I do not spend a lot of time in preparation, so I am always on the edge and responsive as I draw,” she says. “I do not like the thought of being formulaic. I want spontaneity and magic in my work. I have to work really hard to direct myself and maintain self-motivation or I flounder.

So my self-discipline, or lack thereof, is a source of frustration for me.

I am constantly working on this because I need it desperately to survive as a working artist and a musician,” she adds.

Lorianne Hubbard is inspired and influenced by such artists as Amerighi Caravaggio (Italian Renaissance realistic painter with a dramatic use of light). She responds to his ability to communicate raw spirituality through ‘chiaroscuro’ (shading) and this affects how Lorianne uses light in her own drawings. Other influences include Kent Bellows (deceased (2005), contemporary, American, figurative, meticulous-realist painter), Chuck Close (contemporary, American, photorealist painter) and Robert Longo (contemporary, American, painter of figures in contorted, emotional poses).

Lorianne is currently working on her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Texas at Tyler and will be graduating in 2017. She completed her Associates in Art degree at Tyler Junior College, graduating (summa cum laude) in 2014.

To find out more about Lorianne Hubbard’s art or the Hubbard family band check out: • www.facebook.com/Loriannehubbardart • www.facebook.com/thehubbardfamily • www.loriannehubbardart.com • www.hubbardfamilymusic.com Be Greater!

Events

Rose City Artisans & Flower Market - Time to Sign up! The upcoming Rose City Artisans & Flower Market at the Goodman is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, March 25th-26th. “We understand this will be Easter Weekend so we would like to put a fun spin on the event by having two Mini Egg Hunts and the Easter Bunny on Friday at 11am and 1pm on the north side of the house,” said Schreiber. “We are expecting this year’s market to be a ton of fun!” There will be live entertainment, and admission is free to the public. Any vendors and artists that would be a good fit for this wonderful event are welcome.

For more info, contact ms.nora.schreiber@gmail.com.

Gallery Main Street features a new exhibit of original art approximately every eight weeks. Each exhibit opens with a Saturday evening reception that features music, an opportunity to meet the artists, refreshments, and more. The Opening Receptions are free and open to the public. Upcoming exhibits at Gallery Main Street are: • “Shattered Images” is currently on exhibit through March 8th • “Natural Abstractions” - Entries due Friday, February 19th; Opening Reception March 12th • “Landmarks” - Entries due Friday, April 8th; Reception April 30th • “6x6@110” - Open participation fundraiser opening June 6th • “Urban Underground” - Entries due Friday, June 17th; Opening Reception July 9th • “Movie Posters” - Entries due Friday, August 19th; Opening Reception September 10th • “Glassy and Glossy” - Entries due Friday, October 21st; Opening Reception November 5th Entry prospectus are available at the Gallery Main Street website.

All Gallery Main Street exhibits are juried, which means pieces are submitted for review by a jury panel of professional artists. Topscoring pieces are selected for exhibit, and the piece with the highest score receives a Best in Show award. Gallery Main Street is located at 110 W. Erwin St., downtown Tyler. Gallery hours are MondayWednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 12 noon-4pm, closed Sunday. For more info call (903)593-6905 or go to DowntownTylerArts.com.

GET FREE PUBLICITY! Submit your productions and events to our Day-By-Day Calendar at:

EGuide Magazine.com

At the Tyler Museum of Art This Month:

Chihuly Returns for TMA’s 45th Anniversary with Works from Texas Collections The Tyler Museum of Art plans to usher

in its 45th anniversary of serving the East Texas community by offering a new take on one of the most celebrated artists ever to exhibit at the venue. “Chihuly: Works from Texas Collections,” an exhibition spotlighting the broad scope of glass master Dale Chihuly’s artistic vision and impact over a 40-year career, opens to the public Sunday, February 7th. The show continues through May 15th at the TMA, 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Junior College main campus.

TMA members and special guests are invited for a first look at the exhibition during the Preview Reception from 5:30-7pm Saturday, February 6th at the Museum. To RSVP or for information on becoming a TMA member, call (903)595-1001 or visit www. tylermuseum.org.

Rather than focusing on a single series – as when the TMA presented the popular “Chihuly Baskets” in 2001-2002 – “Works from Texas Collections” runs the spectrum from the early 1980s to the present decade, highlighting the wide range of Chihuly works held in public institutions throughout the state (including two pieces owned by the TMA) as well as local private collections.

“The previous Chihuly exhibition we hosted proved to be one of the most popular in the Museum’s history, and we expect this one to have an even broader appeal because of the strong connection to collectors of his work – many of them right here in Tyler,” Executive Director Chris Leahy said. “That strong community connection is especially significant as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of our opening in 1971, as this Museum was built as and remains a service to our community.”

“Chihuly: Works from Texas Collections” draws from multiple private collections throughout Texas, in addition to public venues including Art Museum of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi, Dallas Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Contemporary Austin, and the UT Tyler Cowan Center.

To complement the glass works spanning several of the major series by the internationally acclaimed artist, the exhibition also features several paintings and prints personally rendered by Chihuly, who no longer blows his own glass forms but supervises the process of realizing his designs. (Chihuly lost sight in one eye following an automobile accident in 1976.)

General exhibition admission is $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. TMA members, students, children 12 and under, TJC faculty and staff, and City of Tyler employees are admitted free.

Romare Bearden, American, 1914-1988, “Mecklenberg Autumn,” 1979, lithograph. Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Collection Fund Purchase. 2007.23. Copyright: VAGA. info@vagarights.com

Special Events “Embracing Diverse Voices” will be the focus of the TMA’s 2016 Black History Month Celebration on Sunday, February 21st, featuring a Spring Lecture Series program, “An American Treasure: Celebrating African-American History and Culture” presented by Texas artist Ted T. Ellis. The program begins at 2pm at the TMA, 1 and May 6, and Family Days from 2-4pm Satur- and is open to the public at no charge. A small day, February 13th, March 12th, April 9th and May reception will follow.

14th. Admission to all special events is free, but resAlso on exhibit: ervations are encouraged.

Through Sunday, May 22nd

On Exhibit

“Embracing Diverse Voices”

Celebrating 45 years of serving the greater East Texas community, the Tyler Museum of Art casts the spotlight on our nation’s diversity for its first major exhibition of 2016: “Embracing Diverse Voices: 90 Years of African-American Art.” The show continues through March 20th. Admission is free.

Organized by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, “Embracing Diverse Voices” explores the broad range of experience and artistic expression among American artists of African descent. Spanning almost a century, these works demonstrate a wide range of stylistic approaches and viewpoints – some offering a glimpse of an artist’s personal vision, with others speaking out as bold political and social calls to action.

Encompassing painting, photography, sculpture and prints, the exhibition features close to 60 works by 25 of the most prominent African-American artists of the last century, including Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest C. Withers and Kara Walker, plus Jacob Lawrence’s complete 22-piece Legend of John Brown series. A common thread among the works – from James Van Der Zee’s portraits of Harlem men and women, to Catlett’s acclaimed Madonna and Ron Adam’s homage to master printmaker Robert Blackburn – is the comSPECIAL EVENTS plex, but fundamental, expression of identity.

Special events in connection with “Chihuly: Sponsors for the exhibition are Eleanor CamWorks from Texas Collections” include First Friday eron, East Texas Chapter of The Links, Inc., and Tours of the exhibition at 11 a.m. March 4, April The A.W. Riter, Jr. Family Foundation.

The Granite Sculpture of Candyce Garrett and “Rock Walk”

Elizabeth Catlett, Mexican (b. United States) 1919-2012, “Madonna,” 1982, lithograph. Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Permanent Collection Fund Purchase. 2008.3. Copyright: VAGA. info@vagarights.com

for a delightful way to wrap up your week. Meet at 11am in the Museum lobby for an introduction to the current special exhibition. Then spend up to an hour touring the exhibition with a staff member, or specially trained docent, who will guide you through the gallery. Bring your friends or fellow club members for a memorable group event. This is ideal for senior groups.

First Friday Tours are free, however, advanced registration is required and exhibition admission fees apply. To register, please call (903)595-1001.

First Friday Art Tours will be at 11am February 5th and March 4th, featuring “Embracing Diverse Voices.”

Family Days

The pieces are in place, and the monumental Drop by the TMA on the second Saturday of works of acclaimed granevery month, and enjoy a ite sculptor Candyce Garrett fun-filled event, perfect for are on view for the public the entire family. with the outdoor installation, Family Days are held in “Rock Walk,” featuring 13 the classroom, and children of Garrett’s large-scale stone are invited to stop in from sculptures placed at strate2-4pm and participate in gic locations on the grounds free art activities. Kids will of the TMA. Based in Taos, also like the tasty refreshNew Mexico, Garrett spent ments provided during the years working in various event. Family Day activisculpture media including ties enhance the current clay, wood, limestone, and TMA exhibitions by reflectmarble, before moving to ing similar themes, artisthe challenges of granite as tic styles, techniques, and an apprentice to legendary other artistic aspects. sculptor Jesus Moroles.

Family Days are from Often abstract in design 2-4pm Saturday, Februbut conveying simple, relatary 20th and March 12th able themes, her granite and will feature the current work draws much of its inspiration from the rustic, exhibit, “Embracing Diverse Voices.” expansive landscapes of the Southwest desert.

A digital map spotlighting the locations of About the Museum sculptures featured in “Rock Walk” is available at The Tyler Museum of Art (TMA) is located at www.tylermuseum.org. Printed maps also are avail- 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Junior College able in the lobby for the sculpture sites on campus. main campus. Regular TMA hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday; the Museum Ongoing: is closed Mondays and most major holidays.

For more information, call (903)595-1001 or First Friday Art Tours Join the TMA on the first Friday of every month visit www.tylermuseum.org.

EGuideMagazine.com • 21

Theatre Productions

Friday, February 5th-Sunday, February 7th and Thursday, February 11th-Sunday, February 14th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “A Raisin in The Sun” will be on stage at Tyler Civic Theatre.

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a play by Lorraine Hansberry that debuted on Broadway in 1959. The title comes from the poem “Harlem” (also known as “A Dream Deferred”)

by Langston Hughes.

The story is based on a black family’s experiences in the Washington Park Subdivision of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood.

Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center.

For more info call (903)592-0561 or log on to www.tylercivictheatre.com. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Friday-Sunday, February 5th, 6th, 7th The Lindale Community Theater presents the comedy “Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got the Will?)”, written

by Del Shores, is set in the small Texas town of Lowake, 1986, and concerns the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke.

In essence, however, it is not the story of the impending demise of the father or the drafting of his will, but the rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. Without becoming ponderous, losing a sense of humor or pandering to timeworn clichés about Texans or Texas drawls, the play shares many elements of a good summer novel: it’s a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, and characters you care about.

The Lindale Community Theater is located at 109 West Hubbard St. (next to Lindale Candy Co.) in downtown Lindale. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings are at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees are at 2pm. Doors open 45 minutes prior to show time. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 students and $8 children (12 & under). There is a small, additional service charge on all debit/credit card purchases. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.lindalecommunitytheater.org , email tim@lindalecommunitytheater.org or call (903) 638-0402 Saturday & Sunday, February 20th & 21st and Friday thru Sunday, February 26th-28th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sunday 2pm) - “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” will be on stage at the Cherokee Civic Theatre. The final installment in

22 • EGuideMagazine.com

the Sanders Family saga has Dennis returning home from World War II, in 1946 to find Denise raising raucous twins, June expecting her first baby, Uncle Stanley visiting from Hollywood, and Vera and Burl trying to keep everyone on key. Gospel and blue grass music, homespun humor, and heartwarming family moments make for a touching final chapter in the popular trilogy.

Cherokee Civic Theatre is located at 157 W. 5th Street, Rusk. For more info call (903)683-2131 or log on at www.cherokeetheatre.net. Tickets start at $10.

Wednesday, February 24th- Sunday, February 27th (Evenings at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2pm) - “The Drowsy Chaperone” will be on stage at the Jean Browne Theatre. This musical features a man who literally leads the audience into the world of musical comedy. Host, narrator, and guide, the main man in the cast of characters goes by the name of Man in Chair. The title show-within-the-show is a neverwas musical about a playboy, his actress fiancée and her jaded chaperone.

In a plot that might have been ripped from any number of Gershwin or Kern works from the period, the population of “The Drowsy Chaperone” includes a producer, gangsters, a Latin lover, a dowager, a butler named Underling, and an aviatrix named Trix. The Jean Browne Theatre is located on the Tyler Junior College campus, 1400 E. 5th St., Tyler. The Theatre box office opens one week prior to performances. Box office hours are 10am-6pm weekdays throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)510-2212 or log on to www. tjc.edu.

Friday, February 26th (7:30pm) - “Saturday Night Fever” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. This is one of the most beloved dance stories of all time presented in this spectacular new production.

“Saturday Night Fever” is the coming of age tale of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970’s Brooklyn. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta,“Saturday Night Fever” is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep is Your Love,” in addition to several new songs written especially for this production. There is adult subject matter.

The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/ cowan.

Friday-Sunday, February 26th-28th and FridaySunday, March 4th-6th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “Little Women” will be on stage at Henderson Civic Theatre. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, this play focuses on the four March sisters — brassy, tomboy-like, aspiring writer Jo, romantic Meg, pretentious Amy, and kind-hearted Beth — and their beloved Marmee, at home in Concord,

Massachusetts while the family patriarch is away serving as a Union Army chaplain during the Civil War. Intercut with the vignettes in which their lives unfold are several recreations of the melodramatic short stories Jo writes in her attic studio. For more info call (903)657-2968 or log on at hendersoncivictheatre.org. Tickets start at $10.

Saturday, February 27th (7:30pm) - “Seventeen Samurai” will be on stage at the Belcher Performance Center. Direct from TAO’s successful, sold-out world premiere run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this brand new production will tour North America in the Spring of 2016. The new show will bring you athletic bodies and contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. “TAO: Seventeen Samurai” has critics raving about TAO’s extraordinary precision, energy, and stamina. With hundreds of sold-out shows and more than six million spectators, TAO has proven that modern entertainment based on the timeless, traditional art of Japanese drumming, entertains international audiences again and again. 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.

Tuesday, March 1st (7:30pm) “Vocalosity” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. “Vocalosity” is the all-new live concert event from the creative mind of artistic producer Deke Sharon (“Pitch Perfect,” “The Sing-Off”) that takes a cappella to a whole new level. This fast-paced production features 12 dynamic voices singing some of today’s chart-topping hits in brand-new arrangements too incredible to miss. This production will offer the opportunity for local involvement by way of a contest where each local a cappella group may submit a video to the “Vocalosity” website and Deke will choose a winner. That winner will open the second half of the show with a 3 to 4 minute piece. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler. edu/cowan.

Friday, March 4th-Sunday, March 6th and Thursday, March 10th-Sunday, March 13th (Evenings 7:30pm - Sundays 2:30pm) - “Charlotte’s Web” will be on stage at Tyler Civic Theatre.

The costumes and unit set may be quite simple—it’s the story and relationships that make the show—or they may be as colorful and elaborate as you wish.

All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher, Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other, Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed, the Zuckerman family, the Arables, and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.”

Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Drive in Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center.

For more info call (903)592-0561 or log on to

www.tylercivictheatre.com. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students.

Thursday, March 10th (7:30pm) “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be on stage at the Cowan Center. One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.

Directed and choreographed

by Tony® Awardwinner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.

The magical musical is full of unforgettable songs, including “Go Go Go Joseph,” “Any Dream Will Do,” and “Close Every Door.” The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler.edu/cowan.

Saturday, March 19th (7:30pm) - “Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits” will be on stage at the Belcher Performance Center. Universally regarded as one of Rock and Roll’s finest and most versatile entertainers, Peter Noone is second to none! Star of stage, screen, and record, Noone’s performances are the stuff of legend, deftly delivering a broad palette of music, all gems that through his voice, defined a generation. “Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone” is a must-see concert experience. Rock’s premiere raconteur packs plenty of puns but pulls no punches with his music. Peter Noone is the real deal. 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.

Thursday, March 24th (7:30pm) The Irish Tenors will be at the Cowan Center. The Irish Tenors powerful vocal line-up of Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan are unquestionably the leading brand of this genre. These classically trained singers have been touring together since 1998, with sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and major concert halls throughout the world.

The Irish Tenors produce a concert experience that touches hearts and stirs emotions. Moreover, they’ve proven themselves gifted interpreters of a wide range of material, with songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” (“Titanic”) and “Fairytale of New York.” These songs live comfortably in their repertoire alongside “Danny Boy.” This powerful vocal trio in full flight soars with a performance that never fails to excite! Tickets sales begin February 22nd, 2016. The Cowan Center is located at 3900 University Blvd. on the University of Texas at Tyler campus. Tickets are available at the box office, by calling (903)566-7424, or log on at www.uttyler. edu/cowan.

Check out our Movie Reviews at

EGuideMagazine.com

Family

Studio Movie Grill:

Date Night, Girls Night and Special Screenings

Texas East Gymnastics: A Family of Fun

By Kelly Griffith-Fields For forty-six years, Texas East Gymnastics has been teaching the fundamentals and honing skills of gymnasts of all ages, from preschool to competitor levels.

In their 22,500 square-foot, air conditioned facility banners adorn the wall claiming past victories. Bright colors engage young athletes, and top notch training equipment is utilized morning to night.

The family owned and operated business makes its mission to ensure all participants gain enhanced self-worth, self-confidence, and an “I can” attitude.

Preschool Gymnastics takes place in its own special room, the Jungle Gym. Boys and girls, ages two to four spend an hour each class covering all gymnastic events.

“Our goal is to allow each child to feel comfortable with movement and acquire fundamental skills which can be refined in later years,” part-owner, Marlynne Finch said.

Young gymnasts begin with a motor skills musical warm up and move on to floor, beam, bars, and vault activities. The equipment in Jungle Gym is made smaller to be suitable for the youngest of athletes.

“Studies show that early intellectual growth is directly related to physical development,” Finch said. “Therefore gymnastics not only develops the body, it also develops the mind.”

At the end of the year students may participate in the Preschool Gymnastics’ Junior Olympics Show and Awards Presentation. Preschoolers are able to show off the skills they’ve gained in class to an audience of family and friends.

Recreational Gymnastics classes are available for boys and girls ages five and up. The girls learn through a progressive gymnastics programs from beginner to advanced levels. “Our level system is based on skill mastery, and therefore ensures upward progress,” Finch said.

Gymnasts train on all four Olympic events: vault, bars, beam and floor. The trampoline is another tool at the facility that helps students recognize the fun of being active.

The boys program emphasizes strength, flexibility and balance. Six men’s Olympic events are featured: vault, parallel bars, pommel horse, still rings, floor exercises, and high bar. The trampoline and other related activities are often incorporated into new challenges.

“Gymnastics helps to build confidence and self-discipline by exposing it’s participants to challenges that can be handled successfully,” Finch said.

Texas East Gymnastics also takes pride in their competitive teams.

With levels ranging from beginner to elite, gymnasts compete in the USA Gymnastics Federation which is the governing body of International Gymnastics Competition.

Levels of competition include District, North State, State, Regional, Westerns, and Elite that compete to Nationals. Texas East Gymnastics have gymnasts competing at each of these levels.

“We have one of the most successful teams in Texas with many State and Regional champions, National qualifiers and a Pre-Elite National Team member, and an Elite gymnast who competed in the Championships of the USA,” Finch said. “Our gymnast, Danica Abanto just finished competing in the Philippine National Championships.”

Along with those accomplishments many gymnasts practicing at Texas East have also been awarded with full college scholarships. Athletes have received full rides to the Universities of Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Auburn, just to name a few.

For young girls who want to pursue competitive gymnastics Texas East offers Developmental Teams. The classes increase practice time which speeds the rate skills are acquired and enhance the gymnast’s maturity preparing them for competition.

Cheer Tumbling Classes are provided for girls and boys ages eight and over. Classes are optimal for students soon trying out for a cheerleading team. The spring floor, trampolines, tumble track, pit and mirrors help improve the cheer instruction and prepare the tumblers.

“The majority of area cheer tumbling squads currently picked our students as their team members,” Finch said.

Texas East also offers private lessons. Whether it is to develop a certain skill or prepare for gymnastics competition or cheer tryouts, private lessons are available with the instructor of your choice.

In addition to their regular programs and classes Texas East hosts special nights during each month.

Friday Fun Nights are held once a month. The facility is open to children ages five to eight-teen and they do not have to be enrolled in the gym to participate. The fun takes place from 7-10pm. Tickets for the event are $10 prior to the day and $15 the day of fun night.

The children are divided into groups by age and ability. Each group will rotate through the facility that will consist of about ten different stations. At each station they will receive instruction by trained and experienced coaches to complete the challenge, and tests their

Studio Movie Grill (SMG) in Tyler is presenting several special screenings.

Special Screenings Special Screenings each month are at 7:30pm: • February 2nd - Groundhog Day” • February 18th - “Glory”

“Date Night” The “Date Night” series is held the first Wednesday of the month.

Tickets are $3. Enjoy SMG’s 2 for $25 combo menu and pair it with a bottle of Betty’s Blend. These movies start at 7:30pm.

The scheduled movies are: • February 3rd - “Crazy Stupid Love” • March 2nd - “Romancing the Stone” • April 6th - “Love & Basketball” • May 4th - “Scent of a Woman”

“Toons” “Toons” series is popular children’s television and direct to DVD titles on the big screen before you can buy them in stores. This onehour movie experience is perfect for your little ones. Tickets are $3.

All shows start at 11am on weekends.

• February - “Blaze and the Mighty Machines” • March - “Strawberry Shortcake” • April - “Shimmer and Shine”

“Girls Night Out” “Girls Night Out” is held the second Wednesday monthly. Tickets are $3 for all shows. These start at 7:30pm.

The scheduled movies are: • February 10th - “Ghost” • March 9th - “Sixteen Candles” • April 13th - “The Notebook” • May 11th - “Pretty Woman” skills and abilities.

Space is limited so it’s encouraged that participants purchase their tickets in advance.

“Ninja night is the new program offered at TEG,” Finch said.

It will be scheduled on certain Saturdays from 6-8pm at the cost of $20 per ticket. Again children do not need to be enrolled to participate.

“At Ninja Night children will learn how to maneuver obstacles, overcome challenges and move to accomplish a task,” Finch said.

Texas East Gymnastics also offers their facility to host birthday parties.

The party package includes a t-shirt for the birthday child. Parties begin with one hour of instructional activities. A certified gymnastics instructor will coach kids through such things as an obstacle course, rope climb, trampoline jumping, and group games.

Thirty minutes of the party is allotted for refreshments and gifts in the party room too.

Texas East Gymnastics is located at 1914 Deerbrook Dr. in Tyler.

For class schedules, tuition rates and more information call (903)5093547 or visit texaseastgymnastics.com.

Tickets on Sale:

Annual Valentine’s Dances Enjoy an unforgettable evening as the Tyler Parks and Recreation

Department hosts the seventh annual Mother/Son Dance and the tenth annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. Both dances will take place at the Glass Recreation Center located at 501 W. 32nd St. On Friday, February 5th, the Mother/Son dance will be held from 7 to 8:30pm for boys ages four to 12 years old.

On Saturday, February 6th, the Daddy/Daughter dances will be from 6 to 7:30pm for girls ages four to eight years old and from 8 to 9:30pm for girls ages nine to 12 years old.

Each fun-filled evening will feature DJ music, refreshments and, of course, dancing. To help commemorate this special event, professional photography packages will be available for purchase. The attire for the dance is semi-formal.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Glass Recreation Center for $9 per attendee or $10 per attendee at the door on the day of the dance, if not sold out.

For more info go to www.TylerParksandRec.com or call the Glass Recreation Center at (903)595-7271.

Mary Poppins Sing Along March 26th at 10am Come sing along with this classic movie! Mary Poppins is a Supernanny who flies in with her umbrella in response to a request from the Banks children and proceeds to put things right with the aid of her rather extraordinary magical umbrella.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at www.LibertyTyler.com. Liberty Hall is located in downtown Tyler at 103 E. Erwin.

“Retro Family Rewind Series” “Retro Family Rewind Series” will be shown the third Wednesday and Sunday of the month. Enjoy this time to remember the past with these classic favorites. You’re never too old to feel like a kid again.

Wednesday screenings are at 7pm and Sundays are at 2pm.

The scheduled movies are: • February 17th and 21st - “Princess Bride” • March 16th and 20th - “Free Willy” • April 20th and 24th - “The Sandlot” • May 18th and 22nd - “Raiders of the Lost Ark”

“Special Needs Screenings” “Special Needs Screenings” will be shown with the lights up and the sound lowered. Family friendly movies are free for children with special needs and their siblings with adult tickets available for the before-noon prices. These start at 11am.

Special Needs screenings run with the lights up and the sound down so the children are free to laugh, play, sing and even dance while they watch. Seating will be first come, first served.

Look for the Chefs for Children logo throughout the menu, and 5% of the proceeds from these items will be donated to our designated nonprofits serving families of children with special needs.

The scheduled movies are: • February 6th - “Kung Fu Panda 3” • March 12th - “Zootopia” • April 23rd - “The Jungle Book” • May 7th - “Ratchet and Clank” • May 28th - “The Angry Birds Movie” SMG is located at 8954 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler. Tickets are available at the door and at www.studiomoviegrill.com.

Times Square Cinema Continues $1 Kid’s Movies Times Square Cinema in Tyler is continuing their $1 kids movies this fall.

The movie special will run Friday-Thursday, excluding Sunday, for one week out of every month.

All movies start at 9:30am with doors opening at 9am.

Everyone can buy a ticket for only $1 and ‘kid’s combos’ (popcorn and drink) will be $3.

Scheduled dates are: • February 12th-13th and 15th-18th: “An American Tale” • March 11th-12th and 14th-16th: “Wizard of Oz” (1939) • April 8th-9th and 11th-14th: “The Secret of Nimh” • May 13th-14th and 16th-19th: “All Dogs Go to Heaven 2” You can also visit TylerMovies.com. All showings rated G. Times Square Cinema is located at 5201 S Broadway Ave., Tyler.

EGuideMagazine.com • 23