EGuide Magazine Tyler TX January 2020 edition

Robert Ellis: The Texas Piano Man in Concert at Liberty Hall

Get Some Exercise: Fun Runs, 5Ks, 10Ks & More

A Blue State Of Mind: The Bluez Boyz

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THE OLD

Edom, Texas

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

Concerts: January 18th:

The Rough & Tumble Upcoming Concerts: February 1st: Rupert Wates • February 22nd: Jeff Black March 7th: Friction Farm • April 4th: Adler & Hearne

The only listening room in East Texas!

January Live Music Schedule: JANUARY 4

LIVE Tuxedo Cats MUSIC JANUARY 10

COVER $10.00

Luke Prada JANUARY 11

JANUARY 17

Alex Bellin JANUARY 18

Untold Story Texas Express COVER $7.00

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“EGuide Tyler TX”

January 1, 2020 • Issue 1, Volume 8

Contents 5 To Do

��������� Cowan Center Rocks 2020: Broadway & Hollywood Legend Rita Moreno Comes To Tyler, STOMP, The Pointer Sisters and “Cuentos” Performed by David Gonzales and Cirque Éloize Hotel ��������� At Studio Movie Grill This Month: “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on The Big Screen & Music and A Legendary Concert Film ��������� Ranch of Dreams Bus Tours ��������� The Annual 2020 Business Expo Promotes Businesses & Community ��������� “Off Camera Flash Photography” Workshop and The Great ETX Photography Workshop ��������� It’s A Super Bowl Party at Times Square Grand Slam ��������� A Family Masquerade Ball at Glass Rec Center ��������� Winter Market with Rose City Farmers Market at ETX Brewing ��������� The Harlem Globetrotters at Herrington Patriot Center ��������� Get Out, Get Some Exercise: Kettle Krush 5K, Running the Rose, Run for Others, Christus Health & Fitness 20/20/20 Indoor Triathlon, 7th Annual FRESH 15, Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour, 2020 Azalea Run, 9th Annual Run for Autism, The Diva Du 2020 and Taco Trot 5K Presented by Southern Multifoods ��������� Hit the Bricks Second Saturday: Winter Farmers Market, “The Science of Beer” & More Downtown ��������� At Liberty Hall This Month: Robert Ellis: Texas Piano Man With Special Guest Jamie McDell in Concert ��������� At Tyler Public Library This Month: Finish Up The Winter Reading Challenge, Great Decisions, Free Family Movie Matinees, Master Gardener’s Lecture Series, Financial Literacy Classes, Writer’s Club Continues and A Lego® Block Party

10 Music

��������� A Blue State Of Mind: The Bluez Boyz ��������� At Old Firehouse This Month: A Rough & Tumble Night Of Music ��������� Guitar For Hire: Mayson Garner ��������� Charting His Own Course: Levi Kitchen ��������� A Fun Line-Up of 2020 Festivals & Canton First Mondays ��������� Big Concerts This Month: Jason Boland & The Stragglers Live in Concert, Cash’d Out: A Johnny Cash Tribute, Chris Colston Headlines Second Lineup Reveal Party for 2020 Red Dirt Festival, The Gaither Vocal Band, The Pointer Sisters and Penny & Sparrow ��������� A Guaranteed Sell Out! For King & Country in Concert ��������� Live Music Gig Guide

16 Family

��������� At TJC Earth and Space Science Center this Month: New Dome Shows Coming In 2020 including “To Space and Back,” “Dream Big: Engineering Our World,” “Robots,” “Secret Ocean,” “Journey Through Space Live” and “Two Small Pieces of Glass” ��������� At Barnes & Noble Booksellers: Bring Your Baby For Storytimes ��������� Two Book Clubs: YA Book Club featuring “Reverie” and Adult Book Club featuring “The Family Upstairs”

16 Food

��������� Food & Wine Weekend Getaway ��������� Foodie Events: A Cookier Retreat, Chiptole Gives Back to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary and A Jazz Brunch ��������� Date Set for 2020’s Taste of Tyler

18 Fine Arts

��������� Inside the Artist’s Studio: Some People Call Me the Space Cowboy, Michael Brundidge ��������� Dates Announced for KilGogh Arts Festival 2020 ��������� Art, Music, & Poetry: “Drawing a Line from Your Place to Mine” ��������� This Month at Tyler Museum of Art: TMA Showcases Work of One of Tyler’s Own with “Bold Lines: Works by Joseph Glasco” and “That Day: Pictures in the American West” ��������� Showcase of East Texas Artists at Gold Leaf Art Gallery ��������� On Stage: “Dreamgirls,” “Othello” and “Our Town”

Staff Publisher Sales Manager Copy Editor Webmaster Editorial

Tena Jerger Louie Jerger Charles Toft Susan Cheaney John Baggett, Barbara Greenbauer, Johnny Griffith, Gini Rainey, Derrick White Distribution Barbara Greenbauer, Louie Jerger, Lindsey Kilsby, Mike Withrow

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PO Box 130133 Tyler TX 75713 (903)630-3030 EGuideMagazine.com (web) • EGuide Tyler TX (app) EGuideMagazine@gmail.com (email)

“EGuide Magazine” is an event-driven entertainment magazine focusing on ‘things to do’ in East Texas.

We are published in print, online (EGuideMagazine.com), and via App at “EGuide Tyler TX.” In print, we are published once a month.

We are distributed free in our unique stands at over 400 locations in Tyler, Lindale, Ben Wheeler, Edom, Lake Palestine, Flint, Bullard, Whitehouse, and Jacksonville.

We will list at no charge events open to the public. Submit events to: EGuideMagazine.com/submit-an-event/ or EGuideMagazine@gmail.com.

TO DO Cowan Center Rocks 2020:

Broadway & Hollywood Legend Rita Moreno Comes To Tyler

Winter is here and the fun continues at Cowan Center in Tyler.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Cowan Center box office at (903)566-7424 or visiting in person 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. You can also purchase tickets online at cowancenter.org. All events are performed in the Cowan Center located on the campus of The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Boulevard – FAC 1120, Tyler. More information can be found at CowanCenter.org. Upcoming productions are:

Thursday, January 16th (7:30pm):

An Evening with Rita Moreno, Legend of Stage and Screen

For her break-out role as Anita in “West Side Story,” Moreno landed an Oscar. Decades later, as one of only three Americans to receive a Peabody®, Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award®, Rita Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. Most recently, she starred in the critically-acclaimed Latino remake of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom “One Day at a Time” on Netflix. Prior to that, Rita appeared in guest-starring roles in primetime TV series such as “Getting On,” “Jane The Virgin,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Grace and Frankie.” Moreno received the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contributions to American culture and was honored by her peers as the 50th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

Thursday, February 6th (7:30pm):

“STOMP”

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique, and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured; and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.

As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP...see what all the noise is about!

Thursday, February 20th (7:30pm):

The Pointer Sisters

The Pointer Sisters rose from singing at their father’s church to achieving worldwide fame – securing a place in pop music history. After their first performance in Los Angeles at the Troubadour, critics called The Pointer Sisters “the most exciting thing to hit show business in years.” The group boasts countless U.S. top 20 hits including “Slow Hand,” “‘Jump (For My Love),” “I’m So Excited,” and “Fire.” The group has been showered with accolades and awards including three Grammys® and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Thursday, February 27th (10am and 12:30pm):

“Cuentos” Performed by David Gonzales

“Cuentos” paints a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America, and the Bronx! From the silly antics of the Puerto Rican anti-hero “Juan Bobo” to the mysterious dealings and powers

Best Seafood in East Texas!

of the Orishas in a suite of Afro-Cuban stories, these tales are filled with memorable characters, fantastic plots, and positive messages for children. Spanish language words are sprinkled throughout the stories and songs in such a way that young audiences can repeat and retain their sound and meaning. Solid entertainment and a great introduction to the marvelous world of Latino literature and culture. This is for grades K-5. Ticket orders are now being accepted.

Saturday, February 29th (7:30pm):

“Cirque Éloize Hotel”

“Cirque Éloize Hotel” is the story of a place and its transient travelers. A stopover where lives intersect briefly, just long enough for tales and memories to be forged! Let acrobatics, theatre, dance and live music guide you through this intimate refuge, styled with an avant-garde scenography inspired by the elegance of only the greatest hotels. Cross the lobby doors and discover the grandiose and poetic universe of Hotel: Cirque Éloize’s new creation celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Save the Date

• Thursday, March 26th (7:30pm): “BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical” • Thursday, April 2nd (7:30pm): “Menopause: The Musical” • Tuesday, April 14th (7:30pm): Carly Fiorina

Hand-breaded & Made to Order Boiled Shrimp, Boiled Crawfish Gumbo, Snow Crab Legs & More LOCATIONS:

1714 S. BECKHAM TYLER, TEXAS 903.596.8226

7428 OLD JACKSONVILLE HWY. TYLER, TEXAS (903) 630-5306

3312 N. 4TH ST. LONGVIEW, TEXAS 903.663.2940

At Studio Movie Grill This Month:

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” on The Big Screen

This month at Studio Movie Grill, there is something for everyone including Anime and Star Wars! Studio Movie Grill (SMG) is located at 8954 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Tickets are available at the door and at studiomoviegrill.com. SMG offers box office hits as well as special screenings.

As always, Special Needs Screenings are held at 11am. These family-friendly movies are free for children with special needs and their siblings, with adult tickets available for before-noon price. Special Needs Screenings are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered, and children are free to move around, talk, or even dance in the aisles during the movie. Scheduled are: • January 4th: “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Music and Concert Films

• February 12th: “The Doors: Break On Thru - A Celebration Of Ray Manzarek”

Anime Screenings

• January 11th, 18th: Rausch Und/ and Craziness • January 15th, 16th: Weathering With You

“EGuide Tyler TX” in your favorite app store!

4803 Old Bullard Rd, Ste 1, Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 581-6700 — dakotasintyler.com

Live Music

Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Restaurant Hours (Late nights are bar only): Mon-Thur:11am - 10pm, Fri: 11am - 12am, Sat: 2pm - 12am EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!

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January 11th & 25th (1pm):

Ranch of Dreams Bus Tours

Visit the Ranch of Dreams! The Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is a worldrenowned animal sanctuary in Murchison, Texas that was founded in 1979 by author and animal advocate Cleveland Amory. The sanctuary is not a zoo but is now open to the public two times per month for small, prescheduled, guided tours to respect the peace and privacy of the animals.

On these tours, you can go on an inspirational journey through 1,400 acres of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch to see and hear about more than 800 domestic and exotic animals that have been saved from lives of neglect and abuse. This bus tour will take you past dynamic enclosures and rolling pasture. Your guide will share a video presentation, and you’ll learn why many of the animals needed to be rescued and came to be at the ranch.

While they can’t guarantee sightings of specific residents, you may see Penelope, a pot-bellied pig found wandering down a street after being abandoned; or Midge, a male chimp previously used in medical research.

Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch is located at 12526 CR 3806 Murchison, TX 75778. Tickets are available at fundforanimals.org/blackbeauty or call (903)469-3811.

Other upcoming tours: • February 15th, May 30th, August 29th, December 12th (12 noon): Women’s Texas Animal Sanctuary Experience

The Annual 2020 Business Expo Promotes Businesses & Community

January 11th (3-5:30pm):

“Off Camera Flash Photography” Workshop

Are you ready to take your photography up a notch? Understanding OCF (Off Camera Flash) can change the way you shoot, taking you to that next level of skill and creativity, and allowing you to shoot in places and at times that you would otherwise typically try to avoid. Join Jason Stitt Photography at this hands-on workshop as he teaches the basics of OCF. Limited spots are available. This will be held at The Foundry Coffee House, 202 S. Broadway, Downtown Tyler. Tickets are $150 and available at eventbrite.com.

January 15th (11:30am-1:30pm):

Facebook 101 for Small Business & Non-Profits Workshops

Make 2020 the Year you enjoy using Facebook for Business!

As a small business or non-profit, you know a social media presence is crucial. You see it work for others, but you just can’t figure it out. That’s exactly what this workshop will be going over in this Lunch ‘N Learn event. You’ll finally get a grip on the basics of making this platform matter to your organization. They will be answering all the questions you’ve been too embarrassed to ask as well as dispelling the myths that may have been holding you back along the way.

Lunch will be provided. This will be held at WorkHub, 7922 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler. Tickets are $25 and available at facebook. com/events/731444920712589/.

January 25th (9am-5pm):

The 2020 Business Expo gives Tyler Area businesses the perfect opportunity to exhibit their latest services and prodDo you have a decent camera, but don’t know how to use it ucts. This is open to the public and held fully? Maybe you have a good eye, but you want to learn how to January 16th at Harvey Convention create better photos? By the end of the day, you will be rocking Center, 2000 W. Front St., Tyler. Tickets that camera! are $5 or free with a business card.

This January 25th photography workshop will cover the basics The Luncheon is 11:30am-1pm. (and more) of digital photography and how to use the manual 2020 B2B Expo Luncheon/Lecturer will settings on your camera. Learn about lighting, composition, and feature “Networking, Leveraging Parthow to create the kind of photos you want but can’t seem to get. nerships & Client Base” by Tyler Jack This is an entry-level workshop. You will need to bring your Harris, Motivational Speaker, Social DSLR camera. Breakfast will include pastries and coffee. Lunch Media Influencer, and Entrepreneur. will be catered by Villa Montez. Tickets are $250 and available In 2014, Tyler found himself at rock at eventbrite.com. This is hosted by Callynth Photography and bottom. After a failed marriage and failed business, he found him- Jason Stitt Photography and will be held at Callynth Photograself broke and alone. Worst of all, he was playing the victim, ruled phy, 117 E. Erwin, Downtown Tyler. by fear. So what changed? In a word - EVERYTHING. Tyler began a process he calls “waging war on personal change,” which February 2nd (3-11pm): started with taking ownership.

He realized that he was exactly where he was supposed to be because of the actions and decisions he had made. He began attacking personal development, Want a unique experience as he knew he would have to for the Super Bowl this year? The transform from the inside out.

Super Bowl Watch Party in the VIP Some mentors came into his Lounge at Grand Slam is it! For $35 you get life around that time and gave unlimited bowling (3pm until the end of the game), shoe rental, him an opportunity to join their VIP Lounge access, appetizers, and tea/water or two well drink agency and sell life insurance.

He put his head down and went tickets. Times Square Grand Slam reserves the right to put up to to work. Over the next 3.5 years, six individuals on one lane. Tickets are available at TimesSquareTyler sold over 8,000 life insurGrandSlam.com and are expected to sell out fast. Times Square ance policies, one on one, face to Cinema is located at 5201 S. Broadway, Tyler. face. He spent over 200 nights February 7th (7pm), 8th (6pm) and 8th (8pm): per year in a hotel, working 16, 18, 20 hour days. Going from being completely broke to a millionaire in such a short time is where most rags to riches stories Families are invited to end. But Tyler felt such a responsibility to pay it forward, for the experience an unforgettable blessings he had received and for having those mentors come into evening as the Tyler Parks and his life. He began documenting his life on social media in 2017, Recreation Department hosts to be a light in a dark world and breathe life into others as his the annual Mother/Son and mentors had done for him. As with everything, Tyler went all in.

Daddy Daughter Dances.

He created two podcasts, a daily vlog and a weekly vlog, and creOn Friday, February 7th, ated a motivational brand. He reached a weekly high reach of over the Mother/Son dance will be 49 million people last year. With a videographer traveling with from 7-8:30pm for boys ages him 24/7 documenting every move, Tyler hopes to impact the four to 13 years old. lives of millions and never asks for anything in return.

On Saturday, February Tickets are $25 per person for the luncheon and available at 8th, the Daddy/Daughter eventbrite.com or at the Tyler Chamber of Commerce, 315 N. dances will be from 6-7pm Broadway, Downtown Tyler. for girls ages four to eight The Expo will be held 11am-6pm. The B2B Expo showcases years old and from 8-9:30pm for girls ages nine to 13 years old. local businesses, promotes buying goods and services locally, and Each fun-filled evening will feature a DJ, refreshments, and allows for business networking as well as a speaker, luncheon, and dancing. To help commemorate this special event, professional After Hours gathering. photography packages will be available for purchase. The attire for The B2B Expo gives Tyler Area businesses the perfect opporthe dance is semi-formal. tunity to exhibit their latest services and products. There are busiTickets may be purchased in advance at the Glass Recreation nesses and consumers in attendance, and over 5,000 come each Center for $9 per attendee or $10 per attendee day of the dance, if year. not sold out. Only 300 tickets are available for each dance.

For more info or tickets call (903)592-1661, go to tylertexas. com, or email Jenni Wilson at jbwilson@tylertexas.com.

For more info, call (903) 595-7271.

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Great ETX Photography Workshop

It’s A Super Bowl Party at Times Square Cinema Grand Slam

Masquerade Ball at Glass Rec Center

February 8th (10am-1pm):

Winter Market with Rose City Farmers Market

Exciting news!

Rose City Farmers Market is launching a once-monthly winter market at ETX Brewing Co., 221 S. Broadway, Downtown Tyler, held the second Saturdays of the month, 10am-1pm.

With fresh, greenhouse-grown winter produce, pastured meat, baked goods, breads, tortillas, flowers, artisan goods, wine, canned goods, and live music, it’s gonna be a ball. Spread the news and mark your calendars! This is free to browse and there is always something fun for all ages.

February 20th (6-7pm):

“The 5 Love Languages” Workshop

Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, “The 5 Love Languages” can help you reach deeper levels of intimacy with your partner.

This will be held at Samaritan Counseling Center of East Texas, 218 N. College Ave., Tyler. Tickets are $59 and available at eventbrite.com.

This 6-week workshop will be led by couples counselor Tami Anderson, LPC and LMFT graduate intern Kyle Graham. If you’ve ever felt like you and your partner are speaking different languages, or if you’ve ever felt like nothing you say or do to communicate your love seems to get through - or if you are just looking for ways to give and receive love on a deeper level - this workshop is for you.

After an introductory session, each week will focus on one of the 5 “languages” of love: quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, and gift giving.

Lasting relationships, like anything worthwhile, take intentional commitment over time. But when you’re just not on the same page, keeping your love alive can feel intimidating – or even impossible.

In his #1 New York Times bestseller, “The 5 Love Languages®,” Dr. Gary Chapman presents a simple truth: relationships grow better when we understand each other. Everyone gives and receives love differently, but with a little insight into these differences, we can be confidently equipped to communicate love well. This is true for all forms of relationship – for married or dating couples, for children and teenagers, for friends and coworkers, for long-distance relationships, for those brand-new loves and for the romances that are older than the hills.

February 21st (7pm):

Harlem Globetrotters at Herrington Patriot Center

“We’re pushing the limits of basketball and having even more fun!”

Don’t miss the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new tour.

There will be new high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt, and unforgettable family moments.

Come see the “Pushing The Limits World Tour” live! This will be held at Herrington Patriot Center, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler.

Tickets are $18-$221. For groups of 10 or more, scouts or military, contact (800)641-4667.

Purchase Bench Seats for this game to get a one-of-a-kind, VIP experience that is only possible with the Harlem Globetrotters. With these tickets, you are truly part of the team.

Not only do you get to sit on the bench and interact with the stars the entire game, you will even be given an official jersey!

Only a few of these special tickets are available for each game, so don’t wait to get your bench seats! Tickets are $221.

Endzone, Sidelines, and Courtside tickets are $26-$65.

Also, before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters – shooting, trying out ball tricks, and getting autographs and photos!

The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories for a lifetime. All customers must have a game ticket and Magic Pass for entry.

Soft/rubber-soled shoes must be worn on court. Magic Pass takes place 5:30-6pm. Magic Passes are $18 in addition to your ticket to the event.

Get Out, Get Some Exercise

To add a walk, run, or biking event, please send to eguidemagazine@gmail.com. It is always free to list any event.

January 1st: Kettle Krush 5K

The Second Annual Kettle Krush 5K will start and finish at The Salvation Army in Tyler, Texas. All funds raised go directly into programs that benefit men, women, children, and families that are in the most need in our community. For more info go to facebook.com/ events/284470459137115.

January 25th: Running the Rose at Tyler State Park

Running the Rose winds through amazing East Texas pine forests among 100-foot tall trees with an amazing single-track trail. The trails run along rolling hills and through some root-filled and pine needle carpeted trails. This will be held at Tyler State Park, located at 789 Park Road 16, Tyler. Register at ultrasignup.com.

February 22nd: Run for Others

Join for the first-ever Run For Others 5K, 10K, and Kids 1K! The race will begin and end on the grounds of Central Tyler. Race proceeds will benefit The Fostering Collective, a non-profit of Central Tyler that provides support, resources, and encouragement to foster and adoptive families. You can read more about the Fostering Collective at thefosteringcollective.org. All runners will receive a participant shirt and finisher medal to commemorate the inaugural year of this new race.

February 22nd: Christus Health & Fitness 20/20/20 Indoor Triathlon

Swim, bike & run your way through this Indoor Triathlon! Athletes will complete an Indoor Triathlon comprised of a 20-minute swim, 20-minute stationary bike ride, and 20-minute treadmill run timed on a 60-minute running clock for distance. The total distance traveled in 60-minutes will determine ranking and places for each co-ed division. All participants must be at least 12 years of age to participate. Registration closes at 3pm Friday, February 10th. More info and registration is at eventbrite. com. This will be held at the Christus Health & Fitness Center at 3203 South Main St. in Lindale. This will begin at 7:30am.

March 7th: 7th Annual FRESH 15

The 2020 FRESH 15 is going to be bigger and better! The race starts and finishes at the flagship grocery store, FRESH by Brookshire’s, located in Tyler. The race features a 15K, 5K, and a Lil’ FRESHie 1K. There will be a staggered start for easier traffic flow. All runners should line up by 7am in the corral according to the projected finish time. FRESH by Brookshire’s is located at 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler. Register now at bgcracing. com/fresh-15/registration/ or facebook.com/ events/356951975215859/. There is always an awesome after race party!

March 14th: Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour

This year’s event will be hosted in Downtown Tyler at the ETX Brewing Co.! TBC’s event is back in the heart of Tyler and will continue to grow into the ride it was many moons ago. Staging will be behind the brewery on S. College and more details concerning parking and event day activities will be posted and emailed as planning

continues. Register at itri365.com.

March 21st: 2020 Azalea Run

Join for the 37th annual Tyler Azalea Run and run along the Azalea Trails and support a great cause! Registration includes a tshirt and finisher medals. This is a chip-timed race with awards and a 10K finisher beer mug.

Registration is available at facebook.com/ events/682650248804703/. This will be held at Bergfeld Park, 1510 College Ave., Tyler.

April 4th: 9th Annual Run for Autism

The Tyler Run for Autism began in 2012 with the purpose of raising funds to provide much needed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children on the autism spectrum in East Texas.

They are excited to once again have El Charro on the Ridge as presenting sponsor for this 8th annual event. 100% of the funds raised are given back to children enrolled at The Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism (TLC) or Autism Response Team of East Texas (A.R.T.). To register go to facebook.com/ events/2346737202205460/.

4518 S Broadway Ave., Tyler (903) 597-2645

April 18th: The Diva Du 2020

The Diva Du 2020 will be held at Kiepersol’s Winery and Distillery, 4120 FM 344 E., Tyler.

The Diva Du is East Texas’ first and only exclusively women’s event. Sprint and Olympic distances are offered, in addition to relay teams and a 5K for those who want to join the fun without a bike involved. This is a beginner’s distance run.

Divas have continued to rock it out and earn the bragging rights that come from climbing East Texas hills. Sprint duathlon will consist of a 1.5mile run, 10-mile bike, and 1.5-mile run. Our Olympic distance, 3ish mile run, 25ish mile bike, and 3ish mile run. Register at divadu.love/ bullard-texas-diva-du.

April 25th: Taco Trot 5K Presented by Southern Multifoods

It’s time to “taco” bout a 5K in Downtown Jacksonville! Join for the first-ever Taco Trot 5K, sponsored by Southern Multifoods and benefitting the American Cancer Society. Get ready for a familyfriendly event where kids 12 and under can run the 5K for a reduced rate of only $15! All participants will receive a super soft shirt, finishers medal, and TACOS (duh)!

Register at active.com/jacksonville-tx/.

Big Names, Big Lights at Liberty!

JANUARY 25TH (7PM)

Robert Ellis: Texas Piano Man

Save the Date

With Special Guest Jamie McDell in Concert

• July 4th: Freedom Fighter 5K • September 12th-13th: Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose City Triathlon • October 10th: Corkscrew Half, 10K & 5K

FEBRUARY 28TH

“Melodies of a Golden Age”

EGuide will list any event for free, yes, you read that right...

MARCH 7TH

Cash & King in Concert

FREE! Log on to

MARCH 26TH

Penny & Sparrow in Concert

EGuideMagazine.com click “Submit an Event” and simply fill out the form.

It’s that easy!

We will list Fundraisers, Runs & Walks, Theatre Productions, Music Concerts, Lectures, Seminars, Art Exhibits...and much, much more.

APRIL 30TH

John Conlee in Concert TICKETS:

LibertyTyler.com

Downtown Tyler 103 E. Erwin, Tyler, Texas 75702 A DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF TYLER

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Download the FREE app EGuide Tyler TX and click “Hit the Bricks” for a complete list of everything going on!

Hit the Bricks January 11th:

At Liberty Hall This Month:

Winter Farmers Market, “The Science Robert Ellis: Texas Piano of Beer” & More Downtown Tyler On the second Saturday of every month, people from all over Man with converge on Downtown Tyler for Hit the Bricks.

Downtown Tyler will be bursting with family fun, entertainSpecial Guest ment, music, food, history tours, art, and of course, the chance to Jamie McDell in check out a great locally-owned restaurant, bar, or retail establishment.

Concert Events that will be going on around Downtown Tyler are:

• 10am-4pm: “Find the Artifact” scavenger hunt at Liberty Hall is located Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum at 103 E. Erwin St., Tyler.

• 10am-1pm: Rose City Farmers Market will host a winter marTickets are available online ket to coincide with the Hit The Bricks at ETX Brewat libertytyler.com. ery. There will be live music, locally grown leafy January 25th (7pm), Robert Ellis: Texas Piano greens, lettuce, broccoli, spinach, loads of Man with Special Guest Jamie McDell will be root crops, and micro-greens. Pasturein concert. raised beef, chicken, and pork, artiBefore signing with New West san baked treats, jams and jellies, and Records in early 2011, country songapothecary goodies available too. writer Robert Ellis made a name for • 10-11am: Family ASL Class held at himself in Houston. Inspired by the the Tyler Public Library; signup is country, folk, and bluegrass records he’d heard while growing up in required. southern Texas, Ellis began play• 11:15am-12:15pm: Adult ASL ing shows around the city, evenClass at the Tyler Public Library; tually landing a Wednesday night signup is required. residency at a local venue called • 2-4pm: Robotics Makerspace at Fitzgerald’s. the Tyler Public Library; signup is His audience grew as a result required. of those weekly shows, nicknamed • 3-5pm: Off Camera Flash Work“Whiskey Wednesdays” for their shop - Are you ready to take your org rowdy nature and half-drunk clienphotography up a notch? UnderDowntownTyler. tele, and Ellis earned more fans on the standing OCF (Off Camera Flash) can strength of his self-released debut, “The change the way you shoot, taking you Great Rearranger.” to that next level of skill and creativity, and One of those converted fans was George Fonallowing you to shoot in places and at times taine, Sr., president of New West Records, who signed that you would otherwise typically try to avoid. Join Ellis in 2011. the fun at this hands-on workshop. Limited spots are available.

Photographs was released that summer, mixing acoustic folk Advanced reservations required at eventbrite.com for $150 per songs with up-tempo country numbers. The album was selected person. This will be held at The Foundry Coffee House, 202 S.

by American Songwriter as one of its Top 50 albums for that calBroadway. endar year.

• 6-9pm: The Science of Beer at DisEllis toured the United States and Europe before relocating to covery Science Place - Join DiscovNashville. His more eclectic sophomore album, “The Lights from ery Science Place and True Vine the Chemical Plant,” was recorded there. It was produced by JacBrewing to enjoy an evening of craft quire King and issued in February 2014. brews and knowledge while supportAfter extensive touring and experiencing the dissolution of his ing your local community family scimarriage, Ellis returned to recording. ence museum. Your ticket includes a He self-produced his next album, simply titled “Robert Ellis,” variety of craft beer provided by True at Sugar Hill Studios in Houston. It was engineered by Steve Vine Brewing, small plates, an enterChristiansen and mixed by John Agnello. A pre-release single and taining TED-talk style presentation video for “How I Love You” did well on streaming sites, and the from UT Tyler Professor of Bioalbum appeared in June 2016. chemistry Jordan Beaver, and games After a nearly three-year break, Ellis returned in February and raffle prizes like giant Jenga, 2019 with “Texas Piano Man,” an album that emphasized his cornhole, beanbag tic-tac-toe, giant eccentric pop side. checkers, putting green and more.

Tickets are $22-$28 and available at red.vendini.com.

Event proceeds benefit the Discovery Science Place and its public school outreach programs and camp scholarship programs.

Save the Date Tickets are $12 or $20 for couples.

February 28th: “Melodies of a Golden Age” Hit the Bricks is held rain or shine, cold or hot- there is always • • March 7th: Cash & King in Concert something to do Downtown on the second Saturday of every • March 26th: Penny & Sparrow in Concert month.

• April 30th: John Conlee in Concert For more info go to visittyler.com/HitTheBricks, find the For tickets, go to libertytyler.org. event on Facebook, or download the app “EGuide Tyler TX.”

At Discovery Science Place This Month:

“The Science of Beer,” Darwin Day & More

Winter promises loads of fun at the Discovery Science Place, located at 308 N. Broadway Ave., Downtown Tyler. For more info go to discoveryscienceplace. org.

Darwin Day will be held February 15th, 10am-2pm. Celebrate biology with DSP’s annual family-oriented Darwin Day event featuring live animals, cool handson science, and educational games (all included with normal museum admission).

STEM Like a Girl will be held on February 22nd, 10am-2pm.

This is a day of hands-on STEM fun for middle school girls only!

Led by local female STEM professionals and mentored by female UT Tyler STEM students, it’s a great day for science/technology/ engineering/math! It is free to attend and includes lunch.

And finally, the much anticipated 8th Annual Tyler Maker Faire will be held April 18th, 9am-5pm. Hailed as the greatest show (and tell) on earth, join over 1,200 people at this amazing event for tons of hands-on demonstrations and fun from high-tech to old-school building and making. The special 2020 featured guest will be Mario the Maker Magician! Plan now to attend this fun and creative day.

2020 Hit the Bricks Second Saturdays: January 11th: Science of Beer February 8th: Broadway Battle/Hit the Notes March 14th: St. Patrick’s Festival April 11th: Junk Hippy May 9th: Taco Throwdown June 13th: Derby Cart/Kick-Off Summer Festival July 11th: Car Show August 8th: Sip & Shop Festival September 12th: Putt-Putt Course Competition October 10th: Bridal Show November 14th: Junk Hippy December 12th: Blue Santa A D

S P E C I A L

Advertise for $ 75 a month!

EGuideMagazine@gmail.com ~ (903)630-3030

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At Tyler Public Library This Month:

Finish Up The Winter Reading Challenge

The Tyler Public Library is located at 201 S. College Ave., Downtown Tyler. For more info call (903)593-7323 or go to tylerlibrary.com.

For more information about programs, call (903)593-7323 or email idesk@tylertexas.com.

Most of the events are free unless noted.

Winter Reading Challenge

Norbert the Penguin wants to know if you’re reading! Are you participating or want to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge? You have until January 17th to log your reading for the Winter Reading Challenge. Kids are challenged to read six hours and adults are challenged to read four books. Those who complete the challenge will win a book and a raffle ticket for additional prizes. Sign up at tylerlibrary. com.

Great Decisions

unexpected? We will have the answers to these questions and more on January 23rd at 3pm in the Library auditorium when “Tips & Tools for Helping Seniors Avoid Financial Exploitation” is held.

“Managing Your Money” will be presented on January 30th at 5:30pm in the Auditorium.

Writer’s Club at Tyler Public Library

Every Wednesday at 12 noon, come meet with other writers and talk about the writing process, your stories, and more. This group meets every Wednesday in the Makerspace from 12 noon-2pm. It is free to attend and everyone is welcome. The Writer’s Club is great for all types of writers or prospective writers. This is a fun group of writers in different stages of writing and skills.

Lego® Block Party:

Saturday, January 4th, 2-4pm, families and children are invited to build Lego® creations at this come and go event. Use wheels, building plates, doors, windows, and more to make your imagination a reality brick-by-brick. And while you are at it, check out a Lego® person to play with in your one-of-a-kind Lego® build.

Weekly Storytimes

These age-appropriate storytimes include reading, singing, and playing, and are held weekly. Scheduled are: • Mondays at 10:30am: Leeme un Cuento (ages three to six, but all ages are welcome) • Tuesdays at 9am, Wednesdays at 10am and 10:45am: Toddler Time (18-36 months) • Wednesdays at 9:15am: Infant Lap and Play Time (ages 0 to 18 months) • Thursdays at 10:30am: Read Aloud Crowd (preschoolers ages three to six, but all ages are welcome)

Ongoing

• Yoga: Mondays and Wednesday from 5:306:30pm in the Library Auditorium • Quilting: Tuesdays from 10am-1pm in the third-floor Makerspace • Meditation: Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm in the third-floor Makerspace • Chess Club: Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm in the third-floor Makerspace • Crochet: Saturdays from 11am-1pm in the third-floor Makerspace • East Texas Genealogical Society Meeting: Second Saturday of the month at 2pm in the Library Auditorium • Talking Tales: Second Thursday of the month at 5:30pm in the Library Auditorium • Ham Radio Classes: First and third Saturdays of the month from 2-4pm in the third-floor Makerspace • Computer Classes: First and third Fridays and fourth Saturday of the month 9-10am in the Library Computer Lab. Sign up online or by calling the Library.

The Tyler Public Library has partnered with the American Association of University Women and League of Women Voters to host the annual Great Decisions lecture series on Wednesdays from January 15th-March 4th at 12 noon-1pm in the Library auditorium. There will be political lectures on a range of topics with speakers from the community. The Foreign Policy Association chooses these topics every year. Patrons can purchase a book on the issues at the Library’s information desk for $25. Topics are: • January 15th: “The Philippines and the U.S.” presented by Ed Santos • January 22nd: “China’s Road into Latin America” presented by Dr. Colin Snider • January 29th: “Climate Change and the Global Order” presented by Dr. Manoucher Khosrowshahi

Family Movie Matinees

Families and children are invited to enjoy movie matinees in the Library’s auditorium. Carpet-friendly snacks, blankets, and pillows are allowed. Movies are shown at 10:30am. Movies are: • January 2nd: “The Lion King” (2019) • January 3rd: “LEGO Movie 2” • January 18th: “Abominable”

Friends of the Tyler Public Library (FTPL) Meeting

The FTPL organization will be holding their monthly meeting Thursday, January 9th, at 11am in the Makerspace. Anyone interested in joining FTPL is encouraged to come.

From BOB the 3-D Printer to Yoga to the copy machines, the Friends of the Tyler Public Library provides support to your library in a myriad of ways!

Master Gardener’s Lecture Series

The annual Master Gardener lecture series will begin again on January 17th at 11am in the Library auditorium.

Listen to talented speakers discuss a variety of gardening subjects every third Friday from January-May. The first topic, “Pines, Pawpaws and Pocket Prairies – Developing and Maintaining an Ecosystem for Birds and Butterflies,” will be presented by Greg Grant January 17th, 11:30am-1:30pm in the Auditorium.

Financial Literacy Classes

How can you recognize and reduce the risk of senior financial exploitation? How can you guard yourself against identity theft? What can you do to plan financially and prepare for the

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9

MUSIC A Blue State Of Mind:

The Bluez Boyz

By Johnny Griffith Ask any blues player worth their salt, and they’ll tell you it’s not just a genre, it’s a state of mind that gets in your blood and won’t let go.

It has to be in order to translate from the mind to the hands to the instruments or through the vocal cords. A true blues musician can reach down in their soul and pull from that emotion, leaving it all out on stage and you BELIEVE the music is authentic. Luckily, we’ve got a group of musicians here in East Texas that have come together to form one of the best blues bands in the area. Bluez Boyz is the brainchild of Bobby Edwards and has been painting the town blue for about 3 years now. I recently sat down with them to get to know the band a little better.

Johnny: What’s the current lineup for the band and a bit of musical background on everyone?

Bluez Boyz: Bobby Edwards started the band about 3 years ago with his son Ronnie on bass and Landon Green on drums. About two years into it we decided to add Chris Wallace to the band. We had seen Chris perform and became really good friends with him and thought he was the perfect fit for the band. All four guys in this band have been in music most all of their lives from early ages. Bobby has been pure blues all of his life and you can tell by listening to him, he didn’t get the nickname “Blue Eyed Soul Man” for nothing. Ronnie Edwards, the son of Bobby, well he was raised by Bobby so of course he We can promise is really a huge fan of blues as well. Chris you that you Wallace is also a big will hear some blues fan and you can tell it when he sings of the best live as well, and he is also known to put some blues that you southern rock and a have ever heard little country twist to things from time to when the “Blue time. Landon Green is the rocker in the Eyed Soul Man” group, although he Bobby Edwards, will be the one singing the ZZ Top and along with his Queen songs, he admits that he doesn’t sidekick Chris care what genre they Wallace, start play because it just feels right: it’s like throwing down jamming with family them REAL with these guys; and him and Bobby have blues! played together on and off for almost 15 years and just have that bond on stage that’s even rubbed off on Chris and Ronnie, and everything falls into place.

Johnny: How did the band meet?

Bluez Boyz: Bobby and Landon met around 15 years ago through Bobby’s brother Frank who was playing bass at the time. Landon was asked to join their band “Bobby Edwards Blues Band” and they played for several years all around East Texas.

The guys took a small break to do other side projects and later came back together; however by this time Ronnie Edwards had turned into a beast on the bass and was ready to become his dad’s bass player. After a couple of years of playing, and as the shows had continued to grow to a very steady schedule, we felt like it was time to add to the band, so of course we felt like the best fit for us was our good friend Chris Wallace.

Johnny: Why that style of music? It’s certainly not a style that gets the most real estate on stages around the area. What led you to your sound?

Bluez Boyz: Blues is definitely our genre of choice because Bobby started the band and if you have ever heard him sing the blues then you know why we call ourselves a Blues Band. However, just as you mentioned, it certainly may not bring the most real estate around this area and that is why we add other genres to our shows as well, so that when you come and hear us you will get a wider variety such as rock, funk, oldies, and country. If we play a festival, or a blues based show, then we can promise you that you will hear some of the best live blues that you have ever heard when the “Blue Eyed Soul Man” Bobby Edwards, along with his sidekick Chris Wallace, start throwing down them REAL blues!

Johnny: Who are some of the significant influences musically for the band?

Bluez Boyz: Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Buddy Guy, Wes Jeans, ZZ Top, and many more.

Johnny: What was your first gig as the Bluez Boyz?

Bluez Boyz: We three pieced at first with just Bobby, Ronnie, and Landon and our first show may have been FRESH by Brookshires. Then our first show after adding Chris might have been Republic Icehouse. It’s been a while and we have played tons of shows in 2019.

Johnny: In an area that is traditionally dominated musically by country and rock acts, have there been any challenges getting gigs and building a base for a blues band?

Bluez Boyz: Like we mentioned earlier we have added a lot more genres to our show. When you come to one of our shows now you may hear some ZZ Top, Hank Williams Jr., heck even some old school rap etc. We understand that these crowds want to hear a variety so we do our best to give them that nowadays; however we will always classify ourselves as a blues band and will push for success in the blues genre any chance we get. As far as coming to our shows, let’s say a local restaurant or club, then you’ll get

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At Old Firehouse in Edom This Month:

A Rough & Tumble Night Of Music an awesome mix of amazing music along with a great show playing your favorite mixes of all genres. So yes, we have met that challenge and know the struggle oh so well.

Johnny: Are you guys typically local to the East Texas area or do you venture out into other markets at this point?

Bluez Boyz: We do stay pretty busy locally around some great East Texas venues and restaurants etc.. However, we did branch out in 2019 and did several Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Dallas/ Ft. Worth Shows, and we plan to get out even more if possible in 2020, so get ready Bluez Boyz fans!

Johnny: About how many shows are you playing a month currently?

Bluez Boyz: About 8-10 , Usually every weekend and possibly a few during the week at times.

Johnny: What has been the most memorable gig for the band to this point?

Bluez Boyz: Probably opening up for, and getting to hang out with, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters at TXM Music City in Lindale Texas; also we do have to say that being up on the Gas Monkey Stage in Dallas was pretty dang cool as well.

Johnny: What does 2020 have in store for the band? Any projects or tour plans?

Bluez Boyz: We are non stop booking as we speak and hope to fill 2020 up as soon as we can.

We have some recording planned, and Christine Edwards (Bobby’s wife, band manager) is currently talking with a few venues in a totally different state than what we mentioned earlier, and let’s just say if that goes through for us in 2020 it could be the start of something big.

Johnny: For new fans, what can they expect at a show with The Bluez Boyz?

Bluez Boyz: We love having other musicians come up and sit in with us and we have been told numerous times by other musicians how they love the fact that we don’t plan out anything, and don’t even use a set list. We just act on what everyone is feeling and go with it and have a blast doing it on stage. You may get comedy, you may get bloopers, you may get an open mic night, but we can promise that when you leave you’ll be saying “dang, that was an awesome night!”

Follow the Bluez Boyz online at facebook. com/BluezBoyz73/and bluezboys.com.

January 18th, The Rough & Tumble will be in concert.

The Rough & Tumble are as easy to detect as a stray dog on your doorstep - and as difficult to send home. The dumpster-folk, thriftstoreAmericana duo, consisting of Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, have been hobbling around the country in their 16’ camper since 2015, and have been making themselves at home in living rooms, bars, theaters, and festivals across the country. They’ve been recognized as a Feature Showcase Artist at 2018 SERFA, and a 2018 honorable mention for the Listening Room Network.

The Rough & Tumble are a new kind of collector: songwriting with illustration, and arranging each song with a menagerie of instruments, ranging from acoustic guitars to mailbox snares to a banjulele.

The stray folkies are as industrious as they are scrappy, releasing five EPs and two albums in their 8 years. This is in addition to their weekly livecast, a monthly blog, a Cook & Color Book, a food blog, 2018 SERFA Official Showcase Artist, and playing upwards of 150 shows a year.

“Their Americana music is restorative, their performance highly entertaining, their orchestra of unusual instruments intriguing, and … jokes and stories are worthy of an HBO special.”

(Linda Bolton, Cozy Cabin House Concerts) The Old Firehouse in Edom is the only “listening room” in the area where audiences can enjoy a “coffee house” atmosphere of the ‘70s, with national and international singer/songwriters performing their own music up close and personal.

Concerts feature folk genres typically described as Americana, Orchestral Folk, Traditional, and Mountain. Every performance consists of strictly original songs that are both composed and performed by the musician who has created them. Admission prices for concerts are usually $12 in advance and $15 and the door beginning at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm so the audience can enjoy coffee and desserts that are always available during the “schmooze hour.”

Info, tickets, and more are at theoldfirehouse.net, info@theoldfirehouse.net, or by phone at (903)852-ART1 (2781).

Future scheduled concerts are: • February 1st: Rupert Wates • February 22nd: Jeff Black • March 7th: Friction Farm • April 4th: Adler & Hearne

Guitar For Hire:

Mayson Garner

By Johnny Griffith The term ‘mercenary’ has pretty much always had somewhat of a negative connotation with it throughout its history. It’s typically portrayed in literature and film as someone whose loyalty extends as far as the next highest bidder and in whom trust can’t be entirely placed. In the music world, however, being a “gun for hire” isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all. In fact, some of the most talented musicians you’ve never heard called by name, you’ve actually heard on some of the most famous albums of all time as studio musicians or on stage as touring musicians. One of East Texas’ most talented musical mercenaries is Mayson Garner. With eclectic musical tastes, killer guitar chops, and the vocal range to cover a broad spectrum of styles, Mayson can be found on stage in the area several nights a week and has worked with several projects in the area as well.

We caught him at a Thursday Open Mic night at Alibi Barcadia over in Longview this month to get a little better idea of the man behind the guitar: Johnny: What was one of your earliest musical memories growing up?

Mayson: I remember my mom having this classical acoustic guitar lying around the house.

It had only three strings and I would play it anytime I got the chance. That little guitar sparked this intense love that I now have for music, and guitars in general. I ended up playing it until all three strings came off, but I couldn’t forget the feeling it brought me when I played it. That’s why I am the way I am till this day.

Johnny: When did you first pick up an instrument, and was it a guitar or did you start somewhere else and gravitate to the guitar later?

Mayson: I was 4 when I discovered my mom’s acoustic, and from then until I was 15 or 16 it was only the guitar that I was interested in.

Then it was drums, piano, bass, and other various instruments.

Johnny: What were some of your early musical influences when you were learning your instrument?

Mayson: My real musical influences started to appear when I was an early teen; that’s about as early as I can remember having major influences on the guitar. Adam Jones from the band Tool, as well as Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains, were major impacts on my playing, and still are in a few ways with Jerry Cantrell being the one I hear most in my playing these days.

Guys like David Gilmour, Jeff Loomis, Michael and Christopher Amott, and Mikael Åkerfeldt played a part as well in shaping my earlier years of guitar playing.

Johnny: Did you pick any of your musical abilities up from your parents?

Mayson: No not at all, neither of them could play instruments. I mean my mom could sing, but that was heard on the rarest of occasions. It’s still a mystery to me how I fell in with music. This might sound a bit quirky, but I like to think maybe whatever or whoever is looking out for me was like “here you go I want you to have this.”

Johnny: When did you perform your first public gig and do you remember the first gig you ever got paid for?

Mayson: The first time I played for an audience was a talent show at my school. I loved being up on stage showing people what I could do. From then on I was hooked on playing for the masses, but it would be years before I would ever play my first paying gig, which was for the acoustic nights held on the patio of an On The Border here in Longview about 4 years ago.

The first night I ever met Neal McCoy too - it was weird sitting there trying not to suck as this country star was sitting across from me.

Johnny: When did you get the idea that you might want to be a bit more serious with music and take it just beyond the hobby stage?

Mayson: I think I’ve always been serious about music, and wanted to take it past my bedroom, so I started playing different churches and youth groups. But I wanted to keep pushing it further, so I went to a jam and knew at that point I had to be in an actual band. And before I knew it, I found myself in a few different bands

basically marketing myself as a hired gun, and have been doing so since that jam, and I gotta say I’m very glad I labeled myself as a hired gun because I have met some really talented and genuinely awesome people along the way.

Johnny: You’ve got a pretty extensive catalog of songs you call on when doing open mic and solo events. What would you say some of your favorites currently are?

Mayson: I would have to say right now my favorites are “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin, “I Am The Highway” by Audioslave, “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys, and “Keep on Swinging” by Rival Sons.

Johnny: How many originals do you have and how often do you get to work them into sets?

Mayson: I actually have a few notebooks of originals, but I have yet to work them into any of my sets because after I write them I either forget about them or never think they are quite right so I never play them. I tend to overthink my music thus keeping me from sharing it - a bad habit I’ve got to break - but that doesn’t stop me from writing. I will have some new originals waiting to be played in the near future.

Johnny: Some of your work I enjoy the most is when you’re doing some of your bluesier covers. What direction do your originals tend to take stylistically?

Mayson: Thank you. I’m very much an eclectic musician, so I tend to write various styles of music, but if I had to pin down a specific genre I feel is the most me, I would have to say rock ‘n roll. Rock music inspired by the styles of the ‘70s and ‘90s is more what I dig than anything else.

Johnny: You do a lot of collaborative work with other local musicians as well as your own solo nights at several venues around East Texas.

Who are some of your regular partners you take the stage with?

Mayson: My good friends Jerry Johnson, who is a killer bassist; and Ladarius Daniels, who we all know for being the main man when it comes to playing a mean saxophone. But recently I’ve made a new friend named Kasey Moore who is a cool dude, and a good player.

Johnny: About how many times a month are you on stage somewhere around the region?

Mayson: Anywhere between 5 and 6 times a month on average. I do some solo shows and some open jams, but with this coming year chances are my band and I will be everywhere else besides our home town.

Johnny: What have you been the proudest of, so far, in your musical journey?

Mayson: Probably how far I have come with who I am as a person and how I am as a musician. Both of which are things I am constantly working on.

Johnny: What are you excited about, musically, as we begin the new year?

Mayson: The new shows my band and I have lined out for 2020, and really just the excitement of where me and my music are going. There’s a sense of excitement for me in what the future may hold as I keep my head down and keep working toward the ultimate goal.

Follow Mayson Garner at facebook.com/ mayson.garner.

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11

2020 Festivals

Charting His Own Course:

Levi Kitchen

By Johnny Griffith

It’s always fun to check back in with people we’ve interviewed in the past and see what they are up to a couple of years later. This month I got to sit back down with Levi Kitchen and check back in with him about 3 years after our last interview. If you’re not familiar, Levi is a veritable one-man band. A multi-instrumentalist who utilizes looping technology to lay down his own background music on the fly, Kitchen has been bringing his unique brand of entertainment to stages around East Texas for almost 20 years now. A man of many talents and constantly creating, Levi took some time out to catch us up on what’s been going on lately.

Johnny: It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 3 years since we last did an interview. What are some of the more significant events for you during that period?

Levi: Being hired to perform for political fundraisers for district judges, state representatives, and even the Longview Fire Marshal’s retirement party were a few proud moments.

I used to just play anything I could get my hands That last one resulted from the Fire Marshal on. being called Johnny: Last time we spoke, you were lookto my house ing forward to playing more shows over in the If I get caught up in Dallas area. Have you made any progress playing because a neighmore shows out of the greater Tyler area? bor thought my the joy of creation, Levi: As far as Dallas, I have been invited studio was on to play all kinds of things over there that I have fire, but then I don’t waste much avoided on purpose. In the past few years, I he obtained my time worrying about business card have traveled to Dallas to perform for weddings, mostly. I will just be honest here and say, and later hired what is trendy or ironically, I’m very introverted and prefer quiet, me to play his peaceful environments. When I go to Dallas, all party. I was in-demand. I just I can think about is getting back to a comfortshocked to be able setting like East Texas. I have played nearly dive into it and hired by several different Cham- everywhere there is to play in Tyler at some bask in the joy point over the years, as well as the Longview bers of Commerce, including area, and just about every small town within an of disappearing hour or two of Longview. I prefer it out here in Lindale, where East Texas over the chaotic frenzy of large, busy I performed for completely into the cities. Staying here is intentional at this point.

Miranda Lamalternate universe bert’s friends and I’m not looking for more attention or trying to expand my range or anything. People just keep family. I had the [that] I’ve created hiring me to jam all around East Texas so I keep opportunity to on jamming. I’m happy playing my little shows do several radio with this music around here and I never saw much happiness interviews and down the path of the nationally touring artist, had original and story. but that’s just a personal preference. compositions Johnny: You were also about to put out a placed in difnew album at that time as well. How did that ferent video and film productions. Seeing your turn out? name in movie credits is a cool feeling and my Levi: Well, I post my original songs for free music was the background in some national tele- download on my website, levikitchen.com. I’m vision commercials. still fiddling around with hundreds of recordJohnny: I’ve been able to catch a couple ings in my home studio. I have been working for of your shows this past year and they’re still as almost ten years now on a musical, spoken word impressive as ever. Has the technology improved audiobook in the epic sci-fi fantasy genre as well. or evolved that makes the process a little easier?

I have created hours of this wild, unprecedented Levi: It’s not getting easier. The technology thing, but it still needs years of work before is advancing, of course, but it gets more comcompletion. This illustrates what is likely one of plicated as it advances and that’s not always a my biggest problems as an artist. I get distracted step in an easier direction. I have a newer, “betby interesting projects that never see the light ter” loop station that I’m still currently not using of day because I don’t care much about what at shows because it’s taking me quite a while to people are expecting of me. If I get caught up learn the new one as well as I know the old loop in the joy of creation, I don’t waste much time station. The familiarity with the equipment dur- worrying about what is trendy or in-demand. I ing the performance is crucial to the success of just dive into it and bask in the joy of disappeara looping performance. When performing, I ing completely into the alternate universe I’ve still use the old faithful BOSS RC-300, which created with this music and story. So I’ve been has been top of the looping heap for a decade. somewhat distracted from making a new album.

The next step up from this pedal has traditionAside from this, the need to combine songs into ally been looping programs that require you to an “album” isn’t quite as applicable as it once use a computer. But now I practice with a newer, was. Digital distribution has allowed artists the more advanced loopstation regularly to achieve ability to cheaply publish singles as often as they the kind of familiarity necessary to perform with want or, like me, they can choose their own it. It’s called a “Headrush” and it’s going to be method of distribution. Personally, I make very a big leap in technology for me when I finally little money off of original works, but I make decide to bring it into my live performance. almost my entire living off of performing shows Practicing a new loop station is like learning a which consist mostly of covers. People are using new instrument to a certain extent. It might take music streaming services now more often than me over a year to implement the new loop stamaking purchases, so musicians these days are tion to a satisfactory level of smooth operation. living in a rapidly changing landscape.

Johnny: So in addition to your music perforJohnny: About how many shows a month mance, you have been producing music for sevare you playing these days? eral years as well. What are some of your more Levi: Within the past few years I reached a memorable projects in that area? point where I was getting hired to perform so Levi: I’ve been producing music for twenty often that I had to cut back. The grueling pace years now. Those early years, my brothers and I I set for myself was beginning to wear me out. I was holding down 5 or 6 shows per week for sev- were just kids with a garage studio, but we still had customers paying to have us record and eral years, which left very little room for other produce them, so it still counts. It was probthings in life. I have intentionally cut it back to doing about 3 performances per week these ably about 1998 when my brothers and I spent days, but I pick and choose now which venues one summer painting these massive banners or events I actually want to do where previously for the Rangerettes to use at their Cotton Bowl 12 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!

half-time show. By painting these banners, and also painting some fireworks stand signs in Kilgore, we earned enough money to buy the best recording studio gear we could get our teenage claws on at the time. The first time I ever earned money as a studio engineer was in 1999.

I was 14 years old. Some notable mentions and really good times were had by all over many years when I had the opportunities to produce and record Ally Venable, Lulu and the Black Sheep, Darby Warren, Andrew Beason, 3WeeksPlay, Daniel Foster, Jasmine Nyvall, Lane Rogers, David Smith, Biff Rushton, Allen Wayne Nichols, King Richard and the Bayou Boys, Gypsy Rebel - lots of great artists and too many others to mention have recorded in my humble shack!

Johnny: As 2020 rolls in, what is on your radar this year that has you excited?

Levi: I intend to buy land this year and build my next studio by some water where I can create an aesthetically pleasing environment for musicians to create and record in. My little south Longview shack has lived its life as a studio and it’s time to take these creative energies to a pleasing new environment soon. Aside from this big dream, it’ll be business as usual in 2020 I suspect. I’ll play a lot of shows and spend the rest of my time hiding from everyone, tinkering with robots and strange invention ideas. I’m also getting married on Leap Day, February 29th. My fiance and I suspect we’re about the weirdest people we know, so we picked the weirdest day we could think of to get married on. We’ll only have an anniversary every four years and there’s no possible way I could forget the date.

Johnny: What do you feel is your best memory of your musical career so far?

Levi: I remember a moment ten years ago when I jumped up in joy and danced around my studio because I had booked 3-5 shows per week for four months in advance. Up until this point in my career, I had always worked another job.

The realization suddenly dawned on me that I could do this full time. I guess you could metaphorically call it the day that I “quit my day job.”

I felt at that moment that I had finally achieved a lifelong obsession that started when I was ten years old, dreaming of earning my living with music someday. I danced like I knew nobody was watching, and thankfully, nobody was.

Strangely, and to my ongoing surprise, things continue to proceed in much the same way ever since.

Johnny: Where can someone find you playing over the next couple of months?

Levi: I’ll be performing at Holly Lake Ranch Resort in Hawkins, and The Villages Resort in Flint throughout the year, as well as Copeland’s of New Orleans in Longview regularly.

I will also be performing at Nuna’s Cajun in Palestine, Steve-O’s Pizza in Mt. Vernon, Los Pinos Ranch in Pittsburg, Enoch’s Stomp in Harleton, Yamato in Tyler, Serenity Church in Longview and many more. I’ll be playing several new venues as well in 2020, so keep checking in with me.

If you want to find the specific dates for any of these venues, I suggest finding/liking my facebook page or researching the venues directly to check their schedules.

Follow Levi Kitchen and all his projects at levikitchen.com as well as event updates on Facebook.

East Texas is a great place for all kinds of festivals: from family fun to wine festivals, rodeos, and food galas. Plan now for these future festivals.

• January 16th: 26th Annual Business 2 Business Expo, Tyler • January 24th-26th: 24th Annual Gemstone and Jewelry Show • February 1st: East Texas Bridal Expo, Tyler • February 21st: KilGogh Arts Festival, Kilgore • February 21st23rd: Mardi Gras Upriver, Jefferson • February 22nd: Palestine Mardi Gras, Palestine • March 7th: Hops.Shops.Bubby: A Wine & Chocolate Festival, Tyler • March 20th-April 5th: Azalea & Spring Flower Festival, Tyler • March 28th: Tyler Quilt Show, Tyler • March 21st: Pineywoods Music & Arts Festival with Roger Creager, Crockett • March 27th: 38th Annual Tyler Quilt Show, Tyler • April 4th: Mineola Amtrak Wine Fest, Rollin’ 20’s, Mineola • April 9th: 2020 Taste of Tyler, Tyler • April 11th: VanGogh Fair, Van • April 16th-18th: Smith County Medical Society Alliance Book Fair • April 17th-18th: East Texas Gusher Days, Gilmer • April 17th-19th: Vintage Market Days, Lindale • May 2nd: Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival • May 8th-9th: Piney Woods Wine Festival, Lindale • June 13th: Jacksonville Tomato Festival, Jacksonville • June 13th: Tyler Cattle Baron’s Gala, Tyler • June 19th-21st: Great Texas Balloon Race & Festival, Longview • July 4th: Fireworks at Lindsey Park, Tyler • September: Art of Peace Festival, Tyler • September 25th-October 4th: East Texas State Fair, Tyler • October 1st: Edom Art Festival, Edom • October 15th-17th: Texas Rose Festival, Tyler • November-December: Rose City Christmas, Tyler • December 3rd-5th: Mistletoe & Magic, Tyler

Canton First Mondays

Canton trade days are held Thursday through Sunday prior to the first Monday of the month, year-round.

• January 2nd-5th • February 27th-March 1st • April 2nd-5th • April 30th-May 3rd • May 28th-31st • July 2nd-5th • July 30th-August 2nd • September 3rd-6th • October 1st-4th • October 29th-November 1st • December 3rd-6th

Advertise online for $150 a month at EGuideMagazine.com.

To sign up, simply email eguidemagazine@gmail.com.

Ads are 300 x 250, clickable, unlimited impressions.

January 10th (711:30pm):

Thursday, February 20th (7:30pm):

The Pointer Sisters

Jason Boland & The Stragglers Live in Concert

January 10th, 7-11:30pm, favorite Jason Boland & Stragglers will be live in Hackberry Hall at Brisket Love Barbecue & Icehouse, 15338 Farm to Market Road 849, Lindale. Tickets are $15 and available at eventbrite.com.

January 10th (8-11:30pm):

Cash’d Out: A Johnny Cash Tribute

“Some people are impressionists. These guys leave an impression,” says Bill Miller, owner of JohnnyCash.com about Cash’d Out, a San Diego based band that channels Johnny Cash as close to the real thing as it gets.

After thirteen years, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles on the road, and winning over as many fans, people still continually tell the group how grateful they are that Cash’d Out so righteously carries the torch of the Johnny Cash Show.

Besides music critics anointing Cash’d Out as “the next best thing to Johnny Cash,” their highlights have been many: W.S. Holland, Johnny Cash’s longtime drummer, has sat in with Cash’d Out; front man, Douglas Benson, has played Johnny’s cherry sunburst Guild guitar (courtesy of Mr. Miller); “Cindy Cash came to a show and was moved to give me a glass locket that was her father’s,” explains Benson; Longtime Johnny Cash manager Lou Robin has also been to several Cash’d Out shows and claimed that if he closed his eyes, it was as if “going back in time”; and most recently, an unforgettable evening performing the music of Johnny Cash with the San Diego Symphony as a special event for their Summer Pops Series.

The band’s live shows respectfully reference the late, great Man in Black’s Sun Records and early Columbia era sound, combined with the energy of the classic multi-platinum live recordings from Folsom Prison and San Quentin. The group’s genuine love (and authentic recreation) of Johnny Cash’s music and its universal appeal to fans of all ages and of virtually all musical genres makes each Cash’d Out show a must-see event.

This will be held at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, 525 S. Beckham St., Tyler. Tickets are $12 and available at stanleysfamous.com.

January 31st (6-11:30pm):

Chris Colston Headlines Second Lineup Reveal Party

Join us for the second annual Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival Lineup Reveal Party on Friday, January 31st, at True Vine Brewing Company, 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway, Tyler.

East Texas’ own Chris Colston is taking the stage with special guest Zach Maberry opening. Doors open at 6pm, Zach takes the stage at 7pm, and Chris will plays at 8:30pm and will close the night.

Buy your tickets online in advance for the Reveal Party and you’ll automatically be entered to win VIP tickets to the 2020 Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival and a wrapped guitar signed by all the 2019 artists. Tickets are $10 and available at eventbrite.com.

True Vine will have all of its amazing beers for sale and food will be offered by Sola Bread Co. and local food trucks.

Don’t forget a chair and be the first to know who’s playing at Red Dirt 2020! This is presented by 101.5 KNUE & Radio Texas, LIVE! With Buddy Logan. All ages are welcome.

Saturday, February 22nd (6pm): The Gaither Vocal Band Coming to Flint Baptist Church

The Gaither Vocal Band is coming on their “Good Things Take Time Spring 2020 Tour” to Flint on February 22nd. They will be at Flint Baptist Church so go ahead and make your plans to join for a special night of worship with the legendary Gaither Vocal band! Flint Baptist Church is located at 11131 FM 2868 W., Flint.

Tickets are $25 and up. Tickets are available at the Flint Baptist Church office, open Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm, and Friday 8am-2pm; Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and Wednesday nights.

For more info call 1-855-484-1991 or email support@premierproductions.com. For group tickets, call 1-855-484-1991.

The Pointer Sisters rose from singing at their father’s church to achieving worldwide fame – securing a place in pop music history. After their first performance in Los Angeles at the Troubadour, critics called The Pointer Sisters “the most exciting thing to hit show business in years.” The group boasts countless U.S. top 20 hits including “Slow Hand,” “‘Jump (For My Love),” “I’m So Excited,” and “Fire.” The group has been showered with accolades and awards including three Grammys® and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Cowan Center box office at (903)566-7424 or visiting in person 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.

You can also purchase tickets online at cowancenter.org. All events are performed in the Cowan Center located on the campus of The University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Boulevard – FAC 1120, Tyler. More information can be found at CowanCenter.org.

February 28th (7-8:30pm):

Melodies of a Golden Age by Tyler Civic Chorales Join the Tyler Civic Chorale at historic Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin St., Downtown Tyler for an evening of iconic songs and numbers from some of Broadway’s finest productions. Come sing along with all the classics!

Tickets are $15 and available at facebook.com/ events/2432489313677274/.

March 26th (8pm):

Penny & Sparrow

Joy and pain walk hand in hand on ‘Finch,’ Penny & Sparrow’s magnificent sixth album. Written during their first major break from the road in years, the record finds the band reckoning with a prolonged period of intense personal transformation, a profound awakening that altered their perceptions of masculinity, sex, religion, divorce, friendship, vanity, purpose, and, perhaps most importantly, self. The resulting songs blur the lines between indie-folk and alt-pop, with dense string arrangements, soaring melodies and airtight harmonies from Baxter and his longtime musical partner, Kyle Jahnke.

Tickets are $28-$78 and available at libertytyler.com. VIP packages are available and include one Premium reserved seat (Rows A-D), access to the Pre-Show & Private acoustic performance with Penny & Sparrow. One photo with Penny & Sparrow, limited edition poster, and first entry to the venue one hour before general admission doors open.

Liberty Hall is located at 103 E. Erwin St., Downtown Tyler. Free parking is available in the parking garage.

Upcoming:

March 5th: Red Not Chili Peppers Tribute will be on stage at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ, 525 S. Beckham St. Tickets are $10 and available at stanleysfamous.com.

A Guaranteed Sell Out! April 23rd (7pm):

For King & Country

Joel & Luke, known as For King & Country, will present an ‘ENCORE’ of their most theatrical and inspirational night of music and stories yet right here in Tyler at The Oil Palace, 10408 Hwy. 64. Tickets are on sale at smarturl.it/fKCTylerTX. They will take the stage at the top of each show and play more music than ever before – including every song off their most recent album “Burn the Ships,” all of your favorites, and maybe even an unreleased song! And in honor of “Burn the Ships,” the stage and lighting design is conceptually inspired by the bow of a ship, spanning the length of the arena floor to make it their most elaborate and intimate production yet. They cannot wait to embark and continue on this voyage with you!

Two-time Grammy® award-winning Australian duo, For King & Country, comprised of brothers Joel & Luke Smallbone, released their much anticipated third studio album, “Burn the Ships” in October 2018…a sweeping musical landscape that explores themes of new beginnings, forgiveness, hope, and love.

The album’s soaring debut and Grammy® nominated single, “Joy,” held the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks, marking the group’s highest debut on three Billboard charts. Their current single, “God Only Knows” has reached #1 on the Billboard Audience chart and has accumulated over 27 million total streams.

This marks For King & Country’s fastest rise to No. 1 to date. “Burn the Ships” has helped the duo earn three Billboard Music Awards nominations. To kick off 2019, Joel & Luke launched Part I of their “burn the ships | world tour,” performing in their Australian homeland for the very first time and selling out every show, including the iconic Sydney Opera House.

Their previous album, gold-certified “RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG.” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes, and produced two Grammys®, four Dove Awards, and a hugely successful 60-date arena tour. They have garnered four No. 1 hits, nine Top 10 hits, and had songs featured on the Emmys, Super Bowl, Sunday Night Football, and other high-profile events including performances on “The Tonight Show,” “Today Show,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” In October 2016, the Smallbone brothers released the indie film inspired by their No. 1 hit of the same name, “Priceless,” about human trafficking.

Tickets are on sale at smarturl.it/fKCTylerTX and range from $20 and up. Parking in the lot is $10 per car.

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13

7-10 Republic Icehouse – Live Music, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Adrian Johnston, 7-10

See who is playing where:

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Friday, January 10th

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Live Music Gig Guide Wednesday, January 1st Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Second Childhood, 8-12 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11

Thursday, January 2nd 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Ryan Davis, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Logan K. Strong, 7-10

Friday, January 3rd 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Kid Icarus, 9-1 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale - DC & The Muddkatts, 8-12 Clicks Live - Heather Harper, 9-1 Dakota’s Chophouse – Jonathan Webster, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Josh mandreger, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Melissa Ratley, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Cody Cooke & The Bayou Outlaws, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Michael Carubelli, 7-10 True Vine Brewing -Live Music, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12

Saturday, January 4th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Noonday, 9-1 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale - Untold Story, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish - Live Music, 9-1 Dakota’s Chophouse – Clint Alford, 7-10 ETX Brewing - Roadkeeper, 8:30-10:30

The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Backhand Sally, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 9-1 M6 Winery – Johnny & Kimmy, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store – Tuxedo Cats, 7-10 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Bobby Irwin, 8-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Bluez Boyz, 7-10 Time Square - Dustin Becker - 8-10 True Vine Brewing - Live Music, 6-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1

Sunday, January 5th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm

Tuesday, January 7th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Landon Broyles, 8-12 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 8th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Lee Mathis, 7-10 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Dakotas Chop House – Darrin Morris, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Karaoke, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – 2nd Childhood, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11

Thursday, January 9th

11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darrin Morris, 9-1 Brisket Love, Lindale – Jason Boland, 8-12 Dakota’s Chophouse – Patrick James, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Second Childhood, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Riley Redding, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Moore’s Store – Luke LaPrada, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Gary Patrick, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Cashed Out (Johnny Cash Tribute), 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Trey Roberson & The Outlaws, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Young Simon, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - Live Music, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 9-12

Saturday, January 11th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Sweet Pain, 9-1 Brisket Love, Lindale – Daygan, 8-12 Clicks Live - Hotel Drifters, 8-12 Dakota’s - Bron Burbank, 8-11 ETX Brewery – Spectra Vamp, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Junior Clark, 7-10 M6 Winery – Moseley Duo, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store – Untold Story, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – The Haggertys, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Jacob Bryant, 8-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Blindpursuit, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - Live Music , 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN - DeFrance, 9-12 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12

Sunday, January 12th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm

Tuesday, January 14th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Lee Mathis & Sheila Weaver, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 15th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Riley Redding, The Back Porch, Kilgore – Darrin Morris, 7-10 7-10 Cantina Laredo - Owen Tiner, 6-9 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Click’s – DJ, 8-12 Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Landon Broyles, Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends,

14 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!

7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Gary Patrick, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11

Thursday, January 16th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Clint Alford, 7-10 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Winnie Brave, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Gary Patrick, 8-12

Friday, January 17th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Joint Custody, 8-12 Cowboys - Jon Wolfe, 7-10 Dakota’s Chophouse – Joey Greer, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Old Omen, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Peter Sinclair, 7-10 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Shane Rogers Band, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Bobby Irwin, 8-12 True Vine Brewing - Winnie Brave, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12

Saturday, January 18th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Ryan Matthew, 7-10 Club 155 - Snakebone, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Dustin Becker, 7-10 ETX Brewing - Bobby O & The Mojo’s, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Joe Cobb, 7-10 M6 Winery – Philip & June Ferguson, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Moore’s Store, Ben Wheeler - Texas Express, 7-10 The Old Firehouse, Edom - The Rough & Tumble, 6-9 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – White Denim, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Brandon Rhyder, 7-10 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Riley Redding, 7-10 Time Square - Paul Shafer, 8-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN Pool Hall - Sweet Pain, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12

Sunday, January 19th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm

Tuesday, January 21st 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9

Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 22nd The Back Porch, Kilgore – Gary Patrick, 7-10 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11

Thursday, January 23rd 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Zach Maberry, 7-10 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Travis Bolt, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Zak Webb, 8-12

Friday, January 24th 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – The Tuxedo

Cats, 8-12 Circle M Crawfish – Live Music, 7-10 Dakota’s Chophouse – Gary Patrick, 7-10 ETX Brewery – Kristy Kruger, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Blacktop Gypsy, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Red Rooster Icehouse, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Republic Icehouse – Live Music, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Cody Cooke, 7-10 True Vine Brewing - Chris Oliver Band, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12 Yamato – DJ, 7-10

Saturday, January 25th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Lee Mathis, 7-10 Circle M Crawfish – Jen Ford & The Wide Eyed Devils, 7-10 Club 155 - DC & The Muddkatts, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Paul Shafer, 7-10 ETX Brewing - DJ, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Michael Summers, 7-10 Liberty Hall - Robert Ellis, 7pm M6 Winery – Neva Kelly, 3-6 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-9 Oil Palace - Southern Soul, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – The Tuxedo Cats, 7-10

Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Brandon Bamburg, 7-10 Time Square - Chris Oliver, 8-11 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 9-1 XLN -Wes Jeans, 9-1 Yamato – Karaoke, 8-12

The Back Porch, Kilgore – Low D Daniels, 7-10 Click’s – DJ, 8-12 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Summer Emerson, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Poke In Da Eye BBQ - Relevant, 6-9 Republic Icehouse – Karaoke, 8-12 San Pedro’s, Chandler – Otis Naron, 6-8 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Ramoth Gilead, 8-12

Sunday, January 26th Click’s Live – Acoustic Chaos, 9-12 The Grove – Chris Oliver, 11-2 Lago Del Pino – Dustin Becker, 12-2pm

Tuesday, January 28th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11 Brisket Love BBQ, Lindale – Karaoke, 6-9 Summerfield’s Bar & Grille – Karaoke, 7-11 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Daniel Rocha, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – DJ, 8-12

Wednesday, January 29th The Back Porch, Kilgore – Josh Mandregan, 7-10 Brewster’s – Cowboy Troy Kar-E-Okie-Dokie, 8-11 Circle M Crawfish - Serena & Friends, 7-10 Click’s Live – Karaoke, 8-12 Dakotas Chop House – Lee Mathis, 7-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Guthrie Kennard, 7-10 Stanley’s Famous BBQ – Big Funky Cloud, 7-10 Yamato – Open Mic, 8-11

Thursday, January 30th 11th Frame Club – Lynn Groom, 8:30-11

Jan. 11th

Friday, January 31st 11th Frame Club – Karaoke, 8-12 The Back Porch, Kilgore – Axberg Brothers, 8-12 Brisket Love, Lindale – Jenn Ford & The Wide Eyed Devils, 8-12 Dakota’s Chophouse – Kayla Owens, 7-10 ETX Brewery – April Driggers, 8-10 The Forge, Ben Wheeler – Vanessa Darien, 7-10 Fuzion Bar – DJ, 8-12 Lola’s Sandwich Shop – Otis Naron, 6-8 Mario’s – Live Jazz, 6-10 Red Rooster Icehouse, Hawkins – Karaoke, 8-12 Rick’s – Live Music, 9-1 Taste of Italy On the Lake, Hawkins – Marcus Casburn, 6-9 Texas Music City Grill, Lindale – Gary Kyle, 8-12 Texas Music City Grill, Tyler – Salvation From Sundown, 8-12 True Vine Brewing - Chris Colston, 7-10 Where’s Rufus – Karaoke, 8-12

Jan. 25th

DEFRANCE

WES JEANS Jan. 18th

SWEET PAIN OPEN EVERY DAY AT NOON

2109 E. Fifth Street, Tyler - 903-535-7956 - www.facebook.com/xln.pool.hall EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!

15

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at

FAMILY

marine biologist Holly Lohuis, he invites viewers to dive into this whole new world that will leave them in awe of the beauty and diversity of the oceans – the source of all life on our planet – and inspire an even stronger desire to protect what they have either seen for the first time or perhaps re-discovered along the journey. This will be shown daily at 2pm starting January 7th.

At TJC Earth and Space Science Center this Month:

New Dome Shows Coming In 2020 with Dinner & The Magills!

RSVP to 903.834.3444 HighHillFarm.com Overnight accomodations available!

12626 CR 217, Arp, TX 75750 STATE-OF-THE-ART EXOTIC ANIMAL PROPAGATION, HUSBANDRY, AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITY

Featured in

The New York Times & National Geographic!

For the well being, stress, noise and security of our animals, we are a closed facility and are not generally open to the public. However, if you are interested in one of our tours and pricing, or if you would like to make a special request or arrangement, don’t hesitate to contact us:

Phone: (817) 992-1253 (Text often works best.) minisexoticzoo@gmail.com www.minisexoticzoo.com

Space exploration, our greatest adventure, is having a big impact on our lives.

It is helping us to discover a universe of unimaginable scale and beauty, and it is reaching down into our world and influencing the way we live. “To Space & Back” takes audiences on an incredible journey from the far reaches of our known universe to our own planet. It is an extraordinary story of human ingenuity and incredible engineering, describing how the technology that transports us through space is paving the way for the devices and apps we use every day. What is happening above is coming back down to Earth! This will be shown daily at 4pm starting January 7th.

Other Events this Month

Today’s robots are nothing short of astonishing. Those coming in the not-too-distant future are simply revolutionary—and they are becoming eerily like us. What does it take to make a humanoid robot—a robot that can do anything we can do without the benefit of a human brain? How close are scientists to replicating some of the particularly challenging human characteristics?

(Think fingers and toes.) Why are we even attempting to create humanoids in the first place? “Robots 3D” answers these questions and more as it showcases the latest developments—the successes and failures—of robotics around the world. This will be shown daily at 12 noon starting January 7th.

Bring Your Baby To B&N For Storytimes & More

Every month Barnes & Noble (B&N) has a variety of events.

All events are free to attend. B&N Booksellers is located at 4916 S. Broadway, Tyler. For more info on this and other events call (903)534-3996 or go to barnesandnoble.com.

Baby & Me Storytimes

Baby & Me Storytime continues for caregivers and children 0-24 months old at 11am weekly. Join the fun as a book is read, and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones. This is always free to attend. Weekly Storytimes & Special Events

16

January 4th (11am): “Grumpy Monkey” Storytime

Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood and has a bit of a meltdown when everyone starts giving him advice as to what makes THEM happy. Sometimes everyone just needs a day to be GRUMPY! This book shows kids they are allowed to demonstrate their feelings without hurting others in the process. Activities to follow.

January 11th (11am): “Thelma the Unicorn” Storytime

Thelma the Unicorn is reluctant to share her horn and sparkles again, but with the help of her best friend Otis, she realizes the importance of spreading love and joy no matter what people Open Monday-Saturdays, Closed Sundays think. Activities to follow.

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903.592.POOL (7665)

“The Sun, Our Living Star”

“Robots”

At Barnes & Noble Booksellers This Month:

bluecoralpools2015@gmail.com

“Two Small Pieces of Glass - The Amazing Telescope” show follows two students as they interact with a female astronomer at a local star party. Along the way, the students learn the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass — using two small pieces of glass — to the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. Aiming to engage and appeal to audiences of all ages, the show explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years. This will be shown through January 4th at 4pm.

All around the world, engineers are pushing the limits of ingenuity and innovation in unexpected, imaginative, and amazing ways. “Dream Big” will take viewers on a journey of discovery from the world’s tallest building to a bridge higher than the clouds and a solar car race across Australia. Along the way the audience will witness how today’s engineers are shaping the world of tomorrow. This will be shown daily at 12 noon through January 4th.

Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean pioneer Jacques Cousteau, offers a breakthrough look at a secret world within the ocean that is perhaps the biggest story of all—that the smallest life in the sea is the mightiest force on which we all depend. Alongside

Above Ground Pools Recessed Pools Water Testing Chemicals Parts & Service

“Two Small Pieces of Glass”

The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather, and all life.

The passage of the Sun’s fiery disc across the sky — day by day, month by month — was the only way to keep track of time for countless past civilizations. Don’t be fooled by the terminology; although it is a typical dwarf star, the Sun consumes 600 million tons of hydrogen each second and is 500 times as massive as all the planets This will be shown daily at 1pm starting January 7th.

“Secret Ocean”

Located at FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy) Off Loop 49 Inside in Tyler, Texas

This will be shown daily at 11am.

“To Space and Back”

“Dream Big: Engineering Our World”

FULLY LICENSED

“Journey Through Space Live”

TJC Earth and Space Science Center featuring the Hudnall Planetarium at Tyler Junior College is located on the Tyler Junior College campus at 1411 E. Lake St., Tyler. Tickets can be purchased at sciencecenter.tjc.edu.

Science Explored is the theme for 2020 with several new dome shows.

January 18th: Rock ‘n Roll Saturday will be held featuring two productions, “SpacePark360” at 7pm, and “Rock on Demand” at 8pm. Tickets are $5 for each show. “SpacePark360” is seen from the rider’s perspective, and takes audiences on a wild, immersive ride through the solar system, recreating the experience of amusement park thrill rides - roller coasters, pendulums, inverters, and more to create a heart-pounding experience. “Rock on Demand” fills the entire 40-foot domed theater with vibrant graphics, completely enveloping visitors in a 360-degree view while the 16,000watt, digital surround sound system plays rock hits ranging from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to The Doors and Aerosmith. This is a great experience for all ages.

January 4th, February 1st, March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd (8pm, 8:30pm, and 9pm): Star Party Saturday - This is a unique opportunity for families to view the beautiful heavens of East Texas, and is completely free! Telescopes will be set up as well (weather permitting). This is held ongoing the first Saturday of each month.

January 18th (11am): “Nobody Hugs A Cactus”

Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world and everyone stays away from him. But he is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely. Come by for Storytime and activities to follow.

January 25th (11am): “How To Catch A Dragon”

Celebrate Lunar New Year with this fun Storytime! The wily dragon will have to avoid trap after trap as the kids run through paper lanterns, red envelopes, fireworks, and more! Join the fun and color your own paper lantern to take home.

Book Clubs January 10th (7pm): YA Book Club Featuring “Reverie”

B&N’s YA Book Club discussions continue this winter! Join to explore compelling stories and characters.

The January selection is “Reverie,” a bold, alternate-reality adventure where characters are forced to examine the secret worlds they hide within themselves.

January 7th (7pm): Book Club Featuring “The Family Upstairs”

Join to discuss B&N’s latest Book Club pick, “The Family Upstairs,” a haunting, brilliant story of tangled families and twisted secrets.

model works for you. Hannah Barry, The Sweet Side Bakery will present a tutorial on how to use airbrushing techniques to enhance your designs.

Each person will receive 3 pre-flooded cookies with different designs to practice airbrushing and take home.

Dinner and a Q&A session will be held.

Then Christina Alvarado with Get Baked by Christina will present a cookie decorating class to help you prepare for a busy Valentine’s season!

Each person will receive half a dozen cookies to decorate and will get to take home a beautiful cookie scribe!

The Cookie Decorating Studio is located at 508 Hwy 110, Ste. E in Whitehouse, TX, (903)216-2226. Tickets are available at goodjujucookies.com. Cost is $185 per person.

January 17th-19th:

Food & Wine Weekend Getaway

Fall in love with East Texas at the Tyler or Longview East Texas Wine Weekend January 17th19th, presented by Sip & Shop Texas. Reserve your space for a relaxing and fun weekend to remember!

Savor dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants. Enjoy a hotel stay for your choice of one or two nights and attend an exclusive day tour on The East Texas Wine Trail.

Guests to Tyler will enjoy dinner at Dakotas Steakhouse, while Longview guests savor the local flavor of Barron’s Cafe.

The next morning, you have time to explore your city of choice on your own. Tyler is home to many local boutiques and unique shopping experiences: Broadway Square Mall and Village at Cumberland - one of the largest outdoor malls in Texas! Longview is home to a unique history, brick streets, and fun shopping in a laid back atmosphere.

Enoch’s Stomp Winery & Vineyard and Oil Horse Brewing are a few local favorites from the sipping scene.

Sip & Shop Texas will pick you up at 11am on Saturday morning to join their Shop ‘Til You Drop Tour, which will hit the famous Edom Art District, Ben Wheeler (voted the best little hidden town in Texas), and the Market & Music Menagerie Event in Canton.

More information about the day can be found at facebook.com/ events/2344219605833053/ Your East Texas Wine Weekend package includes 1-2 nights hotel lodging for two, daily breakfasts, shuttle services between events, dinner credit for two at Dakotas Steakhouse or Cafe’ Barron’s, two tickets for a tour, annd two tickets to the Market & Music Menagerie. Single-day trip tickets are available for purchase that do not include overnight accommodations.

Prices are $349 per couple and includes

1-night hotel stay or $449 per couple and include a 2-night hotel stay. The single-day trip only tickets are available on the website.

Book your reservations at sipandshoptexas. com. Reserve your space for a relaxing and fun weekend to remember!

January 19th (1-8:30pm):

A Cookier Retreat

Join at The Cookie Decorating Studio located in Whitehouse, Texas for a fun day learning, sharing, networking with other cookiers in East Texas. If you currently have a homebased cookie business or are looking to start, this is the perfect event for you.

There will be guest speakers as well as supplies and decorating tools available for purchase. Receive recipes and goodie bags to take home, too. Speakers will be: Julia Bradshaw, Good Juju Gourmet Cookies will present tips on how to grow your business, stay organized and find what business

January 11th (5pm):

Chiptole Gives Back to Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary

January 26th (12:15-2pm):

Jazz Brunch

Come and enjoy this annual jazz brunch with saxophonist Sarah Roberts and friends.

There is a suggested donation of $15.

RSVP by Tuesday, January 21st by calling (903)5976317 or emailing finearts@fpctyler. com. First Presbyterian Church is located at 230 W. Rusk St., Tyler.

Date Set for 2020’s Taste of Tyler

Come in to Chipotle at 4751 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler on Saturday, January 11th to support the Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary.

33% of proceeds will be donated to Tiger Creek!

Tiger Creek offers guided and self-guided tours along with membership packages. Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides a forever home for unwanted big cats.

They currently have 38 cats of 7 different species in their care.

Tiger Creek gives guided walking tours through the facility. The tour generally lasts 30-45 minutes.

Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is located at 17552 FM 14, Tyler. For more info, go to tigercreek.org or call (903)858-1008.

Eat, Drink, Local. Join us at the 36th Annual Taste of Tyler 2020! Grab your friends and family and enjoy food, drinks and a live culinary compeition at Harvey Hall on Thursday, April 9th!

This city-wide event showcases the most popular food and beverage venues around town!

Brought to you by the East Texas Restaurant Association and benefits our East Texas culinary and hospitality students.

Tickets are $30 if purchased in advance at eventbrite.com and $35 at the door.

Sponsorship opportunities available, email etrachapter@gmail.com for more information.

By sponsoring the 35thAnnual Taste of Tyler festival, you are supporting the largest advocate and indispensable resource for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Save the Date

• March 19th: Women in Tyler luncheon will be held at Tyler Rose Garden, Tyler.

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17

FINE ARTS Inside the Artist’s Studio

Some People Call Me the Space Cowboy: Michael Brundidge

By Derrick White

“You are free to do what you want! So go out and get it,” exclaims local artist Michael Brundidge. Michael is a cheerful, energetic, friendly, and laid back personality you are more than likely to encounter during your next visit to True Vine Brewing Company, where he works. His artwork may also be seen there, perhaps being displayed in a one-night, pop-up art exhibition or permanently installed in spots around the brewery. Michael’s art is primarily collages. This is something I personally value because about half of my own artwork is in the medium of collage and I appreciate it when I see it and when I see it done well.

The word collage comes from a French word meaning “to glue” and it is a prevalent and accessible visual art technique, where the composition is created from grouping different colors, forms, and images and creating a new, and sometimes very different, whole. Collages may include drawings and sketches, magazine and newspaper clippings, ribbon, paint, handmade papers, text lettering or phrases, photographs, prints, and other found objects selected and attached to paper, canvas, wood panels, or other supports. The ancestry of the process of collage dates back hundreds of years.

Brundidge explains, “My main focus in style lately is mixed media collage artwork. Outer space has been the most prevalent theme and inspiration in my current series “Space Is The Place.” I like to mingle Pop Art, Surrealism, and a splash of NeoDadaism (an absurdist combination of daily life and art using playfulness, iconoclasm, and appropriation).” He goes on to add, “I use plywood as my canvases (or supports) and acrylic paint for the backgrounds. I love how the acrylic soaks into the plywood. I think the textures really visually pop creating a combination matte and glossy finish to my backgrounds. I use clippings and cutouts of various images found in old magazines from the 1940’s, 1950’s, and 1960’s. I really enjoy the textures and color palettes used in those decades. I juxtapose images of people, places, and things I find interesting onto my painted backgrounds. I like to call it manual Photoshop. The images most often reoccurring throughout my pieces are large ominous hands, planets, women, and astronauts.”

After Michael creates his collages he then finishes them by creating a custom frame for each individual piece using weathered or repurposed wood, which adds to the charm and content of the work.

Other than elementary school art classes, Michael Brundidge does not have any formal training in visual art. He is a self-taught artist, sometimes referred to as an outsider or folk artist for the unique qualities of style and practice.

When making art to make art, there is no critique deadline and no teacher to please. This is one of the open-ended concepts I love about creating art: the fact you can just decide to do it. If you feel inspired to start making, sharing, and selling art, you can put a sign in your yard today and become just as much of an artist as anyone else. No degree

or certification, training, or experience required. This does not mean you will automatically have any success, be any good, or make anything interesting, but you might.

You get to express yourself and your unique human experience to the rest of us however you feel compelled to do so. This concept applies to everyone, of any age, of any skill set, and by any means. You cannot do this with most other occupations. You cannot decide to randomly put a sign in your yard and start practicing dentistry, for example. Or as Michael Brundidge puts it, “You are free to do what you want! So go out and get it.”

What inspired Michael down the path of pursuing art was, as he states, “Honestly, it was loneliness and alienation. I know it sounds dismal and depressing but I was truly hard-pressed to do something. I did not feel as though I had much of an identity. Making art brought back vitality, confidence, and purpose in my life.” Adding, “It has developed my trait of persistence. Art has given me the will to continue on despite ridicule, hang-ups, and depravity.” What Michael finds frustrating about being an artist is, in his words, “Exclusivity and competition. I disagree and do not participate in any art based competitions.

Art is extremely subjective. Critics and the upper crust held in high regard can make or break an artist. Anyone can make art. I dare and laud them to do so. I truly believe art is a party and everyone is invited. Make art to make art. Elitism is too common in the art world. The idea that money talks and has unquestionable influence in the art world is a fallacy. Every artist matters and all content must be considered.” So everyone could, and I believe should make art. The process is emotionally healing and therapeutic. It doesn’t matter if you are interested in playing the game of the big money buying and selling art world, which is an economy just like every other commodity-driven economy in the world. Make art by you for you, and let the rest fall where it may whether you are a joker, a lover, or a sinner.

Speaking of jokers, Michael finds inspiration in the works of artist Ray Johnson, who was primarily a collage and correspondence artist. He was described as New York’s most famous unknown artist. Michael exclaims, “He was relentless and continuously persistent in his artwork. He was a recluse staying vigilant and persistent in his process. His media ebbed and flowed at his inclination. Johnson was a prankster in expectation. His content was his own and he did not sway his ideology and process. He even determined and called the shots when it came time for him to leave this world.” On January 13, 1995, Ray Johnson dove off a bridge and then backstroked out to sea in an apparent suicide or perhaps final performance art piece. Strange aspects of Johnson’s death involved the number 13 (date; his age, 67 (6+7=13); his motel room number 247 (2+4+7=13) … and the number of letters in “Me Space Cowboy”). Learn more about Johnson in the documentary film “How to Draw a Bunny.” Learn more about Brundidge by going to True Vine and having a beer.

TYLER CIVIC THEATRE 400 Rose Park Dr., (Next to Tyler Rose Garden Center) Tyler, TX 75702 For tickets: Box Office: (903) 592-0561 or tylercivictheatre.com Box Office: Monday - Friday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm 18 EGuideMagazine.com • Download “EGuide Tyler TX” App for Free!

February 21st-22nd:

KilGogh Arts Festival 2020

It’s time to “Gogh Crazy” for the eighth annual KilGogh Arts Festival! This year’s theme is sure to produce some CRAZY artwork, so you won’t want to miss it.

The annual KilGogh Art & Wine Exhibition is Friday, February 21st, 6-9pm, in the Texan Theater and Old Post Office on S. Kilgore St. in Historic Downtown Kilgore. Tickets are $30 and provide attendees with an evening of art, entertainment, food from the Kilgore College Culinary Arts, and wine tastings from local East Texas wineries.

Don’t worry if you can’t decide which piece to buy - come back on Saturday, February 22nd, when the art exhibition is open for free to the public from 10am-2pm.

Due to popular demand, they will have more arts and craft workshops for people to sign up for. Check kilgogh.com to book. If you would like to be an exhibiting artist, apply at kilgoremainstreet.com/artist-information and apply online.

In March 2013, the KilGogh Arts Festival raised more than $13,000 in a one-night art exhibition in downtown Kilgore.

Following the success of the inaugural event, the arts festival committee slated a number of activities for March 2014, aimed at becoming a self-sufficient festival and celebrating the arts in East Texas.

Since then, the KilGogh Arts Festival has expanded and works with local high school art

students to have a space to exhibit, with the Kilgore College Culinary Arts students to cater for one of the events, and with local artists to inspire new ideas for each year of the festival.

For more info, to sign up as an artist or to purchase a ticket, visit kilgoremainstreet.com.

January 18th (7-11pm):

Art, Music, & Poetry: “Drawing a Line from Your Place to Mine”

Presented by etx creatives, this is a onenight event featuring East Texas local artists, musicians, and poets which aims to showcase the exceptional contemporary creatives of the area. The art exhibition, “Drawing a Line from Your Place to Mine,” is juried by Wesley Berg, Assistant Professor of Drawing and Painting at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX. Your ticket includes a free beer from True Vine Brewing Company. The exhibition will be free and open to the public to view Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm. This show is open to all ages but is geared towards adults.

You may be advised to take small ears outside during the poetry section of this event due to adult content. Early Bird tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $12. Tickets are available at etxcreatives.com/event-details/drawing-aline-from-your-place-to-mine-art-music-poetry.

This will be held at WorkHub, 7922 S. Broadway, Tyler.

At Tyler Civic Theatre This Month:

And Then There Were None Little Women October 25-27 and October 31-November 3 (Auditions October1-2) November 21-24 with morning school shows November 19-20

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe December 6-8 and 12-16

An Encore by George & Anita Faber: A Soulful Christmas 2.0, A Vocal & Instrumental Concert One weekend only - December 20-22

Events & Plays February 14th-23rd (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm):

This Month at Tyler Museum of Art:

TMA Showcases Work of One of Tyler’s Own with “Bold Lines: Works by Joseph Glasco”

The Tyler Museum of Art (TMA) is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave. on the Tyler Junior College main campus. Regular TMA hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, and 1-5pm Sunday. The Museum is closed Mondays and on most major holidays. For more info call the museum at (903)595-1001, tylermuseum.org, or email info@tylermuseum. org.

The Tyler Museum of Art celebrates the career of an influential abstract expressionist with strong ties to the Tyler community in its next major exhibition, “Bold Lines: Works

by Joseph Glasco.” The exhibition runs through February 16th in the Museum’s Bell Gallery.

Organized by the TMA and curated by Caleb Bell, “Bold Lines” surveys the vast body of work by Glasco (1925-1996), an artist born in Oklahoma but raised in Tyler. His artistic eye developed early as he grew up in East Texas, moving on to study art at the University of Texas at Austin before being drafted for military service in World War II. After the war, Glasco lived in Dallas and drew advertisements for Dreyfuss Department Store before continuing his study of painting in Los Angeles and Mexico. His 1949 move to New York led to a friendship with collector Alphonso Ossorio, who introduced Glasco to several major artists of the era including Jackson Pollock and Jean Dubuffet. That same year, he became the youngest artist at the time to be included in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection when the institution acquired one of his drawings, according to an artist bio provided by Talley Dunn Gallery, which represents Glasco’s estate.

His career took off dramatically as a result of his inclusion in the groundbreaking 1952 MoMA exhibition “Fifteen Americans,” which

“Dreamgirls”

also featured the work of luminaries such as Pollock, William Baziotes and Mark Rothko.

Glasco’s work eventually made its way into the permanent collections of some of the most prominent museums in the U.S. including the Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

“Bold Lines” offers a glimpse at how Glasco’s work evolved over the years: from stylized representational forms; to heavily patterned, geometric approaches; to figures; and eventually into the abstract collage painting and sculpture from his final years in Galveston, for which he is best known. The exhibition features four of Glasco’s works held in the TMA’s Permanent Collection, in addition to pieces on loan from collections throughout Texas, as well as the artist’s estate.

“That Day: Pictures in the American West”

This exhibition highlights Laura Wilson’s fascination with the diversity found among the people and places of Texas and beyond. Capturing the grittiness of the American West, the subjects range from generational ranchers to high school football players. Executed in her signature black-and-white photography, Wilson captures the beauty as well as the harshness of the region.

This will be on exhibit through March 15th.

Monthly Tyler Museum of Art Free Events

Free First Friday Tours (11am-12:30pm) will be held in connection with the current exhibitions at Tyler Museum of Art, featuring a full day of free admission plus guided tours of their spotlight exhibitions.

Family Days (2-4pm) are held the second Saturday of each month.

Free admission, interactive art projects, light snacks, and a festive atmosphere for all ages are on the menu.

Through January 4th:

5% Show at Martin Walker

A new art exhibition featuring art by Monica Lubiani, Maegan Kirschner, Brenda McKinney, Ginger Cochran, Lina Rincon, Leticia Herrera, Rodica Slemmer, Deborah Hartigan-Viestenz, and Reanna DiPaolo is currently on exhibit through January 4th, 2020 in Downtown Tyler at Martin Walker Law Firm, 121 N. Spring St. Admission is free.

January 10th (6-9pm):

Showcase of East Texas Artists at Gold Leaf Art Gallery

Join this opening reception Friday, January 10th to welcome artists John York, Russell Belue, and Sylvia Morse. If unable to attend, this showing will be on exhibit through February 28th.

Gold Leaf Art Gallery & Frame Shop is located at 4518 S. Broadway, Tyler.

“Dreamgirls will be presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage. A sweeping and inspirational journey through 20th-century American popular music, “Dreamgirls” chronicles one Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom.

Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more, “Dreamgirls” explores themes of ambition, hope, and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre.com.

February 19th-22nd (Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2:30pm):

“Othello”

“Othello” will be on stage at TJC’s Jean Browne Theatre. “Othello” is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603. The story revolves around two central characters: Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his treacherous ensign, Iago. Given its varied and enduring themes of racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge, and repentance, “Othello” is still often performed in professional and community theatre alike, and has been the source for numerous operatic, film, and literary adaptations. Tyler Jr. College Jean Browne Theatre is located on the TJC campus. The Theatre TJC box office opens one week prior to performances. Box office hours are 10am-6pm, weekdays only, throughout the run of performances. For more info call (903)510-2212. For production info go to www.tjc.edu.

February 21st-23rd; 28th-March 1st (FridaySaturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm):

“Our Town”

“Our Town” will be presented on the Henderson Civic Theatre Stage. This 1938 metatheatrical three-act play,

by American playwright Thornton Wilder, tells the story of the fictional American small town

of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. The Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St., Henderson. The Theatre is located on Heritage Square in Downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House built in 1885. For info call (903)657-2968 or hendersoncivictheatre.org.

Save the Date

March 20th-29th (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm): “The Mark Twain Show” will be presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage.

This is an artful array of Twain’s most humorous writings, wittiest quotes, and even some of his most gripping drama. And, oh - Mark Twain’s hilarious political satire and even songs. This is an evening of Mark Twain’s best humor, wit, and drama, and is not to be confused with Hal Holbrook’s one-man show. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre.com.

April 2nd-5th (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm): “Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories” will be presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre’s stage. Five of Rudyard Kipling’s “Just So Stories,” including “How the Camel Got His Hump,” “How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin,” and “How the Elephant Got His Trunk,” are included here. The tales are brought vividly to life by Kipling’s young daughter, Elsie, and a group of new friends she has made during a visit with her aunt while her parents are away. The ending, which holds a surprise or two, is moving and uplifting as Elsie learns something about herself and her friends as well. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre. com.

May 8th-17th (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm): “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will be presented on the Tyler Civic Theatre Stage.

Based on Truman Capote’s classic novella, this play tells the story of a young Southern-born writer, known to us only as Fred, who becomes infatuated with his Upper East Side neighbor: the beguiling, effervescent beauty Miss Holiday Golightly. As Holly pulls Fred into her world of spontaneous parties and luxury, he finds himself increasingly fascinated with this captivating woman. Tyler Civic Theatre is located at 400 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, next to the Tyler Rose Garden Center. For more info call (903)592-0561 or go to tylercivictheatre.com.

May 15th-24th (Friday-Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm): “9 to 5: The Musical” will be presented on the Henderson Civic Theatre stage.

Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, it features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and centers on the downtrodden working lives of three women, Violet, Judy, and Doralee. They all work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous Franklin Hart. The Henderson Civic Theatre is located at 122 E. Main St., Henderson. The Theatre is located on Heritage Square in Downtown Henderson, a National Register Historic District, in the original Opera House built in 1885. For info call (903)657-2968 or hendersoncivictheatre.org.

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